Tokyo is the same as it has been these past three hundred years... crowded and cramped. But you suppose yet wonderful in its own way, new construction may be done, and the faces may change, but what makes Tokyo... Tokyo. Has never changed... not to you anyway.
It is a city of dreamers, thieves, and opportunists.
In other words... Humans, it opens its door wide for those willing to do what it takes to claim their desires, though it has a tendency of leading those blind to its dangers to unfortunate ends.
Unfortunately the city has nothing for you anymore, not to your kind.
Youkai have been leaving the city for years, either walking the way, or boarding the trains.
You didn't board the first train the Gap Master sent out, there was a mass exodus of Youkai, the forgotten, but you stayed behind, you were fond of this city, and its people.
That was 1947.
Every ten years another invitation would be sent out, giving promise of a paradise, this "Gensokyo", and every time more of us would leave, by 1994 there was hardly any left to board the trains.
It wasn't until most children couldn't even see you that you decided to leave.
The year is 2017.
You clutch the ticket in your hand as you enter the train station, busy as always with people bumping into each other and rushing about, lost within their own mental schedules. At least you're not out of place, slicked back black hair, a nice business suit, you'd look like a model salary man.
...That would be of course if they could even see you.
You head through the station to the designated loading station, there are a few Youkai here already, waiting patiently for the train to "paradise".
Compared to the first exodus there are hardly more then a dozen, and at that mostly Tsukumogami, a rose haired women dressed in a white coat is chatting amicably with a violet haired woman carrying a biwa.
This could almost pass off as normal, if not for the drum set floating behind the red haired woman, and that would certainly get attention. Though once again, nobody can see them.
Beyond an errant child trying to point out the mysterious flying object to his over stressed parent, nobody pays them mind.
You sit down on a nearby bench and choose to people watch until the train arrives. The Tsukumogami couples are joined by another, with light brown hair carrying a koto.
No matter, you suppose if they are new arrivals they'll be just as lost as you are in this supposed paradise.
You look at the ticket in your hand, a golden colored, paper slip, with purple trimming; it bears little more than directions to the station and your name and species. A flimsy thing, but this little slip will change everything. Gods knows you put it off long enough, but at the end of the day... well. What's done is done really.
May as well meet new people while you are here, if they are heading to the same place you are... well, what does it hurt to mingle really?
You give yourself a quick look over. Your black business suit sits all tight and proper, with a dark red tie running down it, matching your eyes. No jewelry - not in your line of work at least - besides a simple golden ring on your right ring finger, a memento of sorts from your father.
Alright... Now just head on over, hands in your pockets as you do so casually, passing through a group of businessmen in the process. As you get closer you pick up on the conversation they are having.
The brown-haired girl waves her arms wildly as she speaks. "I heard there are dragons! Big as mountains flying through the air!" Your ears twitch. She's so excited that she's lost her volume control it seems. "It's got to be the coolest thing! I can't want to see it!"
The violet-haired girl giggles and gives the other girl an affectionate pat on the head. "I'm sure they do, and we'll find out together, okay?"
You give a small cough, holding up your ticket prominently. The two girls turn around, regarding you with a measure of pleasant surprise, breaking out into smiles as they pull out tickets of their own.
"Hello," you say, bowing slightly, "My name is Ayumu, I take it by your tickets you're on the train to paradise as well?" You put on your best smile as you straighten up.
It's honestly been awhile since you've seen other Youkai.
The red haired woman looks up from reading what appears to be a pamphlet, giving a smile to match your own. "I am Horikawa Raiko, pleased to make your acquaintance," she replies with a curt bow. There's a certain character to her voice that caresses your ear. Musical in tone perhaps, a trained singer?
The other two bow in perfect sync, like some sort of choreographed move. "Tsukumo Benben," says the violet-haired girl.
"And I'm Yatsuhashi!" chirps the brown-haired girl. She throws her arm around Benben, pulling her into a tight hug, much to her visible discomfort. "Me and Benben are sisters!"
"And, yes, we are headed to Gensokyo," Raiko adds still smiling, looking fondly at the two sisters.
"That's good then, always nice to have company." You hold out a hand to shake and she takes it eagerly. "Could you tell me more about Gensokyo perhaps? I'm afraid I hardly know more than rumor myself." You ask.
"Ah, well, I do-" She starts speaking only to be cut off by a brown blur shoving itself in front of her.
The brown blur is, of course, Yatsuhashi. "It's really beautiful! There are dragons and sky turtles and... and lots of other cool stuff!" she declares excitedly, her eyes shining with an almost childlike eagerness. You can't help but smile at her excitability.
Raiko shrugs her shoulders, laughing at Yatsuhashi's enthusiasm.
"Beyond things like that, I am afraid I cannot tell you more. We've only recently come into being ourselves." She explains.
"Oh? Newly created? That's rare these days." You state.
Raiko shrugs her shoulders again. "Yes, we came into being about a month ago all together, to be honest I couldn't tell you how."
"Well, welcome to the world then I guess, here's hoping you find a nice life for yourselves in Gensokyo." You say with a smile.
You spend the next half hour or so just making small talk, you don't talk too much about yourself, but Yatsuhashi tells you plenty about them.
They were informed about Gensokyo and got information from a super friendly Tanuki with odd glasses. Yatsuhashi's descriptions are unique to say the least, though you suppose she is still a child of sorts. She couldn't tell you more about this Tanuki beyond that, a worker for Yukari? Or just the odd helpful raccoon, not all are as belligerent as some have been led to believe.
As for Raiko, she seems to be acting as a mother figure to the two other Youkai, they are all technically the same age... but she is the most mature of the group. Not to mention she appears visibly older as well.
Benben for her part mostly keeps to herself, idly plucking the strings of her instrument as she listens to the chatter.
Soon enough, the train arrives at one of the older platforms, a nearly abandoned one that takes a bit of walking to get to. The train itself looks no different from any of the other bullet trains around it in the station.
The only real marking on the train itself is a large purple eye on the side of it, and a band of the same color wrapping around. It has no number markers or information besides.
You eye the train itself with a bit of trepidation. No markings are to be expected since this isn't an official train. Still, something about that eye makes you nervous. It seems to be looking at you wherever you turn your head. Of course, your nervousness is all compounded by the fact that this is, quite literally, your ride to a new life.
You take a deep breath. This isn't any time to be worrying. It's far too late for that at this point, and this is your last chance to board before...
You shake your head and take a look back over your shoulder at the city you've called home for a very long time now.
You'll miss it, most definitely, but there isn't anything here for you anymore.
"Something wrong?" Miss Horikawa asks, bringing you out of your musings.
You turn back to look at her, she's looking at you curiously. "Ah... No it's nothing, just lost in some thoughts."
"Well, then, let's get going!" She says happily.
Putting your worries aside, you follow Horikawa and the Tsukumogami up to the platform. As you step aboard the train, you spot several other youkai getting on, some you didn't see in the lobby.
Maybe they were waiting somewhere else in the station?
Horikawa hurriedly glances at her ticket and then up at the seat numbers, slapping herself on the forehead. "Gah! Looks like we're in a completely different cabin." She shrugs again. "I guess this is where we say goodbye, then, Ayumu."
"No worries. I'm sure we'll see each other on the other side." You say with a small smile.
She chuckles. "Maybe. Just look for the floating drum set and you should be good." She starts walking down the cabin, throwing an arm up in a lazy wave.
"Bye-bye, Ayumu!" Yatsuhashi yells before her sister pulls her off the car and into the next one. You return the wave and watch as they move on the platform through the windows.
With no one left to talk to, you find your way to your cabin. You immediately notice something different from other trains as soon as you open the door. It's remarkably clean inside... nearly spotless, in fact.
The trains you used to have to take for various "business meetings" were usually stinking of refuse, and looked the part as well. The doors close behind you, and you quickly scan the row numbers for your seat. As luck would have it you're pretty close to the front of the car, so it's not particularly hard to find.
As you move down the row to your seat, it becomes apparent that you actually have a seat-mate: a young woman wearing a rather long dress, it's a long white cloth over a red skirt, topped off with what appears to be a scarf with a ruby clasp.
She doesn't pay you much mind as you sit down next to her. It looks like she's engrossed in a magazine, her eyes fixed on the pages as she slowly, quietly flips through them. You'd say something, but you're not sure if it's a good idea to interrupt her or not.
Come to think of it you didn't see her enter either, so this train must be making the rounds.
You glance over your shoulder. Unless anyone else shows up soon, it looks like it's going to be just you and her in the car. You've got a few minutes before the train gets moving, so it's not like you don't have time to do some exploring if you want. Then again, you could always take your chances and try striking up a conversation. Or just wait… Nah.
You have time to kill, and while curiosity did kill the cat, satisfaction brought it back.
You get back up and head through the back doors of the cabin, they open automatically as you approached them. And they lead into a small divider between the cabins, walking further you enter the next cabin through the other set of sliding doors. A quick glance confirms that as far as amenities are concerned it's the same, however there are at least other occupants here, though still sparse, there are a couple sitting in seats, some together, some alone.
As you start to move further ahead the door on the opposite sides open, revealing a young woman. The first thing you notice about her is her striking blue hair out from which stick two fins, the second being she's slowly pushing herself in on a wheelchair. She slowly wheels herself into the cabin and parks behind a seat, glancing between the seat and her chair, she lets out a brief huff of annoyance before starting to slide herself from one seat to the next. With some noted difficulty as she briefly loses her grip and the chairs separate, leaving her awkwardly holding herself up.
You quickly hurry over and grasp the wheelchair, she blinks briefly in surprise before glancing at you.
"Please, allow me ma'am."
A smile replaces her brief owlish look as she nods and uses the now braced wheelchair to slide herself into the seat. She then slides the rest of the way to the window and lays across the seat like one might on a couch, you notice that the leg portion of the kimono is buttoned and closed, almost turned into a sealed bag.
Your not quite sure what the explanation for that state of dress is, but it does certainly explain the necessity of the wheelchair.
She gets situated before looking back at you again.
"Thank you kind sir, can you please move the wheelchair closer?" She asks with a gentle tone, sort and grateful.
You dutifully move the wheelchair until it's pressing against the seat, as you prepare to ask if she perhaps would like you to store it somewhere she snaps her fingers. You watch as with a series of popping sounds the wheelchair folds itself until it's almost the size of a hand purse, which she deftly grabs from the air and stuffs into her sash.
She briefly bows her head towards you.
"Thank you once again kind sir! I'm afraid I'm not quite used to the wheelchair." She admits somewhat bashfully. A slight blush dusting her cheeks.
You smile it away, stating that you were simply helping someone who looked like they needed assistance.
"Well then I thank you for being able to assist at the very least." She states with a giggle.
After a brief pause she states,
"Please, won't you sit? I'm afraid we might be getting moving soon and I would truly enjoy a bit of gossip during the ride." She asks you with a smile and tilt of her head.
Well...
You see no reason to disagree, company always speeds up travel, and you doubt with how few passengers on board they care about assigned seating.
"I would be delighted to share in your company." You say with a smile and sit down in the seat across from her.
"I appreciate it." She replies with a smile and slight nod of her head.
"Oh!" She gasps, covering her mouth. "How terribly rude of me, my name is Wakasagi!" She says, nearly shouting it out through her covered mouth, it's rather adorable actually.
"It's quite alright, my name is Ayumu." You state, grinning a little. "You were a bit distracted at the time."
She smiles back giggling again.
"So do you know anything of Gensokyo by chance?"
You shake your head. "I'm afraid I've never been, though beyond Lady Yukari, I can admit I've never met someone from there to ask… As far as I'm aware, once you go it's notably difficult to come back."
"Still, I've heard it's quite pleasant, I'm afraid the only thing that held me back from going was prior obligations." You admit.
"Oh?" She almost looks disappointed, "forgive me but I was hoping to learn a little before I arrive. I'm afraid I was made to go due to some... Difficulties. She states looking away. I do hope it is nice enough, though I suppose anyone wishes that of their new home," she finishes.
"Sorry to disappoint," you say apologetically. "Still if it makes you feel any better, it supposedly accommodates all forms of youkai, so it shouldn't be any major problem. "
"Furthermore I'm sure Lady Yukar-" You get cut off by a loud voice.
"The train will now be departing, please stay in your seats for the duration of the journey."A pleasant female voice states over the intercom.
Well, you suppose that's that then, the train starts lurching forward as it leaves the station, quickly picking up speed as the landscape of Tokyo starts to pass by you.
"I'm sorry you were saying?" She states with a small giggle.
"Ah… yes as I was saying I'm sure lady Yukari keeps things in order well enough. Though I am curious how they keep order." You admit, honestly quite curious the more you think about it. Youkai in a group always tend to result to punching.
As you finish the sentence a purple light washes over the cabin, the entirety of the inside is awash in purple glowing light, and the outside of the window has turned from the outskirts of Tokyo into a black void.
"Oh… oh my." Wakasagi has shrunken back against her seat, staring at the void.
Eyes start appearing on the black, searching around for a few brief moments before locking onto the train proper. They narrow, and with a bright flash they are gone revealing a green, verdant landscape.
"We are now in Gensokyo, please collect your belongings and watch your steps exiting the train." States the PA again.
Well, that was certainly an… interesting way to travel.
Wakasagi has quickly recovered from the shock it appears, as she has her face nearly pressed up against the glass as she stares in wonderment at the passing landscape.
You have to admit… the view is breathtaking, rolling hills mark the landscape, while in a distance you can see a mountain that dominates the landscape covered in trees.
As the train continues moving the view gradually shifts from hills and trees, to farmland, to finally country houses. You spot people milling about working the fields or moving around town, though at these speeds it's impossible to tell if they are Youkai or not.
The train starts gradually slowing down until it comes to a complete stop. You can hear the pneumatics working as the doors open.
You suppose this is your stop. You quickly get up and start to head out of the train, thanking Wakasagi for the company. She confirmed that while she appreciated it she didn't believe she'd have near the same difficulties getting off the train.
As you step off the smell is the first thing that hits you. While you've been to the country many times before, rather hard not too being as old as you are. It's been a long time since it's been this… fresh. You glance around the platform taking in the sights.
The platform itself is made of wood, in rather stark contrast to the almost blindingly white metal train parked next to it, with a simple tin roof to cover it.
Several youkai are milling about the platform, most of them in groups, having traveled together, though you don't see Raiko or the two sisters anywhere nor do you see your former seatmate come to think of it.
Through the exit of the station itself you can see a dirt path leading to a village off in the distance, mostly made up of wooden buildings as well. Next to the exit are three booths, each proudly proclaiming… religions? One stall is being managed by a Buddhist woman with rather… okay to be honest in most of the districts you worked in this hair might be startling, but in a place like this, gradient purple hair really sticks out.
Next to it is a stall being manned by a girl of Shinto persuasion, with a fair more normal hair color of blond, though what makes it rather is odd two dog ears sticking out of her head, a dog youkai?
And finally one stall manned by a teenage girl with bright green hair, preaching about some mountains gods of some sort, you wonder if it has any connection to that mountain you saw on the way over? It's noticeably less busy than the other two.
All three are offering to various youkai places of rest while they get settled, though it may not be as friendly as it appears, the woman with gradient hair and the woman with dog ears keep sending glares each other's way.
Well… might as well see what the quietest one is up to. It is of simple wooden construction, appearing handmade, above which hangs a sign.
Moriya Shrine
All Welcome!
As you approach you can hear the young woman shouting excitedly, though you notice she doesn't have anyone really listening to her or hanging around the stall, whether that is due to excitability, or the on closer inspection rather shoddy construction of her display is up for debate, either way you press onwards.
"All youkai and travelers welcome to the Moriya Shrine! Food and Board available in exchange for work!" She shouts over the din.
Ah, that would explain that at least, the other shrines appear to be housing people without the extra condition, still, a little work never hurt anybody and you walk up to the booth.
"We can guarantee protection and peaceful living in exchange for work and faith!" She shouts once again, glancing around, not seeming to have noticed your approach.
"Oo... who am I kidding..." the girls mumbles and slumps her shoulders behind the stall.
You are now standing in front of the stall, where she seems not to have noticed you, she seems rather exhausted, perhaps she's been here awhile?
You gently rap on the wood in front of her, startling her from her moping.
"Good morning ma'am... I'm afraid I'm rather new in town, could you tell me about your shrine?"
You seemed to have breathed the life back into her as she clasps her hands in front of her chest and bows rapidly.
"Yes! I am Kochiya Sanae! I represent the wonderful Moriya Shrine, headed by the mighty and venerable Kanako Yasaka and the kind and wise Suwako Moriya!"
Two gods?
"We seek to aid those new to Gensokyo, we will provide food and housing in return for honest labor!"
"What form of labor?" You ask.
"Tending to the temple and assisting the shrine maidens in their tasks, we are constantly expanding and so require help in our mission to provide safety and lodging to travelers and those in need of shelter! Along with repairing some... slight battle damage. " She states, glancing to the side slightly.
"Battle damage?" Concern creeping into your voice.
"Yes, I'm afraid that in her... godly duties lady Kanako has to fight miscreants and those seeking to do harm! Unfortunately that can be at the expense of the building..."
"Nothing major I assure you!" She says crouching down behind the stall and quickly producing a stack of pamphlets, handing one to you. You give it a glance.
It's mostly the same things she just spoke about, though it does go into greater detail on some things, namely that you do not need to worship the gods in question, doing repairs and labor provides faith as is, in exchange you will receive full meals and lodging in the shrine itself.
Not a bad deal all things considered, though you must wonder what could have possibly have happened to go after labor so aggressively, to the point where it's part of their pitch. The other stalls have many more people milling about them, in fact you are the only person anywhere near this stall.
"If you wish to come with me I will be leaving in a half hours time!" She states excitedly. Giving you the biggest smile you've seen in weeks.
While it certainly wasn't the best sales pitch, any shelter sounds good at the moment, and you'd rather not get in between two apparently rival shrines.
To be honest it's mostly the latter reason, though you aren't one particularly keen on deities they would certainly offer protection. That and just wandering into the village blindly would probably be a poor idea. It will probably only be temporary either way.
You glance several times from the pamphlet to the green haired girl, her eyes are alight in… hope. Well, why not.
"I would be delighted to come with you, Miss Sanae." You say as you fold up the pamphlet.
She goes stock still, standing there with her hands still clasped together. The smile from before frozen on her face.
...Then all at once, life springs back into her.
"Yes!" She hops up and down, hands in the air. "You will absolutely not regret this!" You watch with amusement as she's jumping around like a child who was just given the pony they've always wanted.
She catches herself after a moment and gives a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I've been out here awhile, you're the first person who has been interested."
You chuckle. "It's quite alright, where is this shrine located?"
"Did you see the mountain as you came in?" She asks.
"I did yes," you reply, "I assume it is at the base?"
"It's at the peak." She clarifies with a smile.
Your eyes widen, "that's…. quite the distance."
She waves her hand. "It's okay! We had the kappa install an aerial tram to the top of the mountain."
Ah… that's helpful you suppose, still, not quite sure how they expect people to make that journey regularly. Who knows, maybe the other shrines are flying or something equally inconvenient.
You mill about watching the passersby for the next half hour or so, nothing of particular note happening, waiting for the time to close shop as it were. The sun is just beginning to set on the horizon when you hear Sanae call your name. Come to think of it, wasn't it morning when you left? Either you've traveled longer than you thought or time works differently here.
You turn to look at her, she's waving to you from the stall, a backpack slung around her shoulders, you can see the pamphlets inside weighing down the bag quite a bit. Though she doesn't appear to be struggling with it.
"Don't you need to disassemble the stall?" You ask wondering how she planned on moving all the material.
"Workers from the village will be coming to deconstruct the station tomorrow morning," she replies sounding somewhat grateful for that fact.
Nodding, you follow her out of the station, which at this point had almost entirely cleared out except for a few stragglers, you do notice you are the only one following Sanae out. She pops her shoulders and gives a sigh of relief as she gets into the clearing behind the station, turning to smile at you.
"We have about a 40 minute walk to the tram from here," she states pointing towards the large forest in front of the mountain.
You nod and start walking behind her, making your way to the large forest. Looking around as you do so. While the village you'd guess is a good mile or two from the station, it is still quite active out here. You can spot several farmhouses lining the road towards the mountain, most in rather poor condition, but still inhabited.
"So the humans live outside of their village as well?" You ask.
"Some do, most don't," she replies, "those out here who require the extra land to feed the village have protection treaties with the local Tengu communities. For a share of the crop the farms remain protected." Sanae explains.
That's rather progressive, you thought all humans would be huddled in the village from what you had heard, while you don't doubt the ability of Youkai and Humans to coexist, you'd expect them to be a bit less friendly out here in the 'wild' so to speak.
There certainly weren't any Tengu anymore in Tokyo.
The farmland quickly fades away to forest as you leave the confines as the human domain, It's less of a hike than you expected, as the path is clear cut and easy to navigate, Sanae walking it with confidence.
A good half hour has passed since you started walking, most of it in relatively peaceful silence. Sanae having seemed to have zoned out as she started walking the way towards the mountain, the path is gradually sloping upwards as it cuts through the trees, you haven't seen any sign of habitation beyond the path since you entered the forest.
Then, as if someone decided to start playing the sound again, you can hear the crashing of a waterfall as you round a bend, and in a clearing ahead you can see a massive waterfall pouring down from high in the mountain, forming a large lake. The forest breaking around it.
Your eyes widen as you see your first glimpse of civilization since entering the forest. A small stone building sits near the lake, based around a large platform holding a tram, the cables running up the mountain. Which even from here is a good thousand feet above to its peak.
But what really catches your eye is some young women by the lake, apparently wasting the time away fishing by the shore, talking amicably among themselves, seemingly not noticing or not caring about your presence.
[ IMG]
Slightly befuddled you ask "Are they members of the shrine?"
"Hmm?" Sanae mumbles seemingly breaking out of the trance she has been in for the past while as you both walked the path, and gives a quick glance over.
"Oh no, those are some of the local Kappa, they don't live too far from here." She states somewhat tiredly as you enter the stone structure.
Barring a few benches and an empty desk, it's barren, and Sanae quickly shuffles through it towards the tram. She quickly boards it and drops her bag near the door, rubbing her shoulders as she collapses on one of the seats near the window, the tram itself wouldn't look out of place of the 1960's, but seems built sturdily enough.
You grab the seat in the opposite aisle and stare out the window as the tram starts moving with a jerk and a hiss, it slowly moving its way up the mountain.
Watching the sun you'd suppose you'd still have about an hours worth of sunlight left as you look over the forest. While you couldn't see them from the ground from up here you can see breaks and clearings in the forest where there are structures, some appearing to be small villages or trading posts from the looks of things, and farther in the distance you can see a deep valley to the west of the mountain in the forest. Inside of which is what appears to be an entire town. It's well lit even from here, though you can't make anything in particular out.
You turn to ask Sanae about it, but amusingly it seems she's already dozing off. Your not quite sure what she's had to deal with today, but it seems to have taken quite a lot out of her. Smiling, you return to gazing out the window.
...You don't think Gensokyo will be so bad after all.
After a couple minutes the tram slows to a stop as you approach the peak, finally jolting to a rest at another stone structure mirroring the one at the lake down below. Sanae, apparently revitalized by the brief rest, hops to her feet and grabs her bag before heading out.
"We're here!" She shouts joyfully, less directed at you and more the world if the volume is of any indication.
You glance out the door and see what you can only imagine to be Moriya Shrine.
[ IMG]
Large wooden pillars are struck into the earth, binding ropes wrapped around them. They each stand at least easily a hundred feet high surrounding a large wooden temple complex. regal and imposing all at once, this is far more than any minor shrine you might find out in the countryside. A deity lives here.
Cobblestone lines the path from the tram to the temple, and you follow behind Sanae, who seems to have a bit of an extra spring in her step as she approaches it.
As you approach the Torii gate you can see more clearly inside, besides the large main shrine building, there are several smaller structures. They seem to be either housing or sub shrines you can't tell from here… You can see with some alarm that one of them is completely bifurcated by one of the pillars rammed straight through it, though shorter than the rest of the pillars, it was clearly heavy enough to almost completely split the structure.
You notice as well there are several of the pillars sticking out of the roof of the shrine building itself large holes and cracks in the structure abound. You are really hoping those are decorative art pieces and not what she meant by 'battle damage'.
Before you can progress further with that line of thought however, one of the side buildings doors slam open.
Stepping from it is a very tall regal woman wearing a red and black dress, a large circular rope floating behind her. Her hair is a deep purple, and it frames a stern face with striking red eyes. She's easily a head taller than you.
Sanae quickly bows low.
"Good evening, Lady Kanako."
The woman now dubbed Kanako however pays her no mind as she looks at you, quirking a single eyebrow.
...If the shrine maiden bows at someone, it's generally good form to bow as well. You mirror her bow, eyes on the floor. Several tense seconds pass before the woman speaks up, her voice deep and rumbling, as if of the mountain itself.
"Welcome traveler, you stand in presence of the goddess of this shrine. I am Kanako Yasaka, goddess of War. Rise."
You rise up again and return your gaze to her, she is now within a foot or two and is quite literally staring down at you, the woman must be about six and a half feet tall.
"I bid thee welcome to the Moriya shrine, rejoice and be merry for your long journey is over!" She says while spreading her arms out to the sides and gesturing to the shrine around her.
"From the far mountain I have watched thee approach to seek supplication and shelter, once again rejoice, for I am a generous godd- "
Her pontificating comes to an abrupt halt, as with a shrill whistle being the only warning, a large metal ring slams into her spine, sending her sprawling on the ground.
You jump back alarmed, staring down at the prone form the goddess. When the ground bursts from beneath where she was standing. Hopping out is by far one of the stranger people you've ever seen in your life. A young woman in robes crouching on the ground above the hole she popped out of. Topped off with a large straw hat with what appears to be toy eyes attached to it.
The young woman grins smugly at Kanako, then turns to look at you.
"Forgive 'er, she has issues talking like ah normal person sometimes." Her voice is bright and peppy. "Welcome to the Moriya shrine, I'm Suwako Moriya, goddess of earth and curses." She sticks out a hand for you to shake, which you manage to collect yourself enough to do so.
"So…." She asks rocking back and forth on her heels. "Whatcha doing here?"
"I….I came with Miss Sanae, I am here to do labor for the shrine in return for shelter?" You say trailing off as you stare at the twitching goddess laying on the ground.
"Ahaaaah" She trails off while a smile on her face, her eyes widening with amusement.
"Good! Good! We need some help 'round here, 'fraid ol' beanstalk here gets a bit punchy." She states while chuckling and poking the prone goddess.
"Speaking ah which." She dives out of the way as a large wooden pillar shoots down in the ground where she was standing. Laughing maniacally as she tumbles across the field.
The ground starts trembling as Kanako raises herself up, glaring at Suwako, her Onibashira behind her spinning wildly as large wooden pillars raise themselves around her, aiming directly at the other goddess.
Then, with a whimpering sound from Sanae, the battle began, her face falling into her hands.
A good five minutes later you think you can understand what was causing the 'battle damage'. Luckily the only major damage is holes in the ground and some knocked over fences. Both goddesses are worse for the wear, though nothing more major than scratches or bruises which are already healing.
Perhaps the most surprising thing is they are perfectly friendly with each other now, laughing and joking with each other as you survey the damage.
At least it doesn't look like they were trying to kill each other?
"Welcome again to the Moriya shrine." Suwako speaks up. "Hope ya don't mind the mess, ah'll show ya to your room while Sanae gets dinner started."
She pulls herself up and motions for you to follow her.
You walk into the interior of the temple which despite what you might expect, is in relatively good condition… besides the obvious signs that people live here. Suwako leads you down a side corridor past a large garden on the side of the building. Finally reaching the end of the corridor where a solitary door is set into the wall, the first actual door you've seen since entering the temple.
She yanks it open, revealing what appears to have been once an old storage room, some boxes in the corners and windows near the ceiling, a table and futon have been setup in the center, it's clean at least.
"Sorry, 'bout this had a rather short notice you were coming." She say,sounding a bit apologetic.
"It's quite alright," you reply, "I'm grateful that you granted me shelter."
She snickers, "well aint you a gentleman, dinner will be ready in the main room in about twenty minutes if you wanna get unpacked."
A small smile falls onto her face.
"Other than that, welcome and thanks for signin' up, Sanae needed the help."
And with that she turns and leaves you to your business.
You empty your pockets onto the table, beyond your wallet and your phone you haven't brought anything with you, though you figure you'll need toiletries.
In the meantime you don't really have anything to unpack, and you have a little bit of time to kill...
You think you've already seen everything the room has to offer, simple and modest, it may take some work but you can definitely find comfort here, anything beats an alley in downtown Tokyo.
You pocket your phone and wallet and head back out of the room into the corridor, the last grasps of sunlight are reaching through the windows past the garden. Which serves to give everything a deep orange and purple glow. Twilight.
As you wander down the corridor you can glance through some cracks in the paper walls to see other storerooms mostly filled with boxes like yours was. You are curious what they need all of them for, most of them are still sealed. Those that are opened you cannot see inside of as they are stacked on high, and you'd feel rude to pry.
Exiting the corridor into the main room once again, no longer following Suwako you can take a better look at your surroundings. It's certainly large and ornate, proud wooden carvings of snakes and frogs decorate the main temple hall. Two garguantan snakes flank the main altar in the center, where cast in the orange glow of twilight you can just make out incense burning by the scent and faint lines of smoke.
Hanging proudly above the altar is a large painting, depicted the two goddesses from before, though unlike what you've seen so far, this is positively regal and mesmerizing. Their hair and the fall leaves almost seeming to move in the fading light, casting a sense of divinity and the supernatural.
Turning away you continue through the main room in the opposite direction, into what appears to be another corridor. Though unlike the last one this has most of its doors open, and instead of a garden, the windows are overlooking several smaller structures.
Walking down the corridor you move past a pantry and what seems to be a small living area complete with mats and a couch around a table, inside of which is Suwako sitting on a chair, idly flicking channels on a...
Television?
That... was certainly one of the last things you expected to find since leaving Tokyo, much less a temple of all things. But she's idly sitting there, palm cupping her chin as she flicks between stations not out of place on any tv in Japan.
She gives a brief glance towards you as you stick your head into the room, before waving with a smile and turning her head back to the television.
You head onwards through the corridor which branches off to the right and left. Straight ahead is an open doorway, which going by the smell you suppose leads into the kitchen. A peek inside shows Sanae diligently working on some sort of rice dish, having traded in her shrine maidens outfit for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, complete with a white apron adorned with a frog and snake pattern.
She notices you as soon as you walk in, smiling brightly and attempting a wave before realising her hands are full. She settles for a nod instead.
"Good evening Ayumu, was the room to your liking?" She asks, not distracted from the task in front of her as she works on some form of grilled meat to go with the rice.
"Yes, it was more than enough, I appreciate it." You reply honestly.
A question pops into your brain and is out of your lips before you could catch it.
"I've noticed you're cooking dinner, and right after picking up the grounds a little too. Don't you have the other shrine maidens to help you?" You ask, rather concerned the girl is working herself to death.
She jolts a little, the stirring spoon almost falling into the pot as she stirs it, and turns to you quickly.
"Oh! They are... away!" She says rapidly.
"They are out doing mission work across the land, and won't be back for quite some time." She says with a slight cracking tone to her voice, and you have a feeling it would perhaps be best not to pry on the matter further.
"Oh... I see, would you perhaps like some help?" You offer.
"No!" She shouts.
She clasps her hand over her mouth. "I mean... no that's fine, you are for tonight a guest, you've had a long trip and should rest, please, I can handle dinner." She states rapidly, turning back to the pot and stirring up a frenzy.
"Alright, thank you once again for having me." You say as you slink out of the room.
… Odd girl, but friendly at least.
To the right and left of the junction are nothing but short corridors with closed doors, wooden, not paper, so you think this is the limit of your exploration for now, you head back towards the living / dining area from before, Suwako apparently having decided on something to watch.
Watching with what appears interest is Kanako who has joined her, lounging on the couch against the wall.
...Regally.
You're honestly not sure how she is pulling that off.
You've pulled a mat from under the table and are perched on it. You sit at the table across from Suwako, watching a very dubbed British man describe the life and times of some form of toad, the television being the only source of noise.
After a few more minutes you can hear a door slide open outside and Sanae steps into the room, large pot in her hands which she sets on the table and gets to work passing out plates.
In short order everything is setup and Kanako joins you at the table, Sanae scooping out the rice and setting up the plate of meat in the center as everyone gets to eating.
Well.
Eating is a... weak word. Honestly it's only a little less violent than the battle outside before, as the two goddesses fight over various pieces of meat on the plate with their chopsticks. Sanae however seems to be in her own happy little world, eating her share with a happy smile on her face as she hardly pays attention to the two.
It calms down after enough time and the meal is finished, Kanako producing a bottle of Sake from under the couch as you all lounge around the table watching the television.
"So..." Suwako breaks the silence. Looking at you, and appearing far more serious and sober than she possibly should be considering the previous dinner and the amount of Sake she's inbided so far… then again being a goddess has its perks you imagine.
"Ayumu, you'll be working for us starin' tommorow, so ah do hope ya don't take offence." She states with a slight slur to her voice.
"Ah smell animal on ya, can't place the scent though, it's muddled."
"What form of youkai are ya?"
You notice Kanako is looking at you out of the corner of her eye, Sanae is however apparently engrossed in the show as the two goddess look at you.
Well, you suppose it is a fair enough question. You plan on living here for a bit after all… and they are goddesses. Lying here would only get you in trouble you feel.
You allow the small bit of magic to collapse, your tails popping through a newly formed hole in the back of your pants. While short black ears uncurl from your head, as if hidden by the hair before.
"I am a fox spirit," you say simply.
Suwako eyes you, not critically, and you don't see any malice in her gaze, Kanako has already turned her head back to the TV, though you are sure she's listening in.
Suwako gives a small nod, her face far more serious than any you've on her so far today.
"So... even the foxes have moved in... I suppose it was to be expected... still, how many youkai are even left where ya came from?" She asks.
Her tone almost sounds like she doesn't want to hear the answer.
"Not counting me? A few hundred in Tokyo were I to guess, those that haven't faded are making plans to come to Gensokyo eventually. Though a few more... malicious ones are planning to stay as long as they can get away with." You answer.
She holds the gaze for a moment longer after you speak, before sighing and rubbing one of her shoulders, you swear the eyes on her hat turn downcast as well.
"Ah suppose that is to be expected, those such as you are a dying breed in that world... as for us well..."
She turns a quick glance at Kanako before turning back to you.
"Gensokyo is a good place, ah think you'll like it here." She states with a small smile and pat on your shoulder, before turning back to the program, the melancholy mood seemingly gone as quick as it appeared.
The night progresses with no more conversation, and an hour later everyone heads to bed, your ears and tail concealed again, more out of habit than necessity. You bow to your hosts and head back to your room.
It's around nine when you finally get ready to turn in for the night yourself, taking the time to fold your clothes up as neatly as you can and get comfortable. While you can freely change their appearance, you can still feel the fabric, feeling wrinkles would eventually drive you insane, and you doubt they have the luxury of a washing machine.
The moon has risen and is casting light through one of the high windows that make up the storeroom, no lightsource exists in here besides, not that that changes anything. Foxes can see in the dark after all.
As you lay down your mind replays the events of the day, you wonder where that Tsukumogami group ended up? You never saw them leave the train.
Come to think of it you never saw Wakasagi leave the train either... Yukari shenanigans you imagine.
You can count yourself quite fortunate in any case that you've managed to acquire lodging, and food on top of that. You had expected to rough it for at least a few days before getting settled, while certainly an... eclectic bunch, they don't seem to mean you any harm.
The question is... what now?
Your entire life you had lived a certain way, worked with certain people, experiencing certain kind of things, and in the span of a single day it's all out of your reach, never to be seen ever again.
A good friend of yours once told you that life is never about what you are, it's about what you experience, and you've experienced more than most. You suppose from here on out you are flying blind.
It's... almost exciting, you honestly have no idea what the next day will bring.
With that final thought the exhaustion of the day catches up to you, and you fall asleep... and dream.
A blast of cool air rushes against your face, causing you to yelp and raise your arms and shield your face from the wind, eyes snapping open.
This... isn't your room.
You are standing on the peak of a mountain, but not Youkai mountain.
You know this place, this is Inari mountain, the landscape confirms it easily, but... that isn't Kyoto, or at least that isn't your Kyoto, this is hundreds of years ago. The concrete buildings and steel skyscrapers changed to stone and wood structures, the shrine path isn't stone, it's dirt... well trodden, but dirt. Humans are milling about, wearing clothing of a style you can't quite place.
But... this all seems very real. Which is a problem.
You've never been in Kyoto during this time period.
Then all at once it hits you, a tickling at the back of your mind, a fox spirit has many abilities, shapeshifting... affecting the minds of others are all well understood, but it goes deeper than that, foxes can affect the dreams of others, but it's never a talent you've really had, but you know enough to tell one thing.
This isn't your dream.
...Oh dear.
The shrine goers and priests move through you as if you aren't there as you wander through the shrine grounds. They are all headed in the same direction, deeper towards the main temple complex, most bearing offerings of some nature, which wouldn't be unusual.
But they move with an almost... mindless gait. Like they are sleepwalking, there is no rhythm to their movements as they move through the complex.
You follow them deeper. Reaching the temple itself, the smell of incense is burning strongly as you near, looking through the large gates you see something you have not seem in a very long time.
Fox spirits, in number. Positioned around the temple, some standing guard, others serving as shrine handlers, taking offerings from the humans.
And there, standing in the middle of it all behind the altar, sits a tall blonde woman, ceremonial robes on as she sits there, nine tails sitting behind her waving gently in the breeze.
Still, you approach, nothing seeming to notice your presence. The woman's eyes are closed, as if in deep meditation as the priests and priestesses take the offerings from the humans and lay it before the altar.
Then as if on cue everything stops.
All the humans, the foxes, the wind blowing through the trees, and even the smell of incense halts as if the world decided to pause.
The woman behind the altars eyes snap open, bright and golden glowing, they lock onto you instantly. A snarl escaping her lips.
Her eyes glow brighter and brighter as they focus on you, you can feel yourself burning, your body heating up as your heart starts hammering in your chest. Instantly breaking out into a sweat as a fire seems to light inside of your body.
You fall to the ground clutching at your chest, panting and blinking rapidly.
It's too hot.
It's burning you. It burns, it hurts, it burns, indescribable pain rushing through every nerve in your body as you feel your systems failing.
You have to get away.
YOU HAVE TO GET AWAY.
Your eyes snap open again, the feeling of cold air washing over you, you are clutching your chest still leaving deep red marks, you are back in your room, panting.
No more than a few hours could have passed since you first fell asleep, your sitting up on the futon, still breathing somewhat heavily as you try to workout what just happened. Your right hand is stained with blood, having punctured the skin when you grabbed your chest.
Yet nothing else is out of the ordinary.
...
What... was that?
Yo, this is a quest on Spacebattles being ported over to FF. Please enjoy.
