Disclaimer: Touhou Project was created by Jun'ya Ōta (ZUN). I don't own any of the Touhou characters used in this story.
Author's Note: Another story! I haven't seen anybody write anything similar on this site, so I decided to write up this. I got inspiration for this story after I played a mod for Touhou 6/7/8 to add Sanae as a playable character. This story will cover all 6 stages, and if the story is well received, I might also write an Extra stage and Perfect Cherry Blossom sequel (probably with Imperishable Night sequel too.) Without further ado, please enjoy the chapter.
The Scarlet Mist Incident: Moriya Side
Gensokyo, a land of fantasy and illusions. Inhabited by both youkai and humans.
Both races are natural enemies to each other, however in the Gensokyo, balance is kept, so none of them can overshadow the other.
The balance is maintained by the shrine maidens, with help of their gods.
The land of fantasy used to have only one shrine maiden that served Hakurei God, however as of late another shrine maiden along with her goddesses arrived.
They have moved to the Gensokyo in order to find salvation from the dwindling faith in the Outside World.
The goddesses have transported their shrine and divine lake to the Youkai Mountain, where they hoped to slowly regain their powers and gain faith from the neighboring youkai and humans.
The tengu and kappa living on the mountain weren't at first pleased to see intruders in their territory, however after a bit of negotiations from both the goddesses and shrine maiden, they managed to reach a compromise.
Now that they could live there in peace, they have been spending their days planning to regain their reputation as the goddesses and bring back glory to the Moriya Shrine...
Moriya Shrine, Morning.
Sanae was sweeping the shrine grounds to make it presentable for the visitors.
Her goddess Kanako Yasaka was sitting on the porch of the shrine, she looked deep in thought.
While her other goddess, Suwako Moriya was lying on the top of the shrine gate. Her hat was covering her face and she was holding a piece of wheat straw in her mouth.
It would seem that this was one of the more peaceful days, however the red mist that was hanging in the air suggested otherwise.
The mist appeared around a few days ago, at first it wasn't threatening, but with time, it grew even thicker and spread almost everywhere.
It was reported that this mist is also poisonous to the humans, after a long exposure to it, people would start dropping dead.
After a moment, the goddess of wind approached the wind priestess.
-Do you have a moment, Sanae?
She stopped sweeping with her broom and looked at Kanako.
-Of course, Lady Kanako. Is there something troubling you?
-I'm sure you already know, Sanae.
The wind priestess nodded.
-Yes... The red mist, it has spread even further today, hasn't it?
-Indeed, that's why it's about time we do something about it.
Sanae raised her eyebrow.
-We? But haven't you said that we should avoid taking part in anything major? Maybe that other shrine maiden is already taking care of it?
Kanako shook her head.
-I doubt it, it's been already a few days since the mist appeared and there's no sign of it stopping anytime soon. It's down to us to stop it, Sanae, besides it would be a good training for you as the wind priestess. You would get experience in the field, and we could finally get significant amount of faith from the humans for solving the incident.
Sanae hummed in thought.
She wasn't really confident in her abilities to solve the incident on her own, but there's a first time for everything, right? If you don't try something, then you won't improve upon it, and helping her goddesses regain their faith is also very important for her.
She nodded.
-If that's what you want, Lady Kanako, then I'll do it.
The wind goddess smiled.
-Thank you, Sanae.
She then put her hand on the priestess's shoulders.
-Now don't forget that we are here for you, Sanae. If you get in any trouble during your investigation, then you can summon us to help you out. Isn't that right, Suwako?
Sanae looked at the goddess of earth lying on top of the gate. She didn't move from her spot, but she raised her hand to give a thumbs up.
The wind priestess smiled and looked back at Kanako.
-I will keep that in mind.
The wind goddess then patted Sanae on the back.
-Now, go inside the shrine and prepare for the trip, you can take anything you think you will need, so don't hold back.
The wind priestess nodded and started moving towards the shrine.
When she disappeared from the sight, Suwako finally spoke up after staying silent for the whole conversation.
-Are you sure about sending her alone out there?
Kanako sighed.
-No, but someone has to do something about this mist, and I don't trust that Hakurei shrine maiden to do it.
Suwako raised her hat from the face.
-I'm sure, Sanae will be able to handle any small fry youkai, but what if she stumbles upon somebody powerful that will try to hurt her?
-Then they will face the wrath of Moriya goddesses.