Disclaimer: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona belongs to ATLUS. Touhou Project belongs to Zun. I have no ownership of the copyrights of either series in any way.
Chapter 31: First Reunion
I caught Marisa out of the corner of my eye looking between me and Aigis, her long golden hair flitting about as she did so. I guess it made sense, seeing as she didn't know Aigis in the first place. As for Aigis herself, she was more focused. I see that she's still wearing that big trench coat to hide her more mechanical parts. She looked over to us earnestly. Was it confidence?
"Um… so…?" Right, I need to answer her, huh? I suppose it's time to face the music. I promised Ruukoto after all.
"Go ahead," I told her, holding my hand out to gesture her to sit down on the hill.
"Yes!" She brightened up immediately, walking over with a careful grace before taking the time to sit down on the hill on the other side, leaving me between her and Marisa. Speaking of, I felt a nudge at my side.
"Hey, you know this girl, ze?" Marisa asked in a low whisper, her face scrunched just the slightest bit in caution.
"Yeah, I do," I answered back in just as low a volume. "Can you… give us a moment?"
"Uh, okay? Sure…" Marisa still seemed confused, but she was still going to back off.
I turned back around to find Aigis waiting for Marisa and me to finish. "So you do know me," she said to my surprise. Right, her hearing is that good. Or maybe Marisa and I were just a bit loud. I wasn't paying attention.
"Yeah, I do. Do you know who I am?" I asked, wanting to be sure where I stood in her mind.
"I… have a few ideas." Aigis fell silent, not elaborating any further on what said ideas might be. "You won't run away this time?"
"No." Not this time. I… still can't say it. It might be easier if I just show it instead. I turned my palm upwards towards me and summoned it to my hand.
"That's!" Aigis suddenly leaned over to get a better look. "It's his evoker…" I don't know whether or not to be impressed she'd know what my evoker looked like specifically. I can't tell them apart, but it's to my convenience this time. "Why do you have it…" Her expression was a cross of surprise, suspicion, hope, and probably more than that. Here goes nothing.
"Well, it's mine, so it makes sense for me to have it," I answered, frankly.
"Yours… but no. That belongs to…"
"Minato Arisato. It belongs to me." I finally said it. I felt relief finally being able to say it to her. Still, it was only a short feeling, as I felt myself bracing for whatever was to come next. I can't even think on it, too frazzled. I closed my eyes for a couple of seconds, to steady myself before looking back at her.
Aigis blinked a few times, frozen on the spot before she proceeded to look me up and down. Her hand started something of a motion to reach for me, but she stopped midway through, reeling back just the smallest bit before fully committing to the retreat. I could see her mouth opening and closing, fighting to say something, but coming up empty. While she didn't seem angry, it still left me nervous as to what she was thinking or wanting to say.
"Minato-san?" her voice eked out without confidence; her disbelief visible as her eyes continued to dart about. "But that's… can it?" I nodded, the act slow, as I held back my nervousness.
"Yeah, it's me. I might not look like me right now, but it's me." It's… going something I guess? At least it doesn't seem to be going bad.
"How do I know you're not lying?" Aigis asked, reasonably so. I already had an answer prepared. Come on, you've practiced this, so just do it like you practiced.
"Does this also look familiar?" I sent away my evoker and replaced it with a small-charred screw. I saw her eyes widen again once she registered what it was. To most people it would have been seen as a broken piece of junk, but to us… "You gave this to me," I said as a reminder, not that she needed it, but I still felt the need to say.
"That's… it went missing along with the evoker." That makes sense, given the timing. "The damage, the markings and warped metal… it's all the same."
"There's also the thing you asked me to do when you gave it to me. Something behind your… it was a ribbon back then." She was wearing a tie now instead. "You wanted me to-"
"T-that's enough…" Aigis cut me off, actually looking embarrassed, a blush lightly tinting her cheeks. You've come a long way Aigis. I was tempted to make a smile, but my nerves kept such a thing from happening. "Is it really you?"
"It's me Aigis…" Upon hearing my words, whatever held her back melted away. Her hand which had frozen in the air had started to move again,
"Woah there!" I heard Marisa exclaim, but she didn't do more than just shout.
"This feeling… I knew it. It was you. You're… but wait!" Aigis pushed herself off. "If you're here, then what about-"
"It's fine. The seal is still there. It's complicated." I tried to answer, but lacking any solid idea myself, I couldn't really offer more than that. "I mean if there really were problems, we wouldn't be here at the moment."
"I suppose that's true. I just… I can't believe it. But you knew my name even though I didn't tell you, and you knew about the seal as well. Coupled with the fact that you knew about my request…" Her voice trailed. I think she's just about convinced it's me. "Why are you a girl now though?"
"That's…"
"It's because of this old hag of a Youkai," Marisa suddenly butt in to say. "This guy's supposed to be dead out here right? She did it because unlike where we come from, the dead aren't supposed to just be out and about, ze." Both Aigis and I stared at Marisa. "What? You two were taking forever." I couldn't help but smile a bit. Leave it to Marisa to just do what she wants.
"I'm sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Aigis. I suppose you are a friend of Minato's then?" Aigis held out a hand to the Genokyou resident.
"Marisa Kirisame! Just call me Marisa. Second time I've had to introduce myself today, ze!" Marisa answered back, but without taking the hand. "Were you one of the girls Minato was seeing when he was alive?"
"That's… what? I don't think I understand what you're-"
"I think I remember him talking about you. Alright then, how about you and I-" I gave her a small chop when I saw her take out her mini-hakkero. It was just enough to catch her attention, not to really hurt her or anything. "What?" She asked.
"No magic out here, remember? Danmaku would be especially flashy," I reminded her. If I don't stop her, it's going to light up the whole river and then some. It might be summer, but I don't think the residents would appreciate surprise fireworks, or in Maria's case, a deadly searchlight as wide as a school.
"Oh yeah. Just so used to it… not being like this," Marisa said as she looked to be trying to get the wind back in her sails. "But what else am I supposed to do?"
"Just hold it in if you can…" Marisa let out a sigh at my response but followed my words all the same. At least she's willing to listen to me. Out of the corner of my though, I noticed Aigis was trying to catch my attention. "Yes?"
"Where are you staying by the way? I'd like to know where I can find you." Oh right… that.
"Well… not anywhere," I answered, looking down a bit as the memories of our failed attempt at real estate shopping came flooding in.
"We were actually trying to find a place before you showed up," Marisa answered… wait did the end of that sound a bit meaner or am I just imagining that. Which word was it?
"So am I to assume then that you mean you currently do not have a place of residence?" Aigis asked, I guess to make sure. She's still pretty careful like that.
"Pretty much. We were going to go to the Amagi inn otherwise," I indirectly answered.
"The Amagi inn… a prestigious local landmark, though it was part of a minor scandal just this year. Regardless, it has not deterred business, and in fact it can be argued it has instead 'drummed up' business instead. While it's accommodations would surely be able to live up to their reputation, the price would most likely be just as high, despite the events prior," Aigis said, seemingly reaching for the info from an internal database. At least that's what I assume happened.
"Well, we might have been able to get a discount…" I shrugged. Even without it, I would be good for a while. I hope.
"How about an alternative solution. I am currently staying in Inaba with a residence provided for me. It is actually quite large and would be enough for both you, Marisa, and then some. How does that sound?" Aigis offered, a small smile formed on her lips.
"That's… what do you think Marisa?" I asked her. I already had my answer, but I just wanted to be sure of what hers would be.
"I'm not against sleeping outside… but if you want to, sure I guess, ze." Marisa didn't seem all together happy, but not against it. She placed her hands behind her hat, whistling a tune of some sort.
"Then I believe we are in agreement. Shall we get going immediately then? It will be dark soon." Marisa and I just nodded in response as we then followed Aigis, the last of the sun about to disappear over the horizon.
-0-0-31-0-0-
"It's big…" I mean it looked big on the outside, but it seemed even bigger on the inside. When Aigis said it was big, I thought she meant as in just as far as normal houses go. I didn't think she meant a mansion. Marisa and I stood in the foyer, taking in the space. "Aigis… you said Mitsuru provided this place?"
"Yes. Although I admit, she does not always have the greatest sense for things outside of her economic stature. I had initially requested for something small, though as you can see…" Aigis began to explain, but I was a bit stuck on the word small. If this is what Mitsuru considers small…
"Reminds of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, though not as scarlet." Marisa was more carefree than I was, though that's normal. For my money though, the place reminded me of the Iwatodai dorm. The décor, furniture, and even the lighting was very familiar. There was even a set of sofas and a TV near the entrance. Of course the elements are superficial, and possibly a coincidence, but still… "So where's the Bath? Being outside in the heat's kind of got me all sticky and sweaty…" Marisa pulled at her collar to vent the air, fanning it with her free hand at the same time. She also blew at some strands of hair that had stuck together.
"It's over down that hall." Aigis pointed down a corridor in the corner by the stairs. "You'll know the entrance when you see it. Will you be needing spare clothes?" Aigis' gaze went up and down Marisa, probably thinking about how the girl had no visible bag.
"Nah, I'll be fine, ze." Marisa snapped her fingers, and a bath towel with a shooting star motif on it appeared in her hand with just a small spark of magic. "See?" Aigis' eyes shot open from seeing the magic, even though I had shown something similar to her earlier. Maybe she was just distracted by my presence. "Anyways, I'll be heading in first. No peeking, okay?" Marisa said, her eyes trained only on me. I sighed, though I suppose it's better that way. Just brings up bad memories…
"That was quite strange." I heard Aigis say. I looked over to see her head pointed down, a look of confusion plain to see. "Her towel had appeared from no discernable location. It defies logic and physics."
"Magic sort of does that…" I said with a shrug.
"Magic?" This might take a bit.
"Yup, magic. You saw it earlier when I brought out my evoker. Do you mind if I take a seat over there?" I said, pointing to one of the couches.
"Oh, of course." She nodded "If you don't mind, may I join you?"
"Go ahead," I said as I walked over and took a seat on the couch. She took the spot next to me, sinking further into her seat than I did. The room was silent, with only the ticking of a nearby grandfather clock filling the air. The TV remote was on the table in front of us, but there wasn't anything I was particularly interested in watching. Phoenix Ranger doesn't air at this hour. Aigis for her part was just as quiet, though I hadn't paid attention to what she was exactly doing. If I had, I might have noticed when she turned towards me.
"I must ask, how is it that you're here now?" I suppose that question was inevitable. If anything, I'm glad that it's the first question. Though I hadn't put much effort into thinking about how I'd explain it…
"Well… um… it was right after you guys left. At least I think it was. I couldn't exactly tell time back then…" despite my stumbling about, Aigis seemed to be hanging on to my every word. It's a bit embarrassing that I'm not exactly explaining it very well. "Well anyways, I was found by a Youkai."
"Youkai? You mean a creature of folk lore or a ghost?" Aigis asked, her head tilted to the side.
"Yeah, but she was human like. We talked for a bit…" and I was threatened. "From that, she decided to do something to me to get me out. I don't know how it works, and every time I've asked, she's been a bit flighty about it. Even so, she's kept her promise so far…" You'd think that with her reputation, it would end up worse, but I've come out above average. I suppose you could chalk it up to that little trip to the moon. "If she were here, she could explain it better…" No? Nothing? Alright. Guess she won't appear this time.
"That's… quite a story. I must admit, I'm not sure how to interpret it," Aigis' brow furrowed. She was probably trying to understand what happened. She'd be a better person than I if she did. She let out a small hum and shrugged. "While I would like to press for more details on the matter, I will leave it for later. It is as Junpei-san would say, a problem for future me."
"Uh, don't follow that one…" I scratched the back of my head, though I had to be careful not to undo Rise's work. She's staring again for some reason, but she caught herself when I stared back.
"My apologies. It's just that, your mannerisms were nostalgic. Your body may have changed, but the way you carry yourself, and speak, it is the exact same as before. To be honest, I still have my reservations regarding you being Minato…" Aigis looked a bit regretful, like she wanted to believe, but had her doubts. I can't blame her for that though.
"That's… understandable. I would too. Still, it really is me sitting here."
"Yes, I think that is the case. The more I talk with you, the more I start to believe you are Minato-san. Or should I address you otherwise given the current state of affairs?"
"Minato-san is fine in private, but in public use Kotone Shiomi. It'd be a pain to explain otherwise…" I heard a giggle at my side. Aigis, you've really come a long way. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were nothing but human. To be able to smile like that… I'm sad I wasn't there to see you grow myself.
"That's just like you to avoid the more annoying route," Aigis said after she finished giggling at my expense.
"Not all the time…" I was about to retort more, but I heard my phone go off.
"Hmm? You have your phone? Who is calling you?" Aigis asked. I ignored her questions if only to not keep the person on the other end waiting. I got it out of my skirt pocket to find Rise's name on the screen.
I flipped it open and spoke into it. "Rise-chan, what's up?"
"Hey, just wanting to check in if you'd found a place yet? You and Marisa-chan, didn't come back so I was wondering how it was going." I heard a bit of shuffling against cloth. She was probably holding it on her shoulder while doing her night routine.
"We found a place." Before I could elaborate further though-
"That's great!" She sounded more excited than I was. "Wow, talk about fast. I thought it would take a few days, but on the first day?"
"Well, it's a bit complicated, but yeah we got lucky." I eyed Aigis who was still looking my way as I was having my call.
"So hey, I'll let everyone know that you and Marisa have found somewhere to stay. If you don't mind, maybe we can come over tomorrow and give you guys a housewarming party. It'll also give me the chance to bring your stuff over too."
"Um…" I looked over to Aigis, who seemed to know what the conversation was about. She nodded, much to my surprise. "Sure, I'll send the address over once the call is over. You'll probably have to take a bus here, but it's not that far."
"Okay, thanks for the heads up. I better get going before it gets too late to let everyone know. Good night!" I could practically hear Rise waving, even though I couldn't see it. I was tempted to wave myself, but I held back since no one but Aigis would see it.
"Night." Rise was the first to hang up. With the call cut, I put my phone back in my pocket and relaxed back into my seat. I don't even know when I sat up for the call.
"I suppose I should not be surprise that you've already made new friends." Aigis seemed happy for me. I mean, I don't know what response I expected, but I don't think that was it.
"Um yeah… about those friends." Oh boy, how do I explain this… This is going to be a long night…
-0-0-31-0-0-
"Clothes, check… seals, check… toothbrush, check…" I think that should be everything. I didn't have much in the way of personal affects anymore. Maybe if I'd stayed in the human world for longer, I'd have more stuff, but as it stood, this was really all I had. I've only lived in Gensokyou for a fraction of my time in the outside world, but it was enough to substantially change the way I view possessions, or more so the necessity of them… That doesn't matter right now though.
The other night, a streak of rainbow light flew through the sky. I and some of the others rushed over to the Hakurei shrine since it seemed headed in that direction. When we got there, Reimu was livid, stomping the ground outside. Apparently, the streak of light was Marisa, who managed to break through the barrier, and into the outside world. Whether she was angry because the barrier was broken, or that Marisa was clearly trying to get a leg up, I couldn't tell. To be honest, I was more of the latter, though of course I didn't have the duty of maintaining the barrier.
It was late, so while there was some bickering, we quickly agreed on what to do next. We all decided to meet up a few days after to give chase, with said date being tomorrow. Well admittedly, it wasn't much of an agreement, so much as Reimu declaring she was going to go, and that we could follow her if we wanted. Maybe it was just in the heat of the moment, but no one seemed against it. And of course, there's no way I'd refuse.
"Okay, I'm ready to go tomorrow." I closed my travel bag and set it by the door of my ro-
"Suwako-sama, Kanako-sama!" I hadn't noticed that they had been watching me from the doorway. How long had they been there? Neither of them seemed angry, but…
"Sanae-chan, what's that you have there?" Kanako-sama asked, pointing to my bag.
"Um… this is… how to-"
"Come on, Kanako-san, you're making Sanae-chan nervous," Suwako-sama, waving her hand about as if to dismiss Kanako-sama's question. "Sanae-chan, don't be so scared. We already figured out what you're up to." They do? Of course they do. They always do…
"I'm sorry." I bowed low. "I didn't mean to hide it, but I just didn't know how to tell you."
"It's alright," Kanako-sama's words set my heart at ease. "We thought this was coming when you told us that he'd disappeared." The two of them walked into the room, Kanako-sama placing a hand on my shoulder. "We understand why you're so anxious, but is this really something you must do?"
"Yes," I answered as soon as I could, even before I had realized I said it to begin with. Despite the suddenness of my answer though, it didn't seem to come as a surprise to either of them.
"Ooh… that important, huh?" Suwako-sama seemed to be amused by my answer. Her small giggle made my face heat up. "Well that's youth for you. I'd expect nothing less."
"Indeed. In fact I was beginning to think if she was a bit of a late bloomer as well." Not you too Kanako-sama… I can't bear to keep looking at them!
"Well I mean you have to remember, she's actually a bit fast for kids in the modern age. Why some of them don't even get married until their late thirties." Suwako-sama just keeps going.
"Ah, yes you're right. I forgot because we're in Gensokyou which has more antiquated marriage traditions. However in the modern world, it was becoming more and more normal to find a partner later in life, rather than during one's teens." Kanako-sama, please stop talking… "I think we're embarrassing her."
"That's no way to be, Sanae-chan. If you're going to do this, you should stick your chest out with pride!" Suwako-sama said, demonstrating the motion firsthand, though her small stature made it seem more adorable than confident I must admit.
"Since you're going out to the outside world, you must remember you're considered an adult out there now. Not enough to drink, but at least in most other respects. You need to be confident in your decisions." Kanako-sama… "Don't feel you need to rush when you're out there. Our plans are on schedule, and we can wait for you if need be. It's better to do it slow and steady, than fast and sloppy."
"Yup, so don't hold back when you're out there!" Suwako-sama said, still holding her pose.
"Thank you." They're… still looking out for me. "I'll do my best."
"That's right!" Suwako-sama said with a nod. "By the way, when I said to stick out your chest, I meant it. You've got a great set of honkers there!" I subconsciously, grabbed and hid my chest upon them being mentioned.
"Suwako-sama!" What does she mean by that? I mean they are bigger than average, but-
"I agree."
"Kanako-sama! Not you too!" She's nodding!
"Well, feminine wiles are a useful tool for luring in young men like Minato-san," Kanako was still talking. "Considering what you have at your disposal, it would be a waste not to leverage them."
"Right? I mean, while you're at it, why don't you just sneak into his bed at night and get it done? That way, we'll secure an heir as well as trap him here. He's a good lad, so he wouldn't abandon you. I'm sure of that much." Suwako-sama! What are you saying! I mean, I think so too, but that doesn't mean-
"I-I can't… I can't just do that!" We haven't even really made a formal relationship or anything like that! "And I mean even if I did, I would first buy protec- No that's not what I-" I can't take this anymore. My face fell into my hands. What in the world is this conversation? I heard their laughter as I whined into my palms. After a few seconds, their laughter stopped, and I could feel Kanako-sama's hand on my shoulder once more.
"We're sorry about that, Sanae-chan. We just wanted to ease the mood," Kanako-sama explained, a warm smile adorning her lips. "You just seemed so high strung and that won't do. Something like this, you need to be calm and focused."
"Are you feeling better now?" Suwako-sama asked.
"A little…" I had to admit. The whole thing was still a bit beyond me. "I was nervous about going back out there. It's been years after all." How has it all changed since I was there? I just can't imagine it. So many things I've probably missed, that I'd given up on ever seeing again.
"You'll be fine. Again, just take your time. We're in no rush," Kanako-sama reassured me. "Enjoy yourself out there."
"Thanks. I'll be back once it's all finished." Right! Can't go in nervous. That will just make things worse. I need to not fall behind and figure out just what is going on with him! Wait for me out there!
"By the way, I wasn't kidding about the sex. Make sure you bring us a grandchild!" What!? Suwako-sama, don't just stick your tongue out like that!
"That does sounds wonderful. Grandchild… I like the sound of it." Not you too Kanako-sama.
"Please, just stop…"
-0-0-31-0-0-
"And so I will be leaving for the outside world tomorrow with the others, Yuyuko-sama." I bowed after having finished stating my intentions. My heart was still beating in my chest, and it took quite a bit of will power to keep my other half still. For as whimsical as my master was, she could at times display a dreadful aura if angered. Please, let this not be one of those times…
"Okay, go ahead. Just make sure to bring back a nice souvenir while you're out there." Thank goodness. Were it not for her usual behavior, I might have been swept off my feet. Still I was a bit apprehensive with how easy this was.
"Thank you, but are you sure you'll be fine on your own?" I asked just in case. Being her caretaker, and cook, and maid, and gardener, and her guardian has been my role for as long as I could remember. I cannot help but feel anxious over my departure, even if temporary.
"I'll be fine," she said with a smile and a dismissive wave, as if trying to fan away my worries. "I managed before without you. I can certainly make do by myself for a little while." She stuffed another onigiri into her mouth with a single gulp, chewing on it with big mouth movements.
"That is true…" Before myself, it was my predecessors who took care of her. I'm the first of my line to actually be taking care of two esteemed individuals here in the palace.
"Besides that, you've built up quite a few vacation… years. The bureau has been bugging me to let you take off to reward your karma. They don't like how it's been hoarded up for so long. You know how they are with their stuffy little rules." Ah that's right. I've been putting those off this whole time to the point that I forgot I even had those. My days serving Yuyuko-sama, and then Minato-sama were so fulfilling on their own, that the thought of not doing so never crossed my mind. That is until now.
"It is fine. In context of my departure, it is technically still in order to serve my duties to both you and him." I was after all, going to chase after Minato-sama, and protect him. This would not fall under the definition of vacation in that instance.
"Bah, where's the fun in that? Also no, I really mean it. They're starting to get very annoying about it, even when I tell them you could have asked at any point for it. They're even threatening me to do paperwork soon if you don't take them, so please, just have your vacation." Ah… I see. I suppose Yuyuko-sama would rather not. Though she doesn't get a lot, she still is supposed to take care of some of it. Minato-sama though as of late had taken on her workload, to which she has been most grateful. If it is at her request, I suppose I can take those vacation days.
"Then I will be taking my vacation," I told her, to which her carefree smile returned. As always she looks better that way.
"Thank you. While you're out there though…" the room had gotten cold and still. Though it was always night in Hakugyokurou for some reason the room seemed a shade darker. Yuyuko-sama's eyes had at some point become sharp, pointed. Any semblance of her smile or friendliness had disappeared.
The air between us felt truly dead, even for a realm that held no one but the deceased and departed. My skin began to crawl, and I could feel my brow begin to moisten with a cold sweat, dripping down my nape. I was already half dead, it felt like soon the rest would of me would be finished, for one simple reason: Yuyuko-sama was angry.
"You will make sure my little brother is fine. You may take as much time as needed, but you will be absolutely sure, that he will return. Do you understand?" I nodded. That was all I could manage as all my other muscles had frozen. I'm not the target of her ire, but that only left it to seethe wildly instead, rather than with any focus. I can barely breathe.
"Good!" Oh god. It's over. Yuyuko-sama anger had seemingly vanished all at once. I struggled to catch my breath, as if a vice grip over my lungs had finally lifted. "Sorry, about that, I let out more than I thought I did." That was her attempt at control… I forget at times how frightening her power is. Her usual demeanor hides the threat of her existence well. An intentional ruse, that I at times forget.
"It… is no issue Yuyuko-sama," I was able to huff out as I finally regained my composure.
"Though I wonder why he had to leave." Her cheeks puffed up and she her fists began to lightly rap the table like a child would. "It's lonely without him. Don't you agree?" She asked, her head laid on the table.
"It… it is." He'd become such a normal fixture of our abode that I can scarcely remember what it was like before he was here. He was similar to Yuyuko-sama, both lighthearted, lazy, and gluttonous individuals, but both harbored kindness within them, and a wisdom that I could not fathom. Where they differed was that despite his laziness, if needed, Minato-sama would work, and he would work harder than anyone to help others, and he would do it without asking for things in return.
I thought of it as horribly naïve, but his earnestness and effort made me wish to protect that naivety. Though I suppose he does look very nice when he is sleeping…
"Ah, are you thinking something naughty?"
"No, whatever could you mean?" I was almost caught.
"I wonder…" Don't move. Don't give anything away. "By the way, this might be your opportunity to see outside world fashions. He came from there, so perhaps his tastes align for such things. Maybe you could change your looks a bit and try to appeal to him."
"I'm afraid that's just silly Yuyuko-sama. Besides, he already said he likes the way I look…" I spoke too much!
"Oh? He said that did he?" Her smile had acquired a predator like quality to it. It as a smile I feared just as much, if not more than her anger. It meant I was about to become her toy…
"I-I must go… and… Prepare! Yes, I need to go prepare. If you will excuse me!" I rushed out of the room; my other half already phased past the door. I didn't wait for a response before I slammed the door closed. I heaved a sigh of relief. I managed to avoid it this time. However my words did ring true. I did need to prepare for tomorrow. I'll return to my room post haste then.
"You got a second?" I turned my gaze down the hall to see the ruffian looking man standing there. I say, 'ruffian looking', because his outward countenance was more a bluff than anything else. Though he had his hands in his pockets, hunched over, he still towered over me. It would be rude to ignore him, however.
"I do..." I answered hesitantly. Though this Shinji certainly looked like a delinquent, he was a close friend to Minato-sama. I know that he is a good person, but his demeanor certainly does not reflect it. I cannot help but be a bit cautious, despite my best efforts to relax around him. He was staying in an abode nearby, though I don't know why he's here today.
"Good. I overheard that you're going out there right? To the outside world I mean."
"Yes… I am. Though I cannot bring you out there, as per the rules." Even if he is his friend, I cannot violate the rules. It is above my station. Minato-sama could if he wanted to because of his rank, but he was not here.
"Nah, that's not it. The dead kind of lay where they lie, and my last time out there, wasn't all it was cracked up to be. No I was just wondering if you could deliver a couple of messages for me if you happen to run into some people." Messages? That's… not a violation of the rules.
"I suppose I could. Though the chances of me running into such people are not guaranteed." In fact, they are rather infinitesimally small.
"I got a feeling they might be a bit more guaranteed than you might think. Anyways, think you can do it?" He asked, taking out what looked to be a stack of parcels from out of his coat, though I couldn't tell how many.
"I make no promises," I said as I took the letters from him.
"Better than nothin'. Thanks." The turned around, hands back in his pockets as he made towards the entrance. Before he turned the corner out of sight, however, "Take care of him for me will ya?" He didn't wait for an answer before he fully disappeared. I made no effort to give chase. I had preparations to make, and only so much time to make them.
-0-0-31-0-0-
I sat there in the room, my arms and legs crossed. Since I was wearing pants, no one would give me shit for it. Not that anyone here would try anymore. On the other side of the table, Kaguya sat there, drinking her tea. My finger tapped my crossed arm. Waiting for her to finish. When she finally did, I took my chance to ask her.
"Why aren't you preparing to leave tomorrow?" I asked her. I didn't have much of anything really, so I could go anywhere. In fact I kind of have in the past. My stall and supplies I can lock up and hide. However Kaguya hasn't done a bit of preparing, and I know for a fact she would not be a light packer.
"Hmm? What for?" She asked. Her face looked innocent, as if she didn't know what I was talking about. I slammed my hands against the table.
"What do you mean what for? It's to go after Minato!" Okay, calm down, don't burn up. Don't burn up. "We're supposed to leave tomorrow, and you haven't done anything."
"Oh that!" Her eyes lit up. Why the hell do you look like you've only just now got it… "Well that's because I don't see a need to prepare."
"What? You mean you plan to just go there without anything?" Now that I can't believe.
"No." Well there goes that thought. "What I mean is, that I won't be going."
"Huh? Wait, you're not going?" That's… but… "Don't you care about him?"
"Of course I care about Minato-sama. I am after all going to be the main wife, so of course I care." Ugh, she's still going on about that crap…
"Will you just… no." Not important right now. Deep breaths. "So why the hell are you not going then? Everyone else is going tomorrow, so why aren't you?"
"Hmm… it's because I don't believe it's necessary." She said as she started to hum, before grabbing the tea pot.
"You don't believe it's necessary? But he's-"
"Mokou… do you not trust him?" She asked me, without breaking her stride, instead focusing on pouring her tea.
"Of course I do. He's… important to me, so of course I trust him." I'd trust him with my life… not that it needs trusting, but I don't think there's many others I'd be able to say the same about.
"Really? Forgive me if this may sound rude, but it does not sound like you trust him though." Kaguya's expression, turned worried. I was about to get a bit annoyed, but I could hear the effort she was putting in to avoid pissing me off. She was at least trying her best. I… can't really get angry at that.
"What do you mean?" I asked, calming myself down.
"I know I'm… somewhat out of touch with modern values." That's a bit of an understatement, considering you're trying to make a modern harem for him. "However, I believe on some level, a wife should trust their husband. She should trust in his competency, and his loyalty. Minato-sama is a good man. He may be out there, but I'm certain he will return. He is also more than capable of tackling any problem he comes across. Simply put, I trust him." I don't know at what point she had finished pouring herself another cup, but she blew on it before taking a sip, giving herself a satisfied smile after doing so.
"Trust…" I don't exactly have the same trust. But… "I'm just worried about him. I'm just worried that idiot's going to stick his nose into something and get in over his head."
"That is fine. I'm sure he'd be happy to know you care about him that way." I wanted to say something, but I think it would just end up as fuel for her. She's too sharp to pass up anything she could exploit against me. Only difference is that these days, rather than to try and get me killed, it's mostly to prod me into joining that stupid harem. "We all have our different forms of affection for him. Yours is worry, mine is trust. Both are love."
"Whatever…" that was the safest thing I could say while still dissenting.
"I will admit though, it will get lonely after tomorrow…" Kaguya gave a wry smile. "I'll miss our meetings. I know that it might be a bit much to ask, but could you stay? I know you wished to leave, but I'd still like for you to stay. Besides, the rest of them are enough of a handful for him as it is. Far be it for us to add to that burden."
"…"
"Mokou?"
"I'll think about it…" I'm not sure. I want to go after him, but Kaguya's important to me too… at least now she is.
"I suppose that's the most I can ask for. Either way, I'll respect your decision," Kaguya said, before taking another sip of tea. I was too distracted to pay any further attention… should I stay, or should I go…
-0-0-31-0-0-
"Reimu dear, I know what you're thinking, but looking so angry won't help you, you know?"
"Shut up…" I didn't bother looking at Yukari when she suddenly decided to show up. I was standing in front of the shrine, in front of the tori. It was late at night, but I couldn't sleep, so instead I was out here. I thought that some fresh air would help me get to sleep. I let out a sigh… and it was such a nice night too.
"Hmm… I don't think I will. I know what you're going to do tomorrow. Are you sure that is such a good idea?" She asked me, smug as always.
"I'm sure," I answered her. I mean, I already made my decision the day I heard he'd somehow gotten out. Marisa just sped it up is all. Still, I had to admit I'm a bit… reluctant. It's my job to uphold the seal, and I was going to break that very rule. "I've already made up my mind. I'm going."
I grabbed a couple of Ying Yang orbs and threw them into the air. However they stopped midflight before they then floated at my side. I pointed my Gohei right at Yukari, my other hand holding my talismans.
"If you're here to stop me, I'm not going to hold back." Despite my threat, Yukari was unphased, sitting in her gap right as rain. Then again I don't think I've ever seen her caught out. Still, I've got one trump card she can't beat, that no one can beat. We continued to stare off for a few moments more. I don't know if the seconds turned into minutes, or how many minutes more passed. I maintained my threat. The glow of her eyes in the dark, soundless night held my focus. It made it easier to aim.
With a slow, steady movement, she reached behind herself. It was something unnecessary for her usual style, so it probably wasn't combat related. Of course when her hand had returned, it was holding a familiar fan, which she opened with swift flick of her wrist, before holding it up before her face.
"Now now, there's no need for violence. I didn't come here for a fight, so you can put away Musou Tensei. Don't think I didn't see you preparing it." I held my stance, but she held hers as well… dammit, my arm's getting tired.
"Then leave." I put my arm down and stowed my weapons away. "I want some peace and quiet before tomorrow."
"The seal will be in good hands while you're gone." What did she say? Is she offering to keep the seal intact while I'm gone? But why?
"What do you mean?" It almost like she's saying she wants to help. I mean it wouldn't be the first time, but back then I could see what she had to gain. I can't figure out what she'd want in this situation. "Are you actually offering to help or something? What's your game?"
"Do you forget the seal also helps Youkai as well? If it were to disappear, then this little pocket of the world will also go poof. We need this seal, just as much as you do." Right, but that still doesn't make sense.
"Then why not force me to stay and maintain it? Why even let me break it tomorrow?" Can't believe it's come to this. Never thought I'd see the day. "You might have a domain over boundaries, but the seal is my family's. We've known it better than anyone."
"Of course…" I don't like her smile. The one that says she knows more than I do. "However I suppose I'll be truthful and tell you why I want you to go out there."
"R-really?" Is she being serious?
"I am. Oh don't be so surprised, even I know when it is time to come clean." I still don't believe it, but I suppose for now there's no issue.
"So why do you want me out there then?" I asked, giving a huff to try and relax myself. I'm getting too antsy.
"Oh for the same reason you want to leave in the first place. I want you to retrieve our mutual acquaintance." We have a lot of those actually, but there's only one person she could be referring to.
"You're… asking me to get Minato back?" I was already going to do that, but I still wanted to ask just in case that wasn't what she meant.
"Yes…" So I was right.
"I'm not giving him to you, or anyone else for that matter." He's… I don't want to. I thought I heard her say something. However rather than words, it was some sort of muffled sound… oh, it's laughter. She's laughing. "Shut up!" I threw a few seals at her, which she dodged with just a slight movement to the side; the gap she was sitting on sliding to make it happen.
"Aw, you're so cute when you're blushing that hard. Though it is a tad rude to shoot someone like that…" She placed a hand on her cheek, but her sympathetic look only made me even more pissed off.
"It's even ruder to dodge, now hold still." I reach for another set of seals, but before I could throw them, Yukari sighs.
"Well I suppose that is part of your charm. Regardless, make sure you bring him back here." I stopped my tentative attack.
"You don't have to tell me," I said as I put my seals away, having lost the motivation to strike again. "That was the plan after all."
"Yes, but you must make sure that you do so, no matter what." She sounds… fixated on it. Even more than I am. Why does she want him back here that badly? Does it have to do with that seal thing he's a part of? I'm missing something.
"Why are you- She's gone…" I was alone again. As always, she leaves without really saying anything. What a waste of time. Though, why is she so fixated on getting Minato back? It's a bit obsessive actually… I'll think on it later. For now, I need to get some rest for tomorrow.
Ready or not, Minato, here I come.
-0-0-31-0-0-
Quiet. That was how I knew that it had gotten late. Even as insulated as my office was, the hustle and bustle of others would still leak through the doors. It was something I had gotten used to, but still took notice of. Still it did make the room feel even lonelier than it already was.
"Another late night," I rubbed my temples before continuing to sift through the last of my mail. "Dear Mitsuru Kirijo, we cordially invite you…" my voice trailed as I realized it was another invitation for marriage interview. It was the third one this month. "I don't have time for that." I quickly typed out a response. While I'd rather delete it outright, they were still people that the company would be better off not antagonizing. Still the temptation to do so was admittedly quite strong and getting stronger by the word.
"No errors… and send." I fell back into my chair, finally done with all the mail for the day. While not the most exhausting part of the job, it certainly is draining all the same. I looked at the clock… it's getting late. I should return home. A sudden ding from my computer however had other plans. I let out another sigh. It's just one more email. Mustering up my strength one more time, I sat back up and looked at it, only for my eyes to shoot wide open.
"Aigis?" Her name was the listed sender. It was also marked urgent, though it had no subject. Perhaps it is some security measure. As if my prior fatigue had been an illusion, I moved immediately to open her message. To my surprise, it was not very long.
"Please come to Inaba at once. There is something you need to see," I read her message out loud. However I paused before reading the last sentence, unsure of what she meant by it. Why would she ask for it? Unless…
"When you do so, please bring the equipment, for #0."
Author's Notes:
That took longer than I wanted. I've been trying to get into the habit of letting my writing sit for a bit. It resulted in this chapter coming out the following month rather than in April, which I had initially planned. How that ended up, I'll leave it up to the reader. I'll admit I had planned for a lengthier sort of explanation to be given to Aigis at the moment, but I'm holding back, mainly so that I can do it when more characters are around all at once for the chaotic mess that will be when everything finally collides. Which will not be in the immediate future, but it won't be long I promise. I also don't want to have to write explanations for every character that comes funneling in, so it's about being economical with my effort.
It's been a long while, so I'm not sure if I've told you guys this before (and I'm too lazy to check), but I had originally written this with the intention of being from Minato's perspective almost 100% of the time. Of course I didn't stick with it, as within only a couple of chapters, I had already made a switch to Sanae. That being said to see how different I think in the present formalized in my writing is quite interesting for me to see, since this chapter features many character POV switches. It's not something I would have ever considered when I started, which you can see with that one experimental chapter way way back. Just something I wanted to share.
It's been a while, so I'll probably fire up P4U again, just to get some refreshers for the following chapters, though I'm also just in the mood to play it again. I'd use PQ for a refresher, but as much as I love Etiran Odyssey gameplay, those games are long, and they reflect P3's earlier personalities rather than their older ones that I'll have to draw upon here.
Anyways, I'll leave it there, and hopefully I'll actually get the next chapter out in June, now that I'm getting some what the hang of more regimented writing schedules. As always, tell me what you thought in a review, they do mean a lot to me, even if it's a time of both equal fear and excitement.
Anyways, I hope you had a good time, have a great rest of your day, and take care. As for myself, I'll be heading to bed now so that I can hopefully catch Mori Calliope's GGXrd Rev 2 stream and maybe get a match in if I'm lucky.