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 20: Pyrrhic Friendship
The village bustled with a liveliness that I sort of missed from my time back in the outside world. I looked on from a bit outside of the village, taking in the fact that there were other people, normal people. Well I suppose for the given technological level they're normal. Reimu had asked me to go shopping for her, apparently for snacks. Giving me a small sack of money, she pushed me out the door and sent me on my way, not even bothering to tell me what snacks she wanted, though I had a good idea based on my memories of simply sitting with her in the living room. Before heading into the village, I look at my ring and summon forth a particular item from it.
With a bit of focus, as was usual, I called forth a katana that lay in a predominantly black sheathe, ornately decorated with pink and white floral patterns. The guard was gold and the hilt wrapped with black; pommel the same color as the guard. Curiously, it had a white tassel. Youmu had, perhaps overzealously, given it to me the other day as a gift for having progressed so far under her tutelage. At least that was what she said, but I feel that I had not mastered it to the degree to which was required for such recognition. I mean, I only started a few months ago, but Youmu still insisted. She apparently had it specially made, but I think that Youmu wanted to keep that a secret, given her panic when Yuyuko told me as much only a little bit after I accepted it.
Reimu had told me, despite not telling me what to get her, to carry something like a weapon on my person if I could, that way I could get by without too much issue in the village. She said that they were going to be suspicious since I'm a new face, but they would leave me alone if I carried something. I suppose to be safe, I should follow her advice. It will be my first time going into the human village I had heard so much about. I tie Youmu's gift to my side, as I doubt Lucifer's Blade would offer the same level of intimidation, and began to walk into the village.
"Here goes nothing…" I whisper as I try to walk into the village with my usual gait, trying not to attract attention. As I walk in, I could see that for the most part it was working. Exactly what was working, I couldn't tell, but I was being left alone and that was the desired result. There were a few pairs of eyes that would wander towards my direction, but they wouldn't linger for long. I guess I pass for now. My attention leaving that, my eyes wandered to look at the village I had just entered. It was what one would expect of a feudal era village. The buildings were of classical Japanese style like one would find at a heritage site or something of that nature. There wasn't anything that looked electrical or had any sort of modern sensibility. In a way, I feel like I'm stepping through time. I see familiar things, but new all the same. The people also matched in how they dressed, but given how things like yukata and kimono hadn't fallen out of fashion, even in modern day, they weren't as interesting. Though I admit it was still new given that everyone wore them as everyday clothing.
"Now where was that… snack shop…?" I just remembered she never told me where to buy snacks either…
Break
That didn't take long… the snack shop was really easy to spot, what with the jars of candies and such it had right outside. I guess I have some time to explore the village. I currently sat at the edge of an artificial bank of water that snaked through the village. The bank was lined with stones, and further down the road I could see a wooden bridge painted a bright red color. Trees with browning leaves lined themselves along the bank, their falling leaves floating on the surface of the water. I suppose it's definitely fall now if it wasn't before. Actually what month is it?
"Arisato-san?" Hmmm? Someone called my name? "Yes I do believe it is you, Arisato-san." I turn around to find… Akyuu, Hieda no Akyuu who refereed my match with Marisa; the young purple haired girl. "How are you doing?" She asked with a small smile of surprise.
"Do you know what month it is?"
"Hmm?" She intoned questioningly.
"Do you know what month it is?" I asked a second time, making sure to repeat the exact intonation.
"Oh! Well I do believe it is October… particularly the 14th day. Why do you ask?" She asked a bit slowly, caution in her voice… for some reason…
"Just wanted to check the time. I haven't really paid any sort of attention."
"I see… and what brings you here to the Human Village?" Human village; what an odd name for a town… or is that a name?
"I'm on errands for Reimu-san; wanted me to get snacks."
"I see…" Akyuu said with an exasperated breath.
"It's a nice village. It's the first time I've ever come here." It's been nice so far, like being in the older parts of Japan… I guess technically this is of the same place.
"Really? How long have you been in Gensokyo?" Akyuu asked, her curiosity rising I suppose.
"Since… I believe late March, early April… I'm not too sure."
"And in all that time, you'd never been to the village until today? You are from the outside correct?" Akyuu seemed both worried and confused.
"Yes, I am."
"Then where have you lived this whole time? It's dangerous outside the Human Village."
"In Hakugyokurou…" I answered simply.
"You… you are of the living correct?"
"Well… I suppose I'm not dead." Though I have died…
"I see… well I'd love to inquire more, but I have a prior engagement to attend to. I don't suppose you have time to accompany me, do you?" Akyuu asked, bending over to be heard more clearly, placing a hand on her hair to keep it from getting in her face as she did so.
"Well I'm not expected back for a bit, so sure…" I'd like to see more of the village. I'm curious as to what else the village has to offer.
"Great, you can tell me more about yourself as we go along then," Akyuu happily exclaimed. "You have yet to show up for the interview I asked you for." Oh right… I completely forgot.
"Sorry, I've been busy…" I said as I got up and on to my feet.
"As I hope you will tell me. Now come, I can't keep my friend waiting for me for too long," Akyuu said as she turned and began to walk, myself following of course. This might be interesting.
Break
"Kosuzu-chan, I'm here!" Akyuu called into the book renter named Suzunaan; a bell ringing as we slid the door open. As one would expect from a book related business, inside was filled to the brim with books; some strewn on the floor, most on shelves, and, perhaps more fitting for Gensokyo, there were scrolls that lined the shelves in similar number to the books. Also, in a pile, were a number of books and scrolls stacked on top of each other in a messy manner. Despite Akyuu's call, no one answered, but the small sounds of the outside could be heard thanks to the quietness of the renter.
"Is she here?" I asked Akyuu.
"She rarely ever leaves, so I'd be surprised if she wasn't home," Akyuu stated with clear understanding of this Kosuzu person. "She's obviously not at her post…" Akyuu noted as I noticed her looking at the desk which had what looked like a ledger book. "She's most likely in her room, binge reading again… or maybe…"
"Should you call her name agai-"
"KOSUZU-CHAN! I'M HERE!" Akyuu yelled with all the might she could muster. My ears are ringing… For the first few seconds afterwards, nothing happened, but only a few seconds after that, a shifting sound could be heard from... the pile "So she was sleeping…" Akyuu let out in tired tones as she walked over to the pile. "It's bad form for the owner of a book renter to act in such a manner as sleeping in a pile of books."
"Oh don't be like that…" a young girl's voice let out slowly as if getting up just now… wait she was getting up just now. "I was having such a nice dream this time…" From the pile that Akyuu walked over to, a young girl rose from the pile like a flower from the ground. She, despite sleeping, still wore hair decorations.
Kosuzu looked to be a young girl who sported a vibrant set of deep red eyes. Her hair was a lighter shade of red and was tied into somewhat short length twin tails, of which were tied by bells… She wore an oddly designed Kimono that was red checkered patterned, with a green skirt. Atop all of that was a yellow apron upon which was written Kosuzu in English… around her neck was a set of glasses with a string tied around to hang on her neck. Another odd one…
"So… who's your friend, Akyuu?"
"I'm Minato Arisato. Nice to meet you," I introduced myself, as usual.
"Oh! Well aren't you polite? I'm Kosuzu Motoori, written with 'Little Bell' and 'residing books'. I hope we can get along… hey are you from the outside world?" She excitedly began, her eyes looking all about my Gekkoukan High Uniform.
"Um… yeah… I am." I feel a bit uncomfortable
"Ooooh! Is he really from the outside world?" Kosuzu asked Akyuu for confirmation.
"Yes… he is, but that is not why I came today…" Akyuu clarified, trying to control the conversation.
"Oh? Well that's a shame. I would have loved to have learned if there were more books like the Necronomicon." The what!?
"You should really stop reading those books. You'll really turn into a Youkai if you continue to read those Youkai Books. However I have come today to-"
"I'm sorry, but excuse me. Did you just say Necronomicon?"
"Oh so you know it?" It's a common book in HP Lovecra-… never mind.
"It's a fictio-" Wait… this is Gensokyo… "It's somewhat famous. I was just surprised to hear of it here."
"Oh, well I have it in the back. I can get it for you if you wa-"
"I'm fine..." I said, rejecting Kosuzu's offer.
"Are you sure, I've finished reading it already so it would be no proble-"
"I'm fine…" I said in the exact same tone of voice.
"Okay… um… so Akyuu, what did you come for today? " Kosuzu asked Akyuu, a bit down from being rejected so.
"Well I was wondering if you knew more about the recent string of attacks that have been plaguing the Human Village," Akyuu finally got to say… What attacks?
"Hmm… Oh! Those attacks… well… if I remember correctly, they're usually at night, as you would expect from a youkai, but sometimes I've heard them happening during the day. Outside the village from prying eyes, mind you. Not that they'd be able to attack from within the village, what with the pact about safe zones and what not. I'd find them a bit suspicious, but it's happened with such frequency that it's difficult to refute at this point."
"It is still suspicious nonetheless. Youkai aren't known for day attacks. It might be just someone imitating the night attacks and trying to blame it on the youkai. Of course this does not absolve the Youkai of its crimes."
"What makes you think that it's a Youkai attacking at night to begin with?" I jumped in with.
"You make a good point, however past experience has shown that the humans here in the village are usually too scared to go out at night because of Youkai attacks. Humans aren't at the top of the food chain here, so a degree of caution is always present," Akyuu clarified.
"And besides, major disputes between humans haven't happened in years. People live in almost complete solidarity because of the threat of being some youkai's lunch," Kosuzu further explained. "Though that doesn't stop the occasional dissenter, it's still a major deterrent."
"How morbid…" I voiced quietly…
"Did you say something?" Akyuu asked me, picking up on my whisper.
"I said it was quite morbid; people working together under the threat of death." It makes sense, and it's better than apathy, but still somewhat unnerving.
"When you put it that way, you're sort of right… but then again under the threat of death, most people will do anything to stay alive," Kosuzu mused.
"I'd hope so…" People in the outside world are just as likely to give up… at least for now. "Have you brought this up with Reimu-san?"
"No, not yet, but we probably should. Reimu can be pretty competent when it comes to youkai hunting," Kosuzu said with a fair amount of confidence in her voice.
"You seem to trust Reimu-san. Why?" I asked her. From what I could tell from all of the others I've worked with, apparently Reimu's reputation in the human village was quite… non-existent. Most just seemed to acknowledge her existent, but not much past that.
"She's trustworthy. Sure her shrine's a bit shady, but she herself is a competent shrine maiden. She's got a 100% success rate when it comes to incident resolutions, or at least they've been resolved when she's involved," Kosuzu answered, the confidence continuing from before.
"I guess I'll have to see that for myself one day…" The only incident I've seen her participate in thus far would be the UFO one, but I have to admit she did get quite far into solving it.
"So returning to the current incident though, have there been any other clues that have turned up?" Akyuu said, railroading the conversation back on point.
"None that I can think of. It's honestly pretty vague… well there were reports of chills and I think great pressures that were felt by the victims before losing consciousness and a somewhat evil laugh being heard too…"
"Those are some fairly important bits of information to have as a side note Kosuzu-chan," Akyuu off handedly reprimanded.
"Oh like you're one to talk Akyuu, what with your ridiculous side-notes in your chronicle," Kosuzu shot back.
"That's because those parts don't flow well with the rest of the parts and are best left in those spaces so as to accommodate easier reading." Akyuu came back as her eyes scrunched in annoyance.
"Then what about the time you made side notes in your side notes? That was quite an interesting read there," Kosuzu brought up with a sly, toothy, smile.
"Um…" I interrupted, causing the two of them to focus their attention on me. "I'll be taking my leave now if that's alright."
"Oh it's fine, Arisato-san. Just please remember to visit my mansion when you have the time. Just ask the villagers, and they should be able to point the way," Akyuu told me with her previous poise and demeanor.
"Yeah, just don't be too mad about what she writes about you though," Kosuzu commented.
"Yes, yes…" Akyuu let out. "Take care Arisato-san."
"Yeah, it was nice meeting you. If you're ever in need of something to read, I'll be here," Kosuzu offered as I started back towards the door.
"I'll think it about it… Later…" I said with a wave as I stepped out… Now to head back to the shrine…
Break
"Well this is a surprise… I was expecting these two, but you… I wasn't expecting you…" I told the third figure. I stood next to Mima and Ruukoto, the latter of whom was sweeping the floor.
"I hope that my coming here was not too sudden. I heard that you could be found here, and I suppose in my haste to greet you once more, I, perhaps, rushed a tad bit too much?" The female monk said with an apologetic smile. Byakuren was speaking to Ruukoto and Mima before I approached them. As she said, she apparently wished to speak with me.
"She just showed up out of the blue. Hasn't stopped talking my ear off," Mima said with annoyance. Well they weren't on the best of terms when they were together last time.
"Master, were you able to procure Reimu-sama's desired snacks? Were there any difficulties? Do you require rest and refreshment?"
"To answer in order, Yes, no, and yes," I said to her as I approached, handing the bag of sweets to my maid. Well I can do without the rest for now. I'll probably take a nap later anyways…
"I'll be right back then with some tea I've brewed. I'll be sure to have some for our guests as well," Ruukoto happily exclaimed.
"Thank you for your hospitality," Byakuren told Ruukoto as she then almost skipped back into the shrine.
"I'll meet you inside the living room then," I made sure to tell her before she got too far. In response, she made a pirouette to try and greet me… only to begin flailing uncontrollably from lost balance. Luckily she managed to regain her footing before a major fall could occur… Taking a bow to confirm she heard me, she then turned around, slowly this time one foot after the other, and resumed her walking towards the shrine. Taking a moment to make sure she would be fine, I took in a breath before turning to Byakuren.
"So you wanted to speak with me?" I started.
"Yes. As I believe I said to you before, I found it quite fascinating how you were able to deal with the situation surrounding my return. It was quite interesting and I felt that I would like to learn more about you," the monk told me quite frankly. There wasn't a hint of sarcasm or derision in her voice. I guess there do exist people like her who can hold genuine curiosity despite ones age… in a sense.
"Well that's fine and all, but can you wait for a bit? I have something I need to address with Mima here," I told her in response.
"That is fine. I can wait," Byakuren said with a slight bow in acknowledgment. "I am happy that you are considering talking to me to begin with." What a nice lady. I turn to Mima.
"So now you're on my ass?" She said, a bit amused. I really just don't register as very much to her do I?
"You've been attacking the village again?" I asked, my mood dropping a tad. It's the 3rd time this has happened.
"Meh, it's their fault for not being in the safe zone of the Human Village. Besides it's not like I did anything permanent," Mima said, a bit of psychopathy I couldn't help but hear slip out in turn.
"Physically yes, but they're surely scarred mentally," I pointed out.
"You underestimate humans sometimes, you know? They're tough, they can handle it," Mima shot back without a moment's notice. "Also who's Shirley?" Ignoring that last thing…
"It's weird hearing that from you. Why are you, a youkai, so filled with confidence for humanity?" It's weird that it's the attacker stating how strong humans are…
"I'm surprised as well to hear such words," Byakuren chimed in.
"I've been around a long time, and in that time you tend to notice some things. I've raised my fair share of humans too, you know?" Mima proudly proclaimed.
"I've heard how much you've lied in the past you know…" I'd heard from nearly everyone I've talked to about Mima that she's a chronic liar. Reimu, Marisa, and even Yuuka of all people spoke in great length on how much she's lied. Though… I don't think she's ever lied to me strangely enough…
"As I'd expect from my reputation," she said as her lips curved upward. I gave a small sigh as I began to walk towards the shrine. "You know…" She started as she began to follow me, her ghost tail undulating with her movements. Byakuren followed silently, listening intently to our conversation. "You really have to learn to lighten up you know? I don't want you getting all serious on me like Reimu is."
"That's an understatement…" Reimu is still trying to seal her… I think… she hasn't done anything in the last few months or so…As I near the door, Mima continues.
"Ah there's that language again. If only I were a few centuries younger… You always have the best come backs," Mima jovially let me know as she floated close, placing her head near my shoulder…
"You stay away from Arisato-sama!" I heard from Sukuna for the first time that day… when did she… never mind, it doesn't matter. Sukuna pointed, valiantly, her needle at the ghost from the safety of my coat pocket. "How can you take kindly to her kind?"
"Now, Sukuna-kun. She's not hurting anybody… right now." I told her as I reached for the door.
"No! You said it herself, and she confirmed it. She's behind the attacks! I cannot allow your presence to be tainted by this recalcitrant miscreant!" When did her vocabulary… Perhaps it's always been that large.
"And what is the wittle itty bitty inchwing going to do about it?" Mima taunted, making baby faces as she did so.
"Stick a needle in your eye is a plausible form of attack!" Sukuna yelled as she began to climb my chest with remarkable speed. Before she could leap off my shoulder to attack the smiling Mima…
"Sukuna, calm down. We're at a shrine so let's keep things civil." I said as I grabbed her by the obi just as she was about to jump. Sukuna didn't struggle, perhaps afraid her kimono would be undone by the action. She still gave me a childish pout however. "And you Mima." I turned to see she was still snickering. "We'll talk about this once we're inside… and only talk." Too much work having to fight. Finally opening the door, I could smell the brewing of tea…
"Kyaaaaa!" … I'll clean that up later.
"I hope she is alright…" Byakuren noted… I hope so too… I hope so too.
Break
"So you're really not going to let this go huh?" Mima asked me nonchalantly as she continued to watch the TV… of which was showing what was apparently the season finale of this incarnation of Featherman… that's not important right now. Actually how is that TV even getting a signal… probably Inaba… anyways…? Sukuna fell asleep if her tiny rhythmic breaths were of any indication. She's been staying up late recently. Byakuren continued to play the silent vanguard, her attention never wavering.
"Mima, I'm not going to preach anything to you, but I do want you to know that you are hurting people."
"And what am I supposed to do with that information?" Mima said off hand, paying more attention to the TV than to me.
"Honestly, I didn't think that far." I really have to think about what I'm going to say in greater detail… I'm not used to initiating talks.
"Seriously? You're even worse than Reimu. At least she doesn't give up, even if she doesn't have a point." Mima finally turned to me, amused by my lack of follow up.
"Well I'm not Reimu."
"Obviously. You're not as pretty," Mima joked with a small giggle.
"And I'm okay with that."
"Now that's better. You're more fun when you're not trying to talk my ear off with principles and morals." Mima said as an aside.
"I'm still not giving up though…" I don't like where I see this going if Mima keeps this up.
"You are really starting to annoy me with that…" Mima said, turning back to the TV with a sigh. "Are you really going to keep doing this?"
"Yes…"
"Good luck then. What you're trying to do is like trying to count to infinity; an impossible task." Mima stated, her amusement having become colored somewhat sad.
"How so…" she's… not trying to stop me.
"I've talked to you about the nature of Youkai, haven't I?" Mima started with a question, probably to gauge where she should start.
"A small amount, but nothing extensive." In fact the most she's ever spoken about it was off hand to what I heard from the time she argued with Byakuren. I give her a quick glance… still nothing.
"Then allow me to teach you about the nature of youkai." Mima started as she turned the TV off, taking a proper seat at the table to lecture me. "What do you know about youkai?"
"Not much really. I remember that there are many kinds of youkai, and that youkai can be formed based on a number of phenomenon, but other than that, not very much."
"Well then I guess what should be added to that is that the place youkai are born of, is the fear harbored in the hearts of humanity. Apparently, long ago, when the light of the moon dimmed, humans for the first time began to feel fear and anxiety. From this fear, they made stories and legends about the reasons. These legends spawned more legends, and the creations of stories to explain things became common. In such a world, the supernatural was able to flourish. Those thoughts and feelings gave way to a change of reality. The legends became real, the stories became true; youkai began to form from the thoughts and feelings of the hearts of humanity," Mima told lazily.
"That… sounds familiar…" From the hearts of man…
"Well it should. I think I have told you about it sometime before in some way," Mima said whilst trying to remember if she had...
"What do you mean by the hearts of humanity?" I asked her to clarify in case there was a meaning that was more esoteric.
"Exactly what I mean, people's thoughts and feelings; literally. Do you get what I mean when I say that then?" My eyes widened… I was starting to get it. "You get it then. You can't change Youkai, without changing people. Like how gods exist thanks to the belief of people, youkai exist thanks to their fear. Not only that, if you remove their fear, you will get rid of youkai. They will cease to exist. Knowledge and understanding only serve to hurt the supernatural such as ourselves."
"Is that true?" I ask Byakuren. She looks to me, a bit solemnly, and gives me a nod… So it is… if even a monk who advocates peace between the two says as much…
"Minato-kun, you're a sweet kid. You really are." I look back at Mima as she starts to speak again. "If I were maybe a few hundred years younger I certainly would fall for you, but even then, kindness alone never really changed anything. Ambition and will are what move the world, or keep it in place."
"And I have both…" I replied immediately, trying to put as much strength into my voice as I could.
"I'm sure you do, but can you really change all of man to make it so that the nature of youkai changes?" Mima asked me, a sad, pitying smile painting her lips. I took a moment to let her question sink in…
"…"
"Well?" She asked, not so much in a condescending way, but… was that hope?
"I don't have to change everyone, only just enough people to matter. Gensokyo doesn't even have a single percent of the total population on the planet, but even they are enough to sustain the beliefs of Youkai…I think. I only have to change their perspective to change it all." Mima gave a huff and a smirk, something seemed off however…
"You're serious? You're actually serious?" Mima's smirk gave way to a wide grin, and then erupted into a cackle of laughter. "You're actually serious! This is great! I can't believe it!" Mima managed to say between her raucousness. Her laughing continued and only strengthened as time passed so much so that I was afraid it would wake Sukuna. "Well I have to say I can't remember the last time I met a human who had that much confidence in himself!" She finally ended her laughing. Her expression, however, then became far more sullen. "I'd say we should have ourselves a bet, but I think something else is more in order."
"Why not?" Why not have a bet? Actually… what would it be about…?
"Simple, you'd lose," Mima said with complete confidence, not a single chink in that armor. "Besides that, I like you. I want to help you out before you're crushed by your naiveté."
"…" I took a moment to consider what she was saying… She's being honest as she usually was with me, and from what I gather, only me… considering her apparent penchant for lying…
"And how will you go about teaching him these, 'lessons', so to speak?" Byakuren asks. She and I look at each other before she continues with, "I'd also like to learn more about youkai and this seems to be the perfect opportunity." I nod in agreement. I suppose I was never really ever given any formal lesson.
"Simple! I'm going to give you a youkai tour! I'll show you various examples of the youkai that inhabit Gensokyo!" Mima declared loudly.
"Master the tea is ready!" Ruukoto exclaimed as she entered the room.
"Bring it with us, we'll be out for a while!" Mima commanded.
"Huh? What? Master, what's going on?" Ruukoto asked me in a panic, the tea beginning to spill a bit from her surprise.
"Mima's going to teach us something apparently…" I said as I picked myself up from the floor "Just leave them here for Reimu-san whenever she gets back…"I look down at my coat… One pat ought to do it.
"Bwuh? Arisato-sama? Do you need something from me?" Sukuna said, popping out of my pocket so fast that she was still quite groggy.
"We're heading out, just letting you know."
"Oh, okay…" She said, falling back to sleep just as quickly as she got up… Well at least she knows. I'll let her sleep.
"Well if you're satisfied, shall we get going?" Mima said, already half phased through the wall. I turn to Byakuren.
"I'm ready whenever you are…"
"…" I left my reply as me getting up and opening the door, a hand extended to the monk.
"I think I can see why she said 'If I were maybe a few hundred years younger'. You're quite the gentlemen." Byakuren takes my hand, and I lift her up gently.
"I'll just leave the tea and snacks here for when we return…" Ruukoto said as she bent down to place the tray on the table.
"Well… Let's get going." I stated as I walked out of the room. Hopefully this won't take too much time.
Break
"So… where exactly are we going?" Mima led us out of the shrine, only to walk right behind it. We've been walking in the forest that was behind the shrine, but we couldn't have much more to go before we hit the boundary right?
"Oh we're… here actually!" Mima said as she led us out into a clearing where a single tree sat adorned with… windows… a door… mail box… well there are worse places to live…
"… ! …" I… I can't speak… no… that's not it… I can feel my vocal chords vibrating… but no sound is happening…
"…" I look behind me to see that Byakuren and Ruukoto were having the same problem, though one was panicking more than the other. Turning back to Mima, I found that she was enjoying herself, though her attention was… well what do you know… In one of the windows in the tree, a shadow could be seen inside. Mima then floated over to the tree and… as if her counting down, slammed her fist into the tree. It shook violently, a number of its leaves falling off its branches, but all without sound, until suddenly, the sound returned as if someone simply held the volume button down on a TV remote until it returned to normal.
"There, that should get their attention…" Mima said as she then moved to the side of the tree's front door.
"WHO THE HECK PUNCHES A TREE!?" From the door popped three fairies, of which I recognized from the party. Of them, the one to speak had short red hair that was held at the sides in small tails using red ribbons. Her dress was red, accented by white poofy white sleeves and clean trim. Her red shoes were tapping the ground at a furious pace… also she had a maid's headband on top. Can't forget that. Of them, she looked the most confident, her blue eyes staring straight ahead and unyielding.
The one on the left had red eyes and yellow hair that was done in a princess curls, about six of them from what I could tell. Her dress was mostly white but had a black trim as well as a few black ribbons that ran the middle of her dress as well as a big one below her neck and it seemed there was an even bigger one on her back. Her slippers looked fairly clean. She seemed more muted, but no less determined.
The last one wore a dainty blue ribbon on top of a fairly long set of black hair cut in hime style. Her dress was similar in design to the red one's but with blue instead of red. Along with that were yellow orange stars that decorated the dress. Her grey eyes watched us with curiosity as she walked out, her boots making muted steps as she did so.
"That would be me, little ones." Mima moved behind them as soon as they walked out of their home. Immediately in response, the three of them jumped in fright and slowly began to turn around, and then… "BOO!"
"AHHHHHHH!" The three of them collectively yelled as they then flew away from Mima, and... straight into me… I guess because I was the closest thing to cling to…
"Nice! Would be a shame if they ran away." I think it would've been easier if you'd just not done that to begin with…
"Congratulations Master!" Ruukoto said with claps while giving genuinely giving me a smile…
"Congratulations." Byakuren also followed suit. I wasn't amused, but they didn't really mean anything bad by what they were doing.
"Anyways," Mima began with a cough. "Meet the Three Mischievous Fairies. Sunny Milk, Luna Child, and Star Sapphire," she said as she pointed to the red, yellow, and blue one respectively. "As you might be able to tell from their little silent spell, the like to play pranks." I looked down at the three of them still shivering in fear… I wish they'd let go at some point… it makes it hard to move…
"All I get from this is that you're the evil one…" I replied before looking back down. "It's fine, she's not going to kill you… as far as I know." As soon as they heard me, they looked up in response and then looked around them, slight tears in their eyes. Once they seemed to realize that it was all fine, they let go without a fuss. Fairies really are just like kids…
"Hey, you're the one that ice fairy fought at the party!" Sunny Milk said as she pointed her finger at me.
"Oh! You mean that boring looking boy. I thought he looked familiar," Luna Child followed up.
"Really? Hm… I guess you're right. He does look familiar… but what if he's a fake?" Star Sapphire said with a suspicion… except why would I need to… I guess no fairy is intelligent…
"Alright alright, aside from that. I have a question to ask you three," Mima interjected before that train of thought left the station. The three of them looked back at her in synchronous motion. Fear was no longer apparent in their eyes… almost as if they'd completely forgotten about it.
"What is it?" Sunny Milk said. I guess she's sort of the de facto leader…
"What do you think of Humans?"
"I like them!" Star Sapphire answered before Mima was completely ready to be given an answer.
"Yes, just the other day one gave me candy!" Luna Child Added.
"They're funny. They react so great to pranks!" Sunny Milk followed. Before I could get another word in Mima grabbed hold of that.
"And what kinds of pranks do you like to play?" Mima asked. I guess hoping it would be the kind of thing that would help her cause… except…
"Sometimes we like to take their things and hide them!" Sunny Milk clarified.
"Or maybe even eat their food when they aren't looking," Luna Child also said with a hint of pride.
"Yeah, stuff like that!" Star Sapphire agreed, also sounding prideful. I looked at Mima and gave her a shrug. Mima looked like she made a terrible mistake that she wanted to quickly correct.
"Um… they just seem like kids to me…" I told her, making sure to give her an understanding, yet wry smile. Turning back to them I then asked my own question. "Would you ever kill a human?"
"No way! We couldn't have fun with them anymore if we did that!" Sunny Milk was once again first to answer. The other two nodded in agreement.
"And besides, with the spell card system in place. We can fight them all we want and no one gets hurt too badly," Star Sapphire chimed in.
"Mima…" I began as I turned to the ghost. "I think this one's mine…"
"This has been a good experience. I've never really talked to fairies before," Byakuren said as she walked over and began to talk to the fairies.
"It would appear that this is indeed yours master," Ruukoto said as she handed me a cup of tea she had from a thermostat… I have questions, but they don't need answers…
"Right… uh… hold on a second…" Mima then went into what I guess was a thinking pose.
Break
"Alright so that one was… kind of a bust, but the next one should be a bit more convincing." Mima said as we were walking on a trail that was apparently named… Youkai Trail…
"Honestly, I hope not." If it could go as it did with the fairies, I think I'll be just fine.
"I agree. Those three were quite charming. I invited them to join my temple should they be interested," Byakuren said in agreement… save for the last part, but she was for the most part enjoying herself.
"I should prepare something for them later. I was unaware they were behind the shrine," Ruukoto said. I was also unaware of them being there… which is surprising given that I found a turtle back there but not them…
"Um… what's that smell?" I heard from my coat pocket in a sleepy manner. For some reason she's been quite sleepy recently… I hope Sukuna hasn't been doing anything dangerous… because it's obvious she's doing something every night…
"That would be lamprey, grilled specifically. It's also where we're headed," Mima clarified as she pointed to the stand in the distance. Smoke rose from it as one would expect… honestly I was getting a bit hungry.
"But why Grilled Lamprey? Isn't it usually Yakitori?" Which reminds me… I better head over to see Mokou soon…
"You'll see soon enough," Mima said as we headed over.
"I wonder if they have vegetarian options." Byakuren mused to herself.
"Grilled Lamprey… I must take notes…" Ruukoto said to herself in a similar fashion as the monk.
"Hello!" Mima yelled as we neared the stall. For all it looked, aside from what was on the grill, it seemed… completely normal.
"Welcome!" A voice rang that sounded almost like a singing sparrow. "I see some new faces. Care to try our Lamprey? It's our specialty. Not only is it healthy but it also prevents night blindness!" The girl's voice was quite… chipper and with a bit of twittering in her voice.
Because of the position of the stall, the girl was in full view. She had grey eyes that shown quite nicely in the light and her pink hair reminded me a bit of… my nee-san… but it was a tad darker… not as much glow…. Her ears were pointed but in a way not like an elf but more like… like an owl and her wings… fittingly enough, reminded me of a sparrows though it was set with purple highlighted parts to it. Her dress was of similar design to quite a few dresses I've seen in Gensokyo, what with the poofy white sleeves but with brown for the main parts this time. It was decorated in a number of little winged ornaments that I almost mistook as ribbons… save for the actual ribbon at the base of her neck. Her brown boots were also winged as well. In fact her hat was also winged. She also had long claw like nails that were curiously green in color, but didn't seem to hamper her as she handled her wares. The only thing that seemed to clash was her blue smock and bandanna that one usually expects from those who work at stalls.
"Mystia Lorelei I presume?" Mima asked, ignoring the offer for lamprey.
"Hmm? Do I know you?" She asked as paused in her cooking… Mystia is her name then?
"We're not here to eat. We just wanted to ask some questions and be on our way," Mima told Mystia bluntly.
"Aww, are you sure? You never know when night blindness may strike." She was about to grab one of the already cooked skewers of lamprey when Mima cut her off.
"I'm sure we'll manage," Mima said, a distinct threat in her voice that I'd become accustomed to… so long as I wasn't the one under fire.
"Gotcha… so… ask away. I'm busy you see, so make it quick." I… don't see anyone else… but maybe that's just to get us off her back.
"Alright I'll cut to the chase. What do you think of humans?" Mima asked without delay. I suppose it is what we're here for, but I'm not completely prepared to hear the answer so quickly.
"I think they're fine. I love scaring them. Seeing them all confused and terrified is the best. On particularly dark nights, I like to sing to bewilder them… and in fact... trade secret? My lamprey doesn't actually cure night blindness. I just don't do it to people who buy." That's… that's… a con job…
"You're quite… blunt…" I told her. She had no hesitation whatsoever about telling us that…
"And what's wrong with that? That's what I am. I love scaring humans. I'm a Youkai. It's natural." Natural she says… Just like Mima… I look towards the evil spirit to find her looking back at me with a smug face… Well… she does deserve it… Mima then looked back at Mystia and asked her another question.
"And have you eaten any humans?" My eyes widen at the question Mima asked as if she was asking if she'd had fruit this morning.
"Yup, of course I have. Most Youkai eat humans. Though I have to admit I haven't done so in a while. I guess that's because they're my customer now, but still. I wouldn't mind eating another if I had the chance." I practically turn white. Eating… humans… of course I logically recognize that it had to be happening. There are a lot of youkai legends of man eaters. However… to hear it so casually… of someone like me being eaten… that's… hard to swallow… and from someone who almost looks human as well…
"Thanks. That's all we needed," Mima said, knocking me out of my own thoughts and back to reality.
"That's all? I mean you could ask most Youkai and the answer would be the same." Mystia seemed almost surprised that that was all we needed to ask her.
"Yeah. We'll get out of your way now," Mima said as she then turned to the rest of us. "Come on, the last one we can only find easily when it's still bright out." And as if nothing significant happened she began to float in another direction to whoever else she was going to show me. Byakuren took a moment to look on the grill before realizing there were no pure vegetable options and then followed the evil spirit. Ruukoto stood by my side as to be expected.
"By the way, the lamprey is delicious. You can ask a number of humans in the village," Mystia was still offering.
"That's quite a bit of gall you have there…" I said in a somewhat joking manner… perhaps as a method to deal with the surrealism of what was going on.
"As I said, it's normal. You're the one who's not normal for not knowing. Besides as I said, I don't do eat humans as much anymore. I need customers after all." I give her a slight nod before turning to where Mima was headed.
"Hey what's the hold up?" I heard from a distance. I turned to Ruukoto.
"Let's go…" She gave me a nod in confirmation before the two of us also made our leave.
"You're welcome anytime!" I heard Mystia say… She doesn't even seem all that bad either…
Break
"Well there's only one more I want to show you." Mima led us back to the forest, though this one was in the middle of Gensokyo rather than the one behind Reimu's shrine. "It's still bright out so it shouldn't be hard to spot her at all."
"Just one more?" I ask somewhat incredulously.
"Yup. I just wanted to show you a more benign example before getting to a more… extreme one…" My eyes widened a bit from hearing that.
"Well I suppose in the forest would lay more dangerous youkai…" Byakuren noted as she looked about while trying to remain graceful in her movements despite the forest's various… forestry.
"Ruukoto are you okay?" I ask, hoping she wasn't getting too tangled up.
"I'm… fine… master…" she said as she struggled to move past some bushes that caught her dress. I heave a sigh as I walk over to her to help out. Mima let out her own sigh as Byakuren gave an understanding smile as if this couldn't be helped. Sukuna was still asleep. Seriously what has she been doing?
"Hold on…" I say to her to keep her from ripping her dress in an attempt to break free. Kneeling down, I take each branch a slowly move each one out of the way. "Ah…" I let out as one of the last branches pricked me a bit when I got it free. I look to see that my thumb was bleeding just a little bit. In response, I begin to suck on it to get rid of the blood.
"Mind if I have a taste?" I hear from above. All of us look up to see a young blonde girl with a red ribbon sitting on one of the branches in the shade. She wore a simple black vest and skirt with above a white blouse all tied with a little red tie around her neck that also sported what looked to be two sizable red beads. Actually on a second look, her ribbon was actually two small red ofuda tied to look like a ribbon… how odd… The girl looked to be about 12 years old… but knowing Gensokyo, that was most likely only how she looked. After taking a look at the rest of us, she suddenly, and without warning, leapt off the branch and began to float down to us, her arms hanging off to the side like that of a cross. Once near the ground, she began to float in place while still maintaining that pose.
"Um… no," I told her… a little creeped out.
"Perfect, just who we were looking for. Rumia, right?" Mima asked as she went up to our new addition.
"Yup that's my name. Do you need me for something?" Rumia sounded like a simple minded child. At least her tone of voice made it seem that way. It was innocent and friendly… I don't like where this is going…
"Yup. Do you eat humans?" Again with that quickness. Mima really is gung ho about that.
"Of course. It's a youkai's job to hunt humans."
"Hunt?" I ask almost as soon as she was finished answering, a bit surprised by her description. I mean, Mystia said she could do it, but it seemed her job was mostly to run that stall, but Rumia here is…
"That's right! I mean… it is a bit of a pain to do so, but a youkai's got to do what a youkai's got to do!" She flashed me a smile as she said so. She said it with all the whimsy of a child…
"…" I… I have no words…
"Surely you don't have to hunt humans, do you?" Byakuren asked in my stead. I'm somewhat thankful for that. And… maybe she's just bluffing… maybe she's really just a child and is just saying
"I don't, but it's something that must be done right? Sometimes though it's really easy, like when I found that family frozen by the cold. I like it when it's that easy." She doesn't see anything wrong with what she just said… She honestly sees nothing wrong with that statement…
"You're… just pulling my leg right?" Oh please let that be the case.
"I still have their skeletons! In fact…" From behind she pulls out a skull… oh god… I place a hand on my head and take in a huge breath. Holding it in for a couple of seconds, I then let it out. I look at the others to see that Ruukoto wore a somewhat solemn look while Byakuren's face seemed like one that was more like she was used to this, but still didn't like it… even her… Lastly, Mima… was also solemn. It wasn't as strong as Ruukoto's expression. However she still wore it. She wasn't gloating in my face about it, but…
"I… think it's all we need to see…" Mima said to the Youkai.
"Are you sure? Wait… you're human aren't you? You smell like one." Rumia floated over to where I was. Honestly she was beginning to creep me out… not because of what she did, but because… because… she looked like a little girl… and she said those things like nothing was wrong with them… because… because… nothing is wrong with them… "Hey, can I eat you?" I back away from her at that point, and begin to put my guard up. Before I could draw my evoker though…
"Sorry, but you'll have to look elsewhere…" Mima told Rumia, placing an arm between me and her.
"Oh well… Doesn't hurt to ask." What is wrong with this place!? No… no… this… this is… normal… I… I get it now…he he… normal? Really?
"Yeah now get going…" Mima wasn't going to be argued. Rumia simply gave a shrug. Out of nowhere though a ball of pure darkness surrounded her and she then took off to the skies. I let out a sigh as it sinks further in… this is not my day…
Break
"So what did I show you kid?" Mima said as she lazily floated in the air, drifting ever so slightly, but shifting herself on occasion such that she wouldn't drift too far from the center of the room. I looked up from my spot in Reimu's living room, Byakuren sitting across from me and Ruukoto at my side.
"Youkai… " I answered simply. I mean that's what she intended… and that's what she showed.
"And what did you learn?" She followed, like a probing teacher trying to find out just how much a student really learned.
"Well I more so confirmed what I had heard…" They… or at least… it's one thing to hear about them eating humans… it's another thing to hear it from them and being so…
"So then you now know right? Youkai aren't going to be humanity's friend; at least not a lot of them." Youkai… really live up to their legends... Man eating… I'm still having problems swallowing that… "Humans fear Youkai, Youkai feed on them and that fear. There's no getting around it. Youkai and Humanity are natural enemies, no matter what you tell yourself. You've just been lucky so far to have met the Youkai that you have."
"…" I was going to ask why… but she'd already told me why this is… Youkai were born from People's fear of the unknown, a natural occurrence thanks to that feeling of fear… but if we get rid of that fear… Youkai will also disappear… they can't exist without that fear…
"You look like you're still having trouble really taking it in," Mima told me.
"That's quite tactful of you… but yeah… I am…" I say in a surprise of Mima's… well… tact.
"Honestly…" Mima said, frustration setting in. "So just because you're not on top of the food chain anymore means you can be so mopey?"
"Not at all… but… I don't think I can help it for now…" I… just need time is all…
"Yeah? And I'm trying to help you get over it." I give Mima a glance… honestly I don't know what expression I'm wearing… I'm trying not to be angry though… "Okay, look. I didn't do this because I wanted to make you sad or anything… You're a good kid. You're like a little brother to me, or a son, so I wanted to help you out." Okay now I know the expression I was giving her was of disbelief. "I'm not joking. I really like you kid, but you're one naïve little bastard. I… just don't want you to feel like you're going to be betrayed when you really find out. You seem like the kind of kid who's never really had to deal with betrayal, and I mean real betrayal." Well… there was Nozomi… but I knew he wasn't bad…
"Master, it is getting late. I believe you should return home. It seems whatever business Reimu-sama is attending to might take longer than she expected." Ruukoto's right… In fact… maybe I should go home.
"I should probably get out of here as well seeing as that red white miko is hunting me down. Before I go though… Don't let this get to you too much. It's not like Youkai are that much worse than human's anyways. At least we don't lie about who we are unless that is who we are. You can't change facts. I just don't want you to find out until it's too late." Mima was about to float out of the room through… but…
"Thanks…" I don't know if I can mean that just yet… but… I know she means well… she's looking out for me… I can be thankful for that…
"No problem… I don't want you dying on me…" And without ceremony, she left.
"Well I can see that things have concluded." I turn to see Byakuren standing from her seat. "I hoped to speak to you more, but as your maid said, it is getting late. I must return promptly. I must set a good example for my followers after all."
"Um… Ruukoto, you can go on ahead back to Hakugyokurou. Well… that is assuming Byakuren-san doesn't mind company…" Byakuren gives me a somewhat surprised look, but then flashes one of her typical motherly smiles. I did say I'd speak with her… I think… it's been a long day for me…
Break
We landed on her ship just before night fall. The sun only had a small fraction of itself above the horizon, marking the sky in a dark purple with only smallest twinge or orange.
"Thank you for escorting me home," Byakuren said once we landed, giving me a bow.
"It's no problem. Sorry for not really having the chance to talk. You were quiet for a lot of the time." She barely spoke at all as I tried to prove my induction.
"Well perhaps we can spend that time now?" She offered… well I guess we have time. I look out over the horizon, still trying to take in today's events. The sun has only barely begun to set, and it's not like I have a curfew or anything of the sort. I take a deep breath to begin… Why not?
"Sure, what do you want to talk about?" I guess I do need to get my mind off of things…
"Well… perhaps… I want to ask: do you have an answer for what the Spirit asked you, to whom are you really trying to prove that people can change to?" So she starts with that.
"Well…" I have… I guess I have an answer. It doesn't take long to know when one can look at oneself objectively, made easier thanks to my Personas. At least I think I can… "I do… I have an answer."
"Well… then to whom are you trying to prove?" She asks. She stares straight into my eyes. It seems she really wants to hear my answer… I turn to the deck and answer her.
"Myself," I answer promptly. "It's to myself." I turn to her to see if she was going to ask me another question. Not a moment later, she once again-
"And why do you want to prove it?" She's just full of questions today, but I suppose I should confront them. Not just for her, but I need to think of these things as well… Though I suppose I already know those answers…
"I'd like to know, that what I did wasn't senseless…" I suppose it was a niggling feeling in the back of my mind. "I took on a great burden as some might call it. I did it not just for those close to me, but also for complete strangers. I did it for people I didn't know, people I might never know. It cost me a lot, and sometimes… I can't help but feel that it cost me too much…" The people I so desperately tried to save, Yukari, Mitsuru, Junpei, Akihiko, Fuuka, Shinji, Ken, Koromaru, and so many more… I might not see them ever again… "I took on that burden, not really thinking about it, but now that I've gotten the chance to… There are things I regret. The people I took that burden for… they're far away now… at least for me they are." I concentrate my attention back on Byakuren. She stared at me, her entire attention trained upon me. I guess I haven't bored her… I'll continue… "When I think about it closely, I don't regret taking the burden on, but I do regret perhaps not living life more… the one had before that is. I feel like more could have been done."
"And about that senselessness?" Byakuren asked, wanting me to return to the topic I suppose.
"People in the outside world haven't changed. That's fine for now. You can't expect something that great in so short a time, but I thought that with effort it could change. I wanted to know if they could. It's for that reason why I wanted to know if the people's thoughts on youkai here in Gensokyo could change. That would mean the outside world could change too, right?"
"I suppose there is merit in that thought, yes… But what does that have to do with-"
"I took the burden on, hoping that people could one day change, such that they don't desire death," I interrupted… "Sorry, I was just getting to it…"
"It's fine, I was too hasty myself…" Byakuren said with a giggle and an apologetic smile.
"If they could change," I continued, "Then what I did would have meaning. It would matter… well matter more I suppose."
"I see…" Byakuren let out as she seemed to contemplating something. "You know, you sound more Christian than anything else… what with the self-sacrifice for others. Messiah… I believe it was called?" I couldn't help but let out snicker.
"Yeah, that isn't entirely off, I guess…" The wind blew forth, its cold touch making both Byakuren and I shiver, a small movement like that of a curling bug could be felt in my pocket…
"Thank you for telling me something that I think was most likely quite personal to you." Byakuren bowed as I turned to fully face her.
"No problem… Though next time will be your turn," I say to her as we both recognize how late the day had gotten.
"I hope you won't find my stories too dull. I fear that compared to what you told me, mine may perhaps be not as interesting," she said, continuing to hold that apologetic smile.
"I promise I'll listen to the end."
"Then I'll have tea waiting anytime." I think I'll like that… It's more fitting than my hangouts with Mutatsu anyway.
Break
"Koishi?" I call as she and I were playing with the dolls again.
"Hmm?" She intones as she stops in mid-movement of making the doll do a little dance.
"What do you think about Humans?" I think this is something I have to ask…
"Well… I've thought about it…"she starts… "You've had those thoughts this whole time…" thoughts? "Mhmm, as soon as you walked in! So I thought about it, and… I think they're scary… " Before my heart could sink over the implications of what events could make her think that, she continued. "But… I don't think Onii-chan is scary. I don't know if they can change though… " She hummed as she seemed to be mulling over thoughts while floating in mid-air… "I think… that if more people would be more like Onii-chan, then I'd have more friends! I think that would be great! Besides, you said it yourself, you'll never hate Koishi. I know I can trust you…" Right… I closed my eyes and laughed to myself on the inside… I've just realized something…. youkai are just like their source. There's always, good, bad, and in between. Koishi may be a youkai, but I can't think of her as anything but a young girl.
Those fairies, Mystia, Rumia, they're just those born as they were, but unlike some things that you're born with, they don't have to be that. I have to remember that fact… Mima may have shown me what they are, but she didn't prove anything but the current situation… I think I may have something…
"I guess that means that the debate is still open…" Koishi, a youkai Mima didn't show me. Another precious friend…
"You're my Onii-chan!" Yeah…
"For you, and everyone else, I guess I have to do my part…" I know she means well, I know she's trying to help… but… I guess I'm just too stubborn.
"Don't worry Onii-chan! Mima will see!"
"Yeah…" Next time I see her, she'll get her answer… though I guess the question is when…
"Now let's play some more!" Oh right…
Author's Notes: And so another year passes… okay so I'm late this time… but I can assure you the next chapter will be soon. Unfortunately circumstances conspired against me this year, preventing me from getting any writing done in combination with this chapter being a bitch to write where I went back and forth on several ideas before just settling on this one. I finished writing like 3 other chapters, specifically 21, 24, and 26. Random, I know, but that's how much this chapter really kicked my butt. So expect chapter 21 really soon after I get done editing it… that and after deciding whether to play Tales of Zestiria first or Xenoblade Chronicles X… assuming I don't go back to DMC4 SE… I still have Lady and Trish's DMD mode to go through.
Special thanks to those that have been PMing me this whole time with support, and offers of help to different degrees. It's late where I am and I'm half asleep so I don't feel like pulling your names, but you guys know who you are. Give yourselves a pat on the back since I can't give you that over the internet.
Lastly, another reason I took so long for this? Some friends of mine and I started a Commentary Channel on Youtube called Potato Splits! Why is it called that? Because I really wanted hash browns at the time and my friend wanted ice cream and the third friend said why not both. We don't have a lot but we're trying to get a schedule down to more consistently upload content. On the channel I go by just YAq since the kawer is a part I only added to make the length requirement for this site. So if you want all of your delusions about me completely shattered, come over to our channel and watch some of our… really meager stuff… It'll have a picture of a potato with ice cream in it. And hey before you say anything, this isn't stealth marketing, this is blatant marketing!
I hope you all are enjoying yourselves where you are and have a good day. Thank you for reading and don't forget if you see anything wrong, be the internet I know you to be and point it out like the biggest neon arrow sign around. Take care!