DISCLAMER: I do not own Touhou Project. All Rights belong to the respective owner, ZUN.

Author Pre-word: I don't know if I should make more than 10'000 words for my next chapter. But I fear it might be long and eye straining for my readers. For now, I will try to limit below 8000 words. If not I will do it once in a while and go for it. Anyway, I know it is a fast update. Because I have the plan on what Aruto going to do next and all. Without further ado, enjoy this chapter and have a nice day! ^_^

Chapter 04 – To paradise

"Oooh…what…" Moaning lightly the moment I open my eyes. Birds chirping in the grove of trees the area I am in. It is lit with the bright morning light that will soon envelope with its morning heat. How long I was out since I got that dizziness? The firework. That reminds me for a second there. I should probably create a distance away from the shrine or else I might see my friends again. Not wanting to see them again after I made my decision. But at the same time. This lingering feeling dwell in my heart telling me to go back and tell them I am fine. Making them unnecessary worried about my sudden disappearance.

"Who am I kidding…" I got up on my feet. Dusting my clothes from the dirt that smeared on some part of my trouser. "This is my chance to go and yet…I'm still thinking about going back…"

Looking out at the grove of trees and beyond it, I cannot help to think what lies the opposite side of the shrine. Also, about the noises yesterday. Maybe I should investigate that sound. I did a quick stretch on my cold, weary legs. Readying my boot by tapping on its toes to the ground before heading out. The forest is quite dense. The grass beyond here is dry as it crushes under my boot. Making a crushing sound of like someone eating a packet of chips. Before that it was wet and now it is dry?

"It's getting hotter. Got to find wide places before I become a dried squid." I thought of that while thinking how funny it can be if a squid is to be here. Basking under the sun in the middle of nowhere. But that was just me wanting to think of something other than feeling the heat of this place. Then, I saw an opening. Rather than trees between them. This time, there is like an entrance way to the other side. Proceeding to it, the first things I see are cherry trees. Somewhat like the one back at the shrine. Moving inward to see what else, I am then greeted with a wide pond.

"A pond? Nothing much." I said to myself. Moving out again to see what else.

More cherry trees until I came upon a building. But it is more like an oriental Japanese design. The more I look at it, the more I begin to visualize it is somehow familiar. Hakurei shrine? Am I back from where I was? Moving swiftly with my legs to see what the front will look like, I am indeed surprise it is really Hakurei shrine.

"Great…I am back but…" I look around the area. "Where are the booths? The people? It's deserted. There should be at least some of them in here before bringing it down. Moreover, this shrine is…really old and run down. Am I where I am?"

Thinking that I am still dreaming. I pinch my cheek. I feel pain. Possibly not dreaming. Still, looking around once again, I notice a number of mats lying on the ground. On it are dozens of sake bottle. Pick one of them up and it is empty. There was a party here I think. Maybe that is the reason why there were noises when I was in the forest. Went over to the donation box and to my surprise, it is empty. I offer a little donation with some thousand yen notes. Before looking out to the sky.

"There is no point thinking about where I am and what is going on. Time for a little recon…"

I need a vantage point. A place high enough for me to see the surrounding area of where I am. If this shrine has the same concept like the newly renovated one, it could be I am on a hill. I went over to the torii and the moment I am under it, the view was breath taking. Looks like I am on a mountain instead. It is so majestic. So beautiful like you are in the heaven itself. Mountain at the other side of where I am. A lake near the foot of this hill. Beyond it, a settlement. Like a town or village. The moment I am seeing this, I knew I am not dreaming. Nor I am in Japan anymore. This is a whole new world. Did I slip into another dimension? But how? What with this land? It does not feel like an urban, city life. Rather like a country side.

"This is great." I said in my thought. "This could add to my getaway. A land of paradise so to speak. It is time to discover more about this land."

Heading down the stairway, it is not that steep like the one back in Japan. Once I am at the foot, there is a dirt road. I could follow this path. Head over to the settlement to gather more clues. Usually people would have panic in this kind of situation. For me, I find it amazing and exciting to know what is next going to happen. Just as I take a few steps, I felt a presence. Three of them hidden away in the row of trees at the side road. Pretended that I did not notice, I take a small step as not to create loud noise, adjusting accordingly to my hearing and I can hear their mumbling a little.

"We...should…and this…our…chance…" One of them mumbling.

"An outsider…prey…for us…"

"Wait till…close…"

"Thief? Bandit? So basically they want to catch me off guard? They should have hid their presence properly" I whisper under my breath. "Why linger in the shadow still?" I cried at them. Stopping my track. "You can come at me unless you are a coward, spineless being."

There was no respond. Only the gentle breeze blowing at the direction I am going. Then, one by one, these cowards emerge from their hiding spot. Appearing from behind the trees and talk about a good spot to hide one self. It was just three men. But their clothing is old-fashioned. Like those during the feudal Japan era.

"Aren't you a cocky one little boy?"

"Come on guys!" One of them was seen licking his fingers. "Let's get right down to it!"

"Alright! Fresh meat coming right up!"

"Fresh meat? Don't tell me they…"

One of the leapt at me. Quite fast for someone like his size. But miss as I did a side step at the last second. Then again and again until that man lose his footing but went for a swipes at my face. In second, I move closer to his body. Block his arm and give a volley of punches on his chest. The last I give a palm strike to his cheek. Making him off balance as he back away from me.

"The heck! Why you little wretch!"

"What a tough body he has…So robust…" I ready my karate stance. "I never thought I am greeted by some cannibalism people already. Leave now. If you don't want to get hurt badly next."

"HAHAHAHA!" They laugh at me suddenly. "Clearly this outsider doesn't know the situation he is in!"

"Just hurry up now! Let's get him before the exterminator comes for our head."

"Outsider? Exterminator? Looks like I have a lot of thing to know and catch up." I said before they launch another attack.

I ready my defensive stance and it was hard of them to get me. Either their simple attack got pushes aside or I dodge their easy to read attack easily. Pushing them. Smacking them like a drum. Playing them like little kids. Until one of them got the upper hand. Striking me from above. It is time to use that then. Swiftly untie the knots and swing my nodachi to the front. Thud! As the man hand hit on it before grasping the cloth away. Revealing my nodachi to them.

"Last warning. Leave or my blade will be your demise." I said with the seriousness to them while drawing my nodachi. Tossing my saya to one side. Pointing the tip to them as my hand rested at the blunt side of my nodachi.

"Whatever! Your sword won't do much damage to us anyway! Hiyaa!" One of them leapt at me as usual with his speed. Readying his arm to grab me down.

Steady my breath. My mind. Readying my footwork. Just as he is a few meter of getting me, I swiftly strike him with all my might. Barely missing his grasp. Cut down at his shoulder area. Letting a huge, clean gash on it as his blood were gushing like water. Screaming in pain while rolling on the ground.

"ARRGGHH! IT HURTS! IT'S FREEZING COLD! IT HURTS! ARRGGHHH!"

"What!? Freezing cold!? Is he an exterminator too!?"

"But I never heard of an exterminator from the outside world!"

"Shaking on your boot already? I did warn you. Now. Who is next to taste my blade?"

Fear takes over them. Hesitating to what to do next. Leave here and abandon his comrade which is behind me or fight to death. Finally, they make up their mind and decided to go for it. I smile thinking they are not foolish but brave enough for not being coward at least.

"Stop! Stop this instance at once!" A voice of a girl sounded from behind me.

I turn around. My eyes were taken with surprise of someone beautiful. Her clothing is mostly red. Red vest. Red skirt. Red ribbon ties on her hair which is a shoulder length long. But at least her detachable sleeve is white. Somehow, she has a vibe of a shrine maiden. Somewhat like Arisa-chan.

"Leave this instance while I still allow it. Or else you know what comes to you, youkai." Her tone was fearful. Making them shaking on their boot the next instance. Showing their cowardly once again. Grabbing their comrade and run at top speed out of here. I turn my attention to this girl next. Placing my nodachi to the side and bow at her.

"You have my gratitude miss. I could have deal with them but thank you nevertheless."

"Well…" She smiles. Putting her fearfulness tone away. "I'm glad to be assistance. Although I am quite surprise of you to take care of those youkai relatively easily. You are not someone normal or weak for an outsider at least."

"Again with the outsider. And you call those cannibals, youkai? Demon? I don't quite get it."

"We got that a lot from an outsider. Also to add it up, you are quite lucky not to be eaten by those youkai. And no, they are not human or cannibal. This land you are right here is not like the world you came from. I'm sure you know a thing or two when you are here yes? You got to realise this is a whole new world for you."

Youkai. They are creature as told from stories in Japan existed since the time of our ancestor. Powerful, scary creatures dwell in Japan long ago. But they were just fairy tale to scare kids during bedtime story. Others find it amusing and came up with theory of how they look like and all. But for my situation, they look like human. Was the story all along we read were just misinterpreted in some way? So many questions in my head emerging in my head now.

"Well…their body were quite…hard when I punch them. Then again…" I raise my nodachi. "They got hurt by my blade real bad. Perhaps they can't take blunt attack but rather cut damage?"

"Well…to hurt them. It has to be a spiritual attack or weapon with some kind of origin. I suppose your blade is special? Like it has been blessed or meant for exorcism?"

"I'm not sure really but all I know Hatsuyuki has been passed down to my family lineage for many generation. Now, I'm the rightful owner of it after my mother passed it to me. Maybe that is the reason why?"

"Maybe." She nods her head. "A weapon since ancient time I see. But enough of that. Forgive me for the late introduction. My name is Reimu. Reimu Hakurei. I'm the shrine maiden of the Hakurei Shrine up there. You are?"

"Hakurei?" I stare at her. Her last name. Same like Arisa. Is she somewhat connected? I wanted to ask her if she knew who Arisa is. But I scrap it. Thinking she would not know anyway. "My name is Aruto. Aruto Izumo. Nice to meet your acquaintance Reimu-san."

I give a bow to her. She scratches her cheek thinking that was not really necessary. But eventually bow at me. I wipe the blood away on my nodachi next before sheathing it back. Hang it at my back without the cloth. Since it has been shredded by those youkai. Reimu commented it must be hard for such a long blade to sheathe it back to the saya. But for me personally, I am use to it. Saying this is one of the ways to sheathe it.

"Now, this is my question for you. Since you came from the outside world, would you like to go back to your world? If you don't, you can stay in the human village. You can expect a safe haven from youkai attacking just now either way. It's your choice. What will it be?"

"You mean the settlement at the other side of the lake?" I asked her and she simply responded with a nod. "It is safe and I suppose it is peaceful huh? I've decided. I will be staying at this Human village."

"Eh?" She went shocked over my sudden, quick decision. "Well…I got no objection on that. But I have to say you are indeed strange for an outsider. Most of them would just leave and forgot about this place."

"I guess I'm not one of those majorities." I smiles. Thinking this is a good opportunity really. To live in peace finally. "Is it this way Reimu-san?"

"You can just call me Reimu. You don't have to address to me so formally Aruto."

"Very well. If that's what you wish Reimu."

"Without further ado. I will take you to the village. Sigh…it will be great if we could fly there…"

"Fly? What? There is an airplane here?"

Somewhere in Japan, Hakurei Shrine…

"Still no respond Aya-chan?" Arisa asked her but she simply shakes her head.

"Aya-chan? Arisa-san? Are you here?" Someone came to open the sliding door of the room they are in.

"Oh! Landlady. Took you quite a while. Any news?" Aya said but she shakes her head. Same result.

"Stay positive you two. Everyone is trying their best to find him. I doubt he was abduction or something. I mean he can fight and all. We will find him eventually. In the meantime, you should get some rest you two."

"I'm…fine really…" Aya still meddle her phone while rubbing her tired eyes. Next came her teary eyes. Still worrying the fact Aruto suddenly disappear.

"Aya-chan. You should get some rest now. It will not do us good if you faint right here and now. That will add another problem we have currently right?" Arisa tap on her back.

"Urmm…yeah…I'm sorry…You are right…"

"By the way landlady." Arisa look at her next. "Perhaps we should ask Maribel and Renko help on this matter. Since they did mentioned they somewhat knew the disappearance of Aruto."

"Maribel? Renko? A friend of yours?" Landlady wondering.

"Yes. What do you say?"

"I disagree." Aya object on this. "We don't need their help. I mean they suddenly spurting nonsense about Aruto ending up in the different realm? He stepping into a boundary of the other side? Utter rubbish!"

"Aya-chan…" Landlady went over to her. "Perhaps we really need more help on this. Perhaps they know more than any of us knew? Let's them give it a try eh?"

"Hmph…whatever…I still won't approve though…" Looking at her side with her frustrated look of her face.

"If that's the case, I will call them as we agreed upon. Anyway, I will prepare the bath if you want one Aya-chan."

"Oh? Alright. I've wanted one now. Thank Arisa-chan…"

"Sigh…" Landlady watches them both went out of the room. "Should I tell them about it Aruto-kun? They should know everything about it too you know…"

Somewhere along the path to Human Village…

"And that's the Misty Lake we pass just now." Reimu said. Making herself like a tour guide of this land.

"Indeed it is quite misty as the name implied. So…I doubt it is just a still lake right? It must have a source of water from somewhere right?"

"Well…the lake pretty much gets it from that Youkai Mountain up there. "She pointed at the mountain. The highest one so far I see. Next to the one where I was at.

"Sounds pretty imitating. Youkai Mountain." I said.

"Tengu dwell in that mountain. They hate people trespass their territory. So it is unwise for human to enter their land. It will be best if you forget about going in there first thing first."

"Tengu huh…I see…Oh yeah. I've wanted to ask this Reimu. Does this land have a sea?"

"Sea?" Her eyebrows rise. "No we don't. The biggest we have is just this lake only. "Perhaps you can tell me how it is like and all?"

"Outside world exchange information huh? Well you see…"

Along the way, we talk and talk until both of us were hook to each other perspective of their world. Gensokyo is what they call it. Separating this world and the outside a long time ago. Human such me are rare to encounter and people in Gensokyo find them valuable. In term of knowledge, the possession they have from the world outside. Also, Reimu mention this land is not that big. Not like one whole country but a small piece of land in a country.

"I suppose there are human from the outside settle in the Human village, Reimu?"

"Of course. They are somewhat special but some find them kind of hard to go along. The bridge of understanding each other were hard at time. You can see that our world is something way outdated from yours. Making them sometimes hard to get use to our lifestyle."

"Well…I hope I can get along with the others. Kind of anxious just thinking about it."

"I'm sure you will get use to here…Oh we are here."

We came to stop at the opened wooden gate with wooden fence stretches from one end to another. A few hundred meters from the gate, lies the village. Most of them have the look of oriental Japanese house to it. But to my point of view, it is rather big for a village. I might as well call it a town instead. Reimu direct me further into the settlement. We reach at the entrance way of the village. It is bustling with shopkeepers yelling and screaming for their valuable goods to be sold. People shopping to buy their everyday stuff. And not to mention kids joyfully playing in the street without any care to their safety.

"As promised. Here we are. Human village." Reimu held her arm. Showing me the village.

"Urmm…it is lively than I first normally thought. I would call this a town instead." Letting out a slight laughter.

"They are lively people living here. Knowing full well they are safe from vicious youkai from becoming dinner. Also, Aruto. There's something I need to tell you."

"Hmm? What will be that be?" I asked her.

"I have to get back to my shrine." She gives her worry smiles at me. "I have yet to clean up the mess from the party we had yesterday. You wouldn't mind if you are on your own now? Sorry about that!"

"I don't mind actually." I shake my head. "You have done so much for guiding me here and somewhat becoming a tour guide to me. I can manage by myself." I took something from my bag and give it to Reimu as a token of helping me out. A keychain I bought back at the festival.

"It's not much but please accepts this Reimu. One day I would surely repay you back more than this."

"Eh…Thank you I guess. I would say a token of friendship if I were you hahaha!" She jokily said that to me. "But seriously, thank you. Anyway, I will see you again I guess?"

"Of course we will see each other again. Till then." I bow at her.

She too bows at me before walking out of here. Before leaving, she mentioned about finding a certain person name Keine Kamishirasawa. She can help me in finding a place for me to settle in. That is a mouthful just to say her last name. Keine-san I suppose will do just fine. Reimu is the first person I met in this world. Will I get to see more like her? I guess I will soon find out. Digging my boot on the ground, I start walking deeper into the village. Just walking down the street make every soul look at me with their curious eyes. Thinking who might this newcomer is. This strange looking outsider with strange looking clothing he is wearing is what I bet they are thinking. Most of the settlers here are wearing a simple, plain yukata. The village shops that open for business here vary from food, everyday application, furniture that is good looking and well-sculpture and many more else. Also, I got a feeling this village do not only have humans only. But rather having youkai and some other being. I could not help but to feel the vibe coming from every corner of this place. Sending some sort of chill down my spine.

"Good day to you sir!" One of the shopkeeper call for me. "Is there anything that might interest you!?"

I simply responded by waving my hands at his merchandise he is selling. Thinking I should be asking for people of where Keine-san will be.

"Excuse me." I bow and ask one of the villagers. "Could you be kind enough to tell me where I might find Keine-san?"

Some would just ignore me or simply saying they have stuff to do or worse, telling me to get lost and mind my own business. I can pretty much guess they do not accept me yet. Still thinking of me like someone unknown. I do not blame them but still try my hardest to get use to this place. Just like back then in the city I used to live. Back to square one I suppose. Still walking around the middle of the street, looking around. I got stop by a group of adult men. Surrounding me with their katana and their cocky look of their faces. Youkai or human I do not know. I do not care who but if they bleed, that is more than enough for me.

"Walking in the middle thinking you are so mighty kid?" The leader of the group steps up to me. A tall, muscular man with a scary look. Of course that did not threaten me.

"An outsider who don't know his place." The other said. Resting his katana on his shoulder. Thinking he look cool.

"How about…we talk over at that corner kid. We don't want this to be a mess right?"

"How about." I went to his ear. "We talk here instead? Afraid of someone who might see you becoming a naughty boy and get punish?"

His body jerk. Biting his teeth angrily from my comment I gave to him. I guess I was right. There must be a certain someone who they are scare with. Not wanting this to escalate more into a fight. They want to settle this quietly or worse, if uncooperative, I might get a beating. Lowly bandit and thief stuff I guess.

"You have done it boy!" He is about to draw his katana only to be stop by someone shouting at him.

"Stop what you doing!" A voice of a lady rings across the street behind them. "You have some nerve to cause trouble in this village again Kenshiro-san?"

"Ah…Keine-san…You know we were just…" He turns to look at this lady.

"You just scaring the young man. Can't you let it rest even for a day? I know you love to tease and all but there is a limit to it right? Unless you wish to get punish by…"

"Ah! Please Keine-san! Anything but that!" He shakes his head vigorously from side to side.

So this Keine person I am supposed to meet? A tall, silver haired woman wearing a blue dress. Holding a couple of books as she smiles at me. Nodding her head it is alright.

"Off you go now Kenshiro-san. You have worked to do right?"

"Well…I guess so…See you around kid." He and his men left the area. Leaving me and Keine standing in the middle of the street.

"I apologise for that. Kenshiro-san just love to tease people. Especially to outsider. So call to boost their optimism and his way of greeting from the awkwardness." She shows her open and close inverted comma hand sign to me.

"I appreciate for what you did. Thank you." I bow at her. "Are you perhaps Keine Kamishirasawa?" Somehow I manage to pronounce her last name right for the first time.

"Yes I am. Who might you be? Besides than the fact you are an outsider."

"I am Aruto Izumo. Reimu told me to find you if I need anything like finding me a place to settle in? I apologise if by any chance I am interrupting your daily works Keine-san."

"Oh? Izumo…could it be that Izumo…?" She whispers to herself.

"Is something the matter Keine-san?" Asking her from her sudden behaviour upon hearing my name.

"Oh no. Sorry about that. Anyway. If it's Reimu. I can more or less understand what you want. And no, you are not interrupting me since this is my free time. Just to confirm you, are you sure you want to settle in this village? Is that your final decision?"

"Reimu somewhat asked me the same thing. Don't worry. I pretty much make my decision. I've decided to stay here. Is that troubling you somehow Keine-san?"

"Oh no no. I just want to confirm it with you. Sometimes they might change their mind at the last minute. Anyway, we have to do some administrative stuff before I can take you to a vacant house and start living in one. But for this case, you don't have to."

"Hmm? Why is that Keine-san?"

"Because we already have a vacant house. Although it is…' She pauses. "Never mind, I will show you first."

She takes me to this house. I wonder if every outsider goes through this kind of thing or I am simply a lucky one. Getting one without any paper work and all those admin stuff. But more importantly, I get to have my own house. Not an apartment anymore but rather my own personal house. Talk about being upgrade.

"Keine-san. Just asking but are you perhaps the village chief?" I ask her just to verify on that.

"Oh no I'm not. I'm just a teacher. Teaching children in my school in the village. Drop by once in a while if you are interested in learning some lesson from me."

"Oh I see. My apology. I should have been calling you Keine-sensei instead."

"It's alright. I didn't tell you much about me until now."

"But of course. About The lesson. I will drop by some day. After I've settle everything on the lodging and all."

"Glad to hear that. Oh! We are here." Both of us stop in front of a house.

I thought it will be something great but to my disappointment, it was not. It is a small western style house. Located at the edge of the village. Dirty and a little worn down from climate and the environment around here. I ask Keine if I could take a look inside and she allows it. Open the door as it creaks from the rust of the door joints. The house is stench of foul smell. Too much dust is collecting in here without letting the window open, the wooden floor is giving way, and the walls are cracking. There is a second floor but the stairway I observe is giving way. I doubt my weight can hold much from the decaying wood. Abandoning the idea of going up for now, I step outside to meet Keine. Still pinching my nose from the foul smell.

"How was it? It is nice?" Keine smirk at me. Mocking me in a fun way.

"That wasn't funny Keine-san." Letting go of my nose. "Now I see why there is no need for such process in getting one. Because it is old and abandon for a very long time huh?"

"Well. There was someone who lived here around 40 years ago? A woman you see. Although I don't remember her name and how she looks like."

"A woman? An outsider?" I said and Keine nod her head. "I have to say that person love the western look housing. She got taste although sadly it has become like this…"

"This is one of the available housing you can choose. There are others more so don't let your hope down now. Personally, I would like to demolish this house but the village chief forbids anyone from tampering this house. I have no idea why would he keep this run down house."

"Memories…" I answered that to Keine. "Maybe it has a deep bond and memories to the person who once live here? The chief probably don't want that to disappear. Just saying but what if that woman and the village chief knew each other and her last request is not to demolish it down? One of those theories you know?"

"Hahaha." Keine let out a short laugh. "Possible theory but I doubt so. But anyway, do you want this or prefer another house? Although that can take quite a while."

"I will take this." I answer straight away. Still looking at this house. "I feel I could at least cherish this house from the last person who lived here. Restore it to its former glory like before."

"Alright." Keine smiles. "If that's your decision. No stopping you now."

"Although I have to buy a lot of cleaning material for some cleaning."

"Well. You can get some at one of the store nearby. It is cheap I warn you first. Sometimes they would love to cheat you even for cleaning material. Be mindful of this kind of stuff."

"Eh…how cheap and lowly they are. Much evil…" Feeling a bit uncomfortable after hearing that.

"But I'm sure you will be fine. I don't have to spoon feed you right? You can manage it right?"

"Yeah." Giving her the confident look I can do it. Not only getting cheat but making friends and giving my trust to the villagers is that what Keine is trying to say as well.

"Alright then. I will be off then. If you need anything. Don't hesitate to come to my school. I will be there most of the time from morning to afternoon class. With nothing else, see you later Aruto-san." She bows before leaving.

"Thank you for everything Keine-sensei." I too bow at her. "Alright! Let's get down to business!"

Somewhere back in Japan…

"So?" Renko fold her arms, looking at Maribel. "Any call from Arisa-san?"

"No." Shaking her head while keeping her phone into her skirt pocket. "Nothing. I'm guessing…they don't wish our help after all…"

"Personally for me. I want to help them. Telling them the truth about Aruto being spirited away and all. I mean you can help them by locating him."

"I know…But Aya-san does not like the idea of us poking in this affair. Furiously throwing tantrum at us back at the shrine remembers? She really hates us just when we met her."

"Sigh…" Renko let out her loud sigh to herself. "Let's just to this without their approving. What say you?"

"No I won't do it." Maribel rejects Renko thinking. "We will wait for the approving from them." Just as Maribel said that, her phone starts to ring.

"It's must be them! Hurry up! Pick it up!"

"Relax! Geez! Hel…Hello? Arisa-san?" Maribel takes her phone to her ear. Nodding away silently. Listening to what the caller is saying to her.

"Well!?" Renko feeling a little impatience. "What is it?"

"Hold on Renko…Yes? Oh alright. I understand Arisa-san. I understand. I will tell this to Renko as well. Ok. Goodbye." Maribel hangs up and let out a sigh.

"Well? What is it?"

"Renko…" Maribel paused for a while. Before looking at her friend in the eyes. "Pack our stuff. We are going to Arisa-san shrine this evening. She wishes us to render our help to them."

"About time…but why her place? We got ourselves a hotel we staying in…"

"Because she allows us for lodging in her shrine instead. Well? Aren't you not still getting it? Let's get moving now numb head!" Maribel smiles at her.

"Ah! Right! Right! It's just that I am quite surprise. Although I still worry about that Aya girl."

"I'm pretty sure she has no choice but to have our help. This is beyond anyone who can help except us."

"Yeah…" Renko look up to the sky. "This is Gensokyo we talking about…The secluded world of paradise I would say…"

Somewhere in the Gensokyo, Human Village…

"Excuse me!" I enter one of the shops that sell all sort of cleaning material. Set my eyes on a couple of stuff I need to get. "Anyone inside?"

It is well organize, clean looking shop. Not that big but enough to move around freely without troubling moving around. I call for the owner of the shop again. A loud stepping sound came from the back of the store. Stomping his foots on the wooden floor before revealing the person to me. An old man. At least at his sixties. Wearing a yukata with lose fitting robe over it.

"Ah…a customer I see. It's been a quite some time someone like you to come shopping in this place."

"Nice to meet you sir." I bow at him. "I wish to buy a list of cleaning material for my house. It is possible to help me with that?"

"Eh?" He went a bit of bewilderment. "What do you mean you need my help? Wait…are you the new outsider that came to this village this morning?"

"Yes sir. Was there a problem?"

"No. I heard you stand up to Kenshiro-kun. Pretty brave of you to do that. Especially for an outsider."

"Hahaha!" I scratch my head. "Not that I am boasting or what but to me he is all bark but no bite. Although personally for me, I wanted to see some action. Crazy of me I know…"

"You are one crazy boy for you to said that. You are one strange outsider I ever encounter in all my life. Anyway, I'm guessing you already have a house to stay yes?"

"Yes. The abandon house at the edge of this village. Thanks to Keine-sensei. I got it without any much complication."

"Oh…" He mouth went open. Nodding his head. "That house I see…hmm…the previous owner there I see…hmm…"

"Hmm? By any chance you know who is the last owner was sir?"

"I don't know." He answers immediately. Turning his back at me while looking around the shop. "I don't care and don't remember anyway."

"Eh…then what is the point when you thought you know something…" I said in my thought.

"You need pretty much a lot of stuff to clean that place." He then looks at me. More into my nodachi. "My assistant and I can help you but…"

"But?" I wonder what he will say next.

"This is strange for you but I enjoy watching a certain thing. I've wanted to see someone try the Tameshigiri on some tatami I have. Could you be the honour of showing it to me with your nodachi of yours?

"Huh? Cut testing with my nodachi? Not that I am complaining but it is kind of strange request from you sir? I mean isn't there anyone out there in the village to show you that instead?"

"Well there are some manage to cut it. I mean most of them could not cut it clean like what I thought it will be. Leaving an excessive straw and rough texture from the result."

When I heard the word manages. Just what in the word is the tatami made of? It is made of straw right? Is he telling me it is encase with some thick steel plating but that will be ridiculous. Talk about being overkill. "Alright. I will do it for your strange request.. But promise me you will help me later on?"

"Of course. You have my word. In additional, I might give you discount if you perform well. Now, allow me and my assistant to prepare everything. You can wait here in the meantime."

He went to the back of the store. Calling out his assistant to prepare the stuff needed for tameshigiri. Discount he said. Well. I would not mind that now. I did once with my nodachi with my mother watching it. It is said to test the quality of the katana back in those days. Only skilled swordsmen were given the honour to test the katana. Judging its quality by cutting tatami, bamboo, metal sheet and even human. Nowadays, it is use as a practice not only testing but also the skill of cutting. It is like becoming a sport from the way I see it.

"Ah…those were the days…" I said to myself. Remembering those days my mother wields this nodachi. Cutting multiple tatami relatively easy with her sharp motion. Without breaking a sweat and leaving a clean, smooth cut on it. Most of the time I could cut it but it wasn't as great as mother's.

Later, the owner calls me from the outside. How in the world he end up the other side? Talk about wanting to surprise me like having a birthday. I step outside. Only to be greeted by a crowd of people. Mumbling about someone is going to show some cutting show while others saying some show of tameshigiri.

"Boy." The owner went up to me. "Are you ready?"

"I don't remember agreeing on some crowd wanting to watch me!" I cried at him.

"Relax boy. It cannot be help. The moment they saw me setting up the stuff. Everyone spread the news like wildfire. It is like becoming a small event for them."

"I wonder how many times you did this to the point it register to these villager head. Sigh…never mind that. So, what will it be?"

He shows me the stand in front of me. There is one tatami on it. Roll into a roll as it ties with simple strings. It is same as my mother and I did it. I then start to focus. Draw slightly my nodachi out, before letting it out upward from the saya.

"He didn't draw it out from the saya but from the middle of it?" One of the villagers said.

"Maybe it is a special designed saya. Usually it will take another person to draw it for him. But I am impress he can do it alone…" Some others commented about me.

But that did not bother me. As I need to focus on the tatami. Ready my stance. Readying myself to swing down at the target. Then, I let out a clean, three slashes from left to right diagonally in quick succession. Some were hollering over the quick slashing I did. While others find it normal. I can do that that easily as what they thought. I bow at everyone before some clap at me.

"That's done. As we agree upon…"

"What do you mean boy? The show has just begun." He interrupted me when he let out his smiles. Revealing he have no teeth from top to bottom. Talk about making a fool on me.

His middle-aged assistant place another tatami but this time there are two. Deliver the same result but instead did an upper diagonally cut. Leaving a piece of the tatami standing on its stand before I cut them again as it drop to the ground next. Many find it hard to do it but for me, that was my lucky try. Upper diagonally cut is not an easy feat to achieve as gravity is pulling you down. To make matter worse for me, I am carrying a long sword type. Heavy is one thing but the cutting power. I do not complain much about it anyway.

"Old man! Are we done?" Not that I am tired but it is done I am sure. He says nothing and smiles and his assistant put six this time. A thick one and it had been soaked with water. Making it dense than the one I cut just now. This is just like back then when mother force me to cut and practice my technique over and over again with it. The ordeal I have to suffer.

"Good luck boy." The old man said. Smiling at me as usual.

"Sigh…You got to be pulling my legs…" I said under my breath.

No turning back now. Let us get this done with and show everyone the final show. Hearing the comment by the people if I am able to do it. Some swordsmen around me say I could do it due to my sword. Other would say I can but it might be messy. I may cut it halfway and leaving a rough texture on it. Smooth texture and clean cut. Now I remember those words said by that old man. I will prove them wrong I can do it. It is a long, anxious moment for the crowds. As I am waiting for the right time. Focusing. Letting my breath flow in one fluent motion. One last, clean cut. I then raise my sword high and slash! Swing it down diagonally as it slices like hot knife through butter. Dropping the pieces of carcass of tatami to the ground. This time, everyone is clamouring that I manage to do it but what about the texture? The old man inspects it and nods his head.

"One clean cut everyone. Impressive." He said before everyone start to clap.

"I can't believe it! That old man did put something inside the tatami right?" I overheard one of them said that. I too went to inspect the tatami and to my surprise, there is something inside the middle of three of the roll of tatami. A piece of metal rod was place inside.

"Old man. What is the meaning of this?" I hold the metal rod for him to see.

"Ahh…Now that's what I meant some people manage to cut it. You are one of the few who did it. To cut that iron."

"Eh!?" The crowds went shock. Never thought the old man will resort to putting iron rod in the middle.

"Zantetsuken." He smiles. Patting me on my back. "You have talent. You have a good teacher and hopefully I get to see you cut more than that in the future boy."

"Zantetsuken huh?" To be able cut iron or even better, steel. "It was my mother that taught me the way of the sword. You should have seen her cut steel relatively easily. She is like a monster."

"How frightening but she must be an amazing person. But anyway, as promised! I will help you."

"Glad you keep to your word sir." I smiles and sheathe back my nodachi at my back. Sliding it in the middle of the saya and down it go.

"Oh yes…" He pauses. Looking at me with his normal looking face. I am waiting what he is going to say. "I…think I will reconsider about giving you a discount…"

"Huh!? But you said you will! You gave your word!"

"I said I might. Don't misinterpreted my words now boy! Hohohohoho!" He laughs away as we enter his store.

"Yosh! That will do it!" Aya Shameimaru snaps her last picture with her camera before keeping it aside. "Tomorrow headline will be great! Stay tunes everyone for the Bunbunmaru Newspaper!"

She flies back to her dwelling in the Youkai Mountain at the top of her speed. Happily talking to herself she cannot wait to publish her newspaper.

"What was that?" One of the villagers asked the other villagers.

"Not sure…properly that crow tengu going to do her usual stuff again…"

"That is not good right?"

"Who knows…" The other replied in an uninterested tone.

Somewhere in Japan, Hakurei Shrine…

"Aya-chan. Here. Let me wash your back…" Arisa offer her help to her friend.

"Ah…thank you Arisa-chan…" Aya still sounded kind sad from what Arisa notice.

"Hey…it's alright. We will find him. If worse to worse we will make a police report. Maybe it might be effective of them to search for him…"

"That is good and we could…well…do on our part too to search for him…sigh…"

"Hmm? Is there still something the matter Aya-chan?"

"Huh…? Oh…it's nothing really…nothing…"

"Oh come on! If you don't tell me your problem. How am I going to understand and help you? Aren't we friend for nothing? Let us help one another in times of this ok?"

"It's just that…urmm…" She let out her sigh before glancing at Arisa. "Before the firework…I…I…"

"You what?" Arisa break her stuttering moment.

"I…I confess my love to him. To Aruto-kun…"

"Eh?! Urmm…I see…that's…that's great Aya-chan! I mean…I bet…he accept you right…?"

"No." Aya replied with such sad tone. "He didn't. And I didn't know why but he seems angry…or something when that happened. As if he is sad over something…as if…he won't accept me because who am I but rather something else…"

"What do you mean Aya-chan?"

"I don't know…I have a feeling he is hurt inside somewhere. Just thinking of it is puzzling me…How I wish I could tell him I am sorry for making him like that…Properly…I am the one that cause him to run away? To disappear without a trace…"

"Don't be ridiculous! I don't think he leave because of that reason! Don't put the blame on yourself Aya-chan."

"Sigh…I…just want to apologies to him…for everything I said…Aruto-kun…where are you…Where are…sniff…"

Arisa says nothing as she watches Aya sob to herself. All Arisa could do is comfort her and be on her side. Arisa never thought she will confess to Aruto already. She too thinks what is wrong with Aruto really. All this time she sees him a normal, cheerful person. Maybe he did hide something. Something he does not wish to share to everyone?

"What are you hiding Aruto-kun…where are you now…" Arisa too lament silently to herself.

Afterword: If there is some Japanese words you don't know, do Google for them yourself. I could list them here if I want but to me Googling give better result and tell more detail than me typing it here. Besides, I'm sure along the way when you find one, you might search for the meaning. Even best, if you already know that certain word. Anyway, stay tune for the next. Until then. See ya later! ^_^