Chapter Text
The Hakurei Shrine
“Miss Reimu, wait!” Aunn ran out from behind the shrine to stop Reimu as she was about to take flight. It was Autumn, so she wore an altered version of her miko uniform for the colder weather. Her sleeves were attached to her shirt, and she had a t-shirt beneath it instead of her usual sarashi.
“Yeah, Aunn?” Reimu turned around, confused. "And how many times do I have to tell you? You can just call me Reimu.”
Aunn chuckled. "Sorry, I just wanted to know where you were going. Most of the time, you just fly away to solve the latest incident.”
Reimu’s expression became guilty since that wasn’t exactly false. "Actually, I'm heading to the Human Village to tell Keine about the latest incident.”
“The one about the same day looping?”
“Yep, I figured that since her whole thing is about history, something like this would matter to her. Plus, that way she and Akyuu could get it down on the history books, considering me and Marisa are the only ones in Gensokyo who noticed it.”
Aunn suddenly rushed right up to Reimu, like a dog to its owner. "Can I come? Can I come!?” Her eyes were wide and bright.
“Well, all this history and incident talk tends to get boring when you’re not describing spell card duels. Not to mention, Keine has a habit of hour-long tangents. Are you sure you’re up for that?”
“Well, if I’m with you, I’m sure I’ll have some fun. And before you ask, you don’t need to worry about the shrine. I’ve got that handled.” Aunn backed away from Reimu, stood still and in a flash, another Aunn split away from the original.
“Ah, you’re going to leave your other body behind to guard the shrine. But didn’t you say that it was really draining?”
“It used to be, but I’ve been training really hard so now I can do it for way longer. And look.” The other body Aunn created started running and jumping around Reimu while the original stood still. Back during the Four Seasons Incident, Aunn’s clone had to copy the same movements as her, but now it could act independently.
Reimu grabbed and hugged the clone. “That’s wonderful, Aunn, but why have you been training? That doesn’t seem like your style.”
Reimu saw Aunn's expression get nervous. She looked down, like she was afraid of meeting Reimu’s gaze. “Well, I noticed that whenever someone tries to mess with the shrine, you either get really angry or really sad. Or both, like that time with that celestial. Um, during that land ownership scuffle while back, the Kiketsu girl tried to take over the shrine. I managed to stop her, but it reminded me of what I’m trying to protect." She turned and looked at the shrine before facing Reimu. She finally looked her in the eye. “So, I decided I was going to train as hard as I could so I could be the best guardian ever for when you’re not here.”
Reimu stood still as a statue for a moment, unsure how to respond, until the right course of action popped into her mind. She let go of the clone, walked up to the real Aunn and patted her head. "Thanks, Aunn. I know I can come off as mean sometimes, but”, she crouched down to hug Aunn. "I do appreciate everything you do for me and the shrine,” Aunn spoke no words but had the widest smile Reimu had ever seen.
“Come on, let’s head to the village. Once we’re done with the incident stuff, I’ll buy you some Sakuramochi.”
“REALLY!? Ok, let's go right now!” Aunn jumped into the air and started flying towards the village.
“Hey, wait up”. Reimu used her ability to teleport after Aunn before catching up.
☯︎☯︎☯︎
The Forest of Magic
Marisa stood outside her house, checking to make sure she had everything she needed before heading off. Suddenly, Enoko came dashing out of the depths of the forest, in a straight line towards Marisa before stopping just before they collided. “Hey, Marisa. Whatcha doing?”
“Geez, don’t just come at me like you’re a bullet.” She took a breath to calm down. “I’m heading off to Suzunann to drop off a book Rinnosuke lent me. Said I gotta return it myself or he won’t repair my Hakkero the next time it gets busted.
“Neat, can I come?”
Marisa looked at Enoko up and down. “Ok....Why?”
“I just wanted to hang out since that incident ya told me about where everything was boring. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Rinnosuke.”
Marisa sighed. She found it weird how Enoko seemed to have known her since she was a child, since she had only truly met her recently. “Aight, you can come along, just don’t make a mess of Suzunaan when we get there. Kosuzu’s parents already nag me enough about my borrowing.
Marisa mounted her broomstick before she and Enoko rose into the sky. The two hovered a bit above the Forest before heading towards the village. Marisa figured this would be a good chance to find out just how well Enoko knew her.
“By the way, how do you know Rinnosuke?”
“Oh well, you know” Enoko’s face had an innocent smile painted on. "Since I live in the forest, I’ve seen you go to visit him now and again.
Marisa was both enamoured and a little creeped out. On the one hand, she found it kinda cute how Enoko had been watching over her for so long. But on the other, she couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable at the same prospect. Still, she knew that Enoko had pure intentions, so she felt it was nothing worth worrying about, for now. She decided to get the conversation off her for now and searched her brain for a different topic and landed on Saki Kurokoma. She figured that was better than nothing and went with it.
"So um, I’ve been meaning to ask. After the whole land ownership thing, what happened to you and Saki?"
Enoko's expression changed from happy to unsure, like she was embarrassed to share the related info.
“Well, I actually still work for the Keiga Family, just part-time now.
“Wait, really?!”
“Yeah. Saki was kinda pissed when she found out I was Zanmu’s spy, but after the whole thing was resolved, she offered me a place again.
Marisa hadn't been expecting Enoko’s response. But the more she thought about it, the more she understood. Saki had always been a meathead, so it made sense she wouldn’t hold grudges. “What’s it like working for her? I mean, the animal factions are basically yakuzas, right?
“It’s pretty good, or better than I expected at least. I won’t pretend that Saki’s an angel; she does do some pretty messed up stuff. But I gotta hand it to her, she’s a good boss.
“Ya think so?”
“Yup. She’s always asking for her minions’ opinions, for ways that she could be a better leader. And she gets mad whenever one gets badly hurt. Plus, I get along great with the wolf spirits. They’re nice and all.” Enoko suddenly moved closer to whisper in Marisa's ear, even though no one else was there. “There’s this one wolf spirit, Shota. I think he’s gotta crush on me.” She giggled and spun around in mid-air.
Marisa smirked, “Okay, after this is done, you have to tell me everything.” Suddenly, a recent memory appeared in her mind. She felt like she should get Enoko’s opinion on it.
“Hey Enoko. Can I run something by you?”
“Sure, fire away.”
“After the latest incident, Saki came by and offered to hire me into the Keiga Family.” She and Enoko had nearly reached the village, but they both stopped in their tracks. “Do you think I should join? I mean, after everything you told me it can't be that bad.”
Enoko closed her eyes and thought deeply for a moment. She wanted to make sure her feelings got through and that she said what Marisa needed to hear. Finally, she answered.
“I don’t think you should join.”
“Why?”
"Ok, Marisa, I'm pretty sure you know how the human spirits are treated down there, right?
Marisa's expression turned reluctant as she took no joy in what she was about to say. "Yeah, they're basically slaves. I've known ever since the Animal Invasion Incident. *
"Well, the reason why I think you shouldn't join is that I just don't think you would be able to survive down there.
"Hey! I'm not some weakling fairy. I have what it takes to make it down there." Marisa shouted. She was someone who was born without any inherent power, someone who had to work for what little strength they had, so she didn't take insults to it lightly.
Enoko panicked while misunderstood. "Wait, that's not what I meant! I'm sorry if it came out that way, but I meant something else."
Marisa went from angry to guilty in a flash and took a breath to calm down. "Nah, I'm sorry for blowing up at you like that. What did you mean?
"With the human spirits, it's one thing to turn a blind eye to their suffering. It’s another to actively take part in causing it. In a survival of the fittest world like the Animal Realm, I just don't think you could cope with the things you would have to do.”
Marisa reflected. She never really considered herself to be a “good” person. She knew that humans from the outside world get spirited away to Gensokyo and are usually eaten by youkai. She knew that Yukari was often behind those events. She knew what happened to human villagers that turned themselves into youkai. She knew all of these things, and at one point felt bad about them. But she also knew they were required for Gensokyo to maintain its balance, and she loved Gensokyo. She loved going on adventures, learning secrets about this world and others. If these were the things needed for Gensokyo to exist, then she would accept them the best she could.
However, she always viewed those facts from the view of a bystander. Someone who didn’t cause these events but was aware of their existence. She knew being in a yakuza wasn’t going to be sunshine and rainbows, but would the deeds she’d have to commit be that bad? Would she truly not be able to handle it?
She asked herself these questions and decided she didn’t want to know the answers.
A grin returned to Marisa’s face. She got off her broom, letting it hover in mid-air and hugged her fluffy friend while rubbing her head.
“Thanks, Enoko. Who knew you gave good advice.”
“Well, I am immortal, figured I’d learn a thing or two in that time. I’d hug ya back, but my traps are in the way.” Enoko’s arms were spread out in a T shape.
Marisa let go and got back on her broom. “Alright, let’s go get this book returned so you can tell me all about this crush.
☯︎☯︎☯︎
The Human Village
It was midday, and the village was bustling as it always was. The streets were lined with people going from shop to shop, home to home. Vendors loudly offered their goods to those who passed by while others stayed quietly in their homes.
Reimu and Aunn strolled through the street, heading in no particular direction. Aunn was munching on Sakuramochi as Reimu simply walked by her side. Normally, humans in the village would get at least a bit antsy with youkai around, especially since Aunn was visibly not human. However, since the shrine maiden was right beside her, and the bonus that Aunn was adorable, people felt no reason to fear and carried on with their day.
On the other end of the same street was Marisa and Enoko. The book had been successfully returned, and the two were heading towards a ramen shop Marisa liked and was busy giving free advertising for. “I’m telling you, their broths are the best in Genosokyo. Only Mystia’s come close, and they got way more flavours.
“Lemme guess, mushroom is your fav?”
“Wow, are you sure you’re a yamainu? Maybe you’re a satori, and you just don’t know it”, Marisa joked while scratching Enoko behind the ear.
“Yelp, as long as they have something steak flavoured, I won’t be complain-” Before Enoko could finish, she bumped into someone as she wasn’t looking ahead.
“Ah, I’m so sorry, are you alright?”
Marisa looked away from Enoko to see who she bumped into, only to see Aunn and Reimu in front of them.
“Oh hey, didn’t figure I’d find you two here in the village. What’s up?
“Hello to you too,” Reimu sighed. “Aunn and I went to tell Keine about the newest incident, and now we’re just hanging out.” Reimu and Marisa turned to look at the other companion, only to see that Aunn and Enoko were staring at each other. Intensely.
“Um, Aunn. Are you fine?
“Enoko, you good?”
Reimu and Marisa mentally panicked. Their companions may have intelligent youkai, but they were still dogs at heart. And when two or more dogs meet, only one of two things happens: they get along, or a massive barking fest ensues. The two humans prepared to pull their canine friends apart.
“Oh, it’s you!” Enoko and Aunn said simultaneously.
Reimu and Marisa blinked together in confusion.
“Knew I’d seen you somewhere”, Enoko recalled. “You’re that dog I met during the Beast Wars Incident.” **
“Yeah, you attacked me for no reason.”
Enoko chuckled, “Sorry about that.”
Aunn smiled, “It’s fine, wouldn’t be the first time.” She gave a cheeky look to Reimu, who turned away in embarrassment. Even now, after all this time, she still felt bad for beating up Aunn, an extremely rare occurrence.
Aunn turned back to Enoko to properly introduce herself. “I’m Komano Aunn, a guardian beast for the Hakurei Shrine.” She held out her hand for a shake.
“The name’s Mitsugashira Enoko, a yamainu for the Keiga Family. Pleasure to meet ya.” She reached to shake Aunn’s hand only to pull away at the last second.
“Hey!” Aunn pouted.
“Sorry, but I just had to. Plus, didn’t want to bite off your hand.” Enoko clenched her hand into a fist, causing her bear trap to snap shut.
“Oh, I didn’t even see those.”
Reimu inserted herself into the conversation. "By the way, you said you work for Saki now.” She had a cautious look on her face, knowing Enoko was still involved with the Animal factions.
Marisa jumped in to protect her friend. “Don’t worry, she’s not causing any trouble. She came with me while I was running an errand.”
Reimu eyed Enoko up and down. "Well, if Marisa says nothing's up, then I guess I can just ignore you. Just don’t make any trouble for me, got it?”
“Yep, understood, no questions here.” Even in the short time Enoko had been a proper youkai, she had already learned of Reimu’s reputation, and how she’d do well not to antagonise her.
“Well, it was nice running to you, Marisa, but I think I’ll head back to the shrine. Aunn, are you coming?”
“Wait a minute”, Marisa spoke up. “I just got a great idea”.
“A great idea from you means a bad idea for everyone else”, Reimu sighed. “But fine, what is it?”
“Remember Mai and Satono?
“Who?”
“Okina’s two servants from the Four Seasons Incident? The pink and green duo with those weird dances.
“Oh, I remember them now; they had some of the stupidest patterns I’ve ever seen.
“Part of the reason why was that they were tag-teaming us, right?”
“What are you getting at?”
“Since there are four of us here, we should have a spell card battle. Me and Enoko vs you and Aunn. It’ll be great.
“Are you sure? I mean, the four of us together might get a bit chaotic.”
“It will be fine, trust. Enoko and Aunn could use the practice, and it’s been a while since our last duel. I’ve been looking to up my win count.”
Reimu pondered if she should agree. She didn’t really have any other plans for today.
“Aunn, what do you thin-
Before she could finish, Aunn was right beside her, giving her puppy eyes, which was easy for her since she was literally a dog.
“Aunn, that’s cheating! Don’t look at me like that” She tried to turn her gaze away, but Aunn kept following it. Eventually, Reimu relented.
“Fine, but we’ll have to go somewhere empty first. Let’s head to the forest and fight there.
☯︎☯︎☯︎
The Forest of Magic
The four girls hovered high in the sky, with an ocean of green treetops beneath them.
Marisa gathered them together. “Ok, let’s recap so everyone’s on the same page. Our two teams each have three spell cards. The spell card ends when that team’s barriers get broken; then it’s the other team’s turn. *** We all keep track of how many times we get hit. At the end, each team will take the hits, add them together and divide them by two. The team with the least hits wins, got it?”
Everyone agreed in unison.
“Reimu, the coin.”
The maiden pulled from her sleeve a western-style coin. Aunn and Enoko gazed at it in curiosity.
“What kind of coin is that?” Aunn questioned.
“Yukari gave it to me as a trinket from the outside world. Apparently, it’s from someplace called America.” She flipped it to the other side, and on it was the face of a man.
“Who’s that?” Enoko asked.
“Some dead guy called Abraham Lincoln. Marisa, what side are you calling?
“Feeling in a tails mood today.”
“Then I’m heads.” Reimu lobbed the coin in the air, where it spun countless times. Gravity pulled it back down, and Reimu caught it. She opened her hand.
Reimu started giggling, “Heads.”
“Damn it, your good luck always wins out.”
The shrine maiden composed herself. “Now, shall we begin?”