Well, it seems calling it a village is like mistaking an elephant on a distance for a horse. It's not so small as it seems; it's pretty big when you look from the inside. When I entered, I asked myself, where are the people? Not counting the three guards near the entrace, this place looks deserted. Maybe they're sleeping? I don't know the lifestyle of the people here, so what do I know. It still makes me think that this is a deserted village and the traditional buildings were made for display. Like a well-made replica of a village. It's certain that those guards are real though. Those swords looks sharp, not that I know a sharp sword when I see one.
I walk on the dirt, trusting my nose to lead me where food might be found. Or my common sense, whichever is more reliable. Having no idea where to go next, I move towards to what I assumed the center of the village. Along the way I see a few store, a couple of children playing hide-and-seek, and after a few minutes of walking at a leisurely pace, a bakery. Finally, a place where food is available.
I enter the store for a quick shopping and bought a dozen of small buns for myself. The owner puts it in a brown paper bag and I thank her for that. They also sells bottled water, so I bought one. It looks like even in a place like this, people still use the modern currency. It'll be weird if they use copper coins and the likes anyway. They won't get any visitors if that's the case, assuming that this is like a tourist spot. I also won't be able to buy these.
Now since it's one of the few times I'm out of town, I'll be staying here for a while. This place looks like it was pulled out of an adventure story. I don't know how I'll be able to live here if this will be like what I think it would be. No machines that helps us do things easier is troublesome, but I can manage anyhow.
Ah, well, no use in thinking about that. I won't get anywhere by standing idly. I noticed that the skies are already orange. The sun is setting and I don't have a place to stay yet. It's a wonder how I'm still calm in this situation, where someone would be panicking and be confused.
Maybe I just don't really care, and that I thirst for something new and adventurous?
Hey these buns are pretty tasty.
Okay. I need to start somewhere. Maybe there's an Inn here, or something like that. I start to walk again towards the assumed center of this village. Maybe it's the best place to start. It's relatively noisy, after all. Which means people who can help me if they're kind enough. I could already imagine the center being crowded with stands and other activites.
As I go, the place gets denser and denser. Maybe there's an event or something. There's only one way to find out.
When I get there, the first thing I notice is the statue of a dragon in the middle. After I was done checking it, I notice that the crowd are taking a subtle look at me.
What. What's wrong? Is it becaues of what I'm doing? It's not because of the way I dress... right?
Now that I think about it, I feel out of place. They're all wearing something traditional and I'm the only one wearing something modern. It's like I'm a black smudge on a rainbow. An eyesore.
When I look at them in the eyes, they quickly turn and look at their companion if they have one, or resume whatever it is that they're doing.
The pressure I feel is so great and irritating that it prompt me to walk away immediately.
It didn't go as planned, but I learned something. This place isn't empty. They really do just hang out in the center, because when I was there, nothing was going on. Or I just didn't stay long enough or ask someone for me to know what the occasion is. I can't help it though. I'm not a social person. I prefer to do things my way, too.
I was a few steps away from the center, about to turn after the next building, when someone called out to me. "Hey! Wait up!"
I turn to look at the voice and my eyes landed on a beautiful girl with a bluish hair jogging towards me. She wears a blue dress that blends to white just below her knees. A red ribbon is situated on her chest. A heavy-looking hat is placed on her head, which looks silly. How does it even manage to stay still?
She slows down to a stop. The hat didn't even budge.
Up close, her eyes are quite strange. A red one. Contact lens? Heh.
"Hey, what's wrong? Don't like the crowd?" She asks.
"Not really."
"So... what's the problem?"
What's in it for her anyway? Is she an authority of this place? I answer her directly.
"I don't have a place to stay." And I really need one right now. It's going to get dark in a few hours and I won't be able to sleep peacefully lying on the ground in an unknown place.
She puts her hand on her chin thoughtfully.
When I was wandering around, I found no hotels or inn here, so I doubt she'll be able to help. Unless she lets me sleep on her house. That would be nice. I absolutely have no trouble with that.
I was about to say something when she suddenly speaks. "Maybe... you could stay in the school for today."
I didn't know it'll be this easy to find a place. A school is fine too. As long as it's under a roof and I'm secure, as secure as I could be in a stranger's place, but if the school is her's then I have no problem with that. Is she teaching there too?
"Oh uhm, thanks. Where is this place anyway?" I ask her. I want to know where I am right now. I at least want to know how to get home after I'm done with my self-proclaimed vacation.
Silence.
She smiles a sad look to me. I wouldn't have notice it if I'm not obersvant.
"This is Gensokyo."
