The Shrine of Gensokyo:
Chapter 12: Of Fire and History
Author's Notes:
1st of All, apologizes for being so late with updates, as with the rest of the community might be after 10 chapters.
2ndly, Thankyou Darwise for helping me beta and proof read.
3rdly: To whoever is the last reviewer, thank you for your review. Shrine of Gensokyo slipped my mind for a while due to lotsa work.
The response that I was expecting was not this and as the darkness cleared, revealing Rumia and two small children, shivering and hugging each other, I too saw a crowd of fairies around me, surrounding Rumia and the children like they did with me previously.
Surrounding the children who were praying softly and urgently, the fairies floated over them and seemed to form a barrier between them and Rumia, who was glaring at me once more.
The children who were cornered by her, blinked in surprise and upon seeing the stalemate, got up and ran towards their friends, who were calling for them.
Rumia, seeing that was about to fly after them was stopped when an amulet narrowly missed her and stuck itself onto a tree trunk, flashing periodically as it did so.
Rumia paused before she turned to glare at me. Her red eye seemed to bore through me but I did not even flinch as I showed her the amulets I held in one hand, showcasing them as if I was performing a sleight of hand and her expression vanished.
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[… Rumia… please… leave children alone.]
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My tone was not harsh, not as harsh as I wanted it to be but it was fine as she cringed from my voice, as if she was a child with her hand caught in a cookie jar. If we do not look at her blood thirst, she was quite adorable and as I walked towards her, my feelings towards her slowly turned from slight frustration and anger to understanding.
She is just doing what she was made to do after all…
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[Just for today… leave them off the hook… okay?]
[… FEH!]
Making a face, Rumia sped off into the darkness and I just shook my head, not at all pleased with what I was seeing before I took after her.
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[W-Wait, Rumia!!]
But before I did anything else, I placed an amulet on the floor and chanted.
[Evil-Sealing Barrier!]
Under the cover of the bright flash of light from the barrier that would keep the kids safe for a while, I flew after Rumia.
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[You're okay! You're okay!!]
[I was so scared, I'm sorry!!]
[Don't run away again… okay? Listen to your big sister… don't run away…]
[I won't big sister!! But… but…]
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[Hmm? What is it… you're safe… that is good!]
[Who… who is that??? That…]
[That is the Shrine God Guardian… she said she is a Shrine Maiden…]
[She's so cool!!]
[She is cool!]
[… w-wait… where is Liyah!]
[Liyah? Liyah?? LIYAHHHHHH!!]
[Oh no… she ran away again!!]
[… let's pray…]
[Pray?]
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[… Yes, let's pray…]
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Chasing after Rumia into the forests, the fairies pulled my ears to get my attention and I stopped in midflight, my body hovering in the air as I just looked around me.
[What's wrong? Do you hear something else?]
Putting a hand on their heads, I closed my eyes and softly prayed for them to tell me what they were thinking. I was familiar with the sensation and I welcomed it, their subconscious entering my mind is like having another person in side of me and the way our hearts beat in tandem brought much needed calmness to my mind.
It is hard to describe, but the presence is calming and pure, like after my meditation, no traces of malice or hatred in their minds, only raw emotions like happiness, concern and sadness.
[… Oh my gosh!!]
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Taking a sharp corner, I slapped myself for falling for Rumia's ruse and did an about turn to another direction where the fairies had apparently heard another person sobbing softly.
[Rumia was distracting me all along!]
Ignoring everything else, I sped off again, keeping my hands to my side as I slowly prayed, hoping that I would be in time.
[Spirits, bless the lost child!! Protect him from danger and allow me, your servant to guide him along! I beg of you!!!]
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[KYAHAHAHAHAH!!]
Hearing her cackle, I quickened my pace and silently swore that Rumia actually did deceive me and I was underestimating her intelligence or her speed. After rediscovering how to fly, I was perhaps too confident with my speed in the air and had wrongly assumed that I was quicker and swifter than anyone…
I was proven wrong by Rumia, who is both a good foe and a confused youkai at the same time.
If only I can get her to understand… if only she would accept me just like Mystia and Wriggle…
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[What am I saying…]
Shaking my head, I dived down towards the ground in a desperate bid to remain calm and my heart clear of doubts.
[I can't expect everyone to be so accommodating!!]
Nodding at my two smaller companions I drew my blow gun when I saw Rumia's form appear as a black speck in the distance and in a matter of seconds, I covered the distance separating us.
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[Rumia, stop!]
Coming to a halt, I was about to shot a needle at her when Rumia, her claws about to slash the defenseless child, got hit by a small fireball.
[AH!!!]
Giving a small scream, Rumia flew up in the air to avoid another fireball that struck where she was standing a second ago.
[Now, LEAVE!]
A stronger, more forceful voice than mine echoed in the forest and Rumia hesitated. Whoever that was, he was not afraid of using violence to achieve his means and I swallowed a little nervously. Being a Shrine Maiden, it is not right for me to use violence as a deterrent but in a situation at this, I had no choice but to accept that this was the only way.
[…FEH!]
Making a face yet again, Rumia flinched when another fireball narrowly missed her and embedded itself into the tree trunk beside her and exploding to cinders, shocking Rumia.
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[…]
Wordlessly, she relented and flew off, her hands gripped together so tightly that they turned white.
[…A-Are you alright?]
Bending down to comfort the child, I was greeted with sniffles and the gentle nodding of his head as he clung on to me, sobbing loudly.
[Waaaa!!]
[… now now.. .don't be afraid… you're safe now…]
[Yosh! Fine job there, Reimu. You sure showed me.]
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The same voice that echoed from the forest grew much closer and as I looked up, I saw the source. A light blue haired girl slowly descended from the trees, similar to what I had done earlier with the children. Wearing a large red-white charm on her head in a shape of a ribbon, she lightly tread ground before brushing her hair back and smiling at me.
Her blue hair went all the way to her ankles and when I stared at her, I saw that her eyes are red, just like youkai and I wondered whether she is human or youkai or perhaps a mix of both.
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[Hmm? Yes yes Liyah, you can run off now… go back to the village, we'll join you there.]
Taking the child from me, she patted his head and told him to run off ahead of us, grinning as she roughed up his hair.
[Aww c'mon, you're a guy right? You're losing to me ya? So, run along and keep to the path. Holler if you need me, ya?]
Wiping the tears from the child's face, she grinned, showing her teeth before punching the child's shoulder.
[…]
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Nodding his head, the child ran pass me but not before he bowed and thanked me.
[Thank you, Miss Guardian!!]
[… uh… d-don't mention it…]
Scratching my head, I replied before he ran off into the forest, navigating the forest slowly and carefully.
[Just a bit more and you'll see the path, ya hear!!]
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Shouting at him, the girl smiled before walking towards me, her hands placed behind her head in a lazy gesture. She reminds me of someone that is more boyish than girlish and I smiled uncertainly at her.
[Uh… T-Thank you… for saving him…]
[Nah, it's my fault to some extent. But that was sure some show that you showed me earlier!]
Grinning, she slapped my back hard and I winced in pain while trying to maintain my balance. She was strong and I obviously had to know her as she called me by my name.
[So yea, Reimu, mind if you go back to the village with me? Keine would love to see ya~]
Patting her stomach, she ruffled her light brown shirt and for a second, I could smell the scent of burnt clothes as I stared at her.
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[Uh? Oh yea, I had to light up a pretty darn fire to take out the other youkai that was after this kid, but if not for you, I would be late~ It happens from time to time, I'm used to it. I'll ask Keine to get me a new one.]
Shrugging, she stuck her hands into the large pockets that were in her red skirt before walking in front of me.
She was beautiful too, her face was not pale but a healthy beige-pinkish in color and as she grinned, her eyes sparkled with energy and confidence that made me slowly nod at her.
She was no threat, the children knew her and looked up to her…
[… erm… M-May I know your name?]
[… Huh?]
There was an expression of confusion that momentarily lingered on his face and then an expression of understanding before her shoulders dropped momentarily.
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[Ah… so… you haven't quite remembered. Huh?]
[I… I remember… that I know you… but I couldn't remember your name…]
Lowering my head in shame, I was about to speak again when she stopped me.
[Nah, that's fine. It'll be more interesting this way, I figure.]
Showing me the same amazing unique grin that she had, she pulled me along as she flew in the air, going slowly so I could keep up with her.
[The name's Mokou, Huziwara no Mokou. But in the village, I'm known as Fujiwara no Mokou, call me Mokou!]
In a position that seemed more like lazing on a bed than anything else, Mokou glided swiftly with her face facing me.
[… I'm Hakurei Reimu… it is a pleasure…]
Nodding and bowing at her in mid-air as well, we made our way swiftly through the forest and in a matter of seconds, had caught up with the same little boy that Mokou had saved, still running forward.
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[Hey! Catch you later!]
Diving beside him, Mokou patted the child's back before speeding forward, leaving him running ever so faster in an attempt to catch up.
[Mokou! That's not fair!! Huh?!]
Giving a small cry of surprise when I hugged him from behind and lifted him off his feet and into the air, he struggled in my grip till he say that it was I who was carrying her.
[Miss Shrine Guardian!!]
[Shh… it's Shrine Maiden… you're heavy so I got to slow down…]
Smiling apologetically to her, I struggled to keep Mokou in sight as we dodged all the obstacles that stand between us.
Eventually however, the forest started to thin and as if by magic, we arrived at a small clearing where Mokou and the other children were waiting.
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[Liyah!]
Releasing him, I just smiled and wiped my brow when the children welcomed the final member of their little crowd and then it hit me.
All around them were dozens of small fairies and as I stepped nearer to them, they crowded around me, fluttering their wings happily as if greeting me and I just did what every other Shrine Maiden would do.
I prayed.
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[Spirits… I thank you for your help… thank you for guarding the lives of the innocent… of the pure… so that darkness would not taint them… Thank you…]
Ending the small prayer, I opened my eyes to see that the fairies were slowly leaving, the light glow that they were emitting slowly fading away but the same glow still came from my body and my two small companions.
[… Thank you…]
Patting their head, I ignored the stares the children and Mokou were giving me before kissing their little faces, in which they just flew around me, in what seemed to be happiness.
[You two were great…]
Clapping my hands again, I tucked my gohei back to my obi before turning to look at Mokou, who was shooing the children down the path.
[C'mon, Reimu!]
[Y-Yes!]
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[Run along now!!]
Reaching the village, which was just a few metres away, Mokou pushed the children forward and all of them nodded to her, grins and smiles on their faces as if nothing has ever happened.
[Bye bye~ Mokou!! Bye Bye Miss Shrine Maiden!!]
[Bye!]
[Good bye!]
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Waving goodbye to them, the both of us just stood at the front of the village for a moment, staring at the children's disappearing figures before we turned to one another.
Mokou tilted her face slightly before she grabbed my hand and slowly led me towards the village.
[C'mon! Keine should be waiting!]
It has been a while, ages in fact that I met a human… Sakuya I believe do not count as she has spent her whole life being with youkai, so that might have made her think about Spirits differently from people.
[… …]
As I walked down the dirt path, I smelt the scent of civilization, the smell of fire burning, of the human side of life…
It is nothing like what the city was like.. it just reminded me of my shrine, old, tranquil and full of nature.
People were all out and about, washing clothes, cutting wood, watering plants, sewing… everything and as I watched, I felt a tugging on chest and I slowed down for a moment to look at the sight.
The houses made from wood, tin and the people, all rugged and dependent on nature. You don't see much of those nowadays and I just stared at them…
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[…I…]
[Look! It's the Shrine Maiden!!]
[Why… you're right!]
Lost in my thoughts for that moment, I did not even realize that they too, was staring back at me and I felt my face burn with embarrassment, even more so when Mokou patted my shoulder and started to drag me away.
[C'mon Reimu… it's not polite if you keep staring at people. The word will spread anyway, that you're back.]
Not looking at me, Mokou sounded a little bitter and I felt some of the sunny disposition from her disappear as she pulled me along the path.
Stamping her foot hard with every step, it seemed like she was going to kill everyone who got in her way by stamping on them.
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[M-Mokou…]
[What?]
Snapping back at me, she turned and looked at me and my breath was taken away by the change in her face. The same beautiful smile that I had seen her give the children, the teasing expression and the sparkle in her eyes was all gone.
Instead, Mokou showed something more like a hurt animal or youkai, her eyes glinted with the faint traces of tears and she was trying her best not to frown, instead she bit her lip hard and growled back a reply.
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[Well?]
[…]
Shaking myself free from her grip, it was my turn to place a comforting hand on her shoulder although for now, I had no idea why she was so worked up and upset.
Likewise, the two fairies that had been fluttering around me, landed on her shoulder and fluttered their wings in what seemed to be a comforting way.
[… hmph…]
Crossing her arms, Mokou turned away but not in anger but of embarrassment. She looked just like a little girl in love with her face turning slightly pink while her shoulders just stiffened up, making her seem like she was angry at something.
She did not look too young but I could tell that she has probably lived a few lifetimes more than me, what with the weariness I could see deep in her eyes and the wisdom and alertness of someone that has lived for a long time.
But, she really was a cute little girl that was not loved and so, I hugged her.
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[W-What are you doing, Reimu?]
Burying her in my somewhat ample bosoms, I giggled before cooing to her.
[Let's go, Mokou… to meet… Miss Keine… I'll get lost… so won't you lead me there?]
[…. Oh… LET GO LET GO!]
Making an 'o' shape with her mouth, Mokou then blushed even more as she cried out for me to let go of me.
Thrashing about, she waved her hands in front of her to stop me from getting close to her before pointing a finger at me.
[Okay okay! I'll bring you to Keine, but no hugging, alright? No HUGGING!]
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Waving a finger in the internationally known 'no' gesture, Mokou then hurriedly took to the air and sped off to the west-side of the village, leaving me and only one fairy still sitting on my shoulder.
[My my.. she's very very adorable…]
Giggling to her, I followed behind Mokou, ignoring all the stares the villagers are still giving me.
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[… what is taking her…]
Sighing to myself as I placed yet another book on my worktable, I took my trusty brush and was about to start recording when I paused, the sounds of footsteps running up my steps and I placed my brush down, albeit a little hesitantly.
It could not be Mokou, she's always flying in… The children are not coming to class so late… It's the lunarian?
Narrowing my eyes at that thought, I pulled out my history scroll from where I kept it, hidden in my robes and I walked towards my door, ready to dodge an arrow if necessary.
Our relationship was everything but good but it sure was not bad, from time to time they will visit, try to kill Mokou and leave before that was accomplished.
The lunarian claimed that it was to keep senses sharp and Mokou grudgingly agreed. Such acts of violence never strike me as training so I was a little unsettled by what they were doing.
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[Yes?]
Opening the door for the visitor, I bent down and smiled when I saw that it was the village children, all bunched up together, their faces red from panting.
[what is it children? Something wrong? Has Mokou been bullying you?]
[No no! Big sister Mokou wouldn't do something like that!]
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That was a relief and I showed it on my facial expressions. Due to the incidents of the youkai being more aggressive again, the villagers have started to side-line Mokou for a while now… if not for the children's support and her help in guarding the village, I am sure she would be chased out pretty soon.
Evil forces are always at work and I must record them down word for word for a valid testimony on that.
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[Then is Akyu sick?]
[No No, Elder Sister Akyu is not sick!]
That was another worry out of the way and so I asked them
[What is it then?]
[W-We saw a fairy!]
[No, no! Not a fairy!! We saw a goddess!!]
[We saw a Fairy Goddess!]
[… Fairy Goddess?]
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Children are fond of making up things from the most common things possible and my thought immediately went to so many incidents before shaking my head and pinching the nearest one's cheeks.
[Alright… enough with the lies… what happened…]
[we did! We really really did!! It was a fairy goddess! She was wearing red and white and had black hair!]
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Red-white?
As she said that, my next sentence never made it out of my throat as I just shook my head.
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Impossible…
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[She saved us from youkai!! She was a fairy goddess because she had two fairies with her and she taught us how to make a lot of fairies to come and help us!]
[… Youkai fairies helping people? That's incredulous, children… youkai will hurt you if you are not careful…]
[Uh uh!! Youkai can save us, they and the fairy goddess saved us!! They did! As long as we believed and pray!]
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The more the children spoke, the more incredible and confusing their stories became.
Praying? Believing? Fairies helping people? It's impossible… …
[…Stop lying, Children… maybe… maybe fairies can help you… but by praying… I…]
Some part of me did not want to dispute that but these children, if they sink too deep into the trap, they will mistake dangerous youkai as friendly, something I do not want to happen.
[Children… maybe you're right… maybe you can make youkai save you if you prayed… but promise me… don't do that… if you see a youkai, run away from it… your safety comes first… okay?]
[But Miss Keine!]
[No buts! It's your own safety that matters!]
[…]
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With that harsh lash, the children fell silent and I guiltily averted my eyes at my harshness.
[I'm sorry Children… I just want all of you to be safe…]
[We know… Miss keine… we know… But the Fairy Goddess…]
[Not Fairy Goddess. The Shrine God Guardian!]
[No no! She said so herself, the Shrine Maiden!]
SHRINE MAIDEN?!
The color must have drained from my face as all of them suddenly paused and stared at me, their mouths wide open.
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[S-Shrine Maiden…. Did she wear Red and white clothes?? Did she have black hair??? Children, tell me!]
[MMmm!! She had long black hair, a weird stick with streamers tied on it and she wore a funny red and white kimono!!]
[Reimu! It must be her!]
Dropping to my knees, I felt the strength leave me and hope invigorate me at the same time as I just complemented that single possibility.
Reimu has return! The Hakurei Shrine Maiden has returned to Gensokyo…
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[She had two fairies with her too, they were sitting on her shoulder and she kissed them.
[Kissed them? Fairies? Reimu wouldn't…]
[HEY!!!! KEINE!!]
It was Mokou, that unmistakable voice and the scent of burning clothes meant that Mokou had saved the children from some youkai and thus, half of the story was true. With her, another human… but she smelt a bit different… like me…
Who could it be?
[Big sister Mokou saw her too, Miss Keine!]
Then I can find the truth from her!
Thinking that, I got up and in my hurry, knocked against a few of the children before running to meet her.
[Mokou!!]
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Along the way, Mokou explained that the youkai visits has been more frequent but they were nothing but dangerous. The only danger that will befall them is of a bad Fairy bite.
[Honestly, those scaredy cats…]
Crossing her arm impatiently, Mokou shook her head even as she just flew casually in the air. She was not hurt or angry anymore, being able to not things to heart so easily must be something one acquire when one lives as long as her.
When I asked her that question, of how long she had been alive, Mokou just tilted her head for a moment trying to count the number of years.
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[Nah, don't bother. I'm way older than you are~ and I'm younger to boot!]
Grinning, she laughed loudly and I laughed along with her, happy to know that her sense of humour has not disappeared along the ages.
Memories of Miss Fujiwara No Mokou slowly came back to me, just like the memories of Remilia and Miss Knowledge and it became clearer and clearer that the fact that she was here living here in the human village, with the people was surprising.
She was strange for a human, able to live for such a long time and to be an immortal at the same time. Possessing the power of the phoenix's rebirth it's flame controlling abilities, she was more youkai than human and definitely more close to youkai than me.
[Miss Fujiwara…]
[Eh? What's with that way of calling me, Reimu! It's Mokou, Mokou!]
[Miss Fujiwara…]
Addressing her politely, she caught on and stopped in mid-air, pushing her hands into her pockets and looking at me, her facial expression a blank.
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[?]
[… Miss Fujiwara… what do you… think about youkai?]
[… Youkai? They are… youkai~]
Shrugging, she showed her teeth to me in a feral like grin as I shook my head at her answer. It was a good answer but it was not the one that I was waiting for.
[Miss Fujiwara… if you would choose… to have a Gensokyo without Youkai or a Gensokyo without Humans… what would you choose?]
[Hmm]
Seemingly stumped, she puffed her cheeks out and rested her head on a hand, a very human-like gesture while I waited, my hands placed on my lap as the both of u just floated in mid-air above the village.
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[… I dislike humans, they don't treat me like one, hurt me and ignore me. But at the same time, they are nice to me, love me and treasure me. Such a bothersome creature.]
Laughing, she did a somersault in mid-air before plucking the fairy that was with her before flying towards me and placing her in my hands.
[Youkai too are bothersome~ they are weak and strong, quiet and noisy, fierce and friendly… I dislike and like them.]
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Showing the palms of her hands to me, she closed her hands and from there, produced a large blue flame that consumed her whole hands. Funny enough, her hand did not disintegrate or become scorched in the blaze as she shook her hand, lighting up the air around her as she did so.
[… But, Gensokyo without the both of them will not be Gensokyo. I like it here, no matter what happens to me]
Grinning, Mokou slowly floated higher and higher till her shadow covered me entirely as I looked up at her, her form silhouetted against the sun, her hands placed firmly on her hip before she offered a hand to me.
[If you're worried, how 'bout going to visiting Keine, she's got Gensokyo's whole history mapped out.]
[K-Keine?]
[Mm mm, Keine.]
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[Mokou!!]
Calling out to her, I paused and just stared at the person she was pulling with her. My hat, as if to show it's utter disbelief too, dipped and threatened to fall off my head, something that never happened before.
[REIMU!]
[Ah` There's Keine. HEY, KEINE!]
Waving energetically at me, I flew as fast as I can before screeching to a halt in front of the both of them, where I was given curious looks by the both of them.
[R-Reimu! Is that… i-is that really you?!]
Flying all around her and peering at her in all angles, I was cut off when Mokou; with an annoyed face, tackled me away from her.
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[Stop it! What are you doing!]
[I-It can't be Reimu! It can't be! Reimu…. Reimu… you…]
I realize I was blabbering non-stop when I finally collected myself, rubbed my eyes and generally returned to who I was expected to be, Kamishirasawa Keine and I shook my head.
[Reimu… is that really you?]
[Y-yes… I… I am Hakurei Reimu… that is my name… I am the Hakurei Reimu you remember, yet do not remember…]
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Reimu looked sad as she looked away and I felt a pang of guilt hit me, it was made worsened when Mokou clicked her tongue disapprovingly at me.
[… I-I well… if it's you, Reimu… you are always welcome here… look at the children.]
Making a great pass to distract her attention, I struck out my chest proudly as even Mokou, with that side-long glance that I am used to, showed her praise for me.
[Miss Shrine Maiden! Miss Shrine Maiden!]
[Thank you for saving me, Miss Shrine Maiden!!]
[… C-Children… I…]
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Suddenly awashed with a crowd of those adorable kids, Reimu blushed as she bent down to give all of them a hug all at once. It was a tough job but she did it somehow, managing to squeeze everyone inside her arms.
[Now that we got you comfortable, how about sitting in my house for a cup of tea?]
Offering an invitation to her, I offered a hand to her and she took it very easily.
[T-Thank you, Miss Keine…]
Bowing to me, I just shook my head and repeated myself.
[Really… you're always be welcome here.]
In my heart, I knew it was true as well, once a savior, always a savior...
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[?]
Sitting inside the small house where Miss Keine and Mokou led me to, I looked around me and it made me very uncomfortable. Never was I one who will read books or enjoy reading books and being in the vicinity of so many books made me nervous.
[If you're intimidated by these, you haven't been in Patchouli's library.]
Grinning as she knelt down beside me, Mokou pushed a cup of tea to me which I gratefully accepted.
[Thank you… I am really thirsty…]
Gulping it down in a few large gulps, I was greeted with Mokou raising her hands up at me.
[Hey hey! Hold your horses!!]
Laughing after I nodded at her, Mokou herself drank a few cups of tea before leaning against a bookshelf and crossing her legs.
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[KEINE! ARE YOU COMING!]
[W-Wait a minute, I'm getting ready!!]
[It's not like you need to look pretty!!]
[It's not that!!]
Walking out of the adjacent room, Miss Keine walked in and in her hands was a tray filled with food.
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[here, lunch! But Mokou, since you are complaining, you don't get any.]
Crossing her arms and showing her displeasure, Miss Keine pushed the tray towards me and stuck a tongue out childishly at Mokou.
[H-Hey! Keine, that's not what I meant!]
[Save it, you'll eat later!]
Narrowing her eyes and brushing her hair back, Miss Keine smiled at me and invited me to eat.
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[Please, have a bite! You must be hungry and it is the least I can do for a guest!]
Smiling, Miss Keine placed a hand on her chest as I slowly nodded my head, accepting her invitation.
[Thank you, I… but… I think you should…]
My voice trailing off when she glared at me, obviously not wanting me to speak up for Mokou and soften her resolve and thus, I reluctantly relented.
As if sensing my unease, the two fairies beside me flew towards Keine and tugged at her hair, causing her to shake her head irritable at me.
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[C'mon Keine!]
Trying to get away with her crime like a small child, by rubbing her head against Miss Keine's shoulder, Mokou pleaded to Miss Keine's heart and her consciousness.
It was subtle, like a crack in a dam but it quickly took over Miss Keine's mind and she sighed.
[O-Oh alright…. You join in too, you selfish and inconsiderate Mok-]
Miss Keine did not get to finish as Mokou hugged her tightly as a show of thanks.
[Oh thanks Keine! You're one of the best cook ever!!]
[A-Ah…]
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..
Blushing red, Miss Keine looked away but nonetheless, the faint traces of a smile appeared on her face, which made me smile as well. Looks like lots of people in Gensokyo likes to hide their real feelings for the people they like.
[Thanks, the both of you did great.]
Whispering to the two of them, I stifled a round of giggles before I calmly sipped a mouthful of tea.
[Come everyone, tuck in! Tuck in! Reimu, we'll love to hear your story when we're done… Could you share it with us?]
[…]
Looking at the both of them, I considered that option for a while. In the scarlet devil mansion, I did not reveal anything to them as they did not ask, they were probably confident that regardless of the outcome, they will be able to deal with it when they come.
Does the two of them need to know danger? Or the reason for my appearance here?
[We want to know, Reimu. We are your friends…]
[… Mm…]
That's beyond my reasoning now…
..
..
[… you believe you're half youkai now?]
Sitting with the both of them at Miss Keine's backyard, I shared with them my whole experience, starting with the meeting of Suika and ending with meeting of Mokou.
The two of them were attentive listeners, now once interrupting me until Mokou started to nod off and was kicked in legs by an annoyed and embarrassed Miss Keine.
..
..
[Mokou!]
Hissing at her, Miss Keine shook her violently and Mokou's arms flailed helplessly around as she was bear-hugged by Miss Keine, it was such a funny sight that I burst out laughing.
[wa hahaha~~]
[Hey, that's mean of cha, Reimu! HERE!]
Breaking out of Miss Keine's hold, Mokou tackled me to the grass and the both of us rolled in it for a full minute before we laid on the knoll, all washed up and very tired, yet laughing non-stop nonetheless.
[… Honestly… the both of you are…]
Never getting to finish her sentence for perhaps the third time, Miss Keine was pulled off the porch as she landed face-first into Mokou's waiting arms.
[Aww C'mon! All work and no play makes Half-beasts a boring girl!!~~]
[W-Wait!]
..
..
[… that might make sense…]
Rubbing her chin, Miss Keine turned towards Mokou before prodding her.
[Say, Mokou…]
[?]
[What do you think?]
[I don't know for nuts. You're the intellect.]
[… fine…]
Standing up, Miss Keine walked back to her house as she called to me.
[I'll look up some articles…]
..
Nodding, I could not mask the fact that I was a tad anxious about what her analysis would be.
..
Should I be relieved at being youkai? Should I NOT be relieved at being youkai?
Should I be unhappy that I was youkai? Should I be happy that I was youkai?
What would it mean to be me, a shrine maiden who is youkai?
Would I be accepted by people if they find out?
Would the youkai accept me?
Would I be able to serve the shrine again?
Would my friends accept me the same way as I am now?
..
..
[…]
Those and other thoughts ran through my mind and I sighed for Mokou to see.
[Cheer up! Life's not that bad.]
Patting my back, Mokou floated above me like it was nothing and from her hands, she formed a beautiful bird of fire and let it fly right up towards the roof.
[… you'll cope. You're Reimu, stronger than what I can ever hope to be.]
She sounded bitter and she probably is bitter at many things that had been unfair to her.
..
..
[… life must be unfair to you… Mokou…]
[Tell me about it, will cha?]
Harshly interrupting me, Mokou jammed her hands inside her pockets as she landed and sat on the roof.
[… but it's not your fault. I'm always like this.]
[… Mokou…]
[Nah, don't you DARE pity me. I'm only Mokou if I have to live my life hard.]
Gritting her teeth, Mokou clenched her fists before punching the air determinedly.
[Ya know, life's been awful. But thanks to Keine, life's getting a wee bit better, so yea, that's fine.]
With the same old feral grin, Mokou left her fists punching the air and I felt that it is symbolic.
A frail, powerless girl punching the heavens to show her defiance to the world.
But she, Fujiwara no Mokou is more than that, she is the embodiment of a human who has powers of a youkai.
..
..
[R-Reimu?]
Sitting beside her without willing it to, I just sort of appeared beside her and I hugged her.
[… I want to help you, Mokou…]
[W-What are you doing, Reimu?!]
[I want to help you… of all the people that I know… there is no one I would rather help than you……]
[What are you saying! Le-Let me go!]
[Mokou…]
Feeling her fragrance, touching her body made me bush and I knew what I was doing was wrong… what I was about to do a sin… and what I hope to do a crime.
..
..
..
[you have not sinned, yet you are treated like you sinned… there is no other crime in the world that is more…]
I could not find the word to describe the crime and I shook my head and released her, as she had requested but she did not back off.
Instead, her red eyes still stared at me and not leaving me as I too, floated in the air in front of her.
[… it might hurt… but medicine that is not bitter is not good medicine. I'll find justice for you…]
[… Justice. There is no justice, the world is not fair, Reimu. What I want to say is… why?]
[because I…]
[STOP!]
..
..
It took a scream to stop the both of us, who were leaning so close to one another that I could see individual features of Mokou's face.
[W-What are you doing!!]
Flying up and tackling Mokou to the floor and generally separating the both of us apart, Keine, who was not wearing her hat, stamped the floor as she pointed at me.
[W-What are you doing to Mokou!! Reimu!!]
[…]
Looking away, I wanted so much to burst out laughing but with the help of the two fairies who were muffling my mouth, I made sure no noise escaped my mouth.
..
..
[Reimu, you're a shrine Maiden, you can't you can't---]
Blabbering non-stop, Keine waved both her hands hysterically as she repeatedly said the same words.
[YOU CAN'T DO THAT TO MOKOU!!]
Finally screaming out loudly, Keine stamped the ground so hard that there was a small tremor before she hugged Mokou and pointed a finger at me.
[I WON'T LET YOU TAKE MOKOU AWA-]
[ara ara~]
..
..
Finally letting the laughter escape my throat, I laughed so much that I literally fell from the sky and rolled in the grass.
It was mean of me, but I wanted to do this.
Thus, making this a sin, a crime and wrong to do all at the same time.
[… I-I… ha ha~]
Unable to talk straight, I crawled back to my feet to see that Keine was still hugging Mokou as if her life depended on it.
[… Miss Keine… are you jealous?]
[A-AH?!]
..
..
Giving a small shriek, Miss Keine refused to answer me even when I floated over to her, my arms trailing beside me as I did so.
[Are you jealous of me… and Mokou?]
Circling her just like how Rumia did to me, like a predator to her prey, I repeated that to Rumia, smiling wryly as I did so; watching Miss Keine's terrified eyes.
[…]
[…]
[…]
Reaching over, I hugged the both of them tightly, ignoring the fact that really, everyone could probably see me right now.
..
..
[… I won't take either of you from one another… don't worry…]
[I don't have the right, to do such a thing, nor does anyone have the right… Mokou, Keine…]
Closing my eyes, I tried hard to stop my tears from spilling over. It was embarrassing, but it was the truth.
Seeing the both of them, getting along with the both of them, hearing their concerns for me, hearing their laughter and sharing their lives with them, even for a short while made me pine, pine for companionship.
..
..
I was always alone, never with someone else; spending my days at the shrine alone and with no companionship at all.
It had been fine from the start and it should still be fine till the end of my life. Until now, until I came back to Gensokyo…
Until I met Suika, I..
I really…
..
..
[?]
[The both of you, have each other… don't… do not ignore that…]
I was mad, I was really furious at Reimu for pulling that prank, making me feel so angry at her…
I, I truly thought that Reimu was taking away Mokou, taking her away from me… taking my reason for living, existing now away from me.
..
..
Defensively, I grabbed Mokou's hand and had placed myself in front of her, in front of the threat called Reimu.
At that time, I really did wanted to kill her if I must, I could not bear the thought of Mokou leaving me, even for a second and so I had fallen for her bait and her ruse.
Gods, it was like a confession of love and when she laughed, it sounded like she was mocking me and I swore that my hair bristled in my anger.
Embarrassing would not even begin to describe the situation at hand, she had not only made it so crystal clear that I loved Mokou, she had to rub it in by giving me that smug look.
..
..
Mokou, for her part, just looked away and I could not gauge her response, another arrow through my heart.
For so long, I had harbored a liking for Mokou, not one of love but of infatuation. As time went on and we got closer, I had begun to believe that perhaps I did love Mokou, as a man to a woman… when Yuyuko Saigyouji set it straight for me.
Everyone must have a purpose in history, whatever one do, it is recorded in history like a footprint on the moon, never removed and forever in it's lifetime.
What is different is how significant is your place in history? Your actions in history and how others view of your actions in history, how they interpreted history and your actions.
So… till then, I had always viewed Mokou as the person I loved… but it was not totally accurate or inaccurate… My position is to record history, is to record the existence of Fujiwara No Mokou, of my Mokou, of my interaction with Mokou… through my eyes and my eyes only.
..
..
The Eternal Being Fujiwara No Mokou and I, an insignificant Half-Beast, Kamishirasawa Keine's interactions…
I do love her, but I love her differently than what a man feels towards a woman. It is a feeling of eternal caring, of eternal worrying and eternal happiness towards Mokou.
That is why I blew up, wanting to kill Reimu for even tempting Mokou…
That is what I had wronged…
.
..
Never telling Mokou, never telling how I felt towards her… never explaining why I would want her to stay… always expecting her to understand, figuratively putting her in a cage, a cage that I had crafted out of my hands…
That is what I had wronged at…
So…
When Reimu hugged us, I kept away the anger that was clouding my rationality and listened to her, hoping against hope that what I had suspected will not pass to reality.
History is funny, it is almost always repeated and thus, history shall repeat itself and reality rear it's ugly head at me
..
..
[The both of you have one another… don't forget that… ever…]
Smiling bitterly as I released the both of them, I managed to teasingly push Mokou as I slowly floated up in the air, away from Miss Keine's small home.
I was just giving Miss Keine a small push towards the general direction and I did not mean anything else.
[… unlike me, who has no one… cherish each other… I.. I'm…]
[I'm sorry if you misinterpreted my actions… ]
Turning my face away; not allowing them to see my face, I flew away and left the both of them standing at the roof, looking at my disappearing figure.
..
..
..
After all, I've always been alone… and it felt right for me to be alone… till I met all of them..
Signs of jealousy and unease coursed through me and it felt very terrible and it hurts to see all of them…
It hurts so… ..
So much…