Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The halls echoed from carefully weighted footsteps, dimly lit in the evening's gaze. Despite its decline in popularity, it seemed to still be in good quality.

Perhaps it was the work of those who still held on to the old, working to maintain this place. It had impressed even her at first glance — truly, a shrine such as this was a monument worthy to a god. She would have to aim for something even greater.

The potential was clear. There was no shortage of faith to be obtained, if the devotion to this shrine was any indication.

It only made her situation worse.

Despite its importance and the years of history that each part told, to walk through these halls again instilled a trepidation unlike anything she'd ever felt before.

Everything had been perfect, until it wasn't.

So meticulously prepared that it impressed even herself, and yet... an unforeseen factor threatened to ruin it all. To make all her gains for nothing.

She paused before a door, more elaborate and ornate than anything before.

The inner sanctum. A place no human was worthy of stepping in.

It mattered not. She was no human.

She pushed upon the door with a cream, stepping into the hallowed sanctuary. Pillars stood tall as the room seemed to expand before her eyes, yet she had no attention for anything but what laid straight ahead.

A statue of her.

She frowned upon seeing it. Even after all this time, seeing that reminded her of the simple truth.

This was never her kingdom. But soon, it would be.

She carefully walked forward to the base of the statue. Despite everything... to be in such a place was an honour. She could feel the divine power flowing through every stone.

To have all this must have been an honour. And she would be honoured to take it all away.

"Come forth, great god of Suwa."

To the ignorant eye, nothing seemed to change. But for her, she could feel faith pouring into one spot.

Soon, faith began to take form, flesh moulding into existence. And so, it stood there, with blonde hair and pale skin, covered by a blue dress with white sleeves.

It floated above the ground slightly, just managing to reach Kanako's height that way. Despite her situation, Kanako would admit that this form before her was glorious.

For a few silent moments, it stared at her, betraying neither curiosity or surprise.

"Yasaka."

"Moriya."

Kanako stood there, letting her presence speak for herself. Despite the difference in faith, the difference in power didn't follow in equal measure. She may have less faith, but power was her ally.

She held control. She would dictate the terms.

"I didn't expect to see you here again," Suwako said. "Nor in this life."

"Then where would you have seen me again?" Kanako replied drolly. "In the next one?"

"If there is one. But then, that will be a while for both of us." Suwako paused, looking carefully at Kanako. "Why are you here? I thought we had agreed terms and concluded the matter. I have no interest in prolonging the inevitable."

"Circumstances have changed."

"Of course they have." Suwako slowly chuckled. "You wouldn't be here otherwise."

"How astute of you."

"So, tell me — how have you managed to run my kingdom into the ground? It has only been a year."

Kanako glared at her, clutching her shimenawa tightly. "I am not so inept to have done such a thing this quickly."

"I would be very disappointed if you had. I would have expected far better from the person that won my kingdom. Nevertheless... there is an issue. One you need my help to solve."

Kanako grimaced at that. She'd hoped to dance around the issue for some time, but Suwako had cut straight to the heart of the matter. As was to be expected.

She didn't seem surprised in the least though. In fact, it was almost as if...

"You knew this would happen," she said dully. "That is why you turned everything over to me without a struggle."

"Regrettably, I have not gained the ability to read people's minds since our last encounter." Suwako stared at her blankly. "So, I don't know what you mean. But... I can feel it. Things have not gone the way either of us thought."

"You can feel it?" Kanako narrowed her eyes, curious now. "Do share."

"There is a contradiction in this conversation. One that goes against the facts as we know it. Do you know what it is, Yasaka?"

A contradiction? Kanako internally scoffed at the wording — why obfuscate this under meaningless layers?

Not that it would stop her. She knew exactly what it was.

"It is that we are able to have this conversation at all," she replied. "You should not be able to take form and shape."

"Precisely." Suwako smiled at her. "I'm pleased you haven't lost your edge."

Normally, such a compliment would have thrilled her. It meant nothing to her now — to be here proved she clearly had lost it.

"How much faith do you have now?"

"More than I expected," Suwako replied. "I thought I'd have lost it all by now, but I'm surviving. Thriving even."

Just as she'd feared. It appears the people of this kingdom had not given up their old gold so quickly.

"There has been a drop," Kanako countered. "You are not as powerful as you once were."

"True. But I knew that, and it's irrelevant to what concerns you. After all, it is not about the drop, but about how much. And we both know that it is not nearly as much as it should have been."

The sides of her mouth began to twitch.

"You should be honoured," Kanako said sardonically. "Though you have conceded, it appears your people have not. For what reason do they still cling on to a god that has lost faith in herself?"

Kanako looked up at the statue of her, then back to Suwako. The statue may have been imposing in its own right... but the real thing was even more terrifying.

"Is it fear? Loyalty? Refusal to accept change?" Kanako mused. "Or, perhaps a multitude of factors."

"I was hoping you would answer that," Suwako responded. "I've done nothing but bide my time here."

Kanako eyed her carefully, trying to discern if she was lying. It seemed she was genuinely clueless.

"The Mishaguji are not cooperating with me," she said.

"Ah. Have you tried beating them to a pulp?" Suwako threw her a playful smile. "It worked wonders for the last god you had to deal with."

"I am not so foolish as to agitate the gods that could bring this land to ruin. Besides... it is not an issue of power. They are well aware of mine, for I vanquished you."

"Really?" She tilted her head curiously. "Why aren't they listening then?"

To her surprise, Kanako looked away irritably. It seemed to hit a sore spot for her.

Kanako gritted her teeth together, trying to control her anger. She'd come this far already... she wouldn't let it all go to waste.

"They... they do not like me," she admitted quietly.

"I see. Have you tried scratching them just between their eyes? They absolutely love it."

All the irritation Kanako had tried to keep down flared back up, as she glared harshly at Suwako.

"I should have expected as much from you. This is hardly a joke, Moriya."

"On the contrary — it seems rather funny to me, and your inability to take a joke is very much linked to why they don't like you."

Suwako dropped her smile, her cold eyes boring into Kanako.

"Do you think it was power that let me tame the Mishaguji? That I punched them a few times in the face, and that was it?" Suwako looked at her hands, before shaking her head. "That would have been very painful for me, what with them being made of rock and all."

"It was your personality then. You clearly have a... unique disposition. One that they are very charmed by."

"That'd be my guess as well."

"You don't know? How could you not?"

Suwako shrugged her shoulders and landed on the ground.

"The only ones who really know for sure are them. I'm not the first god that's tried to tame them — I'm just the first that succeeded. Luckily for you, that makes your job simple. Learn what I did differently, and you should have no problem too."

"If only it were that simple..." Kanako muttered.

"What? Why wouldn't it be?"

"It may have been your personality that allowed you to tame them in the first place, but loyalty is what aligns them to you now. They will not abandon one master for another."

Suwako's eyes went wide for a moment. She was clearly surprised, but... why? Did she not expect them to be loyal?

"That's... hm." Suwako looked up and faintly smiled. "I didn't think they'd feel that way. Honestly, I... I don't know how to feel about that."

"I can tell you how I feel about that," Kanako said, lips curling into a frown.

Suwako exhaled softly with the faintest of amusement. "I can guess. Ignoring that, what's the issue? It's hardly ideal, but the Mishaguji don't curse that many people."

"You are not a fool, Moriya, so don't pretend to be one," Kanako hissed.

Suwako slowly paced around Kanako with a hand under her chin in thought, deliberately prolonging each step. She took the time to relish in Kanako's predicament, with each step being as delightful for her as it was agonising for Kanako.

Kanako clenched both hands, trying not to lash out. If she did that, she'd lose immediately.

Finally, Suwako returned to her original position, smiling smugly at Kanako.

"I'm half tempted to keep that going for a few more minutes. But, since you did spare me a compliment just now, I'll spare you."

"Your mercy is appreciated," Kanako responded, not sure herself if that was sarcastic or not.

"So, my people won't throw faith your way, because you can't influence the Mishaguji. Is that right?"

"Precisely. Their fear of them is older than this very shrine. No matter what I do to show my power, what blessings I bring them, or the punishments I dole out, nothing can sway them. Not without the Mishaguji. Which means..."

Kanako gritted her teeth over her next words. To say this was humiliating beyond belief, but she would put aside pride if it meant her survival.

"Yes?" Suwako prompted.

"I require your help."

Suwako's eyes widened for a brief moment, which Kanako noticed herself.

"That should hardly come as a surprise. With my current issues, who else would I go to but the only person who has ever been able to control the Mishaguji?"

"I'm more surprised that you asked for my help this quickly," Suwako clarified. "I expected you to take another decade before considering it."

"Make no mistake — this is absolutely my last resort. But... here I am."

"Here you are," Suwako repeated. She crossed her arms and frowned at Kanako. "I'm impressed you have the audacity to ask me for help. I have every reason not to give it, given your actions towards me."

"I thought we parted on amicable terms."

"That doesn't mean I have any desire to help you. In fact, after how easy I've made this all for you, I'd say I have no obligation to do anything at all."

Kanako scoffed at that. "There's no obligation to do anything in life. But if that's the case, I ask you this — what of your obligation to this kingdom ?"

Suwako raised an eyebrow at her. "What of it? It's your kingdom now."

"And that simple transfer invalidates all your feelings for it?" Kanako raised a finger, as if to lecture her. "You invested hundreds of years into this kingdom. You must have some measure of attachment to it."

"You'd think that, wouldn't you? But, it's just a kingdom to me. I surrendered it to you, so that shows how little I cared. If I did, wouldn't I have fought harder for it?"

Kanako realised exactly where this was going. Suwako couldn't possibly be this blind to the truth, which meant she was testing her.

"The reason you surrendered your kingdom was because you cared for it — to prevent any more of it being destroyed. You knew the inevitability of your defeat, and you chose to preserve it." With genuine respect in her voice, she continued, "Truly, it was a wise one — it benefited both myself and your people. As it happens, there is only one person who that decision didn't benefit."

"And who would that be?" Suwako said wearily, already knowing the answer herself.

"You. By forfeiting, you gave up your ability to persist. You could have very well run your kingdom into the ground for that slim chance, or to spite me by ensuring what was left for me was worthless."

"That was all a year ago," Suwako said, in a way that would have been defiant, if it had any energy backing it. "Times change."

"Not that quickly. A year to a god means nothing, and I didn't miss the way you referred to them as your people. The simple fact is this — if your feelings are even a tenth as strong as they were then, you will help me."

"Hm." Suwako let her arms drop to the side, looking at Kanako blankly. "Perhaps I was wrong about you, Yasaka. You're not as single-minded as I thought if you can understand that much."

"Rest assured, I did not come expecting another bout of magnanimity from you," Kanako said, now beaming with pride.

"That being said, your arrogance is... displeasing." Suwako tapped her fingers together. "If you're going to start asking for favours, then start building good will."

"With words? Words are meaningless. Besides, this is not a favour."

"Perhaps you would like to redefine what a favour is then, if you believe what you are asking isn't one."

"I need not do any such thing. For you see, a favour implies this is not without a benefit to you as well."

Suwako narrowed her eyes at Kanako, shifting on the spot. "And what would that be?"

"A future. Even with this quirk in faith, the outlook remains poor for you. It may be decades, perhaps even centuries... but you will lose your faith, and that will be far worse for you than it is for me."

Suwako sharply sucked in, trying to keep her face straight. Of all the things to target... this god truly had no dignity.

"I ask you then — are you truly content to die like this?" Kanako gestured to her surroundings. "Rotting alone in a shrine, abandoned by all her followers? It would be a sad end to any god, but for one so successful before... it becomes truly pitiful."

As Kanako finished her speech, Suwako could only stare at her with barely restrained anger.

When she gave up her kingdom to her, it had been for convenience, for war benefitted no one. To see Kanako had already squandered that, even if strictly through no fault of her own... it infuriated her beyond belief.

Still, even that was nothing compared to this.
If she had any principles, she'd refuse on the spot for Kanako trying the ploy she just did.

... but she couldn't. Because if she knew anything about Kanako, it was that she did have something in mind. And that something was her only way to go on.

"You certainly know how to hit where it hurts, don't you?" Suwako said lowly.

"I do my best," Kanako said smugly, unbothered by Suwako's tone.

"What could you offer for my situation?"

"Do I have your agreement?"

"You have my consideration."

Kanako would take that for now. After this, she was certain to have her convinced. It was merely delaying the inevitable.

"I propose the two of us cooperate. I can attract and entice those who would give us faith, and you can allow me to make good on my word."

Suwako raised an eyebrow, not convinced at all. "And how does this situation result in us both receiving faith? I do not intend to let you simply take credit for my actions."

"Nor do I plan to do so. Instead, we must change their perception of who we are. Let the people believe in something different — not of two separate gods, but in one god that they have made in their minds."

"In essence, the inverse of what you are?"

"Precisely. If many people can represent one god, one god should be able to represent many too. And so, as the components of this god, we will both receive faith."

"Interesting. How do you propose calling forth this new god?"

"It will take time. People will not so quickly forget what has happened, but legends blur and memories fade. And as a further gesture of good will, I propose we call this god Moriya." Kanako paused, smiling at her. "It is only fitting if it is your powers I am using."

"It is tempting," Suwako admitted. "But why would you agree to such a thing? You of all people, proud enough to invade my kingdom for your own advancement... why throw away your identity?"

"Survival comes before all else. Pride is a means to that, not an end to itself. If I must sacrifice my pride to survive, I will. No matter how devastating it may be."

"If it's any consolation, I don't imagine that'd stick much outside of this kingdom. People come up with all sorts of different names for gods."

"It matters not to me. Whether they call this god Yasaka, Moriya, or something else... for as long as they acknowledge us, we both gain faith."

"It's an intricate and well thought out plan, I'll give you that. However, what if this hypothetical god becomes a reality? What if belief and faith manifests into its own entity?"

"Then I will conquer them, as I have conquered you."

Much as she wanted to mock Kanako for being overconfident, it wasn't unwarranted. Not after what she'd done to her.

"How about splitting faith two ways?" Suwako challenged. "Are you truly satisfied with that?"

"Not at all," Kanako answered quickly. "However, as I've said before, I have no choice. I will split faith with you, because it's what I have to do."

"Wouldn't we both suffer from that?"

"We will lose much of our power, unless we bring in twice as much faith," Kanako conceded. "I will certainly be able to bring more than you did, but even I have my limits."

"What makes you think you could do better?"

"You have your strengths, Moriya, but I am far better with humans. It was I who united so many against you in the first place. And if you have doubts as to my skill with words, I suggest you look to yourself. After all, you're considering my idea, despite your hate for me."

Another good point. She had to give Kanako credit — she'd thought every possibility over well. She could reject it out of spite, but it wouldn't make sense for either of them.

"You've certainly given this some thought," Suwako eventually said. "Clearly, this was not some half baked idea intended to win me over as you reached the end of your rope. A shame really — it would have been amusing to see you grovelling at my feet."

"But I will do no such thing. I may need your help, but I will not beg for it."

"Really?" Suwako drummed her fingers together. "What about your survival being more important than pride? If I asked you to get on your knees right now, would you do so?"

"I would. But I know I do not need to. Besides, this pride is important to my survival — such desperation would only lead you to take advantage of me."

Suwako scoffed at that. "A bold accusation from you. How do I know you're not taking advantage of me?"

"That is for you to decide. I have given you my terms, and I believe them to be reasonably equal. I may need you, but you need me. Do not think I will undervalue my own contributions."

Suwako sighed deeply and rubbed her temple.

"The rhetoric is growing tiresome," she said. "I suppose I should make a decision. I will agree to your terms — not because I particularly like them, but because I don't want to see my people suffer under your rule."

"I expected as much, and I ask for nothing more either."

"However, if I am to assist you, I expect to know exactly what you're planning. If they conflict with what I want, then I'll stop helping."

"That is..." Kanako clutched her arm tightly. "Very well. Have it your way."

"Good." Suwako steepled her fingers together. "Here's my first question then — who will you conquer next? You've taken my kingdom, but I'm sure that's not the end."

"First, I will consolidate my acquisitions together, rewarding those who have helped, and punishing those who have betrayed me to you. And then..."

Kanako looked up, a faint smile emerging on her lips.

"This country is merely a stepping stone in my journey. Though I may decline, the increased scope of my kingdom will grant me the foothold I need to progress."

Suwako folded her arms. "So, you'll have more power. And to what end does that help you?"

"To what end?" Kanako repeated in bafflement. "To gather more faith! To become the most powerful god in existence!"

"And after that?"

"... I beg your pardon?"

"Once you become the most powerful god in existence... what happens next?" Suwako said, patronisingly slowly.

Kanako immediately froze on the spot. It was only discipline that allowed her to keep her face the same.

... what happened next? Obviously, she'd... she'd...

"You don't know, do you?" Suwako smiled for a moment, before glaring contemptuously at her. "I thought as much."

Kanako glared back in equal measure. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I know your type. You're the kind of person who'll never be happy with anything. You'll keep chasing after more, never caring about what you already have."

"Why shouldn't I seek more?" She demanded. "It is the nature of all living things to seek it."

Suwako burst into laughter, her voice radiating through the inner sanctum. Suddenly, she abruptly stopped, raising a hand to Kanako.

"You think I don't know about nature? You think I, a native god, don't understand that simple fact?" She asked rhetorically. "Now, I could tell you where that behaviour leads you, but it's more fun to let you find out."

"Do not single me out here, when every god in existence has done the same," Kanako hissed.

"Every god?" Suwako raised an eyebrow. "Speak for yourself, because I haven't. I established a kingdom — a small one — and I never tried to do anything more with it. I was happy with what I had."

"And look at where that got you," Kanako mockingly gestured around her. "If you had expanded, if you had the vision I did, your power would have been such that even I wouldn't have won. But you languished, and this is the price you pay."

"And whose fault is that?" Suwako said, her voice slowly rising. "Who invaded my kingdom and trampled on my lands? Who burnt my crops to starve my people? Who ended hundreds of years of peace to satiate her own ambitions?!"

Kanako let her jaw drop, taken aback by Suwako's voice. Before, things had ended amiably, but now... now she was seeing the full bitterness that Suwako had hidden away.

"You are responsible for all of this, Yasaka." Suwako jabbed a finger in her direction. "Whatever faults I have, they have only manifested because of your actions."

"A terrible excuse," Kanako countered. "If not me, it would have been another.

"But it was you, and so I blame you. I am not here to deal in hypotheticals. It is you who has created this burden, and now you ask me to share it with you? The temerity you show is astounding."

"If that's what you believe, then so be it. But know this — I will not stop until I am the most powerful god of all. Only then will I be satisfied."

"You already ARE the most powerful god out there!" Suwako yelled. "You have a kingdom larger than anything else the world has seen! You're an avatar of war that no one can compare to!"

Kanako smiled mockingly at her. "Why, Moriya, I'm flattered. It is truly an honour to hear that from you."

"Enough. You already have everything you sought after. You had it all before you came and conquered me, but your victory ruined us both!" Suwako snapped. "You've made my people lose faith in both of us, and the only solution you have is to make them lose even more faith in the short term."

"... I didn't think of that," Kanako admitted.

"Of course you didn't. If you had more foresight, you would have known exactly how I built this kingdom, and that you'd never be able to control the Mishaguji. But..." Suwako sighed heavily, feeling the rage disappear. "Enough of that. You've destroyed all that faith... now, we have to build it back up."

Kanako opened her mouth, but realised she didn't know what to say.

Her actions against Suwako had all been justified for what it would bring, but what it had brought was far less than she anticipated. In some ways, it had even been to her detriment... and to Suwako's.

... did she regret her actions? Not at all.

Even if Suwako was simplistic enough to not seek more faith, the drive to protect what she had burnt bright within her. Thus, her failure to do so meant she was no longer worthy of that faith.

But in failing to earn that faith for herself... neither was she. All that faith had been wasted, and if nothing else... Kanako did respect her. She'd rather that faith go to her than to nothing.

"Moriya, I..."

"I don't care what you have to say," Suwako harshly interrupted. "What's done is done, and it's too late to go back. But if you don't want to reap what you've sown, I suggest looking to the future."

"... very well. So, is it agreed?"

"For a given definition of agreed... yes," Suwako said, pinching her nose. "I will assist you. But make no mistake — I'm hardly fond of you, Yasaka. And when this kingdom comes toppling down, I'll be there to laugh at you."

"I expect nothing less. All I ask is that you're by my side as it happens."

"Of that you can be assured. I will not leave, nor will I betray your trust. Your demise will be from your own faults, and nothing else."

"Then... I thank you. And in return, I assure you that I will grant you far more than you ever had with this kingdom."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." Suwako sneered down her nose at her. "Now, if you would be so kind... remove yourself from my shrine."

Suwako looked at Kanako once last time, before slowly disappearing. Kanako stared at her statue for a moment, one thing becoming clear — though imposing in nature, it was nothing compared to the real thing.

She turned on the spot, leaving the sanctum and down the halls of the shrine.

Despite everything, she'd accomplished what she set out to do — she'd secured Suwako's help. And yet...

... why didn't it feel as gratifying as it should?

For a moment, her steps faltered as she recalled what Suwako said about her... always chasing more without acknowledging what she had.

She scowled, before continuing to walk out at twice the speed.

Suwako didn't know what she was talking about. A native god may be impressive, but they were old fashioned. They had no mind for the changes humanity demanded of them.

To simply play defensively as a god was not enough, for as time progressed, faith would inevitably wane. Only by pushing those boundaries could a god survive.

She'd prove it not just to Suwako, but to everyone. In time, all would come to learn the eternal struggle of a god — that to survive meant destroying your opposition without hesitation.

Those that helped her would be rewarded. Those that stood against her would suffer.

For as long as she continued her conquest, she would always live on.

Chapter Text

The clouds rolled across the sky, not letting a single bit of the Sun shine down. Still, it wasn't too cold and Kanako felt comfortable sitting on the steps to the shrine, passing a cup of tea to Suwako.

Suwako carefully blew on it, cradling the cup in her hands as she took a sip from it. To her surprise, it tasted a lot better than she expected. Kanako noticed her eyes widening as she drank it.

"Not good?" Kanako asked. "You don't have to hide it."

"Actually, it's not bad," Suwako said. "It's not good, but I'm impressed considering you haven't made a cup of tea in over three centuries."

"Given current circumstances, I've been forced to relearn that," she said bitterly, gesturing to the shrine behind her. "Such menial tasks were always the domain of our shrine maidens, and we have none. I can't believe that our last one left..."

"I can," Suwako chuckled. "She wanted to go to a university far from here, so she was always going to drop this eventually."

Kanako scowled to herself. "It hardly justifies it. In the past, people would have served us until death, never considering their own path."

"True. But, there's one thing you're missing."

"What's that?"

"This isn't the past."

Suwako gestured just over the hills, where they could both see the tips of skyscrapers peeking above.

"It wasn't that long ago I could stare over that and see nothing but the sky. To think that humans would make buildings large enough to change that... it's impressive stuff, isn't it?" Suwako mused.

Kanako sighed into her tea, feeling its heat radiate into her mouth. She could agree with that, even if she felt differently.

She still remembered the days where humans would construct houses not much bigger than themselves. To see them reach such frivolous heights was an accomplishment.

"It is impressive," Kanako admitted. "Though, I can't say I particularly appreciate the sight."

Suwako stood up, looking at it from Kanako's height. "It does ruin the picture, doesn't it? Sticks out like a sore thumb."

"Not that. It's what it represents — the advancement of humans. Advancements which come at our detriment."

"I'm surprised you're surprised," Suwako said. "You've always been the one who warned me about how quick humans would evolve."

"I didn't expect it to happen this quickly, The advancement of mankind outpaced my calculations. In the last century, they've done a thousand years of work."

"Ah, I knew numbers were never your strong suit. You must have forgotten to add a zero when you multiplied things together." Suwako laughed at her own joke, before looking at Kanako more concerningly. "It's not like you to make such a mistake."

"It isn't. But... there were unforeseen variables."

"Yeah, I don't think anyone was expecting two World Wars." Suwako shook her head, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she said, "Because the first one was so good that they had to make a sequel to it."

"That threw everything off. War creates necessity, and necessity is the mother of invention. Even then... It wasn't until humans graced the Moon with their presence that I realised how quickly they were progressing. Technology like that shouldn't exist for at least another few centuries."

"Yeah, that was a big thing." Suwako looked up to the sky, frowning deeply. "And not exactly a smart thing either. We've both heard the rumours about the people who live on the Moon."

Kanako grimaced heavily. "That's a variable I couldn't possibly deal with. Not in our current state."

Neither of them needed to say what it meant. Humans were outpacing their need for them faster than they could change. Before long, they'd be nothing.

"Do you feel it, Kanako?" Suwako asked quietly. "The faith fading from you?"

"... yes," she admitted. "I'm growing weaker. What about you?"

"I'm... I'm starting to feel cold at times," she said hesitantly.

Kanako immensely whirled on Suwako, glaring at her.

"What?"

"It doesn't happen often!" Suwako added quickly, trying to reassure her. "It's just now and then... I get this sudden chill running through my body. Whenever it's there, I can't shake it off at all."

"Suwako..." Kanako tried to hold in her irritation, but her concern stopped her. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"

Suwako hung her head, unwilling to look at Kanako.

"Didn't wanna make you worry," she said softly. "You already had enough on your hands over the last few weeks trying to find a new shrine maiden."

"And who exactly am I doing that for?" Kanako said sharply. "Myself, yes, but also you."

"I appreciate it, but... Kanako, be honest with me here. If we're not able to find a new shrine maiden —"

"We will."

"But if we don't... how long have we got?"

Kanako took a sharp breath in, holding on for a few agonising moments. Humans had far surpassed her expectations, which made all of her previous estimations worthless. She wouldn't be surprised if this one turned out the same.

"With some luck, I might have a few more decades left within me."

"And how many decades do you think I've got?"

Kanako hesitated for a moment, before giving her answer.

"One."

Suwako quietly nodded, seeming to accept that.

"Well, I guess this is it!" She said brightly. "Not to say I was looking forward to this day, but it had to happen at some point."

"You're awfully calm about this," Kanako noted.

"As I said, it was always going to happen. Besides, this is what you warned me about — humans would eventually advance to the point of no longer needing us. Guess you were right there."

"Rest assured... I take no joy in being correct about that," Kanako muttered solemnly.

Suwako put down her cup of tea, looking up at Kanako.

"You're scared, aren't you?" She said softly.

"You know me far too well..."

"Why didn't you say anything?" With a hint of irony, Suwako added. "You didn't want to worry me?"

"... something like that." Kanako shook her head, seething at herself. "It's illogical, isn't it? I've seen and caused so much death myself, yet when it comes to my own life... suddenly, I hesitate."

"I don't think it's illogical at all. It's your life, isn't it? I'd expect you to be a little more selfish with it."

"Perhaps, but..."

"But?" Suwako prompted.

"... I don't know." Kanako sighed wistfully. "Two thousand years ago, I said I would never fall. That I would rule Japan for eternity, never even slightly falling from grace. I fought and fought and fought... and what do I have to show for that now?"

Kanako bitterly swept her hand across the surroundings.

"A shrine that no one cares to visit anymore. Exactly what you had left when I took your kingdom from you. History repeats itself." Kanako laughed bitterly. "Poetic, isn't it?"

Despite everything, her glory days were long gone. Compared to her old self, her power now was nothing.

To have fallen like this should be humiliating... yet, it didn't even cross her mind. Not compared to what else it meant.

Both of them were dying. And there was nothing she could do to stop it.

"Kanako..." Suwako stood up in front of her, resting her hands on her face. "Stop trying to hide it."

Kanako shut her eyes tightly, unable to bear looking Suwako in the eye.

"I don't know what to do anymore," Kanako said, her voice starting to waver. "I've always had a plan, but now... I have nothing."

"Shh..." Suwako leant in, gently rubbing her forehead against hers. "It's gonna be fine. You always think of something in the end."

"Not this time." Kanako gulped hard, feeling her throat burning up. "I can't even find a shrine maiden, let alone everything else that needs to be done. I... I won't even have you there when my time comes."

Kanako looked down at the ground.

"I'm sorry. I know it's selfish."

"To want me there when you die?" Suwako smiled. "At worst, it's funny to me. We would have both wanted anyone but each other to be there at our deathbeds all those years back, but now..."

"Now, we only have each other. It is only fitting. But it doesn't mean I don't wish it could be different," Kanako said, looking at her painfully.

Suwako hesitated on her next words. Different... it was something she'd thought about many times.

If Kanako had never invaded her kingdom, where would she be now? Would she be better off, or would she have fallen long ago?

It didn't matter. What's done is done, and all they could do now was deal with the present. But, even with that being the case...

"... maybe it could be different," Suwako said.

"Hm? How could it possibly be?"

"Who says this has to be our end?"

Suwako paused, wondering if this was a good idea. It had never crossed her mind before, but seeing Kanako like that... she had to do it.

It had always been Kanako who innovated their strategies, keeping them both alive. In the past, she'd always thought of herself as the one who did all the heavy lifting, but Kanako did just as much — just in a different way.

It was time for her to start pulling her weight.

"I have an idea. I don't know if it'll work, but...

"I'm hardly flowing with them myself," Kanako pointed out. "I'll take anything."

"Well... maybe one of my descendants could help us out."

Kanako's eyes widened, realising she'd completely forgotten that. In the past, Suwako had birthed many children, all to try and strengthen the influence on her kingdom. There'd been many of them at one point, but now...

"Haven't they all died out?" Kanako asked. "I thought they've been declining over the years, and what few remained perished in the Second World War."

"One bloodline still survives," Suwako corrected. "The Kochiyas."

"Ah, yes." Kanako nodded approvingly. "They'd always been a respectable branch. Well educated, wealthy, and highly successful. If I recall, most of the women became wind priestesses."

"They did, which helped their innate divinity manifest. Only thing is, they stopped wanting anything to do with me a century ago. They realised I was dying long before I did, and they didn't want to sink with me."

"How despicable..." Kanako growled. "To turn your back on you, who has done so much for them? They would not have their prestige if not for you!"

"That's their choice, and... well, I can't really blame them for it." Suwako awkwardly chuckled. "It's not as if it wasn't unreasonable."

"Still... it is a betrayal of the highest order," Kanako hissed. "I'm surprised you hadn't punished them for that yourself."

"Eh, I was going to, but when all the wars broke out, I was kind of hoping they'd die in that. Like the rats they are, they lived on though... but that doesn't mean they're living well."

"In what sense?"

"The war did kill a lot of them off," Suwako clarified. "In fact, there's only one family left now. Barely a bloodline at all."

"And what do they do?"

"Well, my great great something grandson and his partner are both drug addicts, so that's neat," Suwako said casually.

Kanako nearly choked on her tea. She coughed a few times, looking at Suwako with her mouth twisted.

"I beg your pardon?"

"No, you heard me right," Suwako confirmed, a grim look settling on her face. "They're into meth."

"I..."

Kanako was genuinely lost for words. This had to be a joke — Suwako couldn't possibly be serious about this. Even if that family had renounced their divine roots, they'd still been respectable members of society. To lower themselves to this was... it was unthinkable.

She stayed silent for a moment, expecting Suwako to say she was joking, but it never came.

"Drug addicts," Kanako said blankly. "That's what they are?"

"Believe me... I'm no less proud of that fact," Suwako shook her head, bitterly taking a sip of tea. "And they're unrefined ones at that. Is it weird that I'm even more disappointed by that?"

"I don't think so," Kanako responded. "But... I certainly don't see what good they'd bring us. How could we possibly expect them to help?"

"Oh, those two are long gone, there's no helping that," Suwako said, waving her hand dismissively. "It's their daughter that's more relevant."

Kanako quickly perked up at that. "They have a daughter?"

"Four months old," Suwako confirmed. "Gotta say, choosing to have a child when you live that sort of life... I don't approve of it."

"Neither. Even you, in all your promiscuity, ensured that all your children were well provided for."

Suwako quickly frowned at her. "You make me sound like I was some kind of slut." She tilted her head from side to side, before shrugging proudly. "Eh, I kind of was. I did pick my suitors out very carefully though."

"I won't deny that." Kanako gestured to herself. "Not when your last pick was the greatest choice of all."

"Funny, because I was gonna say that was the one mistake I made," Suwako lightly ribbed.

Kanako rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile anyway.

"How is this child doing?" She asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

"As well as she can." Suwako scoffed at her own words. "Like that means anything in that environment. It's a shame too... I've seen her and she's very cute."

Kanako chuckled at that. "Most babies tend to be, Suwako."

"Well... there's one thing that sets her apart from most babies," Suwako said carefully. "Most babies aren't divine."

Divine? Kanako couldn't believe her ears.

She looked over at Suwako, who simply stared off in the distance with an unfathomable expression on her face.

"She inherited your divinity? The last time that happened was..."

"Before they cut ties with me," Suwako confirmed. "My divine touch has skipped three generations in that bloodline... but finally, it's resurfaced."

"And you're sure of that?"

"I'm certain." Suwako chuckled to herself. "What irony... that someone like her would be born to such filth. There's no justice in the world."

"Yes..."

Kanako's voice trailed off, full of uncertainty. As interesting as it was to know about Suwako's latest descendant... what did that mean for them? In her mind, she had a few vague ideas, all of which unsettled her.

"Suwako... what exactly are you thinking?" Kanako asked, deciding to go straight into it.

Suwako appeared to muse on it for a second, before saying, "The divine have always been more attune to each other."

"We both know this. If not for our relationship, we wouldn't have kept faith between us nearly as well."

"There's only so much we can do for each other though. When it comes to faith, humans are what we need most of all. But... a human with divine traits might be able to give us more faith. A lot more."

Kanako tensed up, realising exactly where Suwako was going with this. Suddenly, that unease only became greater.

"What do you propose she does?" Kanako said. "Our shrine may be going down, but we have no free positions."

"Correction — we have one. Or have you forgotten that we're currently lacking a shrine maiden?"

Kanako held on to her breath for a moment.

"It is an onerous task to place on her shoulders," she pointed out. "Not to mention that's a very large gamble with her upbringing. By the time she becomes old enough — assuming we're still alive by then — who's to say she'll even be suitable for the task?"

"Huh?" Suwako tilted her head at her. "Why wouldn't she be?"

"Because her parents are drug addicts? We'd be lucky if she grows up even halfway decent — let alone pious enough to be a shrine maiden!" Kanako said hotly. "I wouldn't let her come within a mile of this place!"

"Yeah..." Suwako's face scrunched up. "That is a problem."

"But it's one you already knew," Kanako said, knowing Suwako couldn't be ignorant of it. "Which means you've also thought of a solution."

Suwako didn't answer, refusing to look at Kanako. Yet, Kanako could tell — even though she tried to seem neutral, there was an anger in her eyes she rarely saw.

What that meant... she almost didn't want to consider.

"Suwako... what are you thinking?"

Suwako chuckled cruelly, lifting her chin high up.

"As someone who's had the pleasure of having many children, I can say they really are a gift. A treasure unlike any other. But... not everyone deserves to have them. Don't you agree?"

"... I suppose?" Kanako said hesitantly. "It's not something it'd be familiar with."

"Still, you understand that while every child deserves a parent, not every parent deserves their child."

"I would."

Suwako gritted her teeth. "Every so often though, a quirk in fate happens, and a couple that should never have had one gives birth to something far better than them. And when that happens... something has to be done."

"Where are you going with this?"

Suwako whipped her head back towards her in annoyance. "You're smarter than that, Kanako. Where do you think I'm going with this?"

It was exactly what she was thinking, wasn't it? The thought of it was insane... but in their situation? Insanity was all that could save them.

Kanako laughed hollowly. "I've never raised a child in my life."

"I know a few things about it. And hey, you can't do worse than her alternatives. Now is the perfect time to act — she'll barely have any memories of her parents."

"What of her parents though? Do you really think they'll just relinquish her like that?"

"... I don't see any reason why they shouldn't," Suwako said hesitantly, licking her lips. "I doubt they even planned to have her. If anything, we'll be doing them a favour."

"I see..."

Kanako still had some apprehensions, ones which were evident to Suwako just at a glance. She shifted towards her, gently cupping her cheek.

"Kanako... I know it's a big thing I'm asking," Suwako said softly. "Even more crazy than anything you've come up with."

"It is certainly out there," Kanako admitted. "And it'll be difficult for both of us."

"I know. But, that girl... she doesn't deserve that kind of place. And living the lives they do, her parents will meet their end soon... once they do, she's all I'll have left. I have to protect her."

She could hear the desperation in Suwako's voice. Like her, Suwako was proud beyond words — to plead was to admit weakness. But throughout the years, they'd realised both of them had many weaknesses. She certainly couldn't blame Suwako for this one.

"I'll go and speak to her parents then," she said, resolute as she straightened up. "Where exactly do they live?"

"What?" Suwako quickly looked up at her. "Kanako, you don't have to do that. I'll do it myself."

Kanako snorted back. "You? I wouldn't trust you to negotiate with a wall. I would be better for this sort of matter."

"I get that, but it's my bloodline. I have experience dealing with them.

"Yes... that's exactly why I don't want you to do it," she muttered quietly.

"Huh? Why not?"

"I respect the importance of family, despite having none myself. And even if they are despicable people... they are still yours. You should not have to sabotage your relationship just for this."

"That's my burden to bear, not yours," Suwako argued. "Besides, they're none too fond of me already..."

"Why are we together, Suwako?" Kanako asked sharply. "To share burdens together."

"Heh..." Suwako pulled her hat down, smiling faintly. "If that's what you say."

"Promise me you'll let me handle this," Kanako said seriously.

Suwako stuffed her hands into her pockets, crossing her fingers inside.

"I promise."

Suwako wasn't here.

That night, Kanako had woken up by coincidence, only to find that Suwako wasn't by her side, nor was she anywhere else within the shrine. She hadn't left any notes about where she'd gone either.

Where on Earth could she have gone at this time of night? She didn't doubt that Suwako would be fine, but it was odd for her to disappear without notice... was she trying to hide something from her?

Suddenly, amongst her searching, Kanako heard the front door to the shrine creak open. In walked Suwako, clutching something in her arms.

"And where exactly have you been?" Kanako said sternly.

Suwako jumped in the air, seeing Kanako to the side with her arms folded.

"Geez, Kanako... you scared the hell out of me." Suwako breathed heavily, putting a hand over her heart before giving her a quizzical look. "What are you doing up at this time of night?"

"I could ask the same of you. Thought you'd go for a midnight walk?" Kanako said dryly. "It is a common courtesy that when you do so, you leave a note."

Suwako quickly shushed her. "Keep your voice down."

"What?"

Kanako took a step towards her, able to more clearly see what Suwako was holding in her arms — a bundle of cloth... and a baby.

Her face drained of all colour as she glared at Suwako.

"You didn't."

Suwako looked down at the floor. "I did."

"What did I say?" Kanako hissed. "I TOLD you not to —"

"I had to!" Suwako whispered back, equally as fierce. "It wasn't your burden to bear!"

Kanako put a hand to her face, trying to calm herself with slow breaths. She was angry, but that wasn't going to help anything here.

"Let's move this conversation somewhere better," she said.

Suwako nodded, following her into their bedroom, where she placed the baby on their bed. Thankfully, she was still sleeping.

"Is there anything wrong with her?" Kanako asked.

"Not as far as I can tell," Suwako replied.

"In that case... explain. Now."

"Well... what do I say?" Suwako threw her hands up in the air. "Kanako, I don't do much around here. I felt like I had to do something, even if it meant this. I appreciate what you meant to do, but this was never your job."

"... fine. I don't understand it, but... fine. What's done is done. I just... I didn't think you'd go through with it that quickly."

Suwako shrugged neutrally. "No sense in delaying things if we know what we're gonna do."

"I suppose... how did her parents take it?"

Suwako bit down hard on her lip. "They... didn't like the idea. I mean, it didn't help that they were completely high at the time. I tried to negotiate with them, but they weren't having any of it. So..."

Suwako's voice drifted off into nothing, as a crestfallen expression fell onto her face.

"You killed them," Kanako stated.

"... yeah. It's... not like they didn't deserve it."

It may have been true, yet Kanako could tell she was trying to justify it herself.

"That's exactly why I wanted you to let me handle it," she said. "In case it came to that."

Suwako shook her head. "They're my family. It's only right they die by my hand. But... none of that matters now. All that matters is her."

Suwako nodded towards the baby, and Kanako carefully peered at her. Right now, she was asleep, blissfully aware of all that was going on. What stood out to her most though was her green hair — hardly normal for humans.

Not that she needed proof of this child's divinity. Just by standing next to her, she knew Suwako was right. To think... such a small, fragile creature, yet the possibilities were endless for her.

Kanako knew that all babies seemed cute at their age, but she had to agree with Suwako — there was something especially so about this one.

Yet... something was odd about this baby too. She couldn't place her finger on what — it wasn't her divinity, but... something wasn't right.

Her knowledge of humans hardly ran deep, but far as she could tell though, the baby seemed well enough. No signs of sickness or injuries, and she looked plump and healthy, not malnourished at all...

... but she should have been.

Kanako felt her heart skip a beat, as her mind quickly flung itself into overdrive, putting things together. A healthy baby would have been normal... except that the parents of this one were hardly normal.

Did Suwako... she couldn't have. She wouldn't have.

...

... she did. That's exactly what she did, wasn't it?

"Suwako..."

Kanako's voice wavered, unsure if she even wanted to ask it.

"Yeah?" Suwako asked. "What is it?"

"What did her parents really do?"

Suwako frowned at her. "What do you mean? Didn't I tell you they were drug addicts? They didn't do anything. Just a waste to society really."

"Drop the act, Suwako. Tell me what they really did for a living."

Suwako looked at her with bafflement. "I hate to break it to you, Kanako, but... I can't tell you something that doesn't exist."

"Her parents were not drug addicts," Kanako said, almost certain of it now.

Suwako glared at her. "You know... after all we've been through, I'd have thought you trusted me. Why do you think I'm lying to you?"

"Because drug addicts generally do not take good care of their children."

Suwako froze on the spot, barely seeing Kanako gesture to the baby.

"Given the environment she lives in, I would expect her to be even the slightest bit off. Perhaps unwell, or running a temperature, or overly petite." Kanako gestured over to the baby. "She is healthy. Perfectly healthy."

"That's a pretty bold assumption, you know? Who said that her parents couldn't have looked after her?"

"You. It was you who said they were unfit to raise a child. It was you who said that this baby would do better in any other environment," Kanako said pointedly. "And if that was all true... why would they care if you took her? You'd be doing them a favour by taking her out of their hands, not needing to bother caring for her anymore."

She paused, trying to observe any sort of change in Suwako, but the curse god remained unflappable. If that was how Suwako wanted to play it, she'd push on.

"Not to mention, humanity is considerably less tolerant of neglect these days. Their laws have changed since — gone are the days where parents have absolute right over their children."

"And?" Suwako said, sounding somewhat jilted. "What's your point?"

"Those incapable of raising their children correctly may even have them taken away. It would not have been hard for us to disguise ourselves and make use of those laws, but that wasn't an option, was it? Not when her parents really were capable of looking after her."

It all made sense to her. That's why Suwako did everything behind her back like this.

"... what's done is done. They didn't deserve to raise her, so... I took matters into my own hands."

Suwako raised her head up, looking at Kanako with an emptiness that scared her.

"Her parents were drug addicts. Don't ever ask me what they do again."

"Suwako..." Kanako's hands balled into fists. "Why won't you be honest with me?"

"Because I am telling the truth," she insisted. "That's the way I see it, and so that's how the world we see it. As far as they're concerned —"

"You killed them to make sure they wouldn't come after their daughter."

Kanako tried to say it as neutrally as she could, but evidently she didn't succeed, for Suwako buried her face in her hands. When she spoke again, it broke Kanako's heart to hear how meek she sounded.

"I had to, Kanako. If they lived, they'd have found us and taken her back, and then they'd have hurt her."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because... they're addicts. And they would have —"

Suwako suddenly doubled over, clutching her entire body tightly. Kanako caught her just before she fell, letting her steady herself, but it didn't stop her from starting to shiver fiercely.

She didn't protest when Kanako lifted her up and carried her to the bed, clutching the sheets around her body.

"Another chill?" Kanako asked, wrapping her arms around Suwako.

"... yeah." Suwako sighed, still continuing to shiver. "I don't know why I even bother with this... it's not like it ever warms me up."

"Do you want me to let go of —"

"Stay." Suwako coughed, trying to ignore how wearily it came out. "Please."

"Of course."

"It feels worse this time..." Suwako groaned. "I don't get why. What's changed?"

"Your excursion today."

Realisation dawned on Suwako's face. "Of course it's that..."

She leaned back and sank into the bed, shutting her eyes tight.

"I'm so sick of this, Kanako. I'm TIRED of looking like a child, feeling these chills run through me every other day. Sometimes, I feel like I'd rather be dead than go through all this. But, I... I don't want to die, Kanako. Not like this."

"You will not. I refuse to let you," Kanako said reassuringly.

"I..." Suwako choked on her words. "I can't let you die either. We deserve to keep going, don't we? And if that's the case... then don't we deserve someone to help us with that?"

"Suwako... I don't think any less of you for this. Not after everything we've been through. I'd have done the same."

Suwako shook her head. "I wouldn't have let you. It's not your burden to bear."

"Enough!"

Kanako disentangled her arms around Suwako, glaring with all the divine presence she could muster.

"Two thousand years, Suwako! Two thousand years we've been together, and you have learned nothing in that time! We live and die by our unity — without that, we are nothing! These burdens you speak of are mine as well, or do you think I'm just going to hand my life over to you? NO! I thought you'd —"

A quiet cry filled the room, abruptly ending Kanako's tirade. When she looked down the end of the bed, they saw the baby was awake. With all their shouting, it was inevitable.

Kanako sheepishly rested against the headboard, ignoring the glare Suwako was now giving her.

"Give her to me," she said.

Kanako reached over and awkwardly grabbed the still crying baby, much to Suwako's amusement.

"You're holding her like she's a bomb," Suwako said, raising an eyebrow.

"For all I know on this matter, she may as well be..." Kanako muttered, handing her over to her.

Suwako cradled the baby, gently shaking and cooing at her all the while. Before long, she settled and went back to sleep.

"You're rather good at that," Kanako noted quietly.

"Not the first time I've done this," Suwako said with a hint of pride. "I'm surprised I've still got it after all these years though. Guess some things about humans have stayed the same."

Silence filled the room, as Kanako just sat and watched Suwako lie there with the baby. When Kanako thought of her, the things she instantly went to were her wit, sharp tongue, cunning and ruthlessness.

She certainly didn't think of this.

She knew Suwako could be caring — she'd experienced that firsthand. It was much different to see it like this though... a side she'd never seen. Yet, it seemed to slot in perfectly with everything else Kanako knew about her.

"It's an amazing thing, isn't it?" Suwako said quietly. "Even after all these years, there's something special about the gift of life."

Kanako didn't say anything back, and Suwako sighed again, looking at the baby much differently.

"You don't have to help out if you don't want to. I'll do everything myself, just... please let me keep her. She's all I have left."

Suwako looked at her with pleading eyes, holding onto the baby as if her life depended on her... which wasn't far from the truth.

"We share burdens," Kanako stated. "You are quite mistaken if you think I will let you take this one all by yourself."

"... thank you," Suwako said quietly. "I... I don't even know what to say."

"Don't thank me yet," Kanako warned. "This will not come without its challenges, and... I doubt my own ability to do this. But if you accept that, so do I."

"You doubt yourself? That's not the Kanako I know." Suwako looked at her critically. "Where's all that pride? If humans can do it, then surely a great god like you can?"

"If I was so great, we would not be in this situation to begin with, and pride became meaningless the moment we found ourselves in it."

Suwako was taken aback by the bitterness in Kanako's voice. It was rare to hear her admit to something like that.

"Moreover... there is a reason why I never chose to have children like you did. It is not in my nature to be caring."

"Hey, don't put yourself down yet. You look after me, don't you? I look like a child, and you're always saying I act like one too."

Kanako threw her an unamused look. "Be serious, Suwako."

"I think you have what it takes. You're not without faults, but together... maybe we can cover our weaknesses."

"Perhaps." With sardonic wit, Kanako added, "Perhaps I should also read some books on parenting."

"Maybe I need that too... it's probably a lot different than it was back in my day."

"We both need to improve significantly if we're to have any hope of doing this. And more importantly... she deserves better."

"Better?" Suwako smiled faintly at her. "I agree, but I'm surprised too. All those years back, you'd have never cared this much. You've grown soft."

"I have," Kanako admitted. "But so have you and in this case... perhaps that's for the better. For her sake, let us agree on this — we can suggest the path of a shrine maiden to her, but her path in life is her own to choose."

"Of course. And if that means she chooses not to become a shrine maiden... then, we'll just have to accept that."

Kanako watched the baby in Suwako's arms, who seemed to have settled enough to go back to sleep. Though unfamiliar with it herself, simply watching the scene before her... she started to understand why humans went through this.

"She is cute," Kanako said out loud. "I see what you mean."

Suwako flashed her a smug smile. "I told you."

"Incidentally... what's her name? Did her parents give her one?"

"Heh... I can't believe we've gone that long without that coming up. Her name is Sanae."

"Sanae..."

Sanae Kochiya... so, she'd be the shrine's latest member.

As Kanako looked at her, she wondered what would become of her as she grew up.

Would she be the hope they were looking for? Or would she forever resent them for what they did?

The gift of life was a treasure beyond anything else, but she could hardly be called either of those things. She was a gift to them, but one they'd taken from others, and with her life came two deaths.

They didn't deserve her. Both of them accepted that.

But it didn't change what they'd do. They'd do all they could, even if it was only a fraction of what she deserved.

And one day... they might finally be worthy of her.

Chapter Text

"Describe the state of matter that particles are in under extremely high temperatures."

"Plasma?" Sanae nervously answered.

"Are you asking or telling me?" Kanako retorted.

"Oh... it's plasma."

"Now, define it."

"It's a state of matter obtained when electrons have enough energy to leave their orbits and become free."

"Good."

Kanako reached over the desk for a piece of paper, writing some numbers and letters down from the textbook before passing it to Sanae.

"Solve this fission equation. You can assume it gives off beta particles."

"Can I have the textbook to look at the Periodic Table, Lady Kanako?" Sanae asked, tapping her pen against her chin.

"No cheating," Kanako warned, passing it over as well. "I'd have thought after all these questions, you'd have memorised it all."

"All of it?!" Sanae balked. "That's impossible! No one could memorise all that information!"

"You'd be surprised. In our days, very little was written down, so everything important had to be remembered. Of course, that's hardly a reliable method..."

"It's always good to double check," Sanae said, scribbling some figures down. "I find myself making silly mistakes if I don't."

"That's wise. It's foolish to rely solely on your memory if you don't have to."

Sanae passed the sheet back over to Kanako, who took a glance at it before nodding.

"Very quick," she praised. "Let's move on to fusion then. Give three theoretical advantages of it compared to fission."

"The fuel is hydrogen, which we can get from water, so it's much easier to find than materials for fission, and there's no radioactive waste."

"That's two. Any more?"

"Um... oh!" Sanae nearly jumped out of her seat. "There's less risk of events like meltdowns with fusion reactors!"

"I'll accept that. Give two drawbacks of it."

"Well, the conditions needed to make it happen are much harder to meet, because we can't copy the same pressure the Sun has. So, we have to use even higher temperatures instead... but, that uses up so much energy that we don't gain anything back from fusion."

"At least, that's how it stands right now. Perhaps in the future, that may change," Kanako mused. "I think that's enough questions for today."

Sanae tapped her fingers together anxiously. "How did I do? Do you think I'll pass next week's test?"

"The only way you'll fail is if you don't show up," Kanako said bluntly. "Your knowledge is impeccable, Sanae. You ought to be far more confident in yourself."

"Well, it's never good to be too sure in yourself... isn't that how most proud people think before bad things happen to them?"

Kanako chuckled to herself. In some ways, Sanae was far too mature for her age.

"A little pride is good now and then, especially when it has been earned. Even more so for gods." Kanako smiled proudly at her. "You will do excellently. I have no doubts, and frankly these questions are a waste of your time. You already know it by heart."

"Maybe, but it's still good to go over the concepts! Plus, I think nuclear energy is really interesting. Do you think there's a future for nuclear fusion, Lady Kanako?"

"Clean, reliable energy sources are difficult to come by. As technology improves, I expect the efficiency will too."

It was certainly something she'd be keeping her eye on in the future. When she first learned of fusion — courtesy of Sanae's textbooks — it had taken her aback significantly. To think that humans were playing with the same processes that fuelled stars... it was astounding.

Still, any practical use for it remained a fantasy for now. Kanako knew it was only a matter of time before that changed — with the way technology seems to advance by the day, her fears seemed to fall into place more and more.

"It is truly remarkable," Kanako said out loud. "The days of horse drawn carts are still recent to me."

"It's weird to think people lived like that once. I couldn't imagine not having half the things I do now! A world without electricity just seems absurd."

"With how much society relies on it, it would be. There have always been ways around it — they're just harder."

"It sounds like it'd be more boring. If I didn't have my Game Boy, I'd be bored out of my mind sometimes!"

"Is that so?" Kanako smirked at her. "Perhaps we should give you some more duties around here then. We wouldn't want you to be bored, would we?"

Sanae instantly went pale, making Kanako chuckle greatly.

"Ah, well..." Sanae stammered, waving her hands frantically. "It's not that I don't like doing things around here..."

"I'm joking, Sanae. Why, at this point, we might as well skip the wait and officially make you our shrine maiden."

"It's important to do things properly, Lady Kanako. Without my robes, I can't call myself one! How long did they say it'd take?"

"A few months. You'll look lovely in them, I'm sure."

"I can't wait to have them!" Sanae gushed. "I've been dreaming about it for ages!"

Kanako couldn't help but beam at her. Neither she nor Suwako expected her to take to the idea with such gusto, but once they'd brought it up, it had never left her head.

She did everything so earnestly that it assured Kanako that she genuinely wanted this. At the same time, it was also a cause for concern for her.

"All in due time. But, Sanae... do take a moment for yourself. You have a tendency to overdo things, and the last thing we want is to run yourself ragged," Kanako pointed out.

"But if something's worth doing, it's worth giving it your all. Besides, it's the least I can do to repay you for everything you've done."

"Yeah, but having you in our lives is payment enough."

Sanae and Kanako looked behind them, seeing Suwako casually enter the room.

"Honestly, we've both gotten pretty complacent," Suwako continued. "You're keeping this place alive practically by yourself — that's well beyond what I'd expect a sixteen year old to do."

"Really? I'm surprised you'd say that, Lady Suwako. Surely for you, you're used to sixteen year olds doing lots of things?"

"Judge yourself by today's standards, Sanae, not the past's. Besides, what they used to do back then probably classifies as child exploitation now, so... not the best example to draw from."

Suwako looked down at the table, noticing the various books scattered about.

"Anyway, are you two still busy revising? Why are you even wasting your time on this?"

"I have to revise the content, Lady Suwako!" Sanae said frustratedly. "If I don't, then —"

"Then what? You'll get one less mark in your test tomorrow?" Suwako threw her hands up in the air dramatically. "Oh, what a tragedy! The world will surely end!"

"Lady Suwako! Don't mock me!"

"You make it too easy, Sanae. Look... if there's anything in this textbook you don't know, I'll eat my own hat."

"Now, wouldn't that be great to see?" Kanako said, smirking at Suwako.

"Oh, be quiet." Suwako playfully swatted at her.

"Well, if you're sure..." Sanae hesitantly gathered her books. "I'll put these away for today then."

She got up and headed towards her room, leaving Kanako and Suwako alone. As soon as she was out of her sight, Suwako turned to Kanako with a smug grin.

Kanako sighed exhaustedly. "Do I want to know what that look means?"

"Oh, it's nothing but good news. You see, while you two were busy with this, I found something special. I was in Sanae's room —

"Invasion of privacy," Kanako drolled. "An excellent quality for a parent to have."

"Actually, I wasn't even snooping. I was putting some of her clothes away and I happened to find something in her wardrobe. Some more evidence for our riddle."

"Riddle?" Kanako repeated in confusion, before realising what she meant. "Oh, you mean that. What did you find?"

Suwako raised a finger up, blowing on the tip. "A smoking gun. If I wasn't sure before, I'm 105% certain now."

Kanako raised an eyebrow at her. "105?"

"With a 5% margin of error."

"Hm..." Kanako mused on it for a few moments, before saying, "If you're that sure, I believe it's time we bring this up."

"Really? You think it's time?"

"It has been a year since we first suspected this, Suwako. If Sanae hasn't admitted it yet, that can only mean two things." Kanako raised a finger up. "First, she may not actually be aware of her own preferences."

"Eh... I doubt it. She probably hasn't been keeping track of things as much as we have, but she must have noticed some of them. Plus, there's that time I saw her reading a book on these things and trying to cover it up."

"For those reasons, I'm disinclined to believe that either." Kanako's face suddenly darkened as she raised a second finger. "Which leaves the alternative... that Sanae does not feel comfortable telling us for whatever reason."

Suwako immediately stiffened in her seat, appalled by the thought.

"Why would she feel that way?"

"I don't know. But, it's irrelevant — there is nothing she should feel the need to hide from us. If there is, then we have failed in our duty."

Suwako stood up and firmly patted Kanako on the back, suddenly returning to her usual self.

"Alright, good luck then!" Suwako said abruptly. "I'm sure you'll do fine."

"Me?!" Kanako cried. "Why do I have to do this?!"

"Hey, we agreed we'd take it in turns to have the awkward conversations with Sanae! And if you remember, I was the one who gave Sanae the talk."

"I'm not sure if that counts — not when Sanae found it more awkward than you did by the end. Was it really necessary to remind her of how many instances of sex were required to lead to her?"

"Of course! If you wanna convince someone that something's important, you give 'em an example that relates to them. Besides, it's a natural part of life, and I'm a god of natural things," Suwako said shamelessly. "Better to embrace it rather than being embarrassed."

"I think you just enjoy flustering Sanae."

Suwako chuckled at that. "Again, she makes it too easy. Besides, don't act like you don't —"

Suwako suddenly doubled over, just managing to catch herself by clutching the edge of the table.

Kanako instantly shot up, her heart racing as she drew a chair behind Suwako and gently pushed her down into it.

"I'm okay," Suwako said, before Kanako could ask herself. "I'm fine."

"I'm making you some tea."

Suwako knew that tone of voice well. It wasn't a choice.

Kanako walked over to their kettle and switched it on, her eyes remaining on Suwako all the while.  As the water began to boil, she sat back down, staring directly into Suwako's eyes.

"It's getting worse again, isn't it?"

"... it is. Sanae's delayed things for me, but we're still losing faith. For now, it's fine, but... I'll start getting weaker again, then the chills will return."

"How much longer do you think you have?"

"Years."

Kanako exhaled gently. "There's some time then... enough for our next step. If this world will not accept us, we'll simply have to find one that does."

Suwako sighed, knowing what Kanako was referring to. She'd hoped it wouldn't come to this.

In the sixteen years since Sanae had entered their lives, both of them had scoured endlessly for other solutions to their declining faith. In doing so, they'd found one possible avenue — the whispers of a paradise where the forgotten was real.

"The fantasy land? You really think it exists?"

"Everything we know points to it. Where else could the youkai of old have gone to? I think it's worth a shot."

"Me too, but... what about Sanae?" Suwako asked pointedly.

Kanako bit down on her lip hard. It couldn't have been more unfortunate timing... if not for Sanae, they'd have committed themselves to this much earlier.

"... let's cross that bridge when we get to it."

"Sure." Putting on a smile, Suwako said, "Besides, we've got another bridge to cross first with Sanae. If you really want, I don't mind staying and giving you some help when you do get round to it."

"Would you?" Kanako said gratefully. "You're far better at this than I am."

"We share burdens, right?" Suwako threw her a lopsided grin. "Of course I'll help you out."

Just then, the kettle finished boiling. Kanako got back up and made three cups of tea. As she did, Sanae appeared in the kitchen.

"Oh, are you making tea, Lady Kanako?" She asked. "You should have just asked me if you wanted some!"

"I am not so defunct that I cannot do something as simple as this," Kanako replied, passing them both a cup.

"Doing it well is a different matter though," Suwako retorted.

"Shut up and drink your tea, Suwa."

Suwako did so, smiling slightly at Kanako. "Huh, it seems you have actually gotten better at this."

"There you go." Kanako spread her arms out in a grandiose manner. "There is nothing I cannot accomplish!"

Sanae giggled lightly at her. "Don't you think you're being dramatic for a cup of tea, Lady Kanako?"

"Eh, that's just Kana's way of doing things. A larger than life kind of deal, you know?"

"Yes, thank you." Kanako threw each of them an irate look. "That aside, it is good we are all here. There is something I believe we need to discuss."

"Hm?" Sanae looked at her quizzically. "What is it?"

"I'm glad you asked, because it is about you, Sanae."

"Me?"

"Wait, we're doing this right now?" Suwako asked, looking puzzled. "I thought we were gonna leave this for another day."

"We have everything we need," Kanako replied, much to Sanae's confusion. "There is no better time than the present."

"I... I'm sorry, Lady Kanako, but I really don't understand what you're talking about?"

"As to be expected." Kanako straightened up, looking at Sanae carefully. "Have you given much thought to dating, Sanae?"

"D-dating? Um... where is this coming from?"

"You're about the age where humans start seeking partners. Thus, I was wondering if you've taken any interest in anyone."

"Seeking partners?" Suwako sighed exasperatedly at her own partner. "Kanako, she's sixteen, not sixty. Stop talking to her like that."

"My sincerest apologies. How would the youth today say it..." Kanako muttered, snapping her fingers when she had her answer. "Ah, yes — is there anyone you wanna screw?"

Suwako burst into laughter, howling and whooping as she pounded the table multiple times.

"Is that better?" Kanako said pointedly to Suwako, who managed to give her a thumbs up in between laughs.

"Lady Kanako!" Sanae went deep red.

"It's a valid question."

Sanae slumped on to the table, groaning lightly. Suwako copied her posture and grinned right at her.

"So, Sanae," she began. "Better or worse than when I taught you about sex?"

Sanae groaned even louder, now wishing for the ground to swallow her up.

"I think I'll take that as meaning better," Kanako said proudly. "Still, don't let that distract you from my question."

"N-NO! There's... there isn't anyone like that!"

"We're aware, which is precisely what we're concerned about. We'd have thought you'd have expressed more interest in dating by now, but you've turned down everyone who's asked you."

"Well... being a shrine maiden keeps me busy," Sanae said, hesitating slightly. "The shrine comes before anything else."

"We do not expect you to be a slave to the shrine, Sanae," Kanako said seriously. "If you want time for such matters, you need only ask. We would never refuse."

"That's very kind of you, Lady Kanako, but... I'm still not interested in that sort of thing. I'm... I'm not much of a romantic myself."

"Not a romantic?" Suwako repeated, now glaring at Sanae. "So, we're just gonna ignore your collections of shoujo stuff?"

"Or the countless romantic novellas you have?" Kanako added. "I can't understand how you like such trite, but each to their own."

"They are not trite!" Sanae said hotly. "If you read them, Lady Kanako, you'd realise how well written they are!"

Kanako and Suwako quickly exchanged a smile, having the same idea.

"They seem overly dramatic to me," Kanako replied.

"Okay... maybe they are," Sanae admitted. "But, it's worth it! That drama makes what the characters go through even better — they support each other through everything, always staying side by side! And with their devotion, they can conquer any challenge in life."

"Ah, so it's that you find appealing? I'd have thought it'd be the affection that drew you."

"I... I do like those parts, but... there's more to a relationship than that. It's about how you support each other... like how you both do."

"You know... that's a very insightful perspective of love you've got," Suwako said. "It ain't all sunshines and rainbows, and I'm glad you get that. However, riddle me this, Sanae — how does someone as young as you get all that and deny being a romantic?"

Sanae froze in her seat, feeling her blood run cold.

"Well, I... um... I..."

She buried her face in her hands, resting on the table again.

"I'm a terrible liar, aren't I..." she muttered.

"Yeah, you are," Suwako said with a chuckle. "So, come on. You might as well come out with it."

"Come out with what?" Sanae suddenly shot back up with a sudden streak of defiance. "Maybe I'm just not interested in a relationship yet! Maybe I just haven't found the right person!"

"I agree with you on both," Kanako said. "There is a particular reason you have not found the right person though."

"And... and what is that?" Sanae glared hotly at Kanako. "It seems to me like you're trying to get at something, Lady Kanako. So, why don't you just say it?!"

Kanako grimaced at that. Sanae was more perceptive than she expected.

Either way, they'd reached an impasse. If they couldn't gently coax it out of Sanae, then a more direct approach was required.

"Very well. I have a question for you, Sanae. I ask that you answer it with complete honesty."

Sanae nodded at her, yet Kanako didn't ask it immediately, trying to think of how to phrase it.

For some reason, it stumped her. She was an expert with her words, once able to sell the most devastating losses to her forces and still boost their morale, but all of that was failing her now.

If she couldn't say it tactfully... then she'd just have to say it with none at all.

"Do you like girls, Sanae?"

Sanae felt her heart beat out of her chest, as her mind raced to try and find some way out. Suddenly, her eyes lit up.

"O-of course I do! Lots of them are my friends in school!"

"Sanae."

She tensed up, quickly realising that Kanako wasn't going to tolerate any misinterpretations. She looked over to Suwako for help, but she looked completely impassive.

"... yes," she said meekly.

She bowed her head down in shame, waiting for the fallout.

"Well, that's one mystery solved. At least we weren't going down the wrong track."

Sanae's head shot back up, looking at Kanako in surprise.

"You... you knew? "

"Well, we couldn't be sure until just now, but we had a pretty strong suspicion," Suwako said, smiling gently at Sanae. "There were a lot of signs."

"Signs?! But... I thought I was being really careful!"

"Oh, Sanae..." Suwako shook her head reproachfully. "Maybe we need to teach you a little on how to keep a secret then. There's at least a dozen things we saw."

"A dozen?! I couldn't have given you that many!"

"Kanako, get the list."

Sanae scoffed at that, thinking this was simply more of Suwako's antics... until Kanako pulled a small notebook from her pocket, flipping to a certain page.

"Let's see... yes, there were many things that gave us an idea," Kanako said. "Such as the fact that you've turned down every boy that had ever expressed interest in you."

"Or the times you've outright called some of the girls you know pretty."

"Or the fact that you recently bought a book on differing sexualities."

"Or that collection of yuri manga you keep hidden in your wardrobe."

Sanae's eyes widened to the size of cups as she blushed deeply again. Kanako frowned, noting that wasn't on her list... so, that was Suwako's smoking gun.

"W-what?! You found that?!"

"Funny thing too — for all you love to talk about your mangas, you've never once mentioned those." Suwako grinned at Sanae's surprised look. "Yeah, I pay attention to your rants, so that one caught me by surprise."

"I... thank you?"

"Plus, we can't forget your green hair," Suwako added. "That just gives it away!"

"But, t-that doesn't... I thought that's because I was a god!" Sanae spluttered.

"Ah, but so am I! If that was the case, then why is my hair simply blond?" Suwako countered, ignoring Kanako's very confused look. "It makes no sense!"

"Well... um..."

"All lesbians have strangely coloured hair, Sanae," Suwako said sagely, folding her arms. "Genuine fact."

Kanako briefly looked up at her own blue hair, scoffing at Suwako's statement. Obviously, her existence disproved that supposed fact.

"Ignoring Suwako's nonsense, the point we're trying to get at is that we had reason to suspect this."

Sanae tried not to groan at how everything had gone downhill. Not only did they know, but she hadn't even hid it as well as she thought.

Her breathing became unsteady, despite her attempts to keep calm. Now that her gods knew... what would they think?

"I'm... I'm sorry for this."

Kanako looked at her curiously. "Sort for what exactly?"

"For... liking girls."

Suwako frowned, now realising exactly why Sanae had kept this hidden from them. They'd hoped it'd been for something innocuous, but it was far more than that.

"And why is that an issue?" Suwako asked.

Sanae looked at her with confusion, not understanding why Suwako didn't get it.

"Because... it's not normal?"

"Not normal?" Suwako pursed her lips with amusement. "Well, you're a human with green hair that's also part god, living with the two gods you also worship, one of whom is your ancestor that also looks younger than you, and the other of whom is her rival from ancient times. Now, tell me... what about that sounds normal to you?"

"That's not the same, Lady Suwako. I didn't have a choice in any of that." Quickly, Sanae added, "And I don't mind that either! But... I do have a choice in this."

"You have a choice in who you find attractive?" Kanako said sharply. "I disagree. There are many choices we have when it comes to our attractions, but choosing who they are is not one of them."

"But... don't you think it's wrong?"

Kanako and Suwako exchanged a look between each other. Sanae was perceptive... but sometimes, she could be so utterly dense.

"Sanae..." Suwako snickered, trying not to burst out laughing. "I have a wife! I sleep with her in the same bed at night, I like to kiss and cuddle with her, and I am attracted to her because she is among the most crafty people I know."

She paused, looking straight at Kanako with adoration.

"And despite what she may believe, she is very dear to me, for I know I wouldn't still be here today if not for her. I couldn't imagine life without her now."

"Flatterer..." Kanako scoffed, yet she couldn't hide the genuine smile on her face.

"But you're a god, Lady Suwako..." Sanae said quietly. "I'm just a shrine maiden. The standards I have to meet... they're not the same as yours!"

"Yeah, I am a god. But guess what, Sanae? So are you!"

"It's not the same!" Sanae shouted frustratedly.

"Why not?! You keep saying that, but —"

"Enough."

Kanako's booming voice startled them both, and Suwako nearly cowered under the glare Kanako fixed her with.

"You're not helping, Suwako," she said sternly. "Stop shouting at her."

"... sorry. Sorry, I'll... I'll just keep quiet."

"Good." She turned to Sanae, looking at her more gently. "Do you want to stop this? We will not bring this up again until you're ready."

Sanae shook her head, sniffling slightly. "No, it's fine. What's done is done."

Kanako grimaced at those words. "That doesn't mean we should continue down a path that is only causing you more pain."

"It's not that, it's just I... I've wanted to tell you about this for a long time," Sanae admitted.

"How long would that be?"

"Since I first started feeling this way... I think it was a year ago?"

A year... that seemed to line up with when they'd first started noticing things too.

"I... I just didn't know how to do it. Or... why I even feel like this? That's why I bought that book and tried to make sense of it, and what people in school were saying."

"People in school?" Kanako's voice shook with unease.

Sanae looked down at the table, nodding glumly. "You're not the only ones who noticed that I've turned down every boy. I... I tried to do it as nicely as I could by saying that I was too busy or I wasn't ready for a relationship, but... they're just excuses, aren't they?"

"You have no obligation to tell them the truth," Kanako said.

"I'm not even hiding anything anymore though," Sanae responded bitterly. "Everyone's getting tired of my excuses. They say that... it's because I don't have a father. They say all sorts of things and, and... people start looking at me differently."

"What? "

Suwako slammed her hands onto the table, making Sanae yelp. When Kanako looked at Suwako, she saw her eyes burning hot white, spilling with rage.

"Suwako..." Kanako warned.

Suwako balled her hands into fists, standing up.

"Excuse me for a moment," Suwako said tonelessly. "I'm just going to get some fresh air."

Kanako breathed a sigh of relief as Suwako walked out. While she understood and shared in Suwako's anger, she knew it wouldn't help right now.

"Sanae... are your classmates giving you issues?" Kanako asked gently.

"It's... nothing specific," Sanae said, her voice strained. "None of them say anything straight to my face."

"But they say things meaning for you to hear, don't they?"

"... yes."

Kanako sighed quietly. "Why didn't you tell us about this?"

"I... I didn't want to give you anything more to worry about. Especially Lady Suwako."

"What do you mean?"

Sanae hesitated for a moment, before saying, "I've seen the way Lady Suwako struggles sometimes. She's getting weaker, and... that's more important than whatever's wrong with me."

"Nothing is wrong with you," Kanako said firmly. "And you have done nothing wrong either, except for not telling us about this."

"I... I guess it was pretty stupid of me to think that, with you and Lady Suwako being the way you are, but... but why are you different from everyone else?"

"We have the benefit of age," Kanako answered. "With time... your perspective changes and matters such as this become irrelevant. Which is not to say they are pointless, but I am not one to care about such matters. And Suwako... she has some personal experience in this matter."

"Personal experience?"

Kanako threw her a bemused look. "You are not the first lesbian in her family. Perhaps that is why she is far more affected by this than I."

"... I didn't know that. I thought this would have been different for both of you, so I kept it to myself, but you're saying there wasn't a reason for any of this?"

"What's done is done," Kanako said firmly, keen not to blame Sanae for anything or let her do the same. "Instead, let us look at what we can do now."

"To start with..." Sanae gulped heavily. "I can't be your shrine maiden any more, can I? Shrine maidens are supposed to be perfect, and I..."

Sanae didn't finish that sentence, starting to tear up.

Kanako froze on the spot, not knowing what to do. Briefly, she lamented Suwako's absence, because she'd always been much better when Sanae was feeling down.

In many ways, Sanae reminded her of herself — she was always aiming for better. When Sanae did things, she never did it by half. And just like her... sometimes that blinded her to everything else.

"Sanae..."

Kanako shuffled her chair around to Sanae and gently embraced her.

"You are not perfect, but you are good enough for us. You have been enough since the day you entered our lives."

"... r-really?"

Kanako chuckled, reminding herself that despite everything, Sanae was still young.

"Let me tell you something that most humans and even most gods don't understand about faith. Faith is not the offerings you place or the prayers you whisper to a god."

"It... it isn't?"

"No. It is what those actions represent — the time and effort you have placed to do them. The devotion you show towards another... that is faith. Do you know why I'm telling you this?"

Sanae shook her head.

"It is the things you do, the way you make us happy... that is faith for us. The time we share together is what keeps us going." Kanako tapped on the table. "For example, we have revised here today and many other days before."

"But... that was you doing something for me," Sanae said. "So... how is that faith?"

"Because it is time we shared, and it is time I enjoyed. It is not a burden to help you with your studies — if anything, given how self-sufficient you insist on being otherwise, it is the opposite. It is a pleasure that you would seek my help, and I have learned something myself."

"You did?"

"Indeed. Nuclear fusion is very interesting, and perhaps I'll harness it and other emerging technologies to gather faith."

"I, um... I never thought of it that way."

"I didn't expect you to," Kanako said amusedly. "It took me nearly a thousand years to figure it out.

"Really?!" Sanae was taken aback. "I... I thought you'd know everything!"

"As did I, but we are always learning new things... much as I hate to admit it. In fact, the past sixteen years have given me much to learn, because I have never raised anyone before like Suwako has."

Sanae smiled shyly at her. "For what it's worth... I think you've done really well, Lady Kanako."

"That's worth a lot to me. But, back to my original point... you believe yourself not fit to be a shrine maiden. Tell me, Sanae — what is the purpose of a shrine maiden?"

"Well, they do lots of things, but in the end... they provide faith for their gods and inspire others to do the same."

"Correct. And so, I ask you this — when you have been giving us faith since before you could speak... how could you be anything other less than a perfect shrine maiden?"

Sanae opened her mouth to say something back, but she couldn't think of anything. If her own god said it was fine, then it had to be.

"Do you still want to be a shrine maiden?" Kanako asked.

"Huh? O-of course!"

"Then, nothing else matters."

"Not... not even if I like girls?" Sanae said in a hushed voice.

"I see no reason why that should change anything about your life, least of all this. With deliberate pompousness, Kanako sardonically said, "We will generously overlook this indiscretion."

Sanae chuckled weakly in return. "Lady Kanako... thank you. And... I'm sorry for everything."

"You have nothing to apologise for — all I ask is that you try to confide in us more." Kanako smiled wryly at her. "After all, a shrine maiden must have faith in her gods."

"I... I'll try."

"There is one other thing that needs to be sorted though..." Kanako said, a dark look crossing her face. "If you are having issues at school, we need to change that."

"I've got a few ideas for how we can do that."

Sanae and Kanako both turned to the side, where they saw Suwako leaning against the doorframe.

She grinned at them both and gave a small wave, before taking her seat at the table.

Kanako frowned at her. "How long were you standing there?"

"Long enough. Seems like stepping out really was the best thing to do, because now we can focus on solutions."

"I suppose I can discuss this with some of your teachers..." Kanako murmured. "Perhaps they will put a stop to this."

"... I don't think that's a good idea, Lady Kanako," Sanae said reproachfully. "I'd rather they don't know about this if they didn't have to..."

"Plus, that might just make things worse for her," Suwako said. "If those kids find out they've upset her so much, they're only going to go at it more."

"What do you suggest then?" Kanako asked.

Suwako looked at her with devious delight, locking her fingers together.

"I sic the Mishaguji on them."

"Lady Suwako!" Sanae shouted, appalled at the idea. "The Mishaguji are... that would be a grievous misuse of them! Besides, they'd never agree to something so petty!"

"Firstly, they adore you — of course they would. And second, actions have consequences! Someone has to teach these kids that."

"Still, that... that would be..."

"I'm not gonna ruin their lives, I'm not that cruel. I'll just make 'em trip down a flight of stairs or something!"

"It is still an excessive measure," Kanako said. "Sanae, if you don't want us to be involved, we will abstain for now — however, we will intervene if things get worse. Shall we agree to that?"

"I think that's okay..." Sanae said, still trying to process everything that'd happened.

She'd been prepared for anger, disgust and a hundred other things, but acceptance wasn't one. Not only that... it didn't change how her gods saw her at all, because they didn't care. She'd still be their shrine maiden, and nothing had to change.

She hadn't realised it, but deep down... that was exactly what she wanted.

"May I be excused?" Sanae said quietly. "I'll come back down and make dinner later, I... I just want some time to think about this first."

"You may. I will make dinner tonight, so take as much time as necessary," Kanako replied.

"You don't need to do that, I'll —"

"I am not asking, Sanae," she said firmly, before offering a gentle smile. "Go. We will discuss this only once you have had that time."

Sanae looked as if she was about to protest some more, but she nodded at Kanako before leaving the room.

When she did, Kanako let out a sigh of relief. As concerned as she was for Sanae, she couldn't help but be glad it was over.

"Difficult, isn't it?" Suwako said.

"Certainly. It's not her fault, but these matters are far out of my scope. My negotiations with you after the war were a hundred times longer than that, and yet also a hundred times easier."

"Hey, give yourself some credit. You did pretty well, even without my help."

"Yes..." Kanako eyed her suspiciously. "You leaving just then was deliberate, wasn't it? You wanted me to deal with this alone."

"Was it?" Suwako hummed thoughtfully. "I thought I left because I got very angry. Anything else that happened from that is just a happy little side effect."

Kanako rolled her eyes, expecting Suwako to give her anything but a clear answer.

"You know, this all made me realise that... Sanae's growing up, isn't she?" Suwako said, a sudden melancholy filling her voice. "She's no longer that cute little girl that used to follow at our heels every day, but that doesn't even feel that long ago."

"Our perspective on time is skewed," Kanako pointed out. "But, you are right. Soon, she will be an adult. And not long after that, she'll be leaving school, going to university... perhaps she will even find a partner along the way."

"That's something I'm still worried about..." Suwako muttered. "It doesn't matter to us, but the human world still isn't the most accepting to those deviating from the norm. And both of us know that even if she denies it, there's very little Sanae wants more than a partner."

"Yes... we can only hope she is fortunate enough to find one. Anyone would be lucky to have her."

"Doesn't mean we won't give 'em a hard time, right?" Suwako grinned at her. "Or at least, I imagine you will."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Obviously, I'm gonna be that parent who tells the embarrassing stories about Sanae. So, that just means you'll have to be the overprotective one who's constantly threatening to kill them if they hurt Sanae."

"If anyone did hurt Sanae, they would be dead by your hand before I even found out."

"True," Suwako said, smirking all the while.

"Suddenly, I do not envy whoever her partner ends up being..."

"Well... she's still young. We'll worry about that when that time comes." Suwako abruptly clapped her hands together. "Now, chop chop! You said you were going to make dinner, and I am starving."

"Back in our time, those who lazed about all day would not receive any food," Kanako said, giving her the stink eye. "I'm beginning to think we should bring that back."

"Yeah, and back in our time, defying a direct order from your superior was a death sentence."

"Oh? Since when were YOU my superior?"

"I mean, I'm the one with the curse gods that have ravaged a thousand countries. You know, the same curse gods you once sought to control yourself? I think that makes me pretty superior."

Kanako scowled at her, but got up anyway. There really was no winning with Suwako at times.

"Speaking of curse gods... would you really have used the Mishaguji just to curse some children?" Kanako asked.

Once again, Suwako chuckled ever so cruelly.

"I wouldn't even think twice if it was for Sanae."

Kanako expected nothing less, because she was exactly the same.

As time went on, they could only imagine how Sanae would continue to grow. They'd already seen the start of it, and the little girl they once knew was now a young woman. Every day, they learned new things about her.

No matter what, she would always be Sanae to them. It didn't matter who she liked, because they'd support her regardless. And though such matters were new to Kanako, it made complete sense to her.

A shrine maiden exists to support their gods.

It was only right then for their gods to support them back.

Chapter Text

Life as a parent and a god had been a strange concept for Kanako at first. To her surprise though, it hadn't been as hectic as she expected — there'd been a few difficult points when Sanae was a child and when she'd entered her teenage years, but life was ultimately mundane.

Though, as Kanako thought on it more, she realised it wasn't an entirely negative thing, because mundanity brought stability. Plus, there were still days where something interesting would happen.

When Suwako walked in the front door laughing her head off, she realised it was going to be one of those days.

"Lady Suwako, it really isn't that funny!" Sanae protested to no effect.

"No, you're right." Suwako paused, before bursting into another fit of laughter. "It's absolutely hilarious!"

"Please, not so loud..."

"We're already in the shrine! The only person that'll be here is Kanako."

"And what would she think if she saw you like this?"

"Not particularly much," Kanako responded, looking up at Suwako curiously. "My opinion on her can hardly get much lower."

"Is that the best you've got, Kana?" Suwako stuck her tongue out at her. "Back in the day, I used to feel hurt at your insults!"

"Hmph." Kanako folded her arms. "What's gotten you in such a good mood today? I didn't think grocery shopping was so entertaining."

"Oh, it wouldn't have been, except the funniest thing happened there."

"And what would that be?"

Sounding very exhausted, Sanae said, "I was speaking to one of the cashiers there, because I know them from school. They spotted Lady Suwako... and said it was really nice I was taking my little sister out in this weather."

Suwako started laughing again and Kanako began to chuckle too, much to Sanae's dismay.

"Not you too, Lady Kanako!" She cried.

"That is... certainly quite the mistake to make," Kanako said. "Though in fairness, it's the logical assumption to make when looking at Suwako."

"Urgh, just wait until I get more power! When I get to my original state, I'll look like your big sister!"

"Really? How tall were you, Lady Suwako?"

"Oh, I was glorious. I was even taller than Kanako!"

"What? Your memory seems to be failing you, dear," Kanako spat. "You were never that tall."

"Well, a girl can dream, can't she?"

"Because we all know dreaming alone makes things a reality." Kanako rolled her eyes at her. "Did you actually buy anything, or will I have to dream that up as well?"

"Yes, we did," Sanae said, placing the bags on a table.

Suwako eagerly rubbed her hands together. "And now, we can get on to the fun stuff."

"The fun stuff?" Kanako repeated warily.

"Lady Suwako said she'd teach me how to fly today!" Sanae jumped up quickly, smiling excitedly. "I can't wait to try it! I'll be able to do all sorts of cool tricks, like the giant robots in anime!"

"Maybe not today, Sanae," Suwako said. "It'll just be the basics."

"You're teaching her to fly?" Kanako gritted her teeth tightly.

"Yeah, it's something she should learn, right?" Suwako titled her head curiously, noticing the death glare Kanako was giving her. "You got a problem with that?"

"Many. I refuse to let this go ahead."

"I promise I'll be careful, Lady Kanako! I won't go too high or anything."

"It is not you I'm concerned about, Sanae." Kanako turned her eyes towards Suwako.

"Me?" Suwako pointed at herself. "What's the issue?"

"What's the issue?!" Kanako repeated incredulously, struggling not to scream. "Need I remind you that you have been getting weaker and weaker? You can't expend what you have left so frivolously."

"Frivolously?" Suwako glared back at her. "Teaching Sanae something is never frivolous."

"Be that as it may, it is still not safe for you."

"We'll be quick! Plus, look outside!" Suwako gestured out the window. "It's such a sunny day! It'd be a shame to waste it all like this."

"I understand, but —"

"Look... I'm sick of being cooped all the time and needing to rest. For once, I'm feeling pretty good in myself... don't I get to enjoy myself?"

Kanako sighed, feeling conflicted now. She felt guilty for restricting Suwako, but it was for her own good.

"What do you think, Sanae?" She said, hoping she could convince Suwako.

"Me? Um..." Sanae fidgeted about, having been suddenly put on the spot. "I think Lady Kanako is right. If it's not safe, then... we shouldn't do it."

"But you want to learn, don't you?" Suwako said.

"Of course. But —"

"Then, learn you shall!" Suwako grabbed her hand, pulling her away. "To the courtyard!"

"Wait!" Sanae and Kanako both yelled, but Suwako continued to drag Sanae outside.

Kanako pounded the counter hard, cursing under her breath.

What was Suwako thinking?

Even if she was fine now, she could still deteriorate at any moment. She'd barely been comfortable letting her go with Sanae, but at least grocery shopping wasn't an intensive activity.

Kanako dashed over to the window, spotting Sanae and Suwako speaking to each other. She couldn't make out what they were saying, but she could guess that Suwako was trying to convince Sanae to go along with it.

"As long as nothing goes wrong..." Kanako muttered to herself.

Perhaps today would be fine. And Sanae had been beyond excited for this... she hated having to crush her hopes like that.

She saw Sanae and Suwako taking a few steps away from each other, before the latter slowly hovered a few inches off the ground. At least she was starting simple...

Kanako sighed, grabbing the bags that Sanae had left and emptying the contents on the table. She was still apprehensive about the entire thing, but she wouldn't push the matter.

She began to store all the contents away, shifting some bottles of sake to make room. Kanako took one out and looked at it — they'd bought these for a special occasion, but one had yet to come up.

Perhaps she should keep them elsewhere though... she trusted Sanae to not do anything rash and she'd never expressed any interest in alcohol, a habit Kanako hoped she kept. Still, these being so easily in reach of her didn't sit well. She'd find somewhere better to put these later.

As she continued to place the groceries away, she periodically looked out the window to ensure all was well.

For the most part, it seemed everything was fine — they'd both gone a little higher up in the air, started practicing how to hover, Suwako was suddenly plummeting down towards the lake, Sanae was diving after her...

...

What?

The bag of rice in Kanako's hands fell to the floor as she smashed her face up against the window. Her eyes transfixed in horror at what she saw.

Suwako was falling. Quickly.

A primal fear gripped her heart, a kind she hadn't felt in nearly twenty years.

Kanako ran through the shrine's halls as quickly as she could, her hair and skirt whipping in every direction. It was a display completely unfitting for a god, but even if she had been aware of it, she wouldn't have cared.

With every step, she felt her head pounding in, but it didn't matter. As she burst out into the sunlight, she charged straight ahead.

Suwako was plummeting down fast. Sanae had flown after her, but she was too inexperienced — Kanako knew she would reach her in time... and horror filled her as she realised something even worse.

Neither would she.

As Suwako breached the lake's surface, sending some water upward, Sanae completely froze in the air.

Kanako continued on, only barely aware of a shriek from Sanae when she dove straight into the water. She propelled herself directly at her, scooping her up before soaring back out and landing on the lake's edge.

Only then did she look down at Suwako, whose eyes were fully closed. She shook her in her arms a few times, hoping to get a response.

Nothing.

"Oh my goodness!" Sanae landed beside them, now very distraught. "Are you okay?! LADY SUWAKO!"

Kanako fixed her eyes onto Sanae, making her flinch. She said nothing, for her question didn't need to be voiced.

"I... I don't know what happened!" She said frantically. "One moment, w-we were just enjoying the breeze and then... s-she just closed her eyes and..."

Kanako's grip tightened at her words, only to regret that when she noticed something else.

Suwako was cold.

She'd just fallen into the lake, yes... but this was more than that. It was a chill she recognised very well.

Without a word, she marched back to the shrine, with Sanae barely able to keep up with her. As soon as she entered inside, she made a beeline to their bedroom, crawling Suwako all the while.

Carefully, she placed Suwako on the bed, before directing her attention to Sanae once more.

"Get me every blanket you can find in the shrine."

Sanae nodded, before darting off to do just that.

Now alone, Kanako shut the door and quickly stripped all of Suwako's clothes off her. She grabbed a towel and new set of clothes and got rid of all the excess water on Suwako before dressing her back again. After that, she carefully wrapped her up in the blankets they had, then kneeled on the floor beside her, resting her hands on top.

If Kanako had been even the slightest bit less stressed, she would have laughed at the irony of her position. A god was meant to be prayed to, yet here she was praying herself.

And to what? Who did she expect to respond to her pleas?

... she didn't know. And yet... she owed it to Suwako to try.

She would not lose her here. No matter what it took... she would not let Suwako go today.

"Lady Kanako?" Sanae knocked on the door. "I have what you asked for."

Kanako got up and opened the door, carefully positioning herself in the doorway so Sanae couldn't see Suwako. In addition to the blankets, she'd brought a flask of warm water and a cup of miso soup too.

"Is Lady Suwako going to be okay?" She asked tentatively.

"I don't know."

Despite how empty it came out, it pained her to say it as much as it pained Sanae to hear it. She closed the door before Sanae could say anything else, setting the flask and bowl to one side, before wrapping Suwako in more blankets.

It disgusted her to look at Suwako like that. Not an hour ago, she had been her usual self, so full of life and now... now, she didn't know what would happen. To think it'd all started from something so simple...

And Sanae... how dare she?! She KNEW Suwako was weak, yet she did nothing to deter her from her own idiocy!

Kanako buried her face into a pillow, a strangled noise escaping her throat. She took deep breaths, trying to ignore the immediate shame for thinking that.

No... it wasn't fair to blame Sanae for this. She didn't know the full extent of Suwako's issues, because they'd always tried to keep as much of that hidden.

It... it was just an unfortunate accident. It wasn't Sanae's fault.

It was hers.

She knew that letting Suwako exert herself like that was a bad idea, but she let her do it anyway. If only she'd done something... anything different.

Why didn't she put her foot down? That was her job! To do the things the others would hate her for, because it was the right thing!

Suwako had been right all those years ago — she had grown soft. It was going to cost her dearly.

"Mmm..."

Kanako's head shot up, half wondering if she imagined the noise. Relief washed over her heart as she saw Suwako slowly move in her cocoon of blankets.

She clutched her hand tightly, nearly gasping when Suwako squeezed it back. Slowly, Suwako opened her eyes, lazily looking around the room before noticing Kanako.

Suwako smiled at her, but it quickly became a frown as she recalled exactly what had happened. Before she could think about that more, she suddenly clutched herself tightly from the chills that ran through her.

Internally, Kanako praised Sanae's foresight, passing Suwako the soup.

"Drink it."

Suwako gulped it quickly before Kanako passed her the hot water. She took a swig of it, before holding it to her body for warmth.

Kanako watched her silently, seeing her chest rise up and down from her slow breaths. Even though she was awake, Kanako barely felt any less anxious.

"What happened?" Kanako tried to keep her voice as even as possible.

Suwako didn't answer immediately, finding it hard to form the words.

"... not sure." She looked up at the ceiling. "One moment, I was up in the air... the next, I'm here. I must have blacked out."

"You fainted?"

"Seems like it... how long was I out for?"

Kanako looked at a clock, before answering, "A few minutes."

"Okay... nothing major then."

"Nothing major?" Kanako repeated incredulously. "In what world is fainting anything less than major?"

"... it's not," Suwako admitted. "I... I've never had that happen before."

Kanako closed her eyes, trying to feel the faith within Suwako, but it was more difficult than ever. It wasn't a lack of skill on her part, but rather... there was so little to feel.

"You're weaker than ever before. Even weaker than before Sanae came into our lives."

"Yeah... I can feel it too."

"Then why did you decide to do flying practice?!" Kanako said, raising her voice. "I told you it was a bad idea, and then this happens!"

Suwako pursed her lips, not answering Kanako's question immediately. Perhaps it was stupid, but in her mind... it made complete sense.

"... I just wanted to spend more time with Sanae. These days... I'm always stuck inside, never being able to do anything. I've been deteriorating so much... I accepted not being able to help for the shrine, but not being able to do anything for Sanae? That's where I draw the line."

Kanako didn't know what to say. She understood how Suwako felt, but equally...

"Look where that's gotten you now," she said bitterly.

"Kanako... don't blame the flying. Sure, it precipitated this, but... it's just an indication of something else."

"What is it?"

Why was she playing dumb? She knew exactly what Suwako meant.

"I've been getting weaker and weaker, and recently... it's gotten faster. Every day... I feel like I'm rotting on the inside, and it takes everything I've got just to do things."

Kanako shut her eyes and clutched onto the sheets, silently begging Suwako not to say it.

"I think I'm starting to die, Kanako."

Kanako let out a choked cry, yet she couldn't be surprised at all. Suwako's spells of weakness had gotten more frequent, and this was her fifth this month. It wasn't surprising at all.

... why did it still hurt then?

"How long?"

Suwako held her breath for a moment. "Months."

"This... this wasn't supposed to happen," Kanako muttered, still in disbelief. "When Sanae entered our lives, this all should have... none of this should have been an issue. You should have had longer."

"And I did." Suwako faintly smiled. "When we took Sanae in, you gave me a decade. Sanae gave me two. So... don't go and call that nothing."

Kanako breathed heavily, trying to remember that fact. In these times, the only person that was giving them faith was Sanae. For a single human to give them enough faith to extend Suwako's life by so many years... it defied words.

"I know it's impressive. I was just..."

"Hoping for longer?" Suwako weakly chuckled. "So was I. But if I'm being honest... these past eighteen years have been some of the best of my life. I don't regret any of it."

"I don't want you to go."

"No one wants it until it happens. But hey, look on the bright side."

"The bri — what conceivable positive could there be to THIS?!"

"Well, once I'm gone... the shrine'll finally be yours. After all these years, you can rename it!"

Suwako gestured grandly to the window at her side — though in her current state, it wasn't that grand at all.

"A new day is dawning at last for you! Maybe with a name change, you might get some success. It's not as catchy, but the Yasaka Shrine doesn't sound too bad."

Kanako laughed hollowly, wanting to scream at Suwako, but she too lacked the energy.

"For once in your pathetic life... be serious."

Hearing how pathetic Kanako's own voice sounded made Suwako stop smiling completely.

"... sorry. Just... trying to lighten the mood, you know?"

Kanako stared directly into her eyes. "I will NEVER change the name of this shrine. I swear it."

"Heh..." Suwako looked down, unable to look at her anymore. "For all your talk of advancements... you always were old fashioned deep down."

"It is all I can do. My way of honouring you. I... I am sorry."

"Sorry? For what?"

"For..."

... what was she even sorry for? She was going to say she was sorry for not being able to do more, but there were far many other things.

Invading her land. Trampling on her lands. Burning her crops. Ending her reign. Forcing her into this situation.

Where did she even begin?

"Everything."

Suwako exhaled softly. "That's a lot to be sorry for."

Kanako silently nodded back.

"You know... I'm trying not to show it, but I'm just as scared as you are," Suwako admitted. "Although... it's not dying that scares me."

"It's what awaits you after."

"Yeah. A god never truly dies, but that limbo of having no faith... I've felt it before. Only briefly, but... it terrified me."

"Suwako..."

Kanako laid down next to her, letting Suwako rest her head on her thighs. She gently ran a hand through her hair, occasionally stroking Suwako's cheek.

As she did so, she stared at the window to their side, watching sunlight shrine through it.

The sight of it irritated Kanako. It was as if it was mocking Suwako's very state — that in her weakness, she couldn't enjoy it as she should.

It... it might even be the last time she ever saw the Sun shine like this. As it shone ever brightly, Suwako's life was drawing to a close.

There was something poetic about that. Kanako despised every bit of it.

"I love you," Suwako abruptly said, only to be met with shock from Kanako. "Sorry, that came out of nowhere, didn't it?"

"No, it's just..." Kanako chuckled to herself, only realising how deep into her thoughts she'd gotten. "It's not something we say often."

"Because it's so much easier to take potshots at each other."

"That's the way we are..." Kanako muttered.

"I guess. But, I want you to know that."

"I never doubted it. That's why this is so difficult."

"It's weird, but I know I've lived longer than I should have thanks to you. Because of Sanae though, it still feels too short. There's still so many things I wanna do with her."

Suwako gulped heavily, trying to find the words.

"Kanako, I... I know I can't ask you for any more favours. But... you've still got a few more decades, don't you? Just... I'll bequeath the Mishaguji to you if that's what you want, so... please..."

"I will," Kanako answered without hesitation. "And understand that I would do so even if you didn't ask. I will see to it that Sanae has everything she needs before I join you."

"That's all I ask for. I'm sorry to have to place that burden on you, but... I have to. Because I won't be able to share it with you any longer."

"A burden..." Kanako laughed mockingly at the idea. "Sanae is the opposite of one."

"... yeah. She really is."

Kanako grimaced, as something else came to mind. "I don't even know how I'll begin to explain this to her..."

"Well... you might not have much explaining to do," Suwako said, looking very carefully at the door. "I think she's already got a pretty good idea of what's happening."

"What makes you say that?"

Suwako chuckled at Kanako's ignorance.

"Sanae?" She called. "If you're gonna eavesdrop, you might as well come inside. It's gotta be more comfortable than being out there."

From outside the room, they heard a quiet yelp. After a moment, the door slowly opened and Sanae stepped inside. Though they had dried, Kanako could see the marks of tears on her face.

"How much did you hear?" Kanako asked.

"... all of it."

Kanako sighed, not having it in her to scold Sanae. She deserved to know.

"Sit down," Kanako said, gesturing to a free spot on the bed.

As Sanae did so, she stared at Suwako the entire time. Just a few hours ago, they'd been going to the store together, and now...

"Lady Suwako, I... I'm so sorry! I... I should never have made you come out and because of that —"

"It's not your fault," Kanako said firmly, trying to convince herself of that as well.

"This was always going to happen, Sanae," Suwako explained.

"But... but it SHOULDN'T have!" Sanae cried. "Why don't you have enough faith?! I... I love you and Lady Kanako more than anything else! But that's still not enough, and... it's MY fault! I'm supposed to give you faith to become more powerful, but I couldn't even give you enough to live, and now you're..."

"You're just one person, Sanae. There's only so much you can do, and don't you realise what you have done?" Suwako gestured wildly around her. "You've given me all this time yourself."

"But... I could have given you more."

"And at what cost, Sanae?" Kanako asked. "If you had done so, you wouldn't have had a life of your own."

"Then, I should have done that!" Sanae yelled. "I'm a shrine maiden! It's my JOB to —"

"No." Kanako placed a firm hand on Sanae's shoulder. "A shrine maiden has many duties. Sacrificing themselves for their god is not one of them."

Sanae covered her eyes as fresh tears appeared in them. Kanako gently hugged her, letting Sanae fall into her arms.

"We'll manage, Sanae. I promise."

"I know it's not gonna be easy for either of you, but... it's just part of life — every living thing has to die. There's nothing else we can do."

Nothing else... was that really true?

As Kanako held Sanae close to her and let her cry, she began to quickly think, as one idea came to mind.

They hadn't discussed the idea in a while, thinking it unviable — lesser than a last resort. But now, none of that mattered.

"You're wrong..." Kanako muttered, a faint hope filling her. "There is one option we have."

"There is? What is it?!" Sanae said excitedly.

Suwako threw her a suspicious look. "What are you talking about?"

Kanako took a deep breath, looking at her with unwavering focus.

"The fantasy land."

Suwako quietly groaned, having feared that was what Kanako had been thinking.

"Kanako... didn't we give up on that?"

"No, you gave up on that," Kanako corrected as she released Sanae. "I didn't."

"We don't even know if it's feasible! That's why I said to ditch it two years ago!"

"But now, we don't have the luxury of choice. It is our only hope."

"Erm... sorry to interrupt, but what are you talking about, Lady Kanako?" Sanae asked.

"How to explain it..."

Kanako gritted her teeth, not seeing a simple explanation. Even she had trouble understanding it at first.

"Sanae, what's the name of that anime you used to watch with the human and centipede?" Suwako suddenly said, snapping her fingers. "You know, the one where the human goes back in time and accidentally breaks a jewel into lots of pieces?"

"Oh, that's Inuyasha! It was actually a manga first, Lady Suwako... but why does that matter?"

"There were a bunch of youkai that they had to get the fragments back from, right? Well... imagine all those youkai are real, and they live here in Japan."

"Really?!" Sanae excitedly glanced out the window. "Where?!"

"We don't exactly know, but essentially, all those youkai live in this natural reserve, despite the fact that they've been forgotten about. Kanako's plan is to try and go there."

"I see..." Sanae nodded thoughtfully.

"You're understanding this much quicker than I did." Kanako noted.

"Well, it makes sense to me! You're both trying to go to another world with all these youkai. It's basically an isekai!"

Kanako had no idea what Sanae was talking about, but it seemed like she understood.

"Although... how will going to this place help you, Lady Suwako?"

"The fantasy land is a place where the forgotten is real," Kanako said. "As we too are becoming forgotten, the environment should be less hostile to us. I will try to gather faith there — people there may be more open to the possibilities gods present there."

"Yeah, and that's the first issue I have — it's not even a certainty that'll work. Second, what about that barrier?"

"Barrier?" Sanae said.

"There is some sort of metaphysical barrier that separates it from the rest of the world," Kanako explained. "I imagine this barrier is why such a place can even exist to begin with."

"Yeah, and whoever made it really knew their stuff. It's gonna take some serious firepower to break through that thing."

"Our aim isn't to do that though, merely to slip through it."

"It still won't be easy, especially with how little faith and power we have."

"We have one advantage though — the very fact that we are being forgotten."

"Oh, I see. If you're being forgotten, and this barrier keeps out things that are real, then won't it make it easier for you to pass through?" Sanae said.

"Exactly. Haven't you felt it, Suwako? The pull towards that realm?"

"I have..." Suwako admitted begrudgingly. "But we'd still have to expend so much of our power. That might be fine for me when my life is already coming to an end, but it could take decades off what you have left."

"That is my choice, and I accept it."

"Even then, it's a big gamble if we'll find acceptance."

"It is. But you're forgetting one thing — what happens if we don't go is a certainty. It is a slim chance, but we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain."

Kanako stood up, a fire filling her eyes.

"We were once gods that would not accept anything without a fight, Suwako," she proclaimed proudly. "Now, we can rot away in our beds, or we can make one last stab and die on our feet! Surely, there is only one choice we can make!"

Suwako weakly chuckled, shaking her head at her.

"There's the Kanako I know..." Suwako muttered affectionately. "Look, even if we gave it a shot... there's another matter we'd have to discuss."

Suwako's eyes rested on Sanae, silently telling Kanako all she needed to know.

"Me?" Sanae said, pointing to herself.

"What do you wish to do, Sanae?" Kanako asked.

"It doesn't matter, does it? I have to come with you."

"Not at all. You're eighteen and nearly an adult, Sanae," Suwako said. "You get to make your own choices."

"If I wanted to stay... what would that mean?" Sanae asked carefully.

"We would need to leave eventually," Kanako explained, pained to even think of it. "But, we would do everything in our power to ensure you have what you need."

"Well... I want to come with you both. Even in this new world, you'll need a shrine maiden to gather faith for you both. That's my job!"

"Are you fine with leaving everything here behind though? This journey may be a one way deal — I can't guarantee any of us are coming back."

"Oh..." Sanae faltered slightly. "I didn't know that, but... it doesn't change my answer. I like a lot of things here, but the shrine is the most important thing to me. As long as I get to keep I'm with you two... I don't mind where I am."

Kanako and Suwako shared a look with each other, both thinking the same thing — they were far too lucky to have her.

"Besides, you'll need my help, won't you?" Sanae added.

"Yeah, running the shrine without you will be a real challenge..." Suwako said glumly.

"I think you could manage if you had to, but that’s not what I'm talking about. If getting to this place will be difficult, then even your powers alone might not be enough."

"That's part of the risk we'll have to take..."

"But what if there was a way to reduce that risk?"

"Such as?" Kanako said, now very interested in what Sanae meant.

"Well..." Sanae hesitated for a moment. "The odds would be better if you had some luck... or even a miracle."

"No. Not a chance!" Suwako said immediately, realising exactly what Sanae was proposing.

"But if I spent some time coming up with a ritual, that would help you! Why can't I do that?!"

"Why? Because we don't know what could happen, because it'd probably require you to prepare over weeks, because it's dangerous — take your pick! And I'm sure Kanako will have a dozen more reasons I haven't even thought of!"

Suwako looked over to Kanako, who seemed to be deep in thought over Sanae's idea.

"... Kanako?" Suwako waved her hand in front of her face. "That was your cue to go into an overprotective rant? You know, 'cause you're really good at those?"

Kanako bit down on her lip, looking somewhat ashamed.

"... well..."

"You can't be serious." Suwako slammed her hands down on the blankets, looking at her with disgust. "Have I stepped into another universe? Since when was I the most logical one here?!"

"She has a point, Suwako. It's going to be difficult, and any way to increase the odds will be useful."

"Yes, but NOT when it comes at a risk to Sanae! I shouldn't need to explain that!"

"But that's MY choice to make, Lady Suwako!" Sanae said fiercely. "Didn't you say I was nearly an adult? That I get to make my own choices? Well, I choose to do this!"

"This is different, Sanae," Suwako said dismissively. "This isn't like anything you've done before — the scope is on a completely different level."

"But I'll be doing it under supervision, so it'll be in a safe environment."

"Yes, we can monitor you carefully during your rituals... in theory, it should be completely safe that way," Kanako said.

"See?! And... I'm sorry to say this, Lady Suwako, but I'm NOT asking for your permission here."

"I beg your pardon?" Suwako raised an eyebrow, not used to any sort of defiance from Sanae.

"If this could help even a little, then I'm going to do it. There's nothing you or anyone else could say to get me to stop."

Suwako blinked blankly twice, completely taken off guard. When did Sanae become so assertive?

"Lady Suwako..." Sanae sat down beside her, a sense of desperation filling her voice. "You've both done so much for me. For once... I want to do something back."

Suwako opened her mouth to speak, but Sanae raised her hand and cut her off first.

"And I know you said that being in your life is enough, but I don't see it the same way. If I can't help you when you need it most... what kind of person would I be?"

Suwako sighed, feeling her resolve start to wear down.

"This wasn't supposed to happen..." she murmured in disbelief. "You were never supposed to be taking responsibility for us... these burdens were ours alone to bear."

"But we're a family, Lady Suwako. Sharing burdens is what we're meant to do, so let me share these ones, like you do with Lady Kanako."

As much as she hated it, she knew Sanae was right. If she wanted to help, what right did she have to deny her that?

"Nothing I say will change your mind, will it?" Suwako said.

"Nope!" Sanae replied cheerfully.

"Then, I won't say anything else... just be careful, Sanae."

"Yes, that's what I wanted to add," Kanako said, speaking up after being silent for a while. "We'll need to do a lot of preparation for this ritual, and under no circumstances are you to do any of it without one of us there."

"I won't," Sanae said, and her seriousness assured Kanako she understood the gravity of the situation.

"You're both crazy, you know that?" Suwako leaned back and shook her head. "I mean, if I were you, I'd just throw in the towel and let me die."

The way those words so casually left Suwako's tongue... it made Kanako's blood boil. 

"How could you say that, Lady Suwako?!" Sanae yelled. "You said there were still so many things you wanted to do with me, didn't you?"

"Of course! I mean, I want to see you grow into a god of your own, find a nice girl like you've always wanted, and so many more things..."

"Well, I want you to see those things as well! So, why wouldn't we do anything less than everything we COULD for you?! Why would we give up?!"

"Yes, why would we?" Kanako said, glaring harshly at Suwako.

Sanae and Suwako both looked at her, noting the thinly veiled contempt in her voice as she clenched her fists.

"Is it not obvious why we would go to such lengths? If not... you are more foolish than I could ever imagine."

She leaned in to Suwako and grabbed her shoulders, hissing so quietly that only she could hear her.

"If you ever ask that question again, I will kill you myself. Understand?"

"... yeah. I get it."

As Kanako released her and pulled away, Suwako found herself unable to look at either of them.

"I... I guess I owe you both an apology, huh?" Suwako said, sighing regretfully.

"I'm sorry too, Lady Suwako. I... I shouldn't have shouted at you like that," Sanae said sheepishly.

"No, it's fine. I needed that anyway. I just... maybe I'm not thinking straight right now."

"... I don't think any of us are in these circumstances," Kanako said. "Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time. What's done is done, and we need to plan our next moves quickly."

"Other than moving the shrine, we need to think about supplies..." Suwako said. "Anything we're not likely to find on the other side needs to come with us."

"I'm not even sure if we'll have electricity there. If it's a land for the forgotten, I don't imagine modern things like electricity will be present."

"Even if we stock up on batteries and the like though, that's not going to last us forever," Sanae pointed out. "We'll have to get used to not having those things."

"Indeed. Still, gather as much as you can — we can at least make use of it while settling in. The other issue is making sure no one tracks us down."

"Who'd even have a chance?" Suwako said. "That place is hardly easy to get to."

"Perhaps, but I'm taking no chances. For you and I, it's not an issue — as far as humans are concerned, you don't exist, and anything pertaining to me is vestigial."

"There'll be a lot for me though..." Sanae said.

"Exactly. You have all the records a normal human would, and if you suddenly disappear, people will ask questions. We can't stop all of them, because the shrine disappearing will definitely raise eyebrows, but we'll minimise as much as we can."

"What about the shrine itself, Lady Kanako? Do we really have to move it? It'd be much easier to just move the three of us there."

"It would be, but remember that we need to gather faith there too. I expect we won't be the only gods there, and there will be competition — we need to legitimise ourselves and give a reason as to why people should follow us. The shrine gives us that, and we won't have to be vagrants."

"In other words, there's no way of getting around the struggle it's going to take," Suwako said.

"Yes... both of us will need to spend time to prepare for it. But with what faith I have left and a miracle from Sanae, it may very well work."

"Look on the bright side! Before, we didn't even have a plan, but now we at least have hope!"

"Let's hold onto it tightly then... right now, that's all we have."

Kanako grimaced heavily, hating what she was about to say. It had to be done though.

"Sanae, the next month is going to be very rough for you. This miracle will be unlike anything you've done, and we don't have the time we'd want to prepare for something like this."

"I understand. But with your guidance, I'm sure I can do it, Lady Kanako."

"Hm." Kanako smiled wanly. "I can only hope you don't hate me too much by the end of this."

With a more genuine smile of her own, Sanae said, "I could never hate you, Lady Kanako."

"In that case... let's get to work."

Sanae and Suwako nodded at her resolutely, both in full agreement.

All of them knew the road ahead would be difficult — to uproot their whole lives and their shrine for a chance would take years to get used to.

That wouldn't stop them. They'd hold on to hope, and eventually their shrine would have the glory it deserved — the kind it had in days long gone.

No matter what, they had to make it work.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure about this, Sanae?" Kanako asked, still a little apprehensive.

"Of course! I can do this and it's about time I do something more for the shrine."

Sanae jumped up eagerly, then hovered in the air and deftly flew around one of the tori.

"See? I've even gotten the hang of flying!"

She certainly had, which had surprised Kanako. She'd taken to the air like a fish to water... perhaps her divine heritage helped.

"Very well. You don't need to do too much — simply introduce yourself and us to the tengu and explain our situation. Remember that as youkai, they will undoubtedly be much older than you, so treat them with the utmost respect."

Sanae nodded solemnly. "I will, Lady Kanako."

"It's not something you'll struggle with though. I'm sure with your natural charm, you will win them all over."

"I'll do my best! Bye!"

Sanae waved to her before flying off down the mountain, heading towards a newspaper facility where the tengu resided. Kanako watched her until she was out of sight, then retreated back up the steps to the shrine.

There were a few chores that needed to be done — minor things, but usually they'd be Sanae's job. In her absence, she'd have to take care of them instead.

For the next hour, Kanako attended to them — though menial and below a god's stature, it helped distract her from her concerns. Just as finished sweeping the steps of the shrine, she looked down at the lake, spotting Suwako sitting by the lake's edge.

Kanako narrowed her eyes, knowing she hadn't been there before.

She dropped her broom and flew down to her, where she saw Suwako croaking at a number of frogs who had gathered in the water.

"After so many years together, you'd think I'd be used to that," Kanako said, landing beside her. "It never stops being weird to me."

Suwako looked over her shoulder and grinned at her. "Hardly the weirdest thing about me."

"It's certainly up there. What news do the frogs have?"

"Nothing. I'm just telling them about our situation."

Suwako patted the spot beside her, gesturing to Kanako to sit down.

"It is a strange one," Kanako said as she joined her. "I can scarcely believe we made it. I keep thinking this is some sort of dream."

"This place definitely looks like we're in one." Suwako swept a hand across their surroundings. "Look at it. You don't see nature like this back home. It's breathtaking."

Kanako had to agree with that. They'd only seen a part of this land, but it had already captivated them. The mountain they were on let them see much of what was below — a sprawling forest and network of rivers covered the valleys, with a giant waterfall overlooking it.

"It's as if we've stepped back in time... the urbanisation of humanity is barely present," Kanako said. "I know that's what we expected, but it still surprises me."

"Hm. I'm definitely more in my element here, but I do miss some of the things back there... like electricity."

Kanako grimaced at that. Just as they feared, there was no such thing here. Having been used to it for so long, all three of them were struggling with the change.

"It has and will be difficult. We'll just have to get used to it."

"There's a lot of things we'll need to get used to with this land. Remind me, what's it called again?"

"Gensokyo."

"Gensokyo..." Suwako repeated slowly, realising what it meant. "Huh. Bit on the nose, isn't it?"

"It's easily remembered if nothing else."

"To be honest, I'm just glad we made it here. There were many places the ritual could have gone wrong."

"But it didn't. It's pointless to think about it..."

Kanako's words trailed off, as faint anxiety began to creep back into her. Suwako looked at her carefully, quickly realising the issue.

"You're nervous about Sanae, aren't you?" Suwako said.

Kanako couldn't help but chuckle at her astuteness. "Is it that obvious?"

"I'd like to think I know a thing or two about you after all this time," Suwako said, gently nudging her. "So, lemme guess... you're worried about sending her off to the tengu."

"Indeed. I'm still wondering if one of us should have gone instead."

"But it's like you said before — Sanae was the best choice. I'm too weak myself and establishing ties like this isn't my strong suit. As for you... well, you know how to put on a show, but we don't wanna intimidate anyone yet. No sense in playing rough if we can play nice, right?"

"Hence why I asked Sanae. Her kindness and respect is ideal to endearing people to us, however... it is a lot to place on her."

"It is, but I think this sort of thing will be good for her. She's gotta grow into her own person, right?""

"Indeed. Yet... part of me hopes that doesn't happen too quickly. Selfish, isn't it?"

"Selfish, but understandable. Are you sure we'll be able to get faith from them though?"

"I'd certainly rather receive faith from humans, but beggars can't be choosers. Since the ritual sent the shrine to the top of this mountain, we may as well establish ourselves as gods of it."

"Here's to hoping then..."

They sat in silence for a while, both watching the frogs around the lake. Occasionally, they'd croak something at Suwako, who'd usually smile in return. Strangely though, one particular frown elicited a frown from her instead.

"What did that one say?" Kanako pointed to a frog that was just retreating from them.

"Said that they'd heard from other frogs that someone was going about freezing them." Suwako looked down the mountain, still frowning. "I'll have to find and punish whoever's doing that."

"You are going nowhere," Kanako said, firmly pushing down on Suwako's shoulder. "Not in your current state."

"Hey, I've been getting better. Just being in this place has helped... haven't you been feeling stronger?"

"I have, but you're still not in any position to be doing excursions. You shouldn't even be outside right now."

"I know, I know..." Suwako sighed wearily. "But... let me enjoy this for a little longer. Please?"

Kanako wanted to refuse, but when she looked over at Suwako, she couldn't find it in her heart to refuse. She'd kept her bed bound for the past few weeks, and even this was barely any freedom.

Who was she to deny her this moment?

"... as you wish."

Suwako's eyes widened, surprised that Kanako had relented. She didn't say anything else, quietly watching the clouds roll across the sky. Even something as simple as that held more charm for her here compared to back home.

Every aspect of nature seemed amplified, tenfold of what it'd be elsewhere... perhaps it was simply the contrast to the technology she'd been used to, but Suwako thought it was something else.

How many mysteries did this land have? She could only imagine how many they'd uncover over time.

"Is that Sanae?" Kanako said suddenly, pointing up somewhere.

Suwako looked to the side, seeing a faint figure in the distance.

"Looks like it. Why is she back so quickly? I thought dealing with the tengu would take longer."

"Perhaps she was able to reason with them quickly." Kanako smiled proudly at her. "She's done even better than expected!"

Suwako didn't hold the same joy that Kanako did. As Sanae drew closer, she noticed that she was flying very quickly — too quickly for just ordinary travel.

She quickly stood up and frowned.

"Something isn't right."

"Hm? What's the matter?"

Without explaining, Suwako flew across the lake and headed closer to Sanae. Kanako flew after her, seeing Sanae land on the other side.

As soon as she got a good look, her smile instantly vanished.

Sanae had her hands on her knees, clearly out of breath from flying so fast, but that barely even registered on Kanako's radar.

From top to bottom, she was covered in feathers, and her dress had a number of small tears in it.

"What the..." Kanako muttered, mouth gaping all the while.

"Sanae! What... what happened to you?!" Suwako cried.

Sanae looked up at her, puffing slightly. "Lady Suwako? You... what are you doing? You should be inside getting rest!"

"Don't give me that," she hissed. "What in the name of sanity happened?"

"N-nothing..."

Suwako glared at her for a few moments. "Alright, Sanae. You want me to go inside? Well, you're gonna get that wish, because we're all going there now and you are going to tell us exactly what happened."

Before Sanae could say a word, Suwako already turned on her heel and marched back up the shrine. With a sigh, she followed after her with Kanako.

The three of them sat in the main lounge they had for guests, each of them silent for a few minutes.

Kanako watched Sanae carefully, as she picked out some of the feathers in her hair. She could already guess what happened, but... why? How could this happen to her?

"I... um... I went over to where the tengu live, like you asked, Lady Kanako," Sanae began. "When I got there, I asked around to see if there was anyone in charge, but they said that there weren't any... I think they called them great tengu? Well, there weren't any of them on site today."

"What did you do then?"

"I decided to just introduce myself to everyone that was there, and do what I could. So, I started talking about who I was, who you were, and about the shrine. It was fine at first, but then some more tengu came, and they had swords! They all started pointing them at me!"

"What? Why?! You were just talking to people!" Suwako said incredulously.

"Well, they said that no humans were allowed, and I was trespassing. I... I apologised to them and said I didn't know, because I really didn't! I know I was supposed to spread the word to as many people, but everything inside me was telling me to leave then. I'm sorry I didn't stay longer, but —"

"You made the right decision," Kanako said reassuringly. "Your safety comes above all else and leaving was wise."

"They didn't let you leave, did they?" Suwako said with disgust.

Sanae shook her head. "I apologised again and again, and said I would leave right away, but... they said that wasn't good enough. One of them stepped forward, a captain or something, and said she'd let me go if I bested her in four... what did she call them..."

Sanae scrunched her face up in thought, before suddenly lighting up.

"Oh... she called them Spell Cards? She said that if I beat four of hers, only then would she let me go?"

"Spell Cards?" Suwako repeated confusedly. "What the hell are those? I've never heard of them in my life."

"Neither... perhaps it's some sort of magic unique to Gensokyo?" Kanako suggested.

"I-I don't know, and I didn't know then," Sanae stammered. "I told that tengu the same thing, but she didn't explain it either. Instead, when I told her I had no idea what she was talking about... she started smiling. She yelled to everyone that I must be an... an outsider and I was fair game."

"Fair game?" Suwako growled deeply.

Sanae nodded miserably. "They started launching their feathers at me. They were really quick too — I couldn't even see them at times. I didn't expect their feathers to be that sharp though..."

Suwako clenched her teeth hard, but kept her tongue still to let Sanae finish.

Sanae looked down at her dress, laughing nervously. "It was actually really cool! I, uh... I ran away immediately, but I couldn't get away fast enough. Luckily, they didn't follow me back here."

Kanako wished they did. She'd have given them a warm welcome.

"Let's have a look at you," Kanako said, approaching Sanae. "Are you hurt at all?"

"No, not really. I got out there as quickly as I could. It's just..." Sanae looked down at her robes with a sigh. "I think I can fix this, but it'll take some time. But considering what I did, I guess I should be grateful."

"Grateful?" Suwako raised an eyebrow at that. "Sanae, those tengu attacked you. Why on Earth would you be grateful towards them?"

Sanae clutched her shoulder tightly, hesitating for a moment.

"... they could have done a lot worse. And... I would have deserved it for trespassing, wouldn't I? I know you'll both be angry at them, but... they didn't think they were doing anything wrong."

"What they think of their actions is not our concern here. What they actually did is," Kanako said carefully.

"But we're foreigners here, Lady Kanako," Sanae pointed out. "If these are the customs of the land, then who are we to argue against them? We came to be accepted."

"That doesn't mean tolerating whatever they want, and especially not this," Suwako said.

"But... that's to be expected, isn't it? Didn't you say that humans and youkai are enemies? I don't think they should be, but if that's the way it is..."

"Why don't you go and get changed, Sanae?" Kanako interjected. "Clean yourself up."

Sanae bowed at her, before heading to her room. As she did, she left behind a trail of feathers. Kanako groaned to herself, having just finished sweeping the floor... there went an hour of work.

Suwako buried her face into her hands, groaning for a different reason.

"You were right," she said simply. "I thought you were just being too nervous when you were anxious about sending Sanae, but no."

"Believe me... I take no joy in being right."

"I'd kill you if you did." Suwako sighed again, leaning back in her chair. "Sanae's right with the whole human-youkai thing, but I didn't think it'd be this hostile. No one's come up here yet."

"That could very well be because they too are scared of us."

"After that, they have every reason to be. Seriously, what kind of barbaric land is this where people attack you on sight?! Trespassing or not, it's a basic courtesy to give people the chance to leave before attacking."

"This one is behind the times in many ways," Kanako pointed out. "Perhaps customs like that are a part of it. Besides, let's look at the bright side here."

"Bright side?" Suwako glared at her. "I thought I was the optimist, and I sure as hell don't see a bright side to this."

Kanako's expression suddenly darkened. "Sanae was right about one thing — they could have done much worse to her. Let us be grateful they didn't."

Suwako's face began to blanch, her knuckles going white as she gripped the sides of her chair tightly.

"Humans and youkai are eternal enemies, while gods like us level the playing field for humans. The reason why gods are able to flourish here to begin with is likely because youkai provide a reason for humans to turn to gods. Our success will be dependent on our adherence to that."

"So, what you're saying is... we're just going to let this slide?" Suwako said, her tone of voice indicating exactly what she thought of that.

"Make no mistake — I despise the idea as much as you," Kanako said, frowning deeply. "However... we have no choice. To agitate these tengu more right now would lead to a full scale conflict — one which we don't have the power to fend against. To say nothing of the other youkai on this mountain..."

"To retaliate with the force I want to wouldn't be justified," Suwako begrudgingly admitted. "They attacked Sanae... but they only attacked Sanae. That is what they'll argue to others."

"That they showed mercy to her," Kanako said, struggling to even say the words for how much they disgusted her. "We know very little of the main powers in Gensokyo, but as outsiders, they'll naturally be against us."

"I don't know... that gap youkai seemed fairly relaxed about us being here," Suwako noted. "When we came here, all she did was ask a few questions and wish us good luck."

"I don't trust that woman for a second," Kanako hissed. "She knows far more than she lets on."

"Oh, neither. I can spot that type a mile away, but I'm not about to mess with it either."

Suwako shut her eyes, thinking about what happened. As much as she longed to strike back for this transgression, doing so would disrupt their already unstable position.

"I'll tolerate what has happened today. Not because I want to, but because I have to. But if anything changes... that all goes out the window. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

To concede as much tasted foul to Suwako. Never in the past would she have let such an insult slide, for the insult it was to a god. Not only that, it was a betrayal to Sanae herself.

Both of them heard footsteps from behind and turned to see Sanae was back, now having changed.

"How are you feeling?" Suwako asked.

"Better," she said carefully. "It's nice what a change of clothes can do for you."

"Let's have a look at your injuries then, and I'll heal them for you."

"Oh, um... I've already done that!" She smiled brightly at her, yet there was something distinctly off about it to Kanako. "They were only very small, so a small prayer was enough for that."

Kanako stared at her carefully. Something wasn't right, but she couldn't put her finger on what. Was Sanae lying? Why would she do that?

"Besides, Lady Suwako, you shouldn't be wasting your energy on me," Sanae continued, chiding her while slipping her shoes on.

"And where exactly are you going?" Kanako nodded towards her feet.

"Well... there's that shrine you noticed close to where a lot of humans have settled. Didn't you want me to go there too?"

"Today? Save that for another time," Suwako said. "After what you've gone through, we can leave it for now."

Kanako looked at Sanae from top to bottom, quickly assessing her. While she was sure Sanae was hiding something, she seemed to be fine enough... well, Sanae was entitled to keep her own secrets. She'd just have to hope it was nothing they should know.

"In light of what happened with the tengu, I'm not sure we can afford that," Kanako said. "After all, we're not gathering faith just sitting around here."

"I'm really sorry about that..."

"This isn't your fault, Sanae," Suwako said. "We should have seen that coming ourselves."

"Yes, but because of that, we don't have any good relations. Humans aren't going to be trekking up here to visit, especially if the tengu are so hostile. We need another site to gather faith, and that shrine's proximity to humans makes it perfect."

"So, I'll go there and ask if we could set up a branch shrine there?" Sanae offered. "It'd be nice to get to know another shrine maiden! Maybe we'll have a lot in common!"

Kanako winced, hardly keen to crush Sanae's hopes. It had to be done.

"That was the idea at first... but I'll have to amend it. Peace and diplomacy just failed, and I'm not keen to try it again."

"But a shrine is a place for humans, not youkai," Sanae pointed out. "Isn't that who we should be worried about?"

"Yes, but given how cutthroat the youkai seem to be, I imagine humans must be cut from the same cloth to survive here."

"And believe me, humans can be ruthless at times," Suwako added. "Not everyone is like you, Sanae."

"I know that, but... shouldn't we at least try?"

"And we will. I am perfectly willing to cooperate with this shrine maiden, but she and her god must submit to us first. And if they do so, we will help."

"Help?" Sanae looked at her sharply. "In what ways?"

"That shrine is dilapidated beyond belief. Clearly, it and its god are a dying kind, like us," Kanako said, her voice twinged with faint pity. "I doubt anyone would even care if we got rid of it, but to prove we are better, we will offer this option nonetheless. We can restore and attract more attention to it."

"Well... I guess that sounds fair," Sanae said, still hesitant over it.

Noticing this, Kanako said, "With the faith we garner from that site, both of us will have more power. Once we have that, everything will become much easier."

"If it'll really help, then I can do it. But, what if the shrine maiden doesn't agree to shut down?"

"Then she can direct her arguments to us, and... we'll talk things out with her," Suwako said.

"The youkai are one thing, but a human alone cannot hope to match up to a god — let alone three. She'll see it our way," Kanako said grimly.

Sanae fiddled with her hairband, still looking apprehensive about the idea.

"If you say it'll help, then... there's no reason not to. I'll tell her to close it down."

She nodded resolutely, before flying out of the shrine.

"Are you sure sending her back out was a good idea?" Suwako said. "After what happened..."

"I wasn't going to convince her otherwise. You know how Sanae gets... she's stubborn to a fault. I can tell she still feels guilty over what's happened, so hopefully this should alleviate that."

"Let's just hope this wasn't a bad idea then..."

By the end of the day though, their fears had been fully realised.

As the three of them sat and ate dinner, silence was the dominant voice at the table. It was completely out of place — usually there'd be some conversation floating about, or Sanae would be chattering away to fill the void.

Yet, she had been near silent today, only giving the shortest of replies.

Kanako could barely focus on her own meal, instead looking at Sanae. The exuberance and joy she was usually filled with was completely gone. What had happened?

"Sanae... is everything fine?" She asked carefully.

"Perfectly fine, Lady Kanako."

Kanako frowned at the snippiness in her voice. It'd have annoyed her more if it wasn't so disturbing to hear it in Sanae.

"Are you sure?"

"If there was something wrong, wouldn't I tell you?"

"No, you wouldn't," Suwako answered, pointing to her with a spoon. "You know why? Because you have a habit of not sharing your burdens with others."

"I don't have any 'burdens', so you don't have to worry."

"Cut the crap, Sanae. Give it to us straight — what happened at that shrine? You've been off ever since."

"Nothing that I haven't already said. I went to that shrine, and the shrine maiden refused to shut it down," Sanae said, sounding more irritated with every word. "So, that means you'll just have to take it by force."

Kanako narrowed her eyes at her. "And that's all that happened?"

"Yes. Now, may I please be excused?"

Kanako opened her mouth to ask her more, but Suwako beat her to the punch.

"If you want," she said with a sigh. "Good night to you."

Sanae stood up and left, not saying another word.

"Why did you let her go?" Kanako hissed as soon as Sanae was out of earshot. "Surely, you don't believe her?"

"We're just going around in circles with her. It's about as practical as talking to a wall."

Kanako sighed to herself, realising Suwako's point. Maybe they needed to give Sanae some space.

"I'm not sure what to do now..." she admitted. "I was very much hoping to cow that shrine maiden into submission, but it seems everyone in Gensokyo is bold — even humans."

"You don't actually have enough power to take it by force, do you?" Suwako realised.

"I do. It would just be very inconvenient in my current state... I'd rather avoid that if possible."

"Hm. You know what, maybe we should follow Sanae's example and turn in early. Today's not been the best day, but a fresh start might help us."

"That sounds lovely right now... we may as well. I'll be upstairs after cleaning this."

"Eh, it's just plates. We can leave those for tomorrow."

Having no argument to that, Kanako followed Suwako upstairs to their room, where they both made their preparations for bed before tucking themselves in it.

Though Suwako fell asleep quickly, Kanako wasn't so lucky. For a while, she simply stared up at the ceiling, the weight of everything finally catching up to her.

She didn't expect the transition to be easy, but nothing was going right for them. The tengu were hostile, the shrine maiden of the village was abrasive, and their situation remained ever precarious.

Where had it gone wrong? They'd come looking for new opportunities, but found nothing. And now... it was coming with its prices.

She began to toss and turn, her mind wandering to Sanae.

She'd never seen her like this. Prickly and blunt were the last words she'd use to describe her normally, but they were the only ones that suited her now.

Kanako hoped dearly it was just a bad day... but she feared it was something more.

"Kanako?"

Kanako suddenly froze, hearing Suwako's sleepy voice to her side. She looked over, seeing her rubbing her eyes and yawning.

"If you keep tossing about like that, neither of us are going to get any sleep."

"... my apologies." Kanako looked away awkwardly. "There's just... a lot on my mind at the moment."

"I can imagine." Suwako sat up, hugging a pillow to her chest. "Like I said, today's not been a good day."

"It's Sanae that worries me the most. I don't understand what could have possibly happened at that shrine to get her like this."

"Only she knows that. We'll just have to hope she decides to confide in us soon."

"Do you think I pushed her too far today? I shouldn't have asked her to go after what happened with the tengu..."

"Probably not. Regret isn't gonna help us out though. All we can do is —"

Suwako suddenly paused, as both of them heard some clattering in the distance.

"What was that?" Kanako quickly shot up from the bed.

"Sounded like it came from downstairs."

"What now..."

Kanako got up and threw open the door, marching down to investigate. As she did, Suwako trailed behind her, stopping next to an open door.

"I think we've found our answer."

Kanako turned around, seeing her point to Sanae's bedroom. She quickly looked inside, only to see that Sanae wasn't there at all. Suddenly, they heard that same clattering again.

Without another word, they quickly headed down to the kitchen, only to be met with a sight they'd never expected to see.

Sanae was sitting at the dining table... with bottles of sake beside her.

At the same time they saw her, she locked eyes with them. All three of them froze on the spot, none of them knowing what to do.

For a moment, Kanako thought she was dreaming. That was the only explanation — Sanae had never drank before. For her to start now, especially at her age...

She shot Suwako a look that said everything it needed to. Silently, they both recognised the same thing... things had gotten very bad.

"It's... it's not what it looks like..." Sanae quivered in her chair while cradling a cup.

"Not what it looks like?" Suwako smiled, sitting opposite to her. "All it looks like to me is that you're having a little nightcap. Nothing wrong with that, right?"

"... yes. I... I got thirsty."

"Thirsty? Well, mind if I join you?"

"S-sure..."

Sanae took an empty cup by her side and poured some sake into it, her hand shaking all the while. As she did, Kanako quickly took notice of the bottles beside her, noticing that one was already empty.

She slowly sat beside Suwako, watching her quickly drain the cup.

"Huh, this is good stuff," Suwako remarked. "When did we get this?"

Sanae looked down at the table. "It's the sake you had for special occasions..."

Kanako winced in response — she'd completely forgotten to move those.

"Sanae. Look at me," Kanako said authoritatively.

Sanae gulped, feeling her cheeks burn more and more. She expected nothing less than contempt from Kanako, because it was exactly what she deserved. She'd disgraced both of them today.

She slowly looked up, only to be met with concern from Kanako. Yet, the fear in her eyes still remained.

"We are not angry," she said, ensuring to crush any doubt within Sanae. "Not even a little."

"... you're not?"

"No. But, we are concerned. I hope you can understand why."

"You weren't meant to find out about this..." Sanae said, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I... I'm not some delinquent, I just..."

"We know. Do you know how many bottles Kanako and I have been through during our rough patches?" Suwako said. "More than you can count."

Sanae slumped in her chair slightly, clutching her cup tighter.

"I just... I just wanted to prove her wrong."

"Prove who wrong?"

"That shrine maiden..."

The two gods both looked at each other, their concerns reaching a collective peak. They were exactly right.

"Sanae... when you went to that shrine today, the shrine maiden didn't just refuse to close it down. Something else happened, didn't it?" Kanako said carefully.

Sanae slowly nodded at her.

"I know you didn't want to share earlier, and I won't force you. But in light of this... it would be very helpful if we knew."

Sanae filled her cup again, drinking a quarter of it. Unlike Suwako, she wasn't able to do so as gracefully, coughing and spluttering on it.

"It's called the Hakurei Shrine. I didn't say it before, but... that's the name."

"Hakurei... I've never come across a god with that name." Kanako turned to her partner. "Does that ring a bell?"

"I've never heard of them either," Suwako said. "Strange... we've both been around for a while. You'd think we'd have heard of a god like that."

"They're definitely real..." Sanae said. "I felt something there, though it was weak. But... not like Lady Suwako is?"

"Not like me?"

"It felt alone, unloved... even spiteful. But... not dying? It doesn't make sense..."

"How interesting. It appears I wasn't entirely correct about this god... but no matter," Kanako muttered. "Besides, I doubt this was the highlight of your visit. What happened when you got there?"

"Well... there wasn't really anyone there when I visited. There were only two people, and they seemed surprised to be getting a visitor at all. In some ways, they seem even worse off than we do..."

Sanae grabbed her cup again, and Kanako was half tempted to pull the bottles away from her. Thankfully, she didn't decide to fill it up again.

"One of them looked like a... a witch or something. She had this really big broom and, and her hat was as big as her head!" Sanae waved her hands about excitedly, giggling to herself.

"And the shrine maiden?" Suwako asked, lips curled in amusement.

"Oh, her..."

Sanae held her cup close to her heart, looking off to the side. Despite her cheeks already being flushed, they somehow went a deeper shade of red.

"Her friend was pretty too, but she... she was beautiful."

She started swaying from side to side with a hopelessly smitten smile.

"She had these red and white robes that flowed so elegantly in the wind with her gorgeous brown hair, a-and this adorable bow! And her skin looked so soft and pretty, while her eyes felt like they were piercing into my heart... I just wanted to —"

As she squealed loudly to herself, Kanako pinched the bridge of her nose, wondering what they'd gotten into.

"Sanae... how drunk are you right now?" Suwako bit the side of her lip, barely keeping herself from bursting into laughter.

"D-drunk? I'm not drunk at all, Lady Suwako!" Sanae said indignantly, shaking her head far too many times for someone allegedly sober.

"Alright, if you say so." Suwako raised her hands up in defence. "So... seems like you're interested in this shrine maiden then?"

"... maybe."

"Why don't you get to know her then? It'd be a win-win for you and the shrine."

Sanae's giddiness vanished on the spot.

"I... I can't now. Not when she hates me."

"Ah..." Suwako nodded in realisation. "She didn't take well to you telling her to close her shrine."

"She laughed in my face." Sanae rubbed her eyes. "She called me an idiot, and said that if my gods thought they could get her shrine to close, they wouldn't last a second here."

Kanako thought about that for a moment. It was a bold thing to claim... she wondered if there was any truth to it.

"I said that we only wanted to help her, but she didn't believe me. I... I said some things I shouldn't have said..."

"What did you say?" Kanako asked.

"Her shrine looked very dirty, like it hadn't been cleaned in ages, so I said she should take care of it more... she got really angry at that."

"If it was that dirty, then the criticism was warranted."

"That doesn't matter. If I could take it back, I would. She called me stuck-up for that, and for this..."

Sanae picked her cup up, fiddling with the rim of it.

"She was drinking with her friend when I came... she even offered me one, but I said I didn't drink." Sanae hiccoughed slightly. "I guess I do now. And it's, it's a good thing!"

"Why do you think it's a good thing?" Kanako leaned in towards her.

"She said everyone here drinks like this, and drinking parties are how people meet. So, if I wanna make new friends here... then I have to do this. When I said I didn't drink, she looked so confused. She asked how old I was, and said that waiting until twenty was stupid."

Did people here drink younger than that? That seemed to be what Sanae was implying.

"But, I could see what she was really thinking... she thought I was just a child! But I'm NOT!"

Sanae slammed her hands against the table, trembling all the while.

"I... I may not be an adult yet, but I don't need to be coddled all the time! And if that means I have to prove it by doing things like this, t-then I'll do it!"

Sanae tried to stand up proudly, but her legs began to slip. She nearly collapsed onto the table, but Kanako quickly came to her side and supported her.

"It's not a good idea to quickly stand up after having alcohol," Kanako lectured. "Especially if it's your first time."

"Urgh... thank you, Lady Kanako..." Sanae carefully sat back down with her help, though she flinched slightly.

As Kanako took her hands off, her fingers brushed against Sanae's shoulder. For some reason, Sanae suddenly hissed.

"Are you alright, Sanae?"

"I-I'm fine, Lady Kanako!" Sanae replied, too quickly for Kanako's liking.

"Is that so?"

Kanako suddenly pressed on her back, making her jolt again. Instantly, her mind ran through the day's events, with one thing standing out... surely, Sanae wouldn't be that foolish?

No. She couldn't afford to take the chance.

"Lift up your shirt," she demanded.

"Huh?!" Sanae clutched the hem of her shirt tightly. "But —"

"Now."

Suwako looked at Kanako strangely, but said nothing as Sanae reluctantly lifted it up.

She dropped her cup as soon as she saw what was underneath.

Across Sanae's back and sides were a few cuts — though they'd healed since, the marks were still visible. Not only that, but her skin had reddened in small areas... as if it'd been burnt.

"I... um..."

"This was the tengu, wasn't it?" Kanako clenched her teeth. "They didn't just attack with their feathers."

"... they tried using their swords. I didn't get injured too badly, but... they did get me a few times. Then... they used this weird magic where they fired these magical pellets at me. I think that's what caused the burns..."

"Why didn't you tell us about this?" Suwako asked, shaking with rage.

"I... I didn't want you to worry. You already had enough things —"

"That's it, I'm banning that phrase in this shrine!” Suwako declared. "We've collectively used that far too many times."

"But... it's the least I can do for how little I've done since coming here..."

"How little you've done? Sanae, you just went out and tried to build relationships with two different factions!"

"And I failed. I can't complain about any of this, because I deserve it all! If... if I'd been the hope I know you wanted, we wouldn't have even needed to come here..."

"You know? And how is that?" Kanako asked.

"I... when Lady Suwako fell ill that day, I overheard you talking about me." Sanae gulped heavily. "You said that this shouldn't have happened. You... you'd never say it to me, but you were disappointed that I only gave her two decades. And the worst part was, you had every right to be."

Kanako faltered, not knowing what to say back because Sanae was right. She'd just never meant for her to hear that, let alone take it like this.

"Sanae, do we have to keep going back to this? Are you forgetting the part where you gave me about twenty years by yourself?" Suwako said. "Do you not realise how absolutely insane that is?! That's twice what we thought I'd have!"

"Then I was just delaying the inevitable, wasn't I?" Sanae scoffed. "Besides, none of that matters. Ever since we've come here... I haven't done anything to gather faith! And if I can't do that, what's the point of me being a shrine maiden?!"

She rested her arms on the table and slumped onto them, laughing miserably.

"Who am I kidding? I thought when I became older, I'd finally be an adult, but I'm not one at all. I can't do anything right and still need to be coddled all the time... maybe that shrine maiden was right."

Sanae reached over for another bottle, but Kanako pulled it away from her reach.

"That isn't going to solve your problems."

"I know... but it makes me feel better about them," Sanae whined.

"Oh, we know that all too well," Suwako said with a chuckle. "Look, Sanae... you're beating yourself over this way too much. We're your gods — it's your job to rely on us when something's out of your depth. It's our fault that we underestimated how complicated things would be."

"There's one thing you're right about though," Kanako said, surprising both of them. "Hitting some arbitrary age does not instantly make you an adult. And I regret to inform you that no matter how old you become, it won't change the way we see you."

"Yeah, even when you're in your fifties, you're still gonna be that little girl to us." Suwako smiled at her playfully. "There's no escaping that."

"But that's the problem!" Sanae cried. "I don't want to be just that!"

"And we're not saying you have to, but taking a drastic leap at once is also not the answer."

"Well... I guess I can see that." Sanae raised her head up, only to feel the whole world spinning around her. "Urgh... I don't feel so good."

"That's what drinking gets you on your first time." Suwako reached over and patted her shoulder. "Tomorrow's gonna be pretty rough on you too..."

"This was so stupid... why did I even do this? I've made myself look like an idiot in front of you both..."

"It's alright. Still, it's late and you need rest."

Sanae carefully stood up while Kanako supported her.

"Do you think you can get upstairs?"

"I... I think so?"

Slowly, the two of them made it to Sanae's bedroom, with Suwako trailing behind. Sanae all but collapsed onto her bed, falling asleep within seconds.

"Goodness... things just keep getting more complicated here," Kanako muttered, rubbing her forehead.

Suwako shut the door to Sanae's room. "Yeah. And now, we have a bigger issue on our hands."

"Not today."

"... fine. But we have a lot to discuss tomorrow. Got it?"

Kanako nodded, before retiring along with Suwako. Despite everything, she managed to fall asleep as quickly as Sanae.

When Suwako awoke the next day, Kanako was already up. Nothing new there.

She got up herself, knocking on Sanae's door but getting no response. Perhaps she was still asleep... after yesterday, it made sense.

Quickly, she remembered what she saw from Sanae yesterday... those cuts and burns on her skin. She'd ignored it then to deal with the more pressing issue, but now she was free to think and act on it.

And somebody was going to pay.

She marched down the stairs with her fists balled, instantly spotting Kanako sitting in the main foyer.

"Good morning," Kanako said warily, noting her irritation.

"Is Sanae asleep?" Suwako demanded.

"I haven't seen her downstairs at all, so I assume so."

"Good." Suwako sat down opposite her. "We need to talk."

"The tengu?"

"The tengu. I trust you haven't forgotten what Sanae showed us yesterday?"

"Not at all."

"This changes everything. I was willing to tolerate what they did when we thought they merely attacked her, but that is no attack." Suwako thrust a hand in the direction of the stairs. "That is an attempt on her life, and I don't think I need to tell you how I feel about that."

"Angry?" Kanako said sardonically.

"Angry? No... I'm furious! And know this, Kanako — I will not be satisfied until I see this mountain razed to the ground!" Suwako thrust her hand out of the window, her hair whipping about in a frenzy. "I want every single one of those tengu begging for mercy, and you know what the funny part is? I might not give it to them!"

"Nor would I stop you if you didn't. They certainly didn't give much to Sanae. However... this is hardly conducive to our goal as gods."

"Not at all. But I assure you, it is VERY conducive to my goal as a parent." Suwako glared daggers at her, before growling, "Don't tell me you're not going to do anything. Don't you care?!"

"And what exactly should I do, hm? Aggravate a bunch of youkai that nearly killed our shrine maiden on sight?!" With sarcasm laced in every word, she said, "Oh, that sounds like a fantastic idea! I'm glad you're the one who makes the decisions around here!"

"Your decision making has gotten worse by the day," Suwako hissed, spreading her arms wide. "Look at us! We're floundering in this place, because you didn't have a plan for when we came! In fact... this sounds very familiar."

"Don't you DARE..."

"Oh, I will." Suwako looked at her contemptuously. "After two thousand years, I thought you'd have learnt. But once again, you've jumped into something without thinking and once again, someone else is paying the price for it."

"And believe me, I am no happier than you that Sanae is suffering this much. If I'd have known —"

"Everyone's a genius with hindsight. It doesn't matter."

Kanako clutched one of the arm rests, her anger simmering all the while. "Yes. I shouldn't have asked as much of her as I did yesterday. Is that what you want me to say?"

"Hardly. If that was all, it'd been one thing, but it goes further back than that — you should have drawn the line at the ritual. What were you THINKING with that?!"

Kanako looked at her irately. "Her miracle worked, didn't it?!"

"A miracle in itself," Suwako spat back. "There were a thousand different things that could've gone wrong, so you don't get a pass just because nothing did. Do you not see what it's doing to her?!"

"Of course I do! You think this pleases me?! You think I enjoy seeing my shrine maiden drunk and feeling like she's failed us?! NO! I HATE this, Suwako! I'm sick of every day being a struggle, but I will NOT give up!"

Kanako thrust a finger towards her, her whole arm shaking while her mind seethed.

"Don't you DARE say I don't care! I have moved heaven and earth to get to this mountain, and I would do it again!"

"Then start doing better," Suwako said coldly. "You've put her through enough already, so why are you putting her through more? What's the point of doing all this? Why are you so hellbent on making this work?!"

"Because I don't want you to die!"

Without even realising, Kanako had stood up, breathing heavily as her entire body trembled.

Suwako looked up at her in shock, slouching down in her chair. Instantly, her heart sank with regret for every word she said.

"... right. When we agreed to work together... we agreed to support each other no matter how bad things got."

Hearing that only stoked Kanako's fury even more.

"You think that's why I'm doing this?" Kanako shut her eyes, pinching at her eyelids tightly. "This stopped being a matter of obligation long ago."

Kanako knelt down in front of her, staring directly into her eyes.

"I hated every day of that month. Scrambling around to tie loose ends before we went, making sure we had enough supplies, forcing Sanae to her breaking point JUST to make sure the ritual worked..."

Kanako's eyes began to water and she bowed her head, trying to hide them from Suwako.

"So many times, I knew she wanted to stop, but she'd never complain because of you," she said hoarsely. "And so, I would ignore everything I was making her do."

"Kanako..."

"I hated it all. The only thing that got me through was thinking of what I hated even more."

"What's that?"

"Seeing you waste away in your bed. Do you know how it feels to look at someone and only see a corpse? To see nothing but that corpse in your dreams?"

Suwako froze with her mouth agape. All this time... Kanako had been going through that?

"How... how many times?" She whispered, wrapping her arms around Kanako's neck.

"Nearly every night."

"Why didn't you tell me? Wait, don't tell me it's..."

"... I didn't want you to worry." Kanako scoffed at herself. "Hypocritical, isn't it? I lectured Sanae for doing the same, but here I am now."

She raised her head again, now looking at Suwako with tears in her eyes.

"So, yes, the plan had holes! It had so many holes that you could see them from the goddamn Moon!" Kanako swung her arm out to the side. "But if I could avoid seeing you like that... then there was no price I wouldn't pay. Even if it means being stuck in this godforsaken wasteland with nothing at all!"

But as quickly as Kanako's anger had come, it settled just as fast.

"But now... our situation is dire. Without faith, we'll just be back where we began."

"But you're gonna make it work," Suwako reassured. "That's what you always do. I just... I don't want Sanae to have to suffer because of our actions."

"And you think I do?" Kanako looked beyond hurt. "Hearing you say I didn't care about her... it crushed me. But, with everything that's happened... maybe... maybe you're ri —"

"No. I was wrong to say that."

Suwako drew Kanako closer to her, holding on to her tightly. She shut her eyes, cursing herself over and over.

How could she ever say Kanako didn't care, when she'd done more for Sanae than anyone else? More than even her?

Kanako cared so much about her. She just didn't show it as openly as she did.

"I'm just... no, forget it. There's no excuse for what I said," Suwako said bitterly. "It was stupid and spiteful. I'm sorry for ever implying you didn't care, and I... I hope you forgive me for it."

Kanako smiled at her. "Of course I do."

"Thank you."

Kanako's smile grew wider as she reached over and interlaced her fingers with hers. Suwako gently squeezed her hand back.

"I've been wasting so much time arguing like this..." Suwako muttered.

"What's done is done,' Kanako said firmly. "And perhaps... perhaps there is a way for us to satiate both of our desires. A way to strike back and further our goals as gods. Two birds with one stone."

"Or two tengu, as it were."

"Precisely."

Suwako grinned, recognising the familiar pride in Kanako's voice. She'd never been happier to hear it.

"There are two ways that gods may earn faith from others," Kanako said. "If the tengu will not listen to the carrots Sanae offered, then we will hit them with the stick. A very big stick."

Suwako nodded her approval. "I like where this is going. What's your plan?"

"There's no need to complicate things. I'll use my powers and bring suffering to them. In doing so, they learn exactly what we can do and why to fear us."

Suwako's eyes gleamed maliciously. "What do you need from me?"

Kanako pursed her lips together, before asking, "Will the Mishaguji obey my orders for some time?"

"If I tell them to."

"That should be all I need then."

Kanako made to get up, but Suwako suddenly grabbed her hand before she could.

"Let me help you," she insisted. "I don't care what it is — I have to do something."

Kanako sharply inhaled, and Suwako could tell exactly what she was thinking.

"I know I'm still weak, but that won't stop me. I'm tired of just sitting around and making you and Sanae do all the work."

"If you do anything... you'll be back on bed rest for the next week," she warned.

"I've already been on bed rest for a month. What's another week?"

Kanako sighed, knowing she was going to relent. This was as important to Suwako as it was to her.

"In that case... when you feel the Mishaguji being called forth, set an earthquake off exactly one minute after. Limit it only to the mountain."

Suwako looked at her oddly, before her eyes slowly lit up with glee.

She placed her hands on Kanako's cheeks, pulling her closer and pressing her lips against hers. As Kanako wrapped her arms around her waist, she felt her entire body grow warmer, her fingertips tingling with heat.

She giggled to herself as Kanako's hair tickled her chin. Slowly, her hands crept up and ran through her hair, then down her back as she took in every last inch of her.

To cherish and be cherished at the same time... it was the kind of faith she so desperately wanted.

Slowly, she let Kanako go, only to be met with a smug smile from her. She gently flinched her forehead, but Kanako simply chuckled in response.

"Are you going now?" She asked, not wanting to do so.

"No better time than the present," Kanako replied. "I'll be back soon."

"In that case... give them hell."

Kanako stood up, looking at her resolutely. "I intend to."

She turned on her heel and flew out of the shrine, soaring past the lake on her way down to where the valleys where the tengu resided.

In the distance, she spotted a large building — it must be one of their newspaper printing sites she'd heard of, and likely where Sanae went yesterday. It would make a perfect example.

They'd show their arrogance in spades. After this... they'd wish they never had.

When she descended down, she quickly noticed a number of tengu with weapons sitting on the door, currently playing a game of shogi... these must be the so-called wolf tengu.

As Kanako landed, the tengu immediately picked up their weapons, all of them on guard. Such a delightful welcome.

"This place is for tengu only, and you're clearly not one. Leave now, or we'll make you leave."

"Leave now, or we'll make you leave..." Kanako repeated, shaking her head all the while. "Such a simple statement, isn't it? And yet, if you had followed such words yesterday, I wouldn't need to be here now."

The same tengu glared suspiciously at her. "You wouldn't happen to be associated with that human that came around yesterday, would you?"

"Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Bring forth the highest ranking tengu in this facility. I wish to speak with them."

"They're all far too busy to deal with the likes of you."

"Is that so? I can wait. I have plenty of time."

She sneered at her. "You don't take a hint, do you?"

All of them raised their weapons up, but as soon as they did, vines erupted from the ground and ensnared around their weapons. In seconds, they'd rusted and broken into pieces.

The tengu all looked at their now ruined weapons in horror, while Kanako remained impassive.

"And I could say the same to you. Now... perhaps you'd like to reconsider my request?"

Quickly, all of them started to mutter between themselves.

"Iizunamaru's in today, isn't she? Why not her?"

"That works. Let her deal with this."

One of the tengu flew inside, probably to fetch a superior.

For the next few minutes, the rest of them simply stood there in silence, tense as could be. Kanako thought about what this supposed superior would be like... perhaps she'd be the same.

Before long, she saw dozens of tengu flying out from the building, most of whom had large wings. Good... the more spectators there were, the better.

Among the tengu though, there was one who stood out to her, lacking both the distinctive wings of the crow tengu and the fur of the wolf tengu. If not for her tokin and geta, Kanako might have thought she was a human.

As this tengu landed in front of her, the others formed a perimeter around them. Kanako carefully took note of her — the dark blue dress and jewelled pauldron she wore clearly indicated some prestige, not to mention the way she carried herself.

Slowly, the tengu approached her, hoisting a tripod over her right shoulder.

"It's not often we have visitors to our printing sites," she said, flashing her a sardonic smile. "Did you want to get some exercise? Or, perhaps you're lost?"

Kanako could hear the arrogance in her voice from a mile away. Still, she'd play along... for now.

"You must be Iizunamaru."

"Indeed. I am Megumu Iizunamaru, great tengu and chief of the crow tengu on this mountain." She straightened up with pride. "I have no interest in who you are, but I feel obligated to warn you... your presence is most unwelcome here."

"And why would that be?"

"This is hardly a place for humans to gallivant about. Those that do often find misfortune befalling them."

Megumu stared at her for a moment, before her eyes widened slightly.

"But then, you are no human, are you?" Megumu brandished her tripod, tapping the head against her hand. "Tell me... what business does a god like yourself have with us?"

So, she wasn't completely witless. Perhaps these tengu were cleverer than she thought.

"It is a simple matter. I presume you are aware of our shrine at the mountain's top?"

"Of course." Megumu chuckled pleasantly. "I must thank you in some part for that, because it's given us some new stories for our newspapers. I presume then that you are the god of this shrine?"

"Indeed."

"Then, I'll assume that the human that came here yesterday was your shrine maiden. I wasn't there at the time, but I've heard of what happened. If I may hazard a guess, your appearance is because of what happened to her."

"You guess correctly. I'm pleased that you understand such matters." If nothing else, it was nice to get straight to the point.

"Let us not waste any more time with this. You're clearly here because of that, which means you are hardly here for a social visit."

"What happened to my shrine maiden was displeasing," Kanako said, careful not to be accusatory yet. "I sent her in good faith and as a showing of diplomacy, and she was met with unwarranted retaliation."

"Unwarranted, you say?" Megumu raised an eyebrow while smirking back. "We have our opinions about the matter... but do continue."

"I'm sure you can appreciate that when a subordinate of yours comes to harm, one is obligated to escalate the matter."

"I'm quite familiar with that. So, that's what you're here then? For retaliation?"

"I am here for judgement," Kanako corrected. "And while I have my own ideas about what that should entail, you seem to be of a reasonable sort. I am willing to come to a compromise on what should be done."

"That is most appreciated. Battle is glorious in its own way, but so terribly uncivilised. That being said... I don't particularly envy your position right now." Megumu gestured to the tengu all around, giving a false smile. "With how many of us there are here, even a god would struggle in a fight."

Kanako's lips turned downward. "Interesting... I would say otherwise."

Megumu didn't respond immediately, perhaps surprised that Kanako would talk back to her.

"We appreciate that you feel wronged," she said, tapping her tripod more forcefully. "As a showing of good faith, we are willing to offer some manner of recompense. What is it you seek?"

"Give me the tengu that participated in the attack yesterday," Kanako demanded. "I will see to it that they are punished, then return them to you. You have my word that they will not be killed, and no other tengu will be harmed. It would be an injustice to hold anyone else accountable."

For the first time in their conversation, Megumu frowned. Before she said another word, Kanako already knew exactly how it would go.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. First of all, I was not on site yesterday, thus I don't know who the offending party is." Megumu briefly looked up at all her subordinates. "And naturally, no one is going to admit to such a thing."

"Is your society so disorganised that you do not keep records of who was on duty?"

"Of course we do," Megumu replied, insulted by the notion they didn't. "However, such matters come under the chief of the wolf tengu. I suggest you take it up with him, though good luck getting anywhere with that."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

Megumu looked at her pityingly. "We tengu are loyal to our own. We do not betray each other, like gods do to humans! No tengu would sell out their subordinates."

Turning to the rest of the tengu, Megumu raised her tripod high in the air. "Isn't that right?!"

The crow tengu burst into cheers, while the wolf tengu raised their weapons up in solidarity.

"You see? Besides, even if we did... you wouldn't have a leg to stand on."

Kanako folded her arms at that. "And why not? You attacked my shrine maiden."

"Your shrine maiden trespassed on our grounds. If she was a resident of Gensokyo, then it would be different, but she is an Outsider," Megumu said, spitting the last word venomously. "Just like you."

"I see. So, I can add xenophobia to your list of transgressions now."

Megumu simply laughed raucously in response.

"Do you think you can just enter our land and take this mountain over as if it were your own? You don't have the most basic idea of how Gensokyo functions. Your shrine maiden didn't even know what Spell Cards were!"

The tengu started to mutter amongst themselves again, some of them jeering at Kanako.

Loathe as she was to admit it, Kanako had to agree with that — they really were clueless to Gensokyo's customs.

And yet... in just a few days, she'd already learnt enough. They'd learn more... and she would not allow this arrogance to slide.

"None of this changes the underlying issue," Kanako said firmly, deciding to offer one last chance. "The kindness of my shrine maiden was met with an attempt on her life, and I do not take that lightly."

"And you should be thankful that's all they did," Megumu retorted proudly. "They could have killed her, and no one would have batted an eye — after all, Outsiders are fair game. But, as I said before, we are a civilised kind — in spite of this egregious transgression she committed, we showed her mercy."

Kanako laughed under her breath. Despite everything, she couldn't be happier to hear those words.

She'd have no regrets now.

"Yes, you did. And for that... I too will show you mercy." Kanako rose up in the air, higher than all the tengu. "But not without a price."

Kanako looked down, wondering if Megumu would make an attempt to stop her, but the great tengu seemed to be more amused than anything.

After all this, she should have felt more angry, yet she didn't feel a thing.

"You asked before if I thought I could come in and take over this mountain as my own." Kanako looked directly at Megumu. "And to that, I'd say... yes. I do believe I can."

She closed her eyes, concentrating all the faith she'd gathered. Suddenly, the clouds began to gather all at once and rain started to fall. The wind began to pick up speed, battering the tengu with heavy raindrops and forcing them down to the ground.

"Hear me, tengu of the mountain!" Kanako proclaimed, her voice booming even over the howling gale. "For your sins against my shrine, you will bear witness to a suffering beyond comprehension! Until next week, I condemn this mountain to be faced with the wrath of nature! Let the rivers overflow and flood all beneath!"

The rain intensified quickly, first into a storm, then into a torrential downpour.

"Let the sky be filled with the curses that have torn through a thousand countries!"

Kanako raised a hand in the air, and suddenly a dozen ghostly white snakes erupted from the ground, looming high in the air. Many of the tengu started to yell out, some paralysed in fear while others rose up to fight.

The Mishaguji looked down upon them all, leering with bright red eyes. Though Kanako and them had their differences, they were united in their goals. All at once, they sprayed their venom into the air and swung their entire bodies, hurtling themselves into tengu.

"And let the ground itself be torn to shreds, until all that remains is barren!"

A harsh cracking ran through the air, before the ground shook over and over again. With each successive wave, the buildings around crumbled more and more, flinging stones into the air.

In the midst of it all, Kanako saw Megumu fall to the ground from the tremors. Yet, she didn't do anything, simply watching the chaos around her in frozen terror.

"For what you have done, this is the judgement you deserve," Kanako said scathingly. "From your suffering, you will understand the breadth of my power. The reign of the tengu as the dominant force of this mountain is over, and now it is I who will control it!"

Kanako spread her arms to the side, relishing in their suffering.

"I am Kanako Yasaka! Remember my name well, for it is the name of your new god! With my power, I may bring prosperity as easily as destruction! Now... may you reap what you have sown."

Kanako looked down upon them once more, laughing at the way the tengu floundered about.

Yes... at last, she was finally starting to learn how Gensokyo worked.

In this land, power was everything. With power, one could subject and crush their opposition into nothing. Such was their culture and ways.

If ruthlessness was what this land demanded, then they would deliver in spades. If they had to crush everyone in their path to get results, there would be no hesitation. Such was the way of gods.

All who opposed their struggle for faith would be eliminated, one by one.

Chapter Text

Suwako kicked her feet up, dangling her legs over the side. She leaned back and looked up at the ceiling, groaning loudly. Nothing had been going on at all, and to say she was bored out of her mind would be an understatement.

"Bored, are we?" Kanako said from across the room, not even looking up from the book she was reading.

"No, I'm having the time of my life here," Suwako replied sarcastically. "Today's just going to be one of those boring days..."

"It's better to be bored than excited for the wrong reasons."

"Can't say you're wrong there." Suwako swung her head back up, squinting to see Kanako's book. "What's that you've got there?"

"One of Sanae's old textbooks. I'm hoping there might be some information that helps me improve the reactor..."

"Well, would you look at that?" Suwako drawled, looking her up and down. "My wife's both beautiful and brainy."

Kanako smiled at first, but it quickly turned into a frown. "Implying you didn't think I was intelligent before?"

"What?! What are you talking about?! I'd never imply you're not smart!" Suwako balked, pausing to take in Kanako's reaction. "Your beauty on the other hand..."

Kanako scowled and threw a cushion at her, which Suwako caught it with ease.

"Thanks, I needed one of these." Suwako smiled smugly, resting her head on top of it. "Now, I just have to —"

"Hello? Is anywhere here?"

The door to the inner shrine opened up, and both gods turned to see who their guest was — a shrine maiden dressed in red and white.

"Oh, Reimu, fancy seeing you here!" Suwako spread her arms out enthusiastically, thrilled to have someone else. In the most snooty voice imaginable, she said, "What conundrum has brought you to our most humble abode today?"

Reimu looked around for a moment, snorting lightly.

"If you call this place humble, then my place must make me the modest person in existence," she retorted.

"I believe that honour would have to go to hermits," Kanako said.

For reasons Kanako couldn't figure out, Reimu started to laugh. "Oh, I don't know. I've seen some hermits with places way better than mine."

"Its degradation has certainly earned itself a reputation," Kanako replied, smirking at Reimu. "Despite our rough patches, we have always kept our shrine in pristine condition."

"You mean Sanae's made sure to do that. I doubt you've ever lifted a broom."

"I'll have you know I've lifted quite a number of brooms to maintain this shrine." Kanako glared at her, but her expression softened a moment later. "Still, you're hardly wrong. Sanae's done the majority of the work there."

"Our dear shrine maiden keeps the place running like clockwork!" Suwako said proudly. "Unlike other shrines we know..."

"Never heard that one before," Reimu said, rolling her eyes. "Why don't you come up with something original for once?"

"Say, there's an idea for something to do..." Suwako scratched her chin in thought. "I can come up with new insults for everyone I have to deal with!"

Reimu narrowed her eyes at her, in complete disbelief that she took that seriously.

Noticing Reimu's expression, Kanako added, "Suwako's been bored all day. She'll take anything she can get."

"Ah..."

"In any case... it has been a while since we've seen you."

"I know, I was enjoying not having to deal with you either," Reimu replied, getting a scowl from Kanako and a chuckle from Suwako.

"Oh, you don't know the half of it," Suwako said, shaking her head. "I have to deal with her every day!

"How've you dealt with her for this long?" Reimu asked. "I'd have lost it by now."

Suwako looked wryly at her. "Who said I haven't?"

Reimu actually laughed at that, taking a seat herself. While Kanako was always overly serious, she respected Suwako's ability to make a joke now and then.

Meanwhile, Kanako rolled her eyes at both of them. "Is this what you're bonding over? Making fun of me?"

Suwako gave her a sickly sweet smile. "Making fun of you is one of my favourite activities, sugar snake. I have to appreciate anyone who I can share that with, because Sanae's too kind to join in with me."

Kanako bowed her head at that nickname, while Reimu started coughing violently.

"S-sugar snake?" Reimu said, trying not to burst into laughter.

"Yeah." Suwako suddenly glared at her, with her voice becoming deathly serious. "Got a problem with that?"

"No, not at all." Reimu shook her head, covering her mouth with a hand.

"Excellent. I'm glad we're all full of a mutual understanding." Returning to her usual grin, Suwako asked, "So, Reimu, what are you actually here for?"

"Haven't you heard about the flower viewing festivals? They're celebrating them all over the village."

"Yes, it is that time of year, isn't it..." Kanako muttered. "I suppose that means you're here for Sanae? She's been mentioning them all week."

"Sanae!" Suwako shouted. "Reimu's here!"

After a second, they heard quick footsteps from above, before Sanae came bolting down the stairs with a book in her hands.

"Reimu!" Sanae smiled excitedly, rushing to her and giving her a hug that she accepted with only a little grumbling. "It's been so long since I've seen you!"

"Yeah, it's been a bit. I haven't seen you since before the beast spirits invaded."

"I know..." Sanae flopped down on a chair next to her, holding the book to her stomach. "I'm sorry I couldn't help out then, I was just really busy at the time."

"Don't worry about it," Reimu said flippantly. "Youmu gave us a hand, so that made it all easier for Marisa and me."

"Oh, that's nice!" Sanae looked around the room briefly, noticing something. "Speaking of Marisa, where is she? Wasn't she going to come with us today?"

Reimu quietly snorted at that. "She said she was busy," she said, making air quotes around busy.

"Yes, the life of a thief is a hard and arduous one." Kanako ruefully shook her head. "I imagine she's quite busy pilfering things. And on that note, I'm still waiting on those items she stole from us after we instated the reactor."

"Perhaps it's best she didn't come then." Suwako chuckled menacingly. "I don't take kindly to thieves."

"If you can get your hands on her, then do what you want, but good luck doing that," Reimu said.

"Marisa's, uh... she's very good at getting out of trouble," Sanae said, trying to put a positive spin on it.

"And just as good at getting herself into it," Reimu added.

"So, if Marisa's not here... that means it's just going to be the two of you then?" Suwako grinned at them both. "How interesting..."

"Why's that?" Reimu asked, looking at her strangely.

Behind Reimu, they both saw Sanae's eyes quickly widen before she rapidly drew her hand across her neck multiple times.

"No particular reason," Kanako said, smiling to herself as she turned a page in her book. Meanwhile, Sanae took a deep breath in relief.

"Got one bit of bad news for you though," Suwako said.

"What?" Reimu glared at her. "Don't tell me, you're gonna make her do a bunch of chores? You two really are killjoys. Not that she'll ever say it, but I'm sure the reason she didn't have any time for an incident was because of all the work she was doing here. Don't you ever give her a break?!"

Sanae looked at Reimu in shock, surprised she'd say all that about her.

"R-Reimu?"

In any other circumstance, Kanako and Suwako would have been enraged at the insinuation they forced Sanae to work that hard. Instead, they smirked at each other.

"Actually, I was talking about that." Suwako smugly pointed her thumb to a window at her side.

Reimu and Sanae both got up and looked out of it, seeing that it was raining heavily outside.

"... oh," Reimu said sheepishly. "It was fairly light when I was coming here..."

"You can't be serious... it's raining?!" Sanae cried. "I thought it was going to be good weather today! I even went to the Dragon's statue to check!"

"Isn't that thing only accurate about seventy percent of the time?" Suwako said.

"Well, today wasn't the day where I wanted that thirty percent to happen!" Sanae sat down in a huff, crossing her arms over her book. "It wasn't even raining fifteen minutes ago!"

"Maybe it'll clear up?" Reimu offered, though she didn't sound very confident in that. The rain did seem awfully heavy...

"If not, there's always another day," Kanako suggested, looking sympathetically at Sanae. She knew how much she'd been looking forward to this.

"I know, but I had everything planned out today. I guess that's our only choice if it doesn't settle soon..."

"Do you mind if I stay here until it does?" Reimu grimaced at the rain. "I'd prefer not to get soaked going back."

"Make yourself at home." Suwako gestured all around herself. "There's plenty we can do around here. Don't ask me what that is specifically, but I'm sure there's something."

"What's that you've got there, Sanae?" Kanako asked, inclining her head towards the book Sanae had.

"This?" Sanae held it up slightly. "It's our album, Lady Kanako. I was just adding some photos to it upstairs."

"I'm surprised you haven't filled that in yet. It feels like you're putting something in there every other day," Suwako said.

"I don't update it that often, Lady Suwako. Besides, it's definitely getting there."

"You three have an album?" Reimu said.

"It was our gift for Sanae's eighth birthday," Kanako explained, her voice suddenly becoming very wistful. "We filled it with photos we'd taken of her in her early life, then gave it to her to continue as she wished."

"It's one of the best gifts I've ever gotten," Sanae added. "Say... I don't think I've ever shown this to you?"

"Nope." Reimu looked at her amusedly. "You've nattered on about giant robots, anime, video games, movies and a bunch of other things, but this is the first I'm hearing of this."

"Let me show you some of it then!" Sanae enthusiastically started flipping through pages.

"Sure." Reimu shrugged. "Nothing better to do."

As Sanae went through the pages, Reimu saw various photos throughout, most of them having some combination of Sanae, Kanako and Suwako in them.

"Oh, I remember this one!" Sanae suddenly pointed at a certain image, which Reimu started laughing at.

"What's so funny?" Suwako asked.

Sanae showed the picture to them both, making Suwako laugh too, while Kanako scowled.

It showed both of them in front of the shimenawa at the entrance of the shrine. It was clearly meant to be an ordinary photo of the two, but at the last moment, Suwako had suddenly shoved her hat over Kanako's eyes.

"Ah, it never gets old doing that to Kanako."

"I'm pleased you still have your excellent sense of humour..."

Sanae giggled at them, flicking through some more pages.

"Hold on a second," Reimu said, holding a page down. "Why do you just have a photo of you wearing your uniform?"

"That's the first time I ever wore it, so I wanted a photo to remember that moment," Sanae explained. "I think I was about sixteen then?"

"Sixteen? I thought you became the shrine maiden much younger."

"I'd always been helping around the shrine, but it wasn't official until then."

"Really, it was just a formality by that point," Kanako added. "We'd treated and referred to her as our shrine maiden as soon as she expressed the desire to become so."

"That's funny..." Reimu muttered.

"Why's that?" Sanae asked. "Most shrine maidens take up the mantle as a teenager."

"Not me. I took it up when I was five."

"H-huh? You were only five?! But... that's crazy, how could you have known what to do?!"

Kanako briefly stopped reading her book, hiding her surprise behind it. She knew that Reimu had become one at a young age, but that young was... almost disturbing. Perhaps she'd thought too little of her.

"I had some guidance obviously, but yeah, I was five. It's just funny to me that I became one before you did, even though you like being one lot more than I do."

"I... I never knew that about you. I'm sorry to hear that..."

Reimu shrugged in response. "Why should you be sorry? You didn't know."

"No, but I..." Sanae frowned slightly. "If you say so..."

Sensing and regretting the sour mood she'd created, Reimu decided to bring something else up.

"Now that I think about it, something I never understood about you is... why the green and blue robes?" Reimu traced her fingers around the photo they were looking at. "It's not exactly standard for shrine maidens, is it?"

"I don't think it's standard for shrine maidens to wear large ribbons either," Sanae said, tapping Reimu's.

Reimu folded her arms, looking at her with mock anger. "Are you disrespecting it?"

"Not at all! I've always thought it makes you really cute."

Reimu didn't respond immediately, taken aback by Sanae's earnest response.

"You do?"

"It brings out the best from your smiles! Although, those are pretty rare from you to begin with..."

Sanae tilted her head to the side and sighed gently.

"You should try and smile a little more often, you know? You've got a really nice one..."

She smiled at Reimu, hoping to coax one out of her, but to no avail.

"I think you just smile too much," Reimu retorted.

"It's good for you! Did you know that smiling can help your body? I read that it can extend your life by —"

"I didn't come here for a lecture, Sanae."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Reimu immediately regretted saying them. She knew Sanae meant well, but sometimes she just didn't see it that way.

"... right. Of course you didn't."

Reimu groaned internally, now feeling guilty. "Look, I don't mean..."

"Reimu, it's fine." Sanae gave her a now forced smile. "It's my fault, since I was the one who got sidetracked. I'm sorry."

In Reimu's eyes, that logic didn't make sense. Before she could question it though, Sanae had already moved on.

"Anyway, I wear these colours as a reminder of my heritage." Sanaa explained. "They represent the wind, since my family were traditionally wind priestesses, in addition to being descendants of a god."

"You're a descendant of a god? I never knew that!" Reimu said sarcastically. "It's not like you mention that every other time we meet..."

"Shut up!" Sanae said, playfully shoving Reimu. "Let me take pride in one thing about myself!"

Reimu raised an eyebrow at her. "Why just one thing? There's a bunch of things you should be proud of, and being a descendant of Suwako is hardly one of them."

"Hm." Kanako smirked at Suwako. "I think that's the first I've ever agreed with you on something, Miss Hakurei."

"I'm just going to pretend I didn't hear any of that," Suwako replied, her tone dangerous yet playful.

"Well, that's where the colours come from." Sanae nervously looked down at her own clothes. "I know they're not traditional, but... I like them."

Reimu nodded her agreement. Without thinking, she said, "I think they suit you, and not just as a shrine maiden either."

Sanae tilted her head curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Well, they just..." Realising what she was saying, Reimu suddenly clammed up. "Forget it. I don't know what I'm saying."

"No, don't do that!" Sanae suddenly grabbed her hands, looking at her teasingly. "What were you going to say?"

"Nothing."

"Come on, I won't make fun of you for it!" After a pause, Sanae added, "Well, not too much."

Reimu sighed, knowing Sanae wasn't going to drop it. She could be annoyingly persistent about things like this...

"I guess the colours are very... you? When I think of those colours, I think of someone kind and calm. But at the same time, green and blue don't really remind me of what I think about most for you."

"What's that?"

"Your passion for things."

Sanae smiled like a dope, her eyes sparkling mischievously despite her own blushing.

"Don't," Reimu warned.

"Alright, alright. I said I wouldn't make fun of you, but... I really appreciate that." She turned through a few more pages. "I don't have too many photos of me in my robes actually."

Reimu noticed that as well — most of them had her in what she recognised as Outside World attire. Even more surprising was that Kanako and Suwako were wearing those clothes in some pictures, albeit much more rarely.

Though she knew it was only because Gensokyo was all she'd ever known, Reimu still found the fashions in the Outside World strange. She could never imagine herself wearing any of this.

"Wait, this photo here... what the hell is that?" Reimu asked, starting to laugh at how white Sanae's face seemed. "What happened to your face? It looks so weird!"

" Weird?!" Sanae pouted at her. "Reimu, you can be mean sometimes..."

"No, not in a bad way," Reimu corrected. "It's just you look... different. Your eyes look brighter."

"Brighter?"

"Yeah." Reimu frowned as she tried to think of how to describe it. "Your lips look more red, and your face seems smoother too."

Reimu touched her own face and lips and for some reason she didn't get, Sanae began to laugh.

"That's what you're talking about? It's because I'm wearing make up, silly!"

"... make up?"

"You don't know what it is?! Well, I guess you wouldn't in Gensokyo... how do I explain it?" Sanae tapped her fingers together and scrunched her face up in thought. "Erm... it's like a bunch of things you can put on your face to make you look prettier."

"Right..." Reimu didn't sound convinced.

It sounded stupid to her. Why would anybody bother to do something like that?

"I used to use it all the time, but obviously there's none here." Sanae's face lit up, suddenly having an idea. "You know... you should try it, Reimu!"

"I'll pass," Reimu said bluntly, quickly squashing that idea. "Besides, where are you gonna get any of that here?"

"That's a good point. Still, if I ever do find some, you've got to let me try putting some on you. I think you'd look really pretty!"

"Sure, but it's not like that's going to happen."

"I'll hold you to that!"

Reimu grimaced for a moment, wondering what she'd gotten herself into. Sanae wasn't the kind of person to forget something like that.

Still, the chances anything would ever come of it were practically nothing. It was nothing she needed to worry about.

"You've got a lot of good memories about the Outside World, don't you?" Reimu asked. "All these photos prove it."

"Of course! There's so many great things there!" Looking slightly embarrassed, she said, "I've, uh... I've certainly ranted about the things I'm really passionate about far too many times to you. I guess for you though, it must all sound like nonsense."

"It does, but... I don't mind it too much. You sound really happy when you go on one of your spiels, so..." Reimu's voice trailed off for a moment. "It's kind of useful too. We're getting more and more stuff from there, so it's good to know."

"Some of what Gensokyo has exceeds what the Outside has to offer though," Kanako said. "In fact, Gensokyo's rejection of the known also allows what's merely theoretical to thrive."

"Like your fusion reactor?" Reimu said snidely.

"Not just that. Nuclear fusion is more than theoretical in the Outside World, since it's been achieved — it's just not practical. On the other hand, concepts like cold fusion are scientifically impossible, which means it's perfect for Gensokyo."

"Cold fusion?" Reimu narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What the hell are you playing at now?"

"It's perfectly safe, I assure you."

"Like how your reactor was perfectly safe at first?"

"Of course. The issue was Utsuho, and if not for her mental deficiencies, it would have been flawless!"

"Lady Kanako!" Sanae gasped at her god. "How could you say such a thing?! She's a wonderfully sweet youkai, and she does her very best! If Miss Komeiji heard you saying that —"

"She'd kill me?" Kanako finished, smiling at the thought. "I welcome her to try. That woman's disdain for me is obvious, and I would be forever grateful to her for giving me a reason to unite her with the spirits she commands."

Suwako looked at Reimu warily, seeing the disgust that was building on her face. She could see exactly where this was going.

"Kanako, why don't you shut up before this conversation goes somewhere we all regret?" She suggested.

"It needs to be said," Kanako retorted. "I will not be blamed for what is not my fault."

"Wow." Reimu shook her head disdainfully. "You really have no shame, do you?"

"I'm a god. It's my duty to live without it."

"That's your duty? Doing anything other than being accountable for something? Never taking on that burden, and pushing it on to someone else?"

Suwako sighed deeply, drawing Reimu's attention. She looked at her quizzically, wondering why she was reacting like that.

"It's not your fault, but... you couldn't have said a worse thing," Suwako answered.

Reimu looked back at Kanako, only to see her clutching the rope around her with her lips tightly shut. It wasn't the same irritation Kanako had before... she knew then that she'd hit a sore spot.

Kanako stood up, but Suwako grabbed her sleeve and tried to pull her back down.

"Don't," she said wearily. "This isn't worth it."

Kanako pulled her sleeve away. "It's worth it to me, dear."

She walked over to Reimu, and though Reimu wasn't one to be intimidated, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"There are many burdens I have taken on over the course of my life. To simply eke out our survival in Gensokyo, I have taken on more than you could possibly imagine. And I will take on just as many to protect our home."

Her voice was deliberately calm, as if Kanako was putting all her effort into keeping it that way.

"You wish to talk of accountability? Very well. Let's talk about yours."

"Lady Kanako... this really isn't —"

"Let her say it." Reimu took a step forward, staring Kanako down. "I want to hear it all."

Kanako raised an eyebrow in surprise, but continued. "Your shrine's state is well known to everyone, however... you do not accept the reason as to why it is like that. You blame the nature of humans, the way Gensokyo functions, and your own bad luck. And yes, perhaps there is some truth in all those things, but you ignore the real reason."

"And what's that?"

"You. Your diligence as a shrine maiden is nonexistent. It is your fault your shrine is the way it is when you haven't sunk even an ounce of effort into it. Tell me — if you don't care for it, why should anyone else?"

"Lady Kanako!" Sanae balked. "That's not fair to her at all!"

"Isn't it?" Kanako glared at Reimu. "Do you disagree?"

Reimu balled her hands into fists, but she didn't say anything back. She hated it, but Kanako was right.

Kanako smirked at her and pointed at Sanae, making her flinch.

"Look at Sanae. She works tirelessly every day, and keeps the shrine in good shape — a shrine far bigger than yours, I might add. She shows us devotion every day, when you haven't shown even the slightest respect for your god."

"It's a little easier to do that when your god actually shows themselves," Reimu retorted.

"Or perhaps... your god doesn't show up because it doesn't think you're worthy? Either way, Sanae has more respect for your own god than you do!"

"Lady Kanako, please! This isn't a competition of who's better!"

"You're right, Sanae. There is no competition, for Miss Hakurei is posing no challenge at all in that regard."

"If my god doesn't care about me, then I'm not going to care about it," Reimu said coldly. "And I don't care what you or anyone..."

Reimu's voice trailed off, as she saw Sanae out of the corner of her eye. She was looking between the two of them, clearly conflicted over the situation.

She held her breath, taking a moment to think.

Did this really matter to her? Not particularly.

Putting Kanako in her place would be nice, but when this entire thing was making Sanae this uncomfortable... it wasn't worth it. If Kanako wanted to believe she was lazy, then let her.

... it's not as if she wasn't used to people thinking that anyway.

"Believe what you want to believe," Reimu said. "I don't care either way."

For some reason, that irritated Kanako even more. The truth must have been plain and obvious to her, but she simply wouldn't accept it. She would stand for it no longer.

"How long do you intend to remain apathetic? You may ignore your issues all you want, but without acceptance, you will never improve! You know this as well as I do — you'll NEVER be even half the shrine maiden Sanae is!"

"I KNOW!"

Kanako blinked, taken aback by the frustration in Reimu's voice.

"Don't you think I know all that myself?! I've only had people telling me that since I was five!" Reimu paused to take a deep breath out. "But... I guess I should be grateful, because it could be worse. For example, I could be like Sanae."

"H-huh?" Sanae stared at her with wide eyes. "Like me?"

Reimu folded her arms and stared Kanako down. "I don't get on at all with my own god, but I'll give it this — at least it doesn't continue conversations when they're clearly getting to me."

"What are you talking about?"

"Haven't you even noticed how uncomfortable this whole thing has been making her?" Reimu gestured over to Sanae, who looked to be on the verge of tears. "I was fine to leave things there, but no, you just HAD to get the last word in."

Kanako looked between Sanae and Reimu, her heart torn at the situation.

"You talk about how much Sanae does, so why are you always getting her to do more? I see how it is — it's never enough with you." Reimu scoffed at her. "I feel sorry for her, and you know why?"

Kanako stared at her silently for a few moments.

"Enlighten me."

"It's because while I might not be half the shrine maiden she is, you don't care even a tenth as much about her as she does for you."

Kanako stepped forward, her eyes flashing with fury.

"How DARE —"

"That's enough!" Sanae yelled, physically separating the two. 

Both Reimu and Kanako looked at her with surprise, but neither made a move to continue their dispute when they saw Sanae bury her face in her hands.

"Why does this always happen..." she muttered. "Can't you two have a normal conversation without getting into an argument for once?!"

She looked up at Reimu, sighing at her.

"Reimu, I get where you're coming from, but you have NO right to talk to Lady Kanako like that. She's looked after me since I was a baby! I could never hope to repay her for even a tenth of the things she's done for me!"

Kanako smirked, feeling very self assured... until Sanae wheeled on her, looking equally as furious.

"And Lady Kanako! How dare you compare Reimu to me like that?! I don't do these things just to be used as a measuring stick against other people, and I don't appreciate you undervaluing what Reimu does!"

Any anger Reimu and Kanako had vanished on the spot, replaced by regret for it all. Both of them knew they'd taken this too far.

"... sorry," Reimu said quietly, suddenly feeling very awkward about her presence. "I think it's best if I leave."

"Huh?" Sanae briefly looked out the window. "Reimu, it's still raining. You'll get soaked!"

"Don't worry about me. I'm not afraid to get wet."

Before Sanae could stop her, she turned and walked away.

"But, I..." Sanae turned around and threw Kanako a dirty look before chasing after her. "Reimu, wait!"

Kanako simply stood in place, not knowing what to do. Now that the high of anger had worn off, all of it seemed pointless. She hadn't meant for things to escalate that, but for some reason... Reimu always brought out that part of her.

"Well... I can't say I'm bored anymore," Suwako said with a sigh. "Maybe that'd have been better though."

Kanako clenched her teeth. "Maybe it would have."

From behind, she heard Suwako get up from her seat, walking to her side.

"You know, Sanae's right about one thing — you can't keep arguing with her forever. You're going to have to get used to her."

"And why is that?"

Suwako scoffed at Kanako's attempt at ignorance. "You know exactly why."

... of course she did.

She wasn't blind to the way Sanae looked at Reimu — what was budding between them was not a question of if, but when. And when that happened... whether she liked it or not, she'd be seeing much more of Reimu.

Suwako tugged on her sleeve. "Come on. I have a feeling it'll do you some good to hear what they're saying."

"I have no interest in eavesdrop —"

"I wasn't asking."

Kanako followed her to the main foyer, where they saw Sanae catching up to Reimu. Hiding behind the door, they listened in.

"Reimu..."

"What?" Reimu snapped, but her expression softened the next second.

"I... I'm really sorry for what just happened. Lady Kanako shouldn't have said those things, and I'm so sorry for it."

"Sanae... why are you sorry? You didn't do anything."

"Well, I..."

"That's something you've got an issue with. You've got to stop apologising for things that aren't your fault."

"Lady Kanako says the same thing as well..."

"Does she?" With a hint of amusement, Reimu said, "I guess that makes two things we agree on then."

Sanae chuckled and gently held her hands.

"Please don't go yet. It's horrible weather out there."

"I'll deal with it. Besides, I know when I'm not wanted," Reimu replied grimly.

"You are wanted, because I want you here. I've been looking forward to this day since we arranged it, because I really wanted to see you again."

Something about how earnest Sanae was took Reimu aback, and she found it difficult to refuse her any more.

"You know, it's weird... but when Marisa said she couldn't make it today, I was actually a little happy," she admitted.

"How come?"

"Because it meant I'd get to spend more time with you. Don't get me wrong, Marisa's great in her own way, but..."

"Sometimes you can do without her riling everybody up?" Sanae finished.

"That's a nicer way of putting it. And I haven't seen much of you, because you've been busy here and I've been busy with incidents."

"Exactly! But now's our chance to catch up... so, please don't throw that all away."

Reimu sighed, knowing it was only a matter of time before she'd relent.

"If it means that much to you... sure. I'll just pretend Kanako doesn't exist until the rain clears up."

"I'll talk to her about what she said because it wasn't right at all," Sanae said. "But... I don't think what you said to her was right either. It flatters me that you're concerned about me pushing myself, but Lady Kanako has never forced me like that. If anything... she's the one who usually stops me from going overboard."

"I figured as much. I sort of wish I could take it back, but what's done is done..."

Behind the door, Kanako's eyes widened in surprise. After everything that happened, she didn't expect that admission.

"To be honest, I wasn't thinking straight," Reimu admitted. "I just wanted to get something out there to hurt her. I knew implying she didn't care about you would do the trick."

Oddly, Kanako couldn't help but respect that — clearly, Reimu knew her well to figure that out.

"Reimu, that's..."

"Cruel?" Reimu nodded at her. "I won't pretend it isn't. I'd say it's only fair... but neither of us are going to get anywhere like that."

Kanako quietly walked away, grabbing the album on her way. Suwako looked at her curiously, but didn't question it as she stood behind her, watching her open the album up.

She quickly flicked through all the pages of the album, looking at all the pictures Sanae had taken with them — no matter what, she was happy in every picture.

Then, she flipped to the back pages, where her photos in Gensokyo were. Sanae had taken photos of different things, but Kanako only had eyes for the ones she'd taken with Reimu.

She was always smiling in them. Just like she did with them, if not more so.

As Kanako looked at more photos, she noticed Reimu almost always had a vague frown in these photos. Just like...

She flipped back to one particular photo of her and Suwako sitting together, remembering how Suwako had suddenly asked Sanae to take it. At the time, Suwako had called it symbolic of them... as expected, she was scowling in it while Suwako had her usual grin.

From behind, she felt Suwako gently place a hand on her shoulder.

She couldn't stop what was to come, but nor did she want to. There was no question of how happy Reimu made her, and judging by how much she indulged Sanae... Kanako could guess the same was true for Reimu as well.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps. She looked up, seeing Reimu and Sanae walking back. While Sanae seemed anxious, she couldn't gleam what Reimu was thinking.

To her surprise, she immediately walked towards and sat opposite her.

"Mind if I have a look at that?"

Kanako handed the album over without a word, still trying to figure out what Reimu was doing. Much as she had, Reimu went through it, starting from the very beginning.

Throughout the whole thing, Reimu had a completely unreadable look on her face, one that aggravated Kanako. For some reason... part of her desperately wanted to know what was on her mind.

Finally, she closed the album and placed it on the table, looking carefully at Kanako.

"I owe you an apology."

Kanako looked at her blankly, taking a second to process that. Of all the things Reimu could have said, that was the last thing she expected to hear.

"I said that you didn't care about Sanae. If I believed it when I said it, I definitely don't now." Reimu tapped on the album. "This proves it."

... such humility. Kanako never expected to receive that from her.

"I'm not going to ask you for an apology back," Reimu continued. "I doubt I'd get one given your pride, but I can't say you were wrong either."

Pride... such an important thing for someone like her to have. But in this situation, she could afford to shed some of it.

"I maintain some of what I said. However... what I am wrong about is you being lazy," Kanako said. "From what I understand, you are always the first to respond to an incident, despite your reluctance for them. That is something I... and indeed, most of Gensokyo, seem to frequently overlook."

Oddly for her, Reimu smiled at that. "If that's the case, I guess I'm doing something right."

"Still, I am aware that your job is hardly the easiest. Sanae's stories have impressed that fact, particularly concerning the stakes they hold. As was the case for the last incident she participated in..."

Reimu looked up at Sanae, furrowing her brow in thought. "The last incident you helped me on... that was with the Lunarians, wasn't it?"

"It was... wow, it really has been a while, hasn't it?" Sanae muttered.

"Indeed..." Kanako grimaced, not wanting to admit the truth. "I must be honest, Sanae... part of why I've given you more duties as of late is because that incident scared both of us."

"We knew the Lunarians don't play around, but that sort of thing leaves you wondering," Suwako said. "If we lost you..."

Suwako gritted her teeth, not finishing that sentence. To Kanako's delight, Reimu looked equally pained as Suwako did.

In fact... there was something distinctly sour about her expression. Though she quickly hid it, Kanako could see jealousy from a mile away.

"You wish someone would miss you in the same way."

Reimu briefly looked as if she'd been forced to eat a lemon, eventually settling on a very forced smile.

"You really know how to hit where it hurts..." she muttered.

"Well, of course people would miss you!" Sanae suddenly threw her hands around Reimu's neck. "Marisa wouldn't say it, but she'd be in pieces! And I... I don't even know what I'd do."

Reimu chuckled darkly. "Is it weird that I'm happy to hear that?"

Kanako could see exactly where she was coming from. And for Sanae to feel like that... it proved how serious she was. It really was just a matter of time, wasn't it?

Kanako looked out of the window, seeing how the rain was still coming down. It truly was a shame that it was keeping them both here.

... but maybe she could give them a push.

"It is weird," Kanako said. "But... this is Gensokyo."

Reimu laughed back at her. "Yeah, and a certain shrine maiden has always told me what common sense gets you in Gensokyo."

"You can call it stupid, but it's never failed me once!" Sanae said proudly.

"You have a point. In any case... I suppose what I'm saying is that you are a subpar shrine maiden, but your work in youkai extermination is unparalleled. And for that, you deserve more credit than I have given you."

"That's the most backhanded compliment I've ever gotten," Reimu deadpanned. She tilted her head to one side, mulling it over. "I'll take it." 

"Alright, that's settled then!" Suwako clapped her hands enthusiastically. "See? Aren't things so much better when you two aren't trying to kill each other?"

"Duly noted," Kanako snarked back.

"I'm glad you're staying, Reimu. Hopefully once this rain clears up, we can..."

Sanae's voice trailed off as she looked out of the window. Instead of the rain she'd expected, the clouds were beginning to retreat.

"Hey!" Sanae excitedly thrust a finger, her face lighting up. "It's not raining anymore!"

"It isn't?"

Reimu didn't believe her at first, but sure enough, the rain had stopped. It was strange — she could've sworn it was raining a few minutes back. Rain didn't clear up that quickly, unless...

Reimu turned to Kanako, but her expression betrayed nothing.

"Well, what are you still doing here?" Suwako smiled at them both. "Don't you two have somewhere to be?"

"I-is it fine if I go?" Sanae asked, looking at Kanako.

"Is that even a question?" Nodding at Reimu, Kanako said, "If you could do us a favour, try to make sure she enjoys herself."

Reimu chuckled back. "She's got some difficulties with that, I know."

"Hey!" Sanae shot up indignantly. "I know how to enjoy myself."

"Hm..." Reimu lingered on it for a while. "Do you?"

"W-what?" Sanae pointed a finger at Reimu, who started to walk away from her. "Reimu! Get back here!"

Reimu smirked back, silently challenging her. Sanae growled back... and burst into a fit of giggles as she chased her down and out of the shrine.

"Ah, kids..." Suwako shook her head bemusedly. "So full of energy."

"If you don't want me to call you old, stop saying things like that," Kanako mocked.

"You know my stance on age." Suwako hopped into Kanako's lap. "I'm both as young as I look and as old I am, until a situation arises where age is relevant."

"And then what?"

Suwako threw her a lopsided smile. "Then I'm whichever one suits me best."

"Your inner Schrödinger is showing," Kanako said drolly.

"Who?"

"Outside World physicist who designed a thought experiment relating to radiation poisoning. I found it most interesting."

Suwako chuckled at her, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "Beautiful and brainy."

Kanako rolled her eyes, but indulged Suwako in another kiss. When Suwako pulled back, she nodded towards the window.

"Hey... that was a really nice thing you did there," she said seriously. "I'm proud of you for doing that."

Kanako looked at her blankly. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Of course you don't." Smiling gently, Suwako said, "So... when do you think those two are gonna finally get together?"

"After that? I'd say as soon as Sanae manages to find some make up and the time to subject Reimu to her whims."

"Really? You don't think it'll happen today?"

"I don't think they're quite there yet... they still need some more time."

"Hm... if you say so."

"She'll be fine, won't she?" Kanako said, asking it more to herself.

"Of course. We've gotten her this far... now it's time for her to fly the nest."

"It hurts more than I thought I would," Kanako admitted. "I knew it was inevitable, but... it's difficult. This is the beginning, but eventually, she'll be leaving her home too."

"Maybe. But, the shrine isn't really her home — we are. So, as long as we're around, she'll always have somewhere to come back to."

Kanako could agree with that. Somehow... it made it easier to accept.

"Besides, I've got a good feeling about things. You've got better stuff to worry about than this, sugar snake."

Kanako raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Is that going to become a thing?"

"What? Don't you like it?"

Instinctively, Kanako wanted to refuse, but she found herself hesitating.

"... I don't hate it."

Chapter Text

"Alright, let's see... onigiri, karaage, miso soup, dango, some water... think that's everything."

Suwako finished packing the various foods into a hamper, struggling not to salivate over them. Sanae had really outdone herself with all this — she'd have to thank her again for preparing all this once she came back.

Before she started eating it straight away, she folded a tablecloth and draped it over the food.

She quickly glanced out of the window — it was bright and sunny today, perfect for what she had in mind. Not that it mattered much — if the worst came to pass, Kanako could always fix that.

Picking the hamper up, she went upstairs to their bedroom, spotting Kanako straight away sitting on the edge of their bed.

Immediately, she noticed the newspaper in her hands and the smirk on her face. Considering how stressed she'd been the past few days, it was a relief for her.

Suwako rapped on the door, drawing Kanako's attention.

"Ah, I was about to look for you. I've been wanting to show you this," Kanako said, tossing the paper to Suwako.

Suwako snatched it out of the air, putting the hamper down on the bedside table.

"Care to explain what this is?"

"Merely the hard earned fruits of my labour," Kanako cryptically answered.

Unfolding the paper, Suwako saw it was a newspaper article with Kanako and Sanae on the front page.

She quickly skimmed it, picking out a few phrases — 'new agricultural machine'... 'expected increase in productivity'... 'joint venture between tengu and kappa'...

Suwako folded it back up, grinning at Kanako.

"Seems like you were right. It really was a hit."

"Indeed. It's taken us some time, but if this trend of positivity continues, it'll have been worth it. The sprayers were a success."

"I gotta admit, when you first ran the idea by me, I was skeptical. I didn't think the kappa would be able to make electric ones."

"They've done good work for us before," Kanako defended.

"They've also done bad work. Remember the dam?"

Kanako grimaced at the memory of that. "Yes, well... that was more of an organisation issue, one that I took care of here."

"Seems like it. So, the villagers liked the idea then?"

"There was some scepticism, but curiosity as well. It is simple technology, so such things are easier for the people of Gensokyo to understand."

"Growing crops and growing them well has always been a struggle." With faint nostalgia, Suwako said, "Remember how we used to get hundreds of prayers from people to help with that?"

"And then we lost all that to improvements in farming technology. How ironic that we're using that to our advantage now..."

"Funny you mention that. I guess we're basically redoing things in Gensokyo."

"As I say, advancement is inevitable. The difficulties of agonisingly covering one's field in pesticides and fertiliser are well known to people — when I provided a way to bypass that, they were enthralled. Even if they didn't understand what was going on, they understood what it meant."

"Don't get too ahead of yourself yet," Suwako said, wagging a finger at her. "Just because they get this doesn't mean you can drop things like irrigation systems on them yet. That's the problem we had with the fusion reactor — it's way beyond anyone's understanding."

"Yes, I know that. I have this under control."

"Yeah, you said that when you tried becoming a chocolatier, and look how that went."

Kanako frowned again at more bad memories. She'd banished that particular one to the inner depths of her mind.

"Give me some credit. This is far more reasonable than that."

"An agricultural revolution does seem like it could work," Suwako conceded. "It feeds into what people know about you, while linking you more to technology. How much have we gotten so far?"

"Let's see..." Kanako pursed her lips in thought. "If I recall, Sanae collected sixteen thousand yen in donations."

"That's pretty good actually."

"It could have been much more if we were actually making money from the sprayers..." Kanako muttered bitterly. "I can't say I'm in full agreement with your idea to let the tengu and kappa keep the proceedings for the first few months."

"Trust me, it's better we do it this way. We don't want the tengu and kappa getting irritated with us. Besides, we're getting faith, aren't we?"

"We are... I just wish we'd be getting more from this." Kanako began to pace around the room. "What more could I be doing... well, there's always improvements to be made to the technology itself."

Suwako stretched her arms out, trapping Kanako between them. Immediately, Kanako looked at her disapprovingly.

"What are you doing?"

"Didn't you give Sanae some time off for all her hard work yesterday? Why don't you do the same?" Suwako smiled playfully at her. "I've got a reward for you if you do."

"What kind of reward?"

Suwako groaned at the suspicion laced in her voice.

"Hey, not everything I do is some elaborate way of making fun of you!"

Kanako's expression didn't change at all.

"Alright, most of the time it is," Suwako admitted. "But not this time! Seriously, I mean it... you've been doing a lot lately, and you've brought a lot to the shrine. I just wanna show my appreciation for that."

Suwako smiled brightly at her and eventually, Kanako relaxed.

"What did you have in mind?" Kanako pointed at the hamper. "I presume it has something to do with that."

"Yep. How about we go on a date?"

Suwako nearly burst into laughter at the face Kanako made. Whatever Kanako thought she had in mind, it certainly wasn't that.

"... a date? "

"Yeah, a date. Haven't you heard of those?" She threw her a mocking smile, patronisingly saying, "You see, when a woman and a woman love each other very much —"

"Well, matters of love hardly apply to us..." Kanako snarked, only to flinch under the stern look Suwako gave her. "What's brought this on, Suwako?"

"Why don't you find out?"

Kanako sighed, looking somewhat guilty. "It sounds nice, but there is somewhere I need to be today."

"Where's that?"

"There's something I want to investigate at the bottom of the mountain... I don't think it's anything much, but it's been bothering me for some time."

"Why don't we do both then?" Suwako suggested. "I might be able to give you a hand with whatever it is you need to do and after that, we can do what I wanted."

Kanako thought about it carefully. Having Suwako's expertise on curses could be useful, not to mention her strength if things did go awry.

"If you're fine with that?"

"Sure. Sounds like fun."

"Let's set off now then. I might as well deal with this sooner than later."

As Suwako grabbed the hamper and followed her downstairs, Kanako started feeling around her clothes.

"Do you have the keys?" She asked.

Suwako pulled them out of her pocket. "Right here."

"Good. Lock up when we leave, since Sanae isn't here."

Neither of them said anything once Suwako locked the shrine's door and they took off, letting a comfortable silence fill the void. The journey down the mountain was simple enough, passing by the patrolling tengu. Occasionally, they'd come across a kappa or two, who seemed only eager to share their enthusiasm at their new project.

Though doubtful before, Kanako was becoming more sure that Suwako had made the right decision. By giving something the kappa they could feasibly manage, it seemed to spur many of them on, and so their opinion of them would naturally increase. Faith from them wasn't as good as for humans, but Kanako would still take it.

Before long, the sweeping valleys and clear rivers of the mountain were behind them, as they came to a forest at the base of it.

"I don't think I've ever been around here," Suwako said. "Was there always a forest around here?"

"Yes... or at least, I believe there has always been one here. I too haven't been around this area much."

"So, we're checking out this place then?"

By way of answer, Kanako carefully walked towards the mass of trees. Just before Suwako entered herself, she called for the Mishaguji in her mind, directing them around the forest in the hopes of finding something.

Not that she expected them to find anything — as far as she could tell, it was just a regular forest. As they went inside though, Kanako seemed to be on edge throughout the entire thing.

"Alright, what's going on here?" Suwako eventually asked. "You've been off ever since we got here."

"That's the best way I can describe this place. There's something off about it all. I've flown above this forest a few times over the past few weeks, and each time I've had this same sensation."

"Is that so..."

"As I said, it's been bothering me for some time," Kanako said. "I would have investigated it earlier, but we were all busy with our project."

Suwako nodded back, focusing on everything around her. She didn't feel any sort of curses upon the forest, but there was something odd about it.

Before she could dwell on it any longer, one of the Mishaguji emerged from the ground before them.

"What are they doing here?" Kanako asked.

"Sent them ahead to scout the area. Just in case there was anything dangerous."

Suwako looked towards the ghostly snake expectantly, but frowned a moment later when it gave their news.

"Hm... do you want the good news or the bad news first?"

"Just give me both," Kanako replied wearily.

"Well, the good news is that there doesn't seem to be anything dangerous anywhere they've been."

Those choice of words gave Kanako pause. "Anywhere they've been?"

"See, that's the bad news. There's somewhere deep in the forest they just can't seem to touch. They say it's not a curse, and I can't feel any myself around here."

"Safe, but suspicious," Kanako concluded, before bowing to the curse god. "Thank you for your service."

Suwako raised an eyebrow at her just as the snake retreated into the ground. "Since when did you show respect towards these lot?"

"Since I learned they could curse people. It's only logical, isn't it?"

Suwako chuckled at that. "If you say so. Anyway, they say we've gotta go east from here to find this untouchable site. Mind if I lead?"

"As you please."

The further they went in, the more she started to understand what Kanako meant. She was certain this was the first she'd seen of this forest, but each step felt familiar in a way she couldn't describe.

The types of trees, the manner in which their leaves fluttered about, the light that shone through those gaps... the way the forest had formed always seemed to be on the tip of her tongue.

Suddenly, Suwako stopped walking, spotting a strange structure in the distance. The moment she tried to get closer, she found herself stopped by something.

"What the..." Suwako waved her hand in front, trying to sense what was blocking her, but she couldn't see or feel anything.

"So, this is what the Mishaguji found..." Kanako muttered, also finding herself unable to get closer.

"You wanna try forcing past this?"

"Hm... I'd rather not. I have no idea what this barrier even is and if it's there, there's probably a reason for it. It's annoying that it's keeping us out though."

"That might not be all it's there for. Barriers can be made to keep things in."

"Another reason not to mess with it then. Besides, I'm sure Reimu will be messing with it soon enough..."

Suwako walked along what she felt to be the edge of the barrier, trying to see how far it went. It didn't take long before she realised that it encompassed a large area.

"You know... it's weird to say, but I feel like this isn't the first time I've been here."

"You've seen something like this before?" Kanako asked.

"No, not that. I mean this place right here... it feels as though I've come across this exact forest and barrier. It's like deja vu..."

It sounded weird to say, but Kanako didn't immediately dismiss her idea.

"I've been having that sort of feeling myself," she said. "Not for this, but for what happened yesterday."

"Your venture with the sprayers?"

"Yes. When I gave my speech, it felt as if I'd said those exact words before. And even though there's always some uncertainty with my ideas, I had none then... I knew it was going to be a success."

"Weird... do you think it's just a coincidence, or does it have something to do with this?" Suwako nodded her head forward.

"I'm not sure. Not only that... what's beyond here is something that feels familar to me."

"Hm... can't say I relate to that."

"I didn't expect so." Kanako sighed deeply, already regretting what she was about to say. "I apologise, but I might have to cancel our plans. I'd like to monitor this point for some time to see if anything goes in or out of there."

"You wanna watch this place? In that case, what I had in mind will be perfect for this." Suwako opened the hamper up to show her the contents, shaking them enticingly. "You can't do a stake out without a snack, right? So, it's a good thing I brought us a little picnic."

In Kanako's mind, a picnic sounded... rather odd as a suggestion, especially coming from Suwako. Granted, she wasn't sure what she expected as the entire idea was odd to her, but something so benign was hardly it.

"Something wrong?" Suwako said, noticing Kanako's silence.

"No, no, I..." Kanako decided to ignore it for now. "I have no objections."

Suwako took out the tablecloth and held it by a corner, throwing another corner to Kanako. Together, they unfolded it before sitting down and emptying the food onto their makeshift blanket.

"There's quite a lot of food here," Kanako said, just as she finished taking out the last item. "Did you make all of this yourself?"

"All for you." Suwako glared at her sternly. "So, I'll be very sad if you don't eat all of it..."

Kanako fidgeted slightly, shifting her gaze away from Suwako. Though the effort was commendable, Suwako wasn't what she'd call a good cook.

Suwako snorted at Kanako's nervousness. "Wow, you actually fell for that one? Nah, Sanae made these all, but I helped here and there."

Now assured of the food's quality, Kanako reached over for the onigiri.

"I don't remember seeing her cook any of this before she left this morning," she said in between bites."

"We both got up early to sort it all before you woke up. As soon as I told her what I had in mind, she didn't even hesitate." Suwako smiled at the memory. "It was a struggle just to get her to let me help."

"I can imagine. I'm very glad I gave her that break... it'll be good for her to be out of the shrine for three days."

"Wait, she's not coming back today? Where is she going for three days?"

"Take a wild guess."

It took all of a second for Suwako to figure it out, as she smiled knowingly at the realisation.

"Ah, of course... I swear, she spends more time at that shrine these days than ours. Sanae's always eager to see her, isn't she?"

Kanako returned her smile with a wry one. "Why do you think I gave her three days off?"

"Good thinking there. Actually, I'm a little surprised you did that — I thought you'd be more annoyed."

"I've made my peace with it, and I acknowledge how happy Reimu makes her," Kanako said. "That week Sanae spent with her while she was injured proved as much."

Suwako smiled salaciously, seeing a prime opportunity here.

"So what you're saying is... we have the shrine all to ourselves for the next three days?"

Kanako clicked her tongue, barely fazed by that remark.

"You're beyond incorrigible."

"I try to be," Suwako replied shamelessly. "But yeah, Sanae did a lot. She seemed over the Moon at the idea of us doing something like this."

"It's funny, isn't it? Most children would be disgusted at the thought of their parental figures doing this sort of thing, yet Sanae jumps at it."

"Well, Sanae's always been different."

"She is..." Kanako sighed and shook her head, realising how unfocused they were getting. "This is rather backwards, isn't it? You wanted to spend some time with me away from Sanae, and all I'm doing is talking about her. I'm sorry for that."

"It's fine!" To Kanako's relief, Suwako didn't seem bothered in the slightest. "I mean, I don't blame you. It's not as if we're used to doing this sort of thing..."

"Not at all."

Kanako took some soup that Suwako had poured into a cup and slowly drank it, keeping her eyes fixed on her.

"That's why I have to ask... why did you want to do this?"

Suwako fiddled with her hands, knowing that question was coming. "It's... difficult to explain."

"Take your time."

"Recently, I've been thinking about our relationship. We take it for granted and all, but it's a really weird one if you think about it. I mean, we started off as mortal enemies, became really untrusting allies, then sort of friends, then tried romance for the sake of keeping us alive and now..."

"And now, that romance has become something more genuine and we've raised one of your descendants together," Kanako finished. "Quite a turnaround."

"Exactly." Suwako gnawed on a rice ball thoughtfully. "And sometimes... it feels like a very bizarre one."

"I didn't know this bothered you so deeply."

"It's not that it bothers me, it's more just... I'm not sure to be honest. We're hardly a normal couple."

"As far as I understand, a picnic is something conventionally romantic. Is that why you wanted to do this?"

"Something like that?" Suwako said half-heartedly. "With us, romance was a means to an end. The feelings behind it only came later."

"I think I might know why this bothers you. Our situation is ultimately one born from necessity. Neither of us chose each other, but we were all we had."

"I get that, but... so what?!" Suwako pounded the cloth furiously. "Why should it matter how it started when this is how it is now?!"

"Because you like to be in control. Think of all the other consorts you've taken — much as I like to joke about it, I know you picked them very carefully. And more than that... they were your choice."

"But you weren't," Suwako said softly, coming to the realisation herself.

Of all the people she'd been with... it was the one person she never chose at all that ended up being so close to her.

It disturbed her how much sense Kanako's explanation made, even though it shouldn't have. After all, Kanako should know her well enough to see something like that.

"If it means anything to you... sometimes, I have my own doubts about our relationship," Kanako admitted.

"You do?"

"When this all started years ago... I essentially coerced you into the entire thing. I tried to dress it up as a partnership, but I was ready to plunge the knife into your back if the chance arose.

"If it's any consolation, so was I."

"I know." Despite what that meant, Kanako laughed anyway. "You stayed your hand for the same reason I did — because neither of us could survive by ourselves. I had no regrets at the time, but now... it horrifies me. To think of doing that to you now..."

"But that's the thing, isn't it? You're only horrified at that now."

Kanako hung her head with shame. Even now, she wondered... did she truly care about Suwako? Or was that just selfishness tinting her feelings now?

Everything they had... no matter how enjoyable it was, all of it stemmed from that conflict and the suffering it had brought.

"Hey, what's with that look?" Suwako said, noticing how Kanako's expression drooped. "Kanako... are you okay?"

Kanako gulped, her body suddenly feeling much heavier. "I wonder... would it have been better if we'd have never crossed paths? I've taken so much from you."

"That's true." As painful as it was, Suwako couldn't deny that. "But... you've also given me a lot more back. Besides, I'm hardly blameless, since I took things from you in our war."

"But I initiated it. If not for me, then..."

She stopped mid sentence, suddenly finding Suwako by her side with her arms wrapped around her waist.

"Hey. Look at me." Suwako cupped her chin, gently forcing her to do so. "Tell me what's wrong."

Kanako shut her eyes tight, resting her head on Suwako's. She felt her heart beating out of her chest, the closeness feeling as constricting as it was relieving.

"Do you regret what we have, Suwako?"

"Not at all."

Kanako looked at her with surprise, taken aback by the certainty in Suwako's voice.

"You don't? Isn't that what you're getting at?"

"Maybe I didn't necessarily have a choice when it came to our start... but I did choose to stay with you. I chose to keep going with you, and that might have been one of the best decisions I've made. Do you regret it?"

"Do I — not in the slightest. I could never have imagined this happening, but now that it has... I couldn't imagine it being any different."

"Same here. I wouldn't give this up for anything. The only thing I regret is how it happened."

"How it happened?"

"Mhm. You look at other people here, and they've all got a cute story to tell about how they got together. Just look at Sanae and Reimu."

Kanako pursed her lips, then smiled deviously at her. "Are you jealous?"

"... possibly," Suwako grumbled. "I just wish we had something like that. When you think about how we first met, or how we got together, neither are particularly pleasant stories."

"I remember how Sanae had all sorts of misconceptions about that. How you graciously shared your power with me, how I saved you when you were on death's door, how we stuck with each other even the kingdom eroded over time... she loved those ideas."

"She did..." Suwako smiled fondly at the memories, but quickly found those feelings replaced with despondency. "It broke my heart when we told her the truth. Sanae always wanted a fairy tale, but the one she believed in most never even existed."

"And yet... she found one for herself anyway."

Suwako's eyes widened, taking that in for herself.

"Those that believe in stories like that are fools... but if it gives them the drive to create such a story of their own, then who is the real fool?"

"That'd be the people that doubted them," Suwako answered. "People like us."

"Precisely."

Kanako thought about all the things Sanae had once thought about them — how they'd always been by each other's side and always supported one another... the story she'd sought to replicate for herself.

As much it shamed her... Sanae wasn't the only one like that.

"I wanted to believe in that story too," Kanako said out loud.

"You did?"

"Yes. I know that if circumstances were even slightly different, what we have would never exist. We were always each other's last choice."

"Do you really have to say it like that?" When Kanako opened her mouth, Suwako waved her hand flippantly. "I know it's the truth... but I wish it wasn't. I wish it could've been different."

"As do I, but... what's done is done. But though the circumstances may not have been what we wanted... the facts still are."

Kanako took a deep breath, balling her hands into fists.

"You have seen me at my highest, with all the pride I could possibly want. And you have seen me at my worst, without a scrap to my name."

"And the same goes to you. You saw me at my strongest, beautiful and ruling an entire kingdom. And you've seen at my weakest, looking like a child and wasting away in a bed."

Kanako chuckled lightly at that. "That reminds me... why do you still take that form? Surely, you have enough faith to manifest yourself properly."

"I do..." Suwako answered hesitantly.

"Then why? You used to hate it so much, but you still stick with it."

"... it's difficult to say. There's a couple of reasons really."

"Which are?"

"For starters, it has its advantages. People underestimate you and being smaller makes you less of a target." She smiled cheekily at Kanako. "Must be why I'm so much more skilled than you in danmaku."

"Keep dreaming."

"But otherwise... I guess it's mostly for Sanae's sake?"

"Sanae..." Kanako muttered, realisation filling her eyes. "This form of you is all she's known. That's what's normal to her."

"Yeah. At this point, it'd be weird for her to see me as anything else. If it makes her more comfortable, then that's enough in my book."

Kanako looked rather unsure, and Suwako realised that it was because she was worried about how she felt about it.

"I'm fine like this," she clarified, touched by Kanako's concern. "I've gotten used to it, and besides, it's more efficient. I don't hate it anymore."

Despite her reassurance, Kanako looked the same. In turn, Suwako found herself unsure... had she misjudged what Kanako was thinking?

"Hey, um... are you okay with it?" She quietly asked, suddenly feeling very self conscious. "I know that when we got together, I looked much different." She looked at her robes, pulling down on her hat. "It's not exactly what you signed up for."

"Are you happy this way?"

Suwako suddenly looked up, surprised to hear Kanako's voice so calm.

"Uh... yeah? I-I said as much, didn't I?"

"Then so am I," Kanako answered, still just as calm. "It matters not what you look like to me. It is your mind I adore above all."

"Geez..." Suwako pulled her hat down again, laughing as she rubbed her eyes. "You, uh... you've really gotta warn before you say things like that, you know? I'm not used to you being that sappy..."

Kanako chuckled at that, gently holding Suwako's hands. "Then consider that your warning."

"Oh, great..." Suwako sheepishly smiled back. "Is there going to be more?"

"I'm afraid there is. The fact remains that we have seen each other at our best and worst... yet, we stuck with each other. So even if we had ulterior motives, even if it wasn't what we wanted, doesn't... doesn't that count for something?!"

Suwako could sense the desperation in Kanako — if not from her voice, then it was from the way she squeezed her hands, holding on like it was all she had left.

It was the part of Kanako she knew she took great pains to hide — how she could never accept uncertainties like this.

She leant up slightly, softly pressing her lips against Kanako's. Her lips felt faint against hers, a ghost of a kiss, but it was enough to calm Kanako for a moment.

"Do you remember all those years ago, when you came to my shrine asking for help... do you remember what I promised you?"

"You would stay by my side and watch as I fell, but never would you betray my trust..." Kanako exhaled softly. "You fulfilled that perfectly. I couldn't have asked for anything more... except for fulfilling my own promise to you."

Her grip on Suwako's hands slowly loosened, until her own hands fell by her side.

"You don't think you fulfilled that?" Suwako wrapped her arms around Kanako's neck. "I think you did."

"I don't see how. I said I would give you more than you had then... you've lost your entire kingdom since, and what do you have to show for it? Nothing."

"Nothing?" Suwako glared at her. "I don't agree with that, and I don't like it either. After all... I have you. Or are you calling yourself nothing?"

"You had me back then, so that's nothing gained," Kanako pointed out.

"Yes, but you were worth nothing to me back then. You're most certainly worth a lot more to me now. Discounting that, what of all the time you've brought that I wouldn't have had otherwise? And of course, we can't forget about that biggest joy we've shared together."

"... Sanae."

"Good. I was going to kill you if you didn't figure that out yourself," Suwako said, her voice simultaneously so playful and serious that Kanako couldn't tell if she was joking or not. "But seriously... you've done so much more for Sanae than I have."

"It's hardly a competition. Besides, it's not your fault you weren't always strong enough to do what I could. I know how much you hated it."

"Yeah, but it doesn't change the fact that you did what I couldn't, even though I said you didn't have to do anything. I'll always be grateful for that. In fact... call it cliche, but ever since Sanae came into our lives, I fell in love with you again."

Kanako narrowed her eyes at her. "That's news to me. Do explain."

"I'd always loved your wit and intelligence, but every time I saw you helping Sanae study, or taking her to school — any time you did something for her... it was the hottest you'd ever been."

"Truly, you are attracted to the most bizarre things. I can't tell if you're making fun of me."

"No, I'm being serious. Everything you've done for her... that means everything to me too."

"... it was my pleasure," Kanako said quietly. "Sanae... she deserves everything."

"She does. And you gave me that, so... I'd say you fulfilled your promise."

"I did..." Kanako's voice sounded faint, almost questioning herself, but it meant there was an opening for Suwako.

"What I'm getting at is... we both fulfilled our oaths to each other. That's worth everything to me, and look at us now." Suwako gestured to them both. "Who'd have thought that by working together, we'd accomplish so much?"

"Clearly, not us."

"Hm? You don't think we've done that?"

"At times, yes... but we have forgotten it just as easily." Eyeing Suwako critically, Kanako said, "For instance, we talk so much about sharing burdens, but only now do I realise... how often have we ignored that under some notion of protecting the other?"

Suwako didn't respond immediately, realising Kanako had a point.

Even though they knew better, they'd fallen into that trap time and time again. Even as she was deteriorating, she still hid it from Kanako, and even when she was struggling, Kanako almost never sought her help for gathering faith.

"... yeah, we do have a problem with that, don't we?" Suwako muttered.

"Exactly. It stems from a good place, but it benefits neither of us."

"Hm..." Suwako nodded her agreement, tapping her fingers against Kanako's shoulders. "You're right. So, why don't we try and fix that?"

"What do you propose?"

Suwako flashed her a grin. "Well, I could propose to you. It's funny how we never did anything official for that, but after two thousand years, we should probably tie the knot."

"Firstly, that is appalling wordplay. And secondly, after two thousand years, I hardly think we need to do such a thing," Kanako said mockingly. "I would hope that time speaks for itself."

Suwako laughed back, her grin growing wider. "Fair enough. How about this instead — let's promise to share burdens with each other. And this time, we do it properly. No hiding things just because we think it'll help."

"It never does," Kanako finished wryly.

"Yeah. What do you say to that?"

"I think... I think that sounds appropriate."

Suwako got on her knees, stretching up to reach Kanako's height. "In that case... why don't we seal that vow with a kiss?"

Kanako raised an eyebrow in response. "There's hardly any need. This isn't a wedding vow."

Suwako started laughing raucously, pounding on Kanako's shoulder.

"What? What's so funny?"

"Nothing, just..." Suwako took a moment to stop laughing. "I just forgot that you can't take a hint. Maybe I just want an excuse to kiss you."

To Suwako's surprise and delight, Kanako turned her head away, trying to hide a very slight blush.

"... ah. I apologise..." she muttered. "I've ruined the moment."

"It's alright." Suwako carefully perched herself on Kanako's lap, resting her head against her chest. "This works just as well for me. You're a pretty good cushion — easily one of your best qualities."

"I'm glad I have so much value to you," Kanako said sarcastically. She rolled her eyes, yet wrapped her arms around Suwako anyway, holding her close.

"Mind if we stay like this for a while?" Suwako asked, sighing contentedly.

"If you'd like."

Suwako smirked to herself, knowing that Kanako enjoyed this just as much as she did. It just wasn't in her nature to admit it.

But in a way, it wasn't in hers either. After countless years of wars, scheming and manipulation, simply enjoying the nature around her while in another's arms felt odd.

After all she'd gone through though, maybe she... maybe both of them deserved it.

"You know, nothing's happened here at all," Suwako said. "Maybe we're just wasting our time here, but... I'm glad we came anyway."

"I'd agree..."

Suwako briefly looked up at her. "How are you feeling?" 

"I couldn't describe it if I tried," Kanako replied, slightly morose. "I would say better."

"That's good. I'm really sorry for bringing this up... I never meant for this conversation to go like this, you know? All I wanted was just to spend some time with you today."

"Well, we are spending time," Kanako pointed out.

"Sure, but I wanted you to be happy."

"Don't we all?" Kanako chuckled grimly. "I don't begrudge you for it. In a way... perhaps it's good we covered this."

"It is, but I... I didn't think you'd feel this way about it." Suwako gave her a sad smile. "It's not like you to be this sentimental."

"... it isn't. But time changes much about a person, and I am no exception. That's part of why I lo..."

Kanako's voice hitched in her throat. She shut her eyes tight for a moment and took a deep breath.

"Even after this time, I have to be careful. There are many images I must live up to, and moments of weakness like this would destroy that in an instance."

The fatigue in Kanako's voice... it'd been so long since Suwako had heard that.

"I get what you mean." Suwako patted her on the back reassuringly. "You're the face of the shrine, so you've gotta put on a strong image to make sure people don't mess with us."

"If they do not respect us adequately, then they'll use us for their gain. As the tengu did when we first came here..."

"I know why you do it, and I'm grateful. But... doesn't it get tiring, Kanako?

"... it does," Kanako admitted softly. "Certainly, there's a joy in being so imposing, and it's hardly much of an act on my part. Yet, it's nice to not have to live up to that expectation."

"I can imagine. You know... when we started out, I used to resent you for having what I saw as having the easy job. All you did was talk with people, while I did the actual work behind the scenes. Sure, I was getting faith, but I wasn't getting respect."

Suwako shook her head in derision at her old self.

"The truth is, you were doing work too, just a different kind. And speaking with people the way you do... that's not something I can do nearly as well. In fact, I get the luxury of acting however I want."

"I may not have that same luxury, but there are still moments I have." With a wistful smile, Kanako said, "Do you know what I was looking forward to yesterday when I was presenting the sprayers to the humans?"

Suwako shrugged back. "How much faith you were gonna get from this venture?"

"Close. It's ridiculous, but... I was awaiting being in bed with you that night, feeling you by my side.

"That..." Suwako clasped a hand over her mouth, trying to suppress a laugh. "That's really stupid."

"Quite..." Kanako muttered, embarrassed to admit as much.

"But... it's also really sweet. I'm flattered to hear that what you were looking forward to was... well, basically this."

"Indeed. As you say, it's stupid, but you are the only person I may be this way around, for you have seen me at my greatest and worst. There's nothing I could hide from you, and for that... you will always be very dear to me. I would do almost anything for you."

"Almost?" Suwako said, noting that specific choice of words.

When Kanako suddenly went silent, she immediately regretted pointing that out. Why didn't she accept it for the sweet sentiment it was?

"I'm not angry at you," she clarified. "I'm more curious if anything about you wouldn't do for me."

"I don't see this happening... I certainly hope it doesn't. However, if I ever needed to make a choice between you and Sanae..."

Kanako couldn't finish, instead sharply lowering her gaze.

"I... I know it's foolish," she muttered. "I've known her for less than three decades, but I would choose that over you. You, who have stood beside me for centuries." Kanako clutched onto Suwako's clothes tighter. "I don't blame you if you hate me for it. But I must, because she... she..."

"She deserves to live on more than we ever did," Suwako finished.

Kanako whipped her head up, shocked to hear that answer.

"You... you understand?"

"Of course I do. Why would I think any less of you when it makes perfect sense?"

Suwako sighed heavily, feeling her heart beat faster by the second. Even if it was unlikely, just the thought of it happening... the conflict between her affection for Kanako and her protective instincts to Sanae steeped her in anxiety.

But in the end... she knew exactly what she'd do.

"I'd do the exact same thing. And you wanna know what the worst part is? I wouldn't even hesitate."

"I'm glad to hear that. At least one of us will have the conviction to do what needs to be done."

"Well, you shouldn't!" Suwako yelled, baffled at how genuinely happy Kanako sounded. "I... you're the reason I'm still here today! I'm a god of my word, and I promised to never stab you in the back... and here I am, putting all that to waste. But... it's the only way I..."

"It's the only way you could repent for taking the life she could have had with her family."

Suwako shut her eyes tightly, mustering all her will not to curse Kanako out.

Time and time again, she'd thrown that truth in her face, the one she'd so ardently denied. Though she wasn't confronting her with it this time... she knew what it meant.

Every time, she'd always refuted it, even as it weighed on her. It was a burden she'd never let Kanako share... but she'd just promised not to do that any more, hadn't she? And more than that...

...

... she was tired of running from it all.

She nodded her head.

"... her parents were good people. Their only sin was... wanting to raise their daughter."

Kanako stared at her in shock, any response she had dying on her lips. Did Suwako just...

For some reason, Suwako couldn't stop herself from laughing, pitiful as it was.

"It was never much of a secret to begin with. Did you ever figure out why I kept it one?"

"It... it was something that puzzled me for a while," Kanako said, tapping her fingers against the blanket. "At first, I thought it was your way of trying to deal with the guilt — to deny everything and believe your own lie. However, I quickly dismissed that."

"Why's that?"

"You are too wise to be fooled in such a way, and too kind to abandon your guilt, even from yourself."

Suwako gnashed her teeth together, hating that explanation. If any of it was true, she'd have never done what she did.

"So what then?" She muttered miserably. "What's your answer?

"... plausible deniability. If Sanae were to ever discover this truth... at least there would be one of us she didn't despise."

Of course she got it. After all the time they'd been together... how could Kanako not know her well enough to get it?

"... yeah," Suwako croaked. "Guess it's not plausible anymore."

She shut her eyes, feeling them burning up.

"Why'd you even bother? We could've just kept going like this if you didn't keep bringing it up..."

"Perhaps. But I saw how much it hurt you, and I wanted to share that burden with you."

She couldn't take it any more. Burying her face into Kanako's shoulder, she tried to hide the tears that now flowed freely from her.

"S-Suwako?"

Not that Kanako couldn't tell what was happening. Suwako trembled in her arms as she quietly sobbed, shaking her head over and over.

After so many years, the dam had finally broken and all her guilt came crashing through. All the suffering Sanae had gone through... it was all her fault.

As she cried, she suddenly tensed up when she felt Kanako's hand across her back.

Would she hit her? She'd deserve it.

All she did was rest her head on top of hers and soothingly rub her back.

"... w-why?"

Her voice... it was broken and clueless. For the first time she could remember, Suwako sounded like the child she looked like.

Kanako didn't know if she was asking her something... but she'd answer it all the same.

"Because we share our burdens together."

To her relief, she felt Suwako rumble against her. Feeling her chuckle filled her with a levity that was sorely lacking, and she started to feel Suwako's chest rising and falling against her more slowly.

Suwako's eyes dried up, as the din within her mind finally began to clear. The wind that blew through her hair and the leaves that surrounded them rooted her to the earth beneath.

Nature and the woman she loved... what more could she ask for?

There wasn't a sound at all, not of birds chirping or leaves rustling in the wind. Being so close to Kanako, she could even hear her heartbeat.

Calm, strong, persistent... just like Kanako herself.

...

It was fine. It would all be fine, because Kanako was here.

Finally, Suwako pulled away from Kanako, wiping her eyes with her hat.

"... I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Sorry?" Kanako smiled faintly at her. "I'm rather happy to see that if anything."

"Really? You always did find joy in my suffering..."

Kanako paused, not sure what to say next. While she could simply run with Suwako's joke and bring things back to their usual state... she couldn't afford to here.

"It's... it's been a while since I've seen you like that," she said.

"Yeah... couple hundred years at least, I think." Suwako groaned at herself. "Well, there goes my streak..."

"I sincerely hope you never beat that record."

"Now, wouldn't that be something? Look... I'm sorry you had to see —"

Suwako suddenly stopped when Kanako placed a finger on her lips.

"Kindly shut up."

"... sure." Suwako gave her a small smile. "I guess I'll just say thanks instead."

"That, I will take. However, I in turn must —"

Suwako cut her off exasperatedly. "Are you seriously about to apologise for bringing this up after you just called me out for apologising myself?!"

"... no?"

Suwako huffed, yet she couldn't help but smile irritably too. "Kanako, have you ever heard of hypocrisy?"

"Apparently not."

Suwako snickered slightly, before bursting into peals of laughter.

"How are we so bad at this?!" Suwako said in between laughs.

"Yes, one would think after all this time we'd have learnt how to make this work. Apparently, we are far less intelligent than we thought there."

"We really are..."

"Loathe as I am to do this, there is one more thing I'd like to say on this topic."

Suwako straightened up, nodding seriously at her. "Go ahead."

"Whatever happens to us... Sanae must live on. As a human, as a god — it matters not as long as she survives... though I suspect she may be going down the latter path."

"You can feel it too, can't you? She's starting to develop her own powers." Suwako snorted at that. "Well, I suppose the wings were a dead giveaway."

"Indeed. But we will support her regardless of what she decides, and what it requires from us. Even if it costs our lives."

"Hm... the Kanako I knew would do anything to keep her life going. But now, you'd give that up just for one measly human?"

"Yes. To be honest... I don't care much about what happens to me."

Suwako raised an eyebrow at that. "You don't?"

"I still want to live obviously, and I'll do everything I can to that extent — I owe it to both of us. And of course, I still intend to continue expanding our reach as much as we can to make our shrine prosper. But equally... I'm satisfied with what I have."

"You really think that?"

"Of course. It's strange to say, but I'm fulfilled with what we've done. And if my time happens to come... I don't think I'll have any regrets."

"That's..." Suwako smiled at her. "That's nice to hear. Really."

"And I have you to thank for that. Spite can be such an effective motivation...

"Huh? What are you on about?"

"When we made our alliance... there was something you told me that always stuck. You said you knew my type — a person never happy with anything, always chasing after more —"

"— never caring about what you already have," Suwako finished with a chuckle. "Yeah, I remember that."

"You were only half right with that. I will always chase after more, because complacency begets weakness... but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate what I have now. I hope you realise that."

Suwako bit her lip, debating whether to be honest with Kanako. "So, uh... I'm glad you took those words to heart and got something out of them, but... I didn't really mean any of it?"

Kanako glared at her. "What?"

"Kanako, that was... what, like the fifth time I'd met you? Do you really think I knew you well enough to comment on your personality like that? Honestly, I was just fishing for something to get you with — it just happened to fit perfectly."

Kanako's jaw dropped, making Suwako chuckle sheepishly.

"Two thousand years..." Kanako muttered. "Two thousand years of my life I wasted..."

"Yeah, sorry to just invalidate all that. But hey, look at the bright side — it's the journey that counts!"

"Suwako?"

"Yes, sugar snake?"

"I think I might actually kill you."

"Really?" Suwako said, sounding more bored than anything. "Don't suppose you could delay it to tomorrow by any chance? I'm just not in the mood to die today."

"Oh, of course. I wouldn't want to kill you against your will or anything. It's so unpleasant when people do that, isn't it?"

"I know!" Suwako said, tutting in disapproval. "Back in our day, when you killed a person, it was a common courtesy to do it at a convenient time."

"Indeed. People today lack honour and dignity..."

Kanako and Suwako met each other's gaze, before Suwako started chuckling again while Kanako shook her head.

"Come here." Kanako beckoned towards her, and Suwako gladly took the chance to be in her arms once more. "How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? Pretty good, despite what just happened."

Kanako nodded her approval, but didn't say anything else as she ruminated on her own thoughts.

To be here right now... it still felt like a dream at times. After hundreds of years of trying to build a stable life, she'd managed to do so at last... with the very person that was once her enemy.

Kanako's fingers softly ran across Suwako's cheek, eliciting a curious look from her. She smiled in return.

"I love you."

Suwako's eyes widened, but she said nothing back.

"I know it's not something we say very often, and I say it even less than you, but I feel it pertinent to say. You are everything to me, and... I want you to know that."

Suwako pursed her lips, eventually settling on a smile as teasing as it was genuine.

"Don't you get it? It's a waste of time to say that to me."

"Why's that?"

"Because I never doubted it a second."

It was all Kanako needed to hear.

Their relationship had and always would be a strange one, simply for the circumstances that allowed it to form. Yet, it was no weaker because of it.

If anything... perhaps it was the opposite. It was years of wars, bloodshed, tears and the time they shared, all condensed to such simple matters.

The eternal struggle of a god was a curse they had to live with every day. And yet, there could be joy in that struggle, in the same way that struggle brought joy to humanity.

Though Kanako's conquest had long ended, it didn't matter to her. She'd captured something worth more than any kingdom could be.

For as long as they had each other, they would both live on.