Chapter Text
We begin our story in the land of the dead, the Netherworld, which is currently dyed with vermilion leaves as it's the peak of Autumn. Like the swaying leaves, innumerable phantoms wander around without the slightest care, some having already forgotten about nirvana. Overlooking this vast, beautiful wasteland is an eastern mansion, so pristine it's as if it hasn't changed a day since the time of its construction. This is Hakugyokurou, and within its seemingly endless garden lie the two lovers of this story. A ghost who bears dominion over death itself and an ancient yokai who controls the very boundaries that make this, no, all worlds.
"The leaves are beautiful this time of year," Yukari stated.
Her long blonde hair cascaded in the gentle breeze and the ribbons tied at the ends as well. Yuyuko had always wondered why she had done that instead of letting it be free and wild, just like she could was.
"You're right, of course. But I think there's one thing in the Netherworld that tops even them." Yuyuko said.
Yukari turned to face her. Her mouth looked surprised, but it didn't reach her eyes."And what exactly is that?"
Yuyuko turned, looking directly into Yukari's purple eyes. Within them led so much nuance due to age. Yuyuko knew better than anyone, even her friend's shikigami, how unique Yukari's personality was, but it was that same uniqueness that made her appetizing, that made them best friends.
"It's the cherry blossoms. They fit the Netherworld so well, don't you think? Beautiful yet short in life while everything else is unchanging. The perfect contrast for an afterlife.
Yukari could tell she was going to say something else but decided not to push it."I'm hungry, maybe I should tell Ran to pick some tofu while she's out doing errands."
"There will be no need, Lady Yukari" A voice came from behind them, and the person behind it was the Half-Human Half-Phantom Gardener.
Yuyuko suddenly had a big smile on her face and clapped her hands together."Ah, Youmu. Always on time when I need you the most."
Youmu held a long rectangular black plate, with a spread of snacks like mochi, onigiri, rice crackers and more laid on top. Youmu gently placed the plate and rushed into the manor in the blink of an eye and came out holding two cups of tea.
"Black from the outside world for Lady Yukari and green for Lady Yuyuko."
A gap in the air and from it dropped a paper fan that fell into Yukari's hand."Wow, you've done a great job programming her. Loyal and consistent, exactly what a servant should be."
"Hey, she isn't one of your shikigami nor any average servant. She's my darling Youmu." Yuyuko pouted as she picked up an onigiri."Now, Youmu. Since you've been working so hard lately, why don't you take a break and have some fun?"
Youmu gasped as she placed the tea cups on the black plate and then got down on one knee."But, lady Yuyuko! There's still so much housework to be done and I still need to practice my sword techniques and..."
"What housework? You've already done it all, and your sword technique is stellar. You could even say it's... next to none" Yuyuko smirked, although she didn't go as far as laughing at her joke.
Yukari opened up her fan and fanned herself."I'd suggest you leave before she makes more horrible jokes" Even though she had smiled as well.
"If both my ladies agree..." Youmu stood up and bowed."Then, I'll use this break as best as I can. Thank you." Youmu slowly walked back into the manor until she was out of sight... and dashed off, leaving behind the sound of rapid footsteps.
"Now, where was I?" Yukari summoned a gap under a ball of mochi, which flew through and landed on her hand.
"You were talking about this... scarlet mist?"
"Ah, yes. Picking up from where I left off, the new shrine maiden, Reimu, solved it by, to put it bluntly, beating the shit out of that annoying vampire Remilia."
"Oh, I remember her from a few years back when she started rampaging across Gensokyo, and you put her in her place." Yuyuko winked and covered her mouth in a way that always made Yukari blush.
"Well, she had to cause more trouble and not even a decade later but Reimu handled it. Although, since it affected the humans, I got worried enough to send out Ran, but once she confirmed Reimu was active, I stepped back. The mist did make things colder for a nice while."
Yuyuko beamed through the sentence until the word "cold". She knew she should just get it other with, but that didn't change the fact it was a concerning subject. "Yukari, I have something I need to tell you."
Yukari was worried but had an amiable smile. Whatever it was her friend was going to say, she'd accept it. "Ok, I'm all ears."
Yuyuko turned to face her fully."The other day, while I was browsing through the library, I came across an old record. I read it, and it said exactly this:
"On the day the Saigyou Ayakashi had reached full bloom, the daughter of Fujimi crossed the boundary of life and death (in other words, passed away). So that her soul may rest in peace within Hakugyokurou, I shall seal the tree's blossoms and hereby fashion these limbs into a barrier. It is my hope that she will never again reincarnate, and thus never again have to suffer pain..."
Yukari froze and looked away. She couldn't bring herself to make eye contact."What exactly is your plan here?"
Yuyuko sighed."My plan... is to steal spring from Gensokyo and use it to awaken the Saigyou Ayakashi to revive the person underneath it."
Yukari covered her lips with her fan to hide her indecision."Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes." She responded without hesitation."I know it's selfish of me, but I think this person might know something about my past. And even if they don't, whatever knowledge is bound to be interesting."
Yukari was struggling. Usually, she has no problem with hiding her emotions, but Yuyuko could always melt away her mask. And knowing her, she had noticed by now.
"Yukari, I need your help for a favour," Yuyuko said as she grabbed Yukari's hand with both of her own.
"What is it?"
"I need you to weaken the Barrier of Life & Death so that spring can pass more easily through it and to the Netherworld."
"I..." Yukari didn't need to explain to her how stealing spring would cause a never-ending winter, something that could put the humans of Gensokyo at risk.
"Of course, once the seal is broken and that someone is revived, I'll send it all back as fast as I can." She got closer to Yukari.
"Please!" Yuyuko held her hand harder and looked her right in the eyes.
Yukari didn't know what to think. She had a duty to maintain Gensokyo's balance as one of the sages. Yet, she had seldom seen Yuyuko be this passionate about something. And maybe it was time to let her dearest friend know the truth. No matter how hard it would be.
At last she relented."...okay. I'll weaken the barrier for you."
"Thank you so much!" Yuyuko shouted as she hugged Yukari."I know this is a massive favour to ask, but when that someone is revived, you'll be the first one to know, I promise.
Yukari didn't know how to respond as she and Yuyuko separated. Their tea was cool enough to drink now. They sat by each other, drinking tea and eating the snacks, in each other's company. And that's all they needed.
Yuyuko got closer to Yukari again and placed her hand on top of hers."Thanks again for agreeing to my request. I was so worried you refused."
"I could never truly say no to you."
"Aw." Yuyuko placed her head on Yukari's shoulder."You know, we've been friends for over 1000 years, yet I still feel like I see new sides of you now and then."
"Yeah, same here." The two looked at each other's eyes as their heads neared."Yuyuko, I...I-"
"Sorry, Lady Yuyuko, I forgot my swords just in case." Youmu barged into the garden without warning.
The two of them took their heads away from the other at light-speed. It was ironic. Youmu was horrible at stealth when she was actively trying, but when she was absent-minded and went with the flow, she had the presence of a true phantom.