Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

Tokyo is the same as it has been these past three hundred years, crowded, cramped, but wonderful in its own way, new construction may be done, and the faces may change, but what makes Tokyo... Tokyo has never changed.

Not to you anyway.

It is a city of dreamers, thieves, and opportunists.

In other words... Humans, it opens its door wide for those willing to do what it takes to claim their desires, though it has a tendency of leading those blind to its dangers to unfortunate ends.

Unfortunately the city has nothing for you anymore, not for your kind.

Youkai have been leaving the city for years, either walking the way, or boarding the trains.

You didn’t board the first train the Gap Master sent out, there was a mass exodus of Youkai, the forgotten, but you stayed behind, you were fond of this city, and its people.

That was 1947.

Every ten years another invitation would be sent out, giving promise of a paradise, this “Gensokyo”, and every time more of us would leave, by 1994 there was hardly any left to board the trains.

It wasn’t until most children couldn’t even see you that you decided to leave.

The year is 2017.

- - -

You clutch the ticket in your hand as you enter the train station, busy as always with people bumping into each other and rushing about, lost within their own mental schedules. At least you’re not out of place, slicked back black hair, a nice business suit, you’d look like a model salary man.

That would be of course if they could even see you.

You head through the station to the designated loading station, there are a few Youkai here already, waiting patiently for the train to “paradise”.

Compared to the first exodus there are hardly more than a dozen, and at that mostly Tsukumogami, a rose haired woman dressed in a white coat is chatting amicably with a violet haired woman carrying a biwa.

This could almost pass off as normal, if not for the drum set floating behind the red haired woman, and that would certainly get attention.

Though once again, nobody can see them.

Beyond an errant child trying to point out the mysterious flying object to his over stressed parent, nobody pays them mind.

You sit down on a nearby bench and choose to people watch until the train arrives. The tsukumogami couples are joined by another, with light brown hair carrying a koto.

No matter, you suppose if they are new arrivals they’ll be just as lost as you are in this supposed paradise.

You look at the ticket in your hand, a golden colored, paper slip, with purple trimming; it bears little more than directions to the station and your name and species. Ayumu, fox spirit. It gives precious little information about you, but that is in itself by design. For the moment however you have precious little to do while you wait.

Your eyes drift over to the tsukumogami down the way, and a small smile comes across your face. You give yourself a quick look over. Your black business suit sits all tight and proper, with a dark red tie running down it, matching your eyes. No jewelry... not in your line of work at least, besides a simple golden ring on your right ring finger, a memento of sorts from your father.

Alright... Now just head on over, hands on your pockets as you do so casually, passing through a group of businessmen in the process. As you get closer you pick up on the conversation they are having.

The brown-haired girl waves her arms wildly as she speaks. “I heard there are dragons! Big as mountains flying through the air!" Your ears twitch. She's so excited that she's lost her volume control it seems. "It’s got to be the coolest thing! I can’t want to see it!”

The violet-haired girl giggles and gives the other girl an affectionate pat on the head. “I’m sure they do, and we’ll find out together, okay?”

You give a small cough, holding up your ticket prominently. The two girls turn around, regarding you with a measure of pleasant surprise, breaking out into smiles as they pull out tickets of their own.

“Hello,” you say, bowing slightly, "My name is Ayumu, I take it by your tickets you’re on the train to paradise as well?” You put on your best smile as you straighten up.

It's honestly been awhile since you've seen other Youkai.

The red haired woman looks up from reading what appears to be a pamphlet, giving a smile to match your own. "I am Horikawa Raiko, pleased to make your acquaintance," she replies with a curt bow. There's a certain character to her voice that caresses your ear. Musical in tone perhaps.

The other two bow in perfect sync, like some sort of choreographed move. "Tsukumo Benben," says the violet-haired girl.

"And I'm Yatsuhashi!" chirps the brown-haired girl. She throws her arm around Benben, pulling her into a tight hug, much to her visible discomfort. "Me and Benben are sisters!"

“And, yes, we are headed to Gensokyo,” Raiko adds still smiling, looking fondly at the two sisters.

"That's good then, always nice to have company." You hold out a hand to shake and she takes it eagerly. "Could you tell me more about Gensokyo perhaps? I'm afraid I hardly know more than rumor myself." You ask.

"Ah, well, I do-" She starts speaking only to be cut off by a brown blur shoving itself in front of her.

The brown blur is, of course, Yatsuhashi. “It’s really beautiful! There are dragons and sky turtles and... and lots of other cool stuff!” she declares excitedly, her eyes shining with an almost childlike eagerness. You can’t help but smile at her excitability.

Raiko shrugs her shoulders, laughing at Yatsuhashi's enthusiasm. “Beyond things like that, I am afraid I cannot tell you more. We've only recently come into being ourselves."

"Oh? Newly created? That's rare these days."

Raiko shrugs her shoulders again. "Yes, we came into being about a month ago all together, to be honest I couldn't tell you how."

"Well, welcome to the world then I guess, here's hoping you find a nice life for yourselves in Gensokyo."

- - -

You spend the next half hour or so just making small talk, you don't talk too much about yourself, but Yatsuhashi tells you plenty about them.

They were informed about Gensokyo and got information from a super friendly Tanuki with odd glasses.

Yatsuhashi's descriptions are unique to say the least, though you suppose she is still a child of sorts.

She couldn't tell you more about this Tanuki beyond that, a worker for Yukari? Or just the odd helpful raccoon.

As for Raiko, she seems to be acting as a mother figure to the two other Youkai, they are all technically the same age, but she is the most mature of the group.

Not to mention she appears visibly older as well.

Benben for her part mostly keeps to herself, idly plucking the strings of her instrument as she listens to the chatter.

Soon enough, the train arrives at one of the older platforms, a nearly abandoned one that takes a bit of walking to get to. The train itself looks no different from any of the other bullet trains around it in the station.

The only real marking on the train itself is a large purple eye on the side of it, and a band of the same color wrapping around. It has no number markers or information besides.

You eye the train itself with a bit of trepidation. No markings are to be expected since this isn’t an official train. Still, something about that eye makes you nervous. It seems to be looking at you wherever you turn your head. Of course, your nervousness is all compounded by the fact that this is, quite literally, your ride to a new life.

You take a deep breath. This isn't any time to be worrying. It's far too late for that at this point, and this is your last chance to board before...

You shake your head and take a look back over your shoulder at the city you've called home for a very long time now.

You'll miss it, most definitely, but there isn't anything here for you anymore.

"Something wrong?" Miss Horikawa asks, bringing you out of your musings.

You turn back to look at her, she's looking at you curiously. "Ah... No it's nothing, just lost in some thoughts."

"Well, then, let's get going!" She says happily.

Putting your worries aside, you follow Horikawa and the Tsukumogami up to the platform. As you step aboard the train, you spot several other youkai getting on, some you didn’t see in the lobby.

Maybe they were waiting somewhere else in the station.

Horikawa hurriedly glances at her ticket and then up at the seat numbers, slapping her self on the forehead. "Gah! Looks like we're in a completely different cabin." She shrugs again. "I guess this is where we say goodbye, then, Ayumu."

"No worries. I'm sure we'll see each other on the other side." You say with a small smile.

She chuckles. "Maybe. Just look for the floating drum set and you should be good." She starts walking down the cabin, throwing an arm up in a lazy wave.

"Bye-bye, Ayumu!" Yatsuhashi yells before her sister pulls her off the car and into the next one. You return the wave and watch as they move on the platform through the windows.

With no one left to talk to, you find your way to your cabin. You immediately notice something different from other trains as soon as you open the door. It’s remarkably clean inside... nearly spotless, in fact.

The trains you used to have to take for various “business meetings” were usually stinking of refuse, and looked the part as well. The doors close behind you, and you quickly scan the row numbers for your seat. As luck would have it you're pretty close to the front of the car, so it's not particularly hard to find.

As you move down the row to your seat, it becomes apparent that you actually have a seat-mate: a young woman wearing a rather long dress, it’s a long white cloth over a red skirt, topped off with what appears to be a scarf with a ruby clasp.

She doesn't pay you much mind as you sit down next to her. It looks like she's engrossed in a magazine, her eyes fixed on the pages as she slowly, quietly flips through them. You'd say something, but you're not sure if it's a good idea to interrupt her or not.

Come to think of it you didn't see her enter either, so this train must be making the rounds. You do suppose you have time to kill, and while curiosity did kill the cat, satisfaction brought it back.

You get back up and head through the back doors of the cabin, the doors automatically opening as you approach, leading into a small divider between the cabins, walking further you enter the next cabin. A quick glance confirms that as far as amenities are concerned it's the same, however there are at least other occupants here, though still sparse, there are a couple sitting in seats, some together, some alone.

As you start to move further ahead the door on the opposite sides open, revealing a young woman, the first thing you notice about her is her striking blue hair out from which stick two fins, the second being she's slowly pushing herself in on a wheelchair.

She slowly wheels herself into the cabin and parks behind a seat, glancing between the seat and her chair, she lets out a brief huff of annoyance before starting to slide herself from one seat to the next. With some noted difficulty as she briefly loses her grip and the chairs separate, leaving her awkwardly holding herself up.

You quickly hurry over and grasp the wheelchair, she blinks briefly in surprise before glancing at you.

“Please, allow me ma'am.”

A smile replaces her brief owlish look as she nods and uses the now braces wheelchair to slide herself into the seat. She then slides the rest of the way to the window and lays across the seat like one might on a couch, you notice that the leg portion of the kimono is buttoned and closed, almost turned into a sealed bag.

Your not quite sure what the explanation for that state of dress is, but it does certainly explain the necessity of the wheelchair.

She gets situated before looking back at you again.

“Thank you kind sir, can you please move the wheelchair closer?” She asks with a melodic tune to her voice. Perhaps a singer?

You dutifully move the wheelchair until it's pressing against the seat, as you prepare to ask if she perhaps would like you to store it somewhere she snaps her fingers, with a series of popping sounds you watch as the wheelchair folds itself until almost the size of a hand purse, which she deftly grabs from the air and stuffs into her sash.

She briefly bows her head towards you.

“Thank you once again kind sir, I'm afraid I'm not quite used to the wheelchair.” She admits somewhat bashfully. A slight blush dusting her cheeks.

You smile it away, stating that you were simply helping someone who looked like they needed assistance.

“Well then I thank you for being able to assist at the very least.” She states with a giggle.

After a brief pause she states,

“Please, won't you sit? I'm afraid we might be getting moving soon and I would truly enjoy a bit of gossip during the ride.” She asks you with a smile and tilt of her head.

You see no reason to disagree, company always speeds up travel, and you doubt how few passengers on board they care about assigned seating.

“I would be delighted to share in your company.” You smile and sit down in the seat across from her.

“I appreciate it.” She states with a smile and slight nod of her head.

“Oh!” She gasps, covering her mouth. “How terribly rude of me, my name is Wakasagi!” She nearly shouts it out through her covered mouth, it’s rather adorable actually.

“It’s quite alright, my name is Ayumu.” You state, grinning a little. “You were a bit distracted at the time.”

She smiles back. “So do you know anything of Gensokyo?”

You shake your head. “I’m afraid I’ve never been, though beyond Lady Yukari, I can admit I’ve never met someone from there to ask, as far as I’m aware, once you go it’s notably difficult to come back.”.

“Still, I’ve heard it’s quite pleasant, I’m afraid the only thing that held me back from going was prior obligations.” You admit.

“Oh?” She almost looks disappointed, “forgive me but I was hoping to learn a little before I arrive. I’m afraid I was made to go due to some... Difficulties. She states looking away. I do hope it is nice enough, though I suppose anyone wishes that of their new home,” she admits.

“Sorry to disappoint, still, if it makes you feel any better, it supposedly accommodates all forms of youkai, so it shouldn’t be any major problem. “

“Furthermore I’m sure Lady Yukar-“ You get cutoff by a loud voice.

“The train will now be departing, please stay in your seats for the duration of the journey.“A pleasant female voice states over the intercom.

Well, you suppose that’s that then, the train starts lurching forward as it leaves the station, quickly picking up speed as the landscape of Tokyo starts to pass by you.

“I’m sorry you were saying?” She states with a small giggle.

“Ah… yes as I was saying I’m sure lady Yukari keeps things in order well enough. Though I am curious how they keep order.” You admit, honestly quite curious the more you think about it.

As you finish the sentence a purple light washes over the cabin, the entirety of the inside is awash in purple glowing light, and the outside of the window has turned from the outskirts of Tokyo into a black void.

“Oh… oh my.” Wakasagi has shrunken back against her seat, staring at the void.

Eyes start appearing on the black, glancing around before locking on the train, and just as it started the light and eyes fade away, revealing a green, verdant landscape.

“We are now in Gensokyo, please collect your belongings and watch your steps exiting the train.” States the PA again.

Well, that was certainly an… interesting way to travel.

Wakasagi has quickly recovered from the shock it appears, as she has her face nearly pressed up against the glass as she stares in wonderment at the passing landscape.

You have to admit… the view is breathtaking, rolling hills mark the landscape, while in a distance you can see a mountain that dominates the landscape covered in trees.

As the train continues moving the view gradually shifts from hills and trees, to farmland, to finally country houses. You spot people milling about working the fields or moving around town, though at these speeds it’s impossible to tell if they are Youkai or not.

The train starts gradually slowing down until it comes to a complete stop. You can hear the pneumatics working as the doors open.

You suppose this is your stop. You quickly get up and start to head out of the train, thanking Wakasagi for the company. She confirmed that while she appreciated it she didn’t believe she’d have near the same difficulties getting off the train.

- - -

The smell is the first thing that hits you. While you’ve been to the country before, rather hard not to being as old as you are, it’s been a long time since it’s been this… fresh. You glance around the platform taking in the sights.

The platform itself is made of wood, in rather stark contrast to the almost blindingly white metal train parked next to it, with a simple tin roof to cover it.

Several youkai are milling about the platform, most of them in groups, having traveled together, though you don’t see Raiko or the two sisters anywhere nor do you see your former seatmate come to think of it.

Through the exit of the station itself you can see a dirt path leading to a village off in the distance, mostly made up of wooden buildings as well. Next to the exit are three booths, each proudly proclaiming… religions? One stall is being managed by a Buddhist woman with rather… okay to be honest in most of the districts you worked in this hair might be startling, but in a place like this, gradient purple hair really sticks out.

Next to it is a stall being manned by apparently a Shinto girl, with a fair more normal hair color of blond, though what makes it rather is odd two dog ears sticking out of her head, a dog youkai?

And finally one stall manned by a teenage girl with bright green hair, preaching about some mountain gods of some sort, you wonder if it has any connection to that mountain you saw on the way over.

All three are offering to various youkai places of rest while they get settled, though it may not be as friendly as it appears, the woman with gradient hair and the woman with dog ears keep sending glares each other’s way.

How very interesting…

Chapter Text

You’d rather not get involved with either of the two groups that look like they are about to come to blows however, so with little thought you start to wander over to the stand manned by the young girl with green hair. It is of simple wooden construction, appearing handmade, above which hangs a sign.

Moriya Shrine
All Welcome!

As you approach you can hear the young woman shouting excitedly, though you notice she doesn't have anyone really listening to her or hanging around the stall, whether that is due to excitability, or the on closer inspection rather shoddy construction of her display is up for debate, either way you press onwards.

“All Youkai and Travelers welcome to the Moriya Shrine! Food and Board available in exchange for work!” she shouts over the din.

Ah, that would explain that at least, the other shrines appear to be housing people without the extra condition, still, a little work never hurt anybody and you walk up to the booth.

“We can guarantee protection and peaceful living in exchange for work and faith!” she shouts once again, glancing around, not seeming to have noticed your approach.

“Oo... who am I kidding...” the girl slumps her shoulders behind the stall.

You are now standing in front of the stall, where she seems not to have noticed you, she seems rather exhausted, perhaps she's been here awhile...

You gently rap on the wood in front of her, startling her from her moping.

“Good morning ma'am... I'm afraid I'm rather new in town, could you tell me about your shrine?”

You seemed to have breathed the life back into her as she clasps her hands in front of herself bowing slightly. “Yes! I am Kochiya Sanae! I represent the wonderful Moriya Shrine, headed by the mighty and venerable Kanako Yasaka and the kind and wise Suwako Moriya!“

Two gods?

“We seek to aid those new to Gensokyo, we will provide food and housing in return for honest labor!”

“What form of labor?” you ask.

“Tending to the temple and assisting the shrine maidens in their tasks, we are constantly expanding and so require help in our mission to provide safety and lodging to travelers and those in need of shelter! Along with repairing some.... slight battle damage. “ She states, glancing to the side slightly.

“Battle damage?“ you ask, concern creeping into your voice.

“Yes, I'm afraid that in her... godly duties lady Kanako has to fight miscreants and those seeking to do harm, unfortunately that can be at the expense of the building. Nothing major I assure you!“ She crouches down behind the stall and quickly produces a stack of pamphlets, handing one to you. You give it a glance.

It's mostly the same things she just spoke about, though it does go into greater detail on some things, namely that you do not need to worship the gods in question, doing repairs and labor provides faith as is, in exchange you will receive full meals and lodging in the shrine itself.

Not a bad deal all things considered, though you must wonder what could have possibly have happened to go after labor so aggressively, to the point where it's part of their pitch. The other stalls have many more people milling about them, in fact you are the only person anywhere near this stall.

“If you wish to come with me I will be leaving in a half hours time!” She states excitedly. Giving you the biggest smile you've seen in weeks.

While it certainly wasn’t the best sales pitch, any shelter sounds good at the moment, and you’d rather not get in between two apparently rival shrines.

“I would be delighted to come with you, Miss Sanae.” You say gratefully.

She goes stock still, standing there with her hands still clasped together. The smile from before frozen on her face.

Then all at once, life springs back into her.

“Yes!” she hops up and down, hands in the air. “You will absolutely not regret this!” you watch with amusement as she’s jumping around like a child who was just given the pony they’ve always wanted.

She catches herself after a moment and gives a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I’ve been out here awhile, you’re the first person who has been interested.”

You chuckle. “It’s quite alright, where is this shrine located?”

“Did you see the mountain as you came in?” You nod.

“It’s at the peak”.

Your eyes widen, “that’s…. quite the distance.”

She waves her hand. “It’s okay! We had the kappa install an aerial tram to the top of the mountain.”

Ah… that’s helpful you suppose, still, not quite sure how they expect people to make that journey regularly. Who knows, maybe the other shrines are flying or something equally inconvenient.

You mill about watching the passersby for the next half hour or so, nothing of particular note happening, waiting for the time to close shop as it were. The sun is just beginning to set on the horizon when you hear Sanae call your name. Come to think of it, wasn't it morning when you left? Either you've traveled longer than you thought or time works differently here.

You turn to look at her, she's waving to you from the stall, a backpack slung around her shoulders, you can see the pamphlets inside weighing down the bag quite a bit, though she doesn't appear to be struggling with it.

“Don't you need to disassemble the stall?” You ask, wondering how she planned on moving all the material.

“Workers from the village will be coming to deconstruct the station tomorrow morning,” she replies sounding somewhat relieved.

Nodding, you follow her out of the station, which at this point had almost entirely cleared out except for a few stragglers, you do notice you are the only one following Sanae out. She pops her shoulders and gives a sigh of relief as she gets into the clearing behind the station, turning to smile at you.

“We have about a 40 minute walk to the tram from here,” she states pointing towards the large forest in front of the mountain. You nod and start walking behind her, making your way to the large forest. Glancing around as you do so, while the village you'd guess is a good mile or two from the station, it is still quite active out here, you can spot several farmhouses lining the road towards the mountain, most in rather poor condition, but still inhabited.

“So the humans live outside of their village as well?” You ask.

“Some do, most don't, those out here who require the extra land to feed the village have protection treaties with the local Tengu communities, for a share of the crop the farms remain protected.” Sanae explains.

That's rather progressive, you thought all humans would be huddled in the village from what you had heard, while you don't doubt the ability of Youkai and Humans to coexist, you'd expect them to be a bit less friendly out here in the 'wild' so to speak.

There certainly weren't any Tengu anymore in Tokyo.

- - -

The farmland quickly fades away to forest as you leave the confines as the human domain, It's less of a hike than you expected, as the path is clear cut and easy to navigate, Sanae walking it with confidence. A good half hour has passed since you started walking, most of it in relatively peaceful silence Sanae having seemed to have zoned out as she started walking the way towards the mountain, the path is gradually sloping upwards as it cuts through the trees, you haven't seen any sign of habitation beyond the path since you entered the forest.

Then, as if someone decided to start playing the sound again, you can hear the crashing of a waterfall as you round a bend, and in a clearing ahead you can see a massive waterfall pouring down from high in the mountain, forming a large lake. The forest breaking around it.

Your eyes widen as you see your first glimpse of civilization since entering the forest. A small stone building sits near the lake, based around a large platform holding a tram, the cables running up the mountain. Which even from here is a good thousand feet above to its peak.

But what really catches your eye is some young women by the lake, apparently wasting the time away fishing by the shore, talking amicably among themselves, seemingly not noticing or not caring about your presence.

Slightly befuddled you ask, “are they members of the shrine?”

“Hmm?” Sanae seems to break out of the trance she has been in for the past while as she walked the path, and gives a quick glance over, “oh no, those are some of the local Kappa who help maintain the tram." She states somewhat tiredly as you enter the stone structure.

Barring a few benches and an empty desk, it's barren, and Sanae quickly shuffles through it towards the tram. She quickly boards it and drops her bag near the door, rubbing her shoulders as she collapses on one of the seats near the window, the tram itself wouldn't look out of place in the 1960's, but seems built sturdily enough.

You grab the seat in the opposite aisle and stare out the window as the tram starts moving with a jerk and a hiss, slowly moving its way up the mountain.

Watching the sun you'd suppose you'd still have about an hours worth of sunlight left as you look over the forest, while you couldn't see them from the ground from up here you can see breaks and clearings in the forest where there are structures, some appearing to be small villages or trading posts from the looks of things, and farther in the distance you can see a deep valley to the west of the mountain in the forest. Inside of which is what appears to be an entire town. It's well lit even from here, though you can't make anything in particular out.

You turn to ask Sanae about it, but amusingly it seems she's already dozing off. Your not quite sure what she's had to deal with today, but it seems to have taken quite a lot out of her. Smiling, you return to gazing out the window.

...You don't think Gensokyo will be so bad after all.

- - -

After a couple minutes the tram slows to a stop as you approach the peak, finally jolting to a rest at another stone structure mirroring the one at the lake down below. Sanae, apparently revitalized by the brief rest, hops to her feet and grabs her bag before heading out.

“We're here!” She shouts joyfully, less directed at you and more the world if the volume is of any indication.

You glance out the door and see what you can only imagine to be Moriya Shrine.

Large wooden pillars struck into the earth, binding ropes wrapped around them, easily a hundred feet high surround a large wooden temple complex, regal and imposing all at once, this is far more than any minor shrine you might find out in the countryside. A deity lives here.

Cobblestone lines the path from the tram to the temple, and you follow behind Sanae, who seems to have a bit of an extra spring in her step as she approaches it.

As you approach the torii gate, you can see more clearly inside, besides the large main shrine building, there are several smaller structures, either housing or sub shrines you can't tell from here, you can see with some alarm that one of them is completely bifurcated by one of the pillars rammed straight through it, though shorter than the rest of the pillars, it was clearly heavy enough to almost completely split the structure.

You notice as well there are several of the pillars sticking out of the roof of the shrine building itself large holes and cracks in the structure abound. You are really hoping these are decorative art pieces and not what she meant by “battle damage”.

Before you can progress further with that line of thought however, one of the side buildings doors slam open.

Stepping from it is a very tall regal woman wearing a red and black dress, a large circular rope floating behind her, she easily dwarfs Sanae as she approaches.

Sanae quickly bows low.

“Good evening, Lady Kanako.”

The woman now dubbed Kanako however pays her no mind as she looks at you, quirking a single eyebrow.

If the shrine maiden bows at someone, it’s generally good form to bow as well. You mirror her bow, eyes on the floor. Several tense seconds pass before the woman speaks up, her voice deep and rumbling, as if of the mountain itself.

“Welcome traveler, you stand in presence of the goddess of this shrine. I am Kanako Yasaka, goddess of War. Rise.”

You rise up and return your gaze to her, she is now within a foot or two and is quite literally staring down at you, the woman must be about six and a half feet tall.

“I bid thee welcome to the Moriya shrine, rejoice and be merry for your long journey is over!” she spreads her arms out to the sides gesturing to the shrine around her.

“ From the far mountain I have watched thy approach to seek supplication and shelter, once again rejoice, for I am a generous godd- “

Her pontificating comes to an abrupt halt, as a shrill whistle being the only warning, a large metal ring slams into her spine, sending her sprawling on the ground.

She’s spread out on the ground, you step back alarmed, when the ground bursts from beneath where she was standing. Hopping out is by far one of the strangest people you’ve ever seen in your life. A young woman in robes crouching on the ground above the hole she popped out of. Topped off with a large straw hat with what appears to be toy eyes attached to it.

The young woman grins smugly at Kanako, then turns to look at you.

“Forgive ‘er, she has issues talking like ah normal person sometimes.” Her voice is bright and peppy. “Welcome to the Moriya shrine, I’m Suwako Moriya, goddess of war and curses.” She sticks out a hand for you to shake, which you manage to collect yourself enough to do so.

“So….” She asks, rocking back and forth on her heels. “Whatcha doing here?”

“I….I came with Miss Sanae, I am here to do labor for the shrine in return for shelter?” you trail off glancing at the twitching goddess laying on the ground.

“Ahaaaah,” she trails off while a smile on her face, her eyes widening with amusement.

“Good! Good! We need some help ‘round here, ‘fraid ol’ beanstalk here gets a bit punchy.” She states while chuckling and poking the prone goddess.

“Speaking a which.” She dives out of the way as a large wooden pillar shoots down in the ground where she was standing. Laughing maniacally as she tumbles across the field.

The ground starts trembling as Kanako raises herself up, glaring at Suwako, her Onibashira behind her spinning wildly as large wooden pillars raise themselves around her, aiming directly at the other goddess.

Then, with a whimpering sound from Sanae, the battle began, her face falling into her hands.

- - -

A good five minutes later you think you can understand what was causing the ‘battle damage’. Luckily the only major damage is holes in the ground and some knocked over fences. Both goddesses are worse for the wear, though nothing more major than scratches or bruises which are already healing.

Perhaps the most surprising thing is they are perfectly friendly with each other now, laughing and joking with each other as you survey the damage.

At least it doesn’t look like they were trying to kill each other.

“Welcome again to the Moriya shrine.” Suwako speaks up. “Hope ya don’t mind the mess, ah’ll show ya to your room while Sanae gets dinner started.”

She pulls herself up and motions for you to follow her.

You walk into the interior of the temple which despite what you might expect, is in relatively good condition, besides the obvious signs that people live here. Suwako leads you down a side corridor past a large garden on the side of the building. Finally reaching the end of the corridor where a solitary door is set into the wall, the first actual door you’ve seen since entering the temple.

She yanks it open, revealing what appears to have once been an old storage room, some boxes in the corners and windows near the ceiling, a table and futon have been set up in the center, it’s clean at least.

“Sorry, we had a rather short notice you were coming.” She admits sounding a bit bashful.

“It’s quite alright, I’m grateful that you granted me shelter.”

She snickers, “well ain't you a gentleman, dinner will be ready in the main room in about twenty minutes if ya wanna get unpacked.”

A small smile falls onto her face.

“Other than that, welcome and thanks for signin’ up, Sanae needed the help.”

And with that she turns and leaves you to your business.

You empty your pockets onto the table, beyond your wallet and your phone you haven’t brought anything with you, though you figure you’ll need toiletries.

In the meantime you don’t really have anything to unpack, and you have a little bit of time to kill, you think you've already seen everything the room has to offer, simple and modest, it may take some work but you can definitely find comfort here, anything beats an alley in downtown Tokyo.

You pocket your phone and wallet and head back out of the room into the corridor, the last grasps of sunlight are reaching through the windows past the garden, giving everything a deep orange and purple glow. Twilight.

As you wander down the corridor you can glance through some cracks in the paper walls to see other storerooms mostly filled with boxes like yours was, you have honestly what they need all of them for, most of them are still sealed, those opened you cannot see inside of stacked on high, and you'd feel rude to pry.

Exiting the corridor into the main room once again, no longer following Suwako you can take a better look at your surroundings, it's certainly large and ornate, proud wooden carvings of snakes and frogs decorate the main temple hall, two garguantan snakes flanking the main altar in the center, where cast in the orange glow of twilight you can just make out incense burning.

Hanging proudly above the altar is a large painting, depicting the two goddesses from before, though unlike what you've seen so far, this is positively regal and mesmerizing. Their hair and the fall leaves almost seeming to move in the fading light, casting a sense of divinity and the supernatural.

- - -

Turning away you continue through the main room in the opposite direction, into what appears to be another corridor though unlike the last one this has most of its doors open, and instead of a garden, the windows are overlooking several smaller structures.

Walking down the corridor you move past a pantry and what seems to be a small living area complete with mats and couches, inside of which is Suwako sitting on a chair, idly flicking channels on a...

TV?

That... was certainly one of the last things you expected to find since leaving Tokyo, much less a temple of all things, but she's idly sitting there, palm in her hand as she flicks between stations not out of place on any tv in Japan.

She gives a brief glance towards you as you stick your head into the room. Before waving with a smile and turning her head back to the television.

You head onwards through the corridor, which branches off to the right and left, though ahead is an open doorway, which going by the smell you suppose leads into the kitchen. A peek inside shows Sanae diligently working on some sort of rice dish, having traded in her shrine maidens outfit for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, complete with a white apron adorned with a frog and snake pattern.

She notices you as soon as you walk in, smiling brightly and attempting a wave before realising her hands are full. She settles for a nod instead.

“Good evening Ayumu, was the room to your liking?” she asks, not distracted from the task in front of her as she works on some form of grilled meat to go with the rice.

“Yes, it was more than enough, I appreciate it.” You say honestly.

A question pops into your out and is out of your lips before you could catch it.

“I've noticed your cooking dinner, and right after picking up the grounds a little too, don't you have the other shrine maidens to help you?” you ask, rather concerned the girl was working herself to death.

She jolts, the stirring spoon almost falling into the pot as she stirs it, and turns to you quickly.

“Oh! They are.... away!” she says, in a tone that shows someone to be a rather poor liar.

“They are out doing mission work across the land, and wont be back for quite some time.” She states with a slight cracking tone to her voice, and you have a feeling it would perhaps be best not to pry on the matter further.

“Oh... I see, would you perhaps like some help?” you offer.

“No!” she shouts.

She clasps her hand over her mouth. “I mean... no that's fine, you are for tonight a guest, you've had a long trip and should rest, please, I can handle dinner.” She states rapidly, turning back to the pot and stirring up a frenzy.

“Alright, thank you once again for having me.” You say as you slink out of the room.

- - -

To the right and left of the junction are nothing but short corridors with closed doors, wooden, not paper, so you think this is the limit of your exploration for now, you head back towards the living / dining area from before, Suwako apparently having decided on something to watch.

Some sort of animal show.

Watching with what appears interest as Kanako has joined her, lounging on the couch against the wall.

....Regally.

You're honestly not sure how she is pulling that off.

- - -

You've pulled a mat from under the table and are perched on it, at the table sitting across from Suwako, watching a very dubbed British man describe the life and times of some form of toad, the television being the only source of noise.

After a few more minutes you can hear a door slide open outside and Sanae steps into the room, large pot on her hands which she sets on the table and gets to work passing out plates.

In short order everything is set up and Kanako joins you at the table, Sanae scooping out the rice and setting up the plate of meat in the center as everyone gets to eating.

Well.

Eating is a... weak word. Honestly it's only a little less violent than the battle outside before, as the two goddesses fight over various pieces of meat on the plate with their chopsticks, Sanae however seems to be in her own happy little world, eating her share with a happy smile on her face as she hardly pays attention to the two.

It calms down after enough time and the meal is finished, Kanako producing a bottle of Sake from under the couch as you all lounge around the table watching the television.

“So....” Suwako breaks the silence. Looking at you, and appearing far more serious and sober than she possibly should be considering the previous dinner and the amount of Sake she's inbided so far.

“Ayumu, you'll be working for us starin' tomorrow, so ah do hope you don't take offence.” She states with a slight slur to her voice.

“I smell animal on your, can't place the scent though, it's muddled.”

“What form of Youkai are ya?”

You notice Kanako is looking at you out of the corner of her eye, Sanae is however apparently engrossed in the show as the two goddess look at you.

Chapter Text

You don't feel the need to lie. They are your hosts after all.

You allow the small bit of magic to collapse, your tail popping through a newly formed hole in the back of your shirt, while short black ears uncurl from your head, as if hidden by the hair before.

“I am a fox spirit,” you state simply.

Suwako eyes you, not critically, and you don't see any malice in her gaze, Kanako has already turned her head back to the TV, though you are sure she's listening in.

Suwako gives a small nod, her face far more serious than any you've on her so far today.

“So... even the foxes have moved in... I suppose it was to be expected... still, how many Youkai are even left where you came from?” She asks almost sounding like she doesn't want to hear the answer.

“Not counting me? A few hundred in Tokyo were I to guess, those that haven't faded are making plans to come to Gensokyo eventually. Though a few more... malicous ones are planning to stay as long as they can get away with.”

She holds the gaze for a moment longer after you speak, before sighing and rubbing one of her shoulders, you swear the eyes on her hat turn downcast aswell.

"I suppose that is to be expected, those such as you are a dying breed in that world... as for us well..."

She turns a quick glance at Kanako before turning back to you.

“Gensokyo is a good place, I think you'll like it here.” She states with a small smile and pat on your shoulder, before turning back to the program, the melancoly mood seemingly gone as quick as it appeared.

The night progresses with no more conversation, and an hour later everyone heads to bed, your ears and tail concealed again, more out of habit than nessecity. You bow to your hosts and head back to your room.

- - -

It's around nine when you finally get ready to turn in for the night yourself, taking the time to fold your clothes up as neatly as you can and get comfortable, while you can freely change their appearance, you can still feel the fabric, feeling wrinkles would eventually drive you insane, and you doubt they have the luxury of a washing machine.

The moon has risen and is casting light through one of the high windows that make up the storeroom, no lightsource exists in here besides, not that that changes anything. Foxes can see in the dark.

As you lay down your mind replays the events of the day, you wonder where that Tsukumogami group ended up? You never saw them leave the train.

Come to think of it you never saw miss Wakasagi leave the train either.... your sure you missed her.

You can count yourself quite forunate in any case that you've managed to acquire lodging, and food on top of that, you had expected to rough it for at least a few days before getting settled, while certainly an.... eclectic bunch, they don't seem to mean you any harm.

The question is... what now?

Your entire life you had lived a certain way, worked with certain people, experiencing certain kind of things, and in the span of a single day it's all out of your reach, never to be seen ever again.

A good friend of yours once told you that life is never about what you are, it's about what you experience, and you've experienced more than most. You suppose from here on out you are flying blind.

It's... almost exciting, you honestly have no idea what the next day will bring.

With that final thought the exhaustion of the day catches up to you, and you fall asleep... and dream.

- - -

A blast of cool air rushes against your face, instantly you raise your arms and shield your face from the wind, eyes snapping open.

This... isn't your room.

You are standing on the peak of a mountain, but not Youkai mountain.

You know this place, this is Inari mountain, the landscape confirms it easily, but... that isn't Kyoto, or at least that isn't your Kyoto, this is hundreds of years ago. The concrete buildings and steel skyscrapers changed to stone and wood structures, the shrine path isn't stone, it's dirt... well trodden, but dirt. Humans are milling about, wearing clothing of a style you can't quite place.

But... this all seems very real. Which is a problem.

You've never been in Kyoto during this time period.

Then all at once it hits you, a tickling at the back of your mind, a fox spirit has many abilities, shapeshifting... effecting the minds of others are all well understood, but it goes deeper than that, foxes can effect the dreams of others, but it's never a talent you've really had, but you know enough to tell one thing.

This isn't your dream.

- - -

The shrine goers and priests move through you as if you aren't there as you wander through the shrine grounds. They are all headed in the same direction, deeper towards the main temple complex, most bearing offerings of some nature, which wouldn't be unusual.

But they move with an almost... mindless gait. Like they are sleep walking, there is no rhythm to their motions as they move through the complex.

You follow them deeper. Reacing the temple itself, the smell of incense is burning strongly as you near, looking through the large gates you see something you have not seem in a very long time.

Fox spirits, in number. Positioned around the temple, some standing guard, others serving as shrine handlers, taking offerings from the humans.

And there, standing in the middle of it all behind the altar, sits a tall blonde woman, ceremonial robes on as she sits there, nine tails sitting behind her waving gently in the breeze.

Still, you approach, nothing seeming to notice your presence. The woman's eyes are closed, as if in deep meditation as the priests and priestesses take the offerings from the humans and lay it before the altar.

Then as if on cue everything stops.

All the humans, the foxes, the wind blowing through the trees, and even the smell of incense halts as if the world decided to pause.

The woman behind the altars eyes snap open, bright and golden glowing, they lock onto you instantly. A snarl escaping her lips.

Her eyes glow brighter and brighter as they focus on you, you can feel yourself burning, your body heating up as your heart starts hammering in your chest, instantly breaking out into a sweat as a fire seems to light inside of your body.

You fall to the ground clutching at your chest, panting and blinking rapidly.

It's too hot.

It's burning you. It burns, it hurts, it burns, indescribable pain rushing through every nerve in your body as you feel your systems failing.

You have to get away.

YOU HAVE TO GET AWAY.

Your eyes snap open again, the feeling of cold air washing over you, clutching your chest still, leaving deep red marks, you are back in your room, panting.

No more than a few hours could have passed, since you first fell asleep, your sitting up on the futon, still breathing somewhat heavily as you try to workout what just happened. Your right hand is stained with blood, having punctured the skin when you grabbed your chest.

Yet nothing else is out of the ordinary.

You want no part of sleep right now, you slip your trousers back on and step out of the room, into the corridor. It's minimally lit, the moon now overhead, casting little light into the corridor, though it lights the garden clearly, watching the plants wave gently in the mountain breeze doing wonders for your pulse rate.

Now that your breath has caught up to you, you start to try and process what you saw.

You haven't seen that many fox spirits in a hundred years, and never seen one with all nine tails, most hardly last that long, usually undone by their own plotting or others plotting against them. While the tengu of course had a society, along with the Oni and some Kappa, the Kitsune are one of the few that could be said to have a bureaucracy, with all the backstabbing and double dealings that implies.

One that you heavily avoided when and if all possible. So that once again begs the question, what was that you just bore witness to. Was it real? You don't recall there ever being a nine tails active in Kyoto, not in the past nine hundred years.

The last one recorded was Tamano-no-mae, and there was more legend than fact with her story. So if there was another you would have certainly heard about it, but you never had.

Yet what you saw there... was too realistic and detailed to be a mere nighttime fable, someone or something was dreaming of something that occured, though you cannot tell if there were any embellishments, one thing is for certain.

Somewhere in this land is another Fox Spirit, or someone very close to them.

Still, you feel you will get no more information pondering about it, you suppose you can ask your caretakers about any other fox spirits in the morning. In the meantime you head back into your room and try to relax. Sleep does not come easy.

But when it comes it comes dreamless.

- - -

You wake up relatively well rested all things considered and try to freshen up, realising somewhat awkwardly that you were never quite told where the bathroom was. A slightly desperate search later and you find that further room down in your corridor is actually a small bathroom complete with a shower.

Indoor plumping, the goddesses aren't exactly roughing out here on top of the mountain, but you absolutely are not complaining.

You cast an illusion on your clothes, 'freshening' them up a bit, removing the appearance of dirt and wrinkles, though you'll still need a wash for them... and more clothes in general.

Luckily for you, the bathroom was already stocked with soap and basic amenities, and you head towards the main room after cleaning up.

It's quiet, either morning prayers haven't started yet, or they aren't going to happen at all. Then again, the necessity of prayer quickly goes out the window when the Gods in question are two rooms over, passing through you continue onwards towards the living/dining room, it appears you aren't the only one up, Kanako is sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in her hand. Having traded in yesterday's outfit for a rather contemporary look of jeans and a sweater.

She gives you a slow nod, barely turning her attention away from the cup currently doing more to warm her hands than the rest of her, it appears she's a slow riser.

You sit down at the table across from her, the TV showing the morning news.... of Osaka. Not entirely helpful, but it's noise, your attention is instead drawn to all things a newspaper sitting on the table.

“Bunbunmaru'' is proudly displayed as the header of the paper, and it is indeed a genuine newspaper, you give it a cursory glance.

“Newcomers in Gensokyo!” Is the main headline, going into brief detail about the arrival of several new youkai via transfer from the outside world, though it fails to go into any real detail, the reporter apparently tried to reach out to Lady Yukari, though was unable to locate her for comment.

There's a photograph of the train station as well, looks to be before the train arrived.

“Welcoming committee ends in an all out brawl!”

You certainly don't remember any fights breaking out, though the Shinto booth and the Buddhist booth certainly traded barbs back and forth, you don't think anyone would be quite so foolish as to start a fight.

Though something does catch your eye as you take another glance of the picture, the Moriya stall compared to the others isn't fully there, the base of it is, and you can see the banner off to the side, but it's in pieces, the others are completed. A side pictures solves the mystery, you can see Sanae in the background carrying lumber. She must have constructed it at the station. It certainly explains her exhaustion, that's... some dedication alright.

Though you don't blame her for trying to drag the thing down the mountain.

How long was she out there?

…

The other articles don't attract your attention near as much, there's actually ads and a classified section in this thing, though nothing that particularly catches your interest. Between the indoor plumbing and the apparent mountaintop paper delivery you are getting less out of your element by the moment, if they actually have the internet out here your not quite sure how'd you handle it.

You set the paper back on the table, a cursory glance confirms that Kanako is in fact still alive and getting better, it appears now that the coffee is more in her system than in her hands she has woken up. Watching the tv with some interest as the newscaster goes over some sort of festival occuring.

You excuse yourself and head towards the kitchen to see if you could start breakfast for yourself, but it appears someone has already beat you to it, Suwako and Sanae are in there making what appear to be scrambled eggs and toast, neither notices your presence as you peer into the room.

Talking amongst themselves as they prepare the food, you feel as if it would be rude to interrupt, and you head back to the dining area, a short time later Suwako joins you at the table, chirping a bright good morning which you return, either she's already had her coffee or she's naturally energetic.

Sanae follows shortly behind with breakfast and sets it out on the table, hardly a word was spoken as you all eat.

- - -

Sanae is putting away the dishes as Kanako heads back to her room, apparently she has a meeting with the local Tengu today, so she has to “goddess up” so to speak. Suwako's wording, not yours.

You're left with Suwako at the table, and you figure it would be a good time to broach the subject.

“Lady Suwako? A question if I may.”

“You may.” She says, smirking.

“Are you aware of any other Fox Spirits in gensokyo? I'm curious how many of my own kind are out here.” You state the question as nonchalantly as you can.

“Hmm... none on the mountain, there's at least two I know of, one hangs around at the Hakurei shrine.”

“The Hakurei shrine?” you interrupt.

“Oh right, you aren't acquatained yet, think of them as the... border patrol for lack of a better term, though it is quite literal, the Shrine maiden guards the border and quells any incidents. I'm sure you'll meet her eventually. The other is a retainer of the Yakumo.”

“As in Yukari Yakumo?“ you say, wincing slightly as you realize you’ve interrupted the goddess twice now.

“The very same...”

“She has a nine tails as one of her servants.” She states as if she was describing the weather.

Your breath hitches in your throat.

That's... unfathomable, to have a Fox spirit as a servant is already a sign of power, but a nine tails on top of that spoke of deity levels of ability, you know Yukari was powerful, but if that's true she's far beyond even your previous thoughts.

The thought almost distracts you from the other piece of information, there is a nine-tails in this land, though that doesn't still fully explain the dream. In the dream that Fox had nine tails... which means every hundred years she should lose one until she reaches the stages of divinity. But to still have all nine, either this is a different beast, or something else is going on.

“Oi, you okay boy?”

You snap out of your thoughts,

“Oh. Sorry, didn't expect there to be a nine tails in these lands... they aren't... common.” You trail off, a bit embarrassed.

“Ah, personally I've never met 'er, she mostly keeps to 'erself from what I understand.”

You nod. “Thank you for the information,” and trying to change the subject. “What is on the agenda today?”

She taps a finger on her chin. “Weeeell today I think y'all be working with Sanae to start repairing some of the exterior damage from yesterday, then move on from there once ya finish, shouldn't take ya very long.” You swear her drawl is becoming more pronounced the more she speaks.

“Sanae was having to do most of it 'erself before, 'fraid our duties keep us busy, so things should get done a lot quicker 'round here,” she states with a wide grin on her face.

“I know Kanako is meeting the Tengu today, what are you doing?” You ask.

“I'm meeting a local curse god to settle a dispute going on, nothin' major, she states with a shrug.

Should be back 'round noon. In the meantime I'd just suggest doing whatever Sanae asks of ya.”

You nod as she stands up and starts walking out of the room.

“Oh, and Ayumu?” She states as she reaches the threshold of the door.

“Yes?”

“If ya have anymore trouble sleepin' feel free to come talk to me during the night, I'm usually out in the garden.” She states closing the door behind her.

You blink, she must have seen you when you stepped out of your room last night. Though your not quite sure how, you never saw her, then again...

Goddess.

---

Sanae calls out to you about half an hour later from outside. She's traded in her usual garb for working pants and a long sleeve shirt, she's smiling brightly as you approach, a wheelbarrow and tools of all shapes and sizes arranged on the ground.

“Today Ayumu you will start your grand task of providing faith for the goddesses, by good, pure, backbreaking work!” She states proudly with her hands pressed against her sides. “I'll be working on the holes while you get to work repairing the fence!”

She gestures to the small wood railing fence that surrounds sections of the grounds, bits of it were knocked over and broken during the fight yesterday, luckily it appears this was a frequent enough occurence that there is plenty of wood available to replace it.

It's not too bad, but it will take awhile, and with a nod and some extra instructions on where to find more tools if you need it you get to work.

- - -

The damage is less bad than you thought, barring a few sections crushed by those wooden poles Kanako seems to be so fond of most of them were just knocked over by the heavy winds. It takes more than a little effort to cut down and remove those poles, but beyond that it's a simple matter of righting what is knocked over and replacing the few boards that have broken.

As you are finishing up you realise that you could probably save a good amount of time in the future if you had simply burned away the poles, and come to think of it you could probably wave away a good chunk of the cosmetic damage to the temple with illusions, it wouldn't fix it in the long run, but would definitely make the place more presentable.

Staring at one of the small structures that was cut in half by one of the poles, one of the ones that was already damaged before you came here, you figure you could for the time being just illusion away the damage and give the appearance of a normal structure, it's something you figure you should bring up to Sanae.

- - -

It's around noon when Suwako returns as she stated she would, however she does have someone you haven't seen before in tow, another woman with green hair, somehow at this point that doesn't surprise you, however unlike Sanae's white and blue ensemble, this woman is wearing a complicated red and white....?

You're just going to call it a dress, topped out with a massive red ribbon on her head bobbing as she walks with Suwako towards the temple.

… What odd clothing.

Chapter Text

Well... might as well be friendly. With a grunt you shove the shovel into the dirt and walk over, shouting a greeting and raising an arm as you do so. Suwako blinks, then she turns from her conversation with a slight look of confusion as she stares at you, before seemingly remembering who you were and waving back with a smile, dragging the woman in red behind her a little as she runs over to you.

“Afternoon Ayumu!” she rather unnecessarily shouts as she stops in front of you.

She lets out a appreciative whistle as she looks over the grounds, which barring a few holes that Sanae is still working on is looking like nothing ever happened at all. That's just the grounds however, several sections of the roof looks like a rather oversized pincushion. Seriously, where does Kanako even get the things?

“See ya been busy!” She nods happily. Before spinning to point at the woman in red.

“Ayumu, this is Hina, Hina, this is Ayumu. Ayumu's a new helper at our shrine, just arrived in Gensokyo yesterday.”

Hina smiles at you and gives a slight curtsy. “Pleasure to meet you," she states as she rises, "I do hope you enjoy your stay here.“ Her voice is soft as though afraid of breaking a nonexistent silence. “As she says I am Hina, Kagamiya Hina, a local goddess of the river. It is once again a pleasure to make your acquaintance”, and you are fairly sure she means if if that beatific smile is anything to go by, it's almost kinda creepy.

“Where's Sanae?” Suwako asks, still glancing about at your work.

“Working out in the back garden filling in more holes last I checked, though it's been a good hour. I'm almost finished up here myself so I wouldn't be surprised if she's near finished, if not finished already.” You state with a shrug.

She nods with her eyes closed, hand on her chin as if coming to some important decision.

“Alright, I'm going to go get lunch started, when ya finish up head inside for a shower, after lunch we're going to be gettin' started on your acclimation into Gensokyo.”

“...Acclimation?” You trail off.

“Yep! Going to take ya into town and get ya some new clothes, can't have you working in a suit. Then help ya grab whatever else you need. Then if we still have time we'll get to work on spellcard trainin'. “

“Spellcards?" you ask... like magic tricks?

“Oh... right, ya never heard of the Hakurei so you haven't probably heard of that either...”

She sticks her tongue out and rifles through the inside of one of her gigantic sleeves, before producing some sort of card and waving it in front of your face. It's an image of the goddess herself, surrounded by beams of bright light. Text at the bottom of the card states.

'Party Start : Two Bows – One Clap – And One Bow'

She places it back into her sleeve with a cheeky grin. “I'll explain more later, but let’s just say it's what we use to settle fights peacefully 'round here.”

She then starts walking towards the temple with Hina in tow, as she is just to walking up the wooden steps you realize something.

“But Lady Suwako, when you were fighting yesterday I didn't see you use any cards.” You call out after her.

“Oh, that's simple.” She drawls. She turns her head toward you with a smirk, “that's cause we were trying to kill each other.”

She turns back laughing loudly as she continues into the temple.

- - -

You finish up your work a short while later and head into the temple, taking a shower and managing to get all of the dirt off.

Sadly no amount of illusions will disguise the smell of your shirt at the moment, you do the best you can and hang it up while you shower to hopefully get some of the smell out, but you are definitely grateful at the opportunity to buy new clothes.

You cross the main room of the temple and head into the dining area, to see Sanae chatting amicably with Hina, Sanae apparently had a chance to freshen up as well, having changed into her shrine clothes as she sits next to Hina drinking tea.

“Hello again mister Ayumu,” Hina states, nodding to you as you enter.

Sanae gestures for you to sit and pours you a cup of tea as well, before going back to her conversation with Hina, seems to be something about a local Kappa getting into a fight with a tengu. You’re honestly more interested in drinking the tea and waiting for lunch letting the last of the soreness fade from your muscles.

A short time later Suwako comes into the room carrying small sandwiches which you eat gratefully.

“So Sanae,” Suwako speaks up.

“Yes?” Sanae asks swallowing quickly.

“I’ll be taking Ayumu into town after lunch, help get him acclimated.” Suwako states, nibbling idly at a sandwich.

“Oh, will I be coming with you Lady Suwako?”

“No. I need you to deliver something to Kanako.” She states with a tone that begets no argument.

“Oh... alright,” Sanae states, pouting slightly.

- - -

After lunch Hina heads on her way, Sanae heading out shortly afterwards as well carrying a large wooden chest strapped to her back.

Your curious what she is delivering, but don’t figure it would be polite to ask.

You head out the front of the temple to meet up with Suwako, and see her standing at the gate bouncing on her feet like an excited kid.

“Alright! Lets get going then.”

She reaches out and snatches your hand.

You move to start towards the tram when a sharp tug of your arm stops your movement, and you look at the small goddess quizzically.

“If ya don’t hold on tight this might end very unpleasantly for ya.”

And you watch as she starts gently floating off the ground, and with another tug you find yourself up floating with her.

“Now, just keep a firm grip on my hand, and enjoy the ride, If ya fall I ain't catching ya.”

It feels like you’re floating in zero gravity. You can feel the wind gently blowing against you but you aren’t moving as Suwako keeps a firm grip on your hand.

She starts slowly moving forward, dragging you along with her as you start moving out of the temple grounds and down the mountain.

You’re not much one for fear of heights, but nothing holding you up over several hundred feet of air is a different matter entirely, you try to remind yourself that you are four hundred years old, and calm down. Compared to before the sound of the waterfall is deafening as is falls down the mountain, you can see other beings flying around it as well, though more naturally it appears, tengu with black wings sticking out of their back flying around gently.

“You can fly Lady Suwako?” Realizing how stupid the question is as soon as it leaves your mouth.

“Nope!” She replies, shouting to be heard over the waterfall, she waves her free hand in front of your face, in it you can see a silver gray card like the one she showed you earlier, though this one is completely blank barring a wing icon in the center.

“Benefits of the spellcard system!” She yells cheerfully, you suppose she’ll explain more later.

You pass over the lake at the base of the mountain as you descend down the mountain and fly over the forest towards the village picking up speed gradually.

After a few minutes you pass by what remains of the train station, most of it having been carted away already, and she slows to a stop on the path leading to the village, a good hundred feet away or so.

“Welcome to the human village.” She stretches out her arms as if revealing some grand surprise.

And with a light hop to her step she starts walking down the path towards the village, you quickly start following behind.

- - -

You didn’t really get a view of the village before as you headed in the opposite direction with Sanae, but it’s rather more impressive than you guessed.

A tall wooden wall surrounds the structure, and through its open gate you can see well made stone structures, mixed with smaller wooden ones. The road itself as you approach is paved stone. The entrance to the village is guarded at the gate by two human men wielding spears, but they don’t do more than give you a brief look as you approach and walk through the gate.

It’s densely populated, humans of all ages milling about, some hawking wares near the gate entrance, others milling about or walking to other parts of the village.

What really surprises you is the amount of Youkai you see milling about as well, a group of tengu is bartering with a jeweler, and across the ways you can see some Oni drinking at a bar. Easily given away by their horns, Suwako pays it no mind and nobody pays particular mind to her either as she continues walking along, taking you deeper into the town until you approach a large shop.

‘Uwabami Tailors’

The sign above the door proclaims. A cozy shop filled to the brim with clothing of all styles and sizes, all the doors and windows open wide to let in fresh air.

“Let’s get you some clothing.” Suwako chirps.

Luckily for you a lot of this actually seems to be imported from the outside world, beyond a few more rustic options, nothing would be particularly out of place at your average department store.

In a short amount of time you have some pairs of jeans and basic shirts picked out, good working clothes, it will drain the last of your funds but it will save some headaches, though you’ll need to figure out how to earn more in the future.

Suwako herself is rather insistent on getting some form of hat for you, but you shy away from it. Never been one for wearing them yourself.

You pay the young woman working the counter and walk out with Suwako, bag of clothing in tow.

“Anything else you needin’?” Suwako asks, looking around the street.

“Nothing I believe, unless there’s something I need to see in town.” You trail off.

“Hmm… no I’m sure you’ll be ‘round here again soon enough, lets head back to the shrine so you can put your clothes away and get started on yer trainin’. You'll need it 'roun these parts, some of the Youkai get a little belligerent.”

You nod in understanding, and Suwako grabs your hand again, lifting you off the ground along with her, and you begin the flight back to the shrine again, clutching the bag to your chest.

- - -

Suwako drops you off in the middle of the grounds and asks you to drop off your clothes then head down the stairs in the back. She goes flying off in that direction briefly after.

You head into your room and hang up your clothes as best you can in the small closet the former storeroom has, changing into a pair of jeans and a shirt, before heading out through the garden into the back of the temple.

You approach what appears to be a stone staircase going down the opposite end of the mountain ending in a clearing about a hundred feet down, in the clearing you can see Suwako sitting, likely waiting for you.

You walk carefully down the stairs before stopping in the clearing, it’s not natural, the dirt here is rough and recently cleared of all grass, surrounded it is thick forest. Suwako sits up as you approach, holding towards you a small black wooden box which you carefully take and open.

Inside of which is a small stack of cards, blank, with a small border around them of golden leaves, the surface of them is reflective in the light, flashing.

“Take one and place the rest on the ground.” Suwako states, in a quiet but firm tone.

You take one card out of the box, and place the rest on the dirt besides you.

“Hold it to your head, and think of one of your abilities, the card will do the rest.”

You do as she says, pressing the card gently against your forehead and think about your abilities, nothing happens at first, but then you feel a brief thrum of energy between you and the card, and you open your eyes again.

The card now has a image of you on it, throwing blue foxfire out of your hand, as you look at it, text starts forming along the bottom of the card in silvery lettering.

‘Fox Sign – Flame of Miyagi’

“Oooh not bad.” You jump as Suwako has seemingly materialized behind you, looking at the card with obvious interest. The earlier seriousness she displayed long gone.

“Now listen carefully, I want you to channel your magic into the card, and hold it out in front of you.”

You nod slowly and hold the card in front of you with your right hand, channeling magic into your arm.

You can feel the card drawing in the energy, glowing briefly, before catching on fire, it only takes a brief moment however to realize the card itself isn’t on fire, but your hand is, mimicking the appearance of foxfire, but no heat with it.

Fluctuating your energy increases and decreases the flame in tandem, and with Suwako’s prodding, you are able to move it between hands and throw it out of them, which causes it to explode in a ball of fire as it impacts the ground.

“Not bad at all rookie! Let’s try another one!” She states, handing you another card.

Like before you hold it to your held, feel the brief surge of energy before pulling it back, revealing a stylized image of three foxes.

‘Fox Sign – What Was Not there’

A brief surge of magical energy through the card, and you can see copies of yourself standing next to you, mimicking your every action.

The card seems to be duplicating your illusion magic.

Not bad, not bad at all.

- - -

“You can go ahead and keep the box, but that’s enough for now. Oh, and you’ll want one of these.” She fishes out of her sleeve a card you saw from earlier, one of the ones that allowed her to fly.

“I keep spares; we can go over that some other time.”

She glances around the clearing, and then leans forward conspiratorially.

“How’d you like to give ‘em a try in a bit more excitin’ fashion?”

You nod, sure, what does she have in mind?

She stands there staring at you, a smile rapidly growing on her face.

“Duck!”

That’s the only warning you get as a large beam of light shoots out of her right hand, shooting right where you head just was, crashing into the forest behind you with a loud bang.

You just barely got out of the way in time, rolling to the side as she produces two iron rings from a card and starts spinning them around her arms.

They spin faster and faster becoming blurs before she launches one at you, the other she tosses pass you, you jump out of the way of the first one, only to get slammed in behind by the other one, sending you tumbling along the ground with a groan.

That… really hurt.

“Get on up boy; you can’t fight me by just dodging!” She punctuates that statement with an almost maniacal cackle.

You grit your teeth and push yourself up, grabbing one of your spellcards and channeling magic into it.

Fire, yeah, that’ll work.

You channel magic into your hands and start shooting it out at her, compared to the beam she shot earlier it’s pitiful, but you can shoot a lot of it, forcing her to dodge around, cart wheeling and jumping out of the way of the flames.

“Yes, that’s it boy, not bad keep it up!” She’s not taking this particularly seriously. Taking far too much enjoyment out of dodging at the last second and performing tricks in midair, you grab your illusion card in your other hand and channel magic into it.

Three copies of yourself spring to life around you, sending out fire of their own, you’re not sure the flames will actually have any effect, but it does certainly LOOK like you’ve increased your firepower, forcing her to take dodging a bit more seriously as she cannot seem to tell which is real and which isn’t.

She jumps high into the air and spins like a top before diving headfirst into the ground, far from smashing into it; she dives straight through it like it was water, disappearing from view. You stop throwing the fire, looking around carefully, trying to keep an eye on every direction she could pop out from.

“Frog hunt – The Snake Eats the Croaking Frog!”

Suwako’s voice resonates across the clearing as the ground explodes beneath you, launching you flying back as a large white snake bursts out of the newly formed hole and hisses at you.

You eye it carefully before it rears back and dives towards you, you leap back into the forest line in the hope that it will crash into one of the trees in its dive for you. It dives past you as you duck behind a tree, before it catches it’s momentum by latching and wrapping around one of the tall tree branches.

It turns its focus on you once more before rearing its head back; a thick mist starts shooting out of its mouth quickly covering the area in a thick fog as you jump back into the clearing. You dismiss the illusions; they won’t give you any benefit of this fog, and move carefully through the clearing. Waiting and listening, you can hear the hissing of the snake through the fog, but cannot see it.

“Divine Tool – Moriya’s Iron Ring!”

Suwako’s voice rings out again, seemingly coming from every direction in the fog, a flash of golden light to your side is your only warning as one of her iron rings flash through the fog, glowing golden as it smashes into your side, sending you flying clear across the clearing into a tree.

You hear the shrill whistling of the rings through the fog as you slide down the tree, a surge of adrenaline allowing you to dive out of the way as another comes cutting through the fog and embeds itself into the tree.

You are fairly certain Suwako is trying to kill you at this point; you produce your spellcard and start shooting wildly into the fog, attempting to hit any rings before they could sneak into you. You can feel it draining your magical energy like a siphon, but you think you can manage to keep it up a bit more, if you could just find where she’s hidi-

There, you see it! Her hat is sitting on the ground partially buried in the dirt, the eyes on top darting around wildly. You rush over to it, sliding under another ring sent flying your way and you snatch up the hat, fully expected to see the goddess underneath it buried in the dirt.

“Ribbit.”

You stare in confusion at the small frog that was sitting underneath the hat. Staring up at your quizzically.

"Clap Daidarabotchi's Worship!"

A Set of large stone hands shoot out of the ground around you, slamming together around your form trapping you in place. It’s gripping you like a vice, you can’t move at all, having just enough space to breath.

A loud hiss sounds right behind your head as you turn and see the glowing red eyes of the white snake from before, staring at you. For the final time it rears back and dives at you, your eyes slamming shut as you try one final time to break free!

- - -

…Nothing happens, you stand there trapped, eyes closed, waiting for an oversized snake to slam into you, when you start hearing giggling, you crack one eye open to see the snake and fog gone, Suwako standing in front of you.

“Not bad at all rookie, we’ll get you in fighting shape yet!” She declares, clapping her hands together as the stone hands crack and fade away, freeing you to fall to the ground. You lay there, panting and feeling the pains fading from your body surprisingly rapidly.

“You used a lot of magic boy, but don’t worry, it’s impossible to actually cause permanent injuries using spellcards, ‘ssuming you don’t fall off a cliff or somthin' of course.” She states with another chuckle, helping you up and brushing dirt off your back.

She hops back balancing on her heels before speaking up again.

“Ya got speed and agility, just gotta work on your awareness and firepower.” She nods with her hand on her chin, as if some great teacher imparting wisdom.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll beat it into ya!” She states, hopping forward again to slap you on the back.

“Comeon, lets get you back into the temple. I'll show you where you can get your clothes washed then we get get dinner started for when those two come ba-” She trails off mid sentence and you look at her in confusion.

She seems to be staring off into space, her mouth still open as if she was interrupted in the middle of her sentence.

Then at once, she turns to you, fully serious once again.

“Ayumu, go into the Temple and just relax for a bit, I've gotta go help Kanako with something, if none of us are back by nighfall, just go ahead and make yourself dinner.” She doesn't explain anymore as she pulls out the flight card and and takes off towards the human village.

Leaving you alone with your bruises.

Damn.

Chapter Text

Whatever happened she's left in a hurry, and you think it would be best to follow her instruction. You don't know the lay of the land yet, and you are sure she can handle whatever it is that grabbed her attention.

At least, that is what your ribs are currently telling you, nothing left a mark, but it still hurts.

You walk slowly up the stone steps and back into the temple.

The sun is just starting to set as you reach the crest of the mountain, bathing the grounds once again in golden light as you continue walking the path into the temple. It appears since you've been gone nobody has come back, the grounds are deserted as is the interior, you suppose you could get dinner started.

- - -

They are surprisingly well stocked. Meats, vegetables, cheeses, enough to make anything you want, though you just make an easy rice dish, not wanting to burn through their groceries. Eating in silence as the TV drones on about some politician being outed Tokyo for several murders.

One hour quickly turns into two, still no sign of anyone coming back, you put the dishes away and start getting ready for bed.

You get settled in your room, carefully setting the box of cards in the closet with your clothes, your spellcards you created you set gently besides the bed, you'll need to figure out a better way to carry them.

And with that you start relaxing before finally falling asleep.

- - -

Once again you dream, almost as soon as you close your eyes you are somewhere else...

Somewhere... Different.

A thick fog bank rolls in around you, you stand there, watching it roll by, quickly like a fierce wind was pushing it, but you feel nothing. The fog is flashing colors, light the sun was shining through it, but nothing natural.

Purple, Red, Green, and Blue.

Hues flashing repeatedly over and over. Like someone shining a spotlight through the fog. Dizzying and mesmerizing as you stand in the middle of it.

Than as soon as you acknowledge it, it fades away, revealing a verdant landscape, stretching for miles in all directions. A gentle rolling river running through it, going off into the distance into a thick forest, colored with the shades of autumn.

In front of you sits a girl? Woman? Watching the water flow by, their back is to you. Their form muddled, like a smudge on a lines.

You don't recognize them... Do you?

Their image, though muddled, reminds you... of colors.

The nearest one is purple, and you hesitantly reach out for it, then, faster than you can process you are somewhere else. The blurry figure from before comes clear.

You know her.

Yukari Yakumo is lying on her side by the river, watching the water run past. It's been a very long time since you've seen her, you've never spoken to her, but she came to visit the foxes more than once. The most you know of her is that she is very very old, and very VERY powerful.

She slowly turns her head to glance at you, a single violet eye looking at you quizzically, before she smiles and pats the grass beside her, looking back over the river again.

Far be it from you to turn down her invitation, you slowly walk and and sit next to her.

She is staring wistfully at the water, hand dipped in it and moving around slowly, stirring it.

“Good evening Ayumu.” Her voice coming out a whisper, so quiet you can barely hear it over the water.

You still as she mentions your name, and you give her a nervous glance.

“Oh don't think twice about it, I know everyone's name.” She says, still quiet but with a touch of playfulness.

As she finishes speaking the water where her hand is touching glows purple and flashes briefly before revealing a image in the water, like someone had placed a picture just beneath the surface. It's you stepping out of the train at the station, two days ago.

“It is my job to watch the border, and to that end monitor all comings and going through it.” She states, as if she was describing the weather.

“But what IS interesting.” The image is replaced by a new one.

A young girl, purple bangs sticking out under a heavy cloak concealing most of her form, running out of an... upside-down castle? Beside her another woman with red and black hair, equally hooded, running behind her. In the background you can see others chasing after them.

“Unfortunately not all incidents come from outside sources, it appears someone is attempting to cause a 'revolution'.”

“A... revolution?” You stare at the image attempting to make out any further details.

“Someone has stolen away the inchling princess, along with a powerful artifact. She is attempting to use it to change the natural order of things.” She waves away the image with her hand, stirring the water again.

“Do... do you know who they are?” You ask confused at this whole situation.

“The princess, yes. She has been here for some time, the other, the one who spirited her away, is hidden from me. It is... vexing.” She grits her teeth at the last phrase.

“Worse yet is the artifact they stole. It increases the power of anyone wielding it, along with many other effects, some still unknown. But it comes with a heavy cost. Wielding it will effect the minds of those around it, bringing out base, more violent instincts, it will throw the land into chaos.” She explains.

She's panting slightly with a light sweat on her forehead. As though it is an act of effort to speak.

“I cannot control dreams, nor will I remember this conversation when I wake more than likely. I would have you do something for me.” She turns her head and stares into your eyes, the violet in her irises pulsing and glowing with power.

“Yes?”

“I would have you speak to the goddesses of what I have told and shown you, they will know what to do, they have dealt with similar situations in the past.” She slowly starts standing up. Raising a hand to pull you up with her.

You accept it and stand up next to her.

“I would ask of you one other thing.”

Her eyes are glowing to the point of hurting to look at, you glance away looking at the river.

...
...
…

The river isn't flowing. It's halted in place, as though frozen in time. There is no breeze, there is no sound except the now heavy panting of Yukari.

There is a sudden weight in your right hand, like you forgot you were carrying something. You look down, in a tight grip is a small golden...

Mallet?

It's golden in color with a detailed and intricate pattern running across it.

“One very small, yet very important thing.”

You look back up at Yukari, she is holding out a hand towards you, her digits glowing a deep pulsing purple.

“Yes?” You glance between her and the mallet.

“DIE.” She growls.

Purple light shoots out of her fingertips, piercing your chest and your heart, blood flying out of your mouth as you don't even have time to react. You fall backwards towards the ground as your vision blacks out.

- - -

You wake with a start, breathing deeply.

Another nightmare?

You reach up to wipe the sweat from your face, grunting as you slap your face with a piece of...

Paper?

You look at your hand. In it a spellcard, deep purple bordered by golden strings. A single eye is centered on the card, the same kind you've seen on Yukari's gaps.

This just keeps getting stranger and stranger.

- - -

You slowly get up and glance out the high window, you can't see the moon, so it's either late night or still early evening.

You walked to the door and open it, allowing the cold night air of the corridor to wash over your body, waking up sweating like a kit being chased by the farmer can't be healthy.

You look out over the garden, not seeing the moon here either, that hopefully means it's early morning and you didn't miss much sleep.

Hopefully Kanako, Suwako, and Sanae managed to make it back, you suppose you should tell them what you saw, if they don't know already, though you wonder how you could even approach the subject.

One of the most powerful beings appeared in my dreams, told me that everything was going to go to shit, then murdered me?

Not exactly the story of a sane man, but she did say they would know what do you. You turn to head back into your room when.

There.

Something just moved in the shadows cast by the moonlight in the garden. At least, if your mind isn't playing tricks on you, someone or something darted through the darkness, but nothing can be seen anymore.

You feel nothing in the air, nor can you sense anything, nothing just the moonlight and the repetitive sound of crickets in the night air.`

Chapter Text

You slowly move the sliding door set into the wall open, and step into the cool air of the garden. It's your first time actually being out here. Various plants are strewn about, and in the corner lies a small pond dotted with lilies and other greenery.

The gentle sound of the water pouring out of a small fountain set in the pond adds a backdrop to the more natural sounds of the night. There is small trees and rocks around aswell, casting shadows in the moonlight, but nothing you cannot see through.

And as far as you can see.

You are alone.

A glance behind reveals the moon finally, just barely peeking over the roof of the temple, most likely two to three in the morning then. You perk your ears one final time, hearing nothing beyond the crickets and the steady stream of the water.

Either whoever was here left quickly, or there was no-one at all.

You start to walk back into the temple, crossing the threshold back inside and slowly closing it behind you.

When with a vibration of the air around you, a sudden spike of spiritual energy assaults your senses coming from the garden, and fading into view sitting cross legged on a rock overlooking the pond...!

Is a taller blonde woman. Looking every-bit like an older Suwako. She sits there on the rock like she was always there, slowy smoking a pipe held in her hand. She gently blows a ring of smoke into the air, before fading from view again.

Just as suddenly as she was there, she is gone, no magical signature, no shadows, nothing!

- - -

You run quickly into your room and grab your spellcards, before easing back outside. Head on a swivel as you look around trying to figure out who it was you saw. When a deep voice speaks from behind you.

“Come on boy, I told ya I would be out here this time of night didn't I?” You jump and turn, there leaning against the doorway is the woman again, smoking her pipe, looking at you with obvious mirth, when it clicks.

“L-lady... Suwako?” You stutter out.

“Got it in one boy.” She says with a happy nod.

“My apologies I didn't recognize you when you are...” You trail off.

“Big?” She supplies.

You slowly nod.

“Me and Kanako share energy, when she's big, I'm small, and vice versa. Depends on who needs to do what at any given moment.”

“Kanako's the flashy one, while I make the deals and work with the people.”

“Most of the time anyway...” She shrugs and turns back to her pipe.

You suppose that makes sense for a dual god shrine, though you realize this is the first time you've seen Suwako since she ran off this afternoon. “Then I'm hoping since you are back everything's alright?”

She blows another ring of smoke into the air.

“I'm fine and so is Sanae, Kanako got pretty beat up.”

“ 'parrently the Tengu were having issues with a roaming spirit, a Gashadokuro, usually not that big a threat as long as you have some form of spiritual energy. But the damned thing was tearin' through them like paper.” She states with a frown.

“Kanako's attacks were bouncing off the thing like it was nothin', they had to retreat while Sanae delivered Kanako's sword, when that didn't work either I had to go aswell, we managed to put it down.”

“Still, damn thing was tougher than it had any right to be, Kanako's resting in her smaller form while I watch over the grounds.” She shakes her head and blows more smoke.

“Will she be alright?” You ask, concerned for your host.

“Who? Kanako? Yeah she'll be fine, goddesses are rather tough to put down” She states with a smirk before shaking her head. “Can't say the same for the Tengu though, damn thing killed three of them before we managed to take it down.”

“Thing was fighting like it was possessed, no sense of self preservation at all, just attack attack attack, even the most desperate or evil spirits aren't that stupid... Thing was drawing in magical energy like a siphon from the area aswell.”

She lets out a sigh before turning to you.

“I'd suggest getting back to bed, you'll have a another long day tomorrow, I've got some things to look into so I might not be around.”

You nod, what she said before still replaying in your mind.

“Now, off with ya, I've got to get back to work, and you'll need yer rest.” She makes shooing motions at you and fades from view, the last thing being the wisps of smoke from her pipe, before that goes aswell.

You walk back into your room and set the cards beside the bed before laying in it, thinking about what she said.

A berserk spirit, could it be what Yukari was talking about earlier? Before she... killed you?

If whatever is causing the effect is powerful enough to make a youkai actually wound a goddess, you shudder to think what it could do with a more naturally powerful creature.

You feel you should tell the goddesses in the morning what you saw, the last thoughts on your mind before falling back asleep is once again.

How?

---

Your sleep is dreamless, and no more than a few hours later you wake. Lifting yourself somehwat groggily out of bed and throwing your clothes on, and slipping your spellcards back into your pocket, you make your way out of your room and through the corridor, unlike last night, the garden is empty.

You head through the main hall and towards the kitchen and dining area. Sanae is already at the table eating some toast, more of which is on a small plate in the center. You don't see Kanako or Suwako anywhere however.

“Good morning Sanae.” You speak, happy to see she was in fact alright like Suwako stated.

“Mmh!” She blinks and quickly swallows the mouthful of toast. “Good morning to you aswell Ayumu, I hope you slept well.” Recovering swiftly.

“Also I do apologise that I was unable to prepare a dinner last night.” She gives a slight bow.

“It's... quite alright, I understand, are you alright? And where is Suwako and Kanako?”

She smiles happily at the question. “I am quite well thank you for asking! As for Suwako she has left to investigate some matters, I do not know when she will be back.”

“As for Kanako...” Her eyes dart to the side a little and she scratches her cheek.

“Is she still recovering?” You interrupt.

She gives you a look of surprise.

“I spoke to Suwako last night, she explained what happened.”

She slumps her shoulders and lets out a sigh.

“Ah... good then I suppose.” She shakes her head before looking back at you.

“Yes Kanako is fine, I've already given her breakfest this morning... I'm afraid she's rather... sensitive about her smaller form. As the face of the shrine she tends to put alot of stock into appearance. So having to switch forms to recuperate is rather embarrasing for her.” She finishs with a shrug and reaches for another piece of toast.

“I'm afraid you may not see her until she has fully recuperated.”

Well. That could be a slight problem, you feel you have to tell the goddesses what you saw, though the question is, how do you go about it?

You sit down across for her and ponder the best way to word this and wonder if this is the right way to go about things, but you feel this would be your best opportunity to do so, especially since you cannot speak to either Kanako or Suwako at the moment.

“Sanae, if you have a moment I have something serious to talk about.” You say while reaching over for a piece of toast.

She looks up and you quizzically and cocks her head to the side. You’d hate to make the comparison to a dog but she does remind you of a large green haired puppy at times.

“Tell me, what do you know of Fox Spirits?”

She blinks a few times. “Uhm… not much, I know they have the ability to create fires and illusions, but I’m afraid they aren’t a very common species of Youkai.” She admits looking embarrassed.

You allow your tails and ears to show themselves. She stares at them in obvious curiosity.

“That’s the most common abilities yes, and the most people bother to remember as they are the flashiest. Like most species we have a myriad of abilities, but one of the more interesting ones is that we can control and enter others dreams. Normally voluntary on our part, the past two nights I’ve been thrust into the dreams of others against my will.” You explain

“The first night was into the dream of another apparent fox spirit whom I do not know. But last night I entered into the dream of one Yukari Yakumo.”

At that Sanae stiffens.

“Are… are you alright?” She looks at you worriedly.

You smile honestly at her concern. “Thank you but I’m fine, mostly. She actually bid me to deliver a message to Suwako and Kanako that I was hoping you could relay in my stead.”

“Oh… and that would be?” She looks at you more intensely, though the light of concern for your safety still evident aswell.

“She said that an incident has started, a woman has spirited away the Inchling princess from her castle and is threatening the stability of the land…. She said the goddesses would know what to do.”

She once again nods slowly. “Yes… I’m afraid I won’t be able to reach Lady Suwako for awhile, but I’ll let Lady Kanako know.” She states with determination.

She quickly gets up and makes for the door, but stops right before she passes you. You look up when you feel a hand rest on your shoulder.

Sanae is looking down at you with worry still on her face.

“Are you sure you are alright? Lady Yukari isn’t the most…“ You can see her trying to find the right word.

“Easy person to deal with.” She finishes after a moment.

You shake your head.

“I’m fine, barring extreme circumstances; you cannot actually be hurt in a dream. Though…” You clutch where her power had pierced your chest.

“It wasn’t the most pleasant conversation.”

She stares at you a moment longer before rubbing you on the shoulder a little. Then she continues to walk out of the room towards what you guess is the goddess’s bedrooms, leaving you alone with the TV and your own thoughts.

You eat your breakfast in relative silence, wondering what the goddesses will do about the whole situation.

- - -

You’ve finished breakfast and are putting the plates away as best you can, when you hear the door slowly open behind you while you work in the kitchen.

Sanae is standing there, staring at you with a serious look on her face, in her hand she is carrying her Gohei, and strapped to her back is a long object container wrapped in cloth.

“Lady Kanako wishes to speak to you.” She states, a slight waver in her voice.

She steps aside to open up the doorway.

“She is in the room at the far end. “ She raises a hand and points down the hallway.

“Alright, thank you, I’ll go speak to her.” You say, gently setting down the plates.

“I don’t suppose you could tell me what this is about?” You trail off hopefully.

“I’m afraid I cannot, but rest assured everything is alright.” She states, sounding more like she’s attempting to convince herself more than she is you.

You nod and walk past her into the hallway, seeing the door she is pointing to, nothing differentiating it from the ones around it.

You walk up to it and knock.

You hear nothing for a few seconds, before a voice speaks up, much lighter than her voice from before, but still carrying a regal tone.

“You may enter.”

You slide the door open, to see a rather expansive and well furnished room, decorated with weapons of all shapes and sizes, spears, swords, and other more esoteric choices lining the walls, along with suits of armor and large prayer scrolls.

In the center sitting cross legged on a small cushion is… a much smaller version of Kanako.

“Close the door behind you, and sit down.” She speaks in a tone just as authoritative as she does normally, but far more… amusing when she is speaking in the same pitch Suwako normally does.

This doesn’t seem like the time to laugh however as you follow her instructions.

When you sit across from her she closes her eyes and releases a deep breath, before looking straight into your eyes.

“Yesterday morning I left to slay a Youkai that was threatening my followers, I watched as it shrugged off my attacks like I was some pitiful fairy and slaughtered three of the Tengu. I had to call in Sanae to bring my sword, and while that hurt it, it could not kill it. That sword was enough to fight anything I’ve run across. Anything.” She states the last word with emphasis, as if attempting to affirm that it is a fact.

“With Suwako’s help it was enough to kill the beast via repeated attacks.”

She slams a hand into the table, cracking it a little.

“I am not embarrassed, I am ashamed. A beast that should not have posed a threat to me fought me to a standstill, and because of that three people died. Tell me everything you told Sanae.” She demands, obvious anger in her voice.

You tell Kanako everything you told Sanae, emphasizing the effects of the artifact that Yukari mentioned.

She continues staring at you.

And with a hiss in her voice she speaks up after you finish. “Prove it.”

Your thoughts slam to a halt, trying to figure out how to show proof as to what happened when it hits you. You slowly produce the card that was in your hand this morning from your pocket and place it on the table, the eye staring up at the ceiling.

She reaches out and grabs the card, holding it up in front of her face, twisting it this way and that.

She studies it for a few more moments, before letting it drop back onto the table.

She breathes deeply a few more times, before opening looking up at you again, visibly calmer.

“I’m… sorry, I just had to make sure.” She sounds apologetic.

“So you believe this artifact she spoke of is related to the Youkai yesterday?”

“Possibly?” You blurt out, before thinking on it some more. “I mean, I don’t know much of the artifact, but as you said the Youkai was far stronger than normal, it could quite easily be related.”

She nods.

“I’m sending Sanae out to the village and then Hakurei shrine to see look into the matter further. I’m going to have you go with her.”

…

“Ma’am?” You look at her.

She breaths in deeply once more and then starts speaking.

“I know you aren’t much of a fighter, not yet, but you have instincts Sanae doesn’t. She is good at what she does, and is a fine shrine maiden. But she is not street smart; you will be able to assist in the investigation.” She explains.

“Additionally it may be a good opportunity for you to see more of the world beyond the temple. I know Suwako took you to the village, but only briefly. You will be leaving this morning, I would suggest you get changed into something more… presentable. “ She finishes, looking at the jeans and shirt you are wearing, you threw it on having somewhat expect to be doing work on the grounds this morning.

You nod in understanding.

“Is there… anything in particular I should be wary of?”

She shakes her head in the negative. “Nothing that Sanae could not handle normally, while I know you do not have much experience in spellcard battles, you do have decent fighting experience according to Suwako.”

She glances past you towards the door.

“No, your task will be helping Sanae investigate the incident before it gets out of hand. I will stay here and gather my strength; Suwako is out doing her own investigation in the Tengu area of the mountain, I imagine if she has time she will join you later. I would suggest you go prepare.” She says with finality.

You nod and slowly get up and exit the room, entering the hallway again, and release a breath you did not know you had been holding.

That… went better than you expected.

- - -

Sanae is nowhere to be seen as you make your way through the temple again. You enter your room and change into your suit. Straightening it and using illusions to remove any marks or scuffs it’s had over the past couple of days. After today you dearly need to ask Sanae about getting it cleaned.

You make sure to pocket your spellcards again, including the card left behind by Yukari, and walk back into the main room, to see Sanae has emerged from wherever she was, praying quietly at the large altar in the central chamber.

She stands up as you enter; bowing once more towards the altar then turns towards you.

“I see you are joining me.” She states with a smile on her face as she claps her hands together.

“If you have everything, let us be off!” She states, sounding far more eager than you expected her to be. Especially with how wary she seemed earlier when she sent you to Kanako's room.

Running past you, she snatches your hand and starts dragging you before you start running with her, she hops down from the top step onto the dirt, kicking the ground with the tip of her foot as she lands and she goes flying into the air, dragging you along with her.

You are fairly sure if you are human she would have yanked your arm out of your socket with that last trick.

Instead you just grip her hand as tightly as you can, as she seems to be in a hurry to get to the human village as soon as possible, watching the landscape speed by you.

Just a few minutes later you happily feel Sanae slowing down as the human village comes into view, before she makes a hard turn away from it towards a small wooded hill, on top of which sits a shrine.

“Sanae? Where are we going!?” You shout to be heard over the wind.

“Hakurei Shrine!” She shouts back. “We’re going to see the shrine maiden there to ask if she knows anything!”

She slows down and eventually stops and lands at the top of a set of long stone stairs that led up the shrine, giving you a good look at the place.

It’s a much more humble affair than the Moriya shrine. Smaller and more humble all around, a simple peaked wooden structure, with a simple garden to the side and well swept grounds and stone path leading to the front entrance and donation box.

Lounging next to the donation box and basking in the morning sunlight is a young woman with blonde hair and a getup that shoots straight to the top of the ‘oddest ensemble’ contest, eating some grapes and drinking from a sake gourd. You’d interject because of her age but you see the two horns sticking out the side of her head.

Oni. Like the ones you saw drinking yesterday.

Actually on closer inspection, she may be one of the ones you saw yesterday. She quizzically glances in your direction before giving a lazy wave. “Mornin’ Greenie.” The young woman slurs out, clearly quite drunk already.

“Ah. Good morning Suika.” Sanae states with a slight tinge of distaste.

“You wouldn’t to happen to know where Reimu is would you?”

“Yep!” Suika responds cheerfully, going back to drinking from her gourd.

“You wouldn’t perhaps mind telling me where she is would you?” Sanae replies with patience.

“Nope! Wouldn’t mind at all.” Yet more drinking from the gourd, before letting out a pleased sigh and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

Suika unsteadily stands up and gestures for you to follow her, leading to with a wobbly gait a path leading towards the back of the shrine.

You follow her, idly wondering if she fell over would she get stuck with one of her horns in the dirt.

She turns the corner with you right behind her, revealing a large pond on the backside of the shrine, in it sits a large… tortoise? Gently bobbing in the water, surrounded by reeds and lily pads.

Sitting on the back porch of the shrine drinking a cup of tea, is who you imagine is Reimu.

A young girl in a red and white ensemble, looking over the water with a peaceful expression on her face, at the giggling of the Oni she turns to look in your direction, a slight frown marring her features as she does so.

“Good morning Reimu.” Sanae states, bowing in respect, she places a hand on your back and pushes you to do the same.

You follow her hand and bow along with her and rise when you she does so.

“I was hoping to have a word with you regarding a possible incident?” Sanae states looking at her expectantly.

Reimu grunts and motions you and Sanae inside. Getting up and picking up the tea tray as she moves.

You follow Sanae up the back stairs before you feel your head collide with a piece of wood, you glance up and see Reimu’s Gohei pressed against your forehead.

“Don’t know you, just stay out here with Suika while I talk to Sanae.” Reimu states, sounding irritated.

You turn to look at Sanae who just gives you a rather awkward nod and holds a finger to her lips.

Reimu walks inside and Sanae follows, closing the door behind her, leaving you standing there awkwardly on the porch.

---

You sit down on the porch where Reimu was, looking over the pond, Suika walks up to you and with a grunt pulls herself up to lounge next to you.

“Soooo….” Suika slurs out.

“Greenie…” A large smirk is present on her features.

“You tapping that?” The smirk gets somehow wider before she starts laughing uproariously.

Yes… awkward indeed.

“I’m afraid not, I am simply a guest of her shrine.” You admit truthfully.

“Tenant of the Moriya? They aint no fun, ‘cept Suwako sometimes.”

She takes a large drink from her gourd before offering it to you.

You eye the gourd warily before refusing.

“Bah, no fun either.” She scoffs, a frustrated look on her face appearing only briefly before she breaks into another fit of giggles.

You have no idea how long you are going to be out here...

You’ve never gotten along particularly well with Oni. But you feel that this will be the only company you are going to have for awhile.

“So… Suika was it? I’m Ayumu.” You hold out your hand for her to shake.

She gives you a curious glance, pausing in her drinking, before breaking out into yet another grin and grasps your hand in a very firm grip, shaking it up and down rapidly.

“Well aint that a proper greeting.” She shakes it a little more before letting go, a slight numbness now in your fingers that you try to shake off a little, seemingly not noticing your plight she asks a question.

“Whatcha doin’ shackin’ up with the Moriya?”

You smile lightly. “There were a several shrines offering shelter when I arrived, the Moriya shrine was one of them, as she wasn’t swamped with applicants at the time I decided to give it a shot. Barring a few… things, it’s been pleasant; they’re good people for the most part, I’ve only been in Gensokyo for a few days.”

She nods her head. “So you’re one of the new arrivals then?”

“Yes. I arrived on the train the other day; I take it you’ve been here awhile?”

“Mmhmm.” She takes another swig from the gourd. "Been here since the beginnin’.”

A comfortable silence fills the air, just the sound of birds, the gentle rippling of the pond water, and the sloshing liquid of the gourd from an Oni attempting to replace her blood stream with alcohol.

The tortoise is still floating in the pond, lazily sunning itself. While further beyond it you can see a rough dirt path heading into the woods on the other side of the hill, it is flanked at the edge by two Komainu statues looking into the forest.

You lean back and little and close your eyes, enjoying the sounds of nature, while Moriya shrine is lovely, and you’ve lived in Tokyo most of your life, you are still a fox, and nothing quite beats the feel and sound of nature.

You lean back a little into the gentle warmth and cushion behind you, sighing contently as two arms snake around your neck and rest on your chest, a gentle humming with a lovely feminine tone joining the sounds of nature around you.

… Wait a minute.

“Ooh… Reimu finally brought a man home~” A husky voice speaks from right next to your ear.

You jump startled off the porch, flailing a little but managing to land on your feet, you turn back towards the porch to see a green-haired woman in what appears to be a stage magicians costume, floating there, giggling behind her hand.

A second glance does confirm in fact that she is floating there, not flying, she is gently bobbing up and down, her legs cutoff at the thighs to form what appears to be some sort of ghostly cloud.

Suika has joined her in laughing at your expense; you shake away the bit of dirt that got on your clothes and wait for her to finish her giggle fit.

It doesn’t last very long. She composes herself and gives you a mock stage bow. The cone hat on top of her head flapping comically about as she does so.

“Good morning, I am Mima, master of magic, mysticism, mystery, and maliciousness.”

She raises herself back up and appraises you with a wolf like grin.

“And you… You are interesting!”

She fades from view, becoming completely transparent before disappearing completely.

You feel a hand on her shoulder and turn to see her floating there on her belly, legs kicking idly behind her like she was lounging on a couch.

“We hardly get visitors here, and never of the male persuasion… Wontcha tell ol’ Mima your name?” She bats her eyelashes at you.

You quirk an eyebrow at the display, honestly compared to who you've met so far, this is a personality you are at least somewhat familiar with coming from the big city.

“Ayumu. No additions I'm afraid, just a simple newcomer.”

“Oh, I do highly doubt it's as simple as that.” She states, looking like a cat eyeing the canary.

“While it's true the Moriya are desperate for followers, to bring one along for a possible Incident?”

“Now that's interesting!“ She presses a finger against your forehead, using the momentum to gently float backwards away from you.

“Especially one as new as you say you are.” She rotates a few times in the air before coming back to her original 'standing' position, arms raised in a shrugging gesture. "Makes one think the Moriya are getting desperate.”

…

“Desperate? Desperate how?”

She gives you an odd look.

“Don't tell me... they haven't told you?” She questions with mock horror.

“Told me what?” You ask.

She gives you a rather malicious grin, propping her chin on a fist.

“Well... if you don't know, far be it from me to tell you.”

She gains a sly grin on her face.

“Though... If you're ever curious... just ask Sanae about the underground sometime.”

You blink.

“...Underground?”

She gives another rather vicious grin, before fading away from view.

“That would be telling!” You hear a cackle from where she was before it fades away, leaving you standing there awkwardly next to the porch, where Suika is still lounging there drinking from her gourd.

Suika gives a look to you before shaking her head.

“Gah, don't mind her none, she doesn't even drink. Or... can't drink. One of the two!” She declares with finality.

“Just tryin' to start trouble.” She mumbles.

She looks between her gourd and you for a moment, before pulling herself to her feet with a hop.

“Comeon, enough of that! I'll give ya the grand tour!” She yells cheerfully, and starts running back to the front of the shrine weaving side to side with her arms stretched out like an eager kid, leaving you to catch up to her.

You move back to the front of the shrine to find Suika standing there grinning broadly with her hands on her hips. She raises her arms in the air and yells happily. “Hakurei Shrine, population one! Home of barrier maidens for generations.”

“Barrier maiden?”

She looks at you confused for a moment, before giggling.

“Right, outsider.”

She points up behind the temple towards the blue sky. You try to figure out what it is she's pointing out, something on the roof?

When you see a shimmering off into the distance, it looks like... the sun is reflecting off of a shimmering pool of water... right where the distant sky would be. You've never noticed it before...

“Gensokyo's full of all sorts of fun types! So we try to keep them in and outsiders.... Out!” She says with a giggle.

“Course that don't stop people from wandering their way in from time to time, and those that aren't welcome try to force the issue. That's where Reimu comes in! She's descended from a long line of barrier maidens.”

She makes a few swinging motions her hand hands.

“She beats them over the head with that stick of hers till they see reason and play nice. Like Mima there.”

“Mima?” You repeat.

“Yep! Something about trying to destroy the world. Wasn't around myself, think I was drinking with Yuugi at the time. Still! Few good whacks upside the head with Reimu's whacking stick made her see reason.”

“And does this happen... often?” You ask.

She laughs at the question. “Nah! Just every couple months or so.”

You slowly turn to glance towards the shrine again, trying to figure out what you've managed to get yourself into.

“Oh...”

- - -

Suika turn this way and that as she looks over the grounds. Before closing her eyes in apparently deep concentration before she speaks up again.

“Actually…Yep! That’s all there is to it!”

“'Fraid there aint actually that much to this place come to think of it.” She shrugs and walks over to the front porch and hoists herself onto it, legs kicking underneath her as she sets her gourd beside her.

“So… do you live here with Reimu?” You ask.

She giggles at the question.

“Nah, Reimu’s just good fun to be around.”

She pours herself a drink from the gourd, having produced a small sake dish from a back pocket.

“Nobody lives here besides Reimu… well.”

She scratches the side of her head.

“Mima I guess, though she doesn’t really ‘live’ here. Used to have a maid too, though not sure what happened to her.”

She pauses to glance off towards the entrance of the shrine before shrugging again.

“Bah, talking like this aint no fun. Just lounge with me for a bit, they’re gonna be awhile talkin’ bout boring stuff!” She hoists her cup up cheerfully, patting the spot beside her.

You nod and sit yourself next to the diminutive Oni, listening as she starts regaling you with tales of previous incidents.

- - -

“And she was so panicked she gave me land up in heaven! Wasn’t even hers to begin with!” Suika breaks into a laughing fit, finishing up a tale of her fighting some troublemaker that sparked an incident a couple months back. Leaning comfortably against the front door as she drinks.

“So that’s where you live then?”

“One of my places yep!” She says cheerfully. "Though I don’t spend too much time up there in heaven, the Celestials are boring.”

You nod, not understanding in the slightest but feeling it would be good idea not to question it.

The door slides open behind Suika. Leaving the Oni to fall backwards comically and hit her head the wood floor, causing her to yelp and start muttering expletives.

In the doorway is Reimu, looking both exhausted and annoyed, seemingly not noticing the plight of the Oni besides her as she steps out the doorway and past you.

She doesn’t even glance in your direction before she gently floats up and away from the shrine, heading off in a direction you haven’t been yet towards the east.

Sanae steps out aswell afterwards, closing the door behind her.

She watches as Reimu fades into the distance with a slight frown on her face, before turning to look again at you, a small smile finding its way onto her features.

“Reimu is off to go investigate in her own way, we shall be heading to the human village next, are you ready to go?” She asks.

You give a glance at Suika, who is currently rubbing the back of her head.

“I suppose so.” You push yourself up to your feet. "Anything in particular we are looking for there?”

“I have a few ideas, and will be asking some friends who live there to see if they’ve heard anything.”

She holds out her hand for you to grab which you do so, and thankfully this time she is has a far slower start as she takes off, pulling you behind her as you head towards the human village.

---

It’s still a short flight either way as she sets you both down gently just inside the gates.

The village is much the same as it was the last time you were here, still a buzz of activity, various people moving about carrying goods in and out of the town, honestly you are still surprised at the population.

She starts walking towards the center of town, gesturing for you to follow her. After a few minutes of walking, and dodging market goers too distracted to notice where they were standing, you come into what you imagine to be the town square.

A large central square, paved with fine stones, upon which sits a few market stalls, though of much higher quality goods than the ones near the gate, a few carts are placed around aswell.

In the center of the square is a large stone statue of a dragon, and behind it is a large brick building. What you would guess to be the town hall.

Sanae pulls you aside near the statue.

“So… right now I have three possible contacts but I do not believe we have time to get a hold of them all.” She states in a quiet voice.

She pulls out a small notepad and pen from a back pocket.

“First is Keine Kamishirasawa, she’s a school teacher here, also a Youkai, she would be best for knowing any new rumors in the town, as she has a talent for gathering information.

Second would be Hieda no Akyuu, local lady of a noble house, she doesn’t get out much but she the local chronicler. So if anything has happened outside the village she would be one of the best suited to get information.

Third and last would be Kosuzu Motoori, a local book seller, while perhaps not having any information about the incident, she does keep rather… “ Sanae looks to the side.

“…Odd books, she might have more information about this artifact. What do you think?”

Chapter Text

You think about your options a moment, before speaking up again.

“I would think Hieda and Kosuzu would be our best options. Hieda would be the best for any outside leads, which we sorely need right now, and with Kosuzu it would be helpful to find anything we can about this artifact."

Sanae makes a few scribbles on her notepad before pocketing it.

“Alright, lets head over to the Hieda estate first then!” And she starts walking south from the village square.

Hieda... it sounds familiar.

It is a fairly brief walk, no more than two or three blocks; you were already in the nice part of town. Sanae turns into a large gated complex. Ornate in construction, it dwarfs most of the structures around it.

A large garden surrounds a beautiful wooden home sitting in the center of the complex; the building is of relatively modern design aswell. Moving about the grounds you can see servants working and guards standing post.

Ms. Hieda must be either rather wealthy, rather important, or both.

Sanae walks until she reaches the front door of the structure, before taking off her shoes to set in a basket near the door, and slipping into some provided slippers, she instructs you to do the same as she opens the door to let you into the building.

You walk past her and into the building, stepping on a finely made hardwood floor, a far cry from the other buildings you've seen in the village so far on the interior aswell. You've entered into a large central chamber, with rooms along the sides.

Along the far wall is a large set of windows overlooking the garden, and in the center is a desk covered in writing implements, the whole chamber is constructed almost like a throne room. Large open central space, with very little in it, to draw attention to it’s main focus, in this case the desk.

Sitting on a pad behind the desk is a woman in fine clothing, who gingerly puts down a quill pen as you and Sanae enter.

She looks up at you and Sanae and smiles, violet eyes matched by equally violet hair framing her... face. Something tugs in your memory, no... it can't be.

“Good morning Sanae, I see you've brought a guest aswell!”

The woman stands up behind the table and gives a deep bow to the both of you.

“Greetings, I am Hieda no Akyuu, chronicler of Gensokyo.” She rises with a bright smile on her features.

It is!

“Thank you follow allowing us audience miss Akyuu.” Sanae bows in response.

You match her bow.

“Yes, thank you for the audience... Amu.” You rise smirking to see Sanae looking at you with confusion on her face matched only by the one on miss Hieda's countenance aswell.

She blinks rapidly, confusion slowly leading to realization.

Hieda points towards you slowly, her mouth opening like she is trying to figure out what to say.

“Ay... Ayumu?” She finally lets out.

You nod with a grin, sticking your arms out to your sides.

She leaps over the table, scattering writing implements across the desk and the floor, before launching herself into your chest in a hug.

“What is...?” Sanae looks between you and Hieda. “You know Miss Akyuu?”

You chuckle, rubbing 'Akyuu' on the head a little before pushing her away slowly.

“I knew her when she was Amu.” You clarify. “Helped her family out with some... issues in Numazu.”

Hieda coughs lightly into her hand, regaining her composure, slightly, before smiling up at you.

“Have you moved into Gensokyo?” She asks.

“Indeed, just a few days ago, I am staying with the Moriya for the time being, they have been most gracious hosts. I would have sought you out, but I'm afraid I didn't know you were here milady.” You say apologetically.

Hieda pouts a little, before shaking her head. Seemingly remembering what she was supposed to be doing.

“Come, sit! You are guests of the Hieda house, please! Make yourself comfortable.”

She walks back to her desk and sits herself behind it, gesturing to some cushions in front of it.
You walk up and sit down, Sanae following shortly afterwards, still visibly confused at the whole situation.

“So, what can I do to help you?” She asks, looking between you and Sanae.

“Yes, thank you...” Sanae speaks up.

She pulls out her notepad again.

“We're on task for an incident, someone has spirited away the Inchling Princess and we were hoping you may know something about it?” Sanae looks at Akyuu hopefully.

“Hmm...” Akyuu closes her eyes and thinks for a moment.

“I'm afraid I do not have much information, Sukuna, the inchling princess has indeed been taken from her castle, but the perpetrator is unknown to me. I'm afraid this only happened a few days ago, and none questioned apparently knew the perpetrator beforehand. I will happily keep looking into it, but I'm afraid I do not at this time have any information as to who has taken her, and possibly more importantly. Why. I apologize.” She finishes, bowing slightly.

“That's alright, if you would please keep looking into it, we would be most grateful.” Sanae states managing to control the disappointment in her tone.

“Indeed, would it be possible for us to speak to the inchlings aswell?” You ask.

Hieda shakes her head.

“I'm afraid not, the inchlings rarely leave their castle, and no outsiders are allowed inside unless under very rare circumstance, doubly so now that someone has taken their princess, which raises still more questions how someone managed to get to her.” She explains.

“As I said I will continue looking into it, but for the time being you may want to look into other sources, the most I could say at this point is the perpetrator is almost certainly new to Gensokyo. Is there anything else I could help you with?”

“Yes... actually.” You speak up.

“Could I speak to you alone for a moment Akyuu?”

Both girls look at you in surprise, before Akyuu nods.

“Certainly! If you could just give us a moment miss Sanae?” Akyuu glances at Sanae.

Sanae looks between the two of you then nods, getting up and walking back out the front door.

Akyuu speaks up as soon as the door closes.

“Are they treating you well?” She's... glaring at the door Sanae walked through.

You wave your hand along with your head.

“Yes, they have treated me quite well, honestly far better than I expected when I arrived here. They can be a little... odd. But have been very kind and helpful in getting me acclimated.”

She glares a moment more before her expression softens, turning back to look at you.

“I am glad to hear it, I hadn't known you were coming or I would have sent an invitation.” She frowns.

“That's quite alright, as I said, I had no idea you were here either.” But I did actually have a question for you.”

“Yes...?” She cocks her head a little.

“I had a... dream a few nights ago. Or better put, I entered someone else's. Some form of fox cult on Inari Mountain in Kyoto. Someone I've never seen before was leading almost a... congregation, humans were giving offerings, but they moved without rhyme or reason, like someone was controlling their actions. A nine tails was leading them, when she discovered I was in her dream things got a little...”

You trail off.

“Dicey.”

Akyuu looks at you in concern. “Are you alright?”

“Yes I'm fine, nothing that happens in a dream is permanent, still, she was most hostile at my presence.”

She nods. “When would you say this was? No fox spirits are active on Inari Mountain anymore that I'm aware of.”

“I couldn't exactly place it, but I would guess well over a hundred years ago.”

She closes her eyes again, hand reaching up to rub against her temple. “Hmm... I would need to look into the records for that area, it shouldn't take longer than a day or two to find the correct information, though I certainly don't remember hearing about a cult like that operating in Kyoto, you didn't recognize them?”

You grimace. “I'm afraid not, I wasn't in Kyoto during that time period and even then it's not like I kept tabs on all the different families.”

She nods. “I'll look into it the best I can for you, while I have my servants look into the incident.”

You reach out and ruffle her hair a bit. “Thank you, it is most appreciated Amu.”

She giggles at the attention. “I haven't been called that in a hundred years at least!”

“And look at you, still answering to Ayumu!”

You shrug with a smile on your face. “It works, haven't had to change it so far. It isn't like the old days where foxes were trying to kill each other for power, aint enough of us left.”

She giggles some more before batting your hand away, trying to fix her hair back up.

“Enough of that! Though it is good to see you again, really. I'll have one of my servants come around to the shrine whenever I find anything out. Though of course, you are welcome to visit whenever you wish; there will always be a room available.”

“Of course, and thank you once again. I will be in touch.” You say with a smile.

“You are welcome, I will get to work on...” She glances down at her desk, seeing the mess she's left behind, including a spilled ink pot on some rather lengthy documents.

“IT?!?!” She lets out a nasty shriek as she pulls the paper out of the ink, fanning it rapidly sending ink flying in all directions.

… You think she'll be busy for awhile. You back out of the room before any of the ink lands on you.

- - -

You step back outside into the garden, to see Sanae standing besides the front gate, checking something on her... phone?

You walk up to the front gate.

“How's the cellular service out here?” You ask curious over her shoulder.

“Non-existent, but it IS a useful way of getting the news.”

You take a closer look, and she is indeed reading a news article.

'Kakashi Spirit' the website reads.

Below that a picture of a giant smoldering skeleton, with the headline-

'Gashadokuro Attack Leaves Three Dead!'

“How are you managing that?” You ask, slightly regretting leaving your phone back at the temple.

She snaps the phone shut and stuffs it into a pocket.

“It's a service the Tengu setup. They use a similar device for communication; it didn't take too long for some Tengu businesses to get onto the idea aswell. Luckily for us it works on my phone, I'm afraid the barrier blocks normal cellular service however.”

You nod… that could be useful in the future.

“But then... how does the TV work?”

Sanae looks at you for a moment then shrugs.

“You'd have to ask Yukari, apparently she has one aswell and wanted it to work, so she made it work. We don't exactly have a satellite dish… “

“Anything helpful in the article then?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “Just what we knew already.”

“I’m afraid the Tengu do not have any apparent leads either, just speculation, though Kakashi spirit isn’t the most… reliable news source.” She states with a slight grimace. “More of a paparazzi rag.” Huh… good to know the news has the same problem here aswell.

“Shall we get going?”

You nod. “Yes, please let the way.”

She smiles than starts walking back towards the village square.

“So you knew Miss Hieda beforehand?” She asks, obvious curiosity in her voice.

“Indeed, as I said I helped her and her family out with a task in the past, though I'm afraid I cannot go into much detail about it. I had no idea she was here, I must admit it is rather nice to see a familiar face again...” You admit.

“Well... not precisely a familiar face, it's more her mannerisms I recognized than any particular features, though there is only one chronicler of that family, I'm afraid I didn't recognize the family name when you first mentioned it.”

She nods with a smile on her face. “That's good then! Hopefully she can provide us with some information soon!” She gives a little fist pump to herself before jotting down some more notes quickly, tucking it away before you could see what she is writing.

It takes another good ten minutes of walking, you've gone past the square again and made a hard turn east towards the opposite side of the village you entered.

Sanae even comes to a stop in front of rather quaint shop, the size above the door proclaiming it as 'Suzunaan'

“This is Kosuzu's shop, she's very friendly, so don't worry about that, though do be aware she can be a little... overly curious.”

You nod and follow her as she walks inside.

The inside of the shop if warm and cozy, books of all shapes and sizes lining the walls from floor to ceiling. All different types aswell, from cookbooks to romantic fiction, and in as many languages aswell, Japanese, Chinese, English and more. This store has a rather surprising amount, it may be worth checking out a few if things get a bit dull back at the temple.

You follow Sanae past the various bookshelves and haphazard piles of tomes on the floor, coming to a stop before a large wooden desk in a western style. A young girl with auburn hair is reading a book at the desk, humming to a tune playing on a record player besides her.

Sanae reaches over and taps on a bell that sits on the counter.

The girl jumps a little at the interruption, before catching herself and closing the book.

“Good morning! Welcome to Suzunaan! How can I help you?” She speaks in a voice bright and cheerful, sounding every bit the teenage girl she appears to be. She reaches over to turn off the record player as she gets up to look at you. Blinking as recognition flits across her features.

“Oh! Good morning miss Sanae! I hardly see you around this part of the village! And mister....”

“Ayumu.” You supply.

“Good morning to you aswell mister Ayumu! Is there something in particular you two are looking for?”

Sanae smiles at the young girl. “Thank you Kosuzu, yes actually we are, we are looking to see if you had any books about a particular object we are looking into.”

“Well you've come to the best shop in town!” The girls states proudly. “What is the object in question?”

You cut in. “We are looking into an artifact that belongs to the Inchlings, a small golden mallet, does it sound familiar?”

She scrunches her face in concentration, before breaking out into a smile.

“Yes actually we d-”

She halts mid exclamation.

“Did... did have.”

“I'm afraid someone came in about a week ago and checked out the only book about it.”

Sanae grimaces. “Was it someone you knew?”

Kosuzu shakes her head. “No, she came in early in the morning to check it out, was rather abrasive about it, she paid good money though, was supposed to bring it back in next month. Didn't leave a name either, said it wouldn't be necessary when she comes back into town.”

“It was rather odd now that I think about it...” She scratches the side of her head.

“Did you read the book yourself?” Sanae asks, interrupting her pondering.

Kosuzu looks offended at the question. “I'll have you know I read all of the books here!”

“My apologies, then could you please give us some information about it?”

Kosuzu nods.

“The only magical mallet attributed to the Inchlings is the Uchide no Kozuchi. The Miracle Mallet, from what I remember it could grant any wish the heart desired, though it only worked in the hands of an Inchling. Issun-Boshi used it during his adventures, which is what the book was about. Not a whole lot is known about the mallet itself.”

She shakes her head.

“I'm afraid there isn't a lot to say about it, its main use in the tale was to change the size of objects it hits.”

“Any ideas of other abilities? Like granting power? Or causing aggression?” Sanae asks, writing in her notepad.

Kosuzu shakes her head again. “Not that I'm aware of, it could grant wishes so it could theoretically do anything you could want it too, but there isn't a lot of information about it.”

Sanae nods, making notes in her notepad.

“Thank you for the information.”

Kosuzu smiles. “Sure, what's with all the fuss about it?”

Sanae smiles back. “Suwako has me looking into an old artifact she said belonged to the Inchlings, just an idle curiosity.”

Kosuzu nods in understanding. “Is there anything else I could help you with?”

“No, thank you.” Sanae responds. “You were a great help.”

Sanae gives a quick bow to Kosuzu which the girl returns, turning and leaving the shop almost as fast as she entered it, leaving you to catch up.

“Come again!” You hear Kosuzu shout from behind you.

You exit the shop to find Sanae standing outside.

“Sorry about that. “ Sanae speaks in a whisper.

“If Kosuzu found out about a possible incident she would go investigate it herself, which would be immensely dangerous for her.”

You nod in understanding.

“She's a good, but young girl. It's best she doesn't get mixed up in this. Shall we get some food and go over our notes?” She offers with a smile.

You nod and allow her to guide you back to the village square.

She walks a little ways back towards the entrance of the village past the square, before walking into a small restaurant.

'Tatsumi's'

The sign next to the door states, some form of noodle house on closer inspection.

You follow Sanae inside and are quickly sat at a table. Sanae pulls out her notepad and starts going over her notes with you.

- - -

“We found out both more, and at the same time less than I expected.” She states with a sigh, closing the notepad back up again.

“It's good that we know more about the artifact now, but none of its abilities match what was described to us, though of course anything is possible with something that can grant wishes." She admits with a grumble.

“And we still have no information about the perpetrator either; besides the description you were able to give us. Perhaps Suwako or Kanako will be able to speak to the Inchlings, for now however I'm afraid we are at a bit of a dead-end.” She leans back into her seat, idly twirling a strand of her hair.

“We've only just started our investigation to be fair, lets just rest and eat for now we can continue afterwards.” You state, sympathetic.

She gives a small nod and you both order your food and eat, Sanae giving you more information on the human village while you do so.

Apparently it was founded about a hundred years back by humans who had crossed the border accidentally, they banded together to survive against hostile animal and youkai species, and as more humans came in and youkai became more friendly to the humans the village expanded into what is now here.

Most youkai are welcome within reason, though plenty of humans still get nervous at the site of them, most either hide their more obvious youkai features, though some like the Oni don't bother, being very friendly to humans… and being too strong to worry about it.

You wonder if you could get away of dropping the disguise while in the village, but you leave that thought for another time.

You finish up your meal and are starting to get up when you feel a hand press down at your shoulder, forcing you back into your seat with a grunt. A glance across the table shows Sanae going over her notes again. She looks up when you grunt, but before she can say anything a voice behind you speaks up.

“Now now... I raised you better than that dear... eating on the job... for shame!” You glance up to see...

Suwako, though she has traded her normal outfit for street clothes, the hat is gone aswell.

“Er... I... we've investigated and were just taking a little break!” Sanae explains half panicked.

Suwako leans down a bit more onto your shoulders, her strength pushing you rather uncomfortably into the chair.

“Hmm.... is that so?” She drawls out, looking between Sanae and you.

Sanae frantically nods.

She stares at Sanae a moment more before breaking out into giggles.

“Calm yourself dear, I'm only teasing ya.” She reaches across the table to ruffle Sanae's hair, pressing you even further into your seat. Before walking past to you take a chair.

“So... what've ya'll found out?” Sanae asks.

- - -

Sanae gives her the results of your investigation so far.

Suwako clicks her tongue and leans back into the seat.

“Not a lot but it's a start.”

“I'm afraid you've had more luck than I have, the Tengu couldn't give me any information, apparently the damned thing came outta nowhere and just starting wrecking the place.”

She lets out a long sigh before turning to look at you.

“If ya'll are finished up here go ahead and head back to the temple, I've got a few things to check into at the village, while you can get some more trainin'.”

You nod, and stand up from the table, Suwako waving the both of you away as she seems determined to get some food herself.

Sanae pays the bill and steps outside, raising her arms above her head and popping her shoulders with a satisfied grunt before smiling at you.

“Shall we get going back to the temple then?” She asks cheerfully, whether her mood's been raised by a good meal, or from seeing Suwako you're not sure.

“Sounds like a plan.” You respond.

She starts walking the rest of the way back to the entrance of the village. It's even busier than before, as farmers are bringing in fresh harvest from the fields, causing a backup at the gate, forcing you and her to fly the rest of the way out of the village, landing on the other side of the gates.

She walks over to a little knoll before stopping, digging into one of her sleeves before pulling out a flight card, most likely the one she was using earlier.

“This'll be a good time for practice, how would you like to try flying a bit?”

You nod and produce the card from your pocket.

“Hold out your arm.” She sticks out her arm, the card held between two fingers, and you match the motion.

“Channel your energy into the card, like you would any normal spellcard, and as you feel it activate, just hop on your feet.”

You nod and channel the magic into the card, feeling nothing at first, before with a slight tugging sensation; you feel your body being lifted ever so slightly off the ground.

Heeding Sanae’s instructions, you give a slight hop, and your momentum stops in midair, leaving you floating above the ground. It’s hard to describe… there’s no issue with balance at all, you can feel the card keeping you righted as you float there.

“All movements are thought based, simply picture where you want to be going and the card will do the rest.” Sanae explains.

You nod once more, focusing on another hill a dozen yards away, and with another slight tug, you feel your body moving towards it.

With just a slight change in focus you can direct your body in any direction you like, and with another simple thought you can control the speed aswell. This is far simpler than you expected.

Sanae guides you around the field gently as you get used to it.

You can’t help giggling like a schoolboy the more you get used to it, a flying fox, who would have thought it.

- - -

A few more minutes of practice and you think you’ve gotten a good hang of it, Sanae starts leading a lazy path through the air back to the temple that you follow slowly behind.

Far more gentle than any flight previously, you actually have time to enjoy the view at your sedate pace, the farmers are all out in their fields now, you can spot some Youkai aswell helping out.

It’s mid afternoon now, the sunlight lighting up the forest as you fly past. You pass over a winding river that cuts through it, the water sparkling in the light, crystal clear aswell.

Lounging in the water you can see a young woman, wearing a fine kimono and with ocean blue hair.

Huh, two familiar faces in the same day.

You speed up a bit to tap Sanae on the shoulder; she comes to a stop in midair to look at you, leaving you to almost run into her.

You point down towards the river as you catch yourself.

“Friend of mine I met during the train ride, maybe they might know something?”

Sanae looks down at the river quizzically, before nodding with a smile on her face.

“Let’s go take a look.”

You turn and gently float down towards the river, passing through the trees before coming to a gentle stop on the rocks lining the bank.

Wagasaki is lying on her back, a large fish tail sticking out of the bottom of the kimono, paddling gently in the water.

That certainly explains the wheelchair on the train. Gentle singing rises above the sound of the water as she floats along.

“Toward Sado, toward Sado, even the tree leaves and grasses are blown by the wind. Is Sado such a nice place to live?”

Her voice carries far, clear and well pitched, it’s beautiful to listen to, but unfortunately you do have something to talk about.

“Good afternoon Miss Wagasaki.” You say, gently as not to startle her, Sanae coming to a stop behind you.

Her eyes slowly flutter open, looking about before focusing on you; a wide smile breaking across her features after a moment of confusion, she quickly flips over in the water, swimming over excitedly to the two of you.

“Good afternoon to you aswell kind sir! I’m afraid I haven’t seen you since the train trip, are you doing well?” She asks, beaching herself partially on the rocks, her tail still moving back and forth in the water behind her.

“Yes thank you, I am doing quite well, yourself?”

She nods at the question. “Quite well, the people here are friendly, and the water’s clean. It’s lovely here.”

“That’s good to hear.” You smile at her. “I am here with miss Sanae of the Moriya shrine, we were hoping you could answer a few questions?”

Sanae steps up and gives a slight bow.

Wakasagi returns the bow with a deep nod. Being unable to bow herself.

“Certainly, how can I be of assistance?”

Sanae speaks up. “We’ve heard reports of a pair of Youkai that may be up to trouble in the area, would you happen to have any knowledge of them?”

She thinks about it for a moment before shaking her head.

“My apologies, I’m afraid I’m really the only one around here, there are some who lives in the forest, including Miss Kagerou who comes to talk to me from time to time, but nobody causing trouble that I’m aware of.”

Sanae sighs. “Figures, no luck today…”

Wakasagi turns toward you. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I really don’t know.”

Then, with a twitch and shiver running down her body, her gaze hardens, and she scowls at you.

“Why are you asking anyway? Do you believe I’ve been causing trouble?” She asks with a surprisingly harsh edge to her tone.

You are taken aback “No. No of course not, we are just hoping to stop some trouble before it starts is all.” You state, attempting to placate her

She is now outright glaring at you.

“Just because I’m new does not mean I’m going to cause problems for all the big and powerful youkai.” She growls out.

You take a step back, feeling Sanae place a hand on your shoulder as you do so.

“I assure you we meant no offence Miss Wakasagi.” Sanae offers.

Wakasagi glances between you and Sanae for a moment, before letting out another growl, swimming back deeper into the water and diving beneath its surface, disappearing in the water. Water that was crystal clear a moment ago is now dark and murky.

You give a glance to Sanae, who is fingering a spellcard, and watching the water.

“Should we leave?” You ask.

“I think we should.” Sanae agrees. “I have a feeling we aren’t welcome at the moment.”

You walk slowly away from the water, not turning your back to it, when you see the surface starts bubbling and rippling violently, water churning back and forth, when with a splash-

Wakasagi shoots up out of the water!

Holding a glowing spellcard in hand she shouts-

Scale Sign "Raging Waves of the Reversed Scale!"

A wave rises from the river and rapidly slams into you and Sanae, sending her flying into a tree and slamming you on to the ground.

The water recedes, leaving you panting on the ground; Sanae is already up again, swinging her Gohei as light shoots out of it.

Esoterica "Forgotten Ritual!"

Colorful balls of energy shoot of the Gohei, creating star patterns as they fly towards Wakasagi.

Wakasagi ducks into the water, the energy shooting overhead.

You pull yourself back up to your feet, grasping the spellcards in your pocket.

Chapter Text

You finish standing shakily back up to your feet, pulling the spellcards from your pocket. Sanae is standing at the ready, floating slightly off the ground now as she stares at the water and shifts her Gohei side to side slowly.

You back slowly away from the water, sticking to the outskirts, waiting for the mermaid to make her appearance again.

You do not have to wait long as she jumps once again out of the water, floating in the air, another spellcard glowing in her hands.

Scale Sign "Great Raging Waves of the Reversed Scale!"

Arrows of light, red and blue shoot out of the card as the water in the river churns violently, the light slowly forming a pattern before rapidly shooting out in all directions, forcing you to duck and dodge as they come at you from seemingly every direction.

Sanae responds in kind, comets of light shooting out of her weapon, small blitzes of electricity joining the mix as well. You watch her dodge the lights with practiced ease, a look of calm concentration on her face. A far cry from the ducking and weaving you are doing.

You finger the flight spellcard, before replacing it with an offensive option, you don’t feel you have a strong enough grasp of flight to match what Sanae is doing, it’s best to stay on the outside and get what shots in you can.

Fox Sign “Flame of Miyagi!”

You pour energy into the spellcard, your hand lighting in blue fire as you send balls of flame towards Wagasaki, joining Sanae’s efforts.

The mermaid twirls and spins through the air, desperately trying to keep moving. When, with another flash of light, the water in the river rushes out once again. The water glows with energy as it shoots out towards you and Sanae.

Sanae manages to just get above the wave in time, allowing it to flow past her as she produces another spellcard.

You on the other hand are not so lucky. The wave knocks over trees and sends debris flying everywhere as you desperately try to get out of the way. The edge of it clips you and knocks you to the ground, and you just barely manage to roll out of the way in time as more light arrows slam into the ground where you just were, dissipating as soon as they hit.

Sea Opening "The Day the Sea Split!"

You look up as Sanae conjures twin waves of light that spread and swing around coming at the mermaid from two directions, just as they were about to hit, Wagasaki falls back into the water, disappearing once again into its depths, leaving the waves of light to disappear harmlessly into the air.

Sanae growls in frustration, watching the water before glancing around the battlefield, her eyes landing on you slowly standing back up again.

She flies quickly over to you, helping you back up.

“Are you alright?” She asks, worry in her voice but still focused on the water.

“I’ll… I’ll be fine, I think I have a plan.”

She cocks her heads to the side in acknowledgement, but doesn’t turn her head away from the water.

“If you can prepare an attack, I can force her to stay up and take the brunt of it, instead of diving back into the water like she wants.”

She nods, fishing around in her sleeve for another spellcard, before taking to the air again.

- - -

Wagasaki surfaces once more, sending sprays of energy in all directions, forcing you to take cover behind a tree as it shoots past. Sanae responds in kind sending light back at her, the duel continuing.

You move from tree to tree, dodging the energy balls as you get closer to the river, the light isn’t aimed at you in so much as it is flying in every possible direction, it appears she appreciates quantity over accuracy.

Sanae keeps up the attack as you finally reach the edge of the river, a good two of three dozen yards away from the mermaid, still battling with Sanae in midair.

You pull the spellcard and channel energy into it.

Fox Sign – “What Was Not There”

You are not sure about the rules of whispering the name of your spellcard, but you are going with it.

A copy of yourself appears crouched next to you, shimmering faintly with your energy.

"Sanae! Now!”

Great Miracle "Yasaka's Divine Wind!"

Her voice carries across the clearing, an explosion of bright light in spiral patterns erupting from the spellcard in her hand, twisting and spiraling in all directions, the trees start shaking and dirt and dust is kicked up as a strong wind blasts the area.

The light then starts rapidly spinning towards Wagasaki, speeding towards her from multiple directions.

With a startled yelp the mermaid turns in the air to dive back into the water, but freezes as she sees you standing there on top of the water, blue flames dancing in your hands as you smirk up at her.

The confusion only lasts a moment before she goes to dive again, through you if necessary, but it was enough. She lets out a pained screamed as the lights slams into her back, sending her spinning in the air before she crashes onto the ground on the opposite end of the riverbank, unmoving.

Silence reigns as Sanae floats down to the ground again, the ‘you’ on the water disappearing as you stand up from your crouch behind a tree.

Sanae gives you a brief look over, before nodding and heading over to the unconscious mermaid.

You follow shortly afterwards after Sanae, who is currently standing next to the prone woman watching warily. When, with slight movements of her tail running across the rocks, Wagasaki groans and opens her eyes slowly. Sanae already has her Gohei in a ready position as the mermaid blinks slowly, looking around in confusion.

Her eyes look between you and Sanae before settling on you.

“A-Ayumu…?” She says, a slur in her voice.

She shakes her head side to side rapidly, trying to clear the grogginess.

“W-What happened?” She looks at you with obvious confusion.

Sanae responds to her question, slowly putting her Gohei away.

“You attacked us, do you not remember?” Sanae questions, more concern than you expected in her voice.

Wagasaki shakes her head again.

“I’m sorry… the last thing I remember is you asking me some questions regarding Youkai… then everything is fuzzy. I… I didn’t hurt you did I?” She looks frightened at the prospect, looking you up and down.

You wave her concerns away. “I’m fine, are you alright?”

She gives herself a brief look over.

“My clothes are ruined I believe, but I am fine… if a little sore.”

She pulls at the scraps of her outerwear with obvious frustration. Torn and muddy, it is indeed ruined, luckily enough for her; the kimono had multiple layers.

While she is Sanae pulls you to the side to whisper in your ear.

“What should we do?”

You clench your fist before letting it go again. “If it is anything like what I’ve experienced previously, she probably has been affected by the artifact we are looking into; it appeared to cause aggression from what I experienced of it.”

She shakes her head. “I know you stated it caused aggression, but on this level? I expected harsh words, not conflict.”

You glance away and rub the spot on your chest where Yukari… ended you.

“Remember when I mentioned that I spoke to Yukari in the dream?” She nods slowly.

“Well… when I said it wasn’t the most pleasant conversation, it was a bit more than that. She kind of… murdered me on the spot after giving me instructions, and she was acting like Wakasagi was here.”

Sanae blanches and steps back in a jerk.

“L-lady Yukari… killed you?!” She shouts across the clearing, Wakasagi jerks back aswell, though more at the outburst than the contents.

“Calm.” You speak firmly staring into Sanae’s eyes.

“The artifact was affecting her, like it was Wakasagi aswell, it changes your actions and affects one’s powers. And I cannot be hurt in a dream, the most she did was force me to wake up.”

She looks at you, obvious worry on her features.

She shakily holds up a hand to your chest, glowing in pure white light.

You start to jump back, to dodge the attack. When she closes the rest of the distance and places her hand on your chest.

A warm feeling suffuses over you… you feel the pains and soreness of the fight fade away.

Sanae has her eyes closed in concentration, then after a moment, she opens them slowly, and the light fades away.

She allows the hand to drop to her side.

“There was a faint trace of magical energy near your heart, but nothing harmful.” She shakes her head and lets out a sigh.

“Please tell me in the future when somebody is attempts to murder you please.” She says with a strained smile.

You nod; pissing off the laser priestess would probably be a bad idea.

“Now then!” She turns back to the mermaid, who has managed to ‘sit’ herself up, laying on her side, the fish tail slowly swishing along the rocks as she looks at you two in confusion.

Sanae glances at you and jerks her head towards the mermaid.

You walk up and past Sanae kneeing down to be face to face with Wakasagi.

“You’ve been here as long as I have. Have you run into anyone strange recently? And where have you been recently?”

She thinks about it for a moment, before shaking her head.

“I’m afraid not, I left the station shortly after I received directions to the nearest water source. While I do not require water to live, I am far more comfortable in it, I was planning to make my way into the human village tomorrow, but I’ve mostly been meeting a few people in the forest.” She explains.

“There’s Kagerou… who I believe arrived at the same time I did, she keeps to herself but is friendly.” She points off into the forest.

She claps her hands together. “Oh! There was also a woman with white hair near here yesterday! I’m afraid I didn’t get her name… I kind of kept my distance as she kept setting fire to some trees over and over while muttering to herself…”

You give a glance over to Sanae who just shakes her head and waves her hand in a dismissive motion.

“I’m afraid that’s it as regards to other people.”

Sanae cuts in. “If you headed straight here from the train station, where did you get your spellcards?”

Wakasagi blinks for a moment.

“A young girl with purple hair, about… yay high?”

She holds her hand up to what would be your thighs.

“She was handing them out on the path outside the trainstation. Said they were a requirement for self defense, she gave me brief instructions on how to activate a few then sent me on my way. I haven’t us-…”

She corrects herself with a blush. “I didn’t use them up until a few moments ago.”

“Can you describe what she looked like?” Sanae asks.

“Um, purple hair… brown eyes. She was dressed in a grey cloak but was wearing a red kimono underneath.”

“I’m afraid she didn’t give me her name…” She says apologetically.

You give another glance to Sanae, who shakes her head again before speaking up.

“Was there anyone else on the road?”

Wakasagi shakes her head in the negative.

“I’m sorry. She was the only one I ran into before I made it to the river, there were some humans, but we didn’t make conversation.”

Sanae nods before letting out another deep sigh.

“It’s more than we had before, today’s a day of half answers and further mysteries, but it’s something.” She tucks some hair behind her ear and bows to the mermaid.

“I thank you for your time.”

You bow with her and the mermaid returns it.

- - -

It’s a short flight back to the temple grounds, Wakasagi having gone back into the river to recover.

It’s roughly three in the afternoon when you land on the grounds, deserted as usual.

Sanae speaks up after looking around a moment.

“I’m going to go freshen up; I’d suggest you do the same. I’ll then get dinner started, Suwako suggested training you today…. But I think you just had some.” She gives you a wry smile before giggling. She gives you a wave a starts to walk back into the temple, leaving you on the grounds.

You head in aswell shortly afterwards, heading towards your room and a shower, quickly grabbing something more comfortable and hopping into the shower as you think about the day’s events.

Hakurei Shrine – Bust… maybe, you weren’t really there for information, and you do not know enough about Reimu to make a judgment call as to whether she will be helpful. That encounter with Mima was interesting in its own right… you are curious about the “underground” she mentioned.

Human Village – Success. At least in your mind, you certainly did not get all the information you set out for, but you did establish some useful contacts. You didn’t expect to run into Am- Akyuu. So with her being on your side you have an advantage. Kosuzu however wasn’t as great a lead as you had hoped for. You have a sneaking suspicion that the only book about the artifact being checked out before the incident wasn’t any coincidence either.

Wakasagi – Mystery. You don’t doubt what she told you was true, but the fact that even a brief contact with the perpetrators was enough to make her act like that worries you greatly. Then again, you aren’t fully sure how the artifact works in general, so it could be something even simpler, or far more complicated than that.

It was also your first taste of a spellcard duel, it was… chaotic to say the least, most of your fights were solved with the blade or the gun before. The idea of non lethal fighting has its appeal to be sure… though rules be damned you are sure there have been deaths before.

At the end of the day you will have to wait and see, at least in regards to Akyuu, beyond that you will see if Suwako has heard anything.

You finish up your shower and step back out marginally refreshed, swapping into a relatively clean pair of jeans and a shirt you head back into the main hall.

The scent of incense fills the room; on the altar are two sticks of it, slowly burning. Either Sanae came back and lit some, or the place is haunted.

You’ll just bet on Sanae as you head through the room and towards the dining area.

Inside the dining room you see Kanako, watching TV as she usually does. Still in her small form, she’s stacked several cushions on top of each other and is sitting on them cross legged, to be roughly the height she was before.

She gives you the customary glance and nod, and then turns back to the TV.

You nod back and take a spot across from her, sitting on the floor as there are no longer spare cushions.

- - -

Surprisingly after awhile she speaks up, apparently the nature program on TV not keeping her full attention.

“Find anything useful today?”

You think about your response for a moment.

“A few leads, a few answers, and a few more mysteries. We got some good information at the human village, though we still don’t have anything concrete.”

She nods, and then glares just as quickly.

“Sanae states you got into a fight?” She states with a surprisingly harsh tone.

“Er… yes, we both did, it appears the artifacts power affected a local Youkai, who turned hostile, Sanae handled it, and I wasn’t able to do a whole lot.” You admit.

She grunts.

“And what’s this I hear about Lady Ak-“

The door to the room slams open, Sanae standing there holding her fists at her sides, hunched over slightly.

“Lady Kanako!” She yells.

“I told you everything we found out earlier! Why are you interrogating him!?”

Kanako jerks back, flailing her arms as she nearly goes off the back of the cushions before righting herself.

“Er… I was just confirming what you told me earlier…”

Sanae glares at her.

The goddess crosses her arms turning her head to the side. “Multiple accounts are important Sanae!”

… Is she pouting?

“Lady Kanako…” Sanae growls out.

The goddess turns her head even further to the side. Oh gods she is pouting.

“Just… get along please…” Sanae sighs, closing the door again.

Kanako turns her head back and sticks a long forked tongue at the door, before turning back to the TV.

Well…that… just happened.

- - -

A little while later Sanae brings out some food, and you all eat in relative silence, Suwako has still not come back, however when you ask about it, you find out apparently she contacted Kanako earlier to let her know she wouldn’t be back until tomorrow morning, apparently she had found an interesting lead.

She had also stated you were scheduled for more ‘training’ tomorrow.

May that particular goddess have mercy on your soul.

Kanako heads back to her room shortly after dinner is finished, Sanae looking after her with a slight frown on her face before shaking her head.

As she gets up to put away the dishes you remember a question you wanted to ask her.

“Hey Sanae?”

“Yes?” She turns towards to you.

“What do you have for clothes washing around here?”

“I’m afraid my suit is getting a little… worse for wear.” You explain.

She pauses.

“Didn’t we show you?”

You look at her confused.

“Show me… what?”

She gestures for you to follow her and you do so. Just past the kitchen and towards the goddess’s bedrooms she opens a sliding door, revealing a washer-dryer set into a recess in the wall.

“Feel free to use it whenever you need to.” She states with a smile.

And with that she walks back towards the kitchen to clean up.

… The Moriya are amazing, no questions asked.

- - -

The evening turns into night fairly quickly, still no sign of Suwako, and Kanako and Sanae have turned into their rooms for the night, leaving you watching TV alone in the dining room.

After another hour with still no sign of Suwako, you head back to your room to turn in for the night aswell.

It doesn’t take you long to fall asleep tonight either, the adventures of the day catching up to you quickly as you asleep, you had wondered about making another spellcard, but figured that could be handled during ‘training’ tomorrow.

And as you sleep, you dream.

- - -

Dammit not again.

You are floating in a void, inky blackness stretching in all directions. Like space without stars, or a night without the moon.

In the distance, you can see a… Doorway? Opening? Portal? Casting light into the void, you try to move towards it, but no matter how hard you try, you cannot move any of your limbs beyond your head.

When… in the light you can see a figure, completely silhouetted by the brightness behind it reaching out towards you. It’s impossible to distinguish any features; however you can see the silhouetted outstretched hand and arm clearly.

The light behind the figure starts flashing colors…

White

Green

Yellow

Red

Then flashes with a black/purple light, and then repeats, over and over, the figure unmoving, the colors flashing behind them.

You start to feel a tingling sensation in your arm, and find to your relief you can move it again, you raise it up to the figure, trying to grasp their hand, when, with a flash of light, you feel close the distance and grab your hand... and pull you into the doorway.

Chapter Text

The white light envelopes you, a strong arm pulling you into it. Sharp nails dig into your arm, leaving you hissing in pain as it becomes too bright to see... pulling you into the void of white.

The first thing you hear is the gentle lilting of a piano. Reverberating through the void around you, a soft slow tune, melancholic…

“Sylvia?” A voice, gentle, with a rather heavy French accent sounds through the void.

“Il est temps de se réveiller, Sylvia!” You feel something push against your shoulders lightly; sending you gently floating through the void, but nothing is there when you look. Then, the light slowly fades.

- - -

You blink as the world comes back into view again, spots in your vision from the sheer brightness of the light that previously surrounded you. The piano is louder now, but no longer echoing.

You are standing in front of a small café, brick in construction, with a wrought iron fence surrounding it, sitting on a paved brick road, stretching off into the distance, however this is the only building on the road. Grassland… plain and unmoving surrounds it. Like someone took a building out of the city and moved it into the middle of nowhere.

A sign above the door stirs slightly in a nonexistent breeze.

‘Un Moment Donné

The sign proclaims, the words in simple lettering under an image of a steaming teacup. You can smell bread and tealeaves from here, though you cannot see anyone inside.

With a gentle pitter and patter a light rain starts coming down, barely more than a summer shower, however with not a lot of options for shelter you quickly walk forwards and into the cafe.

Inside it lives up to the stereotypical image of a small quaint cafe, small wooden tables of fine quality are spread throughout the shop, in the back is a large counter with stools in front of it, upon which sit many fine porcelain cups, along with pastries on small plates.

A piano sits in the corner, a gentle melody coming from it, keys are being pressed, but nobody is there playing them.

And leaning against a wall, staring out at the rain wistfully, is a young woman no more than fourteen, dressed as a maid with stark white hair.

She turns her head to look at you as you walk in, before pushing off the wall and walking behind the counter, looking at you with a prim and proper smile.

You walk up to the counter slowly, gingerly reaching for your pocket to grasp at your spellcards... just in case. Your hand however just brushes against fabric. A quick glance down shows that you have no pockets; these aren’t the clothes you feel asleep in either.

A quick look-over and you appear to be wearing some form of old suit, long and black, buttoned up… 19th century? It’s not a look you particularly like on yourself.

A light cough sounds from behind the counter. Glancing back up you see the woman there, still smiling at you expectantly, hands held behind her back.

…Alright you get the message.

You walk the rest of the way up to the counter.

“Good Morning madam… or is it evening?” You ask.

Her eyes go wide and she blinks rapidly.

“Er… S'il… S’il vous plait, répétez cela?”

French? Okay, you can work with that.

“My apologies madam I slipped into my native tongue, I stated good morning… and also good evening, I’m afraid I do not have the time.” You state in French.

She breathes a sigh of relief and smiles at you.

“It is morning sir. How might I be of service?”

“I’m afraid I do not quite know where I am... Oh! And a cup of tea would be lovely.”

She nods and pulls a cup from the counter and starts working on smaller counter behind her.

“You are in Thionville sir. Are you lost?”

You scratch the back of your head.

“You… you could say that yes.”

She giggles and turns back to face you, holding a steaming cup of tea that she places on the counter in front of you.

You accept it gratefully, giving it a sip.

It’s a blend you don’t recognize, but it is quite good.

“Thank you, it is good.” She smiles at the compliment, before turning back to start cleaning some dishes.

“May I have your name?” You ask as she works.

“I am Sylvia sir, and you are?”

“I am Ayumu.” You reply.

She pauses for a brief moment, before continuing to work.

“Are you perchance…. Oriental?”

“I'm sorry if that's an offensive thing to ask, just... with your features and the language you spoke earlier...” She lets the sentence hang.

You think on it a moment, seeing no reason to lie.

“Yes... I’m from Japan.”

“Oh!” She turns back around, holding a plate in her hand.

“Lost indeed then! How on earth did you manage to wander into my shop?” She asks, excited curiosity in her eyes.

“I’m… not sure myself, I just happened to wander upon it.” You shrug, taking another sip of your tea.

“Well, your French is quite excellent, where did you learn?”

You shake your head. “Self taught actually, languages always came naturally to me.”

She giggles behind the plate. Before walking around the counter and taking a seat next to you.

“Could you… please tell me about it?” She asks, excitedly. “I’m afraid I’ve been in Thionville all of my life so far, and as you can see... we aren't particularly busy at the moment. You nod slowly, it’s nice to have a break from dreams where people murder you.

Over the course of the next hour or so, you answer her questions about the land of your birth.

- - -

So far compared to the dreams before it, this is quite lovely; Sylvia has been attentive with tea and has listened with rapt attention to all of your explanations and stories, acting every bit the teenage girl she appears to be, though this is still a dream, which raises a simple question.

Where in Gensokyo is a Frenchwoman?

You sit there in peace drinking your tea for a bit as she goes to prepare a fresh cup, before you hear a gentle tinkling of the bell behind you.

In steps a woman with Lavender hair and fine white and red clothing, slowly folding an umbrella and placing it near the door.

Sylvia looks back as the bell rings, before her face brightens with a smile.

“Good morning Miss Remilia! Shall you be having the usual?” She asks, turning fully around to look at the new arrival.

The woman finishes stowing away the umbrella before looking at you, then Sylvia with striking red eyes.

“Yes, thank you Sakuya.”

...Sakuya?

The woman walks over slowly before taking a seat on the chair next to you .

“Sakuya?” You state, question in your voice as you look towards Sylvia.

“Er...” Sylvia blushes, faltering in her work a little.

Remilia laughs at her plight as Slyvia turns her back to you both to work on the tea.

“It's just a nickname for her... I'm told it means 'flowering', in the language of the orient.”

“And isn't she just a lovely blooming specimen?” The woman asks sounding like one would of their daughter, chin cupped in a hand as she watches 'Sakuya' work.

“It does indeed... Japanese to be specific, and yes, she is quite the lovely young woman.”

She gives you an appraising look with a red eye, before clapping happily as a tea cup is set in front of her. Wasting little time she picks up the cup and takes an appreciative drink. Before setting it back down on it's saucer and smiling at Sylvia.

“Lovely as always Sakuya... Oh I do wish I could just keep drinking your tea forever!” She states with grin.

Sakuya giggles again with another blush on her face.

“But unfortunately I'm afraid there is business to be taken care of.” She states, sounding regretful at having to put the tea aside.

“Yes...?” Sylvia asks.

Remilia's eye glow brightly for a moment, then with a crash of a shattering cup on the hardwood floor, Sylvia falls to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

Before you have time to react, she's already turned her head back towards you.

“I'm afraid this wasn't Sakuya's dream... And when somebody decided to pop in... well I couldn't hold back my curiosity.” She states, a smirk on her face.

“Am I Remilia Scarlet so charming and irresistible that now people seek my company in even my dreams?” She asks, placing a hand on her chest.

Well... she hasn't tried to kill you, that's a good sign right?

“I'm afraid I didn't really choose my destination as such...” You explain carefully. "While this place is lovely, I'm afraid I've had a rather nasty run of dream hopping lately. Any intrusion was purely accidental.”

Remilia gives you a flat look.

“You just randomly happened to find yourself in one my delightful dreams? My magnificent memories?” She asks with a raised eyebrow.

You slowly nod.

“But... But that's so BORING!” She yells in your face.

With a ripping sound a pair of wings burst from the back of her dress, and before your eyes the 'woman' shrinks a good two feet and takes on much more youthful features. The dress changing shape aswell.

“You're telling me I waited outside for an hour, listening to your boring stories... for such a boring outcome!?”

“I'm... sorry?” You say carefully.

She glares at you, before sighing and picking up the cup of tea again, taking a sip.

“Well shoot... and here I was hoping something exciting was happening.”

“I'm sorry for misleading you?” You say, not quite sure how you should be reacting to this turn of events.

She places the cup back down, looking back up at you.

“I'm going to hit you now.” She states.

“...What?”

That's the only warning you get before a hand slaps you in the side, sending you flying off the chair, the last thing you see is the brick wall getting closer at alarming speed before everything goes to black.

- - -

Your eyes open to see your ceiling. The smell of tea and sound of the piano replaced by the scent of old wood and morning birds, sunlight casting through the window near the ceiling.

Well at least this time you apparently were in there long enough to get a full night of sleep.

You sit up slowly, allowing wakefulness to come to you.

Another night, another dream invasion, it's never really something you experimented with back in the 'normal' world. Little reason to do it most of the time, Inception be damned. Most people could tell when someone was in their dreams, at least, people with spiritual or magical energy could.

But you've certainly yet to enter the dream of a normal human since you got here.

Still... who is Remilia Scarlet? You haven't heard mention of her yet. Maybe you should ask when you meet everyone again today.

You stand to get up and start your day, when as you do you hear a piece of paper hit the floor, glancing down, you see the backside of a spellcard laying on ground at your feet.

You slowly reach down and pick it up, flipping it over.

…

It is an image of Remilia, shooting some form of red energy in all directions. Silverly lettering across the bottom of the card reads.

Scarlet Sign “Scarlet Shoot”

You stare at it blankly. This... could slightly complicate things.

Why... do you have one of her spellcards?

Could... could you even use someone elses spellcard? Nobody mentioned anything about it, what happens if you have someone elses? Is she now missing one of hers? Does she know? Oh dear gods she was able to slap you twenty feet into a brick wa-

CALM.

You force yourself to calm down, panicking wont get you anywhere.

What... do you do with this?

- - -

Beyond that shock to your system the rest of the morning proceeds smoothly, it woke you up rather quickly, and after a quick shower you change into your last clean pair of jeans, figuring you'll do some laundry after Suwako gets finished with you. You pocket your spellcards, and after a brief moment of hesitation pocket Remilia's aswell.

You enter the dining room to find breakfast is already in the midst of being served. Sanae having whipped up a large amount of eggs, Kanako and Suwako at the table already.

Suwako gives a cheerful wave at your entrance and Kanako nods as per usual.

They've switch back to normal, Suwako at her smaller size, while Kanako is back to being the size she was when you first met her.

You sit down across from them and prepare to start eating.

“Did you find out anything more Suwako?” You ask the diminutive goddess.

She nods her head. “A few things I'm looking into, but nothing really concrete as of yet. Sanae already filled me in on what you found out yesterday as yall were headed back.”

“Good work by the way.”

You nod at the compliment.

“Today you'll be trainin' again.”

“Same place as before Lady Suwako?” You ask.

“Yep... head there 'bout ten minutes after breakfast.”

You nod in understanding, and breakfast passes uneventfully.

You wait in the dining room until about ten minutes after everyone has finished and gone back to their rooms, then head out the back of the temple and towards the clearing.

It's a quick walk down the steps as you take a quick glance around. Barring a few missing trees, there's almost nothing here that would indicate there was a 'battle' the other day.

However there is no sign of Suwako.

“Lady Suwako?” You call out.

...

“Not today I'm afraid.” A deep voice speaks up from behind you after a few moments of silence at your call.

You jump a little and turn around, standing a few feet behind you is Kanako, one hand on her hip as she looks slightly down at you.

“I'll be taking over your training this morning, we thought it would be helpful to get used to different opponents.”

You nod in understanding, this is going to hurt isn't it? She's been annoyed at you since yesterday for some reason.

She walks past you towards the center clearing, wooden poles come gently floating in from the woods towards her as she walks away.

She gets no more than a dozen steps away before jerking to the side and cupping her ears. The wooden poles crashing to the ground with loud thumps.

“FINE! I'll do it! Dammit Suwako!” She shouts into the air.

She turns back around slowly. Letting out a breath as she stares at you.

Then, she bows, ever so slightly.

“I apologize.”

...Huh?

“I have not been myself lately due to the... stresses of the recent situation, and I may have inadvertently taken some of that out on you last night. You have been helpful so far, and I apologize for any misunderstandings.”

“It's.... It's alright?” You respond.

“Thank you.” She responds, she lifts back up from her bow and walks the rest of the way into the center of the clearing, the wooden poles spinning slightly behind her back as she stands there staring at you.

“NOW THEN! We shall fight until you are exhausted! Anything to say before we begin?”

...

"Don't kill me?"

Chapter Text

There is one thing however.

It's... probably not the best idea to keep this hidden, and while pulling a trump card on her mid fight might even the odds a little, it may also be Casus-Belli for turning you into a pink mist.

“Actually there is...” You slowly produce the spellcard from your pocket, her eyes instantly narrowing and focusing on it.

“Is that...?” She trails off, walking back closer to you.

“Last night... I entered the dream of a woman who called herself Remilia Scarlet.”

Kanako's breath hitches.

“It... went well enough I suppose, she was more curious what I was doing there than anything, however once the dream... ended. I woke up with this in my lap.”

“You... woke up with one of her spellcards?” She asks.

You nod.

“Yukari was one thing... there is only two others I know of that have done something similar, one's a thief, the other read minds to do it."

“... Perhaps the dreams function like that?” She starts mumbling to herself, though you think you can make out. “Earth palace.”

She shakes her head and focuses back on you.

“Are you able to use it?”

You shrug.

“I haven't tried... I don't know enough about spellcards to know if such a thing was even possible.”

She crosses her arms, closing her eyes in thought.

"Spellcards are based on the power of their originator, think of them like a blade made custom for it's wielder, anyone can theoretically wield it... but only it's original recipient can use it best. So yes... you can use the spellcard, though I cannot speak for your ability to control it, and knowing what I know of Remilia Scarlet it's power draw is more than likely immense.” She explains.

“I would be careful of using it... if more for the risk of knocking yourself out from over drawing energy.”

She opens her eyes back up, the poles spinning into place behind her, pointed directly at you.

“Now then!”

“I. Kanako Yasaka, Goddess of the Winds, ruler of Youkai Mountain, and Creator of Heavens, challenge you to a spellcard battle. Do you accept my challenge?”

You nod in the affirmative, pulling out your spellcards.

“I. Ayumu accept your challenge.”

“THEN BEGIN!”

She holds a spellcard high above her head that glows with a golden light.

“Divine Pillar - Meteoric Onbashira!"

The pillars with a flash of light and gust of wind go flying towards you, forcing you to leap backwards as they impact the ground hard enough to send dirt flying in all directions.

Bang....BANG.....BANG! Pillars of wood slam into the dirt around you, knocking you around from the force of impacts alone, you clutch the flight card in your hand, feeling it bend under stress, before you channel energy into it, sending you flying back as three pillars land where you were just standing.

“ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?!” You shout to be heard over the rushing winds and crashing of the pillars. While Suwako fought with confusion and subterfuge, it appears Kanako has no time for any of that nonsense, preferring pure raw power.

Her voice carries along the winds, her voice IS the winds. “You do not have the agility of Suwako and cannot dodge forever, FIGHT OR FALL!”

You grit your teeth and clutch fox fire in your hands, the winds are stinging against your eyes, and it's hard enough as is to dodge those poles on the ground, let alone in midair where you do not have full control of yourself, though the third dimension does give you more options.

You channel energy into the card, sending fire past the poles in midair towards her, forcing her to dodge and take her mind off of her attack for a brief moment.

If you can just find a way to press an offensive...

She bats away some fox fire with the back of her hand, regaining her focus on you as the poles realign.

You hold up a spellcard of your own.

“Fox sign – What Was Not There!”

Two copies of yourself appear next to you, and with a brief moment of concentration they both fly away from you in opposite directions.

“Fox sign – Flame of Miyagi!”

Your voice is in stereo, echoing from your right and left, as fire erupts from you and your illusions hands, flying towards Kanako.

Kanako responds in kind, sending poles flying through the air at you and your copies, while at the same time dodging the flames, however it appears splitting her targets was an effective strategy, after a few volleys she hisses as fox fire clips her in the shoulder, burning the cloth a little.

“Yes, good, fight me!" Yells Kanako, sporting a particularly bloodthirsty grin.

She holds another spellcard above her head, the poles stopping mid flight.

“Sacrifice Sign - Misayama Hunting Shrine Ritual!"

The poles glow brightly and explode in what can only be described as magical shrapnel. Bursts of energy goes flying in every direction, the illusion to your left gets no time to dodge, taking the full brunt of an energy ball to the chest, dissipating immediately.

The right isn't fairing any much better, dodging and weaving as the energy expands and expands, leaving precious little room to maneuver. If you could just get through the gaps enough you could attempt to divide her attention again!

Just as you rise above another explosion of energy, a rush of wind blasts against you, sending you flying back into one of the balls of energy burning your back like fire, when through the energy in front of you comes small glowing blades, whistling as they scythe and spin through the air, your last illusion doesn't have the time to move as one cuts into it from below dissipating it instantly.

You allow the magic to fade from your flight card, sending you hurtling to the ground rapidly, but with the benefit of quickly getting out of the way of the daggers, more come flying at you from the energy mass as you desperately weave through the air. Pumping magic into the card again.

This is absolutely insane, how do these people fight this way?!

A stray dagger slices across your hand, sending you flying uncontrollably through the air as you lose your concentration and slam your back into a tree. Your grit your teeth and clutch the wound, staring up at the mass of energy and daggers, Kanako floating above it.

It didn't draw blood, you don't think it can, but it most certainly hurt.

More pillars spin through the air, glowing faintly, ready to release more magical energy, while the daggers fly through the air in patterns, waiting for you to rise to face her again.

“DO NOT HOLD BACK!” Kanako's voice yells, clearly despite the distance between you.

Hold back? She thinks your holding back?! Your just barely staying alive at this point, nothing you have has scratched her.

“USE EVERY TOOL IN YOUR DISPOSAL DURING A BATTLE. WHILE THE DUELS ARE NON LETHAL, THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE CAN BE GRAVE!”

You know what she wants...

You slowly reach into the pocket, pulling out the scarlet card.

You are only going to get one shot at this...

You grunt as a truly massive amount of energy is drawn from you, stumbling on your feet a little as you do so. You raise the card and point it directly at her, it glowing red and visibly leaking energy.

“Scarlet Sign – SCARLET SHOOT!” With the force of a cannon blast you are sent flying backwards into the tree again as red energy shoots out of the card, obliterating everything in it's path, knives are knocked out of the air and poles explode into splinters.

The energy carves through it all before dissipating a few dozen feet from her, having been slowed to a stop by the sheer amount of energy it had to pass through resisting it.

You grit your teeth in frustration... you need more... you have to have more.

Kanako is recovering quickly, summoning more poles and getting ready to attack again.

...

You know how sometimes when you have a headache, and it feels like a very specific piece of your skull is hurting? You know how you feel that if you could just REACH it, or rub it hard enough you could make it better?

With a rush of energy along your form, you allow a mental barrier, held in place for several years without being removed, to fall.

Your tails and ears pop out of hiding immediately, your senses get sharper, you can smell the burnt ozone from the fox fire, you can hear the faint whistling of the daggers moving through the air, and you can see every detail of the spellcard she has in her hands.

You hunch over and break out into a run in all fours, fur quickly covering your arms and paws replacing your hands. With a mad dash and hop you jump onto the side of a tree before leaping off of it into the air, her energy rushing towards you.

You can feel the faint magic of your spellcards, and with just a thought you focus on Remilia's.

With a growl you pour the last reserves of your energy into the spell again.

“SCARLET SIGN – SCARLET SHOOT!”

While the previous attack you could compare to a cannon, in full fox form, this is like a speeding locomotive, you go spinning wildly through the air as the recoil removes all sense of control, grunting in pain as her energy strikes true at the same time, slamming into you from multiple directions and forcing you down to the ground.

You crack one eye open long enough to see the crimson energy obliterating everything in it's path as it makes a beeline for Kanako, she quickly pulls a card from her sleeve, all the energy balls dissipating and the poles falling to the ground around you.

She doesn't take the time to raise it above her head, as she shouts.

“VIRTUE OF THE WIND GOD!”

Multicolored talismans shoot out of the card, green, blue, red, all slamming into the burst of energy heading straight forward. It destroys the first volley sent into it, getting dangerously close the goddess, however the card in her hand glows bright, and the talismans go flying even faster, no more than a few feet away from her, you watch in awe and more than a little terror as she halts the push of energy.

With nothing still powering it, the crimson energy dissipates harmlessly once it reached a force it could not immediately push through. Leaving talismans shooting rapidly through the faded energy, before turning and making a beeline straight for your prone position on the ground.

… Oh come on, that isn't even fair.

That is your last thought as they strike home, knocking you unconscious.

- - -

You wake a short time later, hurting all over and feeling your body jostling you slowly open your eyes, to see the face of Kanako looking down at you.

And as you gain more awareness, you realize the jostling is from her carrying you. She is holding you with one arm, pressing you against her side like one would carry a rolled up mattress.

You grunt and speak up. "I take it I lost then?”

She looks back towards the path and nods. “Yes, quite handily.”

Insult to injury Kanako....

She shakes her head and looks back at you.

“Do not think I am demeaning you, you have good instincts, you just do not have the reserves yet to use such attacks repeatedly. A Youkai would not show mercy if you were to pass out mid battle from exhaustion.”

You let out a sigh and nod.

Your limbs are still tingling, like you had been laying on them for awhile, you feel a slight headache forming aswell. You've never used that much power all at once for a long, long time.

She carries you the rest of the way up the steps, before setting you gently back onto your feet, besides a slight dizzy spell, you manage to stand up successfully. She gives you a glance over, brushing some dirt off of your shoulder before nodding in apparent satisfaction.

“We can work on increasing your reserves, your agility and instincts are thankfully fine however, so that limits what we have to focus on. Do not fret, my daughter had the same issues when she started aswell.” She has a faraway look in her eyes, a small smile on her face.

You cock your head in confusion.

“Daughter?”

The smile cracks, a faint blush on her face.

She coughs into her hand, her face neutral again.

“I MEANT Priestess Sanae, she had issues with control when she first started, her power was immense but she did not have the reserves to back it up, it took quite some time before she could reliable wage a protracted duel.“

You nod, a small smile making it's way onto your face.

“I will look forward to training with you further then Kanako.” You bow to her.

She returns it, a smirk making it's way onto her face. Not unlike the one she had on her face during the battle earlier.

“I look forward to it.” With that she heads back into the temple, however she pauses at the door, seemingly remembering something.

“Go see Sanae in about an hour, she has some more work for you to do.” She closes the door behind her.

...Mercy.

- - -

You get an hours rest, sitting with Suwako in the dining room and watching the television, before heading back outside to look for Sanae.

It doesn't take long to do so. Sanae is in the front yard, cutting some lumber with a hand saw, having replaced her shrine maiden outfit for more practical clothing, including a carpenters apron as she cuts her way through plywood.

“I was told you need me?”

Sanae pauses in her work, looking up at you with a broad smile. “Indeed I do!”

She grabs a spare saw that was leaning against the table she was using. Tossing it to you.

You grab it out of the air, looking at it curiously. “Need my help to cut the lumber?”

She shakes her head. “Nope!” She points at the temple roof and you follow her point, looking at the poles still jutting out of it.

“I want you to use your flight abilities and go ahead and start removing some of those.” She states.

“...Alright, I can do that, though are you aware I can apply more permanent illusions aswell?”

She looks at you curiously.

“I can at least make the buildings here look a bit less... smashed.” Gesturing to the small shack you saw when you first came to the shrine, still neatly split in half, a large wooden pillar having smashed straight through it.

She crosses her arms and taps her foot against the ground, thinking on it. “Hmm... I'll keep it in mind, but most likely not. I don't want to risk ignoring structural damage... and we don't get enough visitors to really need it to be... perfect.” She states.

“Alright, I'll get to work then.” Pulling out the flight spellcard again.

“Thank you. I'll let you know when it's time for lunch.”

And with that you get to head off towards the roof.

- - -

It's harder than you thought, you grumble to yourself.

Yeah... give the exhausted man the job to cut through the damned titanium pillars.

You've been going at one for a good thirty minutes before you manage to cut your way through it, even with your strength the pillar is harder than it has any right to be, you pull it the rest of the way through the roof with a grunt, before tossing it down to the grounds below, where it crashes loudly.

Sanae's still working in the front yard, getting lumber together, taking measurements from a nearby shack, most likely going to replace the shattered wood.

You shake your head and look down at the newly opened hole, it appears to be the attic, of which you didn't even realize the temple had. Beyond apparent metal piping and wires there's nothing in there. At least the pillars didn't damage anything particularly important, but you'll need to ask Sanae how she plans on retileing this.

You heft up the saw to get to work on the next one, a particularly nasty bastard that apparently came in at an angle, splitting between two layers of the roof, with a grunt you get ready to saw into it, when you hear an excited shout from the grounds below.

Wheeling her way through the front gate and onto the grounds is...

Wakasagi?

Sanae looks up at her curiously, as she wheels in.

“Dear sir, I came to visit!”

You give a wave, looking curiously down at her.

“I wanted to make sure you and miss Sanae were quite alright after our bout yesterday!”

You gently float down to the ground next to her and Sanae. Whereupon she looks happily between the two of you.

“Yes, we are quite alright, thank you.” Sanae speaks up.

“Are you alright aswell?”

Wakasagi nods happily. “I am quite alright, just spending some time in the water was enough to get me back into shape.”

You nod with a smile on your face. “That's good, has anything... happened since yesterday?”

She shakes her head in the negative. “I'm afraid not, I haven't run into anyone since then, beyond some curious Kappa at the base of the mountain.”

“I was hoping you could give me the tour? I'm afraid this is my first time on the mountain.” She states.

Before you or Sanae can speak up a voice speaks up from behind you both.

"I'll take care ah that.” Suwako speaks up, Sanae reflexively turning around bowing towards her.

After a brief moment you bow aswell.

“I am Suwako Moriya, goddess of this shrine.” She holds out a hand with a smile on her face, offering a handshake. The bewildered mermaid grasps it and shakes it.

“If it's quite alright with ya, I'll take you on the tour, these two have work to do.”

Wakasagi gives a nod after a moments hesitation, Suwako making a happy chirp as she leads the mermaid away towards the interior of the shrine.

Once they are out of earshot you glance at Sanae.

“That's... a good thing right?”

Sanae giggles with a bright smile on her face, clearly pleased with the turn of events.

“More visitors are always a good thing, simply affirming the goddesses existence grants them faith aswell.”

Sanae grunts and pops her shoulders behind her back before turning back to the table and lumber.

“Let's get back to work, we still have another hour or so before lunch.”


- - -


Once you get a rhythm going you manage to get another three of the pillars out of the roof, leaving about six left.

...Seriously Kanako, the shrine did nothing to deserve this.

After that Sanae calls you down for lunch, simple sandwiches, but anythings good after the morning you've had so far, Kanako joins you in the meal and makes light talk with Sanae, Suwako and curiously enough Wakasagi joining you about halfway through it aswell.

The mermaid can't resist confirming once more that you and Sanae are alright, before joining you in your meal.

“I do think if it's quite alright I will be visiting again at some point... is that alright?” She looks at Suwako.

Suwako gives a broad smile to her.

“Course it's alright! Come whenever ya like!” You see with a glance Kanako is obviously pleased at the turn of events aswell.

Wakasagi leaves shortly after lunch, apparently staying out of water for too long makes her uncomfortable.

- - -

You work outside for another two hours or so before Sanae calls it for the day, stating you can pick up where you left off tomorrow, not wanting to overwork you. She packs up herself, setting the lumber to lean against the split shack and folding up the table she was using.

This may just be the hardest working teenager you've met in a long time.

You now find yourself having put away the saw and relaxing on the front porch, you've still got a good hour or two before sunset, and you find yourself with free time for the first time in awhile.

Chapter Text

You are curious what the shrine maiden gets up to when she isn’t cooking, investigating, or working on the grounds. You raise yourself up from your sitting position with a grunt and head back into the temple.

Heading back inside you find the main room actually occupied for once, Suwako is leaning back against the altar, legs crossed, reading from a book, though you can’t make out the title as she has it turned away. She gives a brief glance and wave as you enter, before returning back to it.

You return the wave then continue onwards towards the dining/kitchen area. Kanako is lounging in her usual spot, watching the TV, some form of Docudrama about Amakusa Shirou you don’t recognize.

She doesn’t even look at you walk past, heading towards the bedrooms.

You enter the hallway that contains to your knowledge all of their bedrooms, you know Kanako’s is at the far end, that leaves just two others. Taking a guess, you walk to the closest one and knock on it.

…After a few moments…

“It’s Unlocked!” A voice, thankfully Sanae’s rings out.

You open the door, revealing the room.

It’s in every respect your average teenage girls room, which makes it all the more unusual to see it in Gensokyo.

Posters of various bands line the paper walls, shelves stacked with movies, games, and models, mostly of military tech and robots, along with a large stack of magazines sitting next to a western style bed.

And leaning against a wall next to the window overlooking the grounds is Sanae sitting on the floor, idly playing a game on what appears to be a DS, having swapped out her more traditional clothing for a far more contemporary option of shorts and a white t-shirt.

She glances up as you peer into the room. “Yes Suwa-“

She freezes up at the sight of you, the DS tilting in her loosened grip before sliding out and falling to the floor, she breaks out of her stupor at the last moment and snatches it out of the air, before glaring at you.

“Why are you in my room?!” She states, halfway between a shriek and a yelp.

“Er… I… knocked?” You explain weakly, pointing to the door besides you.

She holds the glare a moment longer before slumping her shoulders and head, it sounds like she’s started crying… though you can’t see her face, and her shoulders are shaking.

“You broke into my room... Now I can’t be a bride…” She says quietly, inbetween sobs.

That’s… a bit much isn’t it?

“... I’m sorry?” You state, concerned.

Her shoulders shakes a little more before you hear a faint giggling in between the sobs, before she suddenly jerks back up to a normal sitting position and starts laughing, clutching her stomach.

You watch her in confusion as she laughs harder at your flabbergasted expression.

...Teenagers.

- - -

She stops laughing after a couple of moments, wiping a stray tear from her eye.

“Sorry!” She giggles a little.

“Couldn’t resist, did you need me for something?” She asks with a smile. Resting the headphones she was wearing on her shoulders.

You shrug. “I was curious what you were up to, I’m afraid I’ve never really spoken to you when we weren’t working or investigating.”

She giggles. “Sure, come on in.” She pats the space next to her.

You nod and close the door behind you, walking carefully across the floor, trying not to step on magazines and bits of models strewn about, before sitting down leaning against the wall, a foot or so away from her.

“I’ve got awhile before I’ve got to get dinner started, so we can talk a bit.”

You nod. “So I’m curious. Are you from Gensokyo yourself?”

She shakes her head. “No… I’ve been here for about… I guess a year and a half at this point. The goddesses and I are from Osaka originally.”

You nod. “Did you come on the trains aswell?”

She shakes her head in the negative again. “No… I do not know the full story myself, but Lady Kanako apparently worked something out with Yukari.”

“Lady Suwako mentioned you were from Tokyo?” She looks at you curiously.

“I am yes.” You confirm. “Lived there for quite a long time in fact, visited Osaka more than once aswell.”

She smiles at your answer. “I had always wanted to visit myself; never got the chance to before we left. I… miss it sometimes I admit, we get outside goods from Yukari and a shop near the human village, but I miss…”

She struggles to find the right word.

“I don’t want to say home. This IS home… But, I miss the familiar? Does that make sense? It’s why my room looks like this…” She finishes, looking over her collections.

You chuckle at her statement, looking up at the ceiling.

“It makes sense, Gensokyo is an… Odd place, definitely takes some getting used to.”

“But I can’t say I miss Tokyo, I missed the countryside, and seeing fellow Youkai, unpleasant though they may be sometimes. “

You shake your head. “But enough about that.”

“You a Gundam Girl or a Macross Maiden?” Looking at her various models, a smirk making its way onto your face.

She looks befuddled for a moment, before clasping her hands in front of her, looking quite like she did when you told her you wanted to come with her to the shrine a few days back.

It was the last moment of silence you got before she broke into a large open mouthed smile and launched into a lengthy explanation of the pros and cons of each as she starts showing you her models.

- - -

She bounces between showing you her collection and asking you general questions about Tokyo for another half hour.

“I appreciate this.” She admits a slight blush on her face.

“While… the goddesses are from Osaka aswell, I’m afraid they mostly stayed in the shrine, so it was just me most of the time, I didn’t exactly have many friends. It’s nice to be able to talk to someone about the outside world again.”

You nod. “It was my pleasure, to be honest I had no idea you were from the outside. Is there anything else you want to talk about?” You ask.

She thinks about it a moment, before nodding, a nervous look on her face.

“Are… you happy here?”

“I know you only just recently arrived, but a lot has happened since then, and I just want to know if you… regret your choice in lodging. Moriya shrine doesn’t have the… best reputation.”

You let out a thoughtful noise at the question, taking a moment before responding.

“Before I answer, about the reputation, I met someone at the Hakurei Shrine while you were speaking with Reimu. A woman named Mima said to ask you about the ‘underground incident’?”

She looks a bit surprised, before slumping her shoulders.

“I suppose you would have found out about it eventually…”

She gestures to the table in the middle of the room. “Please sit, this could take a bit to explain.”

You dutifully do so; she takes a seat on the opposite side.

“I’m… not quite sure if the goddesses want me to tell you, but it’s not exactly confidential information all things considered.”

She clears her throat before continuing.

“About a year or so back the shrine was doing decently enough, no humans really visited us, but the Tengu and Kappa appreciated us helping keep the mountain safe." She looks out the window as she continues.

“Below the mountain is a large underground area, where various Youkai species live, Lady Kanako had an idea to introduce electrical power to the area, to both power up the shrine, along with providing electricity to the Kappa and Tengu societies in the area.”

She pauses for a moment, turning to look back at you.

“Kanako gave some power to a local hell raven so it would produce energy.”

“…Specifically nuclear energy.”

You stiffen.

“Nuclear?”

She nods.

“It went well at first, the power system was setup with the help of the Kappa and it was providing electricity to the area, and we had plans to extend it to the human village aswell. Unfortunately… the hell raven went mad with power and kind of…” She rubs her shoulder, looking away.

“Kindoftriedtodestroytheworld.”

You blink. That was a lightly bigger deal than you thought it was going to be.

“I… take it this was sorted out?”

She looks back at you again.

“Yes, luckily nobody got really hurt, and as you can see we still have power, it turned out to be an after effect of the power, and the Hakurei shrine sorted it out. But… as a consequence the underground lost all trust with us, and our reputation with the local communities suffered aswell once word got out. The goddesses lost a lot of faith.”

“Mima mentioned that the Moriya shrine was ‘desperate’ … is faith that important?”

She nods slowly.

“As you would die without air, the gods would die without faith, if they receive none at all they would simply fade away. Unfortunately yet another consequence of the raven going berserk is it awakened the Buddhists, and as a consequence of THAT it awakened the Taoists, you saw both at the train station.

They use faith and popularity to gain power, however neither branch needs it to survive as they aren’t managed by actual deities. If the Moriya shrine remains unpopular there is a danger of it all fading away… It is why we moved from the outside world to here to begin with. It’s why we are trying to solve incidents while we can; the attack on the Tengu both gained and lost us faith in equal amounts.” She finishes, looking down at her feet.

She appears scared of your possible reaction.

You think about what she said. That’s… certainly a bit of a pickle they found themselves in, and you can certainly say it was their fault that it happened, but the goddesses… they don’t seem to be bad people. Eccentric yes, but honest.

You’ve met much crueler ‘gods’ in your time.

At the end of the day, any mistake is forgivable as long as effort is made to fix it.

You slowly reach out and tousle her hair a little, like you do with Akyuu. She looks up at you in surprise, your hand bopping her in the nose by accident as she does so. Before she steps back clutching her hair with wide eyes.

“I… understand the fear of being forgotten, I really do, it’s why I came to Gensokyo after all. I think at the end of the day, I’m happier here then I was in Tokyo, I mean, it’s only been a few days, and it is a little… painful at times.” You idly rub the shoulder where Kanako slammed you into the ground.

“Sometimes literally.” You smile at her, which she hesitantly returns.

“I think as long as you are willing to fix your mistakes nothing is unforgivable. Trust me; if I never understood why some people may be desperate I would have never survived in my line of work. I appreciate all you have done in helping me get acclimated, and helping me to protect myself in this world. I have no intentions of abandoning you or the goddesses.

Though I must admit… if the goddesses keep on beating me up like this, I can’t promise much in the faith department.” You start to chuckle, but it dies off when you see the look in her eyes. The faint hints of tears are starting to form at the corners, before she wipes it away with the back of her hand.

She speaks up a moment later.

“Thank you… you have no idea how much it is a relief to hear that.” There’s a slight hiccup to her voice as she speaks. Apparently this must have bothered her for awhile, though you wonder if she and the goddesses were trying to put it off as long as possible.

She cries for a bit longer, before looking at you with a familiar bright smile.

“Shall we go make dinner? It’s time.”

You nod and allow her to lead you out of her room.

- - -

She actually allows you to help, admittedly just chopping vessels and making sure a soup she is preparing doesn’t boil over, but still, you’re allowed in the kitchen! Progress!

Suwako comes by a few minutes into it to help you, but Sanae shoos her way, the goddess actually looks a bit put out about this, looking between the two of you in confusion before sulking off.

Sanae however pays her no mind as she continues her work. It takes only a short time before she finishes the meal and has you help bringing it out to the table; Suwako is sitting at the table pouting while Kanako looks disinterested in the whole situation.

It’s a vegetable soup with some beef she prepared, and you eat in relative peace, though Sanae is slightly more cheerful than normal, while Suwako glares at you during the meal whenever she thinks you aren’t looking.

… Annoying a curse goddess is probably bad for your health.

Suwako informs you as you finish that you should probably get to bed early, you’re going to have a busy day of work tomorrow, a smile that would normally not be out of place now looking more than a little malicious as it finds its way onto her face.

Kanako, as per tradition, is mostly focused on the food and pays no mind to table politics. You still stay up for a bit to watch tv a bit before turning in for the night, you are sore anyway.

You head back into your room and prepare for another nights rest.

It doesn’t take you very long to fall asleep, though it takes awhile to find a comfortable position to lay in, your arm is more bruised than you thought.

And as you sleep…

You dream.

- - -

You are back in a familiar cloudy landscape. Like you were on the first night, white clouds rush past your form quickly, while everything above is covered in a light fog, however this time there are no flashing lights.

Around you are five doors, each finely carved wood, standing in the clouds with nothing to support them, each is closed, but there is faint light peaking through the keyholes on the handles, though it is a uniform golden light for all of them.

The only difference between the doors is they have a symbol for one of the elements set into the center of the door itself.

Fire.

Water.

Earth.

Wind.

Death.

The symbols are carved into the wood as if by a master carpenter, they aren’t runes or magical marks, just decoration.

… You don’t suppose you are getting out of here without choosing one.

Alright… let’s get this over with. You slowly walk over and open a door.

Fortune favors the bold you say to yourself, as you reach for and open the door marked with death, or more perhaps, if you are going to die in your dream, might as well do it quickly.

The door opens with a creak, a wave of cold air blasting against you as you push it all the way open, revealing a large and ornate rock garden, set against a beautiful old fashioned manor, surrounding it, are cherry trees in various sizes, their petals flying gently in the cold breeze.

Butterflies float about the trees, glowing purple and blue.

You step the rest of the way through the door and into the garden, landing onto the soft sand that makes up the gentle patterns and swirls in the rock garden.

‘When I should die, let me die while laid at ease… by full spring moon, underneath the blooming trees.’

A gentle singing voice echoes around you, a woman’s voice, sad and full of regret, singing a mournful song.

‘So to these cherry boughs I shall give my soul to keep…. Petals my shroud, gently carry me to sleep.’

A sense of peace overtakes you, and you stop and gaze around the environment you are in as the voice sings in the background.

The manor is old, very old, everything here is. From the rocks in the garden to the wood making up the supports, everything in here is ancient… Even the air is stale to the taste.

Looking off in the distance a gigantic cherry tree sits upon a hill, though unlike its brethren around it, it is dead. No blossoms are on its branches.

‘For the buds we regard in their coats of palest pink… In sweet memoriam, bloom as black as ink.’

A gentle humming sounds off to your right, and you turn your gaze in that direction. Sitting on the porch is a woman, with maroon eyes, and pink hair moving gently in the breeze. She is dressed in a light blue and white Kimono as she slowly sways side to side, as she hums the melody you hear all around you. Though she does not sing.

‘Like the little one who rides this wind… As all and nothing and free’

You slowly walk over, your feet crunching gently in the sand until you stand no more than a few feet in front of her.

She slows to a stop, before she looks at you curiously, eyelids fluttering for a moment, before a small smile forms on her face.

“Welcome to Hakugyokurou…” She speaks, quietly, as though afraid to disturb the silence. "It is not often I have guests, are you with the others?”

You blink in confusion. “Others?” You shake your head.

“I’m afraid I do not know where I am to begin with.”

She looks at you in surprise, covering her mouth with a sleeve.

“Oh? A lost spirit perhaps?”

You shake your head. “I’m afraid not… I’m not quite sure how I ended up in this particular place myself.”

She giggles behind the sleeve, before letting it drop.

‘Filling empty space, and full of empty space… what more is there to be?’ The gentle singing continues in the background.

“Then welcome. You are in Hakugyokurou, or if you prefer… the netherworld. I am Yuyuko Saigyouji, the mistress of this place, might I ask to whom I am speaking?”

The… netherworld? Great… now your dreams are leaving the realms entirely.

Then again, you aren’t quite sure where you were when you met Yukari…

“I am Ayumu, my apologies; I did not mean to intrude.”

You hear a crash off in the distance behind you, and far past beyond the cherry trees you see flashes of energy shooting into the sky as you turn to look at it.

‘The worlds are broad, the border thin…. A single step is but the distance within.’

What is…

“That would be the other guests, pay them no mind.” She speaks from her seat on the porch.

You look back at her; she is patting the spot next to her with another small smile.

You feel the need to question, before a wave of calm comes over your mind. You nod and walk slowly over, sitting down besides her.

‘The path extends through the ledge… Let it lead me lightly over the edge.‘

“Dango?” She asks, holding out a plate of the stuff, you hesitate for a moment before grabbing one of the offered sticks.

“Thanks.” You look out over the garden, and the bursts of energy in the distance.

“Are the… guests going to cause problems?” You ask between bites.

She looks up from her food towards to the light show, before shrugging with a giggle.

“Yes… and no. They will cause problems, but they can do nothing.”

She takes an idle nibble. “Not anymore at least.”

“Howso?” You ask, curiously.

“This has already happened… this is a dream after all.” She states, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“… True.” You watch her warily for a moment, before going back to eating, it’s quite good.

You eat in silence for several minutes after with Yuyuko, watching the battle off in the distance, before with a final crash and flash of light, all goes silent.

‘A life returned, and at what cost… Only a body, nothing else, ever lost.’

- - -

She shortly afterwards stands up and brushes nonexistent dust off of her Kimono, before glancing back at you.

“Are you cursed by chance?” She places a finger against her lip as she looks down at you.

You blink slowly. “Not… that I’m aware of?”

“Why?”

She shrugs once more. “I’ve had this… urge for hostility ever since you arrived, it’s faint, but it’s there, trying to dictate my actions. I am not afraid to say however that whatever it is has no hold over me.” She finishes with a giggle.

That sounds like…

“I’m actually looking into an artifact believed to cause effects like that, it’s called the Miracle Mallet, do you know anything about it?”

She looks surprised, and blinks rapidly, you lean forward a little, hopeful.

She hums in thought for a moment, before nodding.

“Nope!” She states, cheerfully.

…and that is what you get for being hopeful.

There is another flash of light, this time off to the side, and you look and see the giant tree from before, though now it is in full bloom. Cherry blossoms covering every branch, the tree itself is glowing somewhat ominously.

“I do believe it is time for you to leave.” She states cheerfully.

The ground starts shaking a little, the wood creaking around you.

“I have a role to perform and it would be best if you leave before it affects anyone else.”

With that she leans down and places a gentle kiss upon your forehead, you start to jerk away in confusion, before realizing you can’t move.

Every joint in your body has locked up and she leans back again, giggling softly.

Your consciousness fades as you fall back onto the floor of the porch, your body limp.

‘Through fleeting time, cast off pain… Last forever then in noblest reign.’

‘Bloom nobly, cherry blossoms of death.’

- - -

You groggily open your eyes, back in your bed, the gentle of chirping of birds outside of your window signaling the morning.

So far that was the gentlest ‘death’ you’ve had. Though you really wish people would stop murdering you.

You sit up, popping your joints and letting out a yawn, looking around curiously to see if a card appeared again, though a cursory glance reveals nothing.

You wonder what all of that was about as you slowly stand up, feeling the grogginess slowly fade away, yet another thing to ask about you suppose. You start to move but feel something stick to your foot, a glance down reveals you are standing on a spellcard.

You slowly reach down a pull it free, revealing an all black card, with a single small butterfly in the center, purple with a glow effect around it, like those you saw in the garden. There is no writing on the card, nor are there any designs other than the butterfly… It’s like that card you got from Yukari.

You dig into your collection until you find the card marked with the eye that you received after your dream with Yukari, looking between them both. Neither have any writing or indication of their purpose. You’ll need to ask if they’ve ever seen anything like it.

You showed the first card to Kanako as proof of your dream, but she didn’t really talk about it.

You slip them both into your pocket as you make your way to your morning shower.

- - -

After a quick and refreshing wash up you head towards the dining room, turning into the doorway you see Kanako sitting there with her head in her hands. While Suwako is holding the newspaper and cackling, yes cackling, loudly.

“What… is?” You start to ask, before finding the newspaper shoved in front of your face, you cross your eyes to focus on the paper just a few inches in front of your face.

In the center is a picture of Kanako carrying you up the steps from yesterday?

The headline above it reading-

‘Fresh Blood at Moriya Shrine?’

A glance at the article reveals it mostly talking about the intrepid reporter witnessing the apparent aftermaths of a ‘great battle’, and the goddess herself carrying you up the steps and into the temple grounds where the reporter dared not follow.

It goes into several theories as to what may have happened, from a new shrine hand in training, a rogue Youkai being exterminated, some form of forbidden romance, and a truly odd suggestion that you are Sanae’s long lost brother.

… you do NOT have green hair.

The article lists far more theories than facts as it drivels on and on.

You hand the paper back as Suwako continues to laugh.

Sanae however, who you only just now noticed, seems to pay the situation no mind as she slowly works on eating a plate of eggs, which you join in on eating, noticing a plate already set out for you.

Kanako eventually gets out of her funk and eats aswell, though glaring daggers at Suwako as she continues to giggle and read the paper.

- - -

After breakfast Suwako states she is going out for the day to continue her investigation, and heads out quickly.

“Sanae, Ayumu.” Kanako speaks up as you are both clearing the table.

“This morning continue the yardwork you were working on yesterday… at lunch we are going on a trip.”

Sanae looks at her happily. “Oh? Where are we going Lady Kanako?”

Kanako smiles back. “We are going on a little trip to the underground to look into some things.”

Sanae’s look of happiness quickly turns into one of confusion and more than a little trepidation. “Al… alright.”

You finish putting the plates away with Sanae then head outside; a nice cool breeze blows over the mountaintop, which will be more than welcome once you get started.

You grab the saw from before and gently float up to the roof and begin work.

- - -

One… two… five… you work the morning away removing more poles from the roof. Cutting through them and tossing them to the grounds below. Sanae on her end has started actually repairing one of the buildings using the lumber from yesterday.

You’re curious as to what the structure is even for come to think of it, most of the temple isn’t in use already, so you wonder as to the purpose of the buildings on the grounds, you haven’t been in any of them really, and most of them are smashed from ‘friendly fire’.

The morning passes quickly as you both work, you manage to get the last one out of the roof by the time lunch is announced by Kanako.

You float down to see Kanako standing at the front steps, holding a plate of dumplings. It appears she decided to do the cooking today! You accept the offer gratefully, eating on the steps along with Sanae and Kanako as you look over the grounds.

Sanae has already mostly repaired the structure she was working on, the girl might be young, but by gods is she strong, having torn out the broken boards and replaced them with new lumber.

“What is that structure anyway?” You point at it, asking aloud.

“It was a reliquary.” Kanako responds.

“The more we fix up the more we can get out of storage.” Sanae adds.

You nod at the explanation, it would be nice to have fewer boxes in your room for sure, and you swap small talk and eat the rest of your lunch.

As you finish up you remember something.

“Lady Kanako?”

“Hmm?” She speaks up from her lounging position, nibbling on a dumpling.

“Can I speak to you privately for a moment?”

She looks at you curiously, before nodding and getting up, swallowing the rest of the dumpling whole. Sanae looks curious for a moment before she continues eating.

You follow Kanako inside as she closes the door behind her, walking until she is just a couple feet in front of the main altar before turning to you.

“Yes?” She asks.

You reach into your pocket and pull out both spellcards, showing them to her.

“I had yet another dream last night, whereupon an I met a Miss Yuyuko. It ended pleasantly enough, though when I woke I found this laying on the floor.”

She reaches out, before stopping herself mid motion.

“May I?” she asks.

You nod and she continues the motion and grasps the card with the butterfly mark, holding it in front of her face and looking at it with obvious curiosity.

“Have you attempting to use your energy on them? Like you have with Remilia’s card?” She trails off before speaking up before you can respond.

“I didn’t notice it lacked it before, but I’ve never seen a spellcard that had no description.” She hands it back to you.

You shake your head.

“I’m afraid not… I never really thought about it, and during the battles I’ve had so far I never carried Yukari’s card."

She nods at your explanation, and then makes a thoughtful sound.

“Come with me.” And she starts walking back towards your room. You follow shortly afterwards.

She turns and walks into the garden where you met Suwako several nights back.

She glances to the left and right, before nodding and turning back towards you.

“Go ahead and try to channel your energy through one of them.”

You look down at the two cards in your hand…

Chapter Text

You focus on Yukari's card, the eye on the front staring back as you concentrate on it, your magical energy surges into it as you hold it away from you. You feel a massive drain on your reserves and the card lights with a sickening dark purple energy. You wince back, if it's anything like Remilias you can fully expect to punch straight through the wall behind you!

…
...
...and nothing happens.

You turn to look towards Kanako, the card still glowing pur-

That's the back of Kanako, you are looking at yourself and her, you blink, and watch yourself blink, you... have an outside view of yourself, you look around, you look down at your hands and see your hands, and nothing. Another view. Your same view, from the top, sides, bottom. PAIN.

You clutch your head as a terrible migraine rips through it.

Your vision keeps splitting and splitting, a horrific stinging sensation lancing through your skull. Closing your eyes does not stop the vision as it keeps switching and SWITCHING.

Front of the temple, back of the temple, sides underground basement basement? Kanako sanae suwako kanako ayumu kanako suwako ayumu splitting SPLITTING. Gaps everywhere gaps gaps eyes infinite eyes in every direction everything where am I he doesn't know where he is where is he front back sides garden pond room ROOM.

pAin paIn pain Pain PAIN PAIN PAIN.

The card falls limply from your hand, and so do you from your feet, falling to the side, Kanako thankfully catching you before you hit the ground.

With a few back and forth motions in the air and still crackling purple energy, the card lands on the dirt.

Your right hand shakes uncontrollably, you look down at it, your fingers are glowing dark purple. You reach out to grasp it with your other hand, but find you can't move it, every joint in your body has locked up. Kanako turns you, looking into your eyes with a slightly frantic expression. Before saying something, exactly what you can't hear, everything is a dull roar.

She looks past you and yells towards the temple.

She then gently lays you down onto the ground, leaving you to look up at the sky and at Kanako's face and eyes.

Huh... her pupils are slitted... like a snakes, you aren't sure how you haven't noticed until now...

A few moments pass and you feel the tickling of hair, oh hey, Sanae's here too! She's speaking rapidly to the goddess above your head, or just moving her lips for fun, hard to tell at this point really.

Sanae places a hand on your chest, and there is a faint glowing light, though you can't look down to see it. You feel rippling energy, warm running through your body.

Then... the pain in your mind recedes, and with a shrill ringing, sound returns to your ears.

“Why in the name of everything good would you allow him to use someone ELSE'S spellcard?! AND WHY IN THE NAME OF EVERYTHING DIVINE WOULD YOU LET HIM USE YUKARI'S?!”

Back to shrill ringing... though that may be Sanae.

You slowly getup to a sitting position, the shrine maiden chastising a rather meek looking goddess at the moment.

Flexing your hand experimentally, it's thankfully stopped glowing purple.

That was... more than a little unpleasant.

- - -

You get about an hours rest, but thankfully you feel fine, a little drained in the magic department, but otherwise okay, and you state you are still okay with going to the underground with the both of them.

Sanae is less than enthusiastic, but Kanako does not allow any argument.

“If anyone would know about his abilities related to these spellcards, it would be the Mistress there. It would keep him out of any danger, if there is any.”

Sanae looked like she wanted to say more, but she didn't have any apparent way to stop Kanako from going, that and you wanted to go yourself.

And to that end you all set off, it's a short flight down to the mountain, not too far from the lake actually, whereupon you arrive at a large hole in the ground, peering down into it, it goes down for apparent miles and miles, far more than your vision can see at least.

“Is this?” You trail off.

“It is yes, the underground is... underground.” Sanae states, rather obviously.

And with that she starts gently floating down into it, you following closely behind along with Kanako.

You close with her as you all float gently down into the cave.

“So, what form of creatures live in this underground?” You ask.

Kanako speaks up besides you. “Oni, Kasha, various demonic beings, most Yokai of a demonic or less than... desirable nature chose to live in underground. A long time ago, this was one of the hells, however it was moved due to overpopulation, and the Oni moved in.”

...

“So we are literally flying into hell?”

A smirk makes it way onto the goddesses face, but she says nothing more.

The journey down is relatively peaceful, you think you spot a youkai here or there, but it's so dark down here even your enhanced vision is having difficulties. A powerful wind is pushing against you aswell, forcing you to focus your efforts to keep doing down, you must have gone close to a mile underground at this point, when the cave abruptly stops and opens up into a massive cavern.

The cavern stretches for seemingly miles in each direction, far walls lit by waterfalls of pure magma, pouring out and pooling below, that explains the wind at least, the heat from the air forces you to cover your face as you continue down.

As you get lower however, it gets more tolerable, and after a few more moments, following Sanae's lead, you come to a stop on an old red wooden bridge.

The wood gently flexes as you land, clearly as old as it appears, hanging over a gentle river, though the water of such is as dark and murky as you've ever seen.

“We aren't flying straight into the town?”

Sanae shakes her head at the question, looking towards the other end of the bridge.

“We have to speak to the guard first.”

Before you can ask for further details, you spot a woman, blonde with elfin ears, in a multicolored outfit.

She is slowly floating over you, lanterns on the railings of the bridge lighting her up as she passes them. She comes to about ten feet away from the three of you before stopping, and crossing her arms.

“Who goes there.” She asks, sounding rather annoyed.

Kanako speaks up, putting on her more 'regal' voice.

“The Moriya Shrine seeks audience with the Mistress of the Earth Palace. Stand aside.”

The woman stares at Kanako with a dull expression on her face. Her eyes glowing briefly bright green before returning to their normal shade.

“A visit to the earth palace? I'm jealous. And WHY exactly would I let the YOU through?” She puts a rather harsh emphasis on the 'you' in that sentence as she glares at Kanako.

“Because.” Kanako speaks slowly. Raising a hand in front of her that she slowly closes into a fist. “If you don't I can easily blow this bridge a mile up and use it as decoration in my garden.”

The woman takes a step back, chewing on her thumbnail in what is either a nervous expression or a very angry one, her eye's glowing again. Then, she jerks her head towards the village and steps aside.

“Thank you.” Kanako says, walking past her, you and Sanae following.

The woman glares at the three of you as you past, muttering.

“I'm so jealous of that power. So jealous, so very jealous. Visitors from the outside. So Jealous. Jealous jealous jealo-”

You walk past her quickly, feeling like staying around her too long may be rather bad for your health.

“Is she... always like that?” You ask once you are out of earshot.

“Unfortunately... yes” Sanae says.

“She is a jealously spirit... she isn't friendly at the best of times, and we aren't exactly the most liked visitors she's had to deal with today.”

“Should I be worried?” You ask.

Kanako speaks up. “Not as long as I'm here, just don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine.” You have to stifle a chuckle as Sanae glares at Kanako. The goddess looking away, apparently finding a pool of magma very interesting all of a sudden.

It's another walk of ten minutes or so before you reach what you can only assume to be your destination,

A large and fairly advanced town, while the size of the human village took you by surprise, this dwarfs even that, buildings large and complicated stretching out into the distance. Semi modern in construction, and most being multi storied.

Though, the major difference being, that you can tell even from here, is that there are no humans.

Unlike the bridge, the gates are unguarded and you enter the town with no fanfare, it's bustling, with Youkai as far as the eye can see. Oni, rokurokubi, kasha, even a few Tengu and Kappa aswell. Shopping and carousing near the gates.

And it is all dominating by a large regal looking building on a hill overlooking the town. Constructed in white stones and topped with several spires, it's more than a little imposing. Like someone had taken it in Versailles and dropped it in the middle of hell.

You point at it. “I take it that's our destination.”

Sanae nods with a smile. “That would be it yes, stick close and we should be there relatively quickly.”

You nod and close ranks a little, you doubt anyone would start a fight on such as busy street, but the Moriya aren't the most popular bunch down here. Still, everything is peaceful for the moment.

Then the wall to your right explodes in a wave of wooden shrapnel.

- - -

You duck immediately as chunks of wood fly overhead, followed by the body of an Oni who flies the rest of the distance before crashing into the building across the street, slumping to the ground.

You start to stand up again when another body goes flying past, this time sending you flying with it, you slam into a wooden post with a groan as your flying partner goes further past, another Oni.

“Ayumu!” Sanae shouts over the sudden ruckus in worry, before she disappears from view as various Yokai rush into the the building.

“FIGHT!” A voice carries across the cacophony of hooting and hollering, as bodies start flying and the ground starts shaking.

...Being in the street is probably a bad idea at the moment, but with the bodies pressing against all sides you don't see an easy way out of this situation, you start to draw the flight card from your pocket when someone elbows you in the ribs, blasting the air out of your chest and sending you back against the post again.

“Cheap... shot.” You groan out, rubbing your ribs. It didn't actually do anything more than knock the air out of your lungs, but still. Rude.

The Yokai who elbowed you turns around, some form of demon, looking down at you with a rather bloodthirsty grin, raising a fist to clobber you with.

“Oh buddy you do not want to be doing this, it's been a long day already.” You speak, slowly getting up.

The demon grins wider, revealing some nasty looking fangs as the fist flies forward. You sidestep it easily and give him a return blow in the stomach, this time sending him tumbling over out of breath instead.

Seriously, you're awful at this spellcard business, but that doesn't mean you don't know how to fight.

You duck another punch to your right, thrown by a rather drunk looking goblin, a kick sends him crashing into another goblin behind him, who promptly blames the hit on some form of Obake as they start another fight, the brawl spilling out of the bar and into the streets now.

You look around quickly, sticking to the edges of the fight as you look for your compatriots, but Kanako and Sanae are nowhere to be seen, you make a split second decision and duck into an alley.

You run down it and away from the brawl behind you, while you can certainly handle yourself, it REALLY isn’t what you are here for right now. You run further down the dingy alley between two old shops, before grasping the flight card again and kicking off the ground.

You just barely get off the ground when you feel a strong arm grab your ankle. You look back; it’s the demon from before, bleeding from his nose but looking quite pissed off besides. You drop the flight card and get ready to kick with your other leg into his head as you fall, but he pushes back and slams you into the ground.

You groan as you land, watching him tower over you, rather proud of his accomplishment, you finger a spellcard in your pocket, ready to blast him in the face with fire as he raises his arm again to strike you.

That’s as far as a he gets as a fist shoots out of a side door and clocks him in the jaw, turning his head at a rather interesting angle before he goes flying into the shop across the alley.

The door then slowly opens, and out steps a tall woman with long blonde hair, a single red horn jutting out of her head, she stares at the prone form of the demon before chuckling and taking a drink out of a saucer she's holding in her other hand, before focusing on you.

You give a weak wave, watching her carefully from your position on the ground. She gives a rather toothy grin and grabs the waving hand, yanking hard enough to nearly pop the arm out of its socket as she pulls you back onto your feet.

She gives you a glance over, brushing some dirt off of your shoulder before speaking.

“So…” She drawls out with an accent not to dissimilar to Suika’s.

“You aint from here, what are you doin’ here?”

You consider your answer for a moment. Then remember you are talking to an Oni.

“Was planning on visiting the Earth Palace with some companions of mine, but we got separated in that brawl.” You state, pointing behind her.

She gives a glance back at the ongoing fight with a quirked eyebrow, before grinning widely again.

“That aint no brawl, that’s our evenin' entertainment.” She takes another long drink from the saucer in her hands.

You watch a particularly large red Oni slam his fist into a poor goblins face, sending the thing halfway across the town.

“So I see…” You say carefully.

“I think I should get back to looking for my compatriots.” You finish, making sure nothing was going to jump you from behind with a glance as you turn around.

A heavy arm grasps your shoulder, holding you in place.

“Now… aint that rude, a pretty girl beats up the bad man for ya and you don’t even offer ‘er a drink?”

You chuckle a bit more nervously than you’d like as you look at her. She’s obviously more than a little sloshed.

“Terribly sorry, would it be alright if I caught up with you later? I really must be looking for my compa-“

“Ayumu!” Twin voices shout out from behind you in the alley. You look back again, seeing Kanako and Sanae on the other side, looking fine all things considered, as they start running towards you.

“Yer compatriots?” The woman asks.

You nod, and her grip tightens a little.

“Friend o’ the Moriya are ya?”

… You may have made a slight error.

Kanako skids to a halt about ten feet away, sticking out an arm to stop Sanae, nearly clotheslining her.

She looks between the two of you warily.

“Well… aint that interestin…” She takes another drink from her saucer, removing the hand from your shoulder, you step away to avoid her placing it back.

“I’ve been meanin’ to have a nice bout with the Moriya for awhile. Ya’ll wouldn’t mind obligin’ me would ya?” She gives a vicious smirk towards Kanako.

“I, Yuugi Hoshiguma, strongest of the Deva’s of the mountain, challenge you three to a spellcard battle.”

“Do you accept?”

Chapter Text

After a moment’s hesitation, you look over and nod to Kanako and Sanae, who nods back.

Kanako steps forward. “The Moriya Shrine accepts your challenge, but not here. Too much risk of collateral damage.” Kanako states pointing at the crowd behind her.

Yuugi's grin turns feral, she cracks her neck and stretches one of her arms in a warmup motion, before walking forward and brushing past the two. “Follow me... I know just the place.”

It's a short walk past the crowd and back out of the village, the brawl having spilled into several more areas. Though they all give a wide birth to your group, upon seeing some reactions to Yuugi you are fairly certain it's deliberate.

She cuts a wide path to the right as you exit the town, leading to a large crater in the ground, easily a half mile in diameter, she leads you further in before she stops in the center, holding out her arms and turning side to side, as if a gladiator in an arena.

“Welcome to the old fight pit, hardly gets any use these days, but it will serve well our purpose.”

“Any special rules you wish to set forth before we begin?” Yuugi asks, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side, a cocky smirk on her features.

Kanako shakes her head in the negative.

“Standard spellcard rules, fight until knockout.”

Yuugi nods. Stretching on her legs a bit, before adopting a boxers stance.

“THEN BEGIN!”


That is the only warning you get as she slams her closed fists into each other, sending out a shockwave that pummels the earth and creates hurricane winds, forcing you to brace yourself else you go flying.

Yuugi kicks off the ground and closes rapidly, throwing a vicious hook at Kanako. The goddess crosses her arms and catches it, though it forces her back, sliding on her feet, digging a rut in the rock as she does so.

Kanako pushes back with a shout, forcing Yuugi back a foot, and faster than you can register Kanako already has a spellcard out.

“Divine Pillar - Meteoric Onbashira!"

With a loud slam that shakes the ground, three pillars fall down from above and land in front of the Goddess, forcing the Oni back towards the center again.

Yuugi laughs. “Come now!” She raises a foot in the air.

“No... HIDING!” And slams the foot down into the rocks.

“FEAT OF STRENGTH – WIND BLOWING DOWN FROM MOUNT OOE!”

If the energy from her first was a hurricane, this is a tornado, fierce winds buffet you and your partners from the side, you attempt to brace yourself, slamming your feet into the ground, Sanae and Kanako are faring far better, having taken to flight and using the spellcards magic to steady themselves.

You follow the example and draw the card, wind stinging your eyes as you cannot see more than a few feet in front of you, when coming out of the haze of wind are large and wide balls of energy, flying rapidly and carried with the gale breeze.

A pair of them slams into the pillars, cracking them, before they shatter them completely, the energy continuing on its way like nothing had slowed it down.

Your two partners have disappeared from view as you frantically fight the winds and balls of energy; you REALLY need more flight training.

A shape forms in the haze ahead, blurry but approaching rapidly. You prepare a fire attack when a large mass of green breaks through the haze and crashes into you.

You abruptly cancel the spell and catch Sanae. She shakes her head a little as she gets her bearings, and she's additionally sporting a rather nasty mark on her cheek.

You gently let go, allowing her to float again as she takes up position next to you, fingering a spellcard.

“Sanae.” You speak up, keeping a wary eye out for any more balls of energy, you can still hear fighting faintly through the winds, apparently Kanako is keeping her busy.

Sanae grunts in acknowledgment though doesn't turn to look in your direction.

“I'm going to need you to trust me. Can you do that?”

She hesitates briefly, and then nods.

You smile, then float over gently and whisper in her ear.

- - -

“Great Miracle - Yasaka's Divine Wind!"

Sanae holds up the spellcard, the winds of Moriya battling against the winds from Mt Ooe, she glows briefly and pumps more energy into it, until finally they both equal out and the spells dissipate. Revealing the battlefield again for the first time in several minutes.

It appeared Yuugi used the time where she was fighting one on one well, Kanako's looking pretty beat up, bruised more than you've ever seen her, and the ground is littered with broken pillars. However, Yuugi isn't looking much better, blood dribbling down her mouth.

She looks confused as she stares at the six of you, three copies of yourself, and three copies of Sanae, standing there staring at her. She wipes the expression off her face along with the blood, before laughing.

“And 'ere I was thinking I was sober.”

You and Sanae kick off at the same time towards her, you shooting bursts of flames out of your hands while Sanae throws talismans as you pass the Oni.

She tanks the attack, batting away the flames while getting slapped in the side by the talismans that explode on impact. With a growl she slams a foot into the ground, before letting out a bestial roar, sending a shockwave in all directions.

“Oni's Voice - Annihilating Roar!"

It is deafening, the shockwave impacts you and sends you crashing into the dirt, Sanae suffering the same fate, your illusions popping like balloons, but you keep focus on the important one.

Energy balls form in the air aswell, after effects of the shockwave, then explode and send light in all directions. Though luckily none landing near you as you lay on the ground. Though you couldn't really dodge them when if you wanted. You are trying to hold your self perfectly still.

Yuugi stomps over to the prone form of Sanae, lying on her back with her eyes closed.

You hear her approach, as you open your eyes slowly, the first thing you see is green hair spread on the dirt around you, honestly you have no idea how she keeps neon green hair clean. You turn your head and look at the Oni standing over you.

She is staring down with a bloodthirsty grin on her face, punching her palm repeatedly.

“Any last words before you’re knocked out of the fight priestess?” She chuckles.

“Yeah… one.” You state. Adopting a rather un-Sanae smirk forming on your features.

You finger the card in the nonexistent pocket of the skirt.

“Scarlet Sign – Scarlet Shoot!”

The illusion fails the moment the card draws upon your power, Sanae’s outfit fading away as you take on your form again, while the real Sanae is still standing up shakily on the other side of the arena, having taken your form.

Red light bursts out of the card, tearing through your pocket and straight into the Oni with a deafening crash, the force shoving you deeper into the rock with a grunt.

Yuugi looks surprised for a moment, before the full force of the card strikes her in the chest, sending her flying back into the opposite end of the crater. You drop the energy feed a moment later, letting the light dissipate.

Kanako walks over a moment later and pulls you out of the dirt. You stand up shakily, leaning on her slightly.

“Thanks.” You say, managing to get your bearings again.

“That was a dirty trick.” She says quietly, looking at the dustcloud caused by Oni’s impact.

“Sorry, I'm a fox, it's part of the stereotype.”

She smirks. “Don’t be. Keep doing it.”

Another bestial roar sounds throughout the crater, the dustcloud immediately blown away, and with a rumble of the earth you feel a burst of energy.

“Ah…. Shit.” Kanako speaks to your left, the vulgarity causing you to look at her in surprise for a moment, before you hear Yuugi again.

“Fighting with trickery…”

She’s standing above an Oni shaped hole in the earth. Blood is dripping down her face, in a crushing grip she is holding a glowing orange spellcard.

“Last Word - Massacre on Mt.Ooe!”

Another burst of energy makes its presence known in the clearing, and the Oni is standing there, glowing orange.

And then in an instant, without warning, she’s on you. Having crossed the crater faster than you can perceive, she threw a vicious punch, only barely blocked by Kanako. The force of impact forcing the goddess to her knees as she grits her teeth, holding back the blow while Yuugi applies more strength to it.

You grasp your cards.

“Fox Sign – Flame of Miyagi!” The flames shoot out of the card and impact the Oni, she’s not even trying to dodge, it causes her to stumble a little, but she’s still pressing the attack.

“Sea Opening - The Day the Sea Split!" Sanae shouts from the other side of the crater. Twin waves of light shooting out and snaking through the air, before slamming into the back of the Oni. This, combined with your flames causes her to lose her balance completely, losing her stance and as consequence, the force behind the punch.

Kanako pushes back, causing the Oni to stumble backwards.

“VIRTUE OF THE WIND GOD!” Your old painful friend shoots out from Kanako's spellcard, balls of energy and daggers of light slamming repeatedly into the chest of the Oni.

It hits the Oni from several angles over and over, as the Oni swings her fists, attempting to bat the energy away, however after a moment, the pummeling becomes too much, the light in the card fading as the Oni falls onto her back, unconscious.

- - -

You fall rather ungracefully onto your ass, panting and chuckling at the same time.

“I… I think we got her.” You finally manage to say.

Kanako nods. “Indeed we did, good work you two.” Even she sounds slightly out of breath, key word being slightly, she doesn’t appear to be really hurt, though her dress is ripped and torn in places.

Sanae walks over, besides the mark on her cheek, and a few abrasions on her dress, she’s fine aswell.

Yuugi is still lying on the rocks; she’s already stopped bleeding, and is snoring slightly.

Sanae gets to work tending to wounds, though luckily nobody is too badly hurt, and you all start heading back to the town.

“Will she be alright sleeping out there?” You ask.

Sanae shakes her head with a smile. “She’s an Oni. I assure you she’s woken up in worse places.”

It’s a short walk back into town, and you start heading towards the earth palace, the brawl has already cleared, a few damaged walls and broken doors, and a few still unconscious Youkai are all that is left of the fight.

You continue through the town unimpeded and start climbing the large set of stairs leading to the palace. It is a truly massive building, easily the largest you’ve seen since your arrival, well constructed in an old Gothic style, from large white stone. The windows are all finely made stained glass, though what they depict you cannot recognize.

“Wait a moment.” Sanae says. Before leaning over and whispering into Kanako’s ear. The goddess looks confused, before a happy smile comes across her features.

“A good idea!” Kanako says with a raised voice.

“Ayumu, fix this!” She holds out her arms towards you with an expectant expression, leaving you to stare at her in confusion.

Sanae looks between the two of you for a moment before sighing.

“What she means to say is… can you please your illusions to hide the battle damage?”

Ah. That makes sense.

“Yes of course.” You think about what they were wearing before briefly and with a slight rippling in the air their clothes appear good as new. They are still damaged and dirty of course, but to anyone without complex knowledge of illusions they would appear perfectly normal.

Kanako and Sanae look over your work curiously, before nodding happily.

“Thank you.” Sanae says with a smile and slight bow.

Kanako merely nods, as per custom, though she does have a smile aswell, and she goes to open the door.

BOOM.

A large beam of bright yellow energy shoots out of the rocks, about a mile to your right, easily visible even from this distance and lighting up the cavern.

Sanae yelps and ducks back, while Kanako freezes up completely.

The beam keeps going and impacts the ‘ceiling’ of the cavern, sending rocks falling to the ground below, before petering out.

Kanako turns towards the two of you, with obvious apprehension on her features.

“Sanae, I need you to take Ayumu inside and have him meet with Satori.”

“I need to go check on something.”

“But-“ Sanae starts to say but gets cutoff.

“It wasn’t a request Sanae, DO IT.”

And with that Kanako kicks off the ground and goes flying faster than you’ve seen her before, towards the source point of the energy.

Sanae stands there, with a very worried look on her features, looking between you and the goddess rapidly gaining distance.

“She can handle herself… and I’d rather not go against her instructions.”

Sanae bites her lip, but then nods and pushes the doors open, beckoning you inside.


The inside is just as gothic as the outside; you step through the double doors and into a large room, with a tall arched ceiling held up by strong and thick pillars, made of the same material as the walls. Dozens of doors line the walls, and balconies look over the main room from the apparent second floor.

Though as you look around you realize, no one is here…

You give a curious glance to Sanae, who is looking around the place with apparent curiosity aswell, looking this way and that, the apparent concern over Kanako forgotten as she observes the architecture.

“First time here?” You ask.

She turns her gaze towards you, and then nods again.

“Yes… normally when it is the case with meeting the leaders of the various Youkai…”

She struggles the find the right word.

“…Communities, Lady Kanako or Lady Suwako handle it. I’ve been to the underground several times, but have never met Lady Satori.”

“Fair enough…” You look around the massive chamber again. “So where exactly are we going in here then?”

Sanae shrugs, and then starts walking down the room towards its far end, heading towards another large set of double doors.

It seems Sanae follows the ‘when in doubt go forwards’ mentality.

Seeing little in the way of options yourself, you follow behind her.

One large chamber, leads to another, and another, large room upon large room, doors after doors. You’ve been walking for a good two or three minutes, before you reach a set of doors different than the rest.

Large and wooden, with intricate gilding, and stained glass in the center of each, in which is a display of a classical heart, not unlike a design you’d see on a playing card, surrounding it is a bouquet of roses, red and white.

Sanae hesitates for a moment in front of it, and then knocks gently. Silence is the response, and you both stare at the door for a few moments, before she starts to raise her hand to knock again.

You hear the click of heels on tile floor from beyond the door, when with a creak the door opens and a curious head sticks out.

A red head with long twin red braids and two cat ears on her head that are twitching as she looks between the two of you. A smile spreads across her features as she looks excited all of a sudden.

Before you can say anything however she turns around, two twin tails sticking out of the doorway as she does so.

“Lady Satori! You have guests!”

Her voice is high pitched, with an oddly southern drawl; she opens the door the rest of the way and waves you inside with a very cheeky smile.

It reveals an office, ornate as the rest of the building, it is oval in shape, with a large desk in the center, and much like Akyuu’s desk it is western in style. However unlike Akyuu's it is filled with books, stacked on the desk, stacked on the floor, and several full bookshelves besides the all too familiar stained glass windows.

Sitting at the desk, though not getting up to welcome the two of you is a young woman with violet hair, about the same shade as Remilia’s actually, she’s wearing a blue and pink dress covered in heart motifs, and it’s topped off with an eye, veins wrapped around her torso, it is glancing on its own volition between the two of your curiously.

You had thought she was named ‘Satori’ after the word for enlightenment, but it appears Satori, IS a Satori, a mind reader. You recognize that kind of kind of eye instantly, though you haven't seen the species for a long long time.

She stops in front of the two of you, then states in a very dull voice.

“I actually was named after the word, not for my species. But yes, I am Satori, mistress of the Earth Palace, how can I be of service?”

You give a glance out of the corner of your eye at Sanae, though she says nothing, leaving you to go on ahead.

“Yes… thank you. I am Ayumu, and this is Sanae, we are from the Moriya shrine, Kanako Moriya sent us in the hopes you could assist me in a problem I’m having?” You state.

She quirks an eyebrow, though you aren’t sure at which part of the statement.

“I may, though it would depend on the problem.”

“Well… It’s rather hard to explain.” You start.

You struggle for a minute, trying to figure out the right words.

… Oh right, mind reader.

You flash some images in your mind, you waking up with others spellcards on or near your person, and snippets of the dreams.

She continues looking at you with the dull expression.

“So because I have the ability to use others spell cards by reading others thoughts, your goddess thinks I would know what is happening to you?”

You nod slowly, while Sanae look very confused at the moment.

“I believe I can, though I will require payment.”

You think of your dire money situation for a moment, but Sanae speaks up before you do. “We can certainly work something out!” With her customary bright smile on her face.

Satori just continues staring at you. “Do not worry; I already have something in mind.”

That’s more than a little creepy.

“Rin?” Satori calls out.

The catgirl makes a noise from where she was lounging; apparently since you last looked she positioned herself in front of a fireplace placed next to the door that you didn’t notice.

“Please take Miss Sanae here on a tour of the building; I have to talk to Mister Ayumu about some matters.”

Rin starts to get up grumbling, but Sanae interjects.

“Absolutely not!” Okay less interjecting and more shouting.

“Sanae It-“ You start to speak up when she pokes a finger into your chest.

“No! Since you’ve arrived you’ve been stabbed, shot, pummeled, had night terrors, and had your mind nearly snapped in half by a spellcard you couldn’t control.”

“I am NOT leaving you alone here. Not until we know exactly what is wrong!”

She crosses her arms and stares at you, as if daring you to disagree.

You look over to Satori, but she doesn’t say anything, before she shrugs.

“As you wish.”

She points to a pair of chairs in front of the desk. “Go ahead and take seats.”

You and Sanae walk over and sit in the chairs, while Satori sits on the edge of the desk, facing you.

She then slowly reaches out with both hands and places them on your temple, closing her eyes, though the one on her chest is staring right at you.

“Clear you mind of all idle thoughts, remember your dream, any dream.” Her voice if quiet before is barely above a whisper now.

You close your eyes and think back to the first dream, where you saw the fox cult, you think of everything that happened in it, from the confusion of the landscape and the people in it, to the terror of burning alive.

“No…” Satori murmurs. "This is just a nightmare… and not your own… give me another.”

You pause for a moment, then think of the second dream, Yukari on the riverside.

You show her everything, from the views Yukari showed you, to the mallet and your subsequent murder, and you waking up in the morning with one of her spell cards.

“Another.”

You show her Remilia’s and Yuyuko’s aswell, though she does not speak during either memory.

Then, ever so slowly you feel the hands recede from your head, and you open your eyes. Satori has already opened hers, her dull expression changing to one of slight concern, along with a
light bead of sweat on her forehead.

“Tell me… what do you know of spellcards?” She asks.

You reach down to grasp the cards in your pocket.

“They are manifestations of the user’s power are they not?” You reply.

She hops off of the desk and walks behind it, opening a drawer. From it she pulls a spellcard which she places on the desk. It is a violet colored card, crisscrossed with rose vines, and in the center is a single red eye, a duplicate of the one she has wrapped around her torso.

“In a sense yes. And in another much more.” She says.

“A spellcard IS the user, for lack of a better phrase; they are the summation of the users emotions, thoughts, disciplines, and feelings. When you are seeing another person fight in a spellduel, you are seeing what makes them themselves.” She explains.

“I can read minds; I know people’s thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. Because of this I can replicate their spellcards effects, though I cannot recreate the cards themselves. I would believe that you are doing something similar, by entering someone’s dream you are entering their mind, with all that entails. You are in the deepest part of them, and so it wouldn’t be unexpected that there would be side effects coming out.”

She glances at the card in her hand.

“However I cannot explain why it produces a spellcard, perhaps an after effect of the magic involved in the process, after all the ability to enter dreams is a rare gift. However it does have another noticeable side effect, Yukari showing you the effect of the mallet as she knew of it created an effect on your dreams. I couldn’t say how, but I could feel its presence from every dream barring the first.”

She finishes, putting the card back into the desk.

“Could there be any… harm in him copying other’s spellcards? From a purely mental perspective?” Sanae speaks up.

Satori gives her a glance then shakes her head. “No. At least, none that I could think of, using those outside of his ability to handle could certainly backfire, but just getting a copy of the card itself shouldn’t have any side effects.”

Sanae lets out a relieved sigh. “That’s good then.”

“Do you have any ideas what I could do about the mallets effects?” You ask.

Satori shakes her head again.

“I’m afraid not, however, you enter dreams, and you can control dreams on a lucid level. I would suggest just attempting to summon it, or remove it from your dream.”

Well, it’s worth a shot, you never thought about it to be honest.

“Is there anything else you need my assistance with?”

You give a glance to Sanae, who shakes her head, which you mimic.

“Good then, we can discuss payment.” She speaks a bit more excitedly.

“Yes… as I was saying the Moriya Shrine ca-“ Sanae starts but gets cut off.

“No. As I said I have something in mind. I would have to speak privately to Ayumu though.”

Sanae hesitates for a moment, and then nods, apparently less against the idea than before, though you suppose you did get your answers.

She pushes the chair back and walks out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Satori hops back out of her seat and walks around the desk until she is standing in front you of, a noticeably cat like smile on her features.

“Yukari has a fox spirit as a servant, did you know that?”

You think back to a conversation you had several days ago.

“Yes. I did.” Wondering where she is going with this.

“I’ve unfortunately never gotten the chance to meet her, though I’ve always wanted to.”

“I keep a lot of pets… most people have difficulties with me and my sister due to our abilities, however animals appreciate that you can tell what they are thinking. As such I’ve been surrounded by animals from a young age.”

You nod again. You only saw Rin, but with how massive the building was you wouldn’t be surprised if there were more.

“Could you show me your fox form? That would be all I ask as payment.”

You look at her curious. It’s an odd request.

As long as you don’t actually use any serious magic it wouldn’t really be a drain of your energy.

“Alright…” You agree.

You step away from the chair, and with the release of a mental block, you drop to all fours, fur covering your features, you shrink into the size of a small dog and take on the form of a fox,
your clothes falling around you as you do so.

Like before your hearing, vision, and scent is instantly enhanced. You shake off some after effects of the transformation, and then stare up at Satori curiously. Your nose twitching as it takes in the now slightly overpowering scent of roses in the room.

She looks down at you, her right foot tapping against the floor excitedly. She holds out a head, right above your hand.

"May I?" She asks.

You nod your now vulpine head, wondering what she is trying to find out.

She pressed the hand down on the top of your head, before rubbing it through the fur and scratching behind your ears.

You stare at her incredulously as she continues to pet you. A blissful smile on her features.

...

You are almost five-hundred years old, you have seen more blood, death, and destruction, than most humans ever have, and you are sitting here, on your haunches, in a fantasy land, while a mind reading girl pets your head like some oversized puppy.

As she gets to a particularly lovely spot behind your left earlode, you decide screw it. It has been a long day.

- - -

No more than five minutes later, she is satisfied, apparently she doesn't get alot of foxes down here, and by alot, I mean at all. Honestly with the two fights you've just been in, you don't blame the others of your species.

You give your goodbyes, and head back out the door, to see Sanae standing, right outside, looking at some of stained glass. She turns her head when you enter and gives a smile at your approach.

"Did everything go alright?" She asks giving you a look over.

"Yes... Yes everything is fine. We just discussed some things." You say carefully.

She blinks at your tone before shrugging her shoulders. "Shall we head back to the entrance then?"

You give the affirmative. "Yes, lets go see if Kanako's come back."

It's another two to three minutes walk back to the entrance, any same as last time you don't see anyone as you move through the place, you are more than a little curious how she takes care of this place.

You head back to and through the main entrance, to see Kanako standing right outside of it at the top of the stairs, Sanae upon spotting her runs up happily.

"Lady Kanako! You're alright!"

The goddess gives a snort.

"Of course I'm alright, did you have any doubts?"

"What happened?" Sanae asks.

Kanako shrugs her shoudlers, causing the ring behind her back to spin a little. "Just some intruder in the reactor apparently. They fled as soon as the caretaker got onto them."

"I'm afraid I didn't see the culprit, and the 'discharge' is so common that no alarm was raised."

You can't help but sigh, you didn't want anything to happen to the goddess of course, but you were kinda hoping she would have been able to see this 'intruder'. You have more than a sneaking suspicion it's the same people... or person you are looking for.

Or an especially drunk Oni, in this town it's rather hard to guess.

- - -

The flight back to the surface is without incident, especially since you all unanimously decided to fly OVER the village, instead of walking through it then flying later. and with a short trip upwards you are back outside the cave and onto the surface.

It is already late evening, and you all make your way back to the temple, thankfully in the same state you left it.

Dinner is ready shortly afterwards, Suwako having prepared something when she got back, an hour or so earlier.

It's a nice dinner, especially after a long day like the three of you have had, and it is mixed with light conversation, Sanae still hasn't told the goddesses about what happened with Satori today.

But from how they speak and from what Sanae reveals she knows already...

...You don't recall telling her about the night terrors

You figure it will most likely make it to the goddesses knowledge before the day is done.

And with the standard fares of goodnights you all head your seprate ways for bed.

- - -

You stretch out before the night, your shoulder is still sore. When you were told about the spellcard system, for some odd reason you pictured less fist fights. Oh how silly you were you think as you stretch the arm, wincing at the bruise you have there.

It's still only around nine in the evening, but it has been a long day by any stretch of the imagination, but as prepare for bed your eyes fall upon your collection of cards.
Two fox, one Remilia, and two cards you doubt you control belonging to Yukari and Yuyuko respectively.

You wonder...

Chapter Text

You reach down and grasp a card, one of the blank ones the Moriya provided to you.

... You can't rely on other's spellcards in the long run.

You clear your mind of idle thoughts and focus on the card in front of you, channeling your magic into it.

You feel a slight tugging sensation in your skull, like someone has taped a string to your forehead and is pulling it towards the card.

Then, with a SNAP. The card flashes a bright white light, leaving spots in your vision that you blink away.

The card's blank design has been replaced by silhouetted images of foxes, silver in color, they are in various poses on the page. The text at the bottom reads.

"Fox Sign - Fox Hunt" In Golden letters.

'Yip!'

You jump a bit, that sounded like...

You lower the card and see a small fox, made up of silver light by your bed. It is staring up at you with two blue unblinking eyes, a single tail swishing back and forth behind it excitedly.

"...Hi?" You say slowly.

'Yip!' It exclaims again.

Yeah buddy I didn't understand it the first time, and I can SPEAK fox.

Then, with another burst of silver light, the fox explodes in a ball of blue fire, the force of it flipping your futon over. You rush to put it out, but find that it didn't actually burn anything.

So... exploding foxes huh?

- - -

The night passes without a dream, which is wonderful as you got a full night of sleep to relieve your aching shoulder.

And you awaken to a new and fresh day.

It's the fifth day since you've arrived, almost a full week, it's Saturday, though what that really means here you couldn't honestly say.

You freshen up and toss your laundry in the wash finally, and during breakfast you informed that due to the fight yesterday and the yardwork progress, the goddesses have seen fit to give you and Sanae both the day off.

Sanae seems delighted with the news, making a break for her room shortly after breakfast.

... Teenagers.

While Kanako and Suwako see fit to lounge around the temple all day, apparently after yesterday Suwako's waiting for some results and has nothing to investigate herself today.

Leaving you with an odd situation.

You have a full day... where you can do whatever you want really.

“I think I’m going to go back to the underground then, if it is all the same to you.” You state after thinking it over.

The two goddesses look at you quizzically, and in Kanako’s case more than a little obvious concern.

“I feel bad after the fight with Yuugi yesterday, she kind of saved me from getting beaten to a pulp, and in return we ended up fighting her. I had promised her a drink and I want to try to mend bridges before they become irreparable. I live here now after-all.”

Kanako mulls it over a bit, but then sighs.

“Oni respect strength and honesty, and we do not want those in the underground to be hostile to us forever.”

She walks out of the room, before returning a minute later with a bottle of Sake, the label identifying it as Daiginjo. That’s… more than a little expensive. She looks at it for a moment, hesitating, before offering it to you.

You grasp it gingerly.

“Thank you Kanako.”

She looks forlornly at the bottle a moment longer, before nodding and turning back to the TV.

You best leave before she changes her mind.

With a quick goodbye you grab a bag from the kitchen and put the bottle into it.

- - -

You exit out the back of the temple and kick off into the air, heading towards the entrance to the underground. The morning air is cool against your body, rather pleasant all things considered.

You can see a few Tengu flitting about the mountain, maybe you should visit their village sometime… along with the Kappa’s, you are more than a little curious as to see what their society is like. You’ve never really associated with either.

Tokyo was many things, but it was never agreeable to those who prefer a more… ‘Country’ aesthetic.

Just a minute or two of flight takes you to the entrance to the underground, even from all the way up here you can feel the heat of the magma far below.

You hesitate briefly at the entrance, before shaking your head and flying into it.

It’s another two to three minute flight down, however compared to before there are more Youkai about the tunnel itself. Various carvings into the rocks hold small hovels. Mostly goblins from what you see, but there are a few fairies flying about aswell.

You are curious why you didn’t see them last time. There were Youkai before of course, but it definitely seems busier now.

You make it the rest of the way down, landing just before the familiar red bridge. You see the woman from before… come to think of it you never got her name.

She is leaning against the railing, watching the water move underneath it with a bored expression on her face, resting her chin in one of her hands as she taps a foot idly against the wood.

You approach slowly, remembering her… hostility before. She turns her head as your shoes clack against the bridge.

Her expression brightens considerably at the sight of you.

“Good morning!” She states cheerfully, waving with one hand, a bright smile on her features.

You halt midstep, stumbling a little.

That… wasn’t what you expected.

You recover quickly. “Good morning miss…?”

She gasps and covers her mouth with a hand.

“My apologies! I forgot to introduce myself yesterday.” She lifts up her dress and curtsies. “I am Mizuhashi Parsee. “

You give a light bow in response. “… I am Ayumu, pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

She giggles, and then speaks again. “Are you seeking to head into the city?”

You give a slow nod. “Yes, I had business to take care of there.”

She claps her hands and nods. “Please go on ahead; just don’t get into any trouble!~”

“…Alright.” You slowly walk past and around her, but nothing happens as you make your way to the other side of the bridge.

You can hear her mumbling behind you, but you can’t make out anything she’s saying, even with your advanced hearing.

You speed up your walking by an appreciable amount.

- - -

You reach the gates of the city without incident thankfully, and it is just as bustling as it was before, which begs a question you only just realized… How are you going to find Yuugi in this city?

You head into the alley you were ‘ambushed’ before. A nice demon shaped hole on one side of the alley, and a fist sized hole on the other, next to it is a door, apparently a side entrance. Above which is a sign.

“Ota’s Liver”

Well… you suppose it’s a good a start as any. You open the door and walk inside.

The first thing you greet you is the smell of strong alcohol, following that, the raucous sound of a popular bar.

It’s your average haunt all things considered, old beaten down tables, a long bar against the far wall, staffed by an Oni it appears, and Youkai of all sorts are drinking, from demons in the corner laughing wildly and swinging beer mugs around, to a pair of fairies sipping at some colorful drink out of long straws as they float above the table.

No sign of Yuugi however…

You approach the bar and wait for the bartender, who makes his way to you after a minute or so.

“What can I get for ya?” He asks, voice gruff, but jovial in tone.

“Information if you please, I’m looking for someone. A Miss Yuugi?”

He blinks. “Yuugi?”

“You can find her up on the balcony.” He states, pointing to a staircase to the left of the bar.

You nod in thanks, and start heading towards the staircase. “Good luck!” He shouts out from the bar.

- - -

You walk up the old wooden staircase, and find yourself on the apparent second floor of the bar, there’s more tables set about, but on first glance there is nobody here.

Then you see her, sitting at a table, halfway hidden by a wooden support beam in the way, Yuugi is nursing a drink and looking off into the distance.

You steel your nerves and walk over to her. When you get about ten feet away she speaks up without looking in your direction.

“If yer here to fight, you’ll need to wait until after I finish my drink.” She says, a slight slur to her voice as she continues staring off into the distance.

You clear your throat and speak up. “Actually… I believe I owed a certain ‘pretty lady’ a drink and was hoping to pay off my debt.”

She stills at the sound of your voice, turning her head slowly to stare at you. You hold up the paper bag, the top of the bottle sticking out of it.

“Please?” You ask.

She stares a moment longer then lets out a barking laugh.

“I… didn’t actually expect you to hold me up on that!” She laughs some more, slamming a hand on the table, cracking it as she does so.

“Yeah! Yeah! Come take a seat.”

You nod with a smile and take the seat across from her.

You set the bag on the table, and she reaches over and pulls out the bottle, taking a look at the label.

“Ooooh not bad at all!”

She pops cork out with a finger and pours the Sake into two dishes, handing one to you while she takes the other.

“Cheers!” She holds out the saucer and you tap yours to hers, and you both drink at the same time.

It’s smooth going down, good stuff. Kanako knows her booze.

You place the saucer back on the table, Yuugi doing so at the same time, a pleased grin on her face as she enjoys the Sake.

“I’m not gonna lie, I expected a bit more of a… violent reunion.”

She shakes her head. “You went out of your way to pay me back, that means a lot.”

“Though I am still pissed about you cheating in the fight yesterday.”

You shrug your shoulders, allowing two vulpine ears to pop out of your head.

“Fox Spirit… It’s in my nature; it would be like asking you to not use your strength.”

She looks at the ears with obvious curiosity.

“Huh… we don’t hardly ever get your kind ‘round here.”

She lets out a huff, before pouring another saucer of the drink, filling yours aswell.

“I suppose so. Still, it was a nasty trick.”

You shrug your shoulders again. “It’s that or holding myself back, and I don’t think you’d appreciate that.”

She gives you an appraising look, before shaking her head with a smile.

“I suppose not.”

- - -

“So…” She drawls out after several more saucers, the bottle about half empty at this point. You’re not really feeling the effects of it, a Youkai’s metabolism is no joke. But it is damn good sake.

“How did someone like you end up associating with people like them?”

You blink at the question. “I assume by ‘them’ you mean the Moriya?”

She nods.

You let out a breath and lean back in your seat.

“I arrived in Gensokyo almost a week ago now, and there were several shrines offering shelter. I ended up going with the Moriya, it was just Sanae there, but she wasn’t having any luck… I suppose I may have felt pity for her at the time.”

She snorts.

“No really, she was by far the least popular; and as far as I’m aware I was the only person who spoke to her that day. I ended up as I said staying with them, and so far it’s been… far more pleasant than I expected to be honest." You admit.

Kanako can be difficult at times, but Suwako and Sanae have both been very friendly and helpful in getting me acclimated. I understand you may have problems with Kanako, I really do. But Sanae’s just a teenager, a human one at that, I don’t think she’s done anything wrong… As for Suwako… well to be honest I don’t know enough about her to make a judgment call, but still, do you all really hold that much of a grudge?”

She looks down at the saucer in her hands before letting out a sigh.

“No… not really, I know… as far as I can be aware anyway that Sanae hasn’t done anything. But I won’t forgive Kanako until she apologizes for nearly getting us all killed. “

You suck in air through your teeth.

Yeah… Kanako apologizing….

“I’ll see if I can talk to her about it, for what it’s worth, she does want friendly relations with the underground.”

She snorts again.

“If you say so. Tell you what, if you can pull that off, I’ll buy the drink next time.”

She gets up from her chair and stretches her arms.

“Thanks for the drink, it was appreciated, but unfortunately I’ve got business to take care of.”

She grabs the bottle and puts the cork back in, and with a lazy wave she heads back to the staircase and down into the bar, leaving you alone at the table.

That… went far better than expected all around, Yuugi is rather different than what you pegged her for, and you’ve always had… trouble with Oni. A species that values honesty greatly tends to clash with a species known for being tricksters.

Still, as long as both sides are willing to try, perhaps the situation in the underground can be resolved. You’ve gotta pay the Moriya back somehow, you feel in the long run cleaning up their house is not going to cut it.

It’s almost noon now… you think. There’s obviously no sunlight down here, but that’s what your internal clock is telling you, you’ve still got the rest of the afternoon and the evening to kill.

You get up from your seat at the table, that meeting went better than expected, though you do wonder how exactly you could get someone like Kanako to apologize. You don’t exactly have Suwako’s ability to yell into her ear until she submits...

Actually it may be worth speaking to Suwako about it come to think of it, either way you have a sneaking suspicion you will be grilled for information about your visit when you get back. But for now it’s almost lunch time.

You are rather light on money, you suppose you could head back to the temple… or…

A grin makes its way across your features. Well. You have been meaning to come visiting again.

You kick off from the balcony and fly out of the city, heading past the bridge and up through the hole leading to the surface. A short flight up and you are back on the mountain itself.

You breathe in the non burning sulfuric air with satisfaction, and start heading towards the human village.

It’s a short flight, four to five minutes, and you land just outside the gates and walk in. Bustling as always, there is more of a hubbub going on in the village square compared to last time.

In the center of the square in front of the statue is a large stage, upon which is an ongoing Noh performance, a young girl with pink hair is doing the performance by herself on the stage, she is wearing a traditional mask on her face and is moving rhythmically to music that you can’t place the source of. She's got a a large crowd surrounding the stage, apparently being quite popular, it's only after you see the faint glowing forms of more masks surrounding her you recognize her for a Youkai.

And In the corner there are more Youkai. Specifically merchants, some kappa have setup a stall and are selling devices and goods you don’t recognize, though all are mechanical in nature. You see a few familiar Kappa from that day you first arrived at the mountain. They however have much less in the way of attention, you'd think at first due to the attraction in the center of the square, but on closer look most humans are actively AVOIDING the stall altogether. You're sure there is a story behind that.

You cut across the village square and head towards the Hieda compound, it’s a short walk over, and you arrive at the gated complex. Most of the servants are working in the garden, but only a few turn their heads to look at you as you enter the compound and head towards the front door.

You open it slowly, in case she may have guests over, but peering into the room you just see Akyuu at her desk writing on a piece of parchment by herself.

You walk inside and enter the large central room, the only sounds being the scratching of a pen on old parchment, and the rhythmic ticking of a clock set on the wall. Akyuu however doesn’t seem to have registered your presence.

You watch her work, much the same as she always had, no matter her name she always is the same kind of person. Even compared to so long ago…

- - -

*140 years ago*

The gentle pitter patter of rain makes its presence known as it hits the pavement outside. It has been an oddly rainy January, though it is been warm enough not to snow, both rather unusual for Tokyo this time of year.

You watch the rain fall outside through the glass door of your shop, the novel in your hands having utterly failed in getting your attention. It’s a slow day today, though to be fair; it is a slow day most days.

You are about to give it up and try to find SOMETHING to do, when a hooded figure bursts into your shop, dripping wet, with black hair sticking out from underneath the heavy hood they are wearing, though the rest of the figure is obscured as they are hunched over the ground panting.

“Can… I help you? Or are you just looking to get out of the rain?” You ask, looking at the possible customer.

The figure opens up a finger in the universal wait gesture, and you do so dutifully as they catch their breath.

A good fifteen seconds later the figure looks up at you, scarlet red hair framing a young womans face with a pair of tired looking purple eyes.

“Are you Akio?”

You raise an eyebrow at the question, there’s only one of you in here, and the sign outside does say “Akio’s”

“I may be. Why?” You ask.

“I am Amu, I am looking to get help for my family, a rival clan is trying to stamp up out.”

“Then yes, I am Akio… come with me.”

You get up and move to the door set against the back wall. Opening it and motioning her to enter it.

She hesitates only for a moment before walking around your desk and into the room. You walk over to your front door and switch the sign to ‘closed’ then follow her into the back room.

Your ‘real’ office is far less decorated than your outside one, made up of a simple table with some chairs, there are a few old paintings here and there, but you prefer to minimalist look for this kind of thing.

Amu is standing next to the table awkwardly. You gesture to one of the chairs.

“Please. Sit.”

She does so, sliding into the chair and scooching it closer to the table. Once she gets relatively comfortable she pulls the hood off, revealing the red hair goes all the way to her shoulders.

You take the chair opposite, giving her a smile and gesturing for her to speak.

“Is… is it true? That you are a Fox Monster? “

You snicker, allowing one of your tails to slip out; she watches it with a mix of curiosity and fear.

“I prefer fox spirit, but yes. I’d like to preface beforehand that I solve problems yes, but I do not kill people, not deliberately anyway.”

She shakes her head side to side rapidly.

“NO!” She cups her hand over her mouth at the outburst.

“I mean… no. I don’t want anyone killed.” She clarifies, slightly muffled as she is still covering her mouth.

“Then please go into more detail.” You request.

She breathes in deeply, and then explains the situation.

She apparently ran here all the way from Numazu, a rather impressive feat for such a young girl.

"My clan, the Hieda is being destroyed by a rival clan, the Sogo, they have been buying up all of our properties, and trumped up charges that got my father arrested. As the next in succession I believed they were planning the same for me, so I fled town to seek help... and I was directed here. I was told you are good at solving..." She wrings her hands.

"Situations like this." She finishes, looking at you hopefully.

“So you wish me to get the Hieda its land back, and put down this rival clan of yours?”

She nods slowly.

“Simple enough, but how precisely do you plan on paying for this?”

She slowly reaches into a pocket and produces a fine golden necklace, inlaid with jewels of all sorts, placing it on the table.

“It’s been in the Hieda family for generations.”

You give it a look over; it’s very finely made, and would fetch a VERY nice price, though you still don’t believe it would cover the cost of the job itself. You think it over a moment, and then voice your decision.

“Agreed.” You state, pocketing the necklace.

“Come, we are leaving for Numazu, we can take my cart.” You push the chair back and start to leave the room.

“Uhm…” She speaks up, causing you to glance back. "Can we… eat something first?”

You snicker again.

“Sure.” You reach out a hand for her to grab, which she does after another moment’s hesitation.

You lead her out of th-

“Oh! Good day Ayumu! I wasn’t informed that you were visiting!”

- - -

You are ripped out of your reminiscence, and are back in the Hieda compound, Amu… no Akyuu smiling up at you from behind her desk.

In the light of the windows you can see just the slightest slip of a golden chain around her neck, the metal glinting in the light.

A smile graces your features. “I just thought I’d drop by, both wanting to mooch off of your lunch and checking up to see if you’ve heard anything about our little trouble maker.”

She giggles. “Well! I do believe I can help with both of those, come, it was about time for me to take a break anyway.”

She leads you through one of the side doors in the room, which reveals a rather expansive dining room, she sits at the head of the table, you at her side, and she rings a small silver bell sitting in front of her seat.

“So?” You ask, as you sit down.

“What do you have for me?”

“Yes… I’m afraid I still couldn’t find anything particularly concrete on the Mallet itself, but I do believe I have information on the kidnapper. I was planning on sending a messenger tomorrow but you beat me to it.”

“It’s a Amanojaku named Seija, last name unknown, she’s been in Gensokyo for an unknown length of time, but at least as far back as half a year ago.”

“No known acquaintances, she mostly kept quiet, the only real record I have of her came from a resident of the Bamboo Forest, Seija apparently challenged her to a spellcard duel, believing her to be a normal human, she was promptly beaten into the ground.”

“That being the only noted appearance of her... until now of course.”

You nod, it's not much, but it is good to have a name.

“I'll pass that along thank you.” She nods with a smile, which brightens considerably more when servants walk in carrying plates of food.

Steak for lunch... even after a hundred years the girl still loves to eat.

The rest of the meal is spent is pleasant conversation, as you get ready to leave however she calls out to you.

“Is everything still alright at the shrine?”

You pause for a moment, thinking over your answer.

“I'd say so yes... theirs been a few more... events. But they are still good hosts.”

She gives you a deadpan look. “Ayumu...”

You can't help but laugh at her expression, you have a feeling if you so much as asked she would wage a one woman war on the shrine, however well that would turn out.

“I'm fine! Seriously little one, you know better than most it takes quite a lot of actually hurt me.”

She glowers a moment longer before letting out a sigh.

“Just be careful... okay?”

You reach out and gently pat her head. “ 'course I will, I've made a career out of being careful Amu.”

She pushes your hands off of her head with a mock pout, that quickly turns into a smile.

“I know... stay safe Akio.”

“You aswell little Amu.”

You turn to leave. “And visit often!”

You can't help it, you laugh as you step out of the building. It's good to have friends again, both new and old.

Chapter Text

You think back to the performance you saw in the square, you doubt that it is still going on, but you are interested in the performer more than the play. A Youkai street performer… consider your interest piqued.

You walk away from the compound and back towards the center of town, cutting your way through the now shopping crowd in the village square, the stage is still there, but the performer is gone and the crowd is no longer around it, instead shopping at the various stalls around the square, except the Kappa one.

A quick glance around the crowd shows no sign of the pink haired girl however. However there is an old man staring at the stage by himself away from the crowd.

You cut your way through the crowd over to the man. Hopefully he’ll have an idea.

“Excuse me sir?” You attempt to get his attention once you are a few feet away from him.

At first it seems like he didn’t hear you, then after a moment he slowly turns to look at you, revealing a very old and sagging face, with tired looking light grey eyes and a long beard. He is hunched over and resting on a walking stick.

“Yes young’in?” He asks, his voice rough, like a heavy smoker.

“That show from before. Who was the performer?”

“Hmm? A newcomer?” He asks, scratching at his beard.

You nod at the question.

“That was Kokoro. Hata no Kokoro, a regular performer here, does her show every Saturday.”

“Ah, thank you, does she live around here?” You ask.

“Yes… she lives just outside the village, at the Myouren temple. She’s probably headed back already. “

“Myouren temple?” You think back to your first day at the train station… yes that was one of the stalls.

“Yes… relatively friendly bunch of people, though most of us don’t go near the place, filled with Youkai…”

He chuckles a little, still scratching at his beard.

“Where is it at?” You ask.

“Eh… if you follow the road out the opposite end of the village you be there in about a mile… rather hard to miss, it’s the largest structure out that way.” He states, pointing down the road opposite of the one you walked to get here.

“Thank you kindly.” You say.

“Do be careful if you choose to go there… while the head priestess is quite nice, not all of her followers are…”

You nod at the information, and decide on your next course of action.

- - -

You thank the man once again and head down the opposite road out of the village, there's more shops along the way but nothing that particularly catches your eye, and you head through the gates.

However instead of opening to wide fields and farmland, it appears you've simply walked into an extension of the city, houses continue on for a good half mile, more ramshackle than those in the village itself, it appears the city outgrew the walls.

A good mile down the road you can see a tall temple, most likely the Myouren temple, and far beyond that in the distance nestled between some rolling hills is a large field of sunflowers. The afternoon sun lights them up as they seemingly go on for miles.

You start walking down the path, taking in the sights and sounds around you as you head your ways forward, its definitely more human than Youkai in these parts, and it doesn't take you long to get through it, the houses getting poorer and smaller until you are out of the village entirely and are into open road and empty space, the temple still another half mile away.

The temple itself is similar is some ways to the Moriya temple, and quite different in others, while the Moriya built wide, the Myouren built tall. A large main structure made up of several floors, with a compound around it.

You eventually make your way to it, passing through a large but open gate, set besides some wooden walls. No guard however is there to block or monitor entry, and you enter into a large central courtyard in the compound.

It's dirt mainly, with a clean path made of stone leading to the front steps of the temple building itself, there is no-one in sight, even to your vision, save for a small young girl with hair not dissimilar to Sanae's sweeping the pathway. You think her human at first, before spotting the two extra set of ears on her head, the brown setting rather oddly against the neon green hair.

You approach to greet her, perhaps she will know where Kokoro is? You can hear her faintly singing as you approach.

“Gone Gone! Gone over!” She sings repeatedly to herself, her voice bright and cheerful. Singing in time to her broom motions.

“Excuse me? Miss?” You attempt to get her attention.

She turns her head to the left and right before her eyes settling on you, you worry for a second you startled her when her expression brightens and a wide smile comes over her features.

“Good afternoon!”

Loud... very loud.

Sometimes having enhanced hearing can be a detriment rather than a benefit, you blink and attempt to ignore the ringing in your ears.

“Yes... good afternoon.” You reply to her greeting.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” She asks at a thankfully normal volume, her ears flapping up and down like a dog would with their tail, clearly excited.

“Yes... thank you. I was visiting the village earlier and saw a Youkai Noh performer, I'm a relative newcomer to these parts so I was hoping to meet her, I never saw any Youkai performances where I came from. So I'm rather curious.” You explain.

She takes a moment to process your words, before nodding excitedly.

You reflexively cover your ears as she cups her hands around her mouth.

“Kokoro!” She yells towards the temple.

You uncover your ears and give a glance around, nobody responds at first, then a side door of the temple opens, peeking out from behind it is a young girl with pink hair, the same one you saw before in the village. She looks blankly between the two of you.

The green haired girl beckons her over, and after a moment more she does so. Walking down the steps and stopping before the two of you, a blank noh mask floating above her shoulder.

She says nothing, and her face betrays no emotion, quite literally, you don't think you've seen anyone have that neutral of an expression in your life.

You speak up first, beyond a tilting of her head she is in apparently no rush to do so.

“Yes... Hello I am Ayumu sorry. I saw your performance in the square, I am afraid I didn't get to see all of it, but it seemed quite skilled. I just wanted to say hello as I'm rather new here, and have never seen a Youkai do a performance like that before. I was quite impressed.”

The girl just continues to stare at you blankly, then with a flash of light, the mask above her shoulder changes to a noh mask with a happy expression. She makes an excited fistpump and then pushes the corners of her mouth up into an approximation of a smile.

You give a confused look towards the girl with green hair. She giggles then explains.

“She's a Menreiki, she doesn't really express with her face.”

Ah... sentient masks. That explains that at least.

“Thank you.” Kokoro states in a dull voice.

“Quite welcome. I was told you do a show every Saturday?”

She nods.

“I'll need to make a note to see the next one in full then.”

Another fistpump.

- - -

“So...” Turning towards the green haired girl. “I'm afraid I never quite got your name.”

“Kyouko!” She barks happily, holding out a hand for you to shake.

You do so with a smile.

“So can you tell me more about the Myouren temple? I'm afraid I'm quite new to Gensokyo."

"If you don't mind, I believe I would be better apt to do so.” A voice speaks up from behind you.

You turn to look, standing near the gates, apparently having just entered is a tall woman in a rather complicated dress, she looks at you with closed eyes and a smile, purple hair the fades into brown moving slowly in the breeze behind her. It's the same woman you saw manning the stall at the train station.

The woman exudes friendliness and calmness as she slowly walks past you and rubs Kyouko's head.

“Thank you miss?”

“Oh! Do forgive my manners, I am Hijiri Byakuren, head priest of the Myouren temple.” She states with a light bow. Releasing her hand from the head of Kyouko, much to the smaller girls chagrin.

You return the bow.

“Yes it would be appreciated.”

She coughs into her hand lightly then starts speaking. “This is the Myouren temple, Buddhist in faith, we seek equality between all Youkai and Humans.”

“Equality?” You ask.

“Indeed! I believe with the right effort the two races could learn to live in harmony and peace, and I seek to make that possible.” She explains.

"I did see you had quite the crowd back at the train station, I take it things are going well?"

"Yes. For the most part, quite a few took the shelter then went on their way the day later, but a small number chose to join us in the temple itself, I do not lament that they left, giving shelter is part of our duty. Are you perchance in need of shelter? We have space in the temple."

“I'm afraid not, I already have dwelling. I actually came to meet Kokoro, I saw her performance at the square and wanted to say hello, I had never seen a Youkai do a street performance before. Openly anyway”

She smiles and giggles. “Yes, Kokoro's a dear, more than one visitor has come by because of her!”

“You said you were a recent arrival? Did you come aboard the train then?”

You nod. “I did yes, five days ago.”

“And how are you finding Gensokyo?”

“It's quite nice, far bit from what I am used to, but very pleasant. I do not regret coming here.”

She smiles wide again.

“Glad to hear it. I am afraid however I have to get back to my duties, and Kyouko to her cleaning, but you are of course welcome here if you never need shelter, or are curious about Buddhism.” She states with another bow. "I am sorry to say we cannot really give tours at this time."

“Thank you.” You state returning the bow, it is probably good you didn't tell her where your shelter was...

- - -

You head back to the Moriya temple, leaving the Myouren complex and the human village behind as you do so, It's early evening now as you fly through the air towards the mountain, the fading sunlight doing an interesting show with the leaves in the trees, when you left it was almost fall. You wonder if they have regular seasons here?

You pass the waterfall and go up the side of the mountain, before cresting and landing at the large gates at the entrance to the temple.

No-one is on the grounds, then again you didn't expect anyone to be.

The grounds after the work of you and Sanae are looking much better. Barring a few split buildings... and some holes in the roof no-one has told you how to patch up yet. It looks far more presentable.

You head inside the temple and into the dining area, it is empty aswell, even the TV is off, and with a shrug you head back to your room. Changing into more comfortable clothing as you decide what to do with the rest of your evening and think on the days events.

The trip to the village was eventful you suppose, you did learn some useful information from Akyuu, and it was nice to see her again, it has been quite a long time, its a rare thing to become long term friends with a human, the tragedy of long life makes such things... difficult.

As for the Buddhists, you only met a few but they seemed friendly enough, you wonder if you should look into them further, at the very least, to see who the rivals of the Moriya are. You haven't seen hide nor hair of that third stall that was there at the station come to think of it, and it was rather popular from what you remember.

But for now you have the rest of the evening to yourself, you should probably stick to the temple however, you do not want to miss dinner.

Well, as long as you have free time perhaps it would be a good idea to test out your spellcards, new and old. You leave Remilia's, Yuyuko's and Yukari's behind however, you aren't fully comfortable with them yet.

You step out of your room, cut through the garden and head out the back of the temple, walking down the stone staircase and into the large clearing.

The clearing is filled with scorch marks and large broken pillars, more than the last time you were here... either your fight was more in depth than you remember, or the goddesses got in some practice themselves. If so, it is a mercy they didn't use the main temple grounds.

Which one first...

You watch flame alight up your arm, wreathing the entire limb in flame, it doesn't actually burn, but you can feel the heat off of it. An experimental swing of the arm douses the flames near instantly. You try again, pumping more magical energy into it.

Brilliant blue flame lights again, heat so strong you almost have to shy away from it. You swing the arm forward again, the flames shoot out a few feet in front of you in a scything motion. Interesting...

You think back to your fights from before.

Suwako... Well to be honest you can't really copy Suwako.

But Kanako was all about quantity, which right now is your greatest weakness, you have enough power, more than you can handle to be perfectly honest, but all of your attacks are overly focused for lack of a better term. Kanako and even Wakasagihime filled the air with bullets.

That kind of power made an offence much more difficult to pull off.

You concentrate on the card again, trying to see what you can do, if this is supposed to be a representation of your abilities... then it should be able to do what you can do...

You feel a rush of heat behind you as you pump magic into the card, visualizing what you want.

A glance back shows a wall of flame has formed behind you, several feet long and wide, you give it a thought and the flame shoots out in all directions, they are small fires, much smaller than even what you shoot out of your hands... but you want volume, and volume is what you got.

- - -

You summon copies of yourself around you, fully physical, they can't take more than a single hit, but they are useful distractions. They without other orders mirror your every move. From what you've seen, as long as your opponent cannot tell which one is real, the spells they mimic still hurt.

Then again you aren't fully sure about that aspect of the spellcard system, perhaps they would hurt even if the opponent knew they were illusions.

You can flip their forms aswell, just as you could with your regular illusions, Kanako, Sanae, Suwako, you again. Over and over, it doesn't take any energy to do, just changing how you picture it in your mind.

You allow the illusions to fade as you stare at the card in your hand, there isn't really much in the way of learning to do with this card, though you suppose you could get up to some nasty trick by mixing this with your... actual illusion abilities.

- - -

"Yip!" The glowing fox in front of your barks happily. You stare back at it. Honestly you can't really do anything like this with your abilities... so your not quite sure where this came from.

You stare at the kit, then 'think' about what you want it to do. Thankfully it responds, running to the opposite end of the clearing in bounds and exploding in a burst of energy. Sending balls of energy in all directions, but they fizzle out after only a couple of feet.

Yes... you will be my exploding distraction foxes, we will do fun things together.

- - -

You pocket the rest of the cards and head back up the stairs towards the temple. Through the backyard and back into your room, collecting the rest of your spellcards and heading through the main room and into the dining area.

The TV is on this time, Kanako and suwako both sitting together on the couch watching it, both have traded their goddess attire for more casual wear, Kanako wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, while Suwako seems to be wearing some form of pajama.

Suwako chirps happily at your entrance and gives a friendly wave, and Kanako gives you the customary nod, you return the wave and give your own customary nod in return, taking a sitting positiong near the table.

It isn't more than a few minutes later when Kanako speaks up.

"So how'd it go?" She asks, actually turning her head away from the TV to look at you, her slitted eyes getting smaller as she focuses on you.

"You mean at the underground?" You clarify.

"Mhmm."

"It went well I'd say, or at least, no hard feelings from Yuugi. She's the only one I met down there... besides Parsee. But it went definitely well, though there are some things I would like to talk to you about at some point." You explain.

"Meet me outside after dinner, we can talk there." She states, turning back to the TV.

It isn't a while later that Sanae brings out dinner and you eat the meal and listen to the smalltalk of the Moriya's.

Chapter Text

You sit up after thinking about what how you are going to approach this for a minute or two. Turning off the television you step out of the dining room and through the side door into the yard. Night has fallen, a waxing moon casting the shrine in light.

At first glance you do not see Kanako anywhere, and you continue walking around to the front of the temple. There, leaning back against the gates and looking across the mountain is Kanako. In the far distance you can see the lights of the human village, and you believe you can make out the lights of the Tengu village aswell nestled in the mountain.

You walk up besides her and look out over the landscape, seeing if you spot whatever grabbed her attention, nothing too out of the ordinary, and after a moment you speak up.

“I met with Hieda no Akyuu today, got some information from her. Our culprit… It’s an Amanojaku named Seija. Been in Gensokyo an unknown amount of time, and she was mostly under the radar until now. Still no last name, or a real motive besides what Yukari mentioned, but it is a start at least.”

She looks out over the landscape a moment longer, and then nods her head, turning to look at you.

“It is a start yes… good work Ayumu.”

“If that was it however I could have just said it over dinner, there is more… if you don’t mind.” You request.

“Go ahead.” She says, adjusting herself to a more comfortable position against the gate.

“Sanae may have already mentioned some of this, but during the meeting with Satori, she said she could detect the mallets presence in the memories I showed her, the dreams that is. I’ve only seen it in there once; I was hoping you would have… suggestions?”

She lets out a sigh then looks over the landscape again.

“…I have many abilities, but I am afraid none to do with the mind, neither does Suwako I am afraid, there we cannot help you. As for the situation I am afraid I’ve never heard of anything like it… It grieves me to say it, but even with my power I cannot help you.”

You speak up. “That’s fine, I had an idea if you didn’t, I was just hoping.”

“I’ve been entering dreams against my will lately, but it is fully within my power to do so… voluntarily. Assuming you all are willing I could enter any of your dreams and we could look into it further, it would be easier than doing it in a strangers dream as you already would know what is going on.”

“Hmm.” She murmurs, and then lets out another breath.

“You think you could see if the mallet actually has a presence within your… dream world as it was?”

“That would be the thought; I can exert some limited influence over the dream, and one of you may be able to detect anything out of place.” You reply.

“I’ll talk to Suwako about it tonight and let you know. It isn’t a half bad idea, at the very least; you’ll be in a less surprising situation. As far as entering someone familiars dream, as opposed to a strangers. “

“Thank you.” You say it, and mean it. The idea of getting to the end of people murdering you in their dreams is nice.

She turns to start walking back into the temple, but you hold up a hand.

“Actually there is… one more thing.”

If she’s annoyed by you stopping her she doesn’t show it, merely quirking an eyebrow in curiosity.

“As I said over dinner I spoke with Yuugi in the underground, and it went rather well. I wasn’t exactly expecting another brawl, but she was quite friendly, and was appreciative of the Sake. But… she stated she wanted an apology from you, for and I quote ‘almost getting us all killed.’"

You pause and look at her expression, not murderous, so that's good.

“I know how… important faith if to you, so while cleaning the grounds is good, I figure I could help out a bit with the underground… people are my specialty after all. You all have been good hosts so far, and I thought it only fair to repay you. I was hoping to discuss possible solutions to repairing that bridge, if that is alright with you of course.”

There is a moment of silence. Then she speaks up.

“I… I’ll need to get back to you on that.”

She brushes past you, moving at a rapid pace towards the temple. Not stomping at least, just like she was in a hurry to get somewhere... or away from something.

You watch her go into the temple complex and disappear inside; well… you suppose all you can do now is wait.

- - -

You head back inside and enter your room. Looking around you realize you should probably have picked up some books while you were in town. Your choices to kill time are usually to watch TV, stare at the stars, or mess around with spellcards.

...Then again it’s not like you’ve gotten a ton of free time these past couple of days. It certainly has been busy.

You lean back against the wall and think on the conversation.

You suppose her and Kanako will be looking into Seija, though how they plan on doing so you aren’t aware, with the fact that Seija is probably the one who made that giant skeleton run amok on the Tengu… the one that Kanako fought.

There probably isn’t going to be much in the way of tact or mercy, at least not from Kanako, not that there is much to begin with. You’ve gotten a more complete picture of the goddess over the past couple of days.

She’s… awkward. She’s a hammer and everything is a nail it seems at times. You do suppose she is a war goddess, but she really doesn’t have much in the way of tact, and it has a nasty habit of getting you hurt at times.

But on the other hand she has the aspect of a mother, at least in regards to Sanae, and clearly does care about her followers; there was more than just pride on the line when those Tengu got killed.

You weren’t lying about wanting to help, but there was a selfish side to it to, you’ll be living with these people for awhile, it really wouldn’t hurt to get on her good side, and with how she normally acts, you’re not sure if her leaving like that at the end was a good outcome or a bad one.

Not much you can do for it now you suppose, you shake your head and think about tomorrow, hopefully the goddesses will get back to you about the dream thing, though you’ll either most likely be doing yard work, or looking into Seija some more.

You get up and make preparations to go to bed.

*Knock Knock* Against your door.

Huh…

“I’m decent!” You shout.

The door opens to reveal Kanako and Suwako standing there in the doorway.

Kanako immediately speaks as soon as the door opens.

“Come with us.”

She then turns around and heads back down the hallway, Suwako gives a wink and then beckons you to follow with a smile.

You do so, following them as they make a path through the main hall, past the dining room, and into Kanako’s room, Suwako closing the door behind you as you enter.

Kanako speaks up. “We’ve spoken it over and from what you’ve told me… and from Suwako’s witness a few nights back, we believe it would be best to get this issue looked at as soon as possible.”

Suwako picks up from where she left off. “Yes… we don’t know what form of long term effects it might have, while Yukari may have contacted ya as a warning, it might have also put you into danger. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Kanako again. “To that end we will have you enter one of our dreams, either me or Suwako, we do not wish to put Sanae into any possible… danger.”

Suwako. “We should both by equally capable, so who you want to enter is up to ya, though with ‘er you’re more likely to end up with a warzone.” She finishes, pointing to Kanako with a smirk on her face.

Both goddesses look at you expectantly.

After what you’ve been through these past few days… a warzone really doesn’t sound all that appealing.

“I’ll go with Suwako.”

The diminutive goddess claps her hands together happily with an eager smile on her face, and if Kanako is bothered by your choice she doesn’t show it, merely nodding.

“So how will this work then?” Suwako asks tiling her head, sending the eyes on the top of her hat spinning.

“I can enter the dream of whomever I wish, simply by touching their forehead when they are sleeping, it would require nothing more on your part except to get into a deep enough sleep where you can dream.” You explain.

“Alright, easy enough!” Suwako grabs your arm and leads you out of Kanako’s room. Dragging you across the hall, she opens a door you haven’t been through yet and leads you inside.

It’s a room the same size as Kanako’s… and that is where the similarities end, plants of all shapes and sizes line decorate the room, on shelves, on the floor, and a few potted ones hanging from the ceiling. There is a large hammock in the center, mounted by rope from the ceiling, and in the very back is a large desk that has more plants on it, along with some small ceramic frogs and incense.

She lets go of your arm before diving into the hammock, sending it flying backwards with her in it, you step the rest of the way in and close the door behind you, the smell of all of the plants nearly overpowering your senses.

She swings on the hammock back and forth a few more times like a swing, before coming to a stop, looking at you with a bright smile, as you take a look at one of the plants hanging from the wall.

“Careful of my greenery, some of them are quite poisonous.”

“…Duly noted.” You state, backing away carefully from the plants, you don't know if any form of poison worked on you... and you are in no mood to find out.

You walk the rest of the way into the room, coming to a stop before the goddess in the hammock.

“So do you want me to just come back later when you are asleep or…?”

She holds up a finger then closes her eyes.

You watch as she places her arms back into her lap and breaths in deeply several times. Then she slowly tips over and falls into the hammock.

She… can’t be asleep already can she?

You walk the rest of the way over and peer into the hammock; she’s already curled up, breathing lightly.

Huh…

Maybe you should look into getting a hammock.

You slowly reach out and place your hand on the goddess’s forehead, carefully as to not wake her up.

It… has been more than awhile since you’ve done this.

You breathe out slowly, and attempt to center yourself. After a minute you succeed, you are in a semi-conscious state, and you turn your concentration onto Suwako. You can feel the dream, and with a small drop of magical energy you travel through her into it, your last ‘conscious’ feeling is you collapsing to the floor as sleep overtakes you.

- - -

It has been a very long time indeed… you feel yourself floating, a gentle wind brushing past your body. You open your eyes to see your feet coming down to a rest on a forest floor, the ground gives a little beneath your feet, and the sounds of moving water mix with the music of birdsong in your ears.

It appears you are in the wood, though where you cannot say, trees go off for as far as you can see in all directions… you don’t see the source of the water however.

You walk forward a bit, seeking the source of the sound, until past some bushes you come across a river cutting across the forest, it is down a sloped hill on both sides and appears to go on that way for as far as the eye can see… which explains why you didn’t see it at first.

You gently move down the hill onto the piled rocks and gravel besides the river. Now then… assuming she didn’t dream up the entirety of… wherever this place is. Suwako has to be here somewhere.

“Suwako!” You yell out.

Nothing returns but the sounds of the forest around you and the river besides you.

You take another step towards the river, only to find you cannot move. A sharp pain shoots through your ankles as two hands shoot out of the gravel and grasp them. Before you can react they yank downwards, pulling you into the earth like one would under the water.

You let out a yelp as the bottom is pulled out from under you, the hands letting go as soon as you are waste deep into the ground. Leaving your hands stuck underneath the gravel up to your elbow.

You are in the process of ripping your arms out of the ground to start freeing yourself when another figure bursts out of the ground in front of you.

Suwako is sitting above it in a crouched position, a grin on her face, in her ‘adult’ mode.

“Really?” You ask, staring at the goddess, gesturing with your arms at the still trapped lower half of your body.

She laughs loudly. “Sorry fer the rude welcome, we don't get that many trespassers in mah forest, are ya one of Kanako's servants then?”

"Kanako's? Servant? What no. It's me Ayumu, you're dreaming remember? We were just talking about this."

She looks at you for a moment, blinking slowly. Before slapping herself upside the head. She reaches over and slowly pulls you out of the ground, actually looking a little embarrassed.

"Sorry... forgot." She admits.

"It's... alright, where are we anyway?" You ask looking at the landscape you don't recognize.

She looks around the forest for a moment.

"Somewhere, very far away, a place that doesn't really exist anymore..." She's still looking about, you aren't the best at reading Suwako, but she sounds almost... sad.

She shakes her head. "It doesn't matter, do you feel the mallets presence?"

You close your eyes and sense the energy around you.

You can sense yourself and Suwako... but no matter how hard you concentrate you can't sense any other magical presence.

"...No." You open your eyes again. "I cannot sense anything besides us."

Suwako adopts a thoughtful expression. "Hmm... allow me to check something." She reaches out and places her hand on your head, her palm resting on your forehead while her fingers rest on your hair.

She closes her eyes and lets out another breath. You can see her eyes still moving rapidly behind closed lids, looking for things that aren't quite there.

Then she snatches her hand back like she had been burned. Before opening her eyes and gaining a wide smile. "Aha! Gotcha!"

"Find something?" You ask.

She nods. "Concentrate on the mallet, its form, and what you know of it. You've held it, even if in just a dream, feel the weight."

You close your eyes and think back to the dream with Yukari. The color, texture of the handle, and the unbalanced weight caused by its head. "Done."

"Now picture it in your grasp again." You follow her instructions.

"Alright... now wh-"

*SLAP*

You feel a sharp stinging pain in your hand causing you to open your eyes in shock.

"Suwako! What the he-"

The first thing you see is the wide eyed face of Suwako, the second is a golden mallet, spinning through the air before landing on the rocks with a wooden clonk.

"...ell."

You stare down at it, an awkward silence filling the air as she mimics your action, it is identical to how it was in the dream, down to the minutest detail of the patterns adoring the hammer head.

Then, with great care Suwako slowly reaches down and grasps it by the handle, giving it a look over.

"How... did you manage that?" You ask.

"Knowing how to summon the mallet?" She clarifies.

You nod.

She gives the mallet another glance, before turning back to look at you.

"I could sense it on ya like a spellcard... I was hoping it worked on the same principle. This thing... even just a copy this thing is nasty. I don't rightly know who made this to be honest, but with even just a copy I can feel its influence." She looks at it again with distaste.

"Can... can you destroy it?"

She gives it another look over then nods again. "Should be able to. Stand back."

She rears her arm back with the mallet in a firm grip, then with a grunt throws it into the sky. It spins rapidly through the air, the force of the throw overcoming any aerodynamics the thing lacked, then just as it started its descent again, two golden rings cut through the air and slam right into it. At first nothing happens... then the two rings glow brightly and explode in a burst of magical energy, unlike the spellcard version however, these don't turn into orbs of glowing light, just shrapnel. The smokecloud created by the explosion dissipates, revealing... nothing.

No pieces of it, not even remnants of magical energy, just clear blue sky.

"You destroyed it?" You ask hopefully.

She stares into the sky a little longer, squinting, before nodding her head with apparent satisfaction. "Yeah... that thing aint coming back, to this dream at least."

"This dream at least?"

"I have no guarantee that actually fully did the job, I can't sense its presence anymore. But I couldn't tell ya how the damn thing really worked to begin with, just that it was nasty."

"Howso?" You ask. Honestly curious.

"I... can't really explain it, just... nasty. Evil, Malicious. I don't know if it is always like that, but just holding that thing made me angry, being in its presence for awhile would mess anyone up. Which raises the question of why Yukari thought it would be a good idea to infect ya with the damn thing. I might have words with her when this is all over."

"...Fair enough, then what now?" You ask, looking around the clearing.

"Now..." She trails off looking around before focusing on you. "I have some catching up to do, but you on the other hand are getting out of here, tis no place for you!"

"And how exactly do you recommend I do tha-" You narrow your eyes at the finger pointed at your head.

"Suwako don't you dare."

A smirk makes its way across her features, and it is the last thing you see before with a shrill whistle one of the rings comes back to knock you upside the head.

- - -

You open your eyes. Plants, plants, and more plants, and a gently swaying hammock. Back in Suwako's room.

You reach up and run your hand down your face. Uncalled for Suwako.

With a grunt you sit up off the ground, then get back onto your feet. Suwako's sleeping soundly in her 'bed'.

Mission accomplished you guess... or hope really.

Chapter Text

Laying down and closing your eyes, it isn't long until the night catches you.

A warm feeling suffuses you, like a pleasant early summers day. You open your eyes again to see... a scenic beach.

Well this is an improvement.

It's not unlike the ones you'd see in a resort town, the difference of course being that the beach is empty, and no buildings are around for as far as the eye can see.

You can't quite place it... but you've been here before.

The question is, are you in your own mindscape, or in someone's dream? If you are, there certainly isn't anyone around.

...A good a time as any.

You concentrate on the image of the mallet like before. Attempting to will it into your hand, however no matter how you try nothing happens. Either it is gone... or the circumstances are wrong. You aren't quite sure whether you should be satisfied with that result or not.

A brush of wind against your body regains your attention.

A wave of fog is rolling from across the water towards the beach, a light flashing through it every couple of moments, like the light of a ship's lamp flashing through the gloom.

Red,

Green,

Blue,

Yellow,

White,

Purple.

Over and over, not unlike the dream where you ended up meeting Yukari.

You sit back onto the sand and watch the clouds roll in... might as well let it happen.

Your hands are playing idly in the sand, enjoying the fake sunlight and the familiar scent of saltwater when the cloud hits you.

The cloud envelopes you, a bright red light blinding you as it passes, then as if blown away in a strong wind, the cloud leaves you. Revealing…

What you believe to be the Hakurei Shrine…

A gentle snowfall falls from above coating the grounds, what was green before is now white as far as the eye can see. The shrine itself is in worse shape than when you were last here. More noticeable chips in the wood and the statues are missing.

Nobody is around either; the stone path is iced over, though from the level of snow on it compared to the rest of the grounds, something cleared it recently at least. Off in the distance you can see the human village, though smaller than it is normally, the buildings are less tall and are more ramshackle.

A shiver runs through you as a rather nasty whip of wind comes through the clearing around the temple. You walk over to the entrance of the shrine and open the door, stepping inside. You rub your shoulders for warmth and glance about. You’ve never actually been inside…

It’s… homey. For lack of a better description, while Moriya shrine is very obviously a temple both inside and out… as long as you stay to the main rooms anyway. Hakurei shrine is very lived in, well worn Tatami flooring on the floors, and a table in the center of the room covered in a heavy cloth.

A young girl in miko’s garb is sitting at the table, feet underneath the cloth. She looks at you with curiosity as you close the door behind you. Simple toys are spread about the place, and a large ball with a ying-yang pattern is in the girl’s hands, she can’t be more than eight years old.

“Er… hi, sorry, wanted to get out of the cold.”

…This is more than a little awkward, she’s still staring at you.

With the clicking and clacking of shoes on a wooden floor another woman sticks her head around a corner.

“Do we have a guest?” The woman asks with a kind smile, she is wearing a traditional miko outfit, and if not for the tinier miko sitting at the table you would think she was an older Reimu.

“Yes… sorry ma’am, I was trying to get out of the cold. I’m afraid I got a bit lost.”

She giggles behind a sleeve. “Quite understandable, it is rather cold out there, But did you say you were lost?”

You nod. “I’m afraid I got a bit turned around, I think I recognize this place, but it is at the same time unfamiliar to me.”

“Hak’rei”

“Hmm?” You turn to look at the quiet voice.

“Hakurei Shrine.” The little miko says softly and slowly.

“Thank you little one.” You say, smiling down at her.

So indeed Hakurei Shrine, but most likely quite a ways back.

“I do hope I haven’t intruded, I can head on towards the village.”

“No! No that is quite alright; please warm yourself at the table. I will get some tea.” The older Miko says with a smile.

You bow in thanks and head over, finding the table being warmed by a coal pot underneath it, a refreshing heat compared to the deep winter outside. The older woman then leaves the room, leaving you with the miniature version.

You sigh in contentment as the table warms your legs, giving another glance around the room. It is put together more like an old style family house than a shrine. Pictures of places and people you don’t recognize are on the walls, photo’s of woman in traditional garb, much like the one the older woman was wearing, and somewhat similar to the… updated version Reimu wears.

You glance around a moment longer before turning your attention to your partner at the table. Who is currently tossing the ball back and forth between two hands.

“So what is your name?” You ask the mini miko.

“…Reimu.” She says, bouncing the ball on the table.

She bounces it one more time, and then throws it at you.

You catch it out of the air and toss it back with a smile.

“That’s a lovely name, and how old are you?”

“… Seven” She tosses the ball again.

Catch. “A fine age, was that your mother?” Throw.

Catch. “…Yes.” Throw.

You catch the ball again with a smile, then stuff it into one of your sleeves.

“Hey!” She raises her voice in protest, the loudest vocalization she has made so far. Then with theatrics you pull out two identical toy balls out of the sleeve, causing her eyes to widen.

Toss.

She dives backwards to catch one of them, the other one bouncing off the floor to collide with a nearby wall. She scampers out from under the table to grab it staring at the two toys with wonder.

“...How?”

You wiggle your fingers a little, then with another flourish one of the balls disappears from her hands and into one of your own, her eyes lock to it in childlike wonder.

“Magic.” You say with a grin.

She gains a wide smile, breaking the neutral expression she's mostly had so far and starts clapping excitedly. You start juggling the ball, every time it reaches its apex in the air another forms in your hand until your are tossing about three of the things.

A gasp grabs your attention, the mother having returned from a side hallway carrying a plate with three cups on it. She is watching your display with an open mouth and wide eyes. You allow the toys to fall to the ground. Reimu dashing after them giggling.

"Sorry." You say with a shrug.

And that is how after a rather... awkward discussion you ended up spending the rest of your dream entertaining a small child with magic tricks.

...Honestly one of your better dreams.

- - -

You wake up and stretch satisfactorily. The first full and good night in awhile, you didn't even get murdered again!

…

That probably isn't a sentence anyone should have to say. You get up and start getting your clothes, noting to a possible sense of disappointment that there isn't any new spellcards this morning. Though after your experience with Yukari's you are rather nervous about trying any new ones that aren't yours...

You grab your clothing and head outside into the hallway. Through the windows you can see it is raining quite heavily, drops coming down among the rocks of the garden and flooding the pond a little. Your first day of non sunny weather come to think of it.

You take a nice warm shower and get dressed for the day, somehow with the way the rain is coming down you doubt you will be doing much in the way of yardword. You switch into your suit, perhaps a good day for more investigating, or a quiet day at the shrine.

You exit out of your corner of the temple and into the main room, empty as per usual, the rain quite loud hitting the tall wooden roof, and you note to your annoyance that it is leaking a little, a gentle drip is coming down next to the shrine, next to which a metal basin has set up to collect the water, right, next project, you somehow doubt they have liquid cement but you'll make do.

You shake your head and make it through the rest of the room into the dining area, everyone already setup and eating, eggs and toast, a surprisingly western breakfast.

"Morning!" You say happily, finding your spot at the table and getting a plate setup. The others return the greeting with various levels of... enthusiasm.

"So what's on the agenda today?" You ask the table at large.

Sanae speaks up after swallowing the last bits of a piece of toast. "I was thinking we could go into the Kappa village today, with how rainy it is we wouldn't have much luck around the Human village, but the Kappa don't mind water, that and it is far too bad weather to do yardwork."

You nod at the explanation, thinking back to the group you saw at the lake, and them at the village square.

"Where is the Kappa village anyway?"

Suwako speaks up next. "Ya remember that lake at the base of the mountain? Where ya came up the first time?"

You nod.

"They actually live behind the waterfall that feeds it."

Huh... "Any particular reason why they would hide it there?"

The goddess shrugs. "Dunno, they used to live mostly in the lake and river until shacking up there, the Kappa as a whole don't tend to do so hot 'round people."

"Is that due to their status as Youkai or..." You trail off, thinking about the little you know of them.

"Naw, they are harmless... mostly. It's their inventions that are the problem, they have a tendency at blowing up in peoples faces."

... That would explain the lack of interest at their stall.

"...Deliberately?" You ask.

"I noticed they didn't exactly have alot of takers at their stall in the Human village."

The goddess shakes her head with a grin, and points the to Televsion. "We lost our original television, damn thing broke one day and we took it to them for repairs.

"When we got it back the damn thing had legs and wouldn't stay in one spot until Kanako got... frustrated with it." She finishes, turning to look at the goddess.

Said war goddess does not turn her attention away from her food.

You chuckle and return to your foo-

*Knock Knock*

You jump as a very long knocking sound reverberates through the temple.

"Is... that the door?" You ask, setting your plate down carefully, feeling for the spellcards in your pocket.

Sanae nods and sets her plate down as well.

Nearly in unison you all get up from your seat and head out towards the main hall, we didn't even discuss it, with how... crazy things have been lately you all go as a group.

- - -

The door to the main hall is closed, and no more knocking sounds have been made. The goddesses watch it warily as Sanae slowly approaches it.

"Don't get many visitors?" You ask in a whisper to Suwako.

The goddess smirks then shakes her head. "None that knock."

You note she's clutching a spellcard tucked into her sleeve.

You finger the spellcards in your pocket, before pulling out and palming the flame card, better safe than sorry.

Sanae crosses the rest of the distance and opens the door, revealing...

Sylvi-... Sakuya. And... Remilia Scarlet.

You freeze in place, thinking about three things simultaneously.

1: This lady slapped you halfway across a building into a brick wall like she was swatting a fly.

2: This is the first time you've run into anyone you've entered the dreams of previously.

3: Your spellcards... ALL of your spellcards are in your pocket... including hers.

"Well?" Remilia asks, in a clearly annoyed tone. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Chapter Text

There’s a moment of tense silence, apparently nobody expected to see her today. Then Sanae speaks up.

“Yes… of course, please do come in.”

Remilia does so, lifting up the hems of her dress as she steps across the threshold, Sylvia following behind, folding an umbrella and placing it besides the door.

They both walk forward until they are just a few feet in front of you, Kanako, and Suwako, Sanae closing the door and taking position behind them, clutching her Gohei rather tightly you notice.

Kanako and Remilia simply stare at each other, while Sylvia stands next to Remilia, prim, proper, and unmoving.

Sanae for her part is now awkwardly edging around them all to stand next to Suwako again. Said goddess has a neutral expression on her face.

…

You speak up first, trying to break the tension.

“Good morning… what brings you two all the way up the mountain today? Is this a formal visit?” You say carefully.

Sanae sucks in a breath besides you, though no sounds come from either goddess.

Remilia breaks off her staring match with Kanako and turns her scarlet eyes on to you, a surprised look on her features. She narrows her eyes, then, a flash of recognition comes across her face.

“… I know you.” Her noble tone is gone, replaced with a tone of honest confusion.

Then, nearly so fast you cannot see her move, she is in front of your face.

“Where do I know you from?” She asks.

You take a step back, noting Suwako inching a bit closer to you.

You respond. “I believe the place was called… Un Moment Donné? A Given Moment? I admittedly haven’t been to France myself, but it was quite lovely.”

She blinks several times, her mouth opening, and then she points a finger at you.

“Ayumu… you’re Ayumu.”

You simply nod.

Her eyes narrow. “What are yo-“

Kanako cuts her off. “That isn’t important, I’m assuming this isn’t a courtesy call, what do you need Remilia?”

Remilia hisses through her teeth, and then turns her focus back on the goddess.

“Two days ago someone attacked Flandre... I’ve already had my only lead dry up, and Reimu lead me to you. I was hoping we could… talk.” She finishes, looking between Kanako and you.

- - -

Suwako moves aside a cabinet in the main hall, revealing a hidden doorway. She gently pushes it open, revealing a small chamber branching off of the main room. Remilia and Sylvia go through first, follow by Kanako and Suwako.

You peak your head in, it’s mostly barren barring a large table in the center, there are a few prayer scrolls on the walls, but no decoration besides, it’s clean though, and you are curious why they would go to the effort to hide this place.

Kanako sits at the head of the table, with Suwako at her immediate left. Remilia takes the opposite head of the table… cheeky.

You stand there awkwardly for a moment before Sanae guides/drags you to a sitting position off to the side, closer to the goddesses than Remilia however.

Kanako crosses her arms and gestures for Remilia to speak.

“I would wish to have a talk with your new servant before I leave today…" She starts, looking at you pointedly.

“But more importantly someone attacked the Scarlet Devil mansion two days ago. They used some form of weapon to make my sister hostile. The situation has been dealt with, but I have no leads on the culprit, or the weapon. You will tell me everything you know.” She finishes, crossing her arms aswell.

Oh dear… there are two of them.

“I do see ya haven’t lost yer charm since we last met.” Suwako responds.

“We’re lookin’ into the incident ourselves; we have the name of possible culprits, but no real motive or location.”

She leans back in her seat. “ ‘fraid we don’t have much concrete to give ya, but ya know how this works, what precisely do ya have to offer the Moriya for our assistance?”

Remilia glares at Suwako, and then takes a deep breath.

“… My honor that I will seek an end to this incident before it gets any worse....And I suppose… a favor.”

Suwako searches Remilia’s features, then after a tense moment…

She nods. “Agreed.”

“We know the name of our culprit… an Amanojaku named Seija, no known relations, motive, or last name. Beyond vague rumors of a ‘revolution’. So far she's been active in the Youkai Forest, our mountain, the underground… and your mansion apparently.” She states.

"She also kidnapped the Inchling pricess, though on her we have very little information beyond her name."

Remilia speaks up. “And the weapon? Anything on this weapon of theirs?”

Suwako nods. “A magical mallet, it is supposedly an artifact of the Inchlings. We don’t have much in the way of information on it besides legend, but it can rather obviously at this point cause aggression… and a rather appreciative increase in power in whoever it affects.”

“Is that it then? Legend and rumor?” Remilia says, looking annoyed and clenching a fist, causing you to lean back a little.

Kanako responds this time. “Its been just a few days, and we are still investigating, you know better than most that these things take time. We have names, which is more than you had.

“Tell me… what have the Hakurei learned?”

Remilia makes a dismissive gesture. “Nothing concrete, fought a were-beast in the forest apparently, but didn’t get any useful information; she didn’t seem that enthusiastic… as per usual. That shrine maiden is lazy and useless at the best of times."

...What a difference several years can make, thinking on the ‘Reimu’ you met in the dream.... Perhaps she still likes magic tricks, maybe you should see about visiting again at some point.

“I don’t suppose we could pool our efforts?” Sanae says, speaking up for the first time so far in this ‘meeting’.

“Me? A noble Vampire teaming up with you?” Remilia scoffs. “I’d rather go bath in the sun.”

A vampire? That… explains some things. You’ve never met one, but you know the legends… honestly you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hadn’t. You suppose Gensokyo would attract all types.

“No… the Scarlet can and will handle their own offers, and you can deal with yours, someone declared war on my household…” The noble tone you recognize from her entrance and from the dream is back.

She raises her hand, her nails extending into claws.

“I do intend to show them the… error of that action.”

Then after a moment, she retracts the claws back. “But enough of that, may I speak to your servant? Alone?” She asks, looking at you.

“Absolutely no-“ Sanae starts to speak up but is cut off by Kanako.

“You may speak to Ayumu yes, however anything you could possible need to say to him you can say to all of us.”

If looks could kill… hoo boy Remilia.

“… Fine.”

“Ayumu, what business did you have in my dreams?” Sylvia for her part looks at Remilia in confusion, the first change of expression you’ve seen since she got here.

You shrug. “It is as I said, I had no control on where I was going, and when I sleep I can be drawn into others dreams… I did not pick my destination I assure you.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “And you just so happened to COINCIDENTALLY appear in mine, right before someone attacked my mansion? Is that correct?”

You nod. “Yes, I’ve been in and out of dreams for days, it WAS a coincidence.”

She snorts. “Forgive me my doubts, if I find out your involved in this… You do realize how this will end up for you?”

“I fail to se-“

“…Miss Scarlet.” Suwako’s voice speaks up besides you.

“Ya can be worried ‘bout your mansion as much as you want, and I applaud the fact that you want to get to the bottom of this aswell.

“But that falls short of threatening a guest of the Moriya. I would suggest ya back up before you say something ya end up regretting in the long run.” Her accent is more pronounced, but her voice has lost all of the joviality it normally carries as she stares at the vampire.

The vampire returns the look and you gingerly reach for the spellcards in your pocket, expecting a fight to break out.

…

…

*Click*

The tension is broken by the sound of porcelain, and a lovely scent wafts through the air.

You look down at the table; a fine assortment of tea has been laid out in front of everyone’s seat.

Remilia looks down at it in confusion for a brief moment, before clapping her hands together happily. Grabbing the cup and drinking from it greedily.

Is… that?

You look into the cup sitting in front of you, the scent is the same as the brew you had in the café, and you cautiously reach out and grab it… warm.

“My apologies, it has been a rough series of days for the mistress, she meant of course no offence.” Sylvia… Sakuya, says in Japanese that still just barely has hints of a French accent.

You nod and take a sip.

… She’s gotten better.

After you do so the others join in aswell.

Crisis averted?

- - -

“In return for the favor then we’ll keep you appraised if we learn anything new, it is in our highest interest to see the end of this matter. I have no doubt you feel the same.” Kanako finishes.

“It is quite so, the Scarlets for their part will of course keep up our own investigation, as owners of the night there is nowhere they can hide from us.” Remilia says haughtily.

You’ve returned back to the main hall from the ‘meeting’ room. The rain still having not let up in the slightest, Remilia for her part having quickly calmed down after having some of… whatever her real name’s special brew.

“We shall be off then, I must return to my mansion for the time being.” Remilia curtsies at the doorway, which Sanae hastily returns with a bow, the goddesses do nothing, and you simply nod.

“Do have a safe trip.” Suwako says with a smile.

Remilia steps out into the rain, already covered by Sakuya’s umbrella who swiftly closes the door behind her, cutting them both off from view.

“So…” You speak up. “Did that go… well?”

Sanae nods. “There is no new holes in the house… that is quite an accomplishment by vampire standards, even if things got… tense at the end.

“Are we really going to be working with them Lady Kanako?”

Kanako thinks on it for a moment, and then nods her head.

“To some extent, I doubt they will accept much in the way of assistance even if we offered it, we shall keep them up to date of our findings… with delay of course.

“Remilia is an obnoxiously proud being; I do not believe we will have much in the way of support there, and I do not wish them to approach every lead with violence, as they are so want to do.”

Hello pot, Remilia’s kettle.

Sanae nods in understanding, then looks towards the closed door.

“Is… there anything we need to do else today then? I was still hoping to swing by the Kappa village if that is alright, Ayumu still hasn’t seen much of the mountain beyond our shrine.”

Kanako nods. “That is alright, though of course it is up to him, if he had other plans he is of course free to pursue them.”

Sanae looks to you for a response.

“Are you alright with vesting the Kappa today? Or is there something else you wanted to do? I know the visit from Remilia may have… made things a bit uncomfortable.”

“I don't see any reason why we shouldn't, I had been hoping to explore the mountain a bit more recently, they are our neighbors after all. So yes, I would love to go see the Kappa village.”

“Wonderful! Please just wait by the entrance, I will be back shortly.” Sanae says, before running off back towards the hallway, leaving you with Suwako and Kanako.

“So...” You drawl, looking at the goddesses. “Anything in particular I should be aware of before hand?”

Suwako shakes her head and smiles at you. “Not in particular, the Kappa are friendly enough, just... keep your hands to yourself, their creations are volatile like I said before.”

“I'll keep that in mind... what are you two going to be up to anyway while we're gone?”

The small goddess giggles. “Oh, was thinkin' me and Kanako could have a rematch, been putting it off for awhile.”

You slowly raise your hand and point to the drip in the ceiling. “Please... don't destroy the temple again, I've still got to patch the holes in the roof.”

She giggles again. “Hehe, no promises.”

With the slap of sandals against a wooden floor Sanae comes running back out, carrying a pair of umbrellas and a large bag, she unceremoniously thrusts the bag and one of the umbrellas in your hands, and she looks every bit the excited teenager.

“I understand the umbrella… but what is this?” ‘This’ being the large and heavy closed bag you are holding up in your off hand.

“A gift for the Kappa, can you just hold onto it for the time being?” She asks with a smile.

You shrug and position the bag behind your shoulders. You grasp the umbrella in your other hand and start making your way towards the door, Sanae close behind.

Opening it reveals the rain still coming down quite heavily, its already flooded part of the yard, quite the heavy storm, it also makes the air cooler considerably, a chill runs through you, and if you had your fur out right now you are sure it’d be standing on end. Probably a good thing anyway, it takes forever to dry.

You step out onto the front porch and open the umbrella. “I suppose you’ll lead the way from here, is it a far trip?’

Sanae shakes her head in the negative. “Not particularly, just behind the waterfall is the entrance to their city, it shouldn’t take us very long, just be careful on the way down.”

“Alright, unless you got something to check on first let’s get going then.” You gesture for her to move forward.

She smiles and takes out her flight card, gently floating off the ground as she pops her umbrella open and goes into the open air, after a moment you match the action, and you both begin your gentle descent.

Unfortunately due to a mix of the storm winds and the fact you are going down a mountain means the umbrella is worth sadly little, and you get absolutely drenched on the way down. It is a much faster trip than you’d normally take it, you actually speed past her in an attempt to get out of the rain, rocketing down the cliff face until you land just on the outskirts of the lake near the waterfall.

After a moment Sanae joins you, looking remarkably dry all things considered, she pockets her card and starts walking around the lake.

...At least when you aren’t flying it is much more tolerable.

There is a small path that goes around the lake and behind the waterfall, the rain has only strengthened it, the sound deafening as you near… come to think of it where does it drain anyway? The lake seems rather shallow all things considered, and it doesn’t break off into a river.

You hurry along the path until you make it behind the waterfall itself, entering a damp, but thankfully non water filled cave. You shake yourself off a little, your suit hopelessly damp. You can see why she didn’t want to go to the human village today.

Sanae herself gently folds up her umbrella… and she is more than a little suspiciously dry.

“How did you manage to keep from getting drenched? I’m drowning over here.” You ask, debating the merits of setting yourself on fire until you are dry.

She smiles sweetly and swings her Gohei at you; You let out a yelp as a strong wind buffets against you, sending water flying off of you and against the cave wall. You blink and look back up at her, having expected that to shoot energy or something.

Right… this is Sanae, not her shtick.

“I… appreciate it, but that doesn’t answer the question.”

She giggles. “It was a miracle.”

“… I suppose so yes, but that still doesn’t really answer the question.”

She smiles again then turns away towards the cave interior; you look up and follow her gaze, the cave itself is obviously man… Kappa made, the walls being carved by tools. Set against the back wall is a large metal door, with a viewing slit in the center, resting above it is an electrical light, casting the area around it in a dull yellow.

“Can you hand me the bag please?” Sanae asks, turning her head back to look at you.

You walk over and hand it to her. “Thank you.”

She loops it around her shoulder and walks up to the door; she reaches up and knocks on it, her knuckles making a sharp rapping sound against the metal, echoing faintly through the cave.

You hear a startled noise on the other side, then some shuffling noises. Then after a moment the viewing slit opens, a pair of curious eyes framed by black hair looking through it.

“Kochiya?” The figure speaks, the voice young and childish sounding, she looks confused for a moment before her eyes rest on you. “And guest.”

“What business do you have with the Kappa?” The voice asks, eyes narrowing.

“We came to visit, we have a guest at the shrine and we were hoping to introduce him to the Kappa, he is still quite new to Gensokyo so I believed it would be good to make introductions.” Sanae states, before rummaging in the bag for a moment, producing from it… a cucumber?

“Can we come inside?” She asks, waving the vegetable in front of the view slit.

There is an excited gasp, and the view slit slams shut, and with an electronic beep the metal door opens inwards, revealing the figure to have been a Kappa, wearing the same outfit… or uniform all the other Kappa you’ve seen were wearing.

She hops down from a stool she was standing on, revealing her to be only about as high as your waist, she runs forward eagerly, taking the offered cucumber. Sanae smiles happily and walks past the Kappa, who has already settled next to the door and is nibbling on the treat.

You look at the display a moment longer before walking past as well through the door. Behind it is more cave, though now there is a path carved into the floor itself that cuts around a corner a good dozen or two feet ahead. To the right near the door is a small metal shack, most likely the ‘guard’ house.

“I take it they like cucumbers?” You ask Sanae, looking back towards the now very happy guard.

She nods, then hefts up the bag. “It is useful for opening doors, sometimes quite literally.” Looping it on a shoulder again she looks towards the path. “It is just a short walk from here.” And she starts walking forward.

The path is well made, and the floor is almost perfectly flat, the path itself is lit by more electric lighting, the cabling going straight through the rock itself, impressive.

You continue down the path for a good minute or two, until it abruptly ends in a large cavern.

- - -

The cavern itself… is filled to the brim with structures and people. Natural light filters through holes carved into the sides of the rock, revealing a large and complex village. Buildings, almost entirely metal in construction line the cavern walls and surround a river going through the floor of the cave.

Various waterways abound, and there are small inlets that is letting water, whether cave or rain you aren’t sure, in. It is additionally moving various water wheels set against buildings, you’d imagine that is how they are getting the majority of their power. Clever.

All around are Kappa, both young ones barely higher than your knees to those Sanae’s height, working on machinery, shopping in what appears to be a large central market, or just relaxing the day away in the water.

Like those you’ve seen before they are all wearing that light blue outfit with the green cap, it must be a societal thing… A few of them turn their heads in curiosity as you make your way further into the village, but none impede your progress.

It appears to be mostly houses set against the rock, with the more internal structures being markets, and factories, at least, you suppose they are factories, wires crisscross the cavern towards them, and smokestacks pour out channeled smoke into holes in the ceiling, the loud and heavy sound of machinery echoes throughout.

Following Sanae’s lead you cut through the market, it’s filled with various foodstuffs, mostly fish on closer observation, along with vials of… can’t be....

You edge closer to the priestess and whisper in her ear. “Is that blood in those vials?”

She makes a small nod. “They don’t eat humans anymore… so they make do.”

You stare, before taking your attention back and looking at the rest of the market, you suppose they would have to make do, they are… were man-eaters. The market itself is almost entirely filled with Kappa, though you can spot a few Tengu here and there, no humans however… not that you really expected there to be any.

“Anywhere we are going in particular?” You ask, not seeing anything in the stalls of particular interest, they aren’t really selling anything here like you saw in the village square.

Sanae looks around a moment before turning her gaze towards you. “Yes, we are going to a local Kappa's… Nitori’s workshop, it’s just on the otherside of the market.”

She cuts a quick path through the rest of the market, you following behind, you eventually make it through to the otherside, the market stalls turning into actual brick and mortar businesses. Shops of all sorts, metal works, electronics stores… though of what kind of electronics you honestly couldn’t say, along with apparent repair shops and even a few smithies where a group of Tengu are getting some weapons looked at.

You continue onwards until you reach a large metal shop set against the cavern wall, it is taller than those around it, with twin smokestacks rising up above it and into the rock itself, in the front are two large bay doors, both open, and to the left of them is a smaller, metal door. The sign above reading –

“Kawashiro’s”

“This the place then?” You ask as Sanae stands in front of it, looking at the sign.

Sanae nods again. “Hopefully Nitori is in today, if she is she’ll be working in the back, just a bit further.”

With that she heads through one of the open bay doors and into the shop, you following closely behind.

It is actually deeper than it looks; the bay doors reveal a mechanic's wet dream, a large room filled with various tools and half completed projects, of what nature though you honestly couldn’t say. The bay itself however goes back further than expected, a few Kappa are running about, working on the various machines or moving large boxes around.

Sanae however stops for none of them as she continues onwards through it, she eventually reaches another large bay door on the back of the shop floor, open aswell, and you peer through it.

The room it reveals is actually open to the outside air, rain coming down into a small pond, along with a waterfall also feeding into it, the water forming a stream going off into the rock. The room itself appears to be an open air garage, various gas cans and hoses litter the floor, along with wiring and hooks set into the ceiling.

In the back next to the pond is a single Kappa, currently working on some sort of bipedal machine and using a welding torch, a welding mask is covering their features completely, and the customary cap is stuffed into a back pocket.

“Good, Nitori is in today! Come, I’ll introduce you, she’s friendly, though do be careful… she can be a bit… skittish.” Sanae states with a smile, before walking over.

You follow her over; the Kappa is roughly the same height as the both of you, she is currently working on one of the legs of the bipedal machine, bright flashes coming off from where she is making contact.

Sanae cups her hands over her mouth. “Nitori!”

The Kappa lets out a yelp, fumbling with the torch for a moment, she manages to wrangle it under control and turns to look at the both of you. The mask is still concealing her features; a light aqua in color, and her face is entirely hidden by the masks visor, the only thing that stands out on it is the word ‘Pororoca’ written in light golden script above the visor, though the lettering is heavily scratched away.

The figure reaches a gloved hand up and pushes the mask onto the top of her head. Revealing youthful features, bright blue eyes framed by equally bright blue hair, the eyes blink curiously as they stare at Sanae.

“Kochiya?” Nitori asks, her voice as lightly pitched as the Kappa at the entrance, she has an accent you can’t quite place however. “What are you doing here?”

Despite the phrasing of the question, you don’t feel any malice behind it, it sounds like she is genuinely curious, and possibly more than a little confused.

“My apologies for arriving unannounced, we have a new guest of the shrine and I was hoping to show him around, as our Liaison for the Kappa I thought it would be a good idea to introduce him to you.” Sanae explains.

“…Guest?” The Kappa states, before turning to look at you, her eyes widening as she does so, and she lets out another yelp and jumps backwards, apparently having only just now noticed your presence.

“W-w-w-when did you get here?!” She stammers out.

“I… came with her?” You state lamely, pointing at Sanae.

Sanae reaches into the bag and produces another cucumber. “He’s a guest of our shrine, he’s friendly, I was just hoping to introduce him.”

Nitori looks between you and the cucumber, and after a moment her desire for it trumps any apparent skittishness. She approaches and takes the offered treat, smiling happily as she bites into it.

She makes a blissful sound as she does so, before turning again towards you and giving a cheerful wave.

“Nitori Kappashiro, pleased to meet you.” At least… that is what you think she said. She’s talking with her mouth full.

You return the wave. “Ayumu, the pleasure is mine.”

You look past her and point towards the bipedal machine. “Can I ask what that is for?”

She gives a glance back over her shoulder towards the machine, before smiling cheekily. “Sprinkler! Customer at the human village wanted me to fix it, thought I could make some upgrades!”

“Upgrades…” You trail off, looking at the machine, on closer inspection it does have apparent holes in its… arms. And hosing is running through it.

If that is a sprinkler you can possibly see what Suwako was talking about regarding the TV.

“It’s… good work.”

The Kappa keeps her smile and takes another satisfied bite out of the cucumber.

“Did you need anything worked on?” Nitori asks, looking between the two of you.

The only thing you brought with you really electronic or mechanical is your phone, and barring the sudden invention of WiFi you doubt you’ll be using it much, though Sanae did seem to be getting the news on it.

Sanae shakes her head. “Not today, we just came by to visit, is everything alright with you Nitori?”

The Kappa shrugs. “Ever since that incident with Kokoro we’ve been busier, actually thinking about opening up shop instead of a stall in the Human Village.”

“Ah… that’s nice, we’ll… certainly visit sometime, yes.” Sanae says a bit awkwardly, you can tell she isn’t very… enthusiastic about the prospect, if Nitori notices however she doesn’t show it.

“Well, if there’s anything you end up needing just let me know, I’m always open to new business!” The Kappa moves back over to her machine and starts getting her tools ready again.

Sanae sidles over and whispers into your ear. “We should probably step out before it gains sentience.”

Attack of the walking killer sprinkler… you’d watch that movie.

- - -

You follow Sanae out of the shop, the Kappa are still running about working on machinery not to dissimilar to what Nitori was working on, there’s a very large bay door set against the side aswell, though it is closed and apparently guarded, if the Kappa standing in front of it are any indication.

You move the rest of the way out of the shop and back into the cavern that makes up the Kappa village, still a hive of activity, from the drips through the holes letting in light it is still raining outside aswell, not that you've been down here very long.

Sanae turns to look at you. “Do you want to do anything while we were here? I just mostly wanted for you to get a feel for the place, I still have some cucumbers if you want to do some… shopping.”

She doesn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about the idea. “Otherwise we’ve still got the rest of the day to kill if there was anything else you wanted to do, keep in mind most places aren’t going to be very busy due to the weather.”

“Well, it is still pretty crummy weather outside, and I don’t feel like getting in the middle of the goddesses’ rematch, I suppose we could shop around the village for a bit? How many cucumbers did you bring anyway?” You ask.

Sanae shakes the bag. “Quite a few, sometimes it takes a bigger bribe to get in, the Kappa aren’t much one for visitors, luckily there are some harvest gods on the mountain that are active this time of year.”

“Gods… like Kanako and Suwako?” You ask.
The priestess shrugs her shoulders. “Yes, though not as powerful, they are two twin sisters, they live near the base of the mountain, deeper into the forest. They usually stay put until the harvest season then come out to see their worshipers.”

She hefts the bag again. “Quite generous too, you might meet them at some point; they visit the shrine from time to time.”

You nod and turn your attention back to the busy marketplace. “Anything you suggest in particular?”

She looks around a moment then nods her head. “There are a few shops around here I like; I would just like to keep away from their more… esoteric creations.”

“Fair enough… lead the way.”

She cuts a path through the market; leaving you to follow, cutting through the crowd she crosses a bridge over one of the streams and stops in front of a small shop, metal in construction like all of those around it.

Its windows are fogged up, and a simple sign above the door reads –

“Etsuko’s Electronics”

Sanae opens the door, a bell ringing as she does so, revealing a dark interior, and she steps inside leaving you to follow after.

- - -

The first thing that hits you is the smell of… plastic. Shelves line the shop floor, covered in electronic devices. It reminds you old some of those hole in the wall shops you could find, parts and pieces are in bins in the corner.

The electronics however are when compared to those you’ve seen so far vaguely familiar, what appears to be old televisions, remotes, looks like a few children’s toys aswell.

Sanae however ignores all of it, making a beeline for the counter at the back of the shop, it is currently manned by an older looking Kappa currently working on some sort of circuit board.

Sanae moves up to the counter and hits a service bell sitting on it, you notice she’s actually hopping on her feet a little, excited?

The Kappa blinks, once, twice, then pulls her attention away from the circuit board and looks at Sanae curiously, and then a wide smile breaks out across her face.

“Ah Sanae! It has been awhile, I take it you’re here for the usual?” The Kappa says, her voice audibly older than any you’ve heard so far from the Kappa, she isn’t wrinkled, but there’s a slight hunch to her shoulders and her hair is lightly graying.

Sanae nods eagerly. “Yep!”

The Kappa bends down below the counter and starts rummaging for something. “I know I put it here somewhere… aha!” The Kappa pops back up and places a small container on the table.

You peer inside; it contains mostly… game cartridges?

Sanae wastes no time and eagerly starts looking through it.

While she’s distracted you turn towards the Kappa. “Good morning ma’am. I’m Ayumu, a new tenant of the Moriya shrine; this would be my first visit to the Kappa village.”

You give another glance at Sanae who is still flipping through all of the cartridges.

“How did you come across games from outside Gensokyo?”

The Kappa smiles. “This close to the border things come through from time to time, it’s not my main market but the young ones like these things, oh, and good morning to you aswell young one, I’d be Etsuko.”

Sanae claps happily, drawing both of your attentions. She places several cartridges on the counter and sits the bag of cucumbers besides.

The Kappa looks between the games and the bag, and takes a look inside. “Ah! I see the Aki had a good harvest this year, yes this is more than fair.”

The Kappa takes the bag and sets it besides the counter, and puts the games in another smaller bag and hands it to Sanae.

“Thank you very much!” Sanae says, bowing to the Kappa with a smile on her face.

The Kappa waves her off with a grin and returns to working on the circuit board.

- - -

You step back outside into the market, still abuzz with activity as it nears lunch time.

Sanae follow steps outside shortly afterwards aswell, clutching the bag in her hand.

“So is that it then?” You turn to look at Sanae.

“Is what it?” She asks, confused.

“We came here to look at some wares and you spent all of our vegetables on video games.”

She blinks and looks confused, before she gains a blush across her features as she speaks up.

“Er I-“ She begins before you cut her off.

“No! No that is quite alright, I see how it is, I am just a guest after all, and you never liked me much anyway, I didn't expect anything myself.” You say, putting a touch of sadness in your words.

She starts again. “That’s!” But you cut her off again.

“No, no as I said I understand, it’s been rough going, I’ve been hurt repeatedly these past few days and I’m flat broke on top of it. I even had to pay Satori for that information with my body, did you know that?”

She jerks back violently, the blush on her face growing to tomato levels.

“I suppose I’ve outstayed my welcome anyway, I visited the Myouren temple the other day, quite a friendly bunch, and Byakuren DID say I was welcome to stay anytime. I suppose I can stay over there until I get myself settled in the human village.”

“Yo-you can’t!” She yells, attracting the attention of some market goers.

You shake your head. “It’s okay, the goddesses wouldn’t want me around anyway, after the incident with Satori…” You turn to look at her again with a smirk on your face. “I can’t be a bride anymore.”

“Gk-” Sanae locks up, before slumping her shoulders and letting out a deep sigh, cupping her head in her hands. “...Can we just get some food?”

- - -

You manage to find a quaint little place just outside of the market, a noodle shop run by a particularly enthusiastic young Kappa going by the name of Nobume.

Sanae covers... not that you have much say in the matter, and as you get down to eat you finally decide to broach the subject.

“So... what exactly can I do for work around here?” You ask in between bites.

“Mmm?” Sanae replies in a completely dignified manner, mouthful of noodles.

“Sorry... let me clarify, while getting my meals like this is nice and all. I was kind of hoping I could actually earn... money. I need to be able to buy my own clothes and my own meals.” You explain.

She swallows the noodles then coughs into her hand. “This... isn't a continuation of the joke from before right?”

You shake your head. “Quite serious, I can't exactly mooch off of you and the goddesses generosity forever, I'm afraid I am not much one for debts... at least not in my previous line of work.”

“Er... I don't know about the Kappa village, but I do know there is a job board in the Human Village, both Youkai and Humans put requests there, it's in the square.

“But you are doing work for us, I know we don't... exactly pay you, but you don't... expect us to start charging you do you?” She asks, with traces of nervousness.

You shake your head. “No... I don't but I can't exactly expect you to take care of all of my needs forever, that and it would be helpful in getting to know Gensokyo more.”

If Sanae is bothered by your explanation she doesn't show it, merely nodding her head and returning to her food.

You do aswell, it's not half bad.

- - -

You both finish your meals and are left sitting at the table, Sanae fiddling with her phone, and you watching the various comers and goers, the rain has let up now, only a slow drip from the holes.

“So... what's your story anyway?”

Sanae looks up from her phone. “Story?”

“Yeah... I mean if it is personal you don't have to answer, we've barely known each other a week, but what is your stake in this anyway? You said you were from Osaka and the goddesses mostly stayed at the temple. How'd you end up in Gensokyo?”

She purses her lips and leans back in the chair, letting out a breath.

“It's fine, it's... a different world at this point. Suwako's my ancestor, distant, but still my ancestor. My mother and father died before I really remember them, and Suwako stepped in and raised me from there..." She says, voice lowering as she remembers.

Kanako was more distant, but she was there aswell, though she wasn't really the best at child rearing." She says with a giggle.

“I helped out and lived at the Moriya shrine, they trained me in my now current duties and I lived a relatively normal school life, though no-one really wants to hang out with the kid who talks to invisible deities. Once the situation with faith got poor enough that we had to come here... I didn't say no. I don't really regret my decision.” She finishes.

“So you help out due to a mix of loyalty and familial bond? I... can understand that, I'm still trying to figure out how to pay Kanako back.” You trail off, looking towards the market again.

“You have to pay Kanako back?” Sanae asks, closing the phone and tilting her head.

You shake your head. “I have to pay all of you back, I was about to fade away myself in Tokyo until I came over, and ya'll took me in. Kanako's just the easiest one at the moment... theoretically. I only say that cause I'm trying to figure You and Suwako out.”

“You're helping with the investigation and helping me with temple work, you don't really have a need to pay me back... I'm sure the goddesses feel the same.” Sanae says quietly.

“I appreciate it, but I don't feel that way myself personally, quid pro quo, the temple will be fixed eventually and I assume you lot don't go from incident to incident. I can at least make myself useful beyond that. It's part of the reason why I want to see out some paying labor.”

“I assure you that is no-” For the third time today you cut her off.

“Sanae. How old am I?” You say, looking into her eyes.

“Er... 20? 25?” She guesses.

You chuckle. “Try 487, unless you plan on feeding me for the next thousand years it could be helpful if I plan for more long term.”

She seems to struggle to find what to say for a moment, before slumping in her seat and sighing. “I don't exactly agree... But do whatever you feel is best. But I must ask, what exactly do you plan to do to pay back Lady Kanako?”

You smile. “Easy! Repair relations with the underground.”

She stares at you in bewilderment for a moment, before breaking out into giggles. “You... you certainly don't start small do you?”

Your smile widens further, vulpine in nature. “Not my specialty I assure you! Don't worry, I have a feeling that is going to take a while, in the meantime, you ready to get out of here?”

The priestess nods and gets up from her seat.

“What do you want to do? The rain appears to be stopping.” Sanae asks, looking towards the holes in walls.

Chapter Text

“I’m thinking we could go to the human village actually, with the rain dying down there’s a lead I want to look into regarding the incident.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I saw Akyuu in the village yesterday; she gave me an interesting lead. This ‘Seija’ character… she apparently fought a human who lives in the bamboo forest, if we could talk to them we could get a more concrete source of information possibly. “

“A human in the bamboo forest?” She looks confused for a moment before shaking her head and focusing on a different part of the story. “Were they okay?”

You shrug. “Per her yes, they beat Seija into the ground, this was months back, I figured I could go back and get their name and see about tracking them down.”

“Hmm” Sanae murmers, cover her mouth with her hand, and looks down towards the ground.

And then moment later she nods then looks to you again. “It sounds like a good lead, I’ll just drop these off at the temple.” She waves the bag for emphasis. “Then I’ll meet you at the gates of the village?”

You nod. “Sounds like a plan, I’ll see you there.”

You both exit the Kappa village together, and past the guard at the metal door who gives a cheery wave to the both of you as you pass.

Out into the open air again it is still overcast, though the rain has now completely stopped at least, it's horribly humid still though. Then again, giant waterfall.

You walk past it onto the path, fingering the spellcards in your pocket until your retrieve the flight card, Sanae for her part has already gotten hers and is flying past you.

Hopefully there's still a temple left... you pump magic into the card and kick off the ground, soaring past the lake and over the forest, there's actually Kappa out and about at the lake itself, far more than you saw that first day, they aren't apparently working on anything... just relaxing.

You'd suppose they of all people wouldn't be bothered by the rain, though you are curious as to why you didn't see them earlier.

The outskirts of the human village eventually start coming into view aswell, the river where you fought Wakasagi is below you, you look but see no sign of her, you haven't seen her come to think of it since she visited the temple.

You're sure she's alright... but with the way things have been lately you can't help but worry.

- - -

You come to a gentle landing just outside of the southern gates, and compared to normal it is fairly quiet, nobody is attempting to get into the town itself and you only see a few people milling about near the gates.

...All of the stalls are closed aswell, you suppose everything really did shut down with the rain.

The two guards are there as usual, though they've backed up a bit to be standing underneath the cover.

They seem... rather tense actually?

“Something happen?” You ask.

The nearest guard points off into the distance behind you, your gaze follow his direction and squint.

You can just faintly see some figures off into the distance. They are moving rapidly around each other, about four of them, then with a flash of light a large chunk of ice shoots off into the sky... at least, you think that is ice.

“A spellcard battle?”

One of the guards grunts. “Faeries 'playing', just keeping an eye on them in case they get to close.”

Faeries? “Are they dangerous?”

“Not particularly, they just aint got a brain worth the skull their in most of the time, tend to get people hurt that way.”

You nod and watch it off in the distance, more ice shoots off into the sky along with the familiar sparks of energy from spellcards.

Huh...

- - -

You don't have to wait long for Sanae to arrive, landing gently in front of the gate with a smile, you notice she's indeed dropped off her bag, but she now is carrying her Gohei aswell.

“Was the temple still there?” You ask.

She cocks her head. “Yes... shouldn't it be?”

“Aren't the goddesses having their 'rematch' today?”

She processes what you said for a moment, before smiling and hitting a fist into her palm. “Oh that! No you don't need to be worried about that, everything will be fine!”

You just stare at the priestess. “If you say so, you ready to go?”

She nods and starts walking into the village, leaving you to catch up.

Together with Sanae you head off towards the Hieda estate, cutting through the center of town, it's nearly deserted, just a few peddlars setting up shop now that the weather seems to have calmed. You pay it no mind, and neither does Sanae as you walk until you reach the Hieda compound. The third time you've been here this week come to think of it.

There are no servants out and about this time, besides a single one standing in front of the door to the house.

As you approach the servant speaks up. “My apologies Lord Ayumu, but Lady Hieda is currently in discussions with a guest, if you wish audience you will have to wait, they should be done shortly.”

You pause halfway up the steps and nod. “Alright... want to just wait then Sanae?”

The priestess shrugs with a smile and pulls out her phone.

It's kind of nice that no matter where you go some things never change.

- - -

It's a good fifteen or so minutes later before the doors to the mansion open. Out stepping... Byakuren?

“Oh!” The monk gasps at the sight of the two of you. “Priestess Sanae, Ayumu! This is a surprise! What brings you both out to the village?”

You nod slowly. “Good afternoon Byakuren, pleasure to see you, we were just waiting to speak with Miss Hieda ourselves.”

The monk catches herself and does a slight bow. “My apologies, and good afternoon to you aswell, I just came to confirm some information with her, I apologize if you were forced to wait on my account!”

"Are you staying with the Moriya?" Byakuren asks, resting a hand against her cheek.

Sanae walks a little closer and... grasps your sleeve?

“It's quite alright, it wasn't a long wait at all, and yes he is, shall we Ayumu?”

You look at the priestess…. she's watching Byakuren like a hawk. “Er... yes, pleasure seeing you again Byakuren.”

The monk gives a smile and a wave as Sanae all but drags you into the house.

Seriously Sanae, it was a joke.

- - -

Akyuu is working at her desk like usual when you enter, Sanae thankfully letting go as the door closes behind you, causing the Hieda to look up in surprise.

“Something else Byaku...”

“Ayumu? Sanae?” She says in surprise.

You bow lightly. “Apologies for the unannounced visit once again, me and Sanae here were just hoping to confirm some information with you, would that be alright?”

Akyuu nods. “Yes... yes of course, please do sit down, I'm afraid you've missed lunch however.”

You let out a chuckle. “More's the pity.”

You and Sanae take your seats across from her and Akyuu gestures for you to talk.

“It's about our talk yesterday, you said Seija challenged a human to a fight and lost? I was hoping you had more information about the human, as it would be good to contact them. Both as someone who can confirm more information about Seija's appearance and mannerisms, and also to warn them in case she seeks revenge.” You explain.

“Alright... just a moment.” Akyuu opens a side drawer in her desk and starts rummaging through it, stacking book after book upon the table until she pulls out a smaller one, about the size of journal and places it in front of her.

She starts flipping through it until she finds the apparent page she's looking for.

“Lets see... here. The 'human' was Fujiwara no Mokou, a resident of the bamboo forest, she also serves as a guide for those who get lost in it. She mostly makes do as a hermit, doesn't tend to come to the village much, I got the information from a friend of hers who lives here.” She says, closing the journal back up.

“Fujiwara... is this the same Fujiwara I'm thinking of by any chance?” You ask.

Akyuu nods. “The one and the same, she's a distant ancestor of the modern branch. Been here for centuries.”

You think, that would be... “So she's a Youkai then?”

She shakes her head. “No... she's immortal, she ingested the Hourai Elixir.”

You pause. “The Hourai Elixir? As in the Princess Kaguya? Bamboo Cutter? That Hourai elixir?”

Sanae pokes you in the shoulder, causing you to look at her. “She's here too.” She says slowly.

“Who's here? Kaguya?” You ask, slightly dreading the answer.

Sanae merely nods.

You look towards the ground a moment before taking a deep breath. “Alright... I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. But I'll have you know if Orochi's here I'm out, Tokyo's lovely this time of year.”

Akyuu giggles. “No... I'm quite happy to say it isn't, though if you wish to meet Mokou I'm afraid I cannot be much help there. Her house isn't exactly on the map.”

You turn to look at Sanae. “I suppose we should just give it a go then?”

She nods. “I suppose we don't have much choice, I thank you for the information Miss Hieda.” Sanae says getting up and bowing to her.

Hieda returns it with a smile. “You are quite welcome.”

- - -

You head back outside the compound.

“Lead the way, I'm afraid I don't actually know where it is myself.” You say.

Sanae raises a finger and points east out of the village. “It's about a five minute flight that way, though much longer if you walk.”

You nod and look off in the distance, you don't see anything beyond rolling hills. “Lets get to it then.”

The two of you walk down the road and out the eastern edge of the village, surprisingly very little in the way of houses OR farms out in this direction, just hills and grass. She takes off into the air and you follow, around the village is farmland except on the eastern side, though there is a road leading out from it, it cuts into two up ahead, to the northeast it goes towards a large forest of... bamboo.

Huh, not sure why you didn't see that before.

The other path goes out about a mile before turning into grass, in the distance is a single solitary hill, covered in purple and white flowers, it's surrounded by a small wood, but you don't see any structures or anything else around it. Odd.

It doesn't take much more than five minutes as she said, and you both land outside of the forest, from here it is rather imposing, the bamboo is absolutely massive, making an almost rainforest like effect and blocking out what little light there is from the overcast skies.

You take a step into it and it is quite literally like night and day, your vision kicking in immediately to compensate, while Sanae fiddles with her phone for a moment before turning the camera into a flashlight.

It's... definitely something alright, Sanae's light bounces from bamboo to bamboo as she walks carefully behind you, while on your part you can see... trees. While you can see in the dark, it seems like it's still effective you, your vision barely going past a couple dozen feet.

“Is this a good time to mention this place is called the Bamboo Forest of the Lost?” Sanae states, carefully stepping over a fallen block of bamboo.

“It's actually an exceptionally bad time to mention that actually.” You say, looking about.

“I'd ask if we could just fly, but I doubt we'd be able to spot anything through the canopy as it was, any idea how we are supposed to find this place?”

“I'm afraid not, just search I suppose, she can't be that far in I'd imagine, if she does serve as a guide.”

And you both begin your trek.

- - -

You've lost track of the time, and Sanae's phone actually died awhile back much to her chagrin, apparently she forgot to charge it this morning.

She's currently clutching your sleeve as you guide her through the forest.

Well... less 'guide' more 'lead aimlessly' you suppose. Still, you've gone quite a ways in.

You are just about debating calling it quits when you see light ahead of you, either you've circled back around or that is a clearing.

You guide Sanae through towards it, she can most definitely see the light, but that wont stop here from beaning herself on a tree.

It takes some maneuvering but you manage to exit the bamboo and enter the clearing. It's small and grassy, with a large pond in the center of it. Next to it is a traditional Japanese house, small and squat, with a chimney sending smoke out into the sky.

The doors are all closed, and it is more than a little out of place here, however hopefully the running chimney is a good sign.

“Hopefully this is it...”

Sanae grunts an acknowledgment, rubbing her eyes as they adjust to the light, it's been a good half hour since she's been able to see anything.

You wait for her to adjust then slowly walk up to the door, it's an old fashioned door, a sliding type, not like the more western style ones at the temple. You rap on it gently with your knuckles.

For a moment nothing happens, then you hear the soft padding of feet as the door opens.

A woman is standing there, one hand on her hip and the other on the door. She's wearing a dress of deep blue, with long white hair going down her back, topped with a rather large blue hat.

She looks between the two of you, before settling on Sanae.

“Kochiya? What are you doing here?” It's a tone not of aggression or annoyance, despite the choice of words, but genuine confusion.

Sanae speaks up. “Apologies, we came here looking for Mokou actually, we were told she lived in this forest. Do you aswell? We didn't expect to see you...

“Oh... right, Ayumu, this is Keine the local teacher, I mentioned her the other day.”

You bow towards the woman. “Greetings, pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am a newcomer here in Gensokyo.”

She returns the bow. “Mokou is a friend of mine, what business do you have?”

“We're actually looking into a potential incident and believe she might have information about it.” You explain.

There's a moment of silence, then a look of anger comes across Keine's face. Not at you apparently however as she turns back and shouts into the house.

“Mokou you have guests asking about an incident! What did you do!?”

You hear a squawk of surprise, then another voice yells back. “Nothing! I haven't left the house in awhile, you know that!”

More padding of feet and another person appears in the doorway.

She's shorter than Keine, about Sanae's size, wearing a large pair of red pants and a white shirt, she also has white hair, but while Keine's goes to her back, hers goes to her knees easily.

The newcomer has an interesting look on her face, an odd mix of curious and pissed off.

“What do you want?” She asks, in a none too friendly tone.

Sanae speaks up. “We're seeking information about an ongoing incident, we believe you know one of the culprits, a woman who goes by Seija, our information states she challenged you to a duel not so long ago?”

The woman pauses and looks up. “Yeah... yeah I remember her, what about it?”

Sanae continues. “She's causing an incident and we are seeking more information about her as she is keeping a low profile... We were hoping you could give us a physical description, along with any mannerisms she might have had.”

Mokou looks between the two of you for a moment.

"Nope, buzz off.” She starts to close the door, you step forward and catch it as she does so... she's strong.

“We are just looking for some basic information, please. People have died.”

She gives you a critical look. “Then they are lucky basta-” That's as far as she gets as Keine whacks her upside the head with a hand.

“Ow! Keine what the hell!” Mokou complains, rubbing the back of her head, she lets go of the door in the process allowing you to open it back up to the view of the teacher glaring at Mokou.

“I know about the incident aswell, I would ask that you tell them anything you know, and me aswell, I wasn't aware that you knew anything about the culprit, why didn't you say anything?” Keine asks.

Mokou shrugs still rubbing the back of her head. “You know how many people I fight on a monthly basis? How was I supposed to know she was important.”

Keine just continues glaring at her, creating a rather awkward silence until Sanae speaks up.

“Can we come in then?”

Mokou gives a side glance and nods, walking back inside the house, seeing as close to an invitation as you are going to get you step inside along with Sanae, Keine closing the door behind you.

- - -

The house is... spartan to say the least, a small table sits in the center of it with sitting mats thrown haphazardly around. There's a kitchen set against the wall where some pots are currently working to boil, but beyond that and a bed in the corner there isn't anything else here.

Mokou takes a seat at the table with a huff, Sanae doing the same while you elect to stand, and Keine's working on the pots at the kitchen.

“Right... so she was about Greenie's height, black hair with a red stripe, and she was wearing some stupid ass red and black ensemble. She challenged me to a spellcard duel, saying some crap about how she was going to defeat me then use me as a pawn or some other nonsense." She says with a snort.

“The duel lasted all of thirty seconds before she was unconscious on the ground. I dragged her out of the bamboo forest and tossed her on the dirt outside, that was the last I've seen of her.” She finishes with a shrug.

“You haven't seen her since?” You ask.

“Nope, one and done, she causing problems then?”

You nod. “She's taken the power of some sort of artifact that causes heightened aggression, along with a considerable boost in power. She's used it already to effect the Scarlet, and she possibly used it in the underground. She's also sent a rampaging Youkai against the Tengu. It killed several before it was brought down.”

“Huh...” Mokou says. “Could have fooled me, she was weak as a rabbit when I fought her.”

Sanae speaks up. “Be that as it may we thought it wise to warn you aswell, the artifact has mind altering effects, we don't know the full extent of its capabilities, she might come seeking revenge.”

Mokou chuckles. “ I'm afraid it doesn't work that way.” She taps a finger against her skull. “Side effect, I can't be effected by anything that would change my state of being like that, some of the local rabbits learned that the hard way.

"Course, if she does come back I suppose I could barbecue her for ya anyway if she's really causing all that trouble.” She lights a fire in her hand for emphasis.

“I appreciate the offer.” You state, before snapping your fingers, causing a small flame to sputter off the tip of your thumb. “But hopefully it wont come to that, we have more than a few questions for her.”

Mokou shrugs. “That it then?”

You look towards Sanae who nods.

“Then you are cordially invited to get the hell out of my house.”

“Mokou!” Keine shouts in admonishment, Mokou reflexively covering her head as she does so, though she's snickering.

… Odd duo.

- - -

You step back outside into the clearing, Sanae close behind.

“I suppose we could fly back to the temple now that we no longer need to find this place.”

“... Agreed.” Sanae says, looking out towards the bamboo forest, before you can say anything more she's floating off the ground.

You grab your card and join her, floating up into the sky, once above you take a look around, you can see the edge of the forest where you entered... it's maybe a good mile away.

Forest of the lost indeed.

With no need for prompting Sanae starts flying towards the edge, you follow watching the house fade into view behind you, before being swallowed up by the canopy completely like it was never there at all.

It's another five minutes back to town, then you make a hard turn together and fly towards the temple.

The weather is getting worse again as you make your way up the mountain, it appears it is going to rain again soon.

You finally crest the mountain and land at the top, taking a look around.

Miraculously... it is all in one piece, the walls are where you left them, there aren't any new telephone poles either.

You are not certain if you are frightened or relieved, but it is certainly one of those two emotions.

You along with Sanae walk through the courtyard and enter the temple itself. Also as you left it thankfully, there is no immediate signs of the goddesses however as you make your way inside.

“I'll be in my room for a bit, dinner should be in just a bit if you want to relax.” Sanae says, before walking down the hallway to the right.

Sounds lovely.

You head down the hallway aswell, Sanae apparently having already turned the corner, nobody is in the dining room though the TV is on...

Is that?

Plugged into the TV is an SNES, while on the screen a demo race of Mario Kart is playing.

Huh...

You walk past it and take a peek into the kitchen.

“Evening you two.” You say.

Both of the goddesses are in the kitchen cooking, well, Suwako is cooking. Kanako is tossing her ingredients. (Quite literally) as she calls for them.

“Ah! Welcome back Ayumu, did everything go well out there?” Suwako asks with a grin.

You nod. “The Kappa village was lovely, and we even got some information about our culprit, figured we could discuss it over dinner.”

A more serious expression comes across Suwako's face, and Kanako looks at you, but doesn't say anything as Suwako speaks up again. “That's good then, we can certainly discuss it then. Ya need anything?”

You shake your head. “Not particularly... how did the rematch go?”

Suwako giggles. “I won of course, it's why I get to cook dinner tonight.”

She then leans over and whispers into your ear. “Ya should be quite grateful aswell, you haven't tasted her cookin'!”

Kanako lets out an indignant squawk, apparently she heard her. And you duck out of the kitchen before things get ugly.

- - -

You settle down in the dining room, lounging on the couch. You find the remote and change it back to regular television.

It isn't too long later that Sanae joins, watching the TV aswell without any comment.

After some time the goddesses come out with dinner, it's a suprisingly complicated affair, Suwako having prepared several courses, from soups to meat dishes. It's the nicest meal you've had since you come here, and she smiles cheekily as you say so.

As dinner comes to an end Kanako brings up the day. “So what have you found out.”

You gesture towards Sanae, figuring she should take the lead when it comes to Kanako. “We found out more information about Seija.” And Sanae gives the physical description Mokou gave you. “She apparently challenge Fujiwara no Mokou in the vain attempt of 'recruiting' or possibly 'enslaving' her. It didn't seem to end well for her.

“Mokou's going to keep an eye out, and Keine seems to be on the case aswell, it didn't appear either were effected by the artifact.” Sanae finishes.

Kanako nods. “That's good then, I'll look into it further, Suwako?”

The smaller goddess grins. “On it, I'll let you know if the toads see anything. You two just rest up, tomorrow it's back to work.”

Your muscles are crying already.

Chapter Text

You lay down in your bed and try to get some sleep... maybe you should see about picking up this place a little after your work tomorrow, if you are going to be staying here for a time it would be nice to get more leg room, looking towards the stacked boxes.

… Some more amenities too, you’re sure they sell furniture in town, and you already know of a bookstore. Just need to get some money first… you wonder how well your business would do here.

Probably would have to settle for more general labor in the meantime, at least you’re being fed and housed. You can’t help but feel however like such a thing is only temporary.

In your experience it usually is…

You shake your head and adjust your position, no point in thinking about such things right now; it hasn’t even been a week yet.

You close your eyes and allow the gentle sounds of the night carry you away.

- - -

You smell old wood, that’s the first thing that hits you. The second is the gentle sound of rain outside.

You slowly open your eyes, you’re standing in an old wooden house, a fireplace is burning embers near you, and outside of windows flanking it you can see rain coming down onto the road outside, a paved road.

Glancing about you see old familiar photos on the walls, and a particularly special one on a desk. Your fathers ring sits next to it, and you reach down to rub your hand absentmindedly. The same ring is still on your finger.

It’s been a long time since you’ve been home.

You smile as you look around, books lining the shelves, a nice little kitchen, and a bedroom not filled with boxes, a glance out the window shows… nobody, even in weather like this the roads would be full.

You wonder exactly when this is supposed to be anyway, you recognize it all, but this is well over a hundred years ago.

… No point in over thinking it really. You bend down and look through your old bookshelf… ah… perfect. You grab one of your old favorites and sit down in one of your chairs after stoking the fire a little.

You are just getting into it when…

*Knock Knock*

You put the book down with a sigh, is it that time already then? You glance behind you and through the window next to the door.

A figure is standing at the door, they are… you honestly don’t know what they are.

You ever see someone just out of the corner of your eye? The figure is visible and you can tell it’s a person, but there aren’t really any details besides colors?

It’s like that, a blurry figure, that has details… but doesn’t, its colors keep changing as well.

Yellow,

Purple,

White,

Pink,

Blue,

Red,

Green.

Something’s familiar about all of them… but you couldn’t really say what.

You walk over, and after a moment’s hesitation you open the door. The smell of rain hits you, along with a cold wind.

You look at the figure, still rapidly changing colors.

“Come on then, I was in the middle of a good read.” You say.

That’s all the prompting it needs apparently, as it rushes forward and envelopes you.

The being passes through you, and a bright light overwhelms your senses.

You rub the spots out of your eyes, shaking your head as you regain your vision. Your old home is gone, replaced by… an artificial riverbank. People pass by and through you like you aren't even there, students mostly, in school uniforms as they head down the path above the riverbank.

They are doing as teenagers do, running, playing, and talking, though what they say you cannot discern, it’s… muffled. Like when you enter a crowded area and all of the conversations blend together, you look the other direction… across the river is a skyline you know well enough.

The city of Osaka is on the otherside, the side of its skyscrapers glinting in the afternoon light, so… this is probably one of the Moriya’s dream.

You’ve been to the city more than once, but you don’t recall ever hearing of the Moriya before you came to Gensokyo… then again that may be part of the problem. You walk down the riverbank and onto the concrete path near the water, there’s a few students milling about, along with a few apparent fishermen further down the path.

You stop next near the river, near to a student fiddling with her phone next to the water’s edge. She’s sitting down on the grass… not a half bad idea actually.

You plop down onto the grass with a sigh; the smell of saltwater is rather pleasant to your senses.

There are some boats in the bay, you wouldn’t say your homesick, not that Osaka was your hometown anyway, but there’s something nice about modern society.

You take a look at the student who had the same idea; she’s wearing a rather generic uniform, along with black hair going down to her shoulders. She’s just staring at her phone; a braid of hair is dangling down next to it, with a little ornament of a snake wrapped around it, along with a hairpin of a frog aswell.

… Wait a minute.

“Sanae?”

The girl jumps a bit, and looks around before focusing on you.

"Are you... speaking to me?"

You nod, and she narrows her eyes.

“How do you know my name? Are you a new teacher?”

Right, this is a little suspicious, gotta come up with something.

“My apologies... I am not a new teacher. I'm actually here in the city as a tourist, I'm looking for the Moriya shrine, would you happen to know anything about it? Oh, and once again my apologies for using your name so informally, it was on the back of your bag so I thought it would be a good way to get your attention."

You bow slightly in apology, and with a subtle working on magic apply a nice embroided 'Sanae' to the back of her backpack... just in case.

She gives you an odd look. "The Moriya shrine? Nobody ever wants to see the shrine, I know the place but I wont take you there, you'd just be dissapointed." She says, in a rather depressed tone... far more than you've ever heard from her before.

With a grunt you stand up, wiping the back of your suit to knock off some grass. "My apologies one final time then, but I am afraid I must go see it, I will look around myself and hope for the best."

You make a point of putting a hand above your eyes and looking about, before walking past her with purpose.

...

You get just a few steps away before.

"Wait."

Bingo.

You pause mid step and turn around to the girl. "Yes?"

She gets up herself, hoisting the backpack around a shoulder and pocketing her phone. "I'll take you there, but you'll be dissapointed."

With not another word she trudges past you, down the path, leaving you to follow after.

- - -

It's quite a walk, you are moving past the riverside for a good twenty minutes before it comes to an intersection, after confirming that you are still following her Sanae turns to the right and down the road.

It's... a rather downtrodden neighborhood. You'd hesitantly call it... rustic?

Old old houses made up of bad wood and cracked walls line both sides of the street, most of the residents here are either quite old, or quite obviously destitute. She moves down it without saying a word, she hasn't said a word for the past twenty minutes either.

Compared to the usual Sanae... it is a tad awkward.

It's another five minutes of walking, and the buildings getting somehow in even worse condition before she comes to a stop next to a Torii gate.

You look through and... oh dear.

You thought that first day painted a bad image of the shrine, this however, is ridiculous.

It's the same building from before but in much worse condition. Parts of the roof are caved in, the tile cracked heavily, the wood isn't in any better condition, rotted and missing in places.

The grounds are overgrown with weeds everywhere, the pond in the corner is invisible behind all of the plant life.

In the center of it all are two stone statues, you don't recognize them at first, as both are wearing heavy robes, but one figure has a large ring of rope behind their back... and the other is carrying large rings.

You point at the statues. "Suwako and Kanako right?"

Sanae looks at you in genuine surprise, then nods her head slowly. “Yes... that is correct. Few people know their names.”

You take a glance back at the statues. “A shame really, they are quite fascinating beings.” You spot a donation box near the front of the shrine... or rather what remains of a donation box. You walk past Sanae and towards it. You fish into your pocket and produce some... questionable money and place it in the box, then you clap and bow your head.

“Why are you here?” Sanae's voice comes from behind you.

She's standing next to you again, looking past the donation box and at the front of temple, the front door is cracked, but still sealed at least.

She continues. “Nobody comes here to worship, not for as long as I can remember, I still keep my faith... for what is it worth, but this place is dying. You don't appear to be hear to buy the land, and even if you were you aren't getting it. Along with the fact you knew their names.” She says, pointing to the statues.

“So I ask again, why are you here?”

You answer honestly. “A mix of curiosity and belief... it's hard to explain really. I came both to pay my respects to the goddesses, and to see you as well.”

“See... me?” She asks slowly. “Why on earth would you ever want to see me?”

You feel a light breeze blow against your cheek, and the air is filling with magical energy... and it isn't coming from Sanae.

“Tell me... what year is it?” You ask.

She looks at you confused. “It is 2014... nearly 2015.”

So about... a year and a half before she came to Gensokyo.

“Thank you, and my apologies, I'm saying that alot today aren't I?” You chuckle, and she continues just staring at you.

She lets out a sigh then speaks up again. “I am very sorry sir, but I would recommend you leave, I assure you the goddesses appreciate the donation but there is nothing for worshippers here.” She bows towards you.

You don't return it. “But... if I leave, who will I talk about mecha with?”

Sanae stands back and looks at you confused again. “...What?”

You pop your fox ears up, and you tail comes out behind you.

She jumps back in shock, but in the process trips over a stray rock and lands on her ass, she doesn't cry out in pain or surprise, merely stares at you alarmed.

“Yes yes... big scary fox monster. It's me Ayumu remember? Gensokyo? Youkai Mountain? Weird hats? Remember?”

“Ay... Ayumu?” She says, looking off past you before shaking her head.

Her hair swings about, and you notice with interest as it turns from its generic black to its more familiar green, it grows back to its 'usual' length aswell.

Sanae... the Sanae you are used to looks around confused before staring at you. “What... what are we doing here?”

You shrugs. “Beats me, I was asleep and apparently wandered into one of your dreams... I must say, if this was the way it used to be, I am not going to take for granted what state it currently is in our time.”

You glance around the grounds some more, seriously, where did she even sle-

Your view is yanked away and forcefully turned towards Sanae, her hand is clutching your chin.

“So this is a dream right? My dream?”

You nod in the affirmative.

“And you've been doing this every night?”

You shrug. “For the most part yes. Not every night but quite frequently.”

“And now I'm dreaming... lucidly is the term right? Do you have any control over dreams while you are in one?” She asks.

“Yes... and yes.”

She smiles a familiar smile, then nods happily.

“Then I would ask of you a favor.”

You cock your head. “And that would be?”

“I've lived in Osaka all of my life, and most memories here aren't the most pleasent. I always wanted to visit Tokyo... and with your help I believe I can.” She says, excitement creeping into her tone.

“You wish to see Tokyo in a dream using my recollection?” You ask.

She nods happily.

“Do you actually want to see TOKYO? Or are you more interested in Akihabara?” You ask, feeling like you already know the answer.

Her smile only grows wider.

“I'll take that as a yes then.”

You raise a hand above your head, it isn't in any way nessecary, but what's the point if you don't do it with theatrics? You snap your fingers, and in a flash the landscape around you changes.

The wood around you has transformed to glass and steel, and the garden to one of the busiest intersections in the world. Blaring advertisements and the noise of hundreds upon hundreds of people assault your ears.

Perhaps this is a good time to mention you've never been able to stand Akihabara.

Sanae for her part however, looks like the child who got the pony they've always wanted for Christmas. At Disney World.

She's turning in place, looking at everything she can, luckily for her the people pass straight through her as you will it to be.

“This! This is-”

Noisy, annoying, a little smelly.

“Wonderful!”

Yes that too you suppose.

You don't have the time to voice any form of protest as she snatches your arm and drags you towards some form of electonics shop. As you are pulled extremity first into the ten story monstrosity.

At the very least... she's not depressed anymore.

- - -

You wake up and shake your head, fighting the grogginess in your system. The sunlight comes through your window and lands rather unconfortably on your face.

The girl wanted to see EVERYTHING, which caused a rather nice amount of sheer bullcrap and imagination on your part to fill in the gaps, as you said. You don't really do Akihabara, luckily enough, she couldn't really tell the difference.

You raise up into a sitting position with a yawn, sitting in your lap... is a spellcard. The familiar backing of the Moriya shrine cards greets you. You flip it over revealing...

Sanae, or at least, a silhouette of Sanae. She has her Gohei raised above her, and from it pours... rain? In all directions.

The text at the bottom is a light green.

Divine Virtue "Bumper Crop Rice Shower"

You place it with the rest of your cards... you wonder how you should bring that up.

- - -

You take a quick shower and change into your best approximation of 'work' clothes. You pocket your cards and head out into the main hall. You'll never take the state of this place for granted again... sheesh.

You pass through the main hall and into the dining area, the two goddesses are in their usual spots.

“Good morning you two. Sleep well?” You ask.

“Yep! Gonna to be a busy day today!” Suwako chirps happily, giving you a cheery wave.

Kanako does her customary goddess nod.

“What will we be doing exactly?”

Kanako actually speaks up. “Just some more temple restoration today, we'll discuss the details when Sanae comes back with breakfast.” She jerks her head towards the kitchen, then returns to watching the TV.

You nod and walk past the dining area into the kitchen. “Need any help?” You ask as you stick your head in, Sanae's in her work clothes aswell, though she has an apron over top of them as she works a frying pan.

“Mm?” She turns to look at you. “Oh, not particularly, only got some finishing touches to make.”

“Fair enough... did you sleep well last night? Good dreams?”

Sanae shrugs and returns to her cooking. “Slept well enough, going to need the energy for today! But I don't remember any dreams in particular.”

Hmm.

“Alright, I'll be in the dining room.”

You head back and sit yourself next to the table iwth the goddesess, just a short time later Sanae comes out with plates... apparently the dish was omelets.

You dig into it, quite good as always. “You know, so far I've had both Sanae's and Suwako's cooking, do you cook as well Kanako?”

The goddess pauses and looks at you, half of an egg sticking out of her mouth. She swallows it quickly and takes on a dignified posture. “Of course I do! I am the best cook in the house afterall.”

Suwako snickers and Kanako glares at her. “Ya could burn milk, and in fact I think I've seen ya do that.”

The goddess makes a noise of outrage and slams her hands into the table.

“Oh can I now?!” The goddess shouts. “Sanae!”

The priestess is in her own little dreamland as she eats breakfast, you admire her ability to go completely zen at at the food table, seemingly unnoticing the events around her.

“SANAE!” The priestess jerks back and gasps.

“Y-yes Lady Kanako?”

“I'm taking over the cooking duties for lunch and dinner tonight, you have the day off.”

“... Understood Lady Kanako.” Huh, you think that's the first time you've seen fear in Sanae's eyes. Neat.

- - -

Shortly after breakfast Kanako gives you your tasks.

“Sanae, you will be repairing the old guest house, while you Ayumu will be fixing up the holes in the roof, we've got supplies for the both of you outside already.”

You both nod at your instructions and head out the front door, and true to their statement there's a neat little pile of lumber next to a pile of replacement tiles and some form of... liquid cement?

You can work with this.

Sanae hefts up a pile of planks and heads towards a decently sized wooden building near the main path, maybe thirty to fourty feet away from the front door. It is one of the 'casualties'. There's two wooden poles sticking out of it causing the roof to cave in, miraculously enough the walls and the glass windows are actually still in place.

You heft your tools and carry them up to the roof and get to work, lets see if we can't fix that leak.

- - -

It's been a good several hours and you've definitely made progress, a good chunk of the holes are patched up and the tiling almost looks normal. Almost. You are confident the leak is fixed at least.

You look over the grounds and see Sanae's progress, the two poles are gone, chopped into pieces and laying next to the structure, she's currently sizing wood against the roof, it looks like she's going to have to completely make a new roof entirely.

...Sanae must have been the absolute best at shop class.

The sun is high in the sky at this point, you raise your shirt to wipe the sweat off of your brow as you do so... your eyes catch something.

There in front of the temple, just barely peeking out from behind a tree, is a golden furred fox, its head just peeking out. You stare at it, and it is staring at you in return. This lasts for several moments before it ducks back into the forest and dissapears from view completely, you think that's the first time you've seen a fox since you came here.

You get up from your position on the roof, probably about lunch time at this point, lets go see if you can get Sanae to take a break as we-

“Hello hello!”

A cheery voice makes itself known behind you, causing you to jump and almost send yourself tumbling off the roof.

You turn around carefully and floating there behind you. Just above the roof. Is a young woman.

She's hovering with the help of two black wings that are flapping slowly, she has short black hair and bright red eyes, with the traditional cap on her head and the fan sticking out of her belt. It isn't hard to recognize her for a Tengu.

“...Hello.” You return the greeting. Idly reaching a hand into your pocket.

“Always friendly and honest reporter Aya Shameimaru here! I have heard there was a newcomer at the temple, and I do say...”

She fans herself with a hand. “Not bad, not bad at all.”

You look down at your seat stained shirt and rather messy jeans.

Reporter... right.

There's a clacking sound as someone lands on the roof, a glance behind you shows Sanae. She's looking at Aya, with a rather annoyed expression on her features.

“Aya. Good morning.” She says curtly.

The Tengu nods and floats a bit closer to you.

“So tell me, how would you feel about an interview? The people are dying to know about the newcomers!”

Chapter Text

Yeah... you can work with this.

“I don't see why not, but can we do it... not on the roof? I have tiles drying.”

Aya lets out a happy sound and flaps her wings, hopping over both you and Sanae and landing on the grounds below.

You and Sanae share a glance and head down yourselves.

The Tengu has produced a notepad and is scribbling some things.

“Ayumu?” Sanae says quietly.

“Hmm?”

“I am going to head inside to freshen up, be careful how you handle her... she can be... aggressive.”

You nod and turn your attention back to the Tengu.

“Aya, please do not take too long, as we are about to be having lunch.” Sanae says in her normal voice as she starts heading into the temple.

Aya gives a thumbs up and walks up to you, she's holding a notebook with decorations of fall leaves all over its back, and she is making use of a rather modern pen.

“Sooo... first things first?” Aya starts. “Who am I speaking to?”

“I am Ayumu.” You state succinctly.

“No last name?” She queries.

You shrug. “Lost it in an accident years ago.”

She gives you an odd look but writes it down anyway in her notepad.

“Alright... and what do you do?”

“Currently?” You look back towards the temple. “Shrine worker. I help out around here for the most part, still getting everything put together.”

“Ah, so you are a new arrival then?”

You nod. “One week ago to the day, arrived on the train along with several others. I ended up going with the Moriya shrine."

“And what species of Youkai are you?” She asks, you note she's still writing even after she writes down your apparent answers.

“Spirit.”

“Can you go into more detail?”

You think about it a moment. You suppose you aren't really hiding out in Gensokyo to be honest, and there are other foxes here aswell... that and you have a feeling she would dig until she found out.

“Fox spirit.”

She writes down the information eagerly.

“So how are you liking everything so far?”

“It's been... nice. The people here are quite friendly for the most part and I've been quite welcome, and the landscape is beautiful"

You smile at her and put just the tiniest bit of charm into your words. “The people are beautiful aswell.”

She blushes, just a little.

“And your hosts? The Moriya?” She queries.

“They have been more than gracious hosts, they've helped me get settled and have been a boon to know all around. I don't think I would have gotten off nearly as well without them.”

“Oh? Even with their reputation?” She asks. It could be taken in a negative fashion, but she honestly sounds curious.

You respond. “The difference between a good reputation and a bad one is ten minutes. I know the story... and as long as someone is willing to make a difference. I fail to see why it would I should be bothered by it.... And frankly as long as they are willing to try and fix it, I don't see why they wouldn't be allowed to work over their errors.”

Not as long as you can do something about it anyway. Perhaps you've gotten too attached, it has only been seven days after all... But you haven't had any real companionship in decades... and they've honestly been so openly helpful and honest with you that you cannot help but appreciate it.

“Might I ask what you were doing before you came to Gensokyo?”

Right... how to word this. “Jack of all trades, helped solve problems and things of that nature. Helped with investigations and the sort.”

Scribbling.

“Alright, so what brought the move then?”

You shrug again. “I moved in from Tokyo, things are not going great for Yokai on the outside at the moment, as the world gets more modern we get left behind. I was stubborn about it for awhile before coming over myself.”

“I had some... people I know who stayed behind, but I had enough of it and came myself.” You finish.

“Not homesick then?”

You shake your head. “None, this has so far been an improvement.”

“Alright! Thank you for the information, this will make a good article, could I bother you for a picture?”

She produces a digital camera from a small satchel with a smile.

“Sure I don't see why no-”

Your eyes lock behind her, you raise a shaking hand in a point just over her shoulder.

She jerks back around to see... nothing.

She looks around confused for a moment, before turning back to look at you, even more confusion on her features as you have replaced your work clothes with your business suit.

“Apologies, thought I saw an old friend of mine, can we take that picture?”

“...How did you?” She trails off.

“Trade secret I'm afraid.”

She pulls out the notebook again and scribbles something down, leaving you to stand there with your hands in your pockets as she does so.

She puts it back just as quickly and pulls out the camera again.

“Say cheese!” She clicks the shutter button on the camera... you wonder how this one is going to turn out, article wise.

Then again, you didn't exactly agree to this to get your name in the papers.

“I thank you for your contribution to the Bunbunmaru news!” She bows and turns on her heels, clearly intending to leave.

“I'm sorry miss?”

She pauses mid step.

“Could I ask you some questions aswell if you don't mind?”

“Oho? Have my charms worked already?” She turns around with a smile on her face.

You return the smile and put a bit of charm into your voice again. “Oh indeed you are quite charming, from your beautiful wings to your sharp sense of dress, but I was hoping you could answer some questions about the Tengu?”

“If you do not mind of course.”

She nods with another light blush on her features.

“I was wondering about the Tengu village for starters, do they accept visitors? I would love to meet my neighbors.”

She replies cheefully. “Yes we do! However the village is guarded so you will have to announce your presence first to the guards, they watch the paths.”

“Thank you, and could you tell me more about Bunbunmaru? I've never seen a Tengu run newspaper.”

At that she puffs her chest out proudly. “That would be because it is the first! Bunbunmaru is the premier Tengu newspaper in Gensokyo! Made, edited, and written by me."

“I only saw bits of it I'm afraid, but it did seem like an excellent read yes.” She smiles at the praise.

And now for the actual point of this conversation.

You put in just the last bit more of magic into your words. “And lastly about that incident the other day, have the Tengu learned anything new? Regarding the Gashadokuro?”

She hesitates for a moment, then bites her lip and shakes her head.

“The Moriya shrine is currently looking into it, if the premier journalist in Gensokyo found anything out, could you let us know?”

She nods once more.

You smile and remove the effect. “Thank you for your time Aya, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I truly hope you have a lovely afternoon.” You bow.

She blinks rapidly, then shakes her head. “Ah yes, the pleasure was all mine, I do hope we can speak again in the future!” Returning the bow as she says that.

She kicks off the ground with a smile on her face, her wings flap once, then as soon as she was there... she's gone.

...Quite fast.

If she was good enough to sneak in and take a picture of you and Kanako without either noticing, she might be able to find a lead on our two culprits aswell.

You'd feel a little guilty about the charm... but she wont have realized anything about its effects.

That and you really don't appreciate having being put on the front page of a gossip mag.

You switch your clothes back to normal and head back into the temple. Maybe after this you can setup shop again...

- - -

You enter the main hall and turn to head into the dining area, Suwako and Sanae are there already.

Sanae smiles as you walk in. “Did the interview go well?”

You shrug. “Well enough, I think I even managed to talk her into helping us out if she discovers anything related to the incident.”

She blinks in surprise. “How did you manage that?”

“I can be very persuasive when I want to be.”

You take a brief glance around. “Any idea what Kanako is making?”

Sanae wrings her hands. “I'm... afraid not, she wouldn't let me into the kitchen.”

She hesitantly looks out the door. “Maybe we should have had that interview at the Tengu village.” She murmers.

Just as she does so Kanako walks in carrying several plates.

Upon which sit several... sandwiches?

She sets the plates down in front of everybody... it appears to be... beef? With some sauce you don't recognize. It looks fairly normal.

Kanako starts happily digging into hers without waiting, while Suwako and Sanae stare at theirs hesitantly.

You reach down and grab yours, from close up it looks normal aswell. You slowly take a bite.

It's... quite bland to be honest. You can hardly taste the meat, it has a little kick to it, but nothing you can't handle, whatever this sauce is, it is overpowering the taste of everything else. You've had worse you suppose.

After watching your reaction Suwako and Sanae reach for theirs and take a bite each, their faces turn red soon after, and they grab their water and start chugging.

Kanako for her part smiles and continues eating happily, either not noticing, or not caring about the plight of her adopted daughter and fellow goddess.

You shrug and take another bite, what can you say, you like spicy food.

- - -

After lunch... with Sanae and Suwako taking longer than you and Kanako to finish, Suwako starts talking to you.

“How much longer do ya think ya got till your done with the roof?”

“About... an hour, hour and a half maybe, I don't know how long Sanae's job is going to take however.”

Suwako nods. “You will be going out with me this afternoon.”

“Oh? Where are we going?”

“We'll be going to a doctors office just outside of the human village, head doctor theirs a genius, was hoping she might have some tips on fighting the mallets effects.

“It being used on the Gashadokuro was bad. It being used on Remilia's sister is worse... much much worse.

“If we can find a way to cancel out its effects without combat, t'would be a boon.”

You nod, though your not quite sure why'd she need you aswell for that, you had planned on helping Sanae once you finish with your task.

“Alright, I'll certainly meet up with you when I finish.”

You head outside with Sanae and get back to task. It takes about as long as you said, with a grunt of satisfaction you lay down the last of the tile replacements. Should hold for awhile, and fix any possible leaks.

Your feeling of satisfaction lasts about as long as it takes to look around the grounds... broken fences, collapsed structures... right.

You head back inside and grab a quick shower, changing into more fresh clothes aswell. Time to meet the doctor you suppose.

Never been much for them... though mostly because of the fact that it is extremely difficult to get you actually sick.

You head through the temple and knock on Suwako's door.

“It's open!” A cheery voice responds.

You open the door and peer inside, Suwako's stuffing a bag with something, though from this angle you can't see what, she closes it and swings it around a shoulder. Turning to you with a grin on her face.

“All ready to go then?”

You nod and move aside the door, allowing her through. “Lead the way.”

- - -

You both step off the front porch and into the air. Sanae already has half of the roof done, you wonder what they even plan to do with all of these structures once finished.

You fly with the goddess down the mountain and over the forest, before eventually passing over the human village and setting down on the road on the eastern side, around halfway between the village and the bamboo forest.

You look around... no, no buildings have popped up since the last time you were here.

“The doctor's office around here then? I'm afraid I didn't see anything last time I was out this way.”

Suwako points towards the bamboo forest. “Called Eientei, resident doctors for the Human Village for the most part.”

“They live in the Bamboo forest? Isn't that a tad dangerous? And rather inconvenient for anyone seeking you know... a doctor?”

Suwako shrugs. “They generally send people out instead of people coming to them, and they got a practice in the village 'swell. The doctor stays in Eientei however.” With that she readjusts the bag and starts walking towards the bamboo forest.

You've been walking a good five minutes before she speaks up again.

“How's things with the mallet? Have ya had any more... experiences?”

You shake your head in the negative. “I've had two dreams since then, no signs of the mallet thankfully.”

She sighs, but gains a small smile. “That's good then... much longer and I was afraid it would be bad for ya mental health.” You think back to the time you met her in the garden.

“Yes... yes I'd agree, thank you again.”

You realize... this is probably the first time you've spent time alone with Suwako since she showed you a brief tour of the village, and no the dream doesn't count.

You don't actually know her that well to be honest.

“So how's all this work anyway?” You ask as you walk down the path together.

“Mm? How's what work?”

“A shrine with two gods, how does that work exactly?”

Suwako shrugs again. “I'm Suwako Moriya, and the Moriya Shrine is my shrine, long ways back me and Kanako got into some disagreements, after some... fights. It led to be a dual worship shrine. She handles the showy bits, while I do the people bit, it worked out pretty well for awhile.

“ 'course as you can probably tell that didn't last forever, though you'd probably know yourself Mr Tokyo.” She giggles.

Yeah... you know more about their situation than she probably is aware of.

Suwako looks towards the sky a moment, before turning her attention towards you.

“How 'bout you then?”

“What's your story? If ya don't mind me asking? What were you doing before you came 'ere?”

Chapter Text

You look to the side and think. It would be… a big step to tell them… or Suwako anyway, so by extension all of them. You’d be giving them your trust, have they earned it?

You sigh and look towards the goddess.

“I am a Fox Spirit of the Shinjo clan; we lived in the Miyagi Mountains.”

- - -

You awaken with a grunt as a weight lands on your chest.

The weight giggles. “Come on Ayumu! It’s time for breakfast!” You open your eyes to see Akiya, her single tail swishing happily behind her. You slowly reach up a hand to pat her on the head a little, and then promptly push her off your chest.

She tumbles off with more giggles.

You sit up groggily; the Kit running back out of the room… little brat.

You sit yourself up and grab your clothes, throwing them on and stepping out into the open hallway.

The early summer sun is just barely cresting between the mountains off into the distance, casting light over the village. Most everyone is already up for the most part, parents getting to work while the kits run around.

You walk down and into the main room, mother and father sitting at the table while your sister still runs around excitedly.

Mom and dad greet you as you walk in and sit down. Your father shoots a hand out to his side and catches your sister by the neck of her kimono, hoisting her up and into his lap.

“Anything special today?” You ask.

Father grunts. “You’ll be heading on your trip today remember?

“Down south to Edo with Asahi and Himari to see about setting up shop.”

You’d really rather not… but you’d also like to not be set on fire so you nod. “Alright, I suppose I’ll catch up with them after breakfast.”

It isn’t but a short time later that one of the servants arrives with the food and you dig into it… while you think. Edo huh… largest city in the world. Should be… interesting.

- - -

“I ran a shop in Tokyo, as a Fox Spirit I can be very useful in all sorts of tasks, my family ran several such places. We generally looked did investigations, searching for things that people paid us to search for, and other… more clandestine activities.”

“Wetwork?” Suwako asks.

You shake your head. “Sometimes they did yes, but I didn’t bother with it, there are more than enough places to get that done in Tokyo.”

- - -

You readjust yourself in the bouncing cart as it continues to make its way down the road, Asahi and Himari are sitting a ways ahead of you, a four tails and a five tails respectively.

They’ve been to Edo before, but this will be your first time, as a two tails you don’t get out of the Miyagi area that much, this is by far the furthest you’ve been away from home.

“Oi! Ayumu!” Asahi shouts, getting your attention. You look up, he’s pointing off ahead.

In the distance is… a city absolutely massive in scale. Tall buildings made of stone and other material shoot up into the air, and even from here you can see people on the roads and the fields surrounding it, and farther off in the bay are boats.

“Is that… Edo?” You ask.

Himari nods. “That would be it; we’ll be setting up on the western edge of the city.”

You turn your attention over to the western edge, house after house after house, there must be a million people here…

You take it all in… quite a change from a village of barely three hundred.

- - -

“Ran my shop for quite some time, was successful enough I guess.” You shrug your shoulders.

- - -

You close the box, it’s a good chunk to send home to the clan again this month, you were worried when Himari and Asahi went back to Miyagi, but you’ve held up the shop well enough... You do miss home though, you absentmindedly rub the ring on your finger, a gift from your father… said to bring luck. He basically threw it at you when you got on the cart, he wasn't the best at father-son talks.

You take a look outside the window; it is a busy day as always. People… humans coming and going on whatever daily chores or desires they see fit to do. Perhaps you’ll close the shop early today.

Just as you stand up from behind the counter to switch the sign on the door it bursts open.

Rushing in comes a young woman, you barely have time to make a noise of surprise before she launches herself into your chest, sending you flying backwards into your counter.

You regain your bearings to see two black fox ears sticking out of the girls head, and there is a single tail waving around wildly behind her.

“Good evening Akiya, I don’t suppose I missed a letter about an impending visit did I?”

Little sister only nuzzles further into your chest, leaving you to sigh and rub her head. You can count yourself lucky that it is rather hard to see into your shop.

“You are almost fifty little one… you can’t act like this forever.”

More happy noises and nuzzling.

You let out an effected sigh. “You know… if you don’t let go I can’t give you a tour of the town and play with you.”

She squeals happily and jumps back up.

“How did you even get here anyway?” You ask.

She giggles. “I asked mom and dad and they let me come visit you!”

… You are a very bad liar dear sister.

“Alright, let’s get going then, but stay close to me. This is no town for cute little foxes like you at night!”

She raises her hood above her ears, the tail sliding through a hole in her dress that is covered by clever layering of cloth. She reaches out an eager hand and you grasp it, leading her into the town.

- - -

“I’ve vaguely heard of that clan, but know next to nothing about them, you one of the last?” Suwako asks.

You shake your head. “No, we just mostly keep to ourselves.”

- - -

“So what brought this all about anyway?” You ask as you lead your little sister back to your home.

She kicks the dirt a little, hanging her head. “Mommy said I have to get married soon.”

You laugh. “Married? Whatever for?”

“To another one-tail of the Isawa clan, with the foxes going away we’re supposed to be unifying the clan.”

Ah… a political marriage… it makes sense, between being chased off by humans and various internal wars... the Foxes, along with most other Youkai have been having population issues.

It makes sense, but you don’t know quite what to think about it being your little sister.

“When is this supposed to take place?” You ask, opening the door to your house.

Your little sister steps inside, her mood changing immediately for the better as she enters ‘big brothers’ house.

She’s looking all around the place, sniffing and picking things.

“Sister.”

She pays no attention, currently searching her way through your bookshelves.

“Akiya!”

She yelps and hops to attention, jumping to face you.

“When is this wedding supposed to take place?”

“End of the month.”

You walk over and rub her head again, a happy expression coming over her features as her tail wags underneath her outfit. “Then I suppose I’ll have to stop by to see my cute little sisters wedding wont I?”

She nods happily under the attention. You don’t agree with this, you REALLY don’t agree with this. But you can at least make your sister happier, and find out what is going on exactly. You can afford to close up shop for awhile.

- - -

“So what finally moved you over then? I figured most of the foxes would stick to their clans until the very end.” She looks to you, and then to the forest, it’ll probably just be another minute or two of walking.

“Eh, I and my family weren’t really that close, and business was dead in Tokyo for the most part, they’ll come over if they come over.”

- - -

You run through the flames, your old home burning above you as you carry your sister on your back. “Just a bit farther little one, we’re almost there, mother and father are waiting for you.”

You feel her nod against your back, she’s barely conscious.

You burst through a side wall and into the open air; the village is burning around you, masked figures in blue tabards burning the town and butchering the people. Both the Isawa and the Shinjo are shown no mercy, but you cannot stop to help.

You sprint as fast as you possibly can, pumping magic into your legs as you burst past the figures. A few move to stop you but you are thankfully faster as you sprint out of the village and into the forest.

You run for a good fifteen minutes before you are sure you aren’t being followed anymore, and you come to a stop near an old tree, panting. A sharp pain tears through your leg as you do so.

You hiss and look down; apparently someone got you with an arrow at some point. You didn’t even notice until now, you had more important things on your mind.

You gently lay your sister against the tree, she’s pale… there’s a bloody stain on the front of her shirt where she was stabbed.

You gingerly kneel down next to her, the arrow digging into your skin further, causing you to grunt in pain.

“Ayumu?” Your sister says, in a weak voice. “Are you okay?”

You try to smile, but from the dullness of her eyes you doubt she can see it.

“Yes little one, I’m okay, mother and father are waiting just a bit farther ahead. Do you think you can be brave for me?”

She shakily nods.

You tear off a piece of your Yukata and stuff it into your mouth, then you reach down and snap the arrow in half, pulling the other half through your leg.

“Al… alright little sister, just hold on for me okay?” You stand back up unsteadily and scoop her back into your arms; you don’t have anywhere to take her, but you have to get away from the village. There’s another village, a human village about another twenty minutes away at a full sprint.

You push the magic into your legs again, agonizing pain tearing through your leg as you put all of your weight onto it and kick off again.

- - -

“Well… for my part I ‘ppreciate your efforts so far, you’ve done more for us than I expected, don’t take that the wrong way.” She shakes her head with a grin.

“You’ve helped with a lot more than what you signed up for, and Sanae’s almost latching onto you like an older brother, you have a way with kids, you know that?”

You smile back. “Yeah, it has always been a skill of mine, she has good mothers though.”

The goddess smiles at the praise as you head into the bamboo forest.

- - -

“Akiya? Akiya wake up little one, mother and father are here. I just need you to stay awake a bit longer while we take care of you okay?”

You hold her head in your hands, her gaze distant; you’re still a good ten minutes away from the human village.

Her face is as pale as snow.

“Mother?” She asks, her voice just barely coming out. “I… I can’t see you, are you okay mommy?”

You put your magic into your voice, it’s timbre a perfect match for your late mother. “Yes sweetie everything’s okay, we’re going to get you fixed up now.”

“I just need you to stay awake for mommy okay? Daddy’s gone to get help from the humans, you remember how much you liked playing with them?”

She doesn’t respond… her eyes are glazed over. “Sweetie? Stay awake for mommy.”

Her head goes limp in your hands.

No…

The entire front of her Yukata is stained red… even if she had made it to the village…

You gently lay her down on the ground, and for the last time you can remember, you cry.

- - -

“I don’t regret coming here, it’s… nicer here. There was truly nothing left for me in Tokyo.” You shrug your shoulders.

“How far away is Eientei?” You ask, trying to change the subject.

The goddess looks around at the Bamboo. “Oh, round ‘bout three minutes from here actually. Once you know your way through the woods aint nothin’ too far away.”

That doesn’t really make sense, but you nod anyway.

You follow along; it’s actually much more pleasant in here with the sun out, highly populated by animals aswell.

She cuts a path through the wood, clearly as familiar with it as she says.

When, just as you move to take another step, you hear what sounds like… a cry for help? It’s faint, just barely beyond the edge of your hearing.

Suwako doesn’t seem to notice as she continues moving on ahead.

“Er, Suwako?” You say, looking off into the direction you heard the noise.

You hear her stop. “Yo!”

You point off towards the direction of the noise. “Are you… hearing that?”

You turn your gaze towards her, she’s squinting and has a hand cupped to one of ears, then she nods.

“Yes… I do… if only one of us heard it I’d put it as a trick of the forest, but if we both heard it something must really be goin’ on.

“Come on, follow me, and be careful, not everything in this forest is friendly.” Suwako finishes, before moving towards the source of the cries.

They are still sounding out, it sounds like a good hundred yards or so to the east, it sounds… young and female.

You follow after Suwako, cutting a path through the forest, when you come across… a road?

You look to the left and right, a plain dirt road is cutting through the center of the forest, to the left off in the distance the road goes off for a bit before making a sharp corner.

The path to the right it leads… out of the forest, you can see the village in the distance.

… Son of a bitch.

Another cry for help distracts you from your well deserved feelings of irritation. In the center of the path is a large… pitfall. Suwako’s peering into it with her hands on her hips.

You walk up and peer inside as well.

Inside is a young woman, a conical hat sitting on her head with purple hair coming out from underneath it and down her back. She’s wearing an outfit your familiar with seeing on the villagers, along with a large bundle or pack on her back.

However far more interesting is she is currently lying on her side in some apparent pit trap, halfway buried it appears, the dirt must have tumbled in when she fell, as her arms are currently buried into the walls of the pit itself.

Either that or this is a rather elaborate form of execution.

“Yo! Reisen, need a hand down there?” Suwako calls down to the figure.

The figure stops their shouting and looks up hopefully, having been paying more attention to freeing her arms.

“Suwako? What in the name o-

She cuts herself off. “Gah never mind that, yes please a little help?!”

Suwako reaches over and taps you on the back. “Go on, I got this thing on my back and I don’t want to jostle it too bad.” Pointing over her shoulder for emphasis.

You nod and gently float down into the base of the pit.

She is indeed rather well stuck; her arms are trapped at the wrist, making freeing them underneath the heavy load of dirt rather difficult by oneself.

If not near impossible for a human anyway.

“Hold on… I gotcha.” You place your hand, fingers first against the dirt above her first trapped arm.

“Alright, when I say pull, do so as hard and fast as you can okay?” She nods.

“Alright… one… two… three… PULL!” You shove your hand forward, your strength carving through the dirt and creating a gap of free space above her trapped arm, which she yanks out.

You promptly do the same for the other one gently hoist her up and out of the pit.

“Are you okay miss?” You ask looking her over, besides being filthy she appears to be otherwise fine.

She shakes the sleeves of her outfit, sending dirt flying off, and then gives herself a look over.

“Yes… I should be fine. Though I’ll need to go back and change.” She looks up and smiles sweetly at the two of you.

Another one with red eyes?

“That’s perfect then, we were just heading to Eientei ourselves!” Suwako says happily.

The woman looks nervous. “Heading… to Eientei? Do you need medicine? I have some in my pack that I was taking to the human village!”

Suwako shakes her head. “No that’s fine; we were actually hoping to speak with Eirin.”

The woman manages to look even more nervous.

“Ah… that’s… okay then. I’ll be heading back there, but you know the way already.” The woman bows and starts walking down the path leaving you both to watch her.

“That was… odd.”

Suwako nods. “I think ya would be hard pressed to find anyone who lives in these woods who aint.

“These woods do things to people, and half of it is their fault to begin with.”

“It’s just a bit farther, just stay off the road.” You nod and follow her back into the forest, cutting a path near, but not on the road.

“Any particular reason why?” You ask.

The goddess looks at it as she walks, then turns her gaze forward again. “Ya feel like stepping in a pit trap aswell?

“Rabbits make their dwelling here, prank loving bunch.”

Ah…

- - -

You follow her the rest of the way through the forest, staying near, but never on the road as you make your way.

You turn at the bend and a large structure comes into view.

It’s a walled complex set in a clearing in the bamboo. In the center set in a garden is an old fashioned manor house, wooden with a blue tiled roof. There is a simple sign next to the opening in the walls reading simply.

‘Eientei’

Around the grounds you see… rabbits, white brown and black hopping about, there are some actual apparent people moving about as well.

Young girls and boys running about, wearing simple peasants clothing, you’d think them human at first, but then you see the large rabbit ears sticking out of their heads.

Rabbit spirits?

Some are playing, others are lazing about in the afternoon sun.

There’s a pair of them conversing with the woman you saw earlier.

“I take it this is the clinic then?” You ask, feeling you already knowing the answer.

The goddess nods. “Yep don’t worry ‘bout none of them, they are friendly.”

You step out of the forest and find yourself near the front gate along with Suwako. The rabbits, human and otherwise turn to look at the two of your curiously. The two conversing with the woman snap crisp salutes at her and run inside.

She follows soon after.

“Lead the way.”

Suwako walks into the complex and you follow, any noise is drowned out by the… squeaking of the rabbits, they stare and hop about the both of you as you walk past.

Stopping for none of them Suwako approaches the front door and slides it open, you follow her inside and close it behind you. It’s…

A doctor’s office, you don’t know what you honestly expected. A counter sits against the far wall, while chairs are sat around in various spots. There’s nobody manning the counter however, nor are they any patients.

“Aight, we’re just here to seek possible cures for the mallets effects.” Suwako says slowly, turning to look at you.

“I… am aware.” You respond, looking at her oddly.

“The doctor may try to sell you miracle medicines, she’s a genius, but she’s odd.” She explains.

“Odd, right got it.” Oh yes, dear Alice, most everyone is odd here.

She heads towards a hallway to the right and down it. It’s every bit the manor house, besides the front lobby you suppose. Sliding door after sliding door, Suwako however pays none of them any attention.

You walk for what feels like a good couple of minutes, which is rather odd since your pretty sure at this point you should have walked clean out of the building again.

It’s come to your attention that this house probably has near the same properties the forest around it does. However thankfully Suwako eventually comes across a sliding door she eventually sees fit to open.

She does so with gusto, revealing a long set of stairs going down.

It’s a stone staircase, going down, and down, and down. To the point you can’t see the end of it.

“Why do I feel like I’m in a funhouse?”

The goddess chuckles, then heads down the dark staircase.

- - -

It goes down and down for quite a ways, though it is actually lit despite what you first thought, your vision was compensating for how dim it was but there are actually small lights set into the stone stairs themselves.

It’s another good minute of walking before they end before a large metal door.

Suwako opens it without any fanfare, revealing a large chamber.

It… looks like a lab you’d see in a generic movie, a tall wall and ceiling made out of white stone, filled with lab equipment and computers.

It even has large opaque tubes filled with some form of mysterious fluid, the kind that the monster would burst out of dramatically later in the film.

“Really getting the mad scientist vibe from this.”

Suwako shoots you a cautious look, but before she can say anything a voice speaks up.

“Oh? Do I have visitors?”

You hear a chair roll across the floor, and in the corner of the room a woman you didn’t notice before sits up from a desk chair, having been apparently working on a computer.

She’s in a square patterned red and blue ensemble, with an old fashioned nurses cap. Long silver hair runs down her back and down to her waist in a ponytail.

“Good afternoon Eirin, apologies for arriving unannounced. This is Ayumu a tenant of our shrine; we were both hoping to pick your brain for information.”

You bow to her, though she doesn’t return it.

“As do most in Gensokyo, what does the Moriya shrine require of me?” That’s… more than a little condescending.

“Someone has stolen the miracle mallet from the Inchlings.

“They are using it to effect the mind of whomever they wish, causing a large increase of aggression, and more than a modest power boost.

“The effect goes away if the victim takes enough hurt. But we were hoping you might know of a way to counteract such an effect, as if they pick the right targets… a power boost would be enough to make that near impossible.”

The woman scratches underneath her chin, before turning away from the both of you and starts rapidly typing on a computer.

You cast an awkward eye towards Suwako, she simply shrugs and starts wandering about the lab.

Right…

You stand there with your hand in your pockets, watching the various computers run equations too fast to make out, and vials upon vials of liquids set into shelves on the walls.

With the sound of a rolling chair again Eirin moves away from her desk, grabbing the attention of both you and Suwako in the process.

“I can do it, but it wouldn’t be ready for a week at least, keep in mind such an agent would have to be extremely fast acting, and would need to be administered via syrette.

“Assuming you plan on administering it in combat anyway.”

Suwako nods. “Yeah I figured you could, and that’s fine, I figured you wouldn’t appreciate someone knocking one of yours with it.”

Suwako unhooks the bag from her shoulder and tosses it towards Eirin who catches it out of the air. Looking at it curiously she opens up the top of the bag and looks inside. A wide grin comes across her features as she does so.

“Oh yes… just come by in about a week, I will definitely have something for you, to test no need to discuss payment.” She says, a rather odd twinkle in her eye.

That’s… a little creepy.

“Agreed, come on Ayumu, let’s leave her to her work.”

The goddess walks past you and through the metal doors, while Eirin doesn’t even say goodbye as she moves back over to a desk to start typing on a computer again.

…So that’s the town’s doctor.

You think you’ll stick to the Vet, probably safer.

- - -

You catch up to the goddess outside in the hallway; she’s leaning against the wall with her hands in the pockets.

“That’s the town doctor? Really?” You ask.

Suwako shrugs. “It’s her off day, normally she’s working in the clinic, and I’m told she’s more personable there. Sanae doesn’t get sick, and I and Kanako can’t so I wouldn’t really know.”

She looks to the right and left for a moment, before leaning over and whispering conspiratorially. “Hey, wanna meet Kaguya? Else we can head back to the village or the shrine or somethin’.”

“Kaguya, like we were talking about the other day? Bamboo shoot?”

Suwako nods with a grin. “One and the same, she lives here, figured I could introduce you if you want, else we could head back, we still got some time to kill before… dinner.” She finishes, shuddering a little as she finishes the sentence.

You have some things you could check out in the village, the job board for instance, but the possibility to see a literal legend is also rather tempting.

Chapter Text

“I would like to meet her yes. I’m more than a little curious.”

Suwako smirks and looks to the left and right down the hallway, seeing nobody she slowly moves over to the door just across the hall and raps on the paper.

Silence responds at first, then after a moment.

“Enter.” A female voice replies.

Suwako slides the door open revealing an expansive room. It goes back a good fourty yards. Large tables run down the middle of it, and across all the walls are bookshelves.

At the very end of the room is a balcony behind a closed western style door. Through its windows from here you can only see darkness.

It appears to be a very large study.

You hear the close of a heavy book, and it draws your attention to the right. Standing next to a nearby bookshelf is a young woman with long black hair. She tucks the book she was apparently reading under one arm and smiles at the two of you.

“Good evening Lady Suwako, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Good evenin’ yerself.” The goddess points a thumb at you with a smirk. “We got ourselves a new tenant at the shrine, and since we were in the area I thought I’d introduce him.”

The woman bows, an action which you mirror.

“Then good evening sir, I am Kaguya Houraisen, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

So… this is Princess Kaguya then, eternal beauty of the moon.

Her dress is a made of fine material, and is a light pink, not like you'd imagine, but a delicate, flowery thing. It is matched against a burgundy skirt going down as far as to hide her feet.

Her hair is of blacken strand, and her face is the color of porcelain, finely carved with two ruby red eyes which reflect the light around them like a clear pool of water.

This is the beauty that caused bitter clan wars and drove men to their doom.

Not bad ...but you could do better.

“The pleasure is all mine, I am Ayumu, a newcomer here in Gensokyo and as Suwako stated a tenant at the Moriya shrine.”

“Oh? An outsider perchance?” She asks, covering the lower half of her face with a sleeve, her eyes betraying her curiosity.

You nod. “Yes, arrived from Tokyo last week to the day in fact.”

She claps her hands and tilts her head to the side with a smile. “How wonderful! It has been quite some time since I have been outside of Gensokyo.”

“Tell me; is everything well in the mainland?”

You shrug. “Same as it has ever been I suppose. No wars or anything of that nature, for Japan at least.”

She smile widens. “That is most wonderful news; I fear it is hard at times to get current information here in Eientei.”

“Did you both come just to visit me?” She asks, looking between the two of you.

Suwako shakes her head. “Nah, actually we came by to tell Eirin about an incident in progress, ya hear about it?”

She shakes her head. “I’m afraid this would be the first I have heard of any incident, what is the matter?”

Sanae clicks her tongue. “Someone’s gone and stolen away the inchlin’ princess and taken the Miracle mallet. You know ‘bout either of those things? Historically speakin’?”

Kaguya looks up towards the ceiling, and then raises a finger into the air as her eyes widen. She spins on the spot and starts walking towards the back of the room.

“Er…” You say intelligently.

“Come on, she does this from time to time.” Suwako says, following after the princess.

Kaguya has stopped at a bookshelf near the balcony. She’s moving down the rows, her fingertip brushing covers as she looks for something in particular.

Then, with a pleased sound she grabs a tome bound in black, she pockets it under her arm, setting the book she already had to the side.

She then walks over to the balcony door and opens it, beckoning you through.

You do so, stepping through the balcony. There’s a small table with some chairs set near it, and a wrought iron frame around the balcony frames the view of…

Oh… oh my.

You look out and see what you thought was darkness was actually the space between stars.

The sun is off in the distance to the left, though you do not need to shield your eyes from its gaze, and to your right is the moon, it can’t be more eight thousand miles away.

You turn back to look inside, yep, the house is still there as Kaguya walks through the door and takes a seat by the table. Suwako for her part, is already sitting there.

You tear your gaze away from… everything. And make your way to the table, pulling aside a seat and sitting down on it.

And to think, this house was almost starting to be normal for a minute.

Kaguya takes the book and places it on the table, then opens it to a middle page.

“I’m afraid I never had the chance to meet them myself, but I do have a book about them. Please Suwako, take a look.” Suwako leans over and grabs the book, reading it.

Kaguya turns to you in the meantime, a large smile on her voice.

“Would you be bothered if I were to ask you some questions?”

You shake your head.

“Lovely! I was hoping you could get me up to date on the world outside.”

- - -

You’ve spent a good half hour discussing the outside world with Kaguya, when Suwako places the book back on the table.

She tucks her arms into her sleeves and lets out a deep sigh.

“Sadly nothing we haven’t really learned so far.

“At this point we’re gonna need to be tracking down our culprits, less their methods.

“Yet on that front we don’t have any leads, and I’m loathe to go after ‘em more before we have word from Eirin.”

Kaguya bows her head a little. “My apologies I could not assist further, if you could give me a description of whom you are after, I could have the rabbits look into it? At least if the culprits enter the forest at any rate.”

“If yer willing, I certainly wouldn’t be able to say no, we aint exactly got any leads on their location.”

Kaguya smiles and nods. “I most certainly am and certainly can, is there anything else?”

You and Suwako share a look, and you shrug your shoulders.

“Naw, that’ll be all, but I appreciate you giving us your time.” Suwako bows and you do as well, with farewells you both step outside the room and back into the hallway.

“She seemed friendly enough.” You say.

“Kaguya? Yeah, she’s good folk, doesn’t get out much.”

You nod. “Yeah, she certainly had enough questions to prove that, doesn’t like humans?”

Suwako looks off down the hallway. “Nah, it’s a long story, and probably one I shouldn’t be tellin’.”

“Come on, let’s get out of here before something silly happens.”

You nod and follow her back down the hallway; interestingly it’s only about a thirty second walk this time before you make it back into the lobby, this time the counter is manned however, another rabbit eared girl is sitting on a stool behind it, reading a magazine.

She doesn’t even give you the time of day as you walk past and out into the yard.

The sun is about halfway to setting, at least going by the sunlight remaining in the sky, you can’t actually see the damn thing in this forest.

You turn to look at the yard when - “Good evening!”

A cheerful voice grabs your attention.

Standing at just about three feet tall is a young girl. Two twin rabbit ears sticking out of her head nestled in black hair; she’s wearing a pink dress and is smiling sweetly at the two of you.

“Well aint this a rare sight! The Moriya come to visit?” The girl says, her voice light and childish.

“Evenin’ Tewi, just leaving actually.” Suwako says.

“Ohoho! I smell something interesting. Do tell.”

Suwako shakes her head. “Lookin’ into a possible incident, Kaguya will tell ya the details I’m sure.” Suwako says to the young girl, then with a nod moves past towards the gates, the little rabbit looks at her leaving for a moment then turns her gaze towards you with a grin.

“And who might you be?” She wiggles a small necklace she’s holding, a small carrot ornament. “Looking for some luck? Us earth rabbits can make anyone lucky you know, for just a small… incentive.”

The smile she is giving to you at first glance is friendly, but…

“Ayumu, and no thank you, I am fine, just passing through.”

“Liaaar~” She says in a singsong voice.

She then blinks, sniffing the air a little.

“Aha…”

Her grin drops from her face, replaced by a scared expression.

“A… a fox!” She jerks back, before covering her face with her ears. “Please don’t eat me mister! Tewi doesn't taste good!”

She’s shaking, and that combined with her pulling the ears like a child would a blanket serves to make her adorable.

Unfortunately for her, you can also tell she’s faking it. “Yes, and you do look DELICIOUS. Why… I think I might just have to… leave.”

You turn around and follow after Suwako, hearing an annoyed sound from behind you.

“Youkai animals, I swear.” You say as you approach Suwako.

She smirks. “Don’t you see the hypoc -“

You hold up a hand. “Oh yes I do, but when I lie I do so with style.”

The goddess giggles, and you walk out of the forest together.

- - -

You step out the other side of the forest, back onto the leading into it. Off in the distance you can see the lights of the Human Village, this may be the first time you’ve seen it at night actually come to think of it.

“Where to now?” You ask, looking at the goddess.

“Weeeeeell.” She says, drawing out the word. “If we rush we would just barely make it in time for dinner. So let’s say we got lost in the bamboo forest and eat something nearby.”

“Was it really that bad?” You ask, it was certainly bland but…

“Yes." She says in a voice that allows no argument. "Now let’s head into the Human Village to grab something.”

You nod and follow after her as she kicks off the ground towards the Human Village.

It’s a short stint of flight until your land just outside the village and head inside, the nightlife is in full swing apparently; human’s having just started milling in bars for the evening. Oni STILL milling in bars, and others just wandering around.

You walk through it all keeping side by side pace with the goddess until you reach the village square.

The day merchants appear to have packed up, having been replaced by various evening entertainers.

You glance about for a moment, and then turn your attention towards Suwako. “Any preference? I’m afraid I’ve only eaten in the village itself once.”

“A few places around here, depends on what you want, any particular preferences?” She asks.

You shrug, and she taps her chin for a moment.

“Well... There’s a pretty good Yakitori place down the southern street that opens at night, and I think there’s a bar ‘round here that serves some decent food, noodle dishes, tofu, that kind of thing.” She explains, shrugging her shoulders.

“… Tofu you say?” A slight eagerness to your words.

She looks at you quizzically, before smiling. “Ah… right, how could I forget, yeah it’s just on the edge of the square actually.”

She points towards a building sitting near one of the corners, it is made in an older style, with people sitting on tables outside under awnings, drinking and eating the night away.

You feel a smile coming on. “Yeah, that seems pretty good.”

You both head in and order some food at the bar before settling at a table outside underneath the night sky.

- - -

It’s a lovely night, there’s almost a little festival going on in the square right now, you don’t know if that’s a nightly thing, or a weekend thing.

But still, dancers, acrobats, a few walking salesmen, you can even see some people selling the oldest profession.

“So Ayumu.” Suwako’s voice breaks you from your gazing, and you turn to look at her across the table.

“I had Kanako tell me something… interesting that you said a couple nights back.”

“Mm?”

“Yeah, she said ya wanted to help fix relations with the underground.” She says, staring at you, no trace of emotion on her face.

Ah.

“Ah. That, yes I did.”

She idly taps her fingers on the table as she continues staring at you. “It unnerved her more than ya know, and I’m curious as to why ya would offer such a thing.”

You at the table for a moment, thinking, then return your gaze to her. “Honestly I’m not much one for keeping debts. “

“I’ve told you my previously line of work, and in such a field, debts are dangerous.

“Not that I expect anything bad from you all to be honest, just you’ve done a lot for me so far and I want to repay that.

“I’m good with people, and people are my business, I’ve had… hints of how things used to be for the Moriya shrine, from snippets I’ve picked up here and there, and I thought I could help you out.

“Doesn’t hurt that I have an apparent bridge with Yuugi either.” You finish with a shrug.

She stares at you a moment longer, before sighing.

“Then you should have told me that, not her.

“Kanako is my friend, but she is a… proud woman, and has difficulty admitting any faults of ‘er own.

“To have a newcomer offer such a thing, rattled her a little.”

You shrug. “My apologies if I caused undue stress or confusion, I’m still a newcomer in and you took me in when I had no previous promise to such a thing.

“I don’t have any plans on moving out, unless you all had otherwise. So I figured I could see if I could put some of my skills to work.”

She shakes her head with a grin. “Nah, just the opposite actually, and Kanako’s taken a shine to ya believe it or not.

“Ya know that building that Sanae was working on today?”

You think back. “Yeah that old shack?”

“That was the old groundskeeper’s house, back when we still had one of those.

“We figured we’d move you out of that small storage room and into there, after we moved it of course.”

“Moved it?”

She grins further. “Our shrine, we can do as we like with it as long as it is on the grounds, though repairing buildings from nothing is a bit much.” She finishes with a giggle.

“Ah. That would be nice, I appreciate it then.”

Though that does mean you’ll need to look into some furniture, perhaps faster than you expected.

“You’re welcome, it’s only been seven days, but as I said before, you’ve done a lot more than what we asked of ya.

“That and anyone who can be a friend to Sanae is good in my book.” Her smile changes to one with a motherly tinge, and you return it.

Any further conversation however is cut short by the arrival of the goddess's food, and far more importantly your Tofu.

- - -

You step out of the bar and make a sound of satisfaction, you needed that.

“That good huh?” The goddess besides you ask with a smirk, toothpick sticking out of her mouth.

You shake your head. “You have no idea. Shall we?” You produce your flight card and she does her own, and you take off into the air towards the temple.

It’s a lovely night, and you move through the air following after Suwako, the mountains off in the distance and you’ve only just started crossing over the actually wooden forest when a large humming sound fills the night sky.

You barely have time to react before a beam of multicolored light blast between you and the goddess, its sound is absolutely deafening, and the light is blinding. It clips you in the shoulder, sending you spinning wildly through the air.

Unfortunately for you, it was your right shoulder, the flight card you were holding goes flying out of your hands and into the night sky as you start tumbling towards the ground.

You twist and attempt to right yourself but you don’t have any real control, you are falling too fast and from too low a distance.

You fill your body with magic as you go crashing down through the branches; they slow your fall until you finally break through the last of them and land on the forest floor with a thud.

- - -

You get up with a groan; your ears are still ringing from that… whatever that was.

The shoulder of your suit is badly singed, though you thankfully haven’t suffered any burns, and your magic protected you from the worst of the fall.

It still hurt quite a bit however.

Feeling around your pocket you can feel your spellcards thankfully, but no sign otherwise of your flight card, leaving you in the middle of a forest, at night, with no quick way through it beyond spending most of your magical energy.

You look towards the sky but see nothing, no signs of battle, or any other sounds besides the forest, you wait a good minute, but that doesn’t change.

Well…

Crap, now what?

Chapter Text

This is a bad idea... this is a very very bad idea. But you aren't sure you could find your way to either location.

Suwako would probably dealing with... whatever that was, and so unless you want to alert the entire place to your position it may be a good idea to find its cause, as there hopefully lies the goddess.

Right... lets go deal with this problem.

You aren't quite sure what you did to deserve that, but you are going to get to the bottom of it.

The question is... where are they?

It's just forest and more forest in all directions, the sounds of the nighttime animals the only thing you can hear for a distance in every direction, even with your hearing.

Whoever shot that probably wasn't the most subtle person in the world however, so that gives you a lead.

Suwako... wherever you may be, give me guidance, if you're alright yourself of course. You lost sight of her while you were falling.

You try to remember where the beam came from... and going by the moon... at least you think you remember the moon being in that direction.

It is further north east, towards the river, fingering the spellcards in your pocket, you start making your way carefully in that direction.

- - -

You must have been walking for a good half hour at this point, no sign of Suwako, or your assailant. You debated starting to call for the goddess... or anyone really, but you don't really know what lives in this forest.

You aren't any closer to apparent civilization either, there have been no clearings, and no sign of the mountain or the Human Village.

With a sigh you walk over and lean against a tree, running a hand down your face as you think. You suppose you could climb a tree or something at this point, or wait until morning.

There's still no sounds of any battles, actually come to think of it there isn't any sounds of... anything.

You still, reaching down and grasping your spellcards again.

...Dammit you are out of practice at these kind of things.

You listen intently, no birds, no insects, but then just faintly on the edges of your hearing, you hear heavy breathing.

The moon casts broken light through the trees all around you, but you don't see anything either.

Then, breaking the silence you hear a twig snap off to your right, and you jerk your gaze in that direction, walking out of the brush is...

The woman from the train cabin?

You never caught her name come to think of it, but she hadn't exactly been the most social seat mate... that and you got to exploring and arrived far faster than expected.

She's walks until she's about a dozen feet from you, then she just... stares, breathing deeply. Her dress is damaged, the entire shoulder of it is gone, and burnt flesh is underneath, there's faint marks of blood on her as well. Lovely.

You match her stare, carefully pushing yourself off of the tree.

“Hello again, afraid I never got your name the first time.”

She growls like an animal.

“Ah... yes I see, one of those nights then.”

She sticks out a hand that was hidden under your sleeves, razor sharp claws jutting where nails should be.

“I take it we can't talk this out?” You ask hopefully, drawing the card you want.

With another growl she launches herself at you, swinging wildly with her claws, you duck and dodge out of the way, her nails causing deep gashes into the tree you were standing in front of.

She isn't using spellcards...

She snaps her head to the side and glares at you, her eyes red and slitted.

Is this the mallets effects? Or has she simply gone absolutely batshit.

She rears her headback and lets out a Lupine howl.

Right... let's do this, hopefully Sanae doesn't freak out too bad when you manage to get back.

Your shoulder doesn’t hurt anymore, but you have been running on fumes since you got here, best to play it safer… especially since she doesn’t seem too keen on the spellcard system.

You produce flames in your hands from the card and send them towards her, the fire lighting up the dark forest briefly, she dodges to the side and closes the distance again, raising a claw to slash down at you.

You sidestep and catch the arm, twisting her out of the way and sending fire into her midsection.

She jumps back again with a growl and watches you warily.

Right… less strong than Suwako, you can work with that.

You bounce the fire between your hands, the lupine ears on her head stand at attention, and her tail stills.

“Come on puppy, let’s get this over with.”

You pump more magic into the card, a wall of foxfire appearing behind you.

Then with a thought, the fire goes flying through the trees towards her, forcing her to take a guard.

She drops the guard just in time to see you leaping across the ground, another more concentrated wave of fire flying out of your arm as you swing it, she dodges out of the way of the actual blow, but the fire still connects.

It collides across her lower face and neck, she growls in pain as smoke wafts off where it landed. Her skin reddened her upper collar singed.

“Loup croc…” She growls out, her body glowing red.

You hear a sickening snapping sound as her body contorts and bends, a howl fills the clearing. Pained and angry, it isn’t coming from her.

Fur grows out of her skin, and her face twists and bends as a snout forms, she grits her teeth as they file to a point.

Werewolf…

She pants, halfway hunched over as her eyes glow in the dim light.

Then without warning, she launches herself across you the ground and you brace yourself, but it does nothing to stop her momentum as she slams into you, sending you both flying into a tree.

You regain your senses quickly, and you hear another growl as a furry head; a horrifying mix of woman and wolf tries to rip your face off while you are pinned against the tree, teeth gnashing and drooling everywhere.

You growl back, reaching up with both arms to hold her head in place, jaws snapping as she bites the air fruitlessly, but still dangerously closely.

You superheat your hands then blast foxfire out of them, spellcard be damned, it sets the fur alight where you were touching, but the wolf does not seem to care.

She jerks her head to the side, knocking your hands off, and then turns right back and sinks her teeth into your left wrist. Red filling your vision as the pain overrides any other senses.

She digs her teeth in and tries to tear, but you manage to take your right hand and grasp her snout fighting the pain.

You FLOOD magic into your right arm, fur coming out of it and the hand elongating. You close the hand around the snout harder, your strength crushing it a little, then with a scream you pry it off of your left arm, freeing it.

You then let go and slam a closed fist into her midsection, sending her flying back.

You let the magic drop and pull yourself up shakily.

There’s… more than a decent chunk of your left forearm missing, and blood… that is a lot of your blood.

That… that is a problem.

Right, down an arm, we can work with this, just for the love of everything keep her at range.

You fish your good arm into your pocket feeling around… got it.

With another drain of magic, Sanae steps out of the forest, gohei at the ready.

The werewolf looks at the new arrival warily.

The fake Sanae raises her gohei, it glows briefly and lights of energy shoot out of it, forcing the beast back.

So here’s a funfact about illusions, it’s all mental. If you believe it to be real… it can still hurt you.

The beast is forced back as the magic impacts its fur, not really accomplishing anything, but it DOES hurt, which buys you some time to think.

Suwako, now would be a REALLY good time to show up.

The werewolf howls and jumps away into cover. Leaving you and ‘Sanae’ standing there.

You can’t outrun this thing, and it isn’t using the spellcard system.

You don’t exactly want to kill her either… but push comes to shove it is you or her.

Another howl off to your left, the wolf leaps through between the trees and makes a slash at ‘Sanae’. The illusion from the card fails instantly on contact, fading into nothingness.

The beast jumps from cover to cover, its black fur blending into the darkness, leaving only trails of red from its eyes to mark its movements.

It leaps out again, fangs bared and claws out, you duck to the side, sending more fire against its midsection, you clip it, but it’s an even trade.

You reach up with your partially ruined arm and bloody hand to poorly cover the shoulder she just slashed.

You can’t joust with this thing either.

Think…

Another jump through the wood, punctuated with a deafening howl that you just barely avoid, and the thing lands next to a tree no more than a few feet in front of you, growling.

It’s burnt, and it has a few knocks. But it was already hurt before, and you are arguably worse.

You’re more drained then you thought from your time in Tokyo… just how much had to been relying on the Moriya for this?

You have to finish this now or not at all.

You fish your hand into your pocket again, and hiss in pain as your magic is once again drawn from the limited healing efforts your body is attempting naturally.

You clutch what you want in your hand, both of them.

You raise your arms up, ignoring the stabbing pain from both of them as you do so.

Hands clench into fists, breathing becomes steady, one shot at this, and you don’t have a lot of magic left, not with how much your body is working overtime to fix the damage.

You growl, a vulpine tone, not human. “Come on dog, don’t you want another round?”

You aren’t even sure if it’s capable of rational thought, but you stare it down, and then, apparently accepting your challenge, it leaps forward, colliding with your stomach.

You gasp as all of the air is forced out of you, and you hit the tree behind you again, the same damn tree too.

Your body explodes in a puff of smoke, the wolf biting down viciously until it realizes you aren’t there anymore. It looks around confused before looking down at the base of the tree.

“Yip!”

With the sound of a happy kit the illusionary fox explodes, sending magical energy in all directions, both fire and energy orbs.

The wolf takes the brunt of it with a yelp, being launched a good couple feet in the air before landing with a crash onto the forest floor.

You step out from behind a tree on the opposite end, card at the ready.

Come on you little brat, don’t fail me now.

“Scarlet Sign – Scarlet Shoot!”

Scarlet lights rockets out of the card, slamming into the wolf and into the earth, you hold it for the few seconds that you can before the magic cuts out, leaving you panting and exhausted.

That…

That was not pleasant.

You are more than a little dizzy, it has been awhile since you’ve been this tired, Kanako comes to mind… and you haven’t really recovered from THAT either.

The smoke clears quickly, revealing a rather appreciable crater with the werewolf in it.

You let out a sigh of relief, but the feeling is cut horrible short however as it stirs, growling as it slowly gets back on its feet.

Oh you’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

It stands up, looking as shaky as you are.

“GET DOWN!”

A female voice yells through the forest, then without any further warning, a familiar beam of light cuts through the wood, quite literally as trees go flying, it speeds past and collides with the wolf, along with a good chunk of forest besides.

It knocks you off your feet, but thankfully that’s as far as it gets.

The wolf fares much worse, one moment it’s there, looking as beaten as you feel. Then there is a half dozen broken trees and an unconscious woman at the end of it all.

Her dress is in tatters, and her body is quite literally smoking from the after effects of the magic.

A woman bursts into view, skidding to a halt. It’s a young woman with blonde hair, floating on a broom.

With the attack just now, you have a feeling she’s the one who blasted you before as well.

Right… no biggie, you can deal with thi-

Thi…

Blurry…

That’s the last thought you manage as you tilt backwards, landing on the grass as your vision blackens.

- - -

Your eyes slowly open to… it appears morning light; you are in a room you don’t recognize.

Soft bedding is underneath you, in some form of wooden building, the sound of songbirds fill the air, along with what sounds like pots boiling.

You cast your glance at the room itself… and you’ve apparently entered a children’s storybook.

Rough shelves line the walls of this… abode filled with all sorts of potions, regents, and texts of some unknown language.

You are indeed lying on some form of bed, western style from the look of it, well tucked in, you try to push to sit up but hiss in pain as you put weight on your left hand.

Right… forgot.

You glance down your left hand, and much of your forearm is bandaged, clean bandages thankfully, you twist your head to the side and confirm your shoulder is bandaged as well.

At least whoever has apparently taken you in was able to get that done.

You must have been hurt worse than you thought however it if it is still healing…. You are more drained than you thought as well.

With a grunt, you slide your feet off of the bed, placing them on a rough, but hardwood floor, and very carefully pulling yourself up.

A sense of wooziness comes over you near immediately, and you have to stop until the room stops spinning.

Looks like you lost more blood than you thought as well.

You slowly walk through the cabin; it is much the same throughout, and the bubbling ‘pots’ you heard earlier are more of those potions, bubbling suspiciously in their glass containers.

The girl’s hat is sitting on a hook next to the door, so you’d guess this is her house. Lovely.

You feel around, at least your spellcards are still in your pants pocket; your suit top is gone however, no sign of it around.

The front door is closed, and you can see... nothing through the windows next to it, they are heavily fogged.

You slowly walk up to the door, but opens before you get there.

“I swear Alice, he was unconscious in the forest when I found him! He was fighting that crazy wolf chick!” You hear the same voice from before as the door opens, and two girls step in, both blonde in hair.

The first one, the one speaking, is the same one as last night, while behind is another girl of roughly the same age in a rather lovely dress.

They both freeze at the sight of you, though while your dear laser friend has a look of shock and a little fright, the other has a look of interest.

“Good morning ladies, lovely weather we’re having. Is this the part where you try to kill me again?”

The one in black sputters, while the other walks past, looking you over curiously.

“Are you alright?” She asks, sounding genuinely concerned.

You blink in surprise. Not... exactly what you expected.

“Yes, nothing that won’t heal in time…” You look pointedly at the one in black. “What happened?”

She rubs the back of her head awkwardly. “Sorry sorry, I was fighting wolf bitch and she got away from me, if ya got hit by one of mine it was probably an accident, she was hopping all over the damn place.”

“And Suwako?” You ask.

“Moriya?” She asks, and you nod.

The one in black shrugs. “If she was around I haven’t seen ‘er.”

You sigh, adjusting your arm experimentally.

“And the werewolf?”

“Were… Kagerou?” The one in black asks and you shrug in response, regretting your decision near immediately as a lance of pain tears through your shoulder.

“I dunno what happened, one minute she was all bitey then the next she’s calm. Way the hell out of it, but calm and confused for the most part.

“She left after the fight, we’ve had some other Youkai ‘roun these part with the same symptoms.” She explains.

You look at her warily. “These parts? I take it I’m still in the forest then?”

She nods, and then slaps herself upside the head.

"How could I... Marisa Kirisame, Black Magician at your service!” She holds out a hand for you to shake. You stare at it, and then stare at her.

She gets the hint after a moment and retracts the hand awkwardly.

“Alice Margatroid.” The other one states, still looking over your bandaging.

“I would suggest returning to bed for the time being, your wounds must have been severe to require aid to this extent.” She explains, looking up at you.

You shake your head. “No, I have to get back to the shrine; they can take care of me.”

You start to move forward but catch yourself… right.

“At least I would, except someone sent my flight card to oblivion.” You state, looking at Marisa.

She jerks back, while the other girl glares at her openly.

“Erk… it was an honest mistake I swear. Why don’t you just lay down and we’ll let them know you’re here?”

She looks at you hopefully, clearly trying to exit this conversation.

Chapter Text

You stare at the ‘Black Magician’ a moment longer, thinking it over.

No… with how you are right now it would be best to follow their request, even if it leaves a slightly bad taste in your mouth.

“Fine, but do please inform them.”

Marisa nods and along with Alice gently guide you back over to the bed and set you up in a sitting position.

At least the beds comfy as you shuffle about to a position that agrees with your shoulder.

They both look at you, an awkward silence filling the air, when Marisa spins on her feet back towards the door.

“I’m gonna go ahead and let the Moriya know where you are.” Marisa says, reaching for her hat by the door.

“Please wait a moment.” You say calling out after her.

The witch pauses, and then turns to look at you clearly annoyed. “What? You wanted me to fetch them right?”

You nod your head. “I do, but first, you said you’ve fought beings with similar symptoms before? Heightened aggression? Perhaps heightened strength?”

Alice nods, while Marisa speaks up. “Yeah I did, what of it?”

“Me and the Moriya have been looking into an incident. A being named Seija... an Amanojaku, she stole away the Inchling princess. A girl named Sukuna."

“They’ve been using the mallet to empower some Youkai enough that they cause rampages, it causes apparent madness and massively increased strength.

“However just being in the area of the mallet itself is enough to heighten aggressive tendencies; it appears to ‘bleed’ magic for lack of a better term.”

Alice speaks up. “And you think this is the cause of Kagerou’s anger?”

You shrug your good shoulder. “Perhaps, but those we ran into it effected before could use their spellcards still.

“Kagerou made no attempts to do so, but as a werewolf that could have been the moon.”

Alice shakes her head. “I cannot speak for Kagerou, but I have indeed run into aggressive Youkai in the forest as of late, from species that aren’t normally aggressive.

“This incident you speak of would explain this; I thank you for the warning.”

She nods her head in thanks, and you return it.

“Ya, it would, bastards been jumpy lately.” Marisa mumbles.

“Anything else?” She asks.

You shake your head. “No, I and Suwako were just heading back from our investigation when we were blasted like it was 1944.”

They both look at you confused, though Alice giggles after a moment apparently getting it.

Marisa grumbles and heads back towards the door. “I’ll be back in just a bit.”

She opens the door and steps outside.

She closes it just as quickly, leaving you in the house with Alice.

“So…” You drawl out. “I take it you live in the forest as well?”

Alice nods. “The forest of magic has many useful regents and specimens necessary for the proper application of magecraft.

“To that end several magic users make their home in this forest, though it isn’t usually ever this… dangerous.” She finishes.

“Ah… have you run into Kagerou in the past? I know she arrived recently.”

Alice nods again. “I’ve encountered her, but we’ve never spoken, she lives in the forest itself as opposed to any form of abode.”

You look back out the window, shame you couldn’t find a clearing like this earlier, it’s not very big, but it still would have helped during the fight.

“You are a tenant of the Moriya?”

You nod but do not turn your attention away from the window. “Yeah, just arrived on the train, been with them for several days now.”

She hums but says nothing, leaving you to stare out into the forest.

A few minutes pass and she moves to a different part of the home, leaving you to your musings.

It's not a bad place once you get past where it is, you could almost fall asleep when you feel something touch your shoulder very gently.

You carefully turn to look, and sitting on your shoulder is a tiny… girl.

She’s blonde as well, completing the trifecta, with a little black and peach dress, topped off with an equally little red ribbon in her hair.

Small blue eyes look at you innocently, and she tilts her head in childlike fashion.

“Good morning little one, I’m afraid if you are here for a fight that I am quite indisposed.”

The girl covers her mouth and apparently giggles, though no sound comes out.

She slides down your shoulder like a slide, then hops across your stomach up to the window to look outside as well.

It’s… fall here right? It was when you left.

But in fantasy fun land there may not even BE seasons come to think of it. Sanae mentioned a harvest season, but you don’t know when that actually would be, and it seems pretty temperate in general.

The little one apparently finds nothing of interest and turns back to look up at you.

You quirk an eyebrow and look down at her.

“I’m afraid I do not have any means of entertaining you… who are you anyway?”

She looks to the left and right conspiratorially, then leans over cupping her mouth.

“Were you calling for me?” Alice’s voice speaks up.

You look to your left and Alice is back in the room.

“Er… no I was talking to…” You look down at the windowsill to see… a doll.

Visible joints and thread hair make up a doll sitting lifeless next to the windowsill.

“Shanghai?” Alice walks over and picks up the doll. “How on earth did you end up over here?”

“A possession of yours?” You ask.

Alice nods. “My specialty for magecraft is puppetry.” She flexes her fingers and the doll stands up on her palm, then with the wiggling of a finger it does a little curtsy towards you.

“Quite lovely work, you make her yourself?” You ask.

She smiles proudly. “Yes, little Shanghai is my latest model of puppet, along with Hourai and Orleans.”

You look towards the doll again, still holding its pose perfectly stoic. A doll… right.

“Interesting… I’m afraid this is the longest I’ve been in the forest itself, so I had no idea people lived here, in homes anyway.”

Alice smiles. “Not many do.”

You move your bandaged hand up. “For the life of me I can’t imagine why.”

- - -

It’s only about ten minutes or so when the door opens again, Marisa steps through, followed by the entire Moriya family.

Sanae true to form enters first, she looks around quickly before noticing you, nearly barreling Alice over in the process as she starts peeling away your bandages without a word.

“What happened to ya?” Suwako asks, having quickly move to catch up with Sanae, looking at you with worry.

“I went looking for my… our assailant. I figured they wouldn’t be too hard to find going by the size of that attack, and I figured if I found them I’d find you as well.

“Turns out I was wrong on both accounts.”

You try to raise your bandaged hand for emphasis but Sanae forces it back down.

“Where did you go anyway?” You ask.

Suwako grimaces. “The blast sent me halfway across the forest; I spent the rest of the night tryin’ to find ya, didn’t have any luck.

“I was just getting back to the temple myself when Marisa showed up.

“I couldn’t even find a trace of ya magically this mornin’. You alright?”

You flex your good hand experimentally… not even a spark.

“Yeah… that would make sense, I’m completely drained, and I’ve been worse. I assure you.”

Kanako speaks up. “We will be having a discussion once we return to the temple.”

You nod. “I figured.”

With a gasp on your part a familiar warmth fills you, Sanae has all the bandages off, and your wound is gauzed already, probably Marisa's work. She gently removes the gauze, then presses her hands over the wound.

Sanae’s hands glow and you watch as the flesh re-knits in front of your eyes. It closes quickly, not even a trace of a scar and you bend it experimentally.

No pain either.

She reaches over and repeats the process on your other shoulder before stepping back, she still hasn’t said anything however, a neutral expression on her face, though in her eyes you can see worry.

“While I thank you for taking care of him, we will be returning him to the temple now.” Kanako states, before walking over and picking you up in a bastardized bridal carry.

Alice and Marisa both say goodbye as Kanako quickly steps outside with the rest of the Moriya in tow.

The flight back to the temple is decidedly quick… and decidedly awkward.

- - -

Kanako carries you the rest of the way inside and takes you to the dining area, laying you down on the couch.

It’s quite a sight, a stoic goddess, a worried goddess, and a priestess who is equal parts relieved and horrified.

You readjust your shoulders to get into a more comfortable position on the couch when Suwako speaks up again.

“Now that we are out of there, how are ya really feelin’?”

You stick out a hand and snap your fingers, looking down at your hand. “Sanae’s work is good as always, not even feeling any pain, though the arm and hand is stiff. But in regards to magic I’m basically human right now.”

You catch yourself. “Er… no offence Sanae, I’m about the level of an UNPOWERED human.”

Suwako’s gaze sharpens. “I’ve seen ya fight, and ya fight well enough, but I also know you have five tails, how exactly are ya so weak magic wise?”

You return her gaze. “You and Kanako both know exactly why I’m this weak, and Sanae probably has a good idea as well. Though you two more than most in Gensokyo entirely.”

“Explain.” Kanako says.

You shrug again. “I’ve lived in Tokyo for well over a hundred years, and in that time I’ve only grown weaker as humans stopped believing in the supernatural.

“By the time I boarded the train I was probably only a month or two away from fading completely…

“I would have become a literal spirit, then left existence.” You explain.

“Coming here has helped. But it is like getting food after starving for years, it takes a long time to make the body healthy again.”

Kanako speaks up again. “If it was so bad why didn’t you arrive earlier?”

You shake your head. “I thought about it, but I’ve known Tokyo a long time… it was my home at the expense of any others, and I didn’t trust Yukari.

“And after certain recent events I still don’t.”

“And now? Are you… close to doing that? Fading away?” Sanae speaks up for the first time today.

You sigh and lean back further into the couch.

“I’m not sure to be honest, Gensokyo is magical itself and people here believe in my kind, so I should be fine in the long run.

“I’m still going to be out of it magically for awhile, I’ve been drained steadily over this past week.

“The fight versus Kanako was a plateau and it has been going down steadily from there. I had to go partially into fox form last night, and on top of my injuries it was the straw that broke the camel’s back as it was.” You explain.

“I used to be able to hold that form for hours, now I’d be lucky for five seconds…

“Well, would be lucky, as of right now if I tried it would probably just kill me.”

More awkward silence, as Suwako sighs and Sanae fidgets, Kanako has the same stoic look she is so fond of.

“I did manage to let Marisa and Alice know about the mallet, for what that is worth at least, so at least something good came of all this mess.”

This was apparently the breaking point as Sanae slams her hands into the table.

“Fuck the mallet, what the FUCK were you thinking!? Chasing after Marisa like that?!”

You jerk back, more so at the language than the volume.

Sanae’s leaning over the table, hands still on it, a clear look of frustration in her eyes.

Yeah… you do have a habit of getting the crap beaten out of you whenever she isn’t looking.

You shake your head. “I wasn’t… thinking that is. I had just been blasted out of the sky, and my best idea at the time was to go after the person who shot me down in the hope of investigating it. And hoping Suwako would be doing the same thing as well.

“Today marks my eighth day here, and in that time I’ve been shot at, beaten, stabbed, and killed in numerous ways in my own damned dreams.

“Not a whole lot has made any sense since I got here, I was hoping to find Suwako, not a god damned werewolf in the middle of the forest.”

There’s another awkward silence as you and Sanae stare at each other, before she finally breaks it and breathes deeply.

Lot of awkward silences today.

“I’m going to go make breakfast, you two watch over him.”

With that she steps out of the room, closing the door behind her.

You all stare at each other before Kanako speaks up again.

“I feel… I must apologize.”

“I wished to see your potential and pushed you harder than I perhaps should have during our fight, at your expense.”

You turn your gaze towards the goddess, before smiling. “It’s alright… I didn’t know at the time how drained I was, I haven’t used my powers for more than the basics for… years.

“I’d actually want to know more what I should be doing… now. I’m magically empty, half of my suit is apparently gone, and my flight card is missing.”

Suwako speaks up. “Rest’ll fix the first issue, the others are easily replaceable, but for now ya DO need the rest.”

You nod. “I should be able to move fine by this afternoon, just being in the shrine is giving me a bit of magic back… and Sanae is really quite good at this whole healing bit.

“I’ll just need to stay away from any werewolves for the time being… and vampires… oni… the odd telephone pole from the sky.”

Both goddesses nod, though Suwako has the familiar smile you’ve come to know on her face again.

Kanako starts to get up to leave before pausing at the door.

“Ayumu, you said earlier that we knew more than most, explain.”

You give her a small smile, perhaps a bitter one.

“I know what it is like to be forgotten, by choice or otherwise.”

You fish into your pocket and produce your spellcards.

The cards of yours, along with Yukari’s, Yuyuko’s, Remilia’s, and… Sanae’s.

Suwako looks at them curiously, as does Kanako before they focus on Sanae’s in particular.

“Did… you?” Suwako trails off.

You nod, looking at the card before pocketing it again along with the rest back into your pocket.

“I know what it’s like to be forgotten, and I know what it is like to have to forget others for their own sake.”

- - -

Sanae returns a short time later with a plate of eggs, some bacon, some sausage, a couple biscuits, and what appears to be a cut up waffle and some coffee.

“Er… Sanae.” You speak up.

“It’s magic energy I’m low on, I’m not actually physically starving to death.”

She in response stabs an egg with a fork and holds it up to you.

“Eat” She says succinctly.

“Really? We are doing thi-“

She shoves the fork and egg into your mouth, staring into your eyes and daring you to argue.

You chew, it’s good.

She pulls back the fork with satisfaction and gets another piece of egg.

Screw it. You open your mouth obediently as she babies you.

This lasts for a good half hour, Kanako disappeared to parts unknown while Suwako glances between you and Sanae and the TV, apparently trying to decide which is more entertaining in the long run.

You finish eating and Sanae steps out of the room, while Suwako crawls over.

“I’d suggest ya sleep now, if she catches you out of that couch she’ll tie ya to it.”

You look at the goddess. “Will she now? A grave threat indeed.”

Suwako smiles and points a finger at you with a smirk.

Oh please… not this again.

She starts spinning it, and a dark haze fills your vision as the finger glows, you are out like a light before you realized anything happened, which in the long run is a much better alternative to giant iron ring to the face.

- - -

You awaken sometime later; there aren’t any windows in this room so it’s rather difficult to say when.

Nobody is in here besides you, though the TV is still on.

You push yourself up and off the couch, a feeling of satisfaction at the fact that it wasn’t accompanied by a stab of pain.

Your body has apparently stopped the rapid regeneration as well, and you are… mostly back to normal. Though it’ll be awhile before you are in fighting shape again you feel.

You step out of the room and into the hallway, the windows overlooking the grounds showing it to be probably around early afternoon.

As you look out a voice calls to your attention.

“Oi!” Suwako’s voice calls out to you from further down the hallway; she’s down there at the end, near the entrance to the main hall and beckoning towards you.

You walk over. “Am I allowed to leave the couch yet?”

Suwako cups her chin in her hand and gives you a look over. “Hmm… yep, I would say you are in shape enough to walk, come with me.”

She steps back into the main hall and starts walking across, leaving you to follow.

Around the corner and instead of going towards your bedroom like you expected she leads you out into the garden, much the same as when you left.

Except now sitting in the middle of it, a stone’s throw away from your bedroom is the shack Sanae was working on.

“Sanae worked overtime on this while you were sleepin' then we moved it over.” Suwako explains, swinging the door open and beckoning you inside.

It’s… a tiny house.

The floor is hard wood instead of Tatami, and a small table and your bedroll have been laid out on the floor.

It definitely has more room however, along with windows you can actually see out of overlooking the garden.

“Tell Sanae I appreciate it, if you see her before I do, she works fast.” You say appreciatively, looking around some more.

Definitely a job and some furniture.

“Weeeeell, suppose beanpole helped too. After last night Sanae seemed to be in a hurry to get this done.”

You look at the goddess curiously.

“That bad?” You ask.

Suwako nods, looking out the window at the garden… well, her garden you guess.

“I have a feeling I just incurred another debt… and there are video games I have to buy in my future.”

The goddess shrugs with a smile. “Probably, I’d suggest you move the rest of your stuff out of your room into here, we didn’t get your clothes.”

The rest of your afternoon is spent straightening up the new… house. You guess you could call it, and before you know it you are summoned to dinner.

- - -

“Since you all had to skip dinner last night for… various reasons, I Kanako have decided to once again grace you all with my culinary arts.” Kanako says proudly, sitting over a veritable feast.

Suwako and Sanae for their part look aghast and terrified respectively. While you just sit down at the table.

Beef, some form of stew, and what appears to be a small bowl of noodles as well.

Kanako digs in immediately. Grabbing a large slice of the beef from the center plate and eating it.

With a shrug you do so as well.

It’s… bland once again, it has almost no flavor. The smell is intense but pleasant. Though that is mostly the heavy spices and seasonings on it…

Wait a minute.

You look up at the goddess as she takes another generous helping of the beef, her long… forked tongue shooting out to take it off the utensil before it even gets to her mouth.

With the slitted eyes as well...

Suwako and Sanae take experimental bites, having apparently been prepared since last time, as they alternate between drinks and bits of food.

You continue eating with a small smile on your face, it is definitely bland, but the focus isn’t apparently on the meat itself, though the protein is definitely good for you at the moment.

No sense of taste indeed.

- - -

You bid them all good night and head back towards your bedroom… your new bedroom. Someone actually built you… well okay repaired you a house when you weren’t looking. It’s an odd feeling, but you like it.

You set your spell cards down on the table, even if you wanted to you feel like it would be a bad idea to try and make one right now.

You lay down in the bed, and close your eyes, sleep finding you quickly.

- - -

You open your eyes and you are back at your shop… your old shop in Numazu. A gentle rain the area is so famous for pounds the earth outside and shadowy figures move about past the fogged glass.

You take a look around, objects both fondly remembered and forgotten lay about the place, another one in your own memories this time? How nice.

You get up out of the chair behind the familiar counter and take a look around, old knick knacks and memories long forgotten lining the various shelves.

An old sword, sitting next to a rather colorful paper fan. You don’t really remember how you came across either, and both are long gone by now.

The cost of nearly five centuries you suppose.

Your musings are cut short by the familiar sound of a bell signaling the shop door being opened.

A figure walks in, body entirely covered in heavy garment and face obscured by a large colorful umbrella.

Like the pattern at this point the umbrella changes colors as you view it.

Purple,

Blue,

Red,

Black,

Gold.

You watch with amusement as the figure fights with the umbrella several moments, before finally managing to close it and turning to face you.

Is the face familiar? Or is it alien.

And most importantly.

Chapter Text

The figures face is indeed familiar. It’s the same woman you saw in your very first dream, your breath hitches in your throat as she looks at you, a smile coming across her features.

Then, calm.

This is your dream… not hers.

“Good… “You look out the window. “Morning… I suppose morning ma’am. Do you seek the service of Akio’s?”

She nods, and then lowers the hood covering her head, revealing a short mop of blonde hair.

Seriously, blondes today.

Two vulpine ears unfold and point upwards from her head as she finishes lowering the hood.

“I had wished to meet thee for quite some time now.” She says after a moment, her voice mature but light in its own way.

“I assure you the feeling wasn’t necessarily mutual, what pray tell were you hoping to meet me for?” You ask. Moving back towards the counter to start pouring some tea.

She idly walks over to one of your shelves and starts looking at the various things laying about.

“There are foxes in Gensokyo, but none older than three of tail.

“And then to mine surprise I see a new arrival, and a five tails at that, how could I NOT be interested I ask?”

You shrug and continue working on the tea. “I assure you I am quite boring, and I have not had anything to do with any other foxes in a very long time.”

You finish the brew and pour it into two cups, keeping one for yourself and offering one to her which she takes.

“I am but a simple tenant of the Moriya shrine, but I have a feeling you knew that already.”

The grin returns to her countenance before she goes to take a sip.

She nods in satisfaction as it goes down. “Perhaps.”

“To what clan do you belong?”

You shrug again. “As I said, I haven’t had anything to do with the foxes or their clans in a very long time. I hold no allegiance and have no familial ties.”

Her grin sharpens. “Liar.”

You return her grin with one of your own and set the tea down.

So she doesn’t know then, good.

“Perhaps, but believe what you wish. And you? I have heard tale of a nine tails working for the Yakumo. Might I be speaking to her?” You ask, leaning back against the counter.

She does a bow, not a formal one, but like one you would see on stage. “Yakumo Ran, tis a pleasure.”

You mimic it. “Ayumu, no affiliation.”

Right, speaking to a nine tails, and one who killed you in a dream previously, though what Satori said about it was interesting…

“Is this the first time we’ve met? With foxes we can’t be too careful after all.” You ask, watching her carefully.

She nods. “Unfortunately yes, I had hoped to speak to thee sooner, but I chanced upon your dream this night, much to my surprise and appreciation.”

You nod in understanding, so she doesn’t remember either.

“Anything in particular you want to discuss besides my existence as a fox?”

She looks around the shop for a moment. “Where is this?”

“My shop? Numazu, or it was in Numazu anyway. It’s a port town southwest of Tokyo.”

She nods again. “I am familiar… though I have never been there, nor have I been outside of Gensokyo as far as I remember.”

…What.

That… doesn’t make any sense.

Recover.

“You were born here?”

She nods after another moment. “Yes, I have lived here all of my life.”

“Ah…” You glance back outside the windows, with a thought the glass unfogs, revealing a port town scene, tall ships head into the harbor, cargo long since forgotten by history.

“Well, Namazu is a nice enough town.”

She looks out at it curiously, before tearing her attention away from it towards you again.

“I at the bidding of my master wish to discuss certain ongoing events, where would be a good location to do so?”

You stand back up from leaning on the counter and head towards the front door.

At your mental command the rain stops, allowing comfortable movement outside without an umbrella.

You gesture outdoors with the hand not holding the door and she walks through it.

You close it behind you and step outside with her... It has been over a hundred years since you’ve been in this town.

You cut a path towards the hills you always liked to walk, and she quickly follows. There aren’t any pedestrians or things of that nature, you don’t want there to be.

“Of the investigation my master informed thee of, what progress have you made?”

You quirk an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting you do not know already, and beyond that, how are you aware of it?”

“I am a Shikigami. I know what my master wishes me to know, and she tasked me to find out what you have learned.”

She grins. “And what I know and do not know already bears little influence on your answer does it not?”

You shake your head. “I suppose not...

“The unknown Youkai is a being known as Seija, an Amanojaku.

“We have no motive beyond what Yukari already told me, and we have no location at present.”

You both walk along the path, the dirt path up the hills slowly turning more steady and stone as you approach the top as you talk.

“And of the princess?” She asks.

You shake your head again. “She’s a dead end as well, I have a feeling they might be working together. As some things have been suspicious. But we have no leads on her either, or a cause as to why she would be drawn to such an action.

"So for the time being she is still an unknown."

“Is that all?” She asks.

You crest the top of the hill, what was once Numazu is now a scene of Tokyo… circa 1890 anyway. She looks over it curiously as you think about what to say.

“So far… We have several leads and contacts but nothing concrete as of yet.”

She looks over the landscape with interest. “Where is… this?”

“Tokyo.” You say simply. “About a century back give or take.”

She looks over it in obvious curiosity.

“I heard you speak of it, fascinating.”

You quirk an eyebrow at the statement but say nothing.

You take another look over it again before nodding. “Indeed it is, wasn’t my favorite vacation spot but it got the job done.”

“Oh?” She asks, tilting her head. “And what would that be then?”

You shrug, the landscape changing around you, rippling like a drop of water onto a puddle.

The structures and buildings give way to trees and a stone path… in front of the temple in Kyoto.

You look it over a moment before speaking again. “It’s a temple on Inari Mountain, went there a few times myself.” You point out over the landscape. “The view is gorgeous.”

Her yellow-gold eyes reflect the light of the newly recreated sun as she looks around, still curiosity in her eyes.

She doesn’t seem to recognize it…

“I’ve been over most of Japan, Gensokyo is lovely in its own way however.”

She turns to look at you again. “It is lovely. But I am afraid we are getting off track.”

You wave away the scenery with your hand, the view changing back to the interior of your old shop. “Then please, do lead us back there.”

She sticks her arms into her sleeves and speaks after a moment, a serious look on her face.

“I will inform my mistress of what you told me.

“She also wishes you aware that she may seek audience with you once this matter is resolved, for better or ill.”

You nod in understanding. Lovely.

“Is that all then?” You ask.

She nods. “I will speak to thee again.”

You shrug. “I figured.”

With that she steps outside the building, and fades away completely.

You lean back against the counter with a sigh, wiping your hand down your face.

That’s… a problem you will have to deal with when you come to it.

You didn’t expect to be running into the nine tails this quickly, and you rather hoped to avoid the… meeting at all.

At least she was friendly… far friendlier than you’d expect any nine tails to be, though that could have easily been an act.

At least you were safe… you think. Theoretically nothing could hurt you in your own dream, but once you get past eight tails things stop being fair.

You wonder if you should tell them about this dream as well… but then again after last night...

You shake your head and dismiss the thoughts, no point in making your sleep restless.

You walk over to the door and open it, revealing a scenic village nestled between some tall mountains.

Not… quite yet.

You shake it again, the view replaced by Tokyo… Circa 1745.

This… this you can work with.

You step through the door and back into the city, whistling a jaunty tune.

- - -

You awaken in the morning, confused at first before you recognize your new surroundings for what they are.

A glance confirms no spellcard, though with how drained you are you didn’t honestly expect one. You can feel the faint pulse of magic in you. But certainly not a lot, and certainly less than when you first came to Gensokyo.

You drag yourself up out of bed and grab your clothes for the day… work clothes you guess; You never were a fan of the ‘Overshirt and Dress Pants’ look.

You hop into a quick shower then head into the temple itself, cutting across the main hall and into the Dining Area.

All three of the Moriya are there already, a plate already set out for you as well.

“Mornin’ what’s the plan for today?”

Sanae speaks up. “Today Lady Suwako and Kanako are looking into something in the Human Village, and today you are staying here with me.”

Ah.

“Fair enough, is this one of those things I can ask about or is it secret goddess business?” You ask, sitting down at the table.

Suwako shrugs. “Just checking on some older leads that I found on that first day, nothin’ major.

“I’ll get ya yer new flight card today, but I’d suggest just layin’ low for a bit."

She smirks. “Course I don’t really need to ask now do I?”

You look up at Sanae, who has already reentered the food ‘zen’ as you have dubbed it.

Yeah... “No, no it will not be, I’m still mostly drained anyway. I suppose I will see you again around dinner?”

Suwako nods. “Should be about then ya.”

The rest of your meal passes in relative silence, the only continuous sound being the television, what it is going on about exactly you couldn’t say however.

You listen to enough of it over the years and it becomes little more than white noise.

The goddesses take their leave shortly afterwards, both in full ‘goddess’ attire.

Leaving you alone with Sanae and the television.

“So what’s left?” You ask after some time.

“Hmm? What’s left of what?” She responds, looking away from it.

You gesture widely with your hand. “The grounds, what is left of it, and what are we doing with the rest of the buildings?”

“Ah.” She taps a finger to her chin. “I know the goddesses wish to use some of the newly freed up space for storage. I was also figuring we could repair the fence over the week.

“How do you like your new room?” She asks. In both a tone and expression that screams. ‘Praise me!’ a wide smile on her features.

You smile. “It is quite nice, I’ll need to look into buying some furniture of course.”

She returns the smile. “There’s a couple places I know, both Human and otherwise.”

“I’ll need to look into it then when I have a more disposable income.”

You pull at the shirt you are wearing. “A new suit as well.”

She giggles, and then turns her attention back to the television. The conversation dying just as quickly as you started.

Come to think of it you do have some things you have been meaning to talk about with her.

Chapter Text

“So I had another dream last night.”

She looks away from the television slowly. “You did?”

You nod. “It was my own actually, but I had a visitor. One Yakumo Ran.”

She doesn’t say anything at first, and then slowly reaches up a hand to rub her eyes and shake her head.

“…And?” She says after a moment.

“She has been apparently following me for some time. She was mostly interested in getting information about our ongoing investigation for her master however.”

She gives you a look. "No murders? Threats?”

You shake your head with a grin. “None whatsoever, was a rather pleasant dream for the most part... Beyond the fact that I’m apparently being watched anyway.”

She lets out a sigh. “That’s good then, did you learn anything from her?”

You shrug your shoulders. “Apparently Yukari wants to talk to me when this is all over, but beyond that we didn’t talk for very long.

“I don’t tend to get along with other foxes.”

She gives you curious look.

“Eh. Personal thing, haven’t had anything to do with others of my species for a long time.”

She stares at you a moment longer, before apparently being satisfied enough with your answer for the time being and changes the subject.

“How do they work anyway? The dreams that is?” She asks.

You shrug. “It’s rather hard to explain, basically I can enter any sleeping persons dream, willingly or otherwise.

“I can do basic manipulation, though they have the real power within it. Of course, so far since I’ve entered Gensokyo it hasn’t followed the normal rules.”

“How so?” She asks.

You shake your head. “It’s not something I really ever used that often. It has a lot of downsides.

“I have to be in physical contact with someone to enter their dream, which runs the risk of them waking or me being discovered while I’m doing it. Nearly every night since I’ve come here I’ve wound up either being literally yanked into, or wandering into the dreams of seemingly random people. I’ve yet to figure out why. I’ve never heard of anything like it, and Satori didn’t hint at anything about it either.”

Sanae looks down, tapping a fist idly against her temple. “I heard Reimu mention a dream Youkai once… Mu… something.” She shakes her head. “It may be worth asking about at some point, I’m afraid there aren’t really any Youkai dedicated to dreams that I am aware of.”

You nod. “Something to look into I suppose. Where is Reimu anyway? Haven’t seen her since the start of the incident.”

Sanae shrugs. “Usually when she gets onto an incident we don’t see her for awhile. She’ll turn up again eventually…”

“How is the relationship between the shrines anyway? You mention her frequently enough, but I don’t actually know that much about the shrine in general.” You ask.

“Well… the Hakurei shrine is Shinto as well, though I admit I know nothing about their god… Reimu is more focused on maintaining the border and dealing with incidents than doing regular shrine duties”

You nod. “I know they’ve been here from quite some time, though Reimu herself didn’t seem the most… friendly.”

Sanae looks off to the side, perhaps a bit guiltily. “Reimu… can be difficult. But once you get to know her she is nice… even if she has some rough edges.”

“Ah, I actually wandered into a dream of her’s as well, didn’t get a spellcard, but she was pleasant enough.”

Maybe she still likes magic tricks?

Sanae shakes her head again, a small smile. “Who haven’t you entered the dreams of at this rate?”

You pause. “Actually, funny story about that.”

You dig into your pocket, finding what you want and setting it on the table.

Sanae looks down at it, one of her own spellcards. Or a copy anyway.

She stares at it, then slowly reaches into her sleeve and produces a spellcard of her own, the same one you just produced.

She looks between the two of them in silence.

You raise your arms in a placating gesture. “Apologies, I don’t get to choose whose dreams to enter, this was two days back.”

Her cheeks pink a little. “Did you… what was the dream?”

You think about your answer for a moment, do you want to tell her?

It doesn’t take long to make your decision.

“I ran into you outside of Osaka, and we eventually ended up at the Moriya shrine.” You explain.

She visibly pales, suddenly looking very nervous.

"Er... I..." She stutters, but you hold up a hand to get her to stop.

“It… wasn’t what I expected, that was to be sure, and once again my apologies.

“I’m not trying to cause any distress.

“However… honestly it only solidified my decision.”

“De…decision?” She echoes in a small voice.

You nod. “The goddesses did good work… and you’ve done fine work attempting to pay them back. The situation was unfortunate, but you’ve done your best besides.

“I think I’ll end up sticking around for quite some time… if that is alright of course, I like it here.

“Though it has only been a little over a week now, so that may be a tad presumptuous.”

She shakes her head, looking down at the card you placed again, grasping it gently with her hand and feeling it.

“That…”

She sighs, holding the card out towards you.

“That shouldn’t be a problem.” A small smile is back on her face. "It is… a little awkward, and I’m not entirely sure what to think of it.

“But I can give you some tips on how to use it when you are more recovered.”

She stands up slowly, pocketing her own card as well.

“I don’t think you would have any issues if you asked to stay long term.”

She walks over to the door, then through it and outside of the room.

You watch her leave and sigh. That was a tad awkward….

When just at the edge of your hearing, in a whisper.

“Thank you.”

You smile... you don’t think you were meant to hear that.

- - -

You get out of the dining room and step back out into the hallway a while later, looks to be just before noon, no sign of Sanae either.

You idly finger the cards in your pocket. Funny… you never were much for weapons, but you feel kinda stuck without your flight card.

Then again it is only temporary you suppose, and with your…

Lets call it talent.

For getting into fights every time you leave this place perhaps some rest is called for in the long run, and without the possibility of flight for now it makes a good excuse.

*Flap Flap*

You jerk your head towards the right side of the yard, the loud sound of flapping wings catching your attention.

Landing with a burst of dirt and dust is a… Tengu on the far right side of the yard.

She’s dressed in a stereotypical Tengu outfit, and has hair and eyes the same as Aya’s, though she appears much younger at first glance.

She takes a slow look around, before pulling out a paper map from a hidden pocket and giving it a look over. She turns it this way and that before nodding in apparent satisfaction, tucking it back away.

She then cups her hands over her mouth and shouts. “AYUMU!”

Oh dammit, how did you manage to piss the Teng-

...Wait, you think you know the possible answer to that question.

The window of Sanae’s room opens and she sticks her head out curiously to see what the noise is about.

Well at least if you get jumped you have backup. You slide open the door the door to the yard and step outside, raising a lazy wave. “Present!”

The Tengu girl turns to look at you, a neutral expression on her features.

She then flaps her wings again, causing her to take a brief hop through the air before landing in front of you. She gives a lazy salute and pulls a letter out of another pocket, holding it out towards you.

“Eiko’s delivery. Here’s your letter.”

You reach out and take it, it’s a sealed document, marked with the symbol of the… Hieda?

Oh.

“Thank you, I appreciate it. I didn’t expect the delivery to be done by Tengu service.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “Neither blossom nor danmaku nor eternal night will stay Tengu Couriers.”

She jerks a thumb behind her to her curling wings. “Fastest too.”

You smile. “Then once again thank you, I’m afraid I can’t exactly pay coverage however.”

She shrugs. “The Hieda estate covered it, if there’s nothing else I gotta go to my next delivery.”

You nod and she curls her wings the rest of the way around her body, then kicks off the ground into the sky, sending yet more dirt into the air.

… Certainly a dramatic postal service.

You glance around, Sanae’s in the hallway and is starting to walk outside, and the Tengu is already far in the distance.

You look down at the letter and open it.

You close it up and pocket it, well, it is something at least.

“Everything alright?”

Sanae’s voice comes from your left.

You turn your head, then nod. "For the most part, was having Akyuu look into something for me.”

“Can I ask?”

You smile. “It’s nothing that private, my first night here I dreamt of Kyoto, some form of Fox cult there on Inari Mountain.

“It was also the first of… unfortunately many dream deaths, though Satori said that one had nothing to do with the mallet at least.”

She tilts her head. “Fox cult?”

“Ah sorry, Foxes seek acknowledgement like all Youkai do in one form or another. While a Tanuki may head a travelling show, and an Oni may head a raiding tribe. A Fox has multiple options, one of them being forming cults.” You explain.

You rub the back of your neck. “Foxes as they approach the end of their lifespan turn divine in nature. Between that and the mixture of our natural magics, it isn’t uncommon to run into Temples dedicated and run BY them.

“Several shrines and temples started that way, they either disband or turn into something else over time. A Fox cult is similar, though usually more short term, and far more dangerous to everyone involved. A temple will reward its followers and take care of them, a cult is predatory, and a problem.” You shake your head.

“I wasn’t aware of any Fox clans or cults in Kyoto however, so I had Akyuu look into it, she confirmed its presence, but couldn’t tell me anything more.”

Sanae speaks up. “And then you believe that the being you entered the dream of is in Gensokyo?”

You nod, then take a glance around carefully, before walking over and whispering into Sanae’s ear.

“It appeared to be Yakumo Ran, but I do not have anything resembling proof of that beyond similar appearances… and the nine tails.” You step back and speak normally again.

“She is the only lead I have on that front, it doesn’t have any influence on the incident at hand. And I am really not eager to tangle with another Fox, especially not… one like that. So it was just something I had her looking into as a favor. As of right now I don’t plan on acting on it.”

She nods. “That’s good then, but be careful… please?”

You grin. “I’m always careful, wouldn’t have lived so long if I wasn’t.

“Though I DO have a nasty habit of getting the stuffing knocked out of me on a frighteningly regular basis.”

She sighs and shakes her head. “Come on, it’s time for lunch.”

- - -

You follow the priestess back inside and head towards the kitchen, setting up next to her and helping her prepare a simple lunch.

It only takes a short amount of time before you head back, trays in hand and set up in the dining area.

You both start digging in, a comfortable silence between the two of you until a question pops into your head.

“Are there any books or the like I could borrow?” You ask.

Sanae looks at you. “Like… novels?”

You nod. “Normally during the day I am doing yardwork, or am doing things outside of the temple itself.

“Neither is an apparent option right now, so unless I want to rot my brain with the television, I’d like to seek another form of entertainment.”

She looks to the side for a moment, before shaking her head. “We don’t really have anything like that, Kanako keeps some scrolls, but I… really don’t recommend going into her room to take a look at them.”

“Yeah… I think I saw them when I was last in there, I have a feeling she doesn’t exactly read Yukio or the like.”

She giggles. “No I am afraid more than likely not, I am afraid if you seek entertainment like that you would have to see one of the bookstores in the village.”

You lean back against the couch with a sigh, trying to focus on… whatever brain destroying thing is on the screen at the moment as you finish your meal.

- - -

The rest of the afternoon passes in peace, Kanako showing up around four in the afternoon.

“I have returned!” She announces royally, standing at the entrance to the dining room.

Sanae pops some earbuds she had in her ears out, having been playing her DS, while you were switching between the Television and watching the game over her shoulder.

Sanae smiles brightly as the goddess enters. “Good evening Lady Kanako, did everything go well?”

Kanako nods. “Yes, quite. I’m looking into hiring some workers to fix up our road shrines once this incident is over.”

Sanae claps her hands together. “Oh that would be wonderful! Do we have the funds for that?”

The goddess looks a tad awkward. “We can discuss that later, for now I will get changed out of my robes of office.” She steps back out of the dining room and walks down the hallway quickly.

You glance back at Sanae, her hands are still together, but she has a decidedly more… neutral expression on her face.

“You okay over there?” You ask.

Sanae sighs deeply. “Nothing can hurt you more than your mind allows… Life is a journey.”

“Sanae?”

“Life is a journey… life is a journey…”

Oh dear…

Kanako returns some time later in more casual clothing, neither brings up the subject again you notice.

“And how is Suwako doing?” You ask.

The goddess grunts. “She’s still looking into a separate investigation and will be around in time for dinner.”

“Ah, fair enough then, whose cooking tonight?”

Sanae raises a hand, but doesn’t turn her attention away from her game.

- - -

Suwako arrives around an hour later, just in time for dinner.

She is cheerful as well, digging into dinner with glee, not bothering to change out of…

Come to think of it, you don’t think you’ve seen her out of that getup.

“I take it everything went well today Lady Suwako?” Sanae asks, her chipper mood having returned.

The smaller goddess nods happily. “Got some good info I’ll be lookin’ into further, nothing truly firm so far, but good enough to work with.

“Had some people looking into sniffin’ up a trail of our two troublemakers.” Suwako finishes.

“That is good news then, hopefully we can start getting to the bottom of all of this.” Sanae says, returning to her meal.

The rest of dinner passes with idle conversation, nothing more interesting happening than the great ‘Final Strip of Beef War of 2017’.

But you’ve gotten so used to their table antics at this point you can almost entirely ignore it.

Not near Sanae zen levels, but still.

You say your goodbyes to the Moriya group and head towards your part of the Shrine.

You step inside your new lodging and get ready for a night of rest, you are far too weak to try to create a spellcard… and you think Sanae would take it away from you if you tried.

You pump your magical channels again… still far less than when you got here.

With a sigh you head into bed and try to get a full night of sleep.

- - -

Luckily for you, it actually occurs, no dreams or the like and you awaken a little later than you normally would as a possible consequence.

You got a nice boost of magic from the rest as well, not near enough to fight effectively. But enough to regenerate and fly at least… when you get your new card anyway.

You step out into the morning air and cut across for your shower and other morning necessities.

Finishing with that rather quickly you cut across the temple and back into the dining area again.

You enter to find breakfast already started.

“Mornin’ Ayumu.” Suwako says, bit of toast sticking out of her mouth.

Kanako nods, and Sanae is in full meal mode.

“Morning yourself, what’s the plan for today?”

The goddess grins cheekily, producing a card from her sleeve and handing it to you.

Another flight card.

“The shrine is goin’ on an excursion today.”

You look at her curiously. “The… entire shrine?”

She nods.

“Yeah, we figured with the way things are goin’ lately it would be safer. Though we’ve reached a bit of an impasse regarding destination. I personally think we should head to the Tengu village, you’ve still yet to visit that I am aware of, and I have a new possible lead there with Lord Tenma.” She explains.

Kanako speaks up. “And I still believe we should track down that wolf to see what she knows. It leaves a truly bad taste in my mouth that she attacked at guest of my shrine and was just… let go.” She finishes, anger in her tone.

“That… and it wouldn’t hurt to check on the mermaid as well.”

You nod and point to Sanae. “And her vote?”

Suwako shakes her head and speaks up. “She doesn’t want any part of voting."

“Normally we would settle it with a combat duel… but Sanae was decidedly against the idea.” She explains.

Yeah… so are you, it took awhile to fix that roof.

“So what would your opinion be Ayumu?” Kanako asks, looking at you seriously.

“Either way we would all be going as a group, for safety if nothing else.” Suwako shrugs, then looks at you seriously as well.

Oh dear. You appear to have entered some form of Shinto Democracy.

Chapter Text

“I have been meaning to see the Tengu village for some time now, if it is alright I would like to go see that instead of going back to the forest.”

You rub your shoulder. “Especially after my last visit.”

Kanako sighs looked frustrated. “...If that is your wish.”

You nod. “Yes, my apologies, I have no problem going later, but I’d feel better if I was actually in combat shape… such as it was.”

Suwako reaches over and pats you on the shoulder. “Eh, between you and me I don’t blame ya after your last time out.”

She glances over at Sanae. “I don’t think she would have enjoyed the idea much either.”

With that you all finish up breakfast.

Kanako and Suwako head back to their rooms, to change you presume.

You change into what nice clothes you have left yourself, and meet up with the Moriya’s outside of the front of the building.

For once no one is carrying anything extra you notice, Sanae and Suwako both smile at your approach, while Kanako is looking down the mountain off in the distance.

“Shall we then?”

They each start floating off the ground, and you grasp your flight card and put a bit of magic into it as well.

It is satisfying as you gently lift off as well, at least you can do this again.

They all take off and you follow, past the waterfall and down the mountain.

“So where is this place anyway?” You ask, catching up to Sanae.

She points off towards the forest on the western side of the mountain, it’s just trees as far as you can see.

“Rather well hidden I see.”

Sanae smiles and nods. “The Tengu tend to be territorial, and value their privacy on top of it.”

“They do not have a problem with visitors… if you know the way there already.” She explains.

Hmm.

It’s a short flight as you pass through the treetops and onto a dirt path.

Down it, a good half mile away appear to be a large set of wooden gates, you can see what you believe to be structures behind it, but they are tall enough to obscure the majority of it.

“I take it that is the Tengu village?” You ask.

Suwako nods, then puts her fingers to her mouth and lets out a shrill whistle.

You hear some rustling in the threes and several Tengu hop out of them landing on the dirt path.

They form a formation on it, each has a shield against their forearm and a mix of swords and spears strapped to their backs.

The one who you suppose is the leader steps forward, a wolf tengu with white hair like the rest, though she is the only female among them.

“Welcome once again to the Tengu village Moriya… and guest?” She speaks in a voice that’s light but has a guttural edge, like a dog you suppose.

You bow slightly. “Ayumu, guest of the Moriya shrine.”

The wolf looks at Kanako and Suwako curiously.

Suwako smiles at her. “New arrival in Gensokyo, he’s workin’ for us, we figured we’d introduce him to the Tengu and Lord Tenma."

The wolf walks up to you slowly, looking you over, before taking a deep sniff.

Her ears twitch, then she nods holding out a hand.

“Momiji, welcome to the Tengu Village.”

You grasp it and shake it. “Thank you.”

She looks at you oddly.

“Yes… your welcome.”

She turns back to the group and barks an order.

Literally barks. The Tengu in response jump back up into the trees, she lets go of your hand a moment later and joins them, the path becoming quiet once again.

You turn back to look at the Moriya. “Friendly enough. Shall we?”

Sanae giggles. Then moves to walk past you towards the village, the rest of the Moriya following, Suwako has a smirk on her face as well.

…What?

- - -

You follow the group towards the village gate, tall and well made from wood, it stands imposing against a wall in the middle of the forest.

Two towers stand next to it, manned by more Wolf Tengu.

The gate opens as you approach revealing the village inside.

It… definitely puts the Human Village to shame, but in another form entirely.

Similar materials, wood and stone, but there is where the similarities end.

Buildings are set against, and in the trees of the forest themselves.

Pathways and bridges link from tree to tree, and Tengu of all sorts flit about the place.

The ground floor is taken up mostly by a large running river, flanked by what is an apparent marketplace.

While the upper levels more set into the trees are housing and apparent workshops..

Some Tengu look at you with curiosity as you enter, but most seem content with going out their daily tasks as you walk through it.

In the center of the village itself is a large central tree, surrounded by ropes and ceremonial seals.

Set on its upper section is a large circular structure that appears to go all the way around it.

Suwako points to it as you enter.

“That would be Lord Tenma’s palace, and our destination.”

You nod, half paying attention.

The Tengu certainly didn’t live like this where you come from.

The palace has a large staircase winding up towards it, and you all head in that direction.

You pass by more shops selling all sorts of goods, produce and the various things that you’d expect.

One thing you do notice is that compared to the Kappa village there aren’t really any other kinds of Youkai here.

“So tell me about this Lord Tenma.” You say quietly, leaning over to Suwako.

The goddess shrugs. “Lord Tenma’s a crow tengu, relatively friendly, though she’s a new leader, her predecessor stepped down a couple of months back. Just be careful of what you say, like you would with any other person in power. Though we are actually in good standings with her.” She smiles happily.

You reach the steps and start heading up them, well made of fine stone… taken from the mountain itself?

Small guard stations mark the path upwards, more Tengu stationed in them with sharp spears, oddly enough they are in full armor as well.

You lean over to Sanae as you pass by another one.

“Do the Tengu not believe in spellcards?”

She shakes her head. “They use them the same as everyone else. However for threats to their territory or people they will fall back to a more… permanent option.”

“Ah…” You eye the weapons carefully.

… You really hope you don’t have to fight today.

- - -

You make it the rest of the way up the steps and to a large set of doors, two guards push it open as you approach, revealing a large room.

It’s relatively relatively ornate, many Tengu are milling about, almost all wearing ceremonial masks and robes.

Sitting on displays are what appear to be artifacts, scrolls, and other such items set about the place.

To the right and left of the room are large doors, you suppose it leads around the tree, while at the end of the room it a large ornate door flanked by two more armored Tengu.

Compared to the Palace underground… this one definitely has a more political air to it.

The Tengu who notice your presence bow to the Goddesses in apparent respect, though they pay them no mind as they make their way through the room.

On further glance it appears both are in ‘Goddess Mode’ as they come to a stop before the large doors.

Suwako turns to look at you. “I will be headin’ in first, then I’ll bring the rest of you inside.”

She then heads through the doors past the guards, leaving the three of you in the central chamber.

The other Tengu have already gone back to their conversations with each other, it all blending into little more than white noise even with your hearing.

“So how long has the Moriya been working with the Tengu anyway?” You ask.

Kanako answers. “Almost as long as we have been here, the Tengu did not have any deities for protection so we stepped into that role.”

Sanae picks up where she lets off with a smile. “It has worked out rather well so far, barring a few mishaps here or there, we actually have a small shrine in the village itself.”

“Any holes in it?” You ask.

Sanae shakes her head. “No surprisingly enough, Suwako and Kanako do not visit it all that often.”

Kanako pointedly looks away, apparently wanting no further part in this discussion.

“Well then perhaps we can take a look at it later, I’m rather curious.”

Sanae nods, then goes back to looking at some of the artifacts scattered about.

- - -

It is just a short time later when the doors open again behind you, the two guards beckoning you inside. The three of you enter to find yourself in a central chamber within the tree itself, more artifacts line the walls. The room itself reminds you of a Roman forum for lack of a better term, descending steps going down to a central ‘arena’.

Cushions and the like lay scattered about on the steps, and at the bottom is Suwako sitting on one as well. In front of her on a larger one is a Crow Tengu, their features hidden by a traditional mask, not dissimilar to the ones the Tengu on the outside were wearing.

Suwako waves you down and gestures to the cushions, you accept the invitation and head down with Sanae and Kanako, taking a seat on the farthest one.

Sanae flanks you to your left, while Kanako sits to the left of Suwako.

The Tengu looks between you all, then speaks up.

“I welcome you all to the Tengu Village.”

She turns to Kanako.

“I welcome you, Kanako Yasaka, Goddess of War and the Heavens.”

Then to Suwako. “Suwako Moriya, Goddess of War and the Earth.”

Sanae. “Sanae Kochiya, maiden of the Moriya Shrine.”

And then finally. “Ayumu, guest of the Moriya Shrine.”

“I am Lord Tenma. I was told you came seeking information, and it is within my power to give… but first.”

She reaches up, and with a ‘click’ the mask pops off of her face, revealing a relatively young woman.

Like the rest of the Crow Tengu you have seen so far she has dark black hair and red eyes.

A small smile is on her face as she claps.

Two doors open against the far wall, two more Tengu stepping through them, carrying trays which they set it front of you.

A small cup sits in the center of each, you take a sniff.

… Right, Tengu.

Lord Tenma takes the cup and drinks it, letting out a sigh of happiness.

You take a drink yourself, along with Suwako and Kanako, Sanae just sits there awkwardly not touching the alcohol.

Not bad.

“As for the lead, my scouts with the help of Aya looked into the incident a bit further. We believe we have a possible trail on the suspects, but we are still looking into it. If it is what we think it is however it should lead directly to the culprits themselves.”

Kanako speaks up. “That is good then! Where is this trail?”

The Tengu shakes her head.

“When we have something confirmed we will happily share it with you.

“However for the moment it is still being investigated by our scouts. I will gladly welcome your assistance, but you are not exactly known for subtlety Lord Kanako.”

The goddess clicks her tongue but says no more.

“The trouble makers have declared war on the Tengu, and we intend to see it to its conclusion, on that you have my word. I will send a representative to the temple when we are ready to move, at that time you will have the might of the Tengu behind you.” Tenma finishes.

Suwako nods. “The Moriya will gladly welcome it, is there anything else?”

Lord Tenma smiles. “As far as the incident goes unfortunately not… however…”

“We are having trouble with a local crop we were hoping you could look at Suwako, and we recently just made a new batch of weapons for the guard we were hoping you could bless Kanako.”

Both goddesses nod, clearly not bothered by the request.

So this is goddess work?

“As for you two, Sanae and Ayumu, you are welcome to explore my village and see whatever it is you wish to see, you are honored guests.” She says with another smile, before leading Kanako and Suwako out of the room through the back.

If Sanae is surprised by this she doesn’t show it.

“I take it this is normal then?” You ask.

Sanae nods, slowly getting up from the cushion.

“About normal yes for them, shall we?”

You get up yourself, following her outside of the room and back onto the steps outside of the building.

“So...we have until the evening more than likely, is there anything in the village you want to see in particular?”

Chapter Text

“I would like to explore the Tengu village if at all possible, and then maybe when we are finished check out the branch shrine as well, I’m curious about both to be honest.” You say after some thought.

Sanae nods happily. “I have no problem with either, I do not get to visit the Tengu village very often.”

You together with her head out away from the palace and down a side street running perpendicular to the market, like the rest of the town it is well maintained.

“Good morning.” A Tengu greets Sanae warmly as she walks past, and she returns the greeting readily. Others seem to recognize her as well, though they do not say anything.

At least they are a friendly bunch of people.

It appears this are more craftsmen around here as opposed to the general market, Tengu working on wood and clay. There’s even a shop making the decorative Tengu masks you see all over the place.

“So how long have Tengu been here anyway?” You ask Sanae, carefully sidestepping a cart placed in the path.

She shakes her head. “I couldn’t tell you to be honest, all I know is they have been here longer than Gensokyo itself."

“Original inhabitants of the forest then?”

Sanae shrugs. “As I said, I couldn’t tell you, they keep to themselves, though they are friendly once you get to know them.”

Another greets her as she walks past and yeah. It’s a better situation than you expected.

A few more minutes of walking takes you off that road and into what you could almost describe as a pier of sorts. A large wooden bridge goes across the wide river that makes up the center of the village itself.

It’s well made, not shoddy, and structures line the sides of it. Like it would in a medieval city it appears the market extends onto the bridge itself as people hawk their wares to passersby.

There’s some Tengu near the shore itself, down below the bridge. Some are hanging up laundry by the waterside or setting pots down, while more are actually in the water themselves fishing.

Smaller more poor houses line the river themselves down on the banks, but still only as bad as the worst housing you saw in the human village.

You are taken from your musings by the flapping of wings, a figure landing in front of the two of you.

A… schoolgirl?

A Tengu lands in front of both of you, in a very modern outfit. A pink shirt with a short skirt of a purple and black… checker pattern? Her whole outfit has a lot of purple to it, from her shoes, to the purple Tokin cap she’s wearing, as opposed to the usual red.

“Sanae! There you are!” She says, eagerly, pulling out a… cellphone?

“Ah, good morning Hatate.” Sanae says warmly.

The Tengu holds the phone up. “I know a scoop when I see one! The Moriya have been here a lot lately, and I want to get to the bottom of it. Especially since I’m the first one to get to you today, I know you haven’t spoken to Aya since you got here!” She finishes, pulling out a small sketchbook to go along with the phone.

Sanae sighs then turns to look at you. “Just stick around here for a bit Ayumu, this wont take very long.”

You… didn’t expect her to accept.

But nonetheless, you nod and turn away from the proceedings towards the bridge as the Tengu starts pelting her with questions.

You walk over and lean against the railing overlooking the river, watching the passersby.

The water is clean and crystal clear, it’s heading away from the mountain and further off into the forest, you are kinda curious as to where it lets out, the lake doesn’t seem to lead to anything this massive. Underwater streams perhaps?

A group of children, three wolf girls and one crow boy go running down the bridge tossing a ball between them, while laughing happily as only children can. Beyond them an apparent couple is looking through some jewelry at a stall.

People never change no matter what kind of being they are you suppose. You'd know that better than most.

An eruption of barking makes itself known behind you, along with the crash of broken wood.

You glance over your shoulder, an apparent Shogi parlor is there, two Wolf tengu are currently grappling with each other over the apparent result of a game.

The table is half broken beneath them, pieces scattered everywhere.

A few onlookers watch with interest, but none get between them as they grapple.

It is broken up a short time later by the apparent owner of the establishment, an older looking Wolf Tengu who grabs them by the scruffs of their necks and literally tosses them into the street.

Both glare at each other but go no further, apparently chastised.

Never change indeed.

“Ayumu!” Sanae’s voice grabs your attention.

You turn to look, she’s walking over to you, Hatate writing in the sketchbook still.

“Faster than I expected, though I’m surprised you agreed to an interview at all after your reaction to Aya.” You say curiously.

She shrugs. “Nobody actually… reads Hatate’s paper, and I was curious if she had heard any rumors, she didn’t know anything however.”

You look back towards the Tengu fiddling with her cellphone.

“She uses a cellphone as well?”

Sanae shakes her head. “That’s her camera actually… I’m not sure why it looks that way.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask actually, can you help mine get setup like yours? Otherwise it’s just a lump of plastic sitting next to my bed.”

She taps a finger against her chin. “I can help you get the spirit news on it, for whatever that is worth… but I wonder if we can get messaging set up.”

“Could be helpful…” You say, thinking about the other night.

She looks around for a moment. “Lets get some food then head onwards towards the branch shrine.”

- - -

You stop by a local grill and get some food, setting up on a table under an awning outside.

You wonder if there is work available here too, though considering the lack of other species beyond Tengu here you have a feeling that wouldn’t work out too well in the long run.

You think you’ve spotted an odd human here or there, but nothing major.

… Actually come to think of it you don’t think you’ve ever seen another human on the mountain itself besides Sanae.

“So about those dreams?” Sanae asks while you are eating. “If you get harmed in them, does it transfer over to the real world?”

You shake your head. “It has a high chance of waking me up, I still feel pain, but nothing is permanent.

“The most that could happen would be something that is the after effects of shock I suppose. But that is exceedingly rare. I tend to avoid it not because of any real physical dangers from the dream itself, its usually waking up next to the target that causes the problems.” You finish with a shrug.

“Ah… that would make sense I suppose. How are you finding the Tengu village so far?” She asks.

“I like it quite a bit actually, it’s a nice place, and far far larger than I honestly expected.”

She nods. “They’ve had quite some time to set it up as I’ve said, they’ve been here almost if not as long as the Oni have.”

“How old is Gensokyo anyway?” You ask.

“I… honestly do not know, Youkai and the like have been here for centuries, but Gensokyo itself… Some of the older Youkai would know, along with Reimu and Yukari, I know it isn’t that old compared to the area. There aren’t really history books around here as such, though Keine would know as well I suppose.” She explains.

“It’s not really important, I was just curious, I hardly knew anything about it myself before I came here.” You say, returning to your meal.

- - -

You head out of the restaurant and towards this branch shrine Sanae mentioned, it’s tucked away in a corner of the village, a small structure, a little smaller than the Hakurei shrine.

Standing near the entrance are two statues of Kanako and Suwako, the same ones you saw in the dream come to think of it….

The grounds are well maintained and there is a large decorative rope hanging in front of the entrance, along with a Torii gate painted bright red.

A stone path leads through it to the stairs of the shrine itself, a small donation box sitting at the top of them.

It’s remarkably clean, though no one appears to be here.

“So does something take care of this building?” You ask.

Sanae nods. “The goddesses have someone on hire to come by and take care of the place, there used to be a shrine maiden but…”

She looks away awkwardly.

“She left.”

Ah… you look over the grounds again, at least it is still in one piece, compared to the one on top of the mountain anyway.

You walk into the grounds itself with her, before stopping at the donation box.

“So, tell me about the Moriya.”

Sanae tilts her head at you curiously.

“What’s the sales pitch?” You ask, gesturing to the grounds.

“Er…” She utters, obviously confused.

“What do you and the goddesses offer to have people give you faith? You didn’t mention much at the train station beyond the gods being kind and wise, on top of offering protection.”

She shakes her head.

“Lady Kanako protects those who worship her, and Suwako maintains the land of her followers. “It’s how they’ve been working for a thousand years. Though Kanako has been seeking alternate ways of generating faith since we got here… it is why things got…”

She bits her lip, shaking her head again.

“And they offer the same to the Tengu? Suwako I know is looking over some crops, and Kanako is blessing weapons, is that the norm?” You ask.

“Yes, I believe that it was said before that the Tengu did not have any Deities near them when we arrived, the Aki harvest gods were around.... But they mostly stayed focused on the local human populations." She explains.

“Kanako and Suwako showing up made them popular rather quickly, relations are still good, but have become more strained lately. The attack on the village didn’t help, Kanako took that rather personally as you can imagine.”

You nod. “She seemed bothered by it immensely when I spoke to her earlier in the week.”

Sanae sighs. “Kanako takes her job as a goddess seriously, she’s a goddess before she is anything else. So she can feel at times she is failing at her very existence when things go wrong.” She says, looking back towards the Tengu village.

“Either way.” You say. “I’ve gotta figure all of this out if I want to help repair relations, I’ll have my work cut off for me.”

Sanae looks back towards you with a smile. “Yes, though the Tengu are still quite okay with us, I have honestly no idea how you think you’ll manage the underground.”

You return the smile.

Looking back over the grounds an idea forms in your head. “I assure you I have my means. Any thoughts on hiring another shrine maiden by the way?” You ask.

“Not at the moment, I’m not even sure where the previous one went, one day she was here, the other Suwako told me she quit.”

You rub your chin. “Is that her?” You ask, pointing over her shoulder.

She turns around confused, but sees nothing except the fence around the shrine.

She turns back a question dying on her lips as her eyes widen at the sight of you.

A simple Miko’s outfit has replaced your clothes, your hair having elongated down to your waist, though keeping the same black tone.

You are a little shorter than her now, and at her expression you giggle a little.

“Could I be a shrine maiden you ask?” Your voice light and a large amount more feminine.

“Who… what? Where is Ayumu!?” She asks, backing up nervously.

You waggle a finger. “Shapeshifter remember? Fox?”

She stares at you a moment longer before clarity seems to come over her. Did she forget?

“Doesn’t… doesn’t that drain your magic?” She asks.

You shrug your shoulders, pulling out a Gohei of your own and idly twirling it in your fingers.

“Shapeshifting is natural for me. As long as I do not get too crazy with it, something like this takes less than my flight card does... Just don’t ask me to fight in this form, or in general for awhile.”

She looks over you a moment longer, before sighing and looking you over again.

“No more surprises please… it’s been a long couple of days.”

You grin, dropping the shapeshift, turning back to your normal form.

“Apologies, so are we meeting up with the goddesses, or will they be finding us?”

Sanae shrugs again. “We could just head back to the temple ourselves, otherwise we can go take a look for them.”

You think about it a moment, before another idea takes over.

You walk over to Sanae. “Hey, remember this morning when Kanako ticked you off a little?”

She nods slowly. “I… wouldn’t say ticked off exactly, I mean Kanako tries her best bu-“ You hold up a hand. "But it annoyed you right?"

She nods again.

You take on a particularly vulpine grin as you lean over to whisper into her ear. “How would you like to do a little trick?”

As you explain it to her a grin matching your own comes across her face.

- - -

You head back to the palace together, and luckily enough both Kanako and Suwako are at the base of it chatting already.

Sanae shouts a happy greeting towards the two of them as you approach.

Both goddess turn to look at you, then freeze on the spot.

“Good afternoon Lady Kanako and Lady Suwako! Did everything go well?” You say as well in a greeting, your voice a perfect match for Sanae’s as you stop in front of them.

You both bow towards them in sync, before rising to look at them both with a smile.

Kanako pales looking between the two of you.

You think this is the first time you’ve seen her well and truly flabbergasted.

Suwako however looks at the display in confusion.

“Aight, which one of you is Sanae.” She ask, pointing a finger at the both of you.

You both look at each other. Two Sanae’s standing before the goddessesses, each a perfect match for the other.

You each raise a finger and point to the other, giggling as you do so.

“She is!” You both say at the same time.

Kanako puts her hands on her hips. “That is enough of this… this… tomfoolery!”

Sanae looks at you. “Tomfoolery?”

You shrug. “I don’t know him, is that a new god?” You ask.

Sanae returns the shrug. “Perhaps another war god?”

Suwako starts cracking up while Kanako looks like she’s completely dumbfounded.

“I think our Goddesses are confused Sanae.” You say.

“Indeed Sanae, that appears to be the case, perhaps they need rest?” She responds.

You nod. “Staying out too late is bad for those of a divine persuasion, we should return to the temple post haste!”

Kanako throws her arms up in frustration and stomps off, leaving you with the cackling earth goddess.

Suwako wipes away a tear from her eye. “Well done, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen her that bothered. Now which one of you is Ayumu?”

A set of fox ears appear on your and Sanae’s heads, both neon green to match the hair.

And you each point at yourselves.

“…Aight you made your point, but one of you has to make dinner tonight.” The goddess says, a neutral expression on her face, and almost a touch of annoyance as well.

You look towards Sanae. “This is true, but can we both cook at the same time?”

She shakes her head. “It would be a mess if we both tried to make the same thing at the same time, perhaps it would be wiser if we allow Kanako to cook instead? She was eager after last time.”

Suwako's expression cracks a little, her face now paling as well.

“Ayumu give me my shrine maiden back.”

You both look to each other again and shrug, then walk away calling after Kanako.

Suwako is stammering behind you as you both walk way, arms around each others shoulder.

Kanako is already long gone, but Suwako doesn’t need to know that.

When you are just out of range Sanae breaks into a fit of giggles, and you drop the illusion.

“I do believe we should run back to the temple now.” You say to the maiden.

“Quite!”

- - -

You both make your way back to the temple, Sanae breaking off to get started on making dinner, while you relax in the dining room. Kanako is already there watching the television idly, not paying any attention as you sit down in front of the couch she is lounging on.

A few minutes later Suwako shows up as well, she looks over the scene in confusion, before running off to look into the kitchen. She returns a moment later, a smile on her face as she sits down next to the table.

No conversation passes between you, though with Kanako that is normal, you think Suwako is giving you the silent treatment again.

About an hour passes before Sanae comes out with food, some noodle bowls on trays, along with a side dish of some sort of egg.

Little conversation passes beyond Sanae asking about the actual results of the days goddess work. Nothing apparently too interesting occurred.

You spend some time afterwards with them in the dining room before turning in for bed.

Making your way back into your room you get undressed as you feel your magical channels again.

By tomorrow you should hopefully be okay enough to take care of yourself, or at least get out of dodge if a fight starts.

You still are absolutely nowhere near peak condition, or even near you were when you entered, but you aren’t helpless.

You look down at your bed, and the spellcards on the table besides.

Chapter Text

You take a card from the top of the stack, holding it in front of you, the patterns glinting in the light of the sunset through your windows.

You take a deep breath, and then you channel your magical energy outward, and push it into the card.

It alights blue like all the times before, then…

Nothing happens.

It still shines brightly, casting the room in an azure light... but it doesn't form anything at first.

Then, all at once you feel it take magical energy from your arm again, cutting off the supply from the rest of your body as it drains too quickly.

With a bright flash of light energy erupts from it, sending you crashing backwards into the table, cards flying everywhere.

You shake your head, what… just happened?

Blank cards flutter down from the air, landing all over the place.

And in your hand is… a new spell card.

An image of an old Japanese village, burning.

In golden letters across the bottom it reads.

“Last Word – The Final Fox of Miyagi”

… You have got to be fucking with me.

You look at the card, and your room around it.

Shaking your head you remove the majority of them from your bedspread and turn in for the night, you can deal with this in the morning.

- - -

You wake up in the morning, a night of pleasant no dreams.

You stretch and look about… right.

Card explosion...

You take a few minutes to pick up the spread around cards back into their pile by your table, and then head outside across the yard for your morning routine.

A quick shower later you change into one of the casual sets Suwako helped you acquire, then head down the hallway and into the main roo-

Guests?

Two young blonde women in fall themed dresses are standing in the main hall, idly talking to each other.

You change your clothes into your suit with a quick bit of magic, before walking into the room.

“Good morning ladies, can I help you?” You ask, stopping in front of them.

The one with the flower ornament in her hair clasps her hands and smiles at you.

“Good morning sir! I was not aware there was a guest here, would you perhaps know if Kanako is around?” She asks.

You shake your head. “Unfortunately I do not, if you’d like I can go check on her.”

She waves your offer away. “No no, that is fine, we can wait. She will certainly be around soon. Are you a new member of the shrine?”

“Yes actually, I’m a tenant of the shrine. Just recently arrived.” You lightly bow. “My name is Ayumu. Who might I be speaking with?” Knowing Kanako and Suwako’s usual company…

“Ah! My apologies! I am Shizuha.” She explains

The other woman speaks up. “And I am Minoriko, we are gods who live on the mountain.”

“Pleasure to meet you both. I believe Sanae mentioned you… harvest goddesses?” You ask.

Minoriko nods. “Yes I am, my sister Shizuha is a goddess of Fall however.”

Usual company indeed, though friendly like Hina at least.

“I used to know of a harvest goddess in Miyagi… name was Ikue if I remember correctly. I never met her personally, she mostly stayed with the humans, I don’t know if she is still around. Though Miyagi is still heavily agricultural.” You say, remembering back.

Shizuha taps her chin. “Izue… no it’s nor familiar to me, harvest and seasonal gods are usually local I’m afraid, we never really left this area.”

Minoriko shakes her head as well. “I’m afraid I haven’t either, but it pleases me that there is still others of our kind in the outside world.” She finishes with a genuine smile.

“I can imagine, are you here on official goddess business?”

Minoriko shakes her head with another smile and holds up a bag. “Just delivering some of our excess produce.” She shakes it for emphasis, a few vegetables are poking out of the top of it.

“Ah, she’s probably still at breakfast, if you wish I can bring them over to her, I was heading there myself.”

Minoriko nods and holds the bag out and you grab it gently. “I would appreciate that, we have a busy day, the fall grape harvest is still in full swing.”

“It’s no problem, I will get these over to her.”

Minoriko nods her head and tilts forward in a light bow. “Then I thank you once again.”

They both step outside the temple building, leave you to watch them go.

Friendly.

- - -

You head out the other side of the main hall and into the dining room,

Suwako and Sanae are already sitting at the table with small plates of food, but no sign of Kanako.

“Kanako cooking breakfast?” You ask.

Sanae shakes her head rapidly in the negative. “She is looking into something in the human village this morning. She asked us to meet her there after we finished breakfast.”

“Already? How did she manage to find something to check out before breakfast?”

Suwako grins up at you, slapping a hand against your usual cushion by the table.

“Goddess! Doesn’t sleep unless she wants to, now come on eat we got things to do!”

You take the hint and sit down to breakfast with the two of them.

- - -

It passes quickly, they are already ready to go and you head outside the temple before taking off towards the human village.

It’s a short flight to get there, and nobody shoots you down this time, which is a plus.

You all arrive outside the southern gate, already busy this weekday morning with people bringing in the harvest through the gates. Minoriko must have been busy indeed.

You cut your way through with Sanae and get through the gate and onto the main street where it is a bit more free to move around.

Sanae breaks through the crowd and catches up to you… but there is no sign of…

“Where’s Suwako?” You ask, looking over the crowd.

*Ribbit*

A frog noise comes from Sanae, and you look at her in confusion, before with a rustling a small frog peeks out of a hidden pocket in her outfit.

*Ribbit*

“…Suwako?” You ask slowly.

You get a croak in affirmation.

“Suwako uses a frog form when she doesn’t want to be noticed.” Sanae says quietly.

“...Okay then.”

You follow Sanae as you cut a path through the busy street towards the central plaza, it takes a few minutes to get there with how crowded it is.

It’s busy as expected with the merchants out in full force around the statue.

People coming and going, yet no sign of Kanako.

You follow Sanae further up to the dragon statue where you stop and survey the scene. There is stall after stall and people of all sorts along with the odd Youkai.

But no sign of the goddess anywhere.

“Is this where she said she would meet us?” You ask.

Sanae looks around the square another time, nodding as she does so.

“She said she would meet us here at this time…” She explains.

“Should we look for her then? Or do you want to stay here for a bit?”

Sanae shakes her head. “I think we shou-“

“HALT RIGHT THERE!”

A loud voice from behind you causes Sanae to jump, and you turn to look for the source of it.

A woman in regal dress marches up to the both of you with purpose, cutting through the crowd.

She stops a few feet in front of the both of you and crosses her arms in front of her chest.

Her hair is strawberry red and tied up behind her head in a tight bun, complementing a Kimono of deep purple.

There’s a small smile on her face as she looks at the two of you, like the cat who caught the canary.

“I am an Officer of the Gensokyo Police Force, and you will tell me all you know about the ongoing incident!” She halfway shouts, her red eyes glinting with excitement.

You look towards Sanae. “Gensokyo has a police force?”

“…No.”

The woman stands there, tapping a foot against the ground impatiently.

“And… which incident would that be exactly?” You ask.

She waves her hand in the air. “What incident… Of all the!”

“The giant flying ship in the sky my retainers spoke of, what else!”

Ship… in the sky?

“Ah!” Sanae speaks up. “It’s just down that way.” She says, pointing down the northern road.

“Just a bit outside the town down the road, can’t miss it.”

The woman breaks out into a large grin.

“I thank you for your cooperation, the Gensokyo police force is always looking for new deputies if you are interested!” And with that she goes walking down the northern road, leaving you both to stare after her.

“Who was that exactly?”

Sanae tilts her head. “I… honestly have no idea.”

*Ribbit*

- - -

“So…” You say, looking around the square again. “I believe I was asking should we wait here, or should we go look for her?”

...

… “Wait, can’t Suwako sense her?”

Sanae stares at you for a moment, and then palms her face. “Yes… she can.”

She gently lifts the frog out of her pocket and holds it in front of her.

They have a staring match for several moments, before Sanae sighs and puts Suwako back in her pocket.

“She’s at the schoolhouse.” Sanae says after a moment.

"You... can speak psychic frog?" You ask.

She giggles. "No... not exactly, it's not too dissimilar to what Suwako and Kanako share.

She cuts through the square and starts heading up the north road.

“Why on earth would Kanako be at a schoolhouse?” You ask, catching up to her.

“Keine works there, so she may be trying to get some information, it’s just a bit down this road and to the left.”

She leads you a bit down to the path, then true to her word cuts a sharp left just a block or two down.

The side street is mostly housing, not exactly affluent, but not poor either. It’s another two minutes or so before you come across a large building standing off from the rest.

It’s two stories and well made, with a simple fence surrounding it, the grounds are filled with playing children and adults watching them. Teachers or parents you’d imagine.

Sanae enters through the gate and towards the door of the structure itself, opening it and ushering you inside.

It’s a simple lobby, with two twin hallways going to the right and left with doors against them.

Sanae moves down the left hallway, before stopping at a door. The nameplate beside it reading.

‘K. Kamishirasawa’

“This is Keine’s office.” Sanae says, waiting a moment and then knocking on the door.

Silence responds, leaving her to stand there a bit awkwardly.

…Then the door opens after a moment, revealing a surprised and rather bedraggled looking Keine.

It’s a rather nice office behind her, with bookcase after bookcase lining the wall, along with a rather nice if well used desk.

Keine looks at you a moment, before sighing and gesturing you inside. “The rest of the Moriya then… Welcome to my office.”

Sanae steps around her and you do so as well as Keine closes the door behind the both of you.

Kanako is indeed here, standing near a window in the back of the room, looking over the grounds.

Keine returns to her desk. “I didn’t expect more guests this morning, I DO have to prepare this afternoons lesson plan keep in mind.”

Kanako speaks up. “I am fully aware of how busy you are Keine, but as protector of the human village you must realize how important this is as well.”

Keine rubs her temples in frustration. “I am aware Kanako.

“I do not have a problem looking into the Amanojaku, but do keep in mind this kind of thing takes time, I don’t exactly have all this information on immediate hand.”

So that is what this is about?

Kanako breaths in deeply.

“Then I look forward to your findings.” Kanako says after a moment, before turning to look at you and Sanae.

“I apologize for the delay; the conversation took longer than I had planned.”

There’s some grumbling from Keine’s desk.

Kanako turns to look at the teacher, then back to you. “Come, we have things to discuss.”

And without another word walks past the two of you and back out of the office.

Sanae quickly bows to Keine and steps out herself.

“Good morning Keine, and my apologies.”

Keine smiles and waves you off. “Don’t worry about it… everyone does it. Just please, I do have work to do.”

You nod. “Still, my apologies.” And head outside of the room yourself to see Kanako and Sanae waiting outside down in the lobby.

“Got what you came for?” You ask, closing the door and walking over.

Kanako nods her head. “Keine will look into the Amanojaku, I’m afraid there wasn’t much in the way of useful information about it that I could find.”

Sanae speaks up. “That would be helpful, we haven’t had much in the way of information about her…

“What are we doing today then?”

Kanako grins. “Today we shall be seeing the status of the Hakurei’s investigation, I had also intended on looking into the Taoists as well.

“I am not aware of their stake in this, and wish to see if they have learned anything about this matter that we have not.” She explains.

“The… Taoists Lady Kanako?” Sanae says nervously. “Are you certain that is wise?”

She’s shooting furtive glances at you.

What could she have to worry abo-

Oh, the counterpart to Byakuren, right.

You don’t seriously expect me to switch flags that easily do you Sanae?

Kanako shakes her head. “I do not see any problems with querying them on the status of their efforts, if they are making any.

“But let us head to the Hakurei Shrine first; I am curious about their efforts.” Kanako says, pulling out her flight card.

You mirror the action, and she takes off, you and Sanae following closely behind as she leaves the village.

It’s a short flight to the hill near the town upon which the shrine resides, and it’s much as the same as when you were last here.

Though there are far more leaves on the ground, apparently nobody has swept it in quite some time.

There are no signs of anybody on the grounds either.

You hear several joints popping and a satisfied sigh besides you, and you look over to see Suwako stretching her arms behind her back.

“Done being a frog for the day?” You ask.

She nods happily. “For the most part, depends on if we have to go to the Human Village again.”

“Why would you need to hide yourself like that in the Human Village?” You ask.

She shrugs. “Me an’ Kanako are both gods of a same domain, but I dig into the curse aspect as well. So most human’s bug me for crap if they see me around."

“Then that time we ran into you in the village previously?”

“Nobody there really knows what I look like in big mode, so I didn’t need to worry about it. I have my means if I need to check out something in the human village without getting noticed for who I am.” She explains.

“And the last two times you and me were there?”

She winks at you. “Both times we had an objective so we were in and out.

“That and I couldn’t exactly guide you around town as a frog, and beanpole doesn’t like going into mini mode. Didn’t know how long we were gonna be waiting there so I didn’t want to be noticed, ya wouldn’t believe how many people want their ex cursed or some such.”

You shake your head. “I can imagine actually, though I don’t do curses myself.”

She gives you an appraising eye, then giggles. “I suppose ya would, but no, unless I’m on actual goddess work I stick to frog form or something similar.

“Sanae handles the proselytizing, and Youkai tend to solve their own problems that would require a curse. Do get work from time to time removing them as opposed to puttin’ them on though.” She finishes with a shrug, and then turns to look towards the temple.

Kanako and Sanae are standing by the door to the shrine itself.

Sanae is standing there awkwardly, while Kanako is standing there looking impatient.

“No shrine maiden huh.” You say, looking over the scene.

“Apparently not.” Suwako agrees.

Then the front door slides open, revealing a very haggard looking Reimu.

“…It’s too early for Moriya nonsense.” She says after a long moment.

“Apologies Reimu, we were hoping to get an update from you on the status of your investigation.” Sanae says apologetically.

Reimu stares at her for several awkward moments, before sliding the door the rest of the way open.

The interior is the same as you’ve seen in the dream for the most part, though it is quite a mess at the moment. Just how long exactly has she been working on this incident?

Sanae, Kanako, and Suwako walk past her inside, though she holds out a hand to stop you as you try to cross the threshold.

“Still don’t know you.” She says in a tired voice.

Then closes the door in your face.

… Rude.

- - -

You stare at the closed door a moment, and then take a seat down on the porch.

It’s a pretty morning at least.

You can’t hear any talking inside, even with your hearing, though you wouldn’t be surprised if the building was sealed against such things.

Still no sign of Suika…

Though as you feel a pair of hands settle around your shoulders you realize you’ve found the other one at least.

“Morning Mima.” You say to the empty air.

The two hands fade into view and solidify around your shoulders.

“Good morning yourself.” Her voice speaks up behind you.

“Still with the Moriya I see?” She asks, trailing a hand across your shoulder before flying past you, floating over the grounds, her ghostly tail moving in a non-existent breeze.

“Yep.” You say simply.

She twirls on the spot, before turning back around to face you.

“Didja find out about the underground?~” She asks in a sing song voice.

“Yes I did actually.”

“Oh?”

You shrug your shoulders, leaning back on the porch a little. “Failed to see how it concerned me to be honest.

“Seem willing enough to fix it, besides, not like I had a lot in the way of options when I arrived in Gensokyo.

“What about you? Never seen a ‘malicious’ spirit haunting a shrine. I’m sure there is an interesting story there.”

Mima laughs. “Oh there is! But it isn’t one I’m interested in telling.

“Tell me boy, what kind of being are you? Certainly not human.” She asks, floating over to ‘sit’ in front of you of.

“Spirit, though non malicious I’m afraid.” You say.

“Oho? Really now, a non malicious spirit, that’s a rare one indeed.

“Now I’ve been in Gensokyo for quite some time now, but there must have been major changes indeed if they’ve started making those.”

You shrug again, pushing yourself off the porch and walking across the grounds a little.

“How old is Gensokyo anyway?” You ask.

“Mm, around one hundred and thirty years at last counting I suppose.”

You nod. “Then yes, that is plenty of time for major changes.

“Most of the more malicious examples I knew of died off years ago. They were hunted to extinction.”

You hear her snickering behind you. “You speak as if you are so old.”

“I am, the last time I checked, of course I could always compare but it is rude to ask a lady her age.”

You turn around to look at her.

She’s traded floating idly in the air to leaning against the porch, her tail moving up and down in an approximation to kicking legs.

She snickers again. “I assure you I am far from that kind of lady, and even if I was I lost count years ago.”

You quirk an eyebrow but she says nothing more.

“Where’s Suika?” You ask, looking towards the back of the shrine.

“Out drinking in the underground I’d imagine.” She says. “Little goblin is always moving about.”

Hmm.

“Tell me, does Sanae sti-“

Mima abruptly fades from view mid sentence, the door to the shrine sliding open again.

Stepping out is Kanako, Suwako, and Sanae, no sign of Reimu however as Sanae closes the door behind them.

You give a lazy wave. “How’d it go?”

Suwako sighs. “Reimu ran into some Tsukumogami sisters and a Dullahan in the forest, but didn’t get any information from them.”

Tsukumogami sisters…

“Did she describe the Tsukumogami?” You ask.

Sanae shakes her head. “She didn’t, just said two Tsukumogami attacked her in the forest, along with the Dullahan on the same night.”

Kanako speaks up. “It’s unfortunate, but I think we should still look into the Taoists before heading back.”

Kanako pulls out her flight card again, about to take off towards wherever the Taoists are.

Chapter Text

You would like to look into the sisters… but at the same time you don’t want to go against Kanako two days in a row. That and it may not even be them, though you do hope they are alright.

You pull out your flight card as well, and in short time you are all in the air over Hakurei shrine as Kanako leads a path north towards the village.

“So where is this shrine?” You ask, pulling along side Sanae.

She points past the village to the West. “It’s actually just a bit outside the city itself, though it isn’t on any real main roads.

“They’ve only recently built the temple so some things are still being worked on.” She explains.

“What can you tell me about them?”

“The Taoists?” She clarifies.

You nod.

“They came into Gensokyo a little while back, I worked with Youmu, Marisa, and Reimu to sort out their arrival… it caused a minor incident. Since then they’ve mostly kept to themselves until recently, where they became much more active in the human village.

“Their temple is actually fairly new.” She finishes explaining.

“Youmu?” You inquire.

“Oh, apologies. Youmu works for Yuyuko as a servant.

“It’s actually been some time since I have seen her come to think of it.” She says.

“Where do they live? Yuyuko and Youmu that is?” You ask.

“Hakugykurou, it’s in the Netherworld.” She explains.

You fish through your pocket, then remember you had left both of ‘those’ cards at the temple.

“I have one of Yuyuko’s along with Yukari’s, perhaps I could make a visit at some point.”

Sanae smiles. “It’s a beautiful place, though I have not been there in some time. The spirits there can be irritable, so it is best to be careful.”

“They are dead, I can imagine. Though I also have to question a Netherworld that you can simply visit.”

Sanae shrugs. “You’ve visited Hell, how’s the Netherworld any different?”

… Point.

- - -

Kanako and the rest of you land just outside of the western gate, and Kanako starts walking with purpose outside of the city.

You haven’t really been on this side of the town come to think of it, and as far as you can see it as well is mostly farmland, though far less housing than you expected.

Though with its proximity to the forest of magic, perhaps the humans are just being careful.

“That would be it there.” Suwako says to your right, and she points off towards a structure just now coming into view from where it was hidden by trees.

A tall pagoda made of what appears to be white stone, easily several stories high.

It’s a good half mile away, and the road abruptly stops about half way through it, though there is signs one is being worked on.

You transition from a dirt path to grass underneath your feet as you walk onwards. Steadily more of the temple coming into view as you do so.

It is surrounded by a red stone wall, though not very tall, more for decoration than defense.

… Not that you much value the protection a wall could possibly give you here.

The gates of the complex are open, and from it is a stone path leading some ways away from the temple towards the dirt road, but not having connected yet.

Recent indeed.

It takes another half minute of walking before you reach the grounds of the complex itself. The inside is well taken care of, stone pathways flanked by grass dying in the fall season. There are actually a few humans about, either working on the grounds or just moving around the complex.

Sanae pulls you aside as you start to move further.

“Be careful.” She whispers.

“The Taoists are better about it then they used to be, however most of their number still have a very… hostile view towards Youkai. Just don’t be too overt and nobody should bother you.”

You quirk an eyebrow. “Since when am I ever overt? But thank you, I’ll keep it in mind.”

A few curious glances as the four of you enter the temple grounds, but none stop you as you move through it.

It’s built almost entire around the pagoda in the center, there is one or two outlier buildings, but they are small and don’t appear to be used for much more than storage.

The entrance of the pagoda itself is quite grand by any standards, a large set of twin wooden doors, easily ten feet high mark its main entrance.

They are both gilded with complicated patterns of dragons and other such creatures. Standing near it is a young girl, who watches your approach with interest. She is dressed in archaic clothing by any stretch of the imagination, along with grey hair going down her shoulders to her waist, and silver eyes that twinkle in interest.

She speaks up as you approach.

“Now this wouldst be a rare sight indeed! the Moriya come to visit?” She hops down from the slight platform the building is sitting on to land on the stone in front of you all.

She smiles and looks at all of you.

“Mornin’ Futo, we’re just here to speak to Miko, would she happen to be in?” Suwako replies.

The newly named Futo nods. “Aye, she is, she wouldst be in the main temple.” She tilts her head towards the pagoda for emphasis.

“Might I inquire as to the purpose of this visit? Twas quite a surprise to see the lot of you.” She asks.

Kanako responds. “We are looking into an ongoing incident and wish to inquire as to the Taoists efforts so far.”

“Is that so?” Futo asks. “Then far be it from me to keep you any longer, she wouldst be up at the top of the structure.”

Kanako nods and walks past her.

You and the other two follow along shortly afterwards, Futo watching you all pass with interest.

…

Kanako reaches the large double doors and pushes them open, revealing a large chamber.

Relics and religious ornaments line the walls, along with several shelves with various Taoist literature.

The floor is marble, well made and reflecting near perfectly, while in the center of the room is a large pillar.

It is made from what appears to be green rock, and it goes from the floor to the ceiling, and through it from the looks of it, as a large spiral staircase winds around it.

A few humans, clerks from the looks of them are working at various desks placed around the room, though none look up at you as you enter.

Kanako cuts a path through the room towards the staircase, and you follow her behind as she starts moving up it.

The second floor is more of the same, while the third and fourth floors appear to be living quarters… and partially under construction.

The fifth floor appears to be the final one, as you enter into another chamber, though the smallest of all of them so far.

The floor is made up of fine carpeting, and even more artifacts line the walls, at the end of it is a… throne.

Sitting upon it is a young woman with blonde hair and grey eyes.

She’s wearing a peach dress with a purple skirt and… earmuffs?

She raises her head from where she was resting it on her hand to look at you all in interest as you approach.

“I bid thee welcome, Goddesses of the Moriya shrine, how can I help you today?” She says as you come to a stop in front of her. Her voice is calm, but has a certain air of confidence.

Kanako speaks up first. “Hello again Miko, the Moriya wish to know your stake in an ongoing incident, and if you would perhaps know anything you would be willing to share about it?”

Miko looks at Kanako curiously. “If by ‘ongoing incident’ you mean the goings on with the Demon and the Inchling princess?”

Suwako nods. “Yes, that would be the one.”

Miko shakes her head. “I am not currently looking into it, my stake in it is as such that I cannot spare anything to deal with it.

“Between setting up this new temple and protecting my followers I could not spare anyone to look into the matter further.

“I am afraid I do not have much in the way of information to give you.”

Kanako looks taken aback, and then responds. “Is that it? Have you truly put nothing into investigating this incident?”

Miko nods. “I cannot speak for all of my followers, but I have personally not been able to spare anything, this temple as you know is very recent and takes all of my effort.

“However rest assured if anything came to endanger the human village I will meet it in full force.”

Kanako and Miko stare at each other.

Then with a sigh Kanako looks away.

“Then I thank you for your time.”

Miko looks apologetic. “I am sorry I could not give you further information. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Kanako shakes her head. “No, that would be all.” She then turns to leave the room, followed by Suwako and Sanae.

You turn to follow after them but Miko calls out to you.

“Pardon, but I do not believe I got your name. I recall seeing you at the station.”

You turn back to look at her, Sanae and Suwako have stopped at the threshold of the staircase to look as well.

“My apologies, I am Ayumu.”

… Right, Sanae.

“I am a member of the Moriya shrine.” You finish.

Miko nods. “I am Toyosatomimi no Miko, leader of the Taoists.”

… “Toyosatomimi?” You say carefully.

She grins. “Indeed! I take it you have heard the name, I was previously known as Prince Shoutoku!”

You blink.

Then blink again.

“You are aware that… prince Shoutoku was… male… right? And Buddhist?” You ask.

You hear a snort from behind you, though you don’t check to see who made it.

Miko blushes. “History… remembered me incorrectly, and just because I do not have certain…”

*Grumbling*

“Does NOT mean I am a man!”

You raise a hand apologetically. “Then my apologies… but Buddhist?”

She shakes her head. “Buddhism was a useful tool in uniting the country, however I practiced the true way of Taoism in secret.”

“Is… that so?”

She nods. “Indeed, if you are ever interested in learning more, you are free to visit.”

“I’ll keep that in mind thank you.” You say, before making a retreat towards the stairs before anything possibly unfortunate happens.

- - -

You head outside of the temple with the group and stop just outside the gates.

“What shall we do now Lady Kanako?” Sanae asks.

The goddess sighs. “We should head back to the temple, we can have lunch then you two can get to work on the grounds some more.”

Suwako speaks up. “Hopefully the Tengu will turn up something soon enough, though I am loathe to go after anybody until I hear back from Eirin. Last thing we need is them going all cornered rat and making everything they can go berserk.”

Sanae nods. “I… do not much like the idea of fighting someone that can make others go berserk at will, but I do not know how much longer we can chase them down before they do something drastic.”

You look off towards the mountain. “So what are we thinking then? I’m assuming that the Tengu will be getting back to us fairly quickly with news, especially with Aya on the case. Do we want to go straight after them? Or do we want a backup plan with Eirin? We still have Keine and Akyuu looking into things as well.” You ask.

Kanako nods. “While that all would be helpful, we have the Tengu on our side for backup, along with the Hakurei maiden should it come to pass. I feel the best course of action would be a swift strike before they can finish whatever it is they are planning.”

Suwako shakes her head. “And I feel it would be best to wait it out, as much as I’d like to put a stop to all of this nonsense, we do not know the full extent of what the mallet can truly do.

“We do not know if it could effect us, and we do not actually know what their plan fully IS.” She finishes.

Sanae murmurs a bit before speaking up. “I… do not know. While going after them as fast as possible would be good. I fear we do not know the full extent of what they could do.”

You rub your shoulder. “A few more berserk werewolves and I don’t think we are going to have much of a choice, though the ability to avoid such a fight would be a boon.

“If Eirin can turn out something that would allow us to do so at any rate.”

At that the conversation dies off, and you all head back towards the temple.

- - -

It is thankfully in the same state you left it, and you and Sanae get to work on the grounds while Suwako starts working on some lunch.

For once you are both working on the same project, getting the fence fixed up.

You take turns for a good hour or so, swapping between replacing the old boards, and digging new holes for the beams, before Suwako calls you in for lunch.

Kanako has changed out of her goddess outfit for something more comfortable, and Suwako still looks the same as she did this morning.

Suwako sets down plates and you get down to eat.

“So…” You say digging into it. “Anything left major I need to visit?”

“Depends on what ya mean by major.” Suwako responds. “Gensokyo’s a large place, I’d be surprised if ya could go a day without meeting someone new outside of the temple.

“Though in terms of major players you’ve met most of ‘em.” She explains. “Planning a day trip?”

You shrug. "With how many dreams I enter I figure it may help if I meet people beforehand." You say, then return to eating.

The rest of lunch passes by quickly and you and Sanae head back outside to finish up your work.

With the fence now almost complete… there isn’t really a whole lot to work on besides the remaining sub buildings.

Your working on the last section of the fence when Sanae asks you a question.

“How are you… feeling? The wounds and energy I mean?”

You prop up the shovel you were working with and lean on it a little.

“The arm is fine, along with the rest of me, the only scars left are the ones that were already there.

“Doesn’t hurt either. As for the energy…” You flex your hand experimentally.

“I figure another day of rest and I’ll be at where I was when I fought Yuugi. I still am quite a long way from full, but I’m definitely… better.” You finish.

The sun is just starting to set over the mountain, casting the valleys and forest below in a golden light that strikes the leaves that are in the midst of turning through the colors of fall.

... It reminds you of home.

“It’s just… since you’ve been here you have had a rough time of things, so I wanted to make sure you are still happy.” She says, looking at you.

Is that what she was worried about?

You reach out and rub her head a little, causing her to jump back a bit.

“You remind me of someone I used to know when you talk like that. She was about your height as well. Though she had brown hair, used to always fuss over me.”

She looks at you oddly.

“I’d say I’m happy, I’ve gotten the crap beaten out of me, but I’m not in any danger of disappearing. And it’s… fun here.” You say, looking back over the landscape.

“I haven’t seen people like this in a… very long time. Still, a lot has happened in a little over a week, it always this busy?” You ask, turning back to her.

She nods after a moment.

“It’s always busy, but usually not with things like this. We stay out and about with things, but incidents like this aren’t an everyday occurrence. Usually my days are more spent working with Kanako on whatever she might need me for, and just relaxing on others. I’ve been meaning to work on the shrine more… but it is a bit much for one person.” She finishes, grabbing her hammer.

You chuckle. “Yeah, thought I was being tricked when you first led me here, though if I knew what the ‘work’ entailed I may have just gotten back on the train.

She grabs a new plank of wood and hands it to you. “Would you now?”

You hoist it into position as she starts hammering it in to the pole. “No… no probably not.”

- - -

By the time dinner is announced you’ve finished, it needs a coast of paint, but the exterior fence is looking a lot better.

Admittedly you don’t quite understand the point of an exterior fence on top of a mountain, but the same fence was there in Osaka, so maybe they just like the look.

You pack up the remainder of your tools and head inside, the goddesses already eating.

Fancy tonight, steak.

… Actually, you could have sworn true Shinto were against the whole eating meat bit.

As you watch Kanako devour half a cow you realize perhaps that doesn’t apply to those being worshipped.

Both Suwako and Kanako are oddly silent as you finish up your meals, and Sanae takes the plates away.

When the table is cleared Suwako pulls a large piece of parchment out of her sleeve and places it on the table.

When Sanae returns she flattens it out across the table revealing… a map of Gensokyo?

The human village and the various shrines are on it, including a few locations you don’t recognize.

Suwako speaks up. “We have word from the Tengu as to the possible location of our foes.

"It came in while you were both working outside, I didn't realize you had made a friend in Aya." Suwako says, looking at you with a grin.

You shrug. "I'm quite personable I assure you, what did she bring?"

She marks a point on the map a good several miles away from the mountain to the west, near the border.

“They traced them to a large flying castle located in this area, though they did not approach further.” She explains.

Kanako picks up where she left off.

“If this is indeed where they are we should strike before they realize our location.

“At dawns light we should take the Tengu and deal with this threat once and for all.” She says.

Suwako shakes her head. “And if we do and they are stronger than we feared?

“It couldn’t take more than a few days for Eirin to be ready, by then Ayumu will be in a more fighting shape as well.

“That is on top of the extra time allowing our people looking into them to find out more information about who and what exactly we are fighting.”

Kanako and Suwako stare at each other.

Kanako. “It will be one or the other, we cannot do this in half measures. Sanae?”

The Shrine maiden shakes her head. “I do not feel comfortable allowing them to sit there, especially if they are aware that we are… aware of them. But at the same time the last time we went unprepared for something like this…

“…Ayumu?” She asks hopefully.

Chapter Text

You look between them for a moment before coming to a decision. “I think… our best option is to wait it out…

“We do not at this time have a way to negate the mallet, and we have all seen what it can do. Eirin should have something for us soon, and with the Tengu on our side we may be able to neutralize it completely. The extra time will also allow us to hear back from Akyuu and Keine.” You explain, counting off the points on your fingers.

“But while we wait we certainly do not have to be idle, we are owed a favor from Remilia, and she has a personal vested interest in this incident. We can also look into Alice, as she has dealt with those effected by it in the past. Mokou would be a possibility as well… but she didn’t seem to have much of a desire to be helpful, so I believe we should focus on our two best options on that front.”

You look towards Kanako. “I take it we want to hold off on informing the other temples unless absolutely necessary?”

She nods. She looks less aggrieved than you thought she would…

“Alright, we can also have the Tengu performing reconnaissance as well.”

Suwako chuckles. “Sounds like an old hand at this Ayumu.”

You shrug. “Benefit of hundreds of years, does that work for you all?”

Suwako nods, and Sanae does soon after.

Kanako breathes in deeply. “While I would vastly prefer a rapid assault... before they could discover our knowledge of their location. And before they could have any chance to strike again, I will concede that we do not have a way to counter the mallet.

“And any of us being affected by it would be… a problem. But if it takes longer than three days we will move.” She finishes, shaking her head.

“Aye, that’s fair.” Suwako agrees.

“Then let’s get to work!” Sanae says, pumping her fist.

You discuss a few more details, but then all go your separate ways for bed.

You step out into the main hall and take a deep breath.

Less than two weeks…

Dear gods what have you managed to get yourself roped up into.

- - -

You wake up early in the morning and get ready, you and Sanae are going to try and recruit Alice then head over to Akyuu’s, while Kanako and Suwako are going to meet Remilia.

To that end you freshen up as best you can and illusion on your full suit.

First impressions are important, second impressions are the glue.

You check yourself over in the mirror again, you look damn near the same as when you first arrived in Gensokyo... At least in turn of dress and cut.

With a final satisfied look at the mirror you head out into the hallways and towards the dining area.

Sanae is there already eating, though there is no sign of the goddesses.

“They eat and leave already?” You ask, sitting down at the table.

The priestess nods. “They left about an hour ago, they should be back a bit later.”

“Fair enough.” You say, reaching for your plate. “I take it you know the way to Alice’s house?”

She nods again. “It’s not too far from Marisa’s house.”

“Alright, do keep in mind we aren’t telling Marisa about this.” You say, taking the first bites out of breakfast.

She looks at your curiously, then you can tell she understands as her eyes harden.

“Yes… that would be wise.”

… Down girl.

- - -

You head out the front of the building together and take off into the cool morning air towards the Forest of Magic.

It is a short flight down the mountain as Sanae leads you towards your destination.

She takes you through the trees and into a small clearing.

It’s small, no more than a couple dozen feet in every direction, but it’s apparently enough for Alice.

A western style house sits in the clearing, with whitewashed walls and a tower of some form off to the side.

Around it is a small garden filled with a variety of flowers and herbs, smelling sweetly even in the midst of fall.

Sanae walks up to the door and you follow behind as she raps on it.

A few moments of silence, then you hear shuffling inside, the door swinging open moments later to reveal a surprised looking Alice.

“Good morning Alice, I hope we didn’t wake you.” Sanae says with a slight bow.

Alice returns it, and then shakes her head. “No, I was just working on a project, can I help you?”

Sanae nods. “We believe we have the location of the culprit who is causing the Youkai to become aggressive.

“We were coming by to see if you would be willing to help us apprehend them?”

Alice blinks slowly, and then opens the door a bit more. “Yes... please come inside.”

Sanae smiles brightly and walks past Alice inside, and you follow afterwards.

The inside is…

Rather nice actually, it is western on the interior as well.

A living space with a kitchen off the side, and a large fireplace set against the wall burning with fresh wood.

Oddly you don’t remember seeing any woodsmoke or a chimney of any kind outside...

Alice gestures to a pair of seats near it, Sanae accepting the offer gracefully while you lean against the bricks making up the fireplace so Alice can sit down on the other.

Alice flexes her hand and you hear clacking as a pair of dolls in the kitchen appear to start making tea.

“Now then, please tell me the situation.” Alice says.

You speak up. “We believe to have found the location of the culprits behind the incident; they are in a location not far off from Youkai Mountain.

“In three days time, or less, we will be going in to deal with them. As you’ve run into Youkai affected in the past we were hoping you might like to join us in the fight.”

Alice nods leaning back in the seat.

“I would like to be able to walk through the forest without being attacked yes; do you know if it is safe to fight around the mallet?”

Sanae shakes her head.

“At this time we are not aware; however Eirin is coming up with a counter measure for its effects.”

The pair of dolls comes out again each holding a small cup; one offers it to Sanae while the other makes a beeline towards you with a smile on its face.

You accept it gratefully, the doll smiling.

“These two have names as well?” You ask.

Alice nods with a smile on her face, the two dolls spinning through the air before they curtsy before you.

“The one on the left is Orleans, and the one on the right is Paris.”

You smile. “They are both fine work, but back on subject Eirin should have a counter measure by the time we move.

“Even if she is delayed it is best if we move before they have a chance to use the magic for more… overt displays.”

Alice nods again. “I will join you, please just inform me of when we are going.”

Sanae speaks up. “Within three days time, if you haven’t heard from us by then, please just stop by the Temple.”

“I will.” Alice says. “I will finish up a project I’ve been working on and will be with there when you call.”

Sanae nods happily. “Thank you.”

The conversation dies off there as you finish your tea, Alice bidding you goodbye as she heads into the tower.

Her workshop apparently.

- - -

You and Sanae head out of Alice’s house and back into the forest.

“That was easier than expected.” You say as you both walk away from the building.

Sanae shrugs. “I’ve found over the course of my time here that there are… few beings that do not enjoy fighting.”

You smirk as you both take off in the air towards the human village. “I found that out around six days ago.”

It is thankfully a peaceful flight this time as well, and you quickly make it there and land just outside of the Hieda compound, skipping the gate entirely.

You together with Sanae walk across the compound and towards the door.

You open it and step inside to see Akyuu discussing something with one of her servants, a large stack of papers is on her desk… well a larger stack of papers anyway.

“Mornin’ Amu.”

She turns to the sound of your voice and smiles brightly. “Good morning!”

She makes a shooing motion to the servant who complies, making a hasty exit through the side door.

You and Sanae both walk up and stop in front of her desk.

“Find out anything new about our perps?”

She nods her head. “I was actually going to send a messenger today.

“I looked more into the mallet itself, it appears to work on anything that has magical potential, and increases their power based on how much magical energy they have. The more magical energy, the more powerful the effect, a being with little to no magic wouldn’t hardly be affected to not at all." She explains.

“I worked with Kosuzu on this… as difficult as she may be at times, she did manage to find more information.”

You nod. “We spoke with her that first day, but not since. I’m afraid we still do not know the extent of its abilities, but we did confirm once again that it only works in the hands of Inchlings.”

Sanae tilts her head. “Yes I recall Kosuzu saying something similar on that day as well.”

“Indeed, she was able to find a new copy of the book that was lent. It shouldn’t be dangerous to anyone else normally: However it has been acting oddly, possibly hinting that they may be using it improperly.” Alice replies.

You sigh running your hand over your mouth. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking Sanae?”

She nods after a moment. “That they are working together?”

“Yes… our main culprit, the one who kidnapped her is decidedly not an Inchling, but the effects of the mallet have been clearly seen.”

She nods again. “So you are saying that the kidnapping…”

“Possibly wasn’t a kidnapping yes, which is a problem. She could of course be forcing her to use it, but with how powerful it is...”

You shake your head. “I had a hunch that it may be something like that… but with each mallet affected individual I ran across and heard about it became more of a possibility. I’m not sure if this complicates things or makes them simpler.”

Sanae sighs and looks at Akyuu. “Do we know if it can affect beings of a… divine nature? We know those affected by the Hourai elixir are immune, at least Mokou stated as such.”

Akyuu shrugs. “The mallet has about as many legends about it as the Kusanagi blade, sometimes it is of divine origin, sometimes it isn’t. Theoretically it should affect anything that it can contact, barring exceptional circumstance. As for the mind however… that is difficult to say.” She explains.

“I can say however is it likely she can share the abilities of it to a limited extent.”

Sanae tilts her head. “How so?”

Akyuu pulls a piece of parchment aside and reads over it.

“There’s an older legend where Issun teamed up with another being, though of what kind I cannot say, he was still wielding the Mallet alone. However as per his wish he was able to grant similar abilities to his companion. It may be possible this Seija as well has abilities similar to the mallet.” She finishes.

Sanae looks at you. “It is true that the Scarlet Mansion and the Underground reactor had incidents close to the same time, though we never had confirmation the reactor was cause by the culprits...

“Do you think…?” She leaves the question unfinished.

“Well, we’re going to have to move ahead with this either way.” You say with a shrug.

“Move ahead?” Akyuu asks.

You nod. “We found their location; we’ll be attacking it in a few days.”

Akyuu cups her hands over her mouth, making a distressed sound.

She then runs over to one of the side doors and swings it open, starting to dig through it.

“Amu I swear to the myriad gods that if you get the Naginata you pretend to know how to use, I will break it over my knee and never come back here.”

She stills, then slumps her shoulders.

“I’ll be fine; I’ve got the entirety of the Moriya with me, plus a few others.”

She looks over her shoulder and glares at you.

“How many times have you almost died since you came here?” She asks.

“Are you counting dreams?”

She narrows her eyes further.

“Well… if we are counting dreams around… five times I guess, otherwise twice.”

She glares at you a moment longer. Then sighs and closes the closet door.

Sanae for her part looks away awkwardly.

“How do you manage to pull that off?” Akyuu asks, walking back over to her desk.

You shrug your shoulders.

“One of my many talents, though I’ve only discovered it recently.”

She reaches up and rubs her temple. “Is there anything else?”

“Actually yes, if you have a moment, nothing about me being killed I assure you.”

She looks at you warily and then nods.

“Can you step outside a moment please Sanae?” You ask, turning towards her.

She smiles and nods. “I can go check up on Kosuzu in the meantime.”

She turns and heads out the building, closing the door gently behind her.

You turn to look at Akyuu, a serious expression on your features.

“Do you recall when I stated that they were worshipping a nine tails at the Fox Cult?”

She nods.

“I ran into Yakumo Ran the other day... she entered one of my dreams. And unless she has an identical twin I do not know about, it was the same person. Though she has no apparent memories of the outside world.”

Akyuu’s breath hitches. “You are certain?”

You nod. “Identical down to the minutest detail, though of course Ran didn’t burn me alive when I met her the second time.”

“I’ll… look into it, Ran is an elusive figure, she usually stays by her master’s side and her master rarely leaves her residence.” She says, moving some papers aside.

“I appreciate it, it’s not important for the current incident, but still something I’m curious about.”

She nods. “Any other revelations?”

You shrug your shoulders. “Not that I’m aware of. I’ll probably stop by again after the battle.”

She smiles, a small smile, but a smile none the less. “Come back safely.”

- - -

You head outside, no sign of Sanae, though she’s probably at Kosuzu’s already.

You walk through the village, moving through the square abuzz with activity. No cops this morning as you make your way to the bookstore thankfully.

Sanae is inside talking with Kosuzu already, so you idly wander the rows and wait until they finish.

It doesn’t take very long before Sanae starts to exit the store, you following behind her.

“Find out anything?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “The same as what Akyuu told us, though the goddesses would appreciate the information.”

“That they would, they should be done by now, want to head back?”

Sanae nods and takes off into the air, and in a short time you are back at the temple.

The goddesses are back and are lounging in the dining room in their usual positions.

“How did recruitment go on your end?” Suwako asks with a smile.

You grin. “Got Alice on our side, and got some useful information from Akyuu.

“Remilia?” Sanae asks.

Kanako smirks. “She will join us when we are ready to move.”

“That’s good then… I should probably leave my copy of her card at the temple.” You say.

The smirk drops from Kanako's face. “That would be prudent.

“Remilia is a very prideful creature, and she would take such a thing as an insult.”

You stare at the goddess a moment, trying to keep your expression neutral.

“Thanks for the warning.”

Suwako speaks up. “What information did ya get from Akyuu?”

“Confirmation that the mallet only works in Inchling hands, which confirms a thought I’ve been having for awhile. This wasn’t so much a kidnapping as a runaway.”

Suwako nods. “I thought of such things myself, as the patterns didn’t match up exactly. Anything else?”

“Sort of, Akyuu believes it would affect you as well if it touched you, so I would recommend being careful."

Kanako speaks up. “That would be disastrous for our forces and morale if I or Suwako lost control of ourselves… I fear that may limit our options on the offense.”

“I’ve been thinking about that actually… if I and Sanae swapped places with you two via illusions when the battle starts, you two could do the majority of the damage while we act as bait.”

Kanako tilts her head. “You believe that we would be high value targets to them?”

You nod. “I believe you two would be primary targets if they know anything about you, so if they go after us instead, it will bait them out for you two to deal with when they don’t expect it.

“And if I or Sanae get affected by it… will still be bad, but not as bad as it could be.”

The goddess closes her eyes and mulls it over.

“It’s highly dangerous and relies on underhanded tactics. The risks however, are far outweighed by the advantages it offers.”

She opens her eyes again, a wide smile on her features. “I like it.”

- - -

The rest of the day passes without incident, and the night passes equally quickly waking to another crisp Fall Morning.

Today Kanako is going to check in on Keine, while you and Suwako are checking up with Eirin again.

Sanae for her part is going back to the Tengu village to check on the efforts of the scouts.

You break after a quick breakfast and head out the front of the building with Suwako.

“Today we can just fly straight to Eientei.” Suwako says, looking out over the landscape.

“We couldn’t before?” You ask.

She shakes her head.

“Unless you’ve visited it before ya wouldn’t be able to find it that way… it’s complicated.”

You shrug your shoulders. “After seeing Kaguya’s balcony I have a feeling I don’t really want to know, you ready to go?”

She nods and takes off, you following closely behind.

- - -

You land just outside of Eientei’s gates; the rabbits are out in full force again, along with the ones in human form running about.

None bother you as you head on inside and into the lobby.

It’s the same as when you were last here, an empty lobby, though this time Reisen is at the counter.

“Mornin’ Reisen, not selling in the Village today?” Suwako asks.

The rabbit looks up from whatever it was she was reading behind the counter and shakes her head.

“Ah… good morning, and no, master wishes me to stay in the forest in case anything happens during the incident.”

Suwako nods. “And where would master be today?”

Reisen points down the left hallway. “In her office… do you need her services?”

Suwako grins. “Excellent. Thank you.”

She then starts walking down the hallway leaving you to catch-up.

Reisen calls after you but does not chase. “You need an appointment!”

Suwako however giggles and continues walking.

“You don’t like rabbits very much, do you Suwako.” You ask as you pull alongside her.

The goddess snorts and comes to a stop in front of a large sliding door.

“I like rabbits perfectly fine, just the Eientei rabbits tend to cause trouble.”

She grabs onto the edge of the door and pushes it open, revealing a small medical office.

Compared to the lab this is far more familiar, and less threatening.

A simple bed lays against the far wall under a window, and a few bookshelves are filled with medical textbooks, sitting at a desk is Eirin in a lab coat.

She turns as you enter, a small smile on her features as she sees the two of you.

“Just in time.”

She grabs a small box that was sitting on the table and hands it to the goddess.

Inside is a small package of syrettes, Suwako takes one out and looks at it curiously.

“It’s a new concoction of mine. Majority Diazepam and Benzodiazepine with a fast acting release mechanism, some slight more exotic chemicals and magics to force the patient to enter a Phelmatic state before entering a form of induced coma not dissimilar to barbiturate, though with far less dangers involved.” Eirin explains at a rapid pace.

Suwako gives Eirin a confused look and the doctor shrugs.

“Stab it into a blood vessel, squeeze, and the patient will fall unconscious in moments. With any luck the effect of the mallet will fade as well. They will regain consciousness in an hour or so, it would depend on the metabolism of the Youkai in question, however I would keep it away from any humans." She warns.

“The combination would most likely lead to a very nasty case of Arrhythmia and cause death... Or extreme discomfort followed by a long term coma.” She says with a grin.

“Noted…” Suwako says, carefully putting the box into her sleeve.

“Humans shouldn’t be affected by the mallet; it only really affects those with strong magical potential. How many did you make?” You ask.

The doctor grabs another box and tosses it at you.

“Around one hundred doses, it should be more than enough, and those were high quality reagents you provided to me.”

You look inside of it, more Syrettes as well.

The goddess tips her hat. “Pleasure doing business with ya as usual Eirin, any news from the forest?”

She shakes her head. “The rabbits haven’t discovered any intrusion beyond the odd lost human. Though we will keep up a watch until the incident is over. The idea of someone like Tewi or moon forbid the princess falling under the power of such a thing is… distressing.”

Suwako smiles. “It should be dealt with by tomorrow afternoon, we’ve got them tracked down, we were just waiting on your results.”

The doctor nods. “Is there anything else?”

The goddess shakes her head in the negative. “No, that’ll be all Eirin.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.”

With that you step back outside the office and cut through the lobby back outside.

…

“Head back to the temple then?” You ask the goddess.

She rubs her chin and then nods. “With Keine and the Tengu being taken care of we have nothing to do for the time being, so might as well.

“How are you doing magic wise?”

You roll your arm, pumping a bit into the channels.

“By tomorrow I should be at the level I was when I first arrived in Gensokyo, so enough for a few desperate brawls.”

The small smile on her face cracks a little. “That bad?”

You grin down at her. “Better than you think actually, normally it would take quite a long time to get that much back.

“And by the time I came here it wouldn’t have regenerated at all… so this is an improvement. Though I hate to think how long it will take to fill up all my tails again.”

The goddess looks off into the distance with a smile on her features.

“I think me and Kanako have a few ideas on that front.” She says coyly.

“Oh?”

She sticks her tongue out. “We’ll tell ya after the incident.”

“Ah, so I’ll be dying tomorrow then, that’s how statements like that usually turn out.”

She elbows you. “None of that.”

You rub the side she hit you with an expression of mock her.

In response she sticks out her tongue again and takes off into the air.

With a chuckle you follow her back to the temple.

- - -

You’re in the dining room melting your brain with Suwako when Kanako returns.

Seriously… books… you need books.

“I have returned.” She says with a smirk on her face.

“Welcome back, good news?” You ask.

She shakes her head.

“Keine gave me the same information you retrieved from Akyuu.” She says.

“Then… why are you smirking?”

Her smirk gets somehow smirkier.

“Because with Keine verifying it, it must be true. Which means everything in that castle I can go ahead and treat as hostile.”

Suwako chuckles. “Which means Kanako gets to let off some steam.”

You look between the two of them.

“Should I be worried?”

Suwako gains a smirk of her own matching Kanako’s.

“Not so long as you stay behind her.”

- - -

Sanae returns an hour later, peeking around the corner her expression brightens at the sight of all three of you.

“Ah, there she is. What’s new with the Tengu?” Suwako asks.

Sanae pulls out her notepad and goes over her notes.

“The Tengu have been watching it and scent noting it for several days, there has been no sign of the culprits so far, however several forms of Youkai have been observed going in and out.

“Mostly fairies and goblins, weaker species, though they have reported sightings of more Gashadokuro.”

Kanako nods. “That will keep the Tengu and our allies busy while we press inside, any sighting of the mallet?”

Sanae shakes her head. “Nothing, however the Tengu do know it is the priority target if it is sighted, they’ve got several crows on standby to watch for it.”

You breathe in deeply. “So… that’s that then? Tomorrow we move in?”

Kanako nods. “We have delayed long enough; time is of the essence now, tomorrow at dawn we shall move. Remilia and Alice have already been informed and will meet us at the gate of the shrine in the morning.”

“Alright then… time for the show.” You say a smile on your features.

The rest of the afternoon is spent in peace as you all relaxed around the Temple before turning into your rooms early.

You set your clothes aside and lay down on the bed, sleep thankfully coming quickly.

- - -

You wake up, the room still dark as the sun hasn’t risen yet, but its morning none the less.

A glance at your phone confirms it to be five… still an hour before sunrise, and two hours before the attack.

A small LED on the phone glows green, showing that you never actually opened that message.

You and Sanae spent some time the day before getting it actually set up. You haven’t looked at the news yet, but you did manage to get basic messaging setup.

… To be honest you still aren’t quite sure how, she snatched the thing out of your hands and when she returned it, it was working.

It’ll be helpful in the long run no matter the case.

You grab your clothes and head outside. How long has it been since you’ve felt like this…

You couldn’t honestly say, you never were much for pitched battle.

Still, you have a job to do.

You step into the cool fall air, your breath steaming in as you breathe.

It’ll be a clear day today.

At least until Kanako starts the show anyway.

A quick shower and you are dressed and ready to go, you leave Scarlet Shoot in your room, and after thinking about it for a bit you leave the Last Word behind as well… best save that for when there isn’t a chance of you going berserk.

… And that card makes you rather uncomfortable to be honest.

You head through the main hall, the scent of incense burning strongly near the altar.

Everyone is already at the breakfast table barring Kanako; food is laid out, a veritable feast by any standards.

“Mornin’ Ayumu, sleep well?” Suwako asks, a piece of bacon sticking out of her mouth.

You shrug and take a seat by the table. “Well enough, you ready for this morning’s activities?”

The goddess grins. “More than you know~

“It’s been quite a while since the Moriya all got together for something like this.”

Sanae giggles. “Eat your fill, we will be heading out just after breakfast.”

“Where’s Kanako?”

Suwako points a thumb behind her.

“Already ate and is getting ready, it’s been awhile since she was in ‘War God’ mode.” She says with finger quotes. "Now eat.”

You nod and start filling up a plate.

- - -

Breakfast passes quickly, everyone dispersing towards their rooms.

For your part you head out the front of the building to look at the valley. You’ve grown to love the view since you’ve come here. A little under two weeks and you are already entering a warzone, you always did have the best luck.

The crunch of footsteps behind you signals the approach of one of the Moriya.

A glance back confirms it to be Kanako, her scabbard at her side.

It’s the first time you’ve seen her with her blade since the day the Tengu village was attacked.

“All good to go?” You ask.

She nods. “I am prepared. Yourself?”

You shrug and return to looking over the landscape. “I’ve left some of my cards behind… in case I go berserk.

“And as I am acting as you for the purpose of distraction I will be a primary target. So I do not want to have all of my firepower on hand in case the worst happens. I’m not much one for Danmaku anyway.”

She snorts. “Currently yes. I know the strength of your kind, do not forget that.

“A few more centuries under your belt and you would easily be one of the strongest beings in the land.”

You shake your head a smile playing at your features. "Flattery does not suit you."

Another set of footsteps as Suwako walks up, she’s in her usual outfit as well.

“No swords?” You ask.

Suwako chuckles. “Nah, never needed them.”

“When was the last time you all went out like this? The Moriya at war as it was.”

Suwako shakes her head. “Like this? Never that I remember.

“Sanae usually headed out by herself with our blessing and assistance, and of course Kanako and I used to go to war together… but that was a long time ago.”

You smirk at the frog goddess. “Well try not to have too much fun, might miss me getting blown halfway across Gensokyo.”

She nods a smirk coming onto her face as well. “You are right, I wouldn’t want to miss that.”

With one more set of footsteps Sanae joins you to mark the last of the three.

She’s in her usual shrine maiden get up, though there are some extra seals on her Gohei.

“No sign of our allies?” She asks.

Kanako shakes her head. “We are not expecting them for another fifteen or so minutes, they should be here shortly.”

- - -

True to her word they do.

Alice lands in front of you all, bowing lightly.

Four dolls float around her; she is wearing the same outfit as usual, though she is carrying a large tome in her hands.

“Good morning Alice, are you ready?” Sanae asks.

The puppeteer nods. “My dolls are ready to go, are we expecting anyone else?”

“Yeah, Remilia and her crew should be here in just a few minutes.” Suwako replies.

Alice looks concerned for a brief moment, before nodding, clutching her book tighter to her chest.

- - -

It’s not more than a minute later when a group of people land in front of the Torii gate.

Remilia and Sakuya you recognize, there’s another woman there as well, long red hair going down to her waist and a pair of teal eyes.

She’s wearing a long green dress in a Chinese fashion.

Remilia walks up to you all spinning the parasol she’s carrying idly as she does moves.

“The Scarlet Devil arrives; and I must say I am much obliged to you. It has been quite some time since I have been allowed to show off my power to the masses.” Remilia says, coming to stop in front of Kanako.

“Good morning Remilia, are you and your group ready?”

The vampire grins, two sharp fangs sticking out of her upper lip.

“We are always ready; just point me at a target.”

- - -

You all take off in flight together as Kanako and Suwako explain the plan to arrivals.

“So you wish me to use my power to fight off the rabble?” Remilia asks, scoffing at the idea of fighting outside the castle with the Tengu.

Suwako nods, a serious expression on her face.

“You like your sister would be a massive target to the user of the mallet, on top of that you will be fighting all maner of beasts up to and including Gashadokuro and who knows what else. You will have your fill of battle of that I assure you.”

Remilia scoffs again, but says nothing more.

It’s a good fifteen minute flight before Kanako comes to a stop. It’s a large clifface covered in trees overlooking a vast plan. She stands just outside of the treeline, and you all land behind her.

A good half mile in front of you all is the Inverted Castle.

It’s… odd to look at to say the least, looking every bit like an old castle from the early periods ripped straight out of history.

And flying upside down.

Nothing has made much sense since you entered Gensokyo, why start now.

A fog has settled in the valley below, and faintly shimmering in the distance is the tell tale sign of the barrier.

A wolf Tengu in some form of leather armor lands next to Kanako as you get situated.

“We are ready, Lord Tenma will start the attack on your signal.” The Tengu says, voice slightly muffled by the war mask she is wearing.

Kanako nods. “You will not be able to miss my signal… tell Tenma it will be starting shortly.”

Suwako pulls the two boxes you got from Eirin and hands it to the Tengu.

“Hand these around, it will eliminate the Mallet’s affects if any of you get hit by it.”

The Tengu nods then jumps back into the trees. Around to your right and left along the cliffside, some standing, others perched in trees are crow and wolf Tengu.

You don’t see Lord Tenma, but with how all the Tengu are in armor and traditional gear you doubt you could pick her out among the masses easily.

Suwako nudges you in the ribs.

She smiles up at you. “You’ll want to pay attention, its been awhile since she’s been able to do this.” She says, pointing at Kanako.

Kanako walks up to the edge of the cliff itself, looking over the landscape before raising a hand in the air.

“Tengu of Youkai Mountain. There is your enemy!

“In that pathetic excuse for a castle are those who have attempted to throw Gensokyo into chaos, and that have taken the lives of your own.

“They believe that in doing so they can take over our lands, cause a revolution!”

Several wolf howls punctuate her words, the Tengu replying in a bestial manner.

Kanako’s logs float out of the forest and start spinning behind her.

“They believe they can get away with this…

“They believe they can threaten our way of life…

“They believe they can cause harm to the followers of the Moriya and get away with it. Allow the Moriya to disabuse them of that notion.”

She shoots her arm forwards a card glowing golden between her fingers.

"Divine Pillar - Meteoric Onbashira!”

The logs glow golden as well and shoot off like rockets towards the inverted castle.

They carve through the air and slam into and through the main door at full force.

The impact reverberates through the air and a rain of rubble falls from the structure. A large gaping hole now is where the main entrance used to be.

Even from here you can tell Kanako is smirking.

“Do your magic Ayumu.” Suwako says.

You raise your hand in the air and snap your fingers.

A thick mist obscures you and the Moriya immediately, and when it disperses seconds later, everything is as it was before.

Of course, you and Sanae are Kanako and Suwako respectively.

Sanae gives a glance over her new form.

“Why am I Suwako in this plan again?” She asks, her voice still Sanae’s.

“Because.” You say, your voice a perfect match for Kanako’s. “I can mimic Kanako’s voice easier than you can. I’d suggest you try to keep from talking too much.” You say, adjusting the illusionary sword at your side.

“Indeed, we shall be right behind you, do your best Sanae.” Kanako’s voice speaks up to your right, Sanae is standing there, arms crossed over her chest.

A very un-Sanae like pose all things considered.

It’s an odd image as Ayumu takes position besides her, a cocky grin on transformed Suwako’s face.

A loud shrill ringing drowns out every other noise.

Three Gashadokuro fade into view below the castle

Bones clicking and snapping as they look around unnaturally, jaws hanging open.

A loud war horn blows throughout the air, and with the cawing of crows and the howl of wolves the Tengu go into battle followed closely behind by the Scarlet and Alice.

A flood of Fairies and other such creatures rush out of the castle as well, joining the battle below, bursts of energy and the sound of crashing metal becoming the sound drowning out everything else.

“Come, we move!” Kanako shouts, taking off with the rest of you following behind.

You fly up and over the battle going on the plain below.

Ducking and weaving past bursts of energy and shooting off the odd fairy trying to make a run at you.

A Gashadokuro makes a reach for Sanae only to have the arm blown off by a beam of scarlet light, a howl of anger coming from the beast, punctuated by a loud cackle from the ground below.

You thought that looked familiar.

A burst of speed and you clear the battlefield, entering through the hole Kanako made.

Here all is quiet, at least compared to the battle below.

It’s as you expected to be for a stereotypical castle from this period, wooden floors and paper walls on the interior, the gates… were… strong however from the looks of them.

And together you make a run down the hallway into the interior of the castle.

Room after empty room as you sprint down the hallways searching for your target.

“What the hell was this thing even built for?!” You shout.

“No idea, keep running!” Sanae shouts next to you.

You see a light flash at the end of the hallway, and that’s the only warning you get as a burst of energy goes flying down the hallway, forcing you to duck and dodge as fairies burst out of the sides room.

- - -

Dozens upon dozens of fairies later you burst through a door into a large central room.

Square in shape with geometric patterns across the floor, in the center are…

“So you finally decided to show up, enemies of the revolution!”

Seija says, moving the princess behind her.

“This is no place for beings such as you, leave at once!”

Kanako glares at her, though it looks a tad odd in Sanae’s form still.

“You dare demand me leave?! What is this pitiful revolution you speak of!”

Seija steps forward, Sukuna running behind her out a door out the other side of the room.

“The strong have been making the weak subservient for too long, and the weak shall unify the world, starting with Gensokyo!” She says, holding a spellcard out in front of her.

Deceit Sign "Reverse Needle Attack!"

There’s the telltale sign of magical bursts behind you and you dive forward as magical needles go flying overhead.

So it begins…

Suwako and Kanako dodge to the right, while Sanae goes to the left, leaving you in the center.

You draw the sword from its scabbard, holding it to your side, the blade shining in the lantern light illuminating the room.

Seija focuses on you, staring you down as she holds the spellcard betwixt her fingers.

A burst of black energy and more needles come flying from all directions, forcing the two groups flanking to rise above and out of the fight for the time being.

You for your part do your best Kanako impression and duck and weave through some of it, and tank through others, gritting your teeth as the magical needles prick at your skin.

You charge through it, readying the sword for a swing.

Come on… fall for it.

You do a slow swing to the side, and she takes the bait, she dodges easily and grabs your wrist.

She grins cruelly and pumps magic into your body through the wrist.

“Join the cause of the weak goddess!” She says.

The illusion drops instantly, you reverting to your normal self, and the same happening to the Moriya.

The others respond immediately, beams of light shooting at her from all directions.

Time slows down…

The black ichor of her magic jumps from your wrist across your chest and into your head.

You grit your teeth as a tearing pain, like a half dozen cluster headaches going off at once explode across your entire body.

You feel your magical channels spike… attempting to spike what little is there.

It fails...

Then…

It fades away.

Normal time.

Seija jerks back, releasing your wrist as you fully change back into Ayumu.

She moves to fly back and dodge the incoming projectiles.

But you're faster as you reach out and grab her wrist in return.

She gives a brief look of shock that is quickly replaced by pain as Kanako’s, Suwako’s, and Sanae’s energies slam into her.

She screams in pain as it bursts across her back.

“I’m afraid I’m near empty…” You say, the pain still throbbing throughout your body.

You yank her forward, your forehead colliding with hers with a crack.

Seija falls backwards landing on the ground with a thud.

“That was for the god damned werewolf.” You say, rubbing your head.

The others land near you.

“Are you hurt?” Sanae asks, looking at your wrist.

You rub it. “It hurts like hell but I’m fine. The magic didn’t have enough to latch onto, what are we going to do with her?”

Kanako reaches down and grabs the spellcard out of Seija’s hand, then grabs the rest out of a side pocket.

“Without these she wont be troubling us any longer today… the Mallet is more important. Come, we must give chase.”

You nod after follow after the Moriya, taking a glance back at Seija lying in the room.

… Not as tough as you thought.

“Should I reapply the illusions?” You ask as you fly down the hallways again.

Kanako looks at you warily. “Do you think the princess saw you pulling the trick before?”

You shrug your shoulders. “I cannot say.”

“Then best conserve your magic for the time being, we brought some of Eirin’s medicine if one of us gets affected.” Sanae says.

You nod and fly down the hallway keeping a close formation in case any more enemies decide to ambush you.

Luckily none do, and as you cut around several sharp corners you come across a large set of golden doors blocking your way.

Kanako rears back and kicks them open.

They break open with a mighty crash, revealing another large chamber.

Different from the last one however, tall decorative pillars hold up the roof, and it is centered around a large central throne.

Standing in front of it is a young girl, about three feet tall, in one hand is a long needle, and in the other, the Mallet.

“What have you done to Seija?!” She yells, her voice halfway a shriek.

Suwako cracks her knuckles together. “She’s fine, but unconscious. Why’d ya do it Sukuna?”

The girl nervously steps back.

“I… I had to get revenge for the injustices against the Inchling race!” She says, holding the needle in front of her.

Kanako draws her sword from its scabbard. “And what injustices would that be princess?”

“The strong of Gensokyo have put down our race for too long, I and Seija will use the power of the Mallet to make things right again…”

Kanako shakes her head. “The Inchlings avoid those of Gensokyo, and people have died Sukuna, this cannot be ignored.”

Her eyes widen.

“D-Died? Do… do NOT lie to me goddess! I will get my revenge!”

She raises the needle up and slams it into the ground, a white glow filling it, then bursts of energy needles in all directions.

Bewitched Sword "Shining Needle Sword!"

“Scatter!” Sanae shouts.

The warning is unnecessary.

You jump to the side and follow Sanae around the room, the goddesses going the opposite way around.

More and more needles fill the air as she pumps more and more magic into the needle.

You duck behind a pillar as a salvo goes flying past before bursting harmlessly against the walls.

Shining Needle "Oni-Slaying, Eye-Stabbing Needle!"

A bright flash from behind you and a veritable wall of energy slams into the pillars behind you and Sanae, shattering them like balsa wood and sending you both tumbling across the room.

You hiss in pain as you collide with the wall.

Sanae doesn't do much better, but actually manages to land on her feet and fly back towards the fight.

Sukuna is currently distracted, she's flying about in some sort of... bowl and dueling Sword vs Needle vs Kanako while Suwako sends her Iron Rings flying every which way.

Seriously... fantasy fun land.

You get up from your position with a groan.

Right...

You kick off from the ground and fly towards the combat.

Fox Sign – "What Was Not There!"

Three more Kanako's show up matching her movements, Sukuna back pedaling quickly as the blows come to fast too parry.

Sanae shouts over the din of battle.

Sea Opening "Moses' Miracle!"

A large wave of Danmaku splits off from her gohei, filling the air with pure undulating waves of energy.

It bypasses Sukuna completely, but has the benefit of keeping her from moving side to side and Kanako presses the advantage.

Native God "Long-Arm and Long-Leg!"

Two large arms of light shoot out of the ground, rupturing the wooden flooring like it wasn't even there, they backhand Sukuna and send her spiraling through the air, the bowl collides with the wave of Sanae's energy and sends Sukuna flying out of the rice bowl into the ground.

She gets back up with a groan, then yelps and jumps to the side as Kanako slams her sword into the ground.

Mallet "Wall of Issun!"

She swings the mallet through the air, a wave of energy shooting out of it and into Kanako and Suwako.

With a flash it collides when them, sending them both flying backwards.

Unlike you and Sanae however they recover quickly.

Kanako plants her feet into the wall she was flying towards it and summons a spellcard to her hand

Three pillars ram through the eastern wall, sending splinters flying in every direction and they hit the ground in front of Kanako with a mighty crash.

"Virtue of Wind God!"

They explode in light, sending Danmaku flying in every direction.

Sukuna yelps and dives for the bowl, apparently attempting to use it for cover.

Scourge Sign "Mishaguji-sama!"

Suwako's spellcard activates, and a large familiar white serpent jumps out of the hole the hands did previously.

It lunges for Sukuna who shrieks as it closes in on her!

A shrill ringing fills the air, much louder than before, forcing you down to your knees from the sheer volume of it.

With a crash the entire structure starts shaking, dust and wood particles falling from the roof as it bends.

Then with a loud BANG. The entire roof gets yanked upwards, sending wood and rock flying in all directions.

Sunlight filters into the room, and looking into it... is a giant skeleton.

"Oh... oh dear." Sanae says next to you.

It reaches a bony hand down to grab at you all and you jump out of the way as it leaves deep ruts in the floor where its claws run.

Sukuna for her part has frozen like a deer in headlights as the thing reaches blindly through the room, vicious clawed fingers dragging straight for her.

... Fuck.

You pump magic into your legs, clawed feet replacing the shoes you are wearing, then with a burst of speed you sprint across the room.

You grab the Inchling, sending both the Mallet and the Bowl flying through the air as she shrieks at the sudden change in direction.

Unfortunately the claw is still coming, slamming into your back and sending you face first into the wall with the added velocity of your previous momentum.

A bright white replaces your vision as you rebound off of it, falling backwards a sharp pain replacing everything else.

... At least when Remilia did it she had the mercy of killing you.

"Ayumu!" Sanae's voice yells from off in the distance, your vision fades in shortly.

Half of your body is in fox form... funny... you don't remember going that far.

Sukuna is laying unconscious on your chest, bleeding lightly from the head, but still breathing.

GOLIATH DOLL "CHERBOURG!"

A familiar voice yells out over the sound of crumbling masonry, and a large lance comes from nowhere, striking the skeleton in the chest sending it tumbling backwards off the castle.

A giant doll comes into view, a familiar blond design with blue eyes.

Huh...

The workshop was absolutely not big enough for that...

Sanae comes running up besides you. Stripping the Inchling off of you and looking you over.

"Relax... I'm fine... just a little drained right now..." You say, more than a little bit woozy.

"Seriously! I was here this time and you still get the stuffing knocked out of you, you used one spellcard, one!" Sanae says, half exasperated, half relieved.

You shrug your shoulders, regretting the action near immediately as you hiss in pain.

"It's... a talent."

You look over to the unconscious Inchling, the mallet having been retrieved by Suwako who is looking it over.

"We win?" You ask the goddesses.

Suwako smirks. "Yeah I'd call that a victory."

You smile back, feeling a flood of magic leave your body as the fox form dissipates.

"Good... I think I'll take a nap now..."

You close your eyes... and fall blissfully unconscious.

Chapter Text

You awaken with a groan, your eyes opening slowly.

Where…

Oh... inverted castle... right.

You are still in that large central chamber, rubble and debris is strewn all over the floor.

Someone apparently propped you up against a pillar while you were out.

Sunlight pouring down from the new skylight reveals the Moriya group along with Remilia, Alice, and… Reimu and Sukuna? In the center of the room.

Sukuna has the mallet in her hands and is channeling magic into it, it then glows brightly and... she then shrinks down to a few inches tall.

Reimu grabs the mallet, now as small as Sukuna is and stuffs it in a pocket, then they return to discussing amongst themselves, though you can’t make anything out.

The gravel crunches next to you as a Wolf Tengu walks past the pillar and stops nearby, a wolf mask over her face concealing all features as she looks around.

There’s a familiar large blade strapped to her waist and a shield over her back.

“Have fun out there?” You ask.

The Tengu grunts and pulls off her mask.

Red eyes look down at you, a small smile on her features.

“Ah, morning Momiji.”

The Wolf Tengu nods. “It was a good battle.”

“Casualties?” You ask.

She shakes her head. “A few nasty cuts, but no deaths thankfully, the more serious injuries were handled by Sanae and Suwako.

"Any major dangers were handled by the Scarlet and Alice, they were a great boon on the battlefield."

You grin and turn back to look at the group. “How long was I out?”

She shrugs. “I arrived here thirty minutes ago to wipe up stragglers, and you’ve been unconscious since I arrived.”

“Yeah…” You chuckle. “Magical exhaustion plus severe cranial trauma tends to lead to sleep.”

You slowly push up the wall and stand up, your balance is a little shot but that passes quickly enough.

“Anyone get the number of that bus that hit me?”

The Wolf looks at you oddly.

You shrug. “Sorry, don’t suppose there are any of those here.”

The corner of her mouth lifts in a half smile.

“The Moriya did good work today.” She says offering a hand.

You look at it warily. “So am I supposed to shake that? Last time I did you acted… odd.”

She blushes a little. “It… isn’t traditional for Wolves to greet this way, a local at the Human Village taught me the greeting…

“Most people don’t accept it.”

You grin and take the hand, shaking it firmly.

“Good thing I’m an outsider then.

“I’m gonna hobble over to the group, you mind catching me if I start to fall on my face?”

She does the half smile again and grabs your arm and tosses it over her shoulder, then gently walks with you towards the group.

“So it is decided then, until everything has quieted down Sukuna with be staying at my Shrine as a form of house arrest.” Reimu says, crossing her arms below her chest, a Gohei held at her side.

“Indeed, however I do expect reparations from the Inchlings for the damage they caused to my mansion.” Remilia says glaring son at Sukuna.

The Inchling takes a nervous step back, but nods.

You move up to stand next to Sanae who smiles as she notices you but doesn’t say anything.

Momiji releases your arm and looks at the situation with a hand on her hip.

“I miss anything?” You lean over to whisper to Sanae.

She nods. “Sukuna was being tricked by Seija… she’s barely a teenager.

“She didn’t know the full extent of Seija’s plan or that people had been killed.”

You look down at the Inchling, she’s fidgeting a bit, at the moment she’s the size of a mouse.

She turns this way and that as the groups discuss around her until she spots you standing next to Sanae.

Her expression brightens considerably.

She runs over to you, hopping over small rocks and debris as she does so.

She then stops and bows deeply to you.

“I thank you for saving my life! If there is anything the Inchlings can do for you, you all but need to ask!”

You wave her off.

“It’s alright, though I’ll be a bit sore for awhile…

“Are you alright?” You ask.

She nods her head, the bowl on top of it wobbling around as she does so.

Why is she wearing a bowl as a hat?

“I’m fine!” She says in a cheery voice. "

Kanako speaks up. “Back to the subject at hand what shall we do with the perpetrator when we find them?”

“Find?” You ask.

Kanako shakes her head. “Seija fled the castle via unknown means; the Tengu combed it but found nothing beyond fairies.

“She cannot hide forever, the upside to this is she has no resources, I still have her spellcards and Sukuna just dispelled all of the magic caused by the Mallet.”

Reimu smacks her Gohei against her palm repeatedly.

“She will be banished from Gensokyo once she is caught; she threatened the stability of the entire land.”

You nod in understanding.

“We chasing after her then?”

Suwako shakes her head. “Not at this moment, we are still cleaning up here and don’t know where she went.

“The fact alone that she managed to sneak by all of the Tengu outside is surprising in and of itself.”

That... is a good observation actually... how did she manage that?

A caw signals a new arrival and breaks you from your thoughts, and with the flapping of bird wings Lord Tenma lands among the group.

She lifts the ceremonial mask off of her face and turns to Kanako.

“We’ve combed the plains but have had no sign of the demon.

“She’s either much faster than we expected or she found a means to escape that we can’t anticipate.”

Kanako nods. “Stand down for now, no point in taking any chances of a possible trap; we’ve negated her main source of power, that is enough for the day.”

Tenma smiles widely. “I’ll round ‘em up and send them home, you are of course invited to the celebrations of victory tonight Lord Moriya!”

Kanako nods with a grin. “The Moriya will be there.”

The groups head off, Sukuna with Reimu, the Scarlet after taking a chunk of the entrance door for some reason, and Alice who bids you goodbye.

… You wonder where the giant doll went.

- - -

The party is a raucous affair as expected, it seems half the Tengu village showed up.

Streamers hang down from branches in the trees and adults are dancing and carousing.

There’s some form of traditional play going on in the village square and general merry making the entire town over.

For your part you and the Moriya are in a room of the palace, feasting and drinking with Tenma and other Tengu.

Kanako sits at one end of the table, drinking and boasting about previous war victories, several (drunk) Tengu listening with rapt attention.

She's clearly in her element, grinning wildly and gesticulating with her arms as she tells of some long past battle.

Suwako is off to the side discussing some things with various older looking Wolf and Crow Tengu, she’s been in her bigger form as well since you came, they both are.

You suppose they got a boost after all.

Sanae sits next to you, eating slowly and returning greetings to those who greet her, and you for your part are left mostly alone.

“Not drinking Sanae?” You ask, looking at the maiden sitting to your left.

She blushes a bit and shakes her head. “I do not handle alcohol that well…”

"Oh?" You say. "That wont do at all~"

You grin and lift up her cup. “It’s a celebration; we’ve been working towards this for two weeks, live a little!”

She hesitates for a moment then smiles and grasps the cup, holding it up.

You hold up yours. “Cheers.”

Two cups later, and it turns out the green shrine maiden is an awful drunk.

She pokes a finger into your chest, her eyes are hazy and she has a serious expression on her face.

“You… neeeed to stop getting into trouble. Everytime I turn my back on ya… ya end up nearly killed… Stoppit.”

You hold up your hands in surrender.

“Of course of course, I will try my best, wouldn’t want to worry you.”

She gains a dopey smile.

“Goood.”

She stares at you for a moment longer then takes another swig of her drink.

She coughs and blinks rapidly, shaking her head as the dopey grin returns.

She then looks around before focusing on the end of the table.

“Ma…”

You look at her curiously. “Ma?”

“Mama!”

She jumps up from her seat and runs to the end of the table, tackling Kanako across the chest in a hug.

The goddess sputters in surprise.

“Sanae… have you been drinking?!”

The shrine maiden giggles. “Meeeeeybe”

The goddess sighs. “What am I to do with you?” There’s a small smile across her features however.

She rubs Sanae across the head and returns to her stories like nothing happened at all.

You smile at the sight.

Ah… sweet victory.

- - -

(Point of View Change)

You run through the forest, breaking through bushes and bramble as you cut your way through.

Damn them…

You had been putting this together for YEARS, all to have it thrown away in an instant.

Sukuna failed you… the little princess wanted to see the world… it was so easy to make her believe the tales of injustice against her people.

Then she screwed up the mission at the mansion, and it all fell apart from there.

You break through the treeline and into a clearing.

You’ve been running for hours, you don’t even know where you are anymore.

You double over onto the ground panting, so very close, only to have it ALL ripped away.

Tears sting your eyes… there’s got to be another way… the bastards will hunt you now, the strong being threatened always do.

*Snap*

Your breath hitches in your throat, a figure slowly walks through the clearing…

It’s not a Tengu as you expected however…

A tall figure figure in concealing white robes.

A blue Tabard runs down to figures feet and their face is obscured by a mask in the style of a fox.

It stares at you silently.

“Well? Aren’t you going to put down the troublemaker?!” You say through gritted teeth.

Without your spellcards you couldn’t fight even if you had the energy for it.

The figure tilts its head, small beads attached to the mask clacking against as it does so.

Four vulpine tails stick out behind the robes and wave gently behind it.

“Tell me Seija Kijin…” The figure speaks, its voice deep and masculine.

“Do you desire power?”

Chapter Text

You awaken with a groan, sunlight coming through the window and onto your face to serve as an impromptu alarm.

Your eyes open revealing your bedroom, lasts nights party went on into the early hours of the morning.

Your morning fatigue is more a result of the battle than anything else. Even if you didn’t have experience, its rather hard to get you drunk, and damn near impossible to give you a hangover, though the Tengu did try.

Oh…. Dear gods did they try.

It didn’t take Suwako too long to join in the merrier forms of partying along with Kanako, Sanae however did not last very long.

… You should probably check on her this morning come to think of it.

You lift yourself out of bed and grab your clothes for the shower, taking a nice long while as you knock the last of the nights adventures out of your body. You’re overdue for a dream, though with the Mallet being deactivated, perhaps that won’t happen anymore?

Either way, mission accomplished, and now time to figure out what you want to do with yourself now that you are more… free so to speak.

You doubt you’ll be leaving the temple anytime soon, if for the free room and board if nothing else, but you are definitely freer in what you actually want to do, whether that be reopen shop… or work more on the shrine’s myriad issues.

They have indoor plumbing and cable for God’s sake, unless you moved to the Kappa village you think you’d struggle for such luxury.

… Though it certainly has come at a cost, in many ways.

You finish up in the shower and step back outside, It’s nearing the end of November… or at least it was when you left.

You’ve always liked the cold, though being what you are you could afford to with any real discomfort.

… Does Suwako hibernate come to think of it?

I mean… she’s not actually a frog? Is she?

You shake your head, you suppose she could be whatever she wanted to be.

Actually… that gives you an idea, a grin coming across your features.

- - -

You plod through the main hall and peek your head into the dining room, sniffing the air curiously.

Toast… and… Apple if your nose isn’t lying to you.

Kanako and Suwako are here, so is Sanae surprisingly.

You move up and plop down onto your seat.

“Yip!” You say eloquently.

Suwako jerks in surprise and turns to look at you.

You quirk an…

You don’t have those, you swish your tails slightly and stare back at her.

“Mornin’ Ayumu.” The goddess says, before turning back to her food.

Kanako nods a greeting, while Sanae is in food mode.

You get back up and move around the table, taking a spot next to the green priestess.

“Yip!”

She ignores you, fully in food zen.

Oh no, that just wont do.

You nudge your nose into her side.

“Yip!”

She stills for a moment, blinking a few times, and then looks down at you.

“…Ayumu?” She asks, tilting her head curiously.

You nod and open your mouth.

She gets the hint and a piece of toast soon finds its way to it, and you lie down and eat it satisfactorily.

Suwako giggles. “I thought we got a new helper, not a pet, demotion Ayumu?”

You speak up between bites. “Felt like being a fox, easier to maintain my magics that way as well.”

Sanae looks at you in surprise. “You can talk like that? But what about your… vocal…”

You shake your head. “Come now Sanae that surely cannot be the oddest thing you’ve seen me pull off so far.

“It’s magic of course, and after yesterday’s battle I felt like taking a bit of a break, that and aren’t I adorable?” You wave your tails behind you for emphasis.

Sanae gives you an odd look, and then sticks another piece of toast into your mouth.

Damn right.

- - -

You stretch out onto one of the cushions next to the table, back in human form as you watch TV with the Moriya.

“So now what?” You ask.

Suwako tilts her head at the question but says nothing.

“Now that the incident is over, any plans?”

Kanako nods. “I will continue to look into repairing our more dilapidated shrines.”

“And I’ll work some more with the Tengu, see if I can’t get somethin’ figured out.” Suwako says.

“Figured out?” You ask.

She nods. “I wanna see if I can’t get that branch shrine more up and running again, may be easier with them after the incident now.”

“Ah, and me and Sanae?” You ask.

The goddess shrugs. “Beyond taking care of the Shrine you are free to do whatever you wish, while Sanae will return to her normal duties.”

You look over at Sanae. “Normal duties?”

Sanae smiles. “I am a Shrine Maiden at the end of the day.”

“About that, we will need to have a discussion this morning Ayumu.” Kanako says, looking at you with a serious expression.

“Oh? Am I in trouble?” You ask.

The goddess just stares at you the serious expression not changing.

“Right… I’m good whenever you need me.”

Sanae steps out a short bit later, leaving you with the two of them.

Suwako taps you on the shoulder and gestures you to get up, and you do so as they lead you out of the dining room and through a door between Kanako and Suwako’s room.

It’s not one you’ve been in before, inside is a room a bit bigger than your old bedroom, and from ground to ceiling it is filled with prayer scrolls of all sorts.

Suwako walks on ahead into the room and starts looking through a pile of scrolls, while Kanako closes the door.

After a moment Suwako apparently finds what she’s after, and gently removes it from the pile.

She gently opens it and starts reading, while Kanako walks past and then turns to you.

“The incident is now finished, the Demon is being hunted, and the princess for the time being is residing at the Hakurei shrine. Hakurei has dubbed the affair as the ‘Double Dealing Character Incident’ though I could not tell you why.”

Suwako makes a pleased sound and tucks the scroll under her arm, moving up to take position next to Kanako.

“To be honest I didn’t expect much of ya when you arrived. It was rare enough for Sanae to bring anyone back, but you’ve done good work…”

Suwako admits, smiling at you cheekily.

“…Thanks?” You say, looking between the two of them. “It didn’t exactly go the way I expected things to, but I don’t regret it.”

Kanako nods. “Yes, me and Suwako discussed things after your… incident with Marisa, we were seeing if you were interested in a boon of sorts.”

Suwako holds out the scroll for you to take, and you do so.

You slowly unfurl it and look at it.

“Record of… Shinshi?”

You look through it; it’s almost a form of service contract, not one dissimilar to ones you’ve seen in the past.

“You wish me to become a Shinshi?” You ask carefully, looking up at them from the scroll.

Suwako nods in the affirmative. “Of a form… we are offering it to you, if you’d accept you would basically be announcing your full allegiance to the Moriya shrine.”

Kanako picks up where she left off. “However you would gain a portion of the faith we bring in, which should speed up your recovery drastically.”