I take it back, take away the people, my couch got stolen by the Tengu and the Doll. Stay with the celestial? Fuck that noise. I'm going for a midnight walk until I'm actually tired.
"Where, you going?" Away from here until ya'll fall asleep, I wave goodbye to the sleepover at Yuuka's or I was when I try to grab my coat and look who it is.Hi mom.
"Venus."I'm not going far mom. Besides, I don't really feel tired so just let me have this. She moves out of the way of the door. I bow in thanks and left.
"That boy of your's has all his fingers into you eh Yuuka?" The others laugh as Yuuka's face had a darken blush as she heard him charge up and leave into the night again.
Please be safe. I'd rather not have another tragedy to befall my family. Higan...
She huffs as she turns her attention at the three staying over.
"Well help me make a place for him to sleep tonight. He gave up his precious spot for you three so you best return the favor in kind. Now help me get the spare blankets." With that a collective groan escape them.
Ah the good old rock I've visited over the week. I think the festival is like two days from now. What am I'm gonna wear cause I can only guess the others will be all doll up. I lightly chuckle. Of course tonight I didn't think I'll see anyone here, but sitting on the rock humming to herself in the moonlight; was the local werewolf. She flicks her ears to my direction and those are some piercing red eyes. I'm used to it as my own eyes probably glow just as strongly as hers. Her eyes widen before the effect of the glow lessen until it was only her irises.
"Oh, so it was you that was here from before? Cause that smell, it doesn't go away so easily." She relaxes and I thought it was weird but no her clothes reveal more of herself when she relaxes. Well the girls don't really care what others think of them. Yeah, I was here, but I never saw you that first night or when I train for an hour. She hops off the rock, and extend her claws. I'm not a meal Kagerou. I back away apprehensive of what's next.
"Humans should be more afraid of me, aren't you afraid?" I audibly scoff and relax. It's an act like the rest of them. I'm more afraid of hurting her than of her hurting me. In the end treat the yokai with respect, and they'll treat you well, mock them, and they'll call your bluff. She looks at me curiously before lunging towards me. I had a small smile before I slightly move around her attack pushing her outstretched right hand away from me. She's actually quite slow for an animal yokai and I've been training jirai in different states. She turns quickly to go for a left swipe and I ducked it. She has to give up eventually as she continues this fruitless endeavor until, I made a small mistake and was push into the giant rock her sharp nails stop at my neck. She smiles while breathing heavily from the constant movement.
"What...kind...of..yokai...are you? *cough* *cough*" She let's go of the facade to catch her breath and...wear a bra or sarashi. I advert my eyes from her exhausted state. The sounds wane until they stop. Nice moon tonight. Atleast the dodge state of jirai works well against slower opponents. Still one swipe would've put me down if I'm careful. A real fight would mean life and death. I should thank Kagerou for helping test this out. But, she seems...indisposed. Still that tail and brown hair is so fluffy but wild.
"Ok, you're not human, humans can't just dodge and react in an inclose space like that. Wait a minute? Dark skin, plaid vest...Oh Yama forgive me! I attack Yuuka's kid!" Nothing like putting the fear of mom in them. I really want to switch that around so that people like Yuuka. Even a werewolf a thing from my side of the world is scare of one Gardener. Gensokyo is crazy.
"I'm so sorry! I just wanted to scare you! Please, forgive me?" Seriously? Werewolves don't dogeza,they don't grovel on the dirt floor. Yuuka has put the fear of gods into a proud beast yokai. I'm flabbergasted at the sight so I just hoist her up by her arm with barely any resistance. Seriously, a bra will help you. This has been the most jiggling woman I've met. Jeez, she smells...well like wet dog. She sniffs herself and makes a displeased face. Great, let's add one more to the sleepover. I can only show her forgiveness not tell her. I just make a "follow me" gesture back to the garden. So much for late night peace and quiet.
Ok Yuuka, the place now has a temporary spot for him, but why did Yukari drop you extra stuff just then? Aya was curious of why until Tenshi interjected with.
"Well, maybe you should ask the werewolf he's dragging to the back." They look out the window.
"WHAT!"
"Umm? Should I be here?" Speaking is hard, actions show. She sees the shower and was probably gonna ask me if it was ok until she turns around to not see me there.
"Ummmmm...Thank you I guess."
"VENUS!" Ow. My ears, I'm right here. I see the others wondering what the hell I'm doing. I had enough space to move past them and go into Yuuka's bedroom and see that there are some old clothes in the back so I take them to Kagerou. Being stop by Mom she tries to find the words but couldn't so she sighs and let me walk past her.
"A kind boy even to complete strangers huh?" Aya lightly chuckle, but couldn't shake the feeling that he'll be take advantage of for trying to help the wrong person. There are still many that could take advantage of his kindness.
Walking back outside I found the clothes line where Kagerou put her clothes and set the new ones near the shower. It was still running until it stop. Time to go back to front!
"Mmhhhmm.I didn't think a warm shower would feel so good after so many cold ones. Oh, are these...for me? I better go thank him." It's weird to hear someone talk outloud to themselves. I now know what that's like when it wasn't me doing it. I can only guess she talks to herself when's she bored or alone. Oh hey, Kagerou and girls. Upon looking at them she felt unwelcome. Until, Medicine sighs knowing how I am at this point.
"Fine you can stay over Kagerou, my brother's kindness will reach all of Gensokyo if he wasn't living here." We went back inside and yep the floor...good ol floor my best youngling years was the floor. It was like sleeping not alone. And I'm very much not alone. I still want my couch though.
"Satori, you're up rather early." Orin is surprised to see her owner so awake in fact its...why is the clock gone?
"Satori shouldn't you get more rest? The festival is in two days." Satori shakes her head at this.
"We can waste a little time to go above ground you might wanna take the others as well. It shouldn't hurt for us all to meet there as early as possible." Orin couldn't believe it. Well kinda can.
"Don't tell me...Venus, you want to see Venus today?" Satori's soft blush and soft nod was all she got. Orin huff but thought about it some more.
If we get up top early we can crash at whoever let's us stay until the festival. It'll only be for few days and the festival and then we're back to work...Fine, we needed this time to relax. These months have been hectic and awful lately for everyone even Parsee has lost her drive.
"You win, take Okuu to see your boyfrie-!?
"Thank you Orin, OKUU YOU'RE COMING WITH ME TODAY!" Orin received a quick hug and was brush past before she could complete the hug from how fast Satori went by her. She blinks before laughing softy.
Oh, man she is a handful. But she is young. I'm more worry that the boy can't fulfill his side of the deal. They're a headstrong couple I'll give them both that. Better go tell Yuugi and Parsee to bring spare clothes. Incase of issues.
"Hey lover boy, a surprise is here for you."I didn't order anything leave me alone. This package ain't mine.
"I suppose I'm a gift that doesn't belong huh?" Impossible she's back home...unless Satori? Opening my eyes and ears, the one thing I notice was that Satori and Okuu are soaking wet, and Satori was dripping unto my blanket. Man that pink hair is even messier and hotter wet. Uh oh too far? Satori tried to hide her blush.
"Is something wrong Satori?" Wearing white in the rain is a crime to my senses...green.
"I-I'm fine just please turn around Okuu." She does what she's told confused as to why.
"Here, somehow we have more clothes to spare you two can change in Yuuka's room." Thank god for a caring sister like Medicine. I don't know if my senses can handle anymore before I lose my stable mind.
Finally after everything is settle I check the window and its actually raining, and all the girls took up the couch and Yuuka enjoying herself in her chair and early morning tea. Imma need some from the wake up whiplash.
"Sunflower Lady do you have more seeds?" Medicine gave her a small bag and she says a little thank you at the doll as she nibbles away at the seeds. The rain is actually quite calming with it hitting the roof in a rhythmic pattern. Taking a sip of the tea, so sweet, so warm. Home is where you're heart is. Satori and I looked at eachother from across the room , we both smile and nodded. But still did you know it was going to rain? She gets up from the couch to lean against me to talk softly.
"No, I didn't. I just wanted to spend more time with you. By the way, Do you prefer small girls or big girls?" This question was going to come up sooner or later huh? I prefer the woman I'm with right now. She's the smug queen of my life. Besides, You're pretty big yourself. She pushes me away giggling.
"They were right, the two of us could just get lost in that feeling." Either it's the rain or lover's tunnel vision, but I really want to make her...The hell am I doing? I just softly bump our foreheads together. She chuckles before turning away gasping.
"Oh good you two are back in the land of reality. Whatever, went inside your heads. Please, don't just start screwing in front of our eyes."...Yeah...sorry. I only now realize we're so into it that my hands are on Satori's waist. I let go of her and straighten myself. Its a slow burn we'll wait. Oh man, the others except Yuuka are blushing from what we tried to do. Mom is giving me the stare, Tenshi seemed way more into seeing me just lose it. Soooo, about that tea want some? This snap Satori outta of her embarrassed trance.
"Yeah, I'll have some. You seem to really like this "sweet tea" as you call it." I made her a cup. Well, yeah it's strong, but not bitter, It's definitely an aquire taste where I'm from. Want some morning mochi? She nods and I get the box and set it out to grab a cinnamon muffin and a mochi for Satori. She takes her mochi and dips it in the sweet tea? Uhhhh, honey that's not milk. She's eating it.
"It's actually pretty good. You should try it." It's diluted water and herbs not pasteurized milk or coffee. She looks at me confused.
"Coffee?" It's kinda like this caffeine powder drink that will keep you going. It's just not made for anybody in mind cause it'll have diminishing returns as you drink it constantly. The outside world where everyone drank this crap trust me it won't help them. Proper sleep does. She gets the picture.
"I see. Humanity certainly love to ruin itself. But, as you can see we're not much better." Yeah, base on human flaws, you get flaw yokai that act human enough. I wish I acted more human before my death. She gives me a comforting shoulder rub as we're kinda only eating.
"If it matters. You act human enough for me care about you." Satori. I hold back a laugh. Thank you really for coming over but uhh. What about work? She sighs heavily at this.
"Too much work, this year was so busy everywhere. I can see that everyone here except you has almost exhausted their magical reserves as well as physically being able to move. But your's are like in free falling between unstable and stable. Just what is it are you doing to yourself?" It's moments that are said outloud that garner attention of others.
"So that explains why you're always in high spirits. You're just getting used to how magic works. However, that would mean you was born pretty early til today." Aya doesn't know I'm reincarnated? Satori nods her head at me. Then, how does she know about us? She shrugs.
"Hiding secrets from me? It's hard to get anything from him. Mindreader can you help a struggling journalist?" Satori sticks her tongue out at Aya. Oh man the look of being offended from that small action was palpable from over here. I couldn't hold back my laughter. Ohhhhhhh man.
"Well, she's got the spirit to equal myself. Aya seriously just leave it alone. Those tengu rules cause more harm than good for your health. Hatate controls your entire life and she barely works cause she's royalty. If you ask me I think you and your boss should just quit."Medicine tries to calm Aya down from being snub at by the Satori.
Ugh. Traditional politics. It's my favorite subject. Me and Satori look at eachother and try to forget some pretty heated stuff from our pasts. Just focus on me and not that. You're here to enjoy the soothing rain and our time with our friends. The others cautiously look at the couple before turning back to the militaristic qualities of the tengu.
"You don't get it do you doll? Every Tengu has a role to do and mine is information. Hatate can go stuff it for all I care. Not much my boss can do I'm just happy to get proper rest for once. A good 9 hour nap before a 24 hour long work day." Aya got some horrid looks at this revelation. Even Yuuka seemed surprised.
"I think you tengu need your heads check for brain damage. That's not normal girl."
"That's coming from a peach eating celestial that just found out about meat. Normal for you was lazing about in the sky. Looking down at us like we're nothing." Medicine still had a bone to pick at Tenshi for everything she has done.
"Hey! I've suffered, I toiled my share!" Yuuka tsk at her.
"This punishment is on hold cause I need you well for winter. You've mearly only corrected maybe a third of your misdeeds against our precious Gensokyo. Our's being the very land you've spit upon. You're lucky to have me instead of the Oni. Did you know they used cat of nine tails on misbehaving Oni? I'm certain 10,000 lashes per day will straighten you out."...Me and Satori zoned out until we heard that and look on in amazement and fear of such a punishment. Tenshi herself didn't have the gusto to call her bluff. Utsuho runs into Satori's arms.
"Miss Satori I'm scared."Satori looks at me with something to say, but instead she's cooing the hell raven to calm down.Not much I can offer but look at my mother with a "see what I mean?" She tries her best to give me condolences of this dilemma. It's not really an issue, but we gotta work on not trying to scare young Yokai. At that Satori nods at me. I guess I have another on board the make Yuuka nicer train.
"Should I leave? There seems to be a family squabble going on." It's pouring out there just stay Kagerou. Atleast, we all agree this has been a hectic morning and it got a little awkward.
"Nah, stay I wanna watch the silent charades they do. It's prime entertainment." Tenshi you're not invited to any family gatherings after this. I look down at my feet to see Utsuho has fallen asleep in Satori's lap. We both make eye contact and while these are our circumstances. We kinda just start laughing until everyone inside is laughing. This place is so odd at times, but I really wouldn't change anything about it.
"It's like being affected by Suika's gathering power. Except, it's ten times more awkward and two of our residences are so close to making an incident in bed." Thanks Aya I keep forgetting that you'll make these kind of observations.
"You hide your blush well you know?" Staring at Satori in bewilderment. Yeah, my face is burning from all this for once. I got good at controlling my emotions. I'm just letting my guard down now because I trust the people around me.
"I'm happy that we can be so comfortable like this."Yeah, but I prefer we talk in private and Aya will never let go what happened before.
"Are they a couple? I only ever see the mindreader speak." Medicine hums at Kagerou's question.
"Trust me, you'll learned to ignore those two. They're already back in their own little world. Romeo and Juliet would be proud of their Yokai offspring." Most didn't understand what Medicine was saying well mostly.
"But, they're not far away from eachother nor do I think they're forbidden to love eachother." Kagerou eyed the couple in curiosity the two must of been in a deep but benal conversation. Medicine mimics the action of breathing in and out in annoyance.
"I mean they technically are forbidden. Satoris are mindreading yokai imagine more of those, but tinier than her running around. Not only that what if they inherents his near silent nature. We're doom to an endless hell of no secrets allow at all." When she finish her scenario she looks ahead to see Venus and Satori looking at her.
"Uhhh, well you see...Atleast you two look cute together." Yeah, but that's not the point Medicine.
"The rain stop. Okuu you can wake up now." Utsuho yawns and gets off Satori's lap.
"Is something wrong Miss Satori?" Well, kinda. I get why she said it. I know the risk of what we could bring to this world. I've accepted everything this world can throw at me. Satori pulls out her spellcards...Girls come on, not like this.
"Sorry, but I won't let her say that about me." Medicine heads for the door her own spellcards ready. Yo, cool it this isn't worth fighting over.
"MOVE ASIDE VENUS!"...*SIGH*
"YAMERO!!" The yell reverberated inside the room and force everyone to covered their ears. I'm not about let my sister and my girlfriend defend me over something so petty!
"Owie."
"Were you a wolf in a past life my ears are ringing?"
"Great I can't hear shit."
"Sorry."
"Sorry brother."
Now make up, If one of you falls into the mud outside, guess who has to clean even more clothes...This guy. When I thought of leaving it to the girls to defend my honor I didn't mean it over this. I shouldn't have to mention it Medicine, but we're family. We look after eachother. Satori you know better than let such a comment get under your skin. If it happens again. You might as well attack me then instead of eachother. Satori looked at me surprised at what I suggested.
"Why? I couldn't...I won't do that to you."
"Ok, OK, I'm sorry for saying that. He's probably right about this. It's just."
"Its just he's all I have."... Whoa now we're getting somewhere. Satori blinks at the sudden revelation.
I'll feel better if you two didn't treat me like I'm fragile. Mom already does that for you two. Where's my adoring sister, Where's my favorite girl right here in the living room other than my mom? A blush appeared on Satori's face at that.
"He's right. We're family, and family helps family not hurt it. Speaking of family, Okuu when was the last time you saw Koishi?" Uh oh thinking noggin Utsuho mode has awaken.
"I think...Right before we left. She mentioned playing in the rain, and you playing with a brother...Do you have a brother miss Satori?" Didn't know about the rain huh? She shoves me lightly as she can feel my sarcasm emanating from the totally shocking news. I can guess the brother part.
"In a way I do, but he's a very special kind of brother." She gazes up at me. Brother and boyfriend huh? Koishi must see people differently because of seeing their subconscious. Her childish whimsy is almost comical. Besides, I made a promise, I'll give my love as much as I can to Satori. She nods at that.
"I'll try to be better at getting along." I get why you're so upset, but both of you are important to me in different ways. I get coddle enough by mom as it is. So my emotional support is mostly fulfilled. It's only natural though, I used to fight my family alot. It wasn't always pretty. When they started to pass one by one...I'm strong mentally, just not emotionally. I hid away so much back then. It's good to rely on someone. I shouldn't hold onto the past like that. This is my new life, it's not the end for me. Not by a long shot. It's back to leaning against eachother in close proximity. It's a different kind of feeling then if it's Yuuka.
"We're working on ourselves as best we can. It's nice you're so comfortable with me reading your mind. I always feel...warm inside to know that someone in this world is that open minded." We both chuckle and enjoyed our time going back and forth sharing a soft whisper between eachother while ignoring everything else. It's an odd way to say that we're in our own fantasy world.
"Welp, they're gone again. I'm happy they get to be so lost in eachother but what if something happens?" Medicine thinks of the fact that people do get tunnel vision from time to time.
"I don't know maybe you should throw a-!"
*CRACK*
Yuuka's fist came down on Tenshi's skull. Not unconscious but dazed from the blow.
"Refrain from such a thought, they've done nothing to you. What is with you today?" Yuuka waited until Tenshi shook the feeling of vertigo off.
"I can take a few guesses as to why the celestial is uppity, the rain is either from Iku, or it's from Kanako. But they can only direct the rain here not cause it.No one here has that type of power. Especially, after some unforeseen consequences this year. My rations where so awful this summer." Such is the way of life right? Everyone wants to forget this year as the famine nearly kill off everyone. So much so that it nearly put their prize shrine maiden into a near death by starvation.
"No one could of known that a freak storm would tear up our lands that badly. I didn't even know the underground almost bit the dust as well. It's nice to see that maybe those two can smooth over such relations. Not that they need our help with how those two are going." Medicine snickers to herself.
"So, how did they meet? I kinda see it. He's silent, emotional, but strong. She's an outcast worry about what other's think of her. Doesn't help that she's a mindreader. I can only imagine the awful things she's seen." Kagerou felt pity for Satori. It's not easy being a yokai but a mindreading one would be it's own form of torture. She doesn't know the half of it. She also notice something else about them.
"They're rather young yokai.Like young young." Kagerou looks at the two in curiosity as she hears a small chuckle from Tenshi.
"They're teenage virgins.Well teenagers to all of you. They're basically one of the youngest yokai here. Even the doll is older than that Satori." Tenshi smirks at the two who are still lost in their own land. She'll admit they're cute but she'll never say it outloud to safe face.
So she thinks we're cute huh?Satori hums in affirmation.
"This has been so much fun. By the way can we stay over?" Ask me mum, not me. She turns her attention to Yuuka. That same sinking feeling of apprehensive I've seen before.
"Miss Kazami, can we stay over until the festival is over?" Kazami sips her tea and puts on her thinking pose. She opens her eyes.
"Very well, you may stay it's only a few days. As for my son. You best be on your best behavior, the same goes for you too Satori." We both give her a nod and a thumbs up. Satori's small smile is always an inviting sight. Though the rain never did stop. They both would be drench and worse of all I have to start taking out mom's clothes and I'm certain those won't fit either of them. Question is who I'd gived my jacket to? Satori or Medicine? Satori nudges me.
"Orin was supposed to bring me spare clothes. She'll probably wait out the rain and be here by tomorrow. Again, thank you Venus. Not just for being here with me, but trying to make this work even with your own problems." Hey, I might be a wreck of a person. But, I stand when others can't. Even if everything falls, I'll stand in defiance of my struggles. Thats just how I was back then. It'll probably be the death of me here as well. She grabs my hands and puts them to her heart.Well the best approximated area the heart can be for a yokai.
"You shouldn't say such things. I know how much joy you bring the people around you. I just wish your selflessness wasn't taken advantage of in your life before this." Yeah, there was times my own form of altruism came with bad consequences. I'm not looking for sympathy for falling for it. I'm just a pretty rare person in general. She nods. Her pinkish eyes kinda remind me of a certain nebula, but I could never remember the name. She looks at me confused.
"So there are things out there that even the outside world doesn't know?" You know astrology? She shakes her head.
"I'm not familiar with these things."Well it's a form of science that studies outer space and the cosmos beyond. I was more into oceanography than space science though.I do a heavy summary of everything that I know to her. Her eyes seem to sparkle from the new possibilities and discoveries.
"The outside world is very fascinating. I could of never guess such creatures could live in such dark environments." You do realize that we live in such an environment right? She considers it, before nodding.
"I don't think of this place like a prison as you call it. It's our home where I met my pets and had a chance to redeem myself of the past."I let it slip that I saw our Gensokyo was nothing more than barrowed time. I'm sorry if that worries you Satori.
"It doesn't. I'm so glad to be here alive with everyone I care about. If it means I can save my sister. I'll always will go where Gensokyo is. I can't change what will happen to us all. But, I can atleast have Koishi back before everything fades away." I think that's how everyone here is like. They love this place despite the implication. It's around lunch time isn't it? Hold on, is it my turn to cook?...Yeah it is. I should check what we got.
Checking the pantry and cupboards I saw preserve tomato sauce and western noodles inside a glass container. Assassino anyone? I smile as I prepare an odd dish for everyone that can eat. Satori check the fridge for a yellow block I need only a small cut of it. She nods though confuse.
"So what's Chef Rose going to make today?" Vegetarian assassin spaghetti. Satori stops and looks at me scare. No, it won't kill you it's a form of preparation when you don't have water. Also, it's basically frying the noodles than boiling them. Lets see fresh basil, chives, powdered onion. Technically cause I'm using butter as an oil based so it's not really vegetarian, but I want the meat for something else. Oh there they are in the back, red and green peppers, and basalt vinegar? I should wonder how she got this but it's gonna give a good kick to everything. Ever tasted spicy meals before? Satori shakes her head.
"No, I don't even know why you call it that." It's a long story of a beautiful woman getting back at a man with this dish as his final meal. In reality it's a spicy fried spaghetti that is cooked inside the sauce. I made it a few times and enjoy it alot more than regular spaghetti. The others watch intently as I carefully burn one side of the peppers with the gas stove. I pour a lil vinegar into a small bowl and put as many of these slightly burned peppers to become pickled. The butter was cut by Satori and already in a waiting pan so I melted it down. I pointed at the dried noodles near Satori. Break them half when I give the signal. She nods. Finally, the butter was more like an oil so pour in the about two whole cans of tomato sauce from the outside world. Most of this will be get reduce and congealed onto the noodles anyways. With that I began cutting my flavors and spices to be more manageable thank god I live with a gardener or I'll never have these things. Put those in the sauce and start stirring to prevent sticking.
"It smells so good Miss Satori." The hell Raven flaps her giant wings inside knocking both Aya and Tenshi onto the floor.
"Baby girl needs to learn control. Then again, I don't think she remembers me." Aya gazes up at Utsuho from her position from the floor as Utsuho offer a hand to them both.
"I do remember you, atleast a little. You was so cool to me back when we met. I still can't catch you, so how did you get to be so fast?" Aya open her mouth to respond, she never did get compliments. It's rare to be call cool by someone especially from a hell raven. She thought of what to say before accepting the hand to get up.
"I was born that way, thank you. I the great Shameimaru Aya will always be the fastest reporter of all Gensokyo ayayaya." Medicine groans.
"Now look what you did. You gave her a compliment now she'll never shut up about herself." Utsuho tilts her head in confusion at this.
"Was I not supposed to? I think Reporter Lady was so cool when I fought her. I've never could hit her once. I want to be more like Reporter Lady cause she's so graceful and I'm very clumsy." Aya is stun to hear these from what was basically a nuclear hazard in a dress and is the pet to a mindreader.
"If I wasn't a tengu reporter, I would love to teach you Utsuho to have better control of your body. All birds must learn to be graceful and swift in combat." Utsuho pull Aya into a hug surprising the Tengu.
"Whoa baby girl! Careful my wing is still healing." Utsuho let's go and had sadden look to her.
"Sorry, I just want to help Orin and Miss Satori better, I'm always told to be careful cause of my clumsiness. I want to be more useful to them." Satori took notice of the conversation she tap Venus's arm who was watching his sauce heat up.
Yeah, you can go to her. I'm probably gonna finish this up. I watch Satori go to console Utsuho. Well, family comes first. In an odd way this feels right. Well gotta break these noodles myself and.
*CRACK*
That was incredibly loud, anyways dump those in and they'll soften before we know it. I only now realize that Satori was shaking a little. You cold?
"Yes, I'm still fighting the cold from getting wet earlier." Saying that across the room will give you looks while the only guy nods his head and checks the nearby coat rack to find my old black hoodie it's kinda oversized, but it'll do. Here you go. She looks at it.
"Are you sure? You might need it."I think the other one fits me better plus, I think I'm growing again. She takes it and puts it on. I didn't expect her to sniff it though before burying her face into the collar. That is a really red blush there Satori.
"It really smells like you."... Well, back to my cooking. That really hits different when it's the person you love. Oh good the noodles are beginning to soften. Better start stirring.
"Well now that the lucky girl is over here what is it that makes you want to have his child?" Satori snapped her attention to Tenshi. Her face has become beet red at the thought.While she did see some things in Venus's mind that gave her an idea of the future. He has been more focus on if he was overstepping his boundaries or if he was going hurt someone on accident.
"H-H-His b-b-baby? M-m-maybe in the future. We're still trying to figure out if we're are truly compatible as soulmates. So far he has exceeded my expectations." Tenshi crosses her arms and scoff.
"Do you even know what sex is? There is nothing to figure out. It's a peg going into your warm hole. This emotional back forth is cute, but a relationship can't just be light kissing and small conversations. Especially because you're both virgins. Virgin Teenage Yokai or VTY. All you younglings care about is sex. Look me in the eye and tell me I'm wrong." Satori focus her third eye at the celestial. Smiles at something she found out.
"You see Iku Nagae as your mother?" Tenshi flinched at that. Yuuka open her eyes to look at Tenshi while a small warm smile was upon her face.
"So she does care for something. I can't wait to tell your "Mother" what she thinks of you." The sudden thumps from couch to Yuuka's chair in a panic got my attention.
Girls?What is happening now?
"I'll do anything to not let Iku know about that!" Whatever, back to cooking and stirring ah yeah the aroma is tangy and sweet I grab some of the left over salt inside a small barrel, I also notice a pepper grinder. Man, you can't make this stuff anywhere else.
"Need help?" Nah, I got it almost done Satori. Seeing her in my old hoodie like that. I really did let go of some nice things in my past life huh? Ah! Satori what are you? She wraps her lithe arms around my waist trying to look over the creation I'm making.
"Hmmmmm.It smells good I'll get the plates." Top left. She goes and search the top left cupboard and pulls out seven ceramic plates. The sink became the placeholder for these until I'm fully done. There were plenty of chopsticks to use. Uh Satori grab the forks instead this won't be possible to eat with chopsticks. She searches my mind before heading to the right of me pulling the silverware out.
"Anything else?" Nope. it's the lack of seats though. You girls can have the tables I'll just take the counter and eat standing. She looks at me worryingly.
"Are you sure? Shouldn't you also have a chance to sit?" No, ladies first and it's polite. I'm certain I'll get my chance to lay down tonight. I grab a plate set it on the counter for myself. Luckily the noodles are fried and ready to go. Ok, Satori,Mom,Utsuho,Tenshi, Aya, and Kagerou; there Assassino spaghetti. Oh yeah my peppers, cutting some in a half cut for the ones not use to spicy meals, while I gave mine and mom's two full peppers. Anyways, here ya'll go enjoy.I went back to the counter to eat mine in relative silence. Yep, this was worth making, it's just the right kind of spicy, zesty meal I've been needing, and with no meat it's not as fattening as it could be.
"OHHH!HOT, HOT!!"
"WATER!YOU EAT THIS!?"
"DAMN DIRT DWELLER!"
"MY THROAT BURNS!"
The collective call for water though, I could live without. Grabbing spare cups and filling them with drinkable water and giving it to our spazzing groups of non spice enjoyers. Curiosly, Utsuho doesn't seem to complain about the spice. Let me guess why, Hell Raven genes at play here? I gave her sweet tea instead, and she drank it just as slow as mom does. Yeah, I'd figured. She's like us.
"It's really good, but these noodles are different from udon." Utsuho might be a birdbrain, but she seems to atleast have a child's understanding of the world. I wonder if yatagarasu takes control sometimes? Satori's face became mournful as she watches Utsuho from the kitchen table.
"Ever since the incident happened, I've never seen her have those tendencies. Okuu is a good girl and means well. It was my fault to convince her to eat Yatagarasu. I was trick by that Wind Goddess...I'll make her regret it someday." Satori...She's better now. No one needs to get revenge cause no one is hurt I can guess why you did it. Koishi? Satori nods at my obvious question and answer.
"You're as astute as ever Venus. Still, that wind god is selfish beyond any doubt. It's hard to imagine she cares about anyone with how sociopathic her actions are. I want to just..." She reaches out with her hands in a choking motion...yeah with her bare hands?Thats not really possible with your body isn't it? She sighs as she goes back to eating.
Yeah, Kanako is one of the few intelligent ones here that cause so much and has play a giant pivotal role in modern Gensokyo politics. The stage however, is in no one's favor. This stalemate will only end when one of the high rollers folds(dies). Me, myself, and I, is just a humble gardener's son. I don't like being in the middle of all this. Satori how bad was the possibility of total disaster was everyone a few months ago?
"Bad.Horrible.Awful. Every hand that could toil the fields, toil away. I think even that gap yokai was helping out, I don't know much of the surface dwellers story." I see, Thanks for the information Satori. I guess you just took that from our surface dwellers in the room?
"You love to answer you're own questions don't you?...Force of habit cause of how my brain works. She laughs at that.
"You must of been so lonely as a child?"Yes and no. I was a very active kid, friends are easy as a kid, but I didn't know I had chronic anxiety cause of childhood traumas. Her eyes widen.
"Your?" Yeah, I can't forgive him for the things he's done to me. It pisses me off to act like we where normal in front of people, but that's over now. I have you guys now. Astergo is right, I should worry about what's right in front of me right here and now. She gives me a reassuring smile that everything is ok.
"We all have long way to go from here. However, now we can focus on healing." Yeah. What do you think of my western meal? I eyed her empty plate.
"I like it alot, though I could do without the pepper."That's the best part though. She gives me a long stare of "you can't be for real?" Hey, where I come from we just eat whole peppers without cooking them. She blanches in shocked at this information.
"Humanity is crazy, that stuff could kill you." Asian girls required Asian problems. You'll get used to it, but you kinda have to eat it alot to acclimate. She shakes her head.
"Nope"Well can't force you to eat them, but I kinda can't turn down good food though.
"Thats considered good? It's just so uncomfortable to eat when it's that spicy as you put it. I didn't know Okuu love this stuff." She looks over and see her pet salivating in every bite of her meal. I'm gonna put that as just born to tolerate it. There are Japanese peppers, but I don't think I found them here yet. Whatever the case may be; I'm happy to find another spice enjoyer.
"Ok, that almost destroyed my taste buds what is this?" I look at Satori. Well Say it out loud for the werewolf. She breathes out sharply.
"According to our cook it's called...Assassino spaghetti?"...Ta-da anyone? Judging by their faces and I even surprise Mom as she looks appalled at me. The others except Medicine who look like she was about burst out laughing.
"Miss Satori how can something so tasty be so deadly?" What? She knows what that word means?
"I knew it, I'm gonna die from eating this." I'd wish I'd poison your's Tenshi, but that'll be too nice for you. Satori blinks at me for such a thought.What? It's true. She smiles while trying not to laugh at me.
"So uh, that feeling in my stomach is not me being full, but poison slowly killing me?" Maybe if I put silver in it Kagerou. Though, that'll cause internal bleeding more so than poison first.
"I'm pretty full too, why is it called that?" Satori, ease the minds of the uncultured.
"It's a dish the originated from the outside world. The tale it is from? I don't know. A beautiful woman wanted revenge on her husband so she prepare this spicy dish to be his final meal. In the end it's fried noodles in tomato puree that soften from the sauce. It's prepare with peppers pickling after being slightly burn on the outside. So no, it's not going to kill us." They look over to me...What I'm not the one that named it that. Don't look at me, blame the Europeans.
"Aw man I had my treatment ready to go and everything."...Medicine? Well, can't say I didn't expect it. Still though, I prefer you didn't try scaring our neighbors.
"Thank you Venus for this wonderful food.I hope you continue to work on your culinary skills." I'll work on it as long as I stay in the garden. Everything here so damn fresh so I I'm not running out of opportunities.
"Well, we should begin cleaning your clothes ladies."Uhhhhhhhhhhh. Great it's my turn so I'll be back in a few.
Well while Venus is doing his chores we can focus on our favorite girls. Satori took the dirty plates to wash them as she watch Venus slip by them all with their iconic outfits and...undergarments heading outside where the rain has fully stop. Satori didn't like the fact he'll be that close to her unmentionables, but it seems he was more or less blocking his thoughts of it.
"You'll get use that feeling. So far he's been very diligent in not being a perve. Yuuka trust him well enough to not get too lost in what he sees of us. I should say this. He's actually pretty big downstairs." Satori's hands slip and Medicine caught the plate before it shatter. A sly smirk and laugh at Satori's expense. Can't go for physical hits, so going for mental damage was the only way. Satori's mind went wild at that comment.
He's...No it's just the doll trying to freak me out. I love him for his caring heart not just his...body.
"Miss Satori?" Okuu, I should calm down. I'm no help if I'm a mess. I'm one of the leaders of the Underground. So I must be strong.
"What did you tell Miss Satori? She's not like this before." Okuu. I grab her shoulder to get her attention.
"Okuu, I'm ok. I'm ok. I'm just a little...hot is all." I'm actually very comfortable in this "hoodie" that belongs to Venus. Venus...Venus's...I really need something to cool my head.
"Here." She turns to see a glass of medicinal tea being handed to her from Yuuka.
"If you're that hot and bothered this should help you.I don't want to be a grandma just yet." Satori takes and drinks the bitter dark green tea. She felt less in heat already. She calms down, and shakes that wanting needing feeling she felt.
I love him, we promise that we wouldn't yet.That doll just loves messing with us.
"So, right now he's washing...Shouldn't one of you be doing that? Kagerou had the same worry as Aya has.
"I would prefer if he didn't, but considering who he is with. I can't really say anything."She nervously looks at Yuuka who didn't seem bothered by this.
"I don't get how he keeps his cool around so many hotties. Yuuka you might have a celibate. Or, he's just that well mannered."
Thank god I'm done with that. Oh the colors I've seen. I'm gonna keep quiet as I hang these to dry. The day is still early enough. These dresses are really light but the material is more design around being an all weather base clothes. The girls really can't afford to just mess up their clothes cause all these have stitching from minor tears and holes. It's all masked by some pro level handywork. Still they're really colorful dresses and skirts. I want to atleast see them in something nice for the festival.
"Child, you need help?" Yeah Yukari I do. I need...YUKARI!?
She drops a box at my feet. Gee how nice.
"A late thank you to my old friend Yuuka, it's a little something for everyone in there. Well for women of all sizes. Thank you for giving our mindreader a taste of romance. Don't mess it up lover boy." Yeah I know, nothing worse than woman scorn. She smiles at me.
"Good boy, have a wonderful time at the festival see you there." With that she's gone back inside a gap and disappear. I pick up the box and head back inside. I definitely got some stares from the front window.
We need curtains,I don't want to get stare at by our neighbors while I'm sleeping.
"What is in this?" Thank Yukari for this as I about to open it only for Mom to stop me shaking her head.
"Kagerou, if you're willing to wait until the morning of the Festival I can assure ya'll will look beautiful." Whoa she let her accent slip there.
"Yes, I can wait until then.But why?"
"A friend of mine always sends stuff to me late and these will be perfect for that day." Everyone either had confused or had an inkling of who she was referring to.
"Praise be to our local lazy sage. She always comes at the weirdest times eh Yuukarin?" Yeah, she does know how to pop in at opportune times. With that said, what's with my favorite mindreader? Satori turns her head to me. Oh jeez she is blushing hard.
"Are you big? Down there?"...
"Nani?" She blinks before shaking her head. Taking another sip of what I can assume is tea.
Medicine what did you do to my girl?I come in and just wanted to see how you're doing. If you want an answer I'm average. There's only one person who saw me like that and it was Medicine. She nods getting a better unfortunate picture of my second day here.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have ask that. But, the doll let it slip and I just...ran wild with it in my head." I see, need some space to clear your head? She shakes her head, looking more calm now. A hint of a smile on her face.
"That's why I love you, always caring about what other's are feeling. I see why they don't want you to get hurt. I'm so happy to have you in my life." I exhale. Yep, and I'm happy to have a second chance at a do-over for life. If I meet the Yama maybe she'll tell me how exactly I got here. So uhhh about the laundry. She pales as I show her what I saw.I had a neutral expression as I kinda wasn't going to tease her over her choice of underwear. Only a little though.
"Yes, I believe to be very pure flower but ummm your mother's are...something else." Hey, I didn't mean you have to say it outloud like that. I was surprised too the first time. I just got good at not trying to show it. I should apologize for such an invasion of privacy, but you know mom's house, mom's rules. She nods at that as we both kinda have no say in it. Speaking of clothes, everyone here has tears and holes in your outfits with same color patches so noone notices from afar. Is it normal to not have many clothes? She nods.
"Most just wear whatever is available locally or try to to stay away from dueling when they they only have few sets of clothes. We are technically refugee yokai." Ah, so in reality you don't get into many danmaku duels if at all?
"Especially during crisis like the famine. Incidents are mostly self contained but that famine was a catastrophe in comparison to whatever an incident can do." In other words it cause social imbalance that everyone had to step in to solve? She nods at that.
"How'd you know that Danmaku is impossible for men? Let me guess, you try to throw a nonlethal ball at a tree only to blow it in half?" No, I just have knowledge before I got here. Wait, is that how you girls find out? She nods.
"The curios Shopkeeper try to do danmaku and well after fifty attempts the trees where in ruin and it was deemed impossible for man to play "Nonlethally" as they're astronomically too powerful for what a danmaku bullet requires." Hold on, so wait is he more powerful than Yukari?
It's more complicated than that, guys just have no affinity for beauty unfortunately so danmaku is impossible because their power output is just too high.
Get outta of my mind Yukari. I get it now. The beauty of the bullets can not be fulfilled because it's like shoving a 50 cal. into a 12 gauge shotgun. It's possible but it'll be catastrophic to everyone involve. Guys are bombastic in nature. So no matter what I'll do I'll always be a danger unless I have full control.
"What is a 50 cal.?" Ooops I reverted to nerd mode. It's kinda forbidden to share such knowledge don't share it with the Kappas alright?Satori gives her full attention to me now. I breathe in and then exhale while rubbing my slightly cold hands together.
It's a caliber of bullet, a physical object design to kill from about 1km. It's one of the strongest high caliber rounds humanity design. Every kind of round is usually dictated by mm and not imperial measurements. This is determined by diameter of casing. A 336mm is a 50 caliber bullet. A 20mm is at the cusp of basically a small arms cannon. I should stop before this gets too complicated. Point is the gun launches a lethal bullet to kill something. She gets the idea by now.
"Humanity is scary, that stuff looks like it's design to kill us yokai in one hit." Probably can as you'll need to to move beyond your current speeds. Aya might live. But, everyone else here would be torn to shreds. I'm being honest nothing is as terrifying as instantaneous death from something you won't see coming. Death of that nature would be a godsend. She looks even more horrified at the prospect as she grabs the helm of my hoodie tightly.
Shit, I'm so used to it that I haven't notice how someone else can't handle it.
I offered a hug and she clambers into my chest. Yeah, be glad something like that doesn't exist in here.Outside world is a depressing and scary place even with all the beauty it can offer. I only now realize that the sky is getting more orange. Guess the day is almost over.
"I'll be cooking you can take a sit you two." Thank you Medicine. Ahhhh finally my couch. Still it's actually a pretty big couch too. I almost didn't realize that Satori was trying to keep awake. Yeah, you should get a nap in.
"But, Okuu needs me." I think she'll do fine plus Aya can keep her in check. Just rest I'll wake you up. She passes out. Why is everyone so tired? It can't just because of food shortages. Magic reserves as she mention are low, then it means something is siphoning their power to a point they're running on life support. But, atleast I know why they kinda just don't go around causing problems for eachother for no reason.
I set her down in my side of the blankets and sat back down in the same open spot on my couch.It is mine and I can't wait to get rid of all the doll and bird smell from it. I close my eyes for a moment. Wondering, if I'm lucky or just that life works out funny at times.
"So, you're her boyfriend?"Yeah it's just...I just want this work out Kagerou. But how do you?
"Oh trust me, lover boy is definitely in love with her. Still how did her warm panties smell?" Yeah, you're not invited to any gatherings in the future Tenshi. Childish in nature and somehow a mega perv the more I interact with her. Still.
*Poke*
"Ahhhhh! Yama and beyond what the hell was that for?" I gave her zap in between her ribs with my forefinger. That was for being an annoyance and general nuisance.
*Poke*
"AHHHHH STOP IT OR I MAKE YOU STOP!" Whose gonna stop me? Your imaginary mother?
*Poke*
"ARGH, THAT DOES IT!" She goes for for haphazard punch to my face. But considering this a couch and between me and her is Aya who basically eats the hit for me.
*THWUMP*
"DAMMIT NOT ME! YOU WALKING PSYCHOPATH!" Oooooh gonna need to clean that. Lift your head up fool. Checking her nose and deemed it bloody not broken. The hell raven was already frantically looking for the first aid.
"Aw yeah two fools ate shit today. Karma eating good today."Medicine is joyfully watching the unfortunate events between us. Mom just shakes her head. Yeah, I promise didn't I,that I would behave well. Well can you blame me? Tenshi deserve atleast a little teasing and I'm not letting that go. Also, thank you Utsuho. Taking the cotton balls and carefully putting them in Aya's nose. Actually pretty red eyes they're like rubies.
"Like what you see kid?" In your dreams black crow.
"Alright come get your pork curry and rice." Nice better wake her up. She slept through all that? Man, if only I could. Gently shaking her she opens her eyes and that third eye was intently looking at me. So sleepy head hungry?
"Mmmmmm, yeah something closer to home." Zenophobia be damned girl! Getting up from her laying position she tries to stretch from probably not getting enough rest.
"Sorry, lets eat." Yeah lets eat...Where the fuck am I gonna sleep tonight. Satori looks at me slyly. Yeah we could share...Totally not the worst idea.
Author Notes: 10k words. This will be part one of two of the festival chapters. After that it's winter. Once I'm done with chapter 10 I'm gonna go rest for a week. I kinda blew past so much stuff. Again, I'm happy that people enjoy this story.
