Autumn.
Fleeting, ever changing, quick in view and fast in movement.
The start of bitter winds and low temperatures, of the harvest of Autumn crops.
A precursor to the cold, but also a time of peace, of seasonal change from hot to cold.
The trees shift and turn, their leaves melding into new colors and faces and shapes.
As I stand in my shrine, sweeping away at the numerous leaves of all colors and shapes, a fierce gust of wind blows, whipping the trees and ground into a frenzy, a veritable maelstrom of leaves surrounding me as I witness their movement.
The maelstrom of leaves continued, spinning around much like a certain curse goddess.
So simple, so insignificant, so powerless were the leaves.
Yet, their beauty lay within that very simplicity, that very weakness.
In the storm of leaves that I stand within, a single red maple leaf, pristine in color and rich in texture, floats down gently, dropping right into my outstretched hand.
As the leaves, so numerous in color and quantity, ranging from red, orange, yellow, green, even brown, die down upon the ground of the Shrine with the wind's relenting hold, the maple leaf that I held in my hand fell to the ground in a second, as I continued sweeping, my duties taking precedence over a few leaves, much as I loved and appreciated nature.
As I look off in the distance, more sights can be seen.
The trees, thousands of them bearing their old leaves, many of them lost in the inevitable wind that came to blow them away.
The sky, covered in bleak, grey rainclouds but also with bright blue, the sky painted a picture of both sadness and joy, of despair and hope, of terror and safety.
The sun, once a scorching ball of discomfort, now a pleasant temperature for those inclined to colder environments.
Now a mellow yellow rather than the scorching orange it was only a while back, it's rays warming and comforting to all.
In the distance over the Forest of Magic, the bright lights of Danmaku can be seen, as a Spell Card Duel took place. Judging from the massive lasers and numerous explosions that accompanied the beautiful display of magic, it was most likely Marisa and Alice sparring once again.
As the last of the leaves were moved to the compost heap, I set them ablaze with a simple fire spell, taught by Mokou, before a voice called out, "Reimu! Dinner's ready to made!"
"Coming!"
As I walk back into the shrine, to my family, only one thought crossed the Hakurei Shrine Maiden's mind.
Autumn, in all of its peace, is the most precious of the four seasons.