Sekibanki, ever so slightly pulling down the part of her cape that envelops her neck, sips from a humble pale white cup while sitting at a small table in front of her favorite tea shop in the village. The small establishment, sandwiched between a larger bar on the left and restaurant on the right, might not look like much, but to her it is just right. Unassuming but quality. Despite cold weather starting to set in, the lack of wind today combines with the warmth of her coffee - which this café serves along with tea and various pastries - to keep the youkai comfortable. The midday Sun shines down on her. She indulges in a sigh after gulping down the last of her beverage. Taking note of the time of day, Sekibanki places a handful of yen on the table, covering the price of the drink and leaving a tip for good measure, and stands up before strolling down the village streets.
Heheh…
If only for a moment, Sekibanki senses something behind her. She swiftly rotates on one foot, yet a road devoid of all but a few villagers greets her. One set is a mother and daughter holding hands, another an older couple happily conversing, and the third is a young woman wearing a hat that obscures her face who appears to be making a delivery. That last one sparks a sense of familiarity with Sekibanki; while not having spoken with her before, she has seen the deliverer around the village for some years now. A busy Reisen prances by without a word, not giving the rokurokubi a second thought. There are alleyways between buildings that border the road, though, and Sekibanki doubles back to check them. Living in the village as a youkai is a dangerous game, after all; Sekibanki has not gone undiscovered for this long without being careful and Reisen maintains a low profile for a reason. That is not to say all youkai are outright banned from interacting with the village, however. A certain pair of dango-selling rabbits is well known and some humans have regular dealings with kappa, albeit purely professional in nature. But, for Sekibanki, safe is always better than sorry. She turns the corner of the nearest alley and finds no one. Her eyes, the only unobstructed part of her face, narrow. She scans the area and a few other nearby alleys before shrugging and moving on.
Paranoid, aren't ya?
"Hmmm…" hums Sekibanki a few minutes later. She places a hand on her stomach before sighing and pulling out a wallet from underneath her cape. After taking into account essential expenses and her own self-imposed limits, it contains enough surplus for a light snack. Under her breath, she mutters, "Should've splurged on the onigiri…" The normally alert Sekibanki walks while she counts, distracted by hunger and looking down all the while. A figure steps out from a side path in front of her and she does not notice before the inevitable collision. The impact causes her to drop her wallet and spill her funds everywhere. She hurriedly bends down to gather it all up as she says, "Oh, my apologies, that was careless of me."
"It sure was," says a voice that immediately prompts the hairs on Sekibanki's neck to stand on end.
"How we handle Sekibanki tomorrow is gonna determine a lot," says Shin, dressed in a spare kimono identical to her usual one. In her lap lies the coffee-stained original in the process of having its battle damage mended; Seija's dress, meanwhile, is already finished and hanging on the drying rack after being washed. The duo sits on opposite sides of the table in their designated laundry room, where Shin keeps her sewing supplies. It is a few hours before their usual bedtime the night after returning from the fairies' home.
"Yeah," Seija replies, taking a break from laundry duty. She once again wears the spare jinbei. "If we flat out order her to ask about the passageway to the Moon, she might convince herself we're up to something dangerous and tell Reimu what we're doing even with us threatening her."
"She'd be right in that deduction, to be fair."
"Which is exactly why we need to figure out the best way to be discreet while using her. Her self-confidence might be slightly bloated but she's definitely not stupid."
Shin gestures with her sewing needle. "It's also possible that her previous loss humbled her. As soon as she realizes we're there, she'll be on high alert."
"Hmm…" Seija, leaning on the table with her left arm, twirls the red streak in her hair with her fingers. "She'll be skeptical of us no matter what we say. But there is one way to flip her preconceptions about us on their head."
"And what's that?"
Sekibanki looks up and, from this angle, is able to see underneath the domed straw hat of the person she bumped into. Seija, bearing a condescending smirk, looks down at her and says, "Don't make a scene. Wouldn't want word getting out of two youkai running around, catch my drift?"
"Cut to the chase."
"Time's come for you to atone for your unprovoked aggressions."
"'Unprovoked,' right," Sekibanki echoes, rolling her eyes. "No idea where you get off acting so self-righteous." She stands up after picking up the last of her yen.
Seija wraps her right arm around the redhead, patting the latter's right shoulder. "Let's walk and talk."
"Don't touch me," says Sekibanki as she shrugs Seija off.
"Such hostility. Make sure not to blow your top."
"Ugh."
"You'll never get ahead in life with that attitude, y'know."
Sekibanki pinches the bridge of her nose. They aimlessly traverse the streets, Seija whistling but not uttering a word. After far too much of this for her tastes, Sekibanki asks, "Are you gonna tell me what I have to do to never see you again or what?"
"We're accomplices now, Seki. Don't you think we should break the ice?"
"Don't act familiar. Stick with 'airhead' or whatever else before treating me like a friend."
Sumireko reminded me just how effective a nickname like that can be in infuriating someone.
"The level you hate me honestly feels unwarranted. We haven't even spoken much before the other day."
"I admit I have little in terms of personal vendetta, but you're the type of person I inherently can't stand. The fact you even dare to pretend you actually care about uplifting the weak disgusts me."
"Who said I was pretending?" Seija asks, still smug but curious about Seki's reasoning.
"You and Shinmyoumaru have the Miracle Mallet. If you were less combative in how you used it, that thing could improve countless lives. Instead you try to overturn a perfectly functioning society and give anyone seen with you a bad name."
"A 'perfectly functioning society' that requires you to hide your true nature?"
"It's not like I need to detach my head for day-to-day life. The way I live is little different from any human. Each day I wake up the same way, I work the same way, I get drunk the same way. Don't project on others. Shinmyoumaru is probably a victim of that kind of talk. I honestly feel bad she's been twisted by someone like you."
She really thinks she has the moral high ground, huh.
"Legitimate question for ya: do you really believe you know how the mallet works? That we can just wave it and everyone's problems will go away?"
Seki is caught off guard by the question. "Isn't it supposed to be able to do practically anything?"
"It's fabled to be capable of anything, yeah, but don't you think we would've accomplished all our goals if it was that easy?"
"Well, my theory is that you can't stand being seen as anything but an underdog or outcast. An amanojaku goes against the grain by nature, right? Even if you could change everything in the blink of an eye, would you? And if you did, wouldn't you do an immediate about face? You're a hypocrite with a victim complex."
Seija scoffs. "Man, how pretentious can ya get? Getting on my case for acting familiar yet thinking you know everything there is to about me. Let's back up for a second: do you believe Shin works with me unwillingly? That, after all this time, she's still a puppet?"
"I believe you tricked her and that's why-"
"I fully admit that, when we first met, I lied to her. She found out. I don't know if you forgot or are just unaware about this itsy-bitsy insignificant detail, but she was one of the people most determined to bring me in back when I was on the run. Tried to talk me down and everything. There's a reason we weren't together for a few years."
"Then why-"
"We came to an understanding. Our goals are mutual and our methods are as effective as we can make them. And if we get what we want, we aren't gonna suddenly turn our backs on each other. Get your head out of your cape."
"That's…" Seki trails off, remembering something Kagerou said to her the last time she encountered Seija. "Maybe I was mistaken on the nature of your cooperation. But that still doesn't answer my question about the mallet's limits."
We still don't know what those limits are, exactly. All we're sure of is that there's some kind of drawback, which usually takes the form of it being drained of power when we use it too much. Koishi's request to open her Third Eye, had we gone through with it, would've been the first time we attempted something beyond size alteration, danmaku, and, somewhat unintentionally, empowering tsukumogami. Our only other frame of reference is Shin's castle: her inchling ancestors used the Miracle Mallet to create it, draining the mallet of power in the process, which backfired and got it stuck upside down in the sky. Its position worked out great for me, though. Regardless, running tests would be risky.
"Enough stalling," Seija responds, now desiring to shift topics. "It's time for you to find out what we want you to do."
"I suppose I must. But, after all this talk, I'm curious: where is Shinmyoumaru?"
"She's been here the whole time."
"Surprised you didn't notice me with how careful you are," says Shin, emerging from Seki's pocket beneath her cape.
The rokurokubi jumps in shock. "When did you get there?!"
"Classic sleight of hand," Seija explains. "I put an arm around you which focused your attention on that sensation. You didn't notice Shin slipping into your pocket at the same time."
"Why even do that?!"
"Insurance for if you ran off, though I think you've realized that wouldn't be the best for your health. Had you tried something, Shin would've made sure you didn't get very far."
Shin flies over to Seija while no one around is looking. Today is a sleepy day in the village so few people are out and about; it does not take long for Shin to find an opportunity to grow to human size, unseen, wearing a pointed straw-hat and purple scarf for her disguise. "Kinda sad you didn't. The look on all your heads' faces would've been hilarious."
"Unbelievable," says Seki while the duo laughs.
"Anyway, our request is simple," Seija begins. "Ask Seiran and Ringo about where the passageway from Gensokyo to the Lunar Capital is so that we can go there ourselves and foster societal upheaval, potentially stealing things that'll help us do the same down here. And if we're caught, who knows? Maybe we'll spark a war. But don't worry, we'll be careful. Simple, yeah?"
Seki's jaw, despite being hidden by her cape, noticeably drops.
Even still, never got anywhere in life without a few risks.
"That's… not even remotely funny," says the redhead. "Don't know why I expected an honest explanation from you. Regardless, I'll ask her the stupid question so long as you leave me alone when we're done."
Nailed it.
"Given how Sekibanki sees us, that could work," Shin says after considering Seija's strategy.
"Right?" Seija replies, her smile confidant.
Shin puts down her sewing needle. "There's another thing we need to worry about, though."
I think I know what she's referring to.
"All the weird stuff that's been happening to me lately, right?"
"Yeah. You can't remember anything from when you flipped your room in your sleep before and now we have this Clownpiece debacle. Either on its own might be explainable as fatigue, but there's a pattern now. Something's up."
The amanojaku scratches her scalp. "You said that, while we were fighting, I mentioned there being 'something in my head.' Are you sure it wasn't just the torch I was talking about?"
"When you said that, your eyes had a certain quality to them," Shin explains. The emotion in her own eyes gives Seija a window into how seriously she is taking this discussion. "That look you gave me wasn't one of insanity; it was resolve, a determination to be rid of something - or someone - that had a hold over you. I've seen it before whenever you've had to fight against those you refuse to bend a knee to. I should know, having been one of them. The torch was the reason you were going berserk, but I could feel in my gut another force beneath the surface. That, combined with the lapses in your memory, have convinced me."
She knows me well enough to be able to understand what I feel even when I'm not sure. The thought of that is… comforting, somehow. Weird.
Putting aside the strange warmth in her stomach she has by now grown accustomed to, Seija says, "If someone's screwing with my head, we don't have an effective way of finding out who."
Bleh, the idea of anything in my head is nauseating.
"Unfortunately, you're right. But no matter who it is, they can't win for one simple reason."
"And what's that?"
"I'm here. If you start acting off, I'll set you straight. This idiot messing with you shouldn't underestimate an inchling!"
"Ha! Look at you with all that bravado," Seija responds. "Trying to seem cool in front of me?"
"Is it working?" Shin asks, grinning and rubbing her nose.
"Oh you're absolutely the coolest."
"Heheh, I'll elect to take you at face value this one time." The inchling returns to her sewing, her spirit high. Seija continues fiddling with her hair.
For once, it might not be wrong to do that, Shin.
Seija, Shin, and Seki peer around an alley corner to see Seiran and Ringo at their neighboring dango stands; Shin is at the bottom of the stack, Seija stands over her, and Seki's detached head peeks over the top. Both moon rabbits wear the same work outfits they had on during the festival. Very few people are around, though the ones that do pass through usually buy dango from one of the two saleswomen.
Back during the festival their setups were opposite each other. Must've been for the performative value of showing off to the crowd.
One such individual walks by and, placing a hand on her chin, stops at the stalls. Both Seiran and Ringo have multiple examples of menu items laid out on racks. Upon closer inspection, everyone present realizes it is Reisen.
"What's up?" asks Ringo, a confident smile on her face. "Been a while since you stopped by. What would ya like? As you know, I've got the best dango in town!"
"Well, I've got the best dango around! Nothing better!" Seiran counters, unwilling to be outdone.
"I'm worn out from all the deliveries," says Reisen. Her words speak true, everything about her demeanor indicates fatigue. Her posture is hunched underneath her pack, her hat sits crookedly on her head, and the peddling outfit she wears is wrinkled. Even her usual nervousness has given way, resulting in a rather uncharacteristically direct pattern of speech. "Can you two hook me up with something sweet? That should give me the boost I need for the walk back home."
I don't envy the way Eirin works her to the bone. Beyond me why she puts up with it.
While Seiran and Ringo describe the myriad of flavors to Reisen, Seki whispers, "How in the world do you expect me to ask for details on how they got here from the Moon, pray tell? That's not exactly something you bring up in casual conversation without arousing immense suspicion."
"Well duh, get chummy with them first, whatever that entails," Seija says nonchalantly. "Just don't mention or allude to us while asking."
"Fine. To be clear, that's the only thing you want to know? Nothing else?"
Shin nods. "Yeah, that's it."
"Hopefully you're comfortable potentially causing what's basically an international incident," says Seija, eyes still on the rabbits. "I would hate to make you nervous or anything, Seki."
"You're incorrigible," says Seki. "And stop calling me that."
"Not my fault your name's a mouthful."
Back at the stalls, Reisen waves goodbye and says, "Thanks. I appreciate the discount. I'll try to stop by more often in the future." In her left hand are two packs with two dango skewers each, all different flavors. She saunters off with the slightest spring in her step.
"She ended up buying from both of us," says Seiran before sighing.
"Guess you're still down one customer compared to me," Ringo replies, smug as ever.
"There's plenty of time for more people to show up!"
The spying trio bring their heads back into the alleyway. Seija cracks her neck and begins, "Alright Seki, you're up. Keep your head in the game and this should go off without a hitch."
"I'm not gonna justify these trite jokes with responses anymore," says the redhead. She turns the corner before Seija gets a chance to fire a retort.
Types like her who take themselves too seriously make it way too easy.
"Think she'll betray us?" Shin asks while she and Seija look around the corner once more to watch. "I could've stayed in her pocket."
"She's not so reckless as to assume we don't have another trick up our sleeve. The fact we told her where you were makes her more paranoid if anything," Seija explains.
"That cockiness of yours might backfire, y'know. We don't want you pushing her too far like you did Clownpiece, especially after we took the gamble of telling her our plans."
A grimace forms on the amanojaku's face, but one glance at Shin is enough for Seija to displace it with a smirk. "You're right, but it's like you said before: you're here, so I'll be fine."
After a surprise-induced pause, an assured Shin says, "I'll be certain not to disappoint."
"You better not. And heads-up, it's showtime over there."
Seiran and Ringo's never-ending arguing pauses when they notice Seki, still some paces away. The blue-haired rabbit manages to speak first this time, saying, "Hey, Sekibanki! Did you want some dango?"
"Uh, yeah. I, um, was feeling peckish," Seki answers, doing her utmost to appear calm.
"Something buggin' you?" asks Ringo. "Ya seem stiff."
Wow, that airhead is awful at this.
"No, I'm fine. I'll just take one of whatever you two consider your menu's best item."
"Alright, I'll handle it," the rabbits say in unison. Immediately they glare at each other. "I said 'I'll' handle it." Seiran rubs her temple while Ringo scratches her head.
"You're gonna need to be more specific," says an exasperated Ringo.
Seiran continues, "Preferably by picking me."
Shin stifles a laugh. "The way they butt heads so much is almost cute."
"We're able to spectate some good ol' vitriol," Seija replies, nodding.
Wonder how Seki will go about shifting topics to how they came here. Given how reticent she is, it might take a while. I remember Shin saying this morning we might be waiting all day.
"Uhhhhh…" Seki drones on, unsure who to choose. "How should I know which of you is better?"
Ringo walks out from behind the stand, slyly holding a sample. "Try this and you'll know I'm the best."
"Hey!" Seiran objects, walking out and interlocking her right arm with Seki's left to the latter's discomfort. "Try mine! You'll realize there's nothing better!"
"Uhhh…" Seki's eyes shift back to Seija and Shin, both of whom are greatly enjoying the show. She grits her teeth. "I guess I can spend some time trying some."
"Sweet!" says Ringo. Both rabbits practically drag Seki over to the stands and lay out two sets of samples each. "These are on the house, tell us what ya think and pick who to buy from based on that. Could always use your multiple heads to eat them all at once."
"That's, um, quite unnecessary right now," the redhead replies. Muttering, she adds, "This is what I get for complaining about hunger earlier…" She eats them all relatively quickly, not even bothering to savor the flavor very much. "They're good, but I'm hardly a qualified judge. Are you two really so immature as chefs that you can't recognize a better between yourselves?"
"Hey now, no need to act uppity," says Ringo sharply, surprising everyone present. "It's a healthy rivalry, keeps us both on our toes. Good for business, too. Customers rally behind whoever they want to win and receive quality dango no matter what."
"Wasn't expecting to hear that from you," Seiran says after a brief hesitation.
"It's true, ain't it?"
"Yes, but hearing you verbalize it was a new experience."
Despite their constant competition, they share a sense of camaraderie. Bleh. Wonder if their time in the Lunarian military has something to do with that? Don't antagonize them, airhead.
"…My mistake," says Seki, averting her eyes out of embarrassment. "I was too critical and dismissive just now. It's come to my attention recently that I might need to 'loosen up,' so to speak."
Ringo puts a hand up. "Don't worry about it, I get why we give off that impression. Sorry if we were too pushy just now."
"We've also done some more thinking recently," says Seiran. "You recall our run-in with that amanojaku and inchling we spoke to you about?"
Both the concealed duo and Seki's eyes go wide before the latter says, "Y-yes, why?"
"After being humiliated like that, it made us reexamine how we interact with each other. I think we let ourselves get too competitive to the point of not listening to each other as much as we should. Frustrating as it might be to admit, those two had flawless teamwork; we were greatly lacking in comparison."
"Heh, I can understand that more than you might realize," muses Seki.
"Whaddaya mean?" Ringo asks.
"Had my own encounter with Seija and Shinmyoumaru recently; it was a few days after you two and I last spoke. My own hubris caused problems for me as well as my friends. Helped put into perspective how fallible I really am."
"Didn't know we were life coaches," whispers Shin.
Seija sneers. "Not sure if I appreciate helping others come to flowery realizations."
"Seems like we've all got our own baggage, eh?" Ringo says with a sympathetic smile.
Seiran adds, "My advice is to do what we did: reflect on where you went wrong and try to do better."
"Huh. I'll bear that in mind. Your words are appreciated," says Seki, bowing slightly.
"Tell ya what, red: we were gonna go drinking here in a bit," Ringo explains. "Wanna join us? I have a feeling we could all use it."
Oh? That's perfect. If the airhead agrees, it'll make this easier since the rabbits will be tipsy. And them not remembering being asked the question would be perfect.
"Eh? I'm not sure if- WAH!" Seki is interrupted when she suddenly loses her sense of balance and falls over. It does not take her long to realize Seija reversed the position of her feet, causing a chain reaction throughout her body, to send a message.
"You alright?" Seiran asks while she and Ringo peer over their stalls.
"Ugh. Actually, I will take you up on that offer."
"Nice," Ringo replies, making the OK gesture with her right hand. "We're workin' another four hours so stop by after that, we'll head to the bar together. And here." When Seki is back on her feet, she sees Ringo offering her a dango skewer; Seiran silently presents one as well, apparently having the same idea.
The rokurokubi stares at the offerings. "What?"
"These are a grade above the samples," Seiran explains. "You don't have to judge them like a critic; please, simply enjoy them and tell us what you think later."
"You don't have to-"
"We've got plenty, take it," insists the orange-haired rabbit.
The blue-haired counterpart nods. "Look at it as saving us the trouble of our earlier argument."
"I- Thank you," says Seki, moved by the gesture but doing her utmost to hide that fact. "And, uh, I know you meant no insult by 'red' but I prefer to be called my actual name. You can shorten it to 'Seki' if you'd like."
Oh so they can do it but not me. I see how it is.
Ringo smiles. "Will do. See ya later, Seki." She and Seiran wave farewell.
"G-goodbye." A skewer in each hand, Seki walks back to Seija and Shin's hiding spot. She ducks into the alley once the rabbits look away.
"Made some friends, eh? Good for you!" Seija mockingly cheers.
"I feel awful for being deceitful about my intentions…"
Shin rolls her eyes and says, "You realize that's not necessarily the case, right?"
"Huh?"
"We're forcing you to get information from them. The fact you had a legitimate moment of connection is independent of that and no fault of your own. Plus you wouldn't be in this position to start with if you hadn't attacked us. Quit it with the pity party." The inchling grins deviously before adding, "And I have an inkling you're secretly happy Seija pushed you to agree."
No more words exit Seki's agape mouth as she is too stunned by what she just heard.
"If you're lucky, it'll be a happy memory for you," says Seija. Despite the partially sarcastic tone, Seki's eyes light up when she hears that. "Right now we've gotta kill four hours. Any ideas?"
"I'm… going to go for a walk. A long walk," Seki mutters, barely audible.
In this state, we shouldn't have to worry about her doing anything.
"You better be here when it's time, got it?" Seija commands.
With barely a nod, Seki shuffles off, deep in thought. She takes a bite from each dango skewer before the duo loses sight of her, visibly regaining a bit of energy after doing so.
"How considerate of you to let her go freely," says Shin, bending over playfully while looking at Seija.
"Ah, shut it. I just figured she wouldn't be a nuisance for the time being."
"Well it's you, me, and a sleepy village for four hours. I say we go on a walk of our own."
"Eh, nothing better to do, I guess."
The quiet peace enveloping the village is only further accentuated by Seija and Shin's recent memories of the festivities. They currently find themselves at a secluded park blanketed by autumn-colored trees; the mid-afternoon sunlight shines through them such to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Fragmented light paints the wooden benches, grass, fallen leaves, and the resident god's small shrine with bright flakes. Neither of the duo have spoken the past few minutes, though this silence is one of mutual understanding. Simply being in each other's company as they take in the scenery is satisfying. After a bit of wandering, they rest at the furthest rightmost bench at the back of the park to avoid any potential prying eyes and curious ears.
Normally this type of contemplative pastime isn't my thing.
Seija steals a glance at Shin, who took off her hat and is looking up through the trees; the same light that decorates everything else falls on her face in a way that mesmerizes the amanojaku. When Shin looks back to her partner, the latter does not consciously process the change, instead continuing to gaze deeply.
"Uh, Seija? Is there something on my face? You're staring."
"Ah."
"You in there? Hellooooooo?"
"…Huh?" Seija blinks three times before jolting back with her face matching the red streak in her hair. "AGH!"
Shin cannot contain her laughter at the sight. "Glad the gears finally started turning. Did you enjoy the view?"
"I- You- Ugh. Guess I zoned out."
"No worries. I'll take it as a compliment." After saying that, Shin faces forward and takes a deep breath. It is a patient and determined breath.
Can't believe I just did that. Why the hell did I do that?! I'm- I'm gonna forget that happened.
Seija looks around everywhere except at Shin, trying and failing to distract her mind. Taking note of this behavior and desiring to lighten the mood, Shin says, "It's no more embarrassing than what I did when I first shrunk you, right?"
"…You've got a point there," Seija replies, managing a smile. "Still dumbfounded you did that, no clue what was running through your mind at the time."
The inchling clenches her fist but swiftly releases. "Yeah… Um, do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Huh? Sure, go for it."
"Earlier, when you were talking to Seki, you said that we'd never turn our backs on each other. Is it safe to assume our partnership has moved past simple mutual entertainment?"
"Eh?"
"A lot's happened recently, you know? Former Hell, spending time together at the festival, our talk the morning after Tenshi first arrived, the concert, our fight yesterday, everything. It's all got me thinking."
"About what?"
"It's… not the kind of thing that's easy to say. Sorry, forget I brought it up, I'm being stupid."
What's wrong with her?
Seija turns her entire upper body towards Shin, her brow furrowed, and says, "I don't really understand what you're talking about, but- Gah, I'm no good at this kind of thing." She runs a hand through her hair anxiously. "Look, you know how I am. But you're the first person I've ever had any kind of extended partnership with, so you'll have to bear with me. In a lot of ways, it still doesn't feel quite right; that's entirely because of me, not you, I should clarify. But being with you, it's been really dull- I mean, fun? Uh, yeah, that. Not just in an 'entertaining' way, either; it's something more meaningful. And there are times when I get this weird feeling in my stomach."
"'Weird feeling'?" Shin echoes, perking up.
"Yeah. It only ever happens with you. Do you know what it is? I've been trying to wrap my head around it for a while now."
A few seconds go by with Seija earnestly looking at her partner, waiting for an answer. Shin is utterly stunned. Finally, the inchling bursts out laughing. She laughs and laughs, harder than Seija has ever seen. It causes the amanojaku to feel irrationally self-conscious.
"Sh-shin! What the hell?! I'm trying to be upfront with ya here! And that's really hard for me to do!"
Shin keeps on howling laughter, emboldened by the reaction. She could not stop even if she wanted to. Tears soon form in her eyes.
What the hell is going on?! Is it something I said?
After what feels like an eternity to Seija, who squirms in her seat, Shin composes herself; a chuckle still escapes every few seconds, however. "Seija, I've always had a mental image of you as the cool roguish type, but this is just… Pffft, hahahahaha!"
"Oh knock it off! What's so funny?!"
The smaller youkai wipes her eyes. "Sorry, sorry. Guess I never fully understood exactly how your life up to now has given you a limi- er, unique perspective. I was worried about something earlier, but what you said made me realize there was never any cause for concern." Mumbling to herself, she continues, "A 'weird feeling'? Staring at me? Can't believe I ever doubted to begin with."
"Tell me what in the hell you're going on about already!" Seija shouts, no longer caring about keeping a low profile.
"We're on a mission right now, so I don't wanna distract you too much. But what you said is all the reassurance I needed. And, to answer your question, that feeling in your stomach won't hurt you. I have experience with it as well. I promise to talk more about it later, alright?"
Well… if she's feeling better, I guess I can't be mad about being laughed at. …Oh who am I kidding, I'm super ticked off! Why is she being so cryptic? But she also seems happy? Ah, screw it.
"Fine, whatever," says Seija dismissively, crossing her arms. Shin giggles, renewed in her convictions. While only one of the two realizes it, their conversation has yielded much fruit. The one less-in-the-know spends the next few hours flustered for reasons she does not quite grasp.
The silence of daylight gives way to a bustling evening where the streets become populated by those getting off work. Many adults head straight home to be with their families, but others make a beeline for a different destination: the bars. Nearly everyone in Gensokyo, human and youkai, has a strong taste for liquor and the number of drinking establishments in the village alone attests to that. Walking amid these soon-to-be drunks are Seija and Shin, on their way to meeting up with Seki.
That was certainly an afternoon. Shin's still acting all bubbly but I've given up trying to figure out why.
"It crosses my mind we never talked about how we're handling the bar hangout," says Shin.
"Yeah, I wonder why we were so preoccupied," Seija says in response, performing not only an exaggerated eye roll but even rolling her whole head to really sell it.
"A mystery for the ages, truly. We gonna wait outside the bar or what?"
"Loitering while it's dark out will raise some eyebrows, plus we won't be able to confirm the info ourselves. We'll need to go inside and blend in."
"I agree. Let's hurry, don't want to be late and give Seki an excuse to act unilaterally."
Seija nods and the duo soon arrives at the alley from earlier. To their surprise, Seki is already there, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.
"Yo!" calls out Seija, gesturing with her right index and middle fingers. "Should've figured you'd be early."
"I only got here a few minutes ago," says the redhead, her countenance more self-assured than when she was last seen.
Her soul-searching produced results, looks like. For her sake, she better not get any cute ideas.
"So you know, we'll be following you into whatever bar the rabbits take you to," Shin clarifies.
"I figured as much."
"It'll be simple: get them drunk then ask the question. Lead the way, Seki," orders Seija. In spite of the amanojaku's intentions, Seki is unfazed. Instead she nods and complies with the command.
Definitely something up here.
Seija exchanges a look with Shin, the latter's crinkled expression affirming that she shares the same suspicions. They give each other a nod before peeking around the corner to see Seki already at the disassembled stalls.
"Glad ya made it!" Ringo exclaims with a toothy smile.
"Thank you for inviting me. This will be my first time going out with people different from my usual group, I admit, so please excuse any of my odd behaviors."
"Seki, ya don't gotta be so high strung. It's gonna be a fun night on the town!"
"If by 'night on the town' you mean 'night in a single bar,' then yes," Seiran adds.
"C'mon, don't kill the mood."
To the surprise of everyone present, Seki quietly laughs.
"Dang," says Ringo, placing a hand on her hip. "Get started without us earlier?"
The redhead shakes her head. "No, I simply found your banter funny. Is that strange?"
"S'pose not. Happy to see this side of you."
"We need to put our materials into storage here, then we'll head out," says Seiran.
"Understood," Seki replies. "Do you mind if I pick the bar? There's a place I'd like to introduce you to."
"We haven't narrowed down a specific spot yet, so I don't mind. Ringo?"
"No objections here," Ringo affirms.
"Splendid, I'll take you there," says Seki, smiling.
Back in the alley, Shin whispers, "That attitude 180 is making me uneasy."
This isn't the same airhead we've been dealing with. She's confident and it's not baseless.
"We're here," says Seki, Seiran and Ringo right behind her. She turns around and gestures to the sign above the entryway of the bar.
Ringo, no longer wearing her work apron, reads it aloud. "'Geidontei.' There somethin' special about this place?"
"I've come here a few times before and the sake is superb," Seki explains. "You'll usually only see old men here, but the regulars are all jovial and the hostess is very hospitable. It's an enjoyable atmosphere."
"Nice. Gettin' this one drunk is the only way she can hold a conversation with someone besides me," Ringo teases, resting her arm on Seiran's shoulder.
"E-excuse you!" Seiran shouts. She, too, has taken off her work apron along with her bandanna.
"Shall we head inside, then?" asks Seki.
Both rabbits nod and all three enter. Roughly twenty paces to the right of Geidontei are the duo, ready to spring into action. Once they reach the entrance themselves, Seija gives it a once-over and asks, "You ever heard of this place?"
"Nope," Shin answers, shrugging. "Ready to take the plunge? Seki's plotting something."
"No reason to wait. Be wary."
"Same to you."
Before they get the chance to go in, however, a woman walks out. She wears a light brown suit coat with shorts, shoes, and a messenger bag that match, a white button-up dress shirt, and a dark tie. On her head is a flat-top cap of the same color as the coat to complete the look. Her chin-length black hair, red eyes, and pointed ears give away her identity, prompting Seija and Shin to immediately hide their faces.
Why is Aya here?!
The duo attempts to walk by coolly, yet Aya Shameimaru, who is currently reading her notepad, spares a glance at them. She squints while Seija and Shin sweat bullets. Soon enough, though, she moves along. Both youkai breathe a sigh of relief.
"What could've brought her to a bar in the village?" Shin asks.
"Maybe she wanted a drink and this was the closest place?" Seija spitballs. "Since she visits the town to deliver her paper, it's possible."
"Wouldn't that be in the morning, though?"
"Could be doing some kind of investigation, then."
Neither can surmise anything further. Putting that aside for now, the duo ducks into Geidontei and quickly acquires a lay of the land. Seiran, Ringo, and Seki, in that order from farthest to nearest, are already seated at the bar, specifically the side closest to the left wall. On the side nearest to the entrance are two older men, one with thin grey hair and the other bald. A cheerful, pink-haired young woman with green eyes wearing a whale hat serves them drinks. Two locks fall on either side of her hair, the right one shaped like a hook. Her shirt is light blue and long-sleeved, featuring two ribbons crossing diagonally along the front. What can be seen of her skirt is purple and over that is a whale-themed apron. The woman, who Seija guesses is the hostess Seki mentioned, checks to see who came in; the duo lowers their hats to cover their eyes before briskly shuffling to a table behind Seki and the rabbits.
Gotta keep a low profile.
The hostess immediately notes their odd behavior. In Seija's opinion, she notices almost too quickly. Her expression, however, is inscrutable. Neither Seija nor Shin are able to look at her face without fear of being profiled further.
Do we really look so shady that whale girl's already apprehensive of us? She doesn't seem normal herself.
A voice from outside inquires, "Miyoi, dearie, got room for one more? I realize I'm here earlier than my usual time, but I promise not to get too rowdy."
"O-of course! Welcome!" the hostess, Miyoi Okunoda, shakily yells back. Inside walks none other than Mamizou, donning her usual human disguise. The other youkai present are surprised to see the bake-danuki.
Of course it's her. It's always her. First Aya, now this. What's next, the bookworms? Tenshi?
"Do you mind waiting so I can serve those two who walked in before you first?" Miyoi asks.
"No problem at-" Mamizou cuts herself off when she sees the duo, both of whom are very nervous at this point. Her mouth hangs open for a moment. "Ahem. As I was saying, it's no problem. I'll, um, sit over there," she says, motioning towards the farthest seat on the side where Seki is.
"We might have to abort this mission," whispers Shin.
Seija grinds her teeth. "Doing that's the same as cutting Seki loose. We lose our best chance to get what we need."
"Excuse me," says Miyoi, already standing next to the table. "What would you like?"
Now isn't the time for drinking.
"Just two waters for now," Seija replies. While speaking in the bar, she lowers her voice a few octaves as a precaution.
"Of course. Let me know when you want anything else!" says Miyoi. She returns to behind the bar; if she is aware of her customers' true natures, she hides that fact. Meanwhile, the still dumbfounded Mamizou bores a hole through Seija and Shin with her line of sight. Miyoi comes to take her order after bringing two waters to the duo's table; the trickster mindlessly asks for whatever Miyoi recommends. Throughout all of this, Ringo has been chatting up a storm with Seiran periodically interjecting while Seki contentedly sips from her cup. Neither of the old men notice anything amiss, either.
While the hag definitely realizes it's us, it seems we're in the clear for now. Only getting water might make whale girl raise an eyebrow so we'll need to buy something eventually. That is, unless airhead over there hurries up and asks them the stupid question!
"For what it's worth," says Shin, "I agree that this was a good idea in theory. Putting it into practice leaves a bit to be desired, though."
Seija annoyedly gulps from her glass then says, "Thank you so much for the input."
"I do my best to offer good feedback," the inchling replies with a smirk.
Can't say her being here doesn't at least help me stay level. Anyway, despite the unexpected arrivals, what we need to do hasn't really changed: stay quiet, stay still, and listen. Once the rabbits spill, we bolt.
The game is afoot. Seki, fully aware of the duo's presence behind her, takes her time enjoying her first drink. Seiran and Ringo go faster, the latter especially. In only twenty minutes, both are much looser than before. Not quite obnoxious but certainly animated. Mamizou continues drinking quietly in her corner, still trying to determine what is going on. The pair of old men are in a state comparable to the rabbits.
"Ay, Seki, tell me," Ringo begins, "on the real, whose dango didya like more? This ain't a competition thing, honestly curious."
"It was mine, right? Right?" insists Seiran.
Seki stares into her cup for a second, contemplating. "Those skewers you gave me when I left were some of the best I've ever had. Ringo, the sheer quality and professionalism of your product was unbelievable… A bit of a far cry to how you come across normally, which surprised me."
"Pffft, she's calling you rough!" Seiran says with a laugh.
Ringo shrugs. "What can I say, don't judge a book by the cover."
"Seiran," Seki continues, "I could feel your love of the craft in every bite. The ground you lose to Ringo's slight edge in skill is made up for with color. Ringo's were all consistently amazing; yours had variance, each piece felt like a different experience despite the shared flavors."
"Hear that, Seiran?" the orange-haired rabbit teases. "You've got color."
"Didn't you just say this was about satisfying curiosity, not a competition?" Seiran asks.
"I didn't throw the first punch this time. But puttin' that aside," Ringo turns back to Seki and continues, "what's your final answer?"
There is a beat of silence. "To be honest, I can't pick," says Seki before finishing her first glass.
"Boo, boooooooooooo, lame answer!"
The blue-haired rabbit puts back another swig. "Quite the cop out, I must agree. But it's not like Seki to cause conflict, is it?"
"True 'nuff. Bartender, mind hookin' us up with another round?"
"Coming right up!" Miyoi shouts back while speaking with the two men. Meanwhile, Seija and Shin's legs are stiff from sitting still for so long.
This cheeky airhead really means to drag this out as long as she can. She knows she's safe while there's a crowd.
"Wait, before you order anymore," Seki interjects, "I have an idea for a game I'd like to try."
A game?
"What kind of game could she mean?" whispers Shin.
An intrigued Ringo rests her head in her hand. "Lay it on us."
"It's meant to be an icebreaker. You gather a group of people and give everyone a shot of alcohol. Doesn't matter what kind as long as it's all the same. Everyone who finishes their shot without passing out or backing out is allowed to ask any question of one other person in the group, no strings attached. You can refuse to answer a question, but you also forfeit your right to continue playing. Once all players are done, you go again. Repeat until only one person's left or the group collectively decides to stop. The only catch is that no one can be asked a question twice in the same round, unless it works out where only one person has yet to ask and all others have answered once."
So that's how she intends to find out. Clever, I'll admit.
"I see," Seiran says while nodding. "It acts like your typical drinking contest but with the added twist of getting to know each other.
"You dirty cheater, is that why you've been letting us fill up?" Ringo asks, pointing facetiously at Seki.
The redhead shrugs. "Not my fault the game's already started."
"Didn't take you to be so devious, I like it! Let's do this, I'll win anyway!"
"Hold on. Who said it would just be us? We can invite everyone in the bar to join. Besides Miyoi of course."
What.
"Fine by me," says Ringo. "Yo, for anyone who was listen' - and I know y'all were - who wants in? I'll put all y'all under the table!"
"Normally I wouldn't back down from a challenge," replies the grey-haired old man. "But my wife wants me to pace myself better."
The bald man shakes his head. "I got a bad hangover yesterday so I want to relax today. Just seein' you youngins in high spirits is enough for me."
Considering both of their faces are flushed already, it's a wonder they don't float away with all that hot air they're blowing.
"Respectable reasons," says Seki. "What about you, miss?"
Mamizou clears her throat. "Sure, I'm intrigued."
"And you two?" With Seki's question, all eyes fall on the duo.
Shin leans in closer to Seija and says, "We have no reason to play along with this. Let's refuse."
"Took the words right out of my mouth," Seija replies. She speaks up to say, "Sorry, we aren't in the mood right now."
"Really? That's a shame," says Seki in a forlorn tone. "My alcohol tolerance isn't the highest, so I wanted to involve the other patrons to hear more from my new friends before I lost. If there's too few of us, I might not get the chance to ask them anything important."
She's trying to trap us! Is that why she's been acting so confident? When'd she build this kind of nerve? She should know she won't be safe from us the moment she leaves this bar. Is she just stupid?
The bald man slams down his cup. "C'mon, you two, ya can't leave the poor lass hangin' like that!"
"Sir, please don't be rough with bar property…" Miyoi says with a nervous smile.
"Oh, sorry Miyoi."
"Well, you two, are you sure?" Seki asks.
Seija and Shin exchange worried expressions right under the brims of their hats.
She's daring us to say no. Must figure that if we're relying on her to start with, this information is too important for us to pass up.
"…Guess we're in," Seija says through gritted teeth.
"Splendid. Bartender, six shots of whatever sake you recommend!"
"No problem!" shouts Miyoi.
"What to ask…" Seiran muses, her mind already foggy.
Ringo wobbly stands up and leans an arm on her, saying, "Just try to keep it interesting. Wouldn't want these folks to think we're boring!"
The room's atmosphere is light to everyone but the duo. Mamizou pushes up her glasses, chuckling to herself. All six players stay in their seats while Miyoi begins handing out drinks.
"Seiran and Ringo are probably far enough along that we can ask them ourselves and they won't catch on provided they don't see too much of our faces," Shin observes.
"At the same time, we can't act like we know them. We'll need to lead up to it with other questions first," says Seija. "Our effective time limit is until they pass out, but even with what they already have in their systems there should be enough time. Just try not to get drunk yourself."
"C'mon, I'm not a lightweight."
"You pack it away well for your size, yeah. Just a warning."
Miyoi reaches their table last, setting them up with small cups of aromatic sake.
"We're all ready," says the rokurokubi. "I'll start off and then we'll go counterclockwise."
The only thing missing from that statement was a fireworks show that spells out 'Seija and Shin will go last!'
Seki downs her shot in one fluid motion. "I'll ask Ringo a question: what's your favorite color?"
The grip of Seija's hand on her cup becomes so tight it might shatter.
She's wasting even more time! Now Seiran's our only option.
"Slow rollin' me?" Ringo asks, squinting. "Alright, take a wild guess. …Orange. It's orange."
Shocking.
"My turn?" Seiran manages to down her first drink of the game with little issue. "Um, Seki, what are your goals in life?"
The redhead visibly processes the weighty question. "Wow. Went right for it. I guess I'd say it's to live peacefully? To enjoy the small things. Ideally with a close circle of friends."
"Sounds like she's pretty close to her goals already," says Shin, quietly enough that only Seija hears.
"That answer's pretty fitting comin' from you," Ringo says with a grin. She knocks back her drink quickly. "Seems I've gotta be the first of us three to branch out. Yo, shorty, what's your name? Can't get to know you without learnin' that much."
Shin bites her tongue to not snap back at the nickname Ringo chose. "…Jin." The awkward silence after her answer is deafening.
Huh, must've taken that pronunciation from my last name. Kinda close to her actual name.
"…My turn. And the name's Mamizou, dearies; I'll give you that one for free." She indulges in her drink with a kind of poise that belies her immense experience. "You, Jin's friend, I take it you'll offer us the same courtesy, so here's my question: what brought you here this evening? This little place usually doesn't get folks as young as you, though today seems to be an exception."
She knows it's us so she can't be expecting a straight answer, right?
"Heard the food and drink were good here, same as Jin," says Seija. Now it is her turn to drink, which she does without any outward fuss. Yet the story inwardly is very different.
Whoa, this stuff's strong! This must be a class above what the rabbits were drinking before the game started if they're still standing. We might have less time than we thought.
Not letting that revelation slow her down, Seija says, "My name's Masashi. You, in the blue, where are you from? Couldn't help but notice the ears."
"I'm from the Moon, same as Ringo. Oh, and since I didn't properly introduce myself, I'm Seiran," says the blue-haired rabbit before bowing, though that bow is not exactly stable. She fails to realize how her answer confuses the two men; however, due to drunkeness, they do not question it.
"The Moon, huh? Interesting."
That should be all the pretense necessary to ask how they got here.
Now comes Shin's turn, the inchling making short work of her shot. "Since you're the only one left, Mamizou, it has to be you." She grins slightly, as if happy with an idea she has. "How old are you?"
"Oho, wouldn't you like to know," says the bespectacled youkai, teeth clenched.
Ha! Make her squirm, Shin!
Mamizou continues, "From where you're standing, I probably seem centuries old. Is that sufficient as an answer?"
"Hmph, alright," Shin replies, willing to let it go. "Hey - Seki, was it? - don't you think this game's a bit unfair to those who go last? We don't have much choice in who we ask. Why not flip it around?"
"Can't say I disagree," says Mamizou.
Seki's eyes narrow briefly but she recovers just as fast. "I concede the point. To get a move on, how about this alternative: we all drink at once, with the order of asking going from fastest to slowest."
That's a free ticket for the hag to go first, but it shouldn't be too big an issue. I can outpace airhead even if that first drink was stronger than I expected.
"Alright, dearie, I'll play that game. Miyoi, do you mind watching us to verify?" Mamizou asks.
"Yes, of course," says the hostess. She remains cheerful, however cracks are beginning to appear in her façade since she feels the bubbling tension. Without any delay, she pours and delivers six fresh shots then gets in position to watch. "On your marks… now!"
Mamizou, as expected, is first. Next, unlike Seija's prediction, Seki beats her by half a second. After that, the order is Shin, Ringo, and finally Seiran.
Shoot! Keeping this down is already getting difficult. I never took Seki for such a hardened drinker. Forget the rabbits, Shin and I might be in trouble if-
A switch flicks in the amanojaku's mind.
…If the airhead gets us drunk, we could forget most of the details of tonight, which puts her in the clear. She'll just claim we were irresponsible and that her debt is paid. We might also get caught flat out if we wander around in that state.
"Everything alright, Masashi?" Seki asks, her tone carrying the slightest edge of satisfaction. "If you want to quit, you can. No shame in it."
You…!
"I'm fine, don't worry about me," says Seija through a forced smile.
"Then let's continue. Mamizou, if you would."
This has been her plan all along! She knew how strong this place's sake is and that's why she led us here. But she should be just as much at risk of getting wasted. All our shots have been from the same source. How is she…?
"Seems you all still have a lot to learn," Mamizou says with a laugh. "Though you came very close, Seki. I'll make that my question: what's your secret? You drank that up like a thirsty man in a desert."
Seemingly unconsciously, Seki rubs the back of her neck. "Must be having a good night, normally it's harder." Both Seija and Mamizou tilt their heads upon hearing that.
Just now, that was… Hmmm. That could be it.
"My, how interesting," the bake-danuki muses.
"Seiran, what's your favorite food?" Seki asks without missing a beat.
Bleh, more time wasting.
"Ya hafta -yawn- ask?" questions Seiran, slurring her words. "Dango."
Seija rolls her neck. "Alright, now me. Ringo, to follow-up on what I asked last round, how did you and Seiran get here from the Moon? I'm curious how that's possible."
"Now that'sh… a good queshtion," says Ringo. "Man, what do y'all put in this shake? Ushually don't get shloshed this eashily. Anyway… Uh, what'd ya ashk again?"
"How you got here from the Moon," Seija repeats, doing her utmost to sound congenial.
"Oh, uh, we jusht kinda… went through a passhageway. Yeah."
"And where was-"
"Hey, only one question at a time, remember?" Seki interrupts. "If you want to know more, keep playing."
Seija bites her tongue. "Yeah, right."
"Um," mutters Shin, who has been mostly silent this round. "Masashi, where -hiccup- do you see yourself in five years?"
"Huh?" Only now does Seija see just how flushed her partner is. "Uh, same place as now, I guess." Leaning in, she whispers to say, "Why are you asking me questions?"
Shin lightly pats her face with her hands. "Oh, sorry. This stuff is… having more of an effect on me than I thought. But your -burp- answer made me happy."
Uh, okay? But that's odd, Shin isn't this easy to get drunk, I should know. My tolerance is higher, true, but we've had the same amount and two shots definitely isn't enough for her.
Even Mamizou notices something is wrong seeing Shin and the rabbits acting this way. She looks to Miyoi and asks, "Uh, you don't happen to be using that with the sake, are you?"
"I-is that a problem?" Miyoi asks, her eyes betraying her smile.
What's she talking about?
Mamizou raises an eyebrow but shakes her head and does not question further. Instead, she glances at Seija and winks.
Huh? Does the hag know something? Whale girl's been acting suspicious ever since we got here, too. Hm, I'm starting to piece together the full picture I think.
"Jin!" Ringo shouts with zero tact. "I bet this queshtion'll get ya good! What'sh your motivation in life? The thing that getsh ya outta bed each day!"
"Hmmm… That's a tough one," Shin admits.
You can feed her some nonsense answ-
"Probably the hope that one day my actions will prove, to myself and others, how powerful and valued my existence is. To show how big I really am and leave a mark on the world. And also… well, that's one reason."
Or you can be completely sincere, I guess. Didn't think she'd be the one spilling her guts tonight. Oddly nice to listen to, though.
"Wow, that'sh deep," Ringo replies. Seki and Mamizou silently contemplate Shin's words as well, surprised to hear such a heartfelt response.
Seiran speaks up, "Don't think… I can top that. Also, after this round I need… to stop. Someone has to take Ringo home. And I'm… really… sleepy…" Barely a half-second later she conks out on the bar's counter.
"And then there were five," says Seki. "The round now ends without Mamizou being asked anything."
"What am I, chopped liver…?" Mamizou says to no one in particular.
Great. Now if I don't beat airhead, she'll eat up Ringo's answer. But if there's only one potential answer anyway-
"Shin, tap out," Seija whispers. "Can't say for sure why yet, but the sake isn't normal. You're already starting to fall under, too, if your last answer was any indication. I have a better shot of beating her."
Rubbing her eyes, Shin says, "Dang it… Sorry. I'll make sure we both get out of here, so win." She turns to Seki. "I'm done. You all continue."
"That's fine. I'm happy you joined us strangers," Seki replies without a hint of tipsiness.
My head's starting to buzz… Focus, Seija. I know Seki's cheating and have a good idea how, but can I prove it? With Miyoi and those old dudes here, I can't cause a scene. Then again, airhead's messing with the master if that's how she's playing this.
Four more shots are distributed by Miyoi. Mamizou still appears unfazed by the drinks and Seki is completely sober. Seija's face is turning red while Ringo barely hangs on.
It's now or never, I've gotta use ol' reliable!
"What the hell's that?!" Seija suddenly shouts, pointing towards the opposite wall. Everyone in the bar turns to where she points, wondering what caused such a reaction.
Works every time. And next up…!
With a flick of her wrist, she flips the direction Seki's body is facing. Her head does not go with it. "Hey Seki," says Seija, "I was joking. Can't you keep your head on straight?"
"Wha-?!" The rokurokubi goes wide-eyed. She corrects her position before the old men, Ringo, and Miyoi notice, but Mamizou and Shin see everything.
She disconnected her head from her body to minimize the alcohol's effects. It's all marinating down there with none going to her mind.
"Ohohohoho!" Mamizou cannot help but laugh. "Well then! Appears I need to go over there to keep a closer eye on you."
Let's see what you do now that your method's been exposed!
With Mamizou moving to the open stool next to Seki, the latter becomes visibly displeased and says, "Hmph. I have no idea what you mean."
"Oh I'm sure you don't, dearie. But why not take off your cape? It can get rather stuffy in here." The trickster's voice nears a growl when she adds, "I'd be happy to remove it for you if you want."
"That's… quite unnecessary. I can do it myself." Seki takes a roll of gauze out of her pocket and wraps it around her neck underneath her cape before removing said article. "It's an ugly scar, you understand. Shall we continue?"
Miyoi somehow manages to maintain her smile and says, "Ready… go!"
Once again, Mamizou wins, but this time Seija handily outpaces Seki. Despite it being the first actual drink the redhead can feel go down her throat, the sheer strength of it causes her to cough on her initial attempt. Ringo miraculously finishes hers after the others and maintains consciousness.
"Nice, Sei- er, Masashi!" Shin cheers, still woozy herself.
She gets 'drunk the same way' as a human, huh? Idiot, that's what you deserve. …Ugh. I beat her but man am I FEELING it now. Just gotta… ask the question.
"Seki," Mamizou begins, "I just happened to be passing through today, so I hope I haven't… cramped your style, as it were. This will be my final question and then I'll bow out. What were you speaking with Miyoi about earlier today? As it turns out, when I was on my way to Suzunaan a few hours ago, I saw you walk in here. Color me curious."
The duo, Miyoi, and Seki all stop cold. Mamizou pulls out her pipe and takes an expectant puff.
Now this I gotta hear.
"I'm sure Miyoi can fill me in on any details you leave out, so please be thorough," the trickster insists.
"…" Seki does not say a word at first. At long last, she rubs her face, sighs, and says, "You got me. Miyoi, you can stop adding your special touch to the drinks now."
"Bwuh?!" Miyoi yelps. "…A-alright. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."
So that girl's a youkai after all.
"For reasons some here know," says Seki, "I haven't exactly been in the greatest of moods recently and an encounter I had today didn't help. But then some kind words from Seiran and Ringo along with a wake-up call from the last people I expected made me realize something: I always let my own perceived weaknesses weigh me down. I'll try something and then give up after one failure. Basically, I'm 'weak.' An extra in this complicated world. It's not my place to act up, right?"
You…
She continues. "But I cannot shake the feeling that standing by and doing nothing is wrong. No matter how much I try to harden myself and pretend what I do is only so I won't be disturbed, I find I persist in doing this confounding thing called 'caring.' So I decided to take a stand and not roll over for those who I think are in the wrong just because I lost once, especially when friends got in trouble because of me the first time." Seki turns to the duo and looks them dead in the eyes. "Even now, I refuse to bend a knee to them. And, if nothing else, I'm observant; I know what goes on in this bar at night. That's why, when I was reminded of Miyoi's skills and resolved not to give up, I asked her to enhance the sake and rig this game in my favor. Had it all gone according to plan, I'd have been the only player to remember what happened." Her speech complete, she takes a deep breath. It is almost as if a weight is visibly lifted from her shoulders. "Thank you for listening to my self-indulgent rambling. I did my utmost and have no regrets. Do what you will."
Not an atom of smug satisfaction remains on Seija, Shin, or Mamizou's faces. None of them have a response.
"Y'know," Ringo says, shattering the mood, "I barely caught any o' that, but what I shaid before ish 'till true: you gotta looshen up. Barten- -hiccup- -der! Another round for her, on me!"
"Uh, right away," says Miyoi, still smiling despite everything, as is befitting of someone who values customer service.
Seki can only stare at Ringo giving her a thumbs-up. "Thank you, truly. If you'd like, I would love to introduce you and Seiran to my friends Kagerou and Waka one day."
"Shounds like a plan! But uh, you might need to -hiccup- write it down for me."
"Masashi… it's your turn to ask a question," says a sobered up Shin.
Seija looks at Shin's face. It portrays mixed emotions, mirroring her own. "Right," the amanojaku replies. "Ringo, where's the entrance to the passageway you mentioned earlier?"
"-yawn- Hm?" Ringo grunts.
"The passageway. You mentioned. Earlier. Where is it?"
"Oh, it'sh at… the lake on top of… Youkai… Mountain…" Not a second after the long sought after answer leaves her mouth does Ringo join Seiran in the latter's nap.
We got it. We won.
"For what it's worth, dearie," says Mamizou, eyeing the redhead, "you definitely have more presence now than the girl who angrily told me I was a fool to cover for them a few weeks ago. I could tell you were a bit lacking in conviction then. Setting all this up on your own was rather inspired."
Oh yeah, Seki mentioned back during the ambush she tried to get Mamizou to rat us out. But the stupid tanuki can try to sound wise all she wants; the long and short is that she was afraid of us messing with her setup.
"Hmph. I suppose you want to take it outside now, Seija?" Seki asks, solemn but ever-determined. She rolls her neck and shoulders, readying herself for a fight.
"What are you talking about, airhead?" Seija counters, regaining her signature devilish grin. "With the hag dropping out and orange down for the count, this game still has two players left: you and me."
"You can't possibly-"
"Oh I absolutely can 'possibly.' Take your next drink, you just used up your question for the round." Mamizou gracefully vacates her seat next to Seki so Seija can use it. "We go until one of us passes out and I ain't hearing any complaints. Consider this paying off your friends' remaining debts."
The rokurokubi's fully exposed face expresses her shock in a way that was impossible before. Her cheeks subtly rise with how she squints and the way her mouth hangs open reveals a new kind of vulnerability. "Seija, you-"
"It's Masashi tonight. Just a stranger having a drink. You better bore me like your life depends on it, cause this is a one time thing."
"…Fine. Know that I still greatly dislike you and hope you fail in all you do."
"I would have it no other way." From there, they continue the game, insulting each other constantly.
Empathizing with an airhead's mentality of subverting those stronger than her… Maybe I'm the one full of hot air.
Mamizou, after a quick conversation with Miyoi, claims the chair next to Shin. "Whatever could you hope to accomplish with that information about the passageway, I wonder?" she muses. "But don't worry, I'm not wont to snitch in cases like this. And your memories will be fine; I already talked with Miyoi to make sure nothing happens. Poor girl's so kind-hearted that she helped Sekibanki after one genuine plea for help. Try not to tell anyone about her true nature, alright?"
"We won't. Why did you help us?" Shin asks.
"I hardly helped, your partner figured out and exposed Seki's trick without any input from me. If you must have some form of justification, it's repayment for your fire-fighting. But honestly, I sensed something stirring and just wanted some entertainment."
"I don't think that's true."
"Oh? And what makes you think you know me so well?"
Shin performs her own brand of grin. "My eyes are all I need to see that look on your face."
"Hoho, so they are," says the genuinely-smiling trickster. "But don't get cocky, dearie. You still have a long way to go, it seems. Would hate for you to get in over your head. Seki was the one who was raising a ruckus at my favorite bar, not you two; should you cross me, I won't hold back. Don't expect anyone else to, either."
"That's exactly what we're counting on. Don't underestimate the ones beneath you."
Mamizou nods and puffs her pipe once again. Shin is content to be the designated flier for Seija this evening. All the while, Sekibanki finally, finally cuts loose and lets herself simply enjoy a night of drinking. She periodically glances at the sleeping rabbits and smiles.
"Y'know, I think we may have witnessed something very special here," says the grey-haired man. "Too bad I couldn't understand a lick of it."
"Youth's a beautiful thing," says the bald man.