3/1

Goro

The ides of March were finally upon us. Under my previous life's circumstances, I would be preparing right now for my imminent graduation from high school, starting at Tokyo University, to whom I had been accepted into the law program, and my overall transition from a child into adulthood. Now, though, my destiny had been thrust down a completely different path, one where college didn't exist and I was going to have to figure out how to fashion myself into a man, without Outside institutions to guide me. Not that living in Gensokyo wasn't without its benefits, however, as I was unlikely to face joblessness or homelessness, especially now that I had a strong network of friends to support me.

So long as none of them ever found out the truth about my past, that is.

It was still cold out, but it appeared as though serious snow storms were now limited to the mountain peaks. No doubt the sakuras would soon bloom, and I of course was eager to see Gensokyo's flower viewing custom, and its cherry blossoms which would be unlike any I had seen Outside. If this was like most years, they would bloom toward the end of the month.

"Flower viewing?" Masato asked.

"Indeed," I said, between sips of my breakfast tea. "Surely, it must be quite a sight, compared to what I have seen Outside."

Masato smiled. "Well, I suppose there are several good spots. I'm told none come close to the display in the Netherworld, but I of course have never been there, nor would I want to go there." He took a sip. "I suppose the best display near the village would be the trees lining the river near the bridge over to some of the farm fields. That's where most people go, anyway. Now, the temple also has great blossoms, but I've only been there once, because there tend to be a lot of youkai in attendance for obvious reasons."

"I see. Well, perhaps I'll just have to visit all of them and be the judge as to who has the best blossoms," I said.

"Now there's an idea," Masato said. "You've made a lot of good friends, and can go places other villagers can't."

"Indeed," I nodded. I sipped some more tea. "Of course, one cannot exactly call me a 'normal' villager at this point, throwing around spell cards and flying. Perhaps I'll be able to uncover all the mysteries Genoskyo is hiding."

"I doubt it," Masato said. "Gensokyo is full of all sorts of secrets. Not even Reimu has uncovered all of them, although I'm sure Marisa is hell-bent on it, strong as her sense of adventure is. You are making sure she isn't getting herself in too much trouble, though, correct?"

"Is it not part of our deal for me to do so?" I asked.

Masato chuckled. "Heh, you're right. Keeping up with her is the other part of your job, and much harder than any work I could ever give you." Masato finished his tea, and sighed. "I just wish she could come back and visit, at least occasionally. She seems to think I hate her, but all I was doing was trying to keep her safe."

"I'm sure she'll come around eventually," I told him. "Even if I have to goad her."

Masato smiled. "You're a good young man, Goro. Perhaps too good for this place."

"I strive to do what's right, no matter what. That's why I became a detective."

Masato peeked out the window. "Mmm. On the other hand, Gensokyo could use more people like you. Here in the village, and outside too. Just… try not to get killed, alright?"

"I don't think that will be a concern," I said. "Considering how far I've come in making good friends here. Reimu, Marisa, Youmu, even Byakuren…"

"You've certainly got a way with the ladies," Masato said, smiling again. "Just make sure not to break any of their hearts, alright?"

I chuckled. "I… can't guarantee that. You do recall how many favors I have to return on White Day, correct? And not only that, I have to give back three times as much to each of them."

Masato chuckled. "Oh, make no mistake, I wholly sympathize. Back when I was younger, I got into so many debauched situations that I lost count. But the realities of what it takes to maintain a healthy relationship eventually brought me down to earth, and that's how I was able to meet the love of my life…" He trailed off. "...sorry, I just… it's difficult for me to think about anymore. It's been so many years…"

"No, I understand," I said. "I won't press for details if it's painful for you."

"Thank you," Masato smiled. "Perhaps one day, I'll muster up the courage to tell you the story without tearing up. Basically, what I'm telling you is to be patient, until you find 'the one.' I can't… I can't really describe what that feeling is, when you do meet them, other than that you will know."

"I'm sure I will," I nodded.


Once again, I was without any hard and fast plans for the rest of the day. All of us were waiting for Aya to report back with any sign of a change of heart in Megumu. After walking around for a while, I found myself on the path to the Shrine anyway, so I continued up, hoping Reimu would be up for spell card practice, or at least willing to visit. When I arrived however, I found she was already hosting a visitor.

"Anyway, now's not a good time, Remilia. I have to get this place ready for Hinamatsuri in a couple days."

"Ah, my apologies. I almost forgot what time of year it was. This winter sure does seem to be taking its time, doesn't it?"

"Right, I'll have words with Yuyuko if it continues past the end of the month, but right now, I really have to-"

"Hello?" I said.

The two of them turned to face me. Reimu had an armful of decorations and wooden planks, while Remilia held a closed parasol with both hands. "Ah, Akechi-san. What a coincidence. I assume you're here to visit Reimu as well?"

"I was," I said, "but I can tell you're busy right now."

"Well, yeah," Reimu sighed. "Hinamatsuri's in a couple days, and I'm working with Alice to get this place dressed up for it. It's one of the biggest days of the year here at the shrine, which also means one of the most important days for getting donations, right next to flower viewing later this month. And, it's my birthday too, so there's going to be lots of partying right after all the villagers go home. So, yeah, I have a lot on my plate right now, and I don't have time to visit with anyone, least of all Remilia." She turned to Remilia. "I have an idea, why don't you go bug Goro instead? I know you've been dying to speak to him ever since he came here."

Remilia chuckled. "Ohoho, you're just the same as ever, aren't you Reimu?" She turned and looked at me. "But, of course, I'd be a fool to turn down such an opportunity. And surely, you'd be a fool to turn away the chance to be with me for a day, wouldn't you?"

I wasn't sure what to think. On one hand, she looked like a little girl, with a dress to match, but on the other hand, she was a sophisticated vampire, and if there was one thing I knew from all the legends, it was that vampires were cultured, smooth talkers and experts at weaving lies and playing on one's confidence to make humans do their bidding and crush their hopes. If she was on close terms with Reimu, though, I knew her ability and willingness to cause trouble was constrained. And if she was one of Gensokyo's major figures, I knew as well it would be in my best interest to get into her good graces. I decided to take up her offer.

"I would like to get to know you, and see your mansion, of course," I smiled.

Remilia giggled, showing a fang as she did so. "Then, let us leave Reimu to attend to her business, and be on our way."


We took off toward the Misty Lake, and the large mansion on the far shore. It was chilly, but clear, and the sun's shimmering rays reflected off of the lake's rippling waters. Down below, fairies played, and the first bird chirps of the season echoed through the air.

We cruised through the air, Reimilia's bat wings fully open and catching wind underneath their leathery flaps. I looked up at the sun above, then looked at her and asked, "I just realized. You are a vampire, are you not? Why are you not burning up in the sun?"

Remilia smiled. "A lesser vampire might. But I am the Scarlet Devil. All the sun does is repress my strongest powers. Sangromancy, manipulation of fate, and the fullest, rawest extent of my vampiric strength… but make no mistake, I am still one of Gensokyo's most powerful figures even with those handicaps. In fact, I sleep at night and am awake during the day, specifically to keep my powers in check and allow me to interact with others who are only awake during the day. I also am resistant to weaker holy powers, and quite enjoy cross imagery myself."

My eyes widened slightly. "I… see."

"Not what you expected from a vampire, is it?" she asked.

"Well, obviously, I've never met one before. I only know them from movies and fiction."

Remilia shook her head. "Humans just don't understand us vampires, most likely because vampires are critically endangered anymore. I got my hands on that book… What was it called, Twilight? I barely got a few pages into that drivel before launching it into the fire. I have very particular tastes in literature, and these days there only ever seems to be hot garbage coming from human publishers. Yukari doesn't seem to care; she continues to supply me with sub-par work."

"Probably because the barrier to publishing is much lower these days," I said. "If you think those are bad, you should read fanfiction."

"I'd rather not," Remilia scowled. We looked up, and saw we were quickly coming up on the mansion. "We're almost there. We can continue our chat inside."

We touched down before the mansion gates. Looking up at the sprawling structure, easily the largest building I had seen in Gensokyo thus far, it loomed ominous and large over everything around it, it's blood-scarlet brick facade and gothic aesthetic starkly contrasting with all the rest of Gensokyo's traditional Japanese structures. I almost felt like Simon Belmont standing in front of Castlevania's gates, except in this case I had arrived here with the proprietor herself rather than her waiting in the tallest tower.

"Welcome," she said, with arms widespread. "To the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Established 1492 by my late father, Count Colorado de Scarlet, in the fertile Pyrenees foothills of Occitania. Moved to Gensokyo in 1890. My heritage, Spanish and Catalan, and cultured French. My family also knew the famous Dracul family. Vlad the Impaler, or as some might know him, Count Dracula."

"So he was a real person," I said. "Or, rather, he actually was a vampire."

"Correct," Remilia said, "although I will say that Mr. Stoker got, well, several details about his life wrong. Still, all those bodies he impaled, he collected the blood and drank it. Cultured vampires, such as us among the nobility at the time, preferred methods other than biting one's neck like an animal and messily getting it all over our clothes for gathering blood, then enjoying it like fine wine from the land's finest grapes."

"Like impaling bodies is 'cultured,'" I snarked.

Remilia chuckled. "I suppose you have a point." She turned around and led me toward the gate. "Come. I grow tired of standing out here in the snow."

The gate was closed, not that that stopped us from simply flying over it. On the other side were well-curated gardens of hedges, trees, and flowerbeds. Tending to them was a woman in green-and-white chinese clothes, and who had long, orange hair. She was whistling a tune while crouched over, busily digging holes and putting seeds into the ground.

She must have sensed our presence, because she got up and turned around. "Ah. Milady. You have returned early."

"Reimu is busy getting ready for Hinamatsuri," Remilia explained. "So instead I have brought with me a guest."

I bowed. "Good morning. I am Goro Akechi."

The woman smiled. "Ah, yes, the gentleman who fell in from outside recently. Milady has been talking about you recently." She bowed. "I'm Hong Meiling. I'm the groundskeeper and gatekeeper of this mansion. Right now, I'm working on planting the first few seeds of the season, and getting the cherry blossoms ready for flower viewing later this month."

"Indeed," Remilia smiled. "The sakuras were planted not long after the mansion was moved here. At first, I couldn't grasp the beauty of trees which blossom for only one week, until I witnessed my first display, and was inspired to plant my own. They really are a sight to behold, how they scatter their petals gently in the wind…" She looked at Meiling. "...you've really outdone yourself with taking care of the gardens over the years, Meiling. You have a wonderful eye for plants and aesthetics, and are a master of breathing life into them and allowing them to display their full beauty."

Meiling smiled. "I am not deserving of such praise, Milady."

"How humble of you," Remilia replied.

We made our way inside the mansion, where I held the door open for Remilia like a proper gentleman. The interior was as grand and spacious as the outside, perhaps even moreso. The foyer spread out in all directions, floored with marble and with a grand oak staircase rising up and branching out in all directions. The walls were lined with many different pieces of artwork, including the ceiling which was painted in a sprawling mural, and a brilliant stained glass window through which the sun's light was filtered and crystalized.

Somewhat contrasting all of these, though, was the goblin-like creature carrying a mop and pulling around a bucket on wheels.

I looked around. "I'll admit, it is quite a grand place, and befits a noble like you."

"The home of the Scarlet family deserves only the finest," Remilia said. "...of course, my parents are dead, so these days it is just me and my sister."

"Your sister?" I asked.

Remilia shook her head. "She is not allowed to meet guests, let's just say." She turned to face the goblin. "And this is one of our servants. We brought them in several years ago, when a large number of hobgoblins appeared from the Outside suddenly." At that moment, a fairy maid flew overhead, dusting off some of the paintings. "And that is one of our fairy maids, one of dozens under our employ. The fairies and goblins are all under the direction of my head maid, Sakuya. Together, they keep this mansion spick and span, ready to greet visitors with all its glory."

"Did you call for me, Milady?"

I was surprised by a voice coming from behind me all of a sudden, and turned around to see Sakuya, hands crossed and eyes closed.

"Where'd you come from?" I exclaimed.

"I was here the whole time," she said simply. She turned to Remilia. "Lunch is ready, Milady."

"Splendid," Remilia smiled. She followed Sakuya toward the dining room, then looked at me and said, "would you care to join us?"

"I would," I nodded, following them.

The dining room was nothing less than I would expect from such a grand home: a long, mahogany table with many seats, and what seemed to be a throne at the far head, no doubt Remilia's seat. Laid out beneath it was a large, crimson-red rug; hanging above it was a large, glistening crystal chandelier; candles were placed all along the center of the table, and the place mats were laid out with folded napkins, polished ceramic dishes and crystal-clear wine glasses.

At the far end of the table, near Remilia's seat, the food was laid out, with a platter next to a steaming tea pot. Sakuya lifted the lid to reveal sizzling-hot Jingisukan, before dishing it out for all of us.

"Japanese food today, Sakuya?" Remilia asked.

"My apologies, Milady," Sakuya said. "We're running critically short on some of our Western ingredients. Alice promised me that she would pick some up for us the next time she went to Makai."

"No need to apologize," Remilia said. "Everything you make is exquisite. I'm sure our guest will be delighted."

"Thank you, Milady," Sakuya replied.

I took a seat, said a quick prayer, then waited as Sakuya poured the tea before taking a seat herself. Interestingly, Sakuya also poured me, and only me, a glass of apple cider along with the tea. Remilia was allowed to have the first bite, after which we could start eating as well.

"Mmm," Reimila said, smiling. "The meat is tender, perfectly seasoned… the vegetables too. Everything is perfectly grilled."

"I appreciate the compliment," Sakuya said.

I looked up at them, and said, "it's interesting that someone of your standing would enjoy Jingisukan. After all, it started out as a dish of the working-class in Hokkaido."

Remilia chuckled. "Well, not even nobles eat caviar and sip vintage riesling all the time. Sometimes, one craves basic comfort food the same as any peasant. It doesn't matter in the end, so long as it is delicious."

"That's a very humble opinion, for someone like you," I commented. I blew on my tea before taking a sip. Even the tea was unlike anything I had had so far in my life. The bitterness was tempered, but not in a way that would detract from its aroma and flavor. "The tea is quite good."

"I'm glad," Remilia said. "Sakuya is a master tea brewer. We use only the finest leaves, she knows the best temperature in which to steep the leaves, and she has the perfect brewing time down to the millisecond."

I looked at Sakuya. "It sounds like you are quite talented," I said.

"I have been Milady's maid for a long time," Sakuya replied. "I have gained rich experience performing all sorts of tasks, so that Milady can enjoy the best food and keep the mansion at its very best." She smiled. "And I must say, you are a very charming gentleman."

I chuckled. "Well, Outside, I was known as the 'Charismatic Ace Detective,' and I was famous all over the country for solving seemingly unsolvable cases. Actually, it was narrowly escaping death while investigating one such case that led me here to Gensokyo in the first place."

"I see." Sakuya sipped her tea.

"Plus, I had a legion of fangirls who would try to follow me wherever I went," I added.

"A man of your good looks? I wouldn't doubt it," Remilia said. She sipped her tea. "Hmm, I feel like it's missing something."

"I apologize, Milady," Sakuya said.

"Oh?" I wondered. "What is it… missing…"

I grasped my head. Suddenly, I felt very unwell. In a moment, I had gone from feeling normal to being very woozy, weak and disoriented. I could barely hold my teacup without my hand shaking badly, and I felt as though I were about to throw up.

"Ah… hah…" I started breathing heavily. "What is…"

"Are you not feeling well, Akechi-san?" Sakuya asked.

"I…" I remembered the glass of cider, and instinctively reached for it and drank it down. The sweet taste of apples combined with the slight, spicy kick of freshly ground cinnamon and the coolness of the liquid was enough to revitalize me, and within moments the miasma dissipated as quickly as it had come on.

I took a moment to gather myself again, and sighed. "What was that?" I wondered. "I don't get sick often at all, and that came on very suddenly. Perhaps something with the food? …no, you two would have felt it too…"

Remilia looked at me for a moment, then sipped her tea again. This time, she seemed much more satisfied. "...mm-hmm! It tastes much better now." She smiled. "And… oh? This tastes like…" She nodded. "Yes, indeed, this is AB- blood. You are a rare breed, indeed, Akechi-kun. Not many have this blood type."

…er…

"What do you… mean?" I asked her. "Did you…?"

"I told you I am a powerful vampire," Remilia said. "I'm always curious about the blood types of people that I meet. And you… you are one of the very few to have the most delectable of blood types. This will keep me energized for quite some time." She giggled. "Seems as though I have found a man who is as tasty as he looks."

I slowly scooted away from her after that while finishing my meal. Sakuya, meanwhile, continued to eat in silence.

After lunch, Remilia invited me onto her balcony, which overlooked the Misty Lake. The midday haze hung over the lake, and the vast fields beyond it, patched with disparate spots of snow, stretched out beyond the lake to the west. She had dismissed Sakuya, who returned to performing her chores around the mansion.

"This Balcony is quite the perch, isn't it?" She remarked. "I enjoy relaxing here on nice days."

I looked down. "Why have you brought me here?" I asked. "For that matter, what is the purpose of you leading me to your house today?"

Remilia chuckled. "Oh, Akechi-kun. You are too suspicious of a wealthy proprietor's hospitality. But, perhaps that is natural, since I am a vampire after all." She did a curtsey. "You did say you were a charismatic detective who simply fell into Gensokyo because of a tragic incident, correct?"

"Er… yes," I said.

"Hm." She smiled, before floating in the air, raising her hand, and casting a golden, ethereal string from her palm which stretched down to the ground. She looked down at me with a piercing glare and a scowl. "Then… Why is your string so soaked in blood, hatred and sin?"

I stepped back in shock. "W-w-what do you mean?"

"Your string of fate," Remilia explained. "I looked at it after Reimu mentioned you to me. Of course, I have kept it a secret from everyone else, but I could have exposed you and destroyed you immediately." She turned to face the string. "Your string. It tells a tale of blood, violence and sadism. Many, many fates have met their end upon colliding with yours. Others have been cast into a pit of ruin and despair upon contact as well. There is no doubt: you have a bloody history which you wish to hide, but cannot hide from me."

…shit, I thought. Yet another powerful figure who could see my past and tell everyone about it.

"...Indeed," I sighed. "I am trying to escape a shameful past, one where I raged against society and attempted to exterminate all the corrupt people in the world, all the while being manipulated by a malevolent force."

"I could tell," Remilia said. "These killings, these ruinings, I could sense that they were motivated by revenge, before eventually evolving into sadistic glee, as though you were possessed by a demon."

I suppose one could call Loki that.

"However… your string has strange properties," Remilia said. "I attempted to play around with your string, see where it led, maybe try to change its course, but in all cases it proved immune to any attempt to alter it. When I wanted to see where it went, it refused to give an answer. Furthermore, I saw that the fates of many of those you have met in Gensokyo have similarly become altered from their previous trajectories, including those of Reimu and Marisa." She touched down, and looked at me. "Therefore, I can only conclude that you are a Trickster."

Trickster… that was what those in the Velvet Room called me as well, and what they called Ren.

"How do you mean?" I asked.

"The Tricker is one who defies and challenges fate, changes the fates of those around them. They possess great intellect, and use their intelligence, wit and cunning to play tricks on others and defy rigid order and predestination. Such power can be highly destructive, as you have demonstrated in the past. But it can also be used for good, to help others avoid calamity. Your recent history shows evidence of this: many of those you met were headed straight for Hell, only to meet your string and turn away from it instead. Such power to alter fates is beyond even what I am capable of." She then manifested a large number of strings, of various individuals. "Furthermore, the fates of seemingly everyone in Gensokyo, from humans to youkai, gods to ghosts, even the yama, seem to be headed straight for calamity and ruin. I have no clue who or what is behind this coming disaster, but it needs to be stopped. And you just so happen to be the man for the job."

"What are you proposing?" I asked hesitantly.

Remilia dismissed the strings and offered her hand. "I am proposing a partnership. You offer your rare ability to change fates to quell this coming calamity. In return, you receive my cooperation, the full powers of a vampire, my many connections, and a promise not to reveal your past to those who know nothing. Perhaps over the course of averting this disaster, you'll change your own fate to avoid damnation as well. You'll find no better deal in all of Gensokyo." She smiled, revealing a fang. "What say you?"

I hesitated. I had no clue if I was able to trust a vampire, already a being considered to be a type of demon, who called herself the "Scarlet Devil." That wasn't to say I didn't have my own form of leverage: a mental shutdown, if it came to that, or some other way of undermining her power and influence. But, she seemed sincere in her desire to prevent Gensokyo from falling into the coming ruin which Lavanza and Igor feared might occur. She had, after all, just provided confirmation that a massive incident was underway, assuming her "manipulation of fates" was not an elaborate bluster. She was also a friend and ally of Reimu, which would not be possible if she didn't have Gensokyo's best interests at heart. Perhaps Reimu would be able to keep her in line if she tried anything funny.

Eventually, I decided her offer was worth the risk, and shook her hand. "I accept."

"Wonderful," Remilia gleamed. "May this be the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship."

And so, I made a deal with the Devil…

I am thou, thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Fortune Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…


Later that night, I was getting ready for bed, still processing everything that had transpired earlier that day, when my communicator buzzed.

autumnsky: Hey everyone, I got news.

seeingstars: That was quick.

turtlepower: Is it about Megumu?

autumnsky: Potentially. I got word right as I was clocking off for the night that a big announcement is going to happen tomorrow. Supposedly, Lord Tenma themself is going to deliver it, and if Tenma's delivering it, it has to be extremely huge. Furthermore, it seemed rather sudden, so I suspect Megumu had something to do with it.

aburaage: If that's the case, then our mission must have been successful.

godlygeneral: Should we be there to see it?

autumnsky: No. Like I said, Tengu don't usually allow outsiders, especially not to events like this. Crow could go, though. He's already allowed in Tengu City, and he's the leader.

pancakeman: Indeed. If anyone joins you, it should be me. What time is it tomorrow?

autumnsky: Noon sharp.

pancakeman: Excellent. I'll modify my schedule tomorrow in order to make it.

autumnsky: Cool, see you then.

turbogranny: Good luck, you two.

pancakeman: Thanks.


3/2

A large crowd had gathered in front of the central government house in Tengu City, both on the ground and in the air. Aya suggested that I dress like a Tengu to fit in better, which led to me being in a traditional dress with a tokin hat and geta; balancing on them was challenging at first, but I was able to figure it out and walk normally afterwards.

"I'm surprised you managed to balance yourself in them," Aya remarked. "Only a Crow Tengu should be able to do it that quickly." She smirked. "You're quickly turning out to be Tengu-like."

"Perhaps," I replied.

Moments later, Megumu came walking down the path from the main door. We looked down at her from our position in the air, and the chatters in the crowd quickly died down. Megumu bowed, then said, "thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to witness this historic announcement, from the great Lord Tenma himself. On behalf of all Tengu, I proudly announce… Lord Tenma."

I whispered to Aya, "she just described the announcement as 'historic.' What do you suppose this means?"

"I don't know…"

Ceremonial band players ushered in a procession from the government building. Each of the Daitengu filed out one-by-one, taking their positions along the path, before a short, red-skinned figure in a gilded kimono walked out, flanked by two attendants, strutted out onto the path. Instinctively, everyone in the crowd bowed, so I bowed as well. After a few moments, the band stopped playing, the figure, Lord Tenma, who turned out to be a Long-Nosed Tengu, halted at the end of the path, the attendants stepped aside, and Megumu took her place behind him.

Tenma raised his hand. "Rise, my friends." On cue, all of us straightened back up. All eyes, including me and Aya's, were trained on him, waiting expectantly for what he was about to say.

"Thank you all for coming here today," he said. "As you are all aware, today I am bringing an announcement of great importance. Over the past centuries, our society on Youkai Mountain has experienced an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity. Thanks to our hard work, and that of our ancestors, us Tengu are stronger and more united than ever before in the history of our kind. From the Wolf Tengu guards of the mountain, to my fellow hardworking Long-Nosed Tengu, to the vigilant Crow Tengu citizens, and to the patient and strong Yamabushi, everyone in our society has done their part in helping to bring us to greatness." He bowed, then said, "however, we also recognize that individual ambitions and goals play a role in making our city great. This drive for self-improvement is what breeds progress, innovation and friendly competition, and without it our society would stagnate. We want to encourage this drive, and propel ourselves to even greater heights."

He paused for a moment, and there were some whispers in the crowd, before he spoke again. "Which is why, effective immediately, the caste system will be abolished."

Immediately, there was a collective gasp from the crowd, and there was chattering all around. "I know this is a major change, as the caste system has been with us for a long time," Tenma said, "but after meeting with the Daitengu we have ultimately deemed this change beneficial and necessary to face new challenges to the Tengu that have arisen as of late. This change will mean that there will no longer be restrictions in the jobs one may take, and no restriction in upward or downward movement. In addition, we are aware of bigotry and racism between some of us, which the caste system in part bred. From now on, we will be working to encourage tolerance and harmony, while also cracking down on hateful language and behavior. We regret that this kind of behavior was allowed to persist, and apologize for doing nothing to address it before. Finally, there will no longer be any attempts to censor speech and media, and all further attempts to do so will be outlawed." He bowed again. "That is all I have for today. You may now go back to your daily routines."

There was still much whispering and natter in the crowd as Tenma returned inside the government building. Me and Aya used the chance to step aside and discuss what had just happened.

"You know, this change seems to be really controversial," Aya commented. "I would have thought for sure people would be absolutely elated about it."

"It is a rather big change, though," I said. "Many of these people have never known anything other than a caste-based society, and to have it disappear so quickly after centuries of being in place, of course there would be mixed reactions to it." I smiled. "But I'm certain that, given enough time, everyone will come to embrace it for the better, as they begin to accept and settle into it."

Aya smiled. "Heh, maybe you're right. Nothing in real life has a fairy tale ending, and I should have known that. Still, I'm glad that this is happening, and that there won't be anymore repression or bigotry. So… thank you."

"You're very welcome," I said. "Of course, our job is far from over. There are still many fortresses out there, many more distorted hearts to be changed, and the mystery of Ethos left to solve. Don't forget that our deal includes helping us see this greater incident to the very end."

"Of course not," Aya said. "Just because this one case is closed doesn't mean I won't stop fighting for justice. If anything, I'm more emboldened than ever to uncover every last one of Gensokyo's problems and work to resolve them. With no more restraints put on my paper, I can finally start reporting the things that I want to, and salvage its reputation while I'm at it." She bowed. "And, of course, I'll keep fighting with all of you, and as the Day Breakers, I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of all of this fortress business."

"That's the spirit," I complimented.

We heard a voice come from behind us. "Hey, Aya?"

We turned, and saw Megumu, walking up to us with her hands behind her back.

"Iizunamaru-sama?" Aya said.

Megumu shook her head. "No need for formalities, Aya. Just call me Megumu." She paused, then asked, "Um… if you don't mind, would you… join me for lunch? I have some things I want to discuss with you. You can bring him with you if you want."

"Uh, sure," Aya said.


We arrived at the monja bar where we had previously spied on Megumu, except this time, we were seated with her around a grill table waiting for our ingredients to arrive.

Megumu twiddled her fingers, and sighed. "So, um… I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I… have to admit that the caste system was all my idea, born out of some petty jealousy I had of you back in the day. I… I hated you so much that I was willing to do anything to keep you down, even if it meant dragging the rest of Tengu society down with you. And I… I didn't think much of it until a couple nights ago. Someone scattered 'calling cards' at the concert, and they got me so worked up that I stormed home in rage and immediately got drunk." She paused. "I don't know if it was 'liquid inspiration,' but I started thinking about our past, my rise to power, my reasons for creating the caste system and what it was doing to the Tengu, and I came to realize all the damage that was happening, all because of me. I… I broke down, and in the morning, I realized I had to do something. So I pleaded to Tenma to end the caste system. I didn't think he'd actually agree to do it, but he did, without a second thought. Turns out he wanted to end it too, to free his fellow Long-Nosed Tengu, but didn't because he didn't want to anger us Daitengu." She covered her face, and started to cry. "To think that I started thinking of people as below me, as inherently worse than others and as disposable tools… I… I…"

Aya patted her back. "There, there, Megumu. You weren't the only one to make mistakes. I should have done far more back then to help you and support you, but I did nothing, and have no excuse for doing nothing. Besides, it's not like you only did wicked things, nor are you as inferior as you think: you managed to talk your way up the chain of command, you're charismatic, and personable. Plus, the caste system wasn't perfect, but it did end the feuding and open violence between us back then. It's just that it's time to take it out to pasture, you recognized that, and you did it."

Megumu looked up. "So… you forgive me, even after all these centuries?"

"Better late than never," Aya said. "You're a great leader, Megumu. I wouldn't be surprised if you became the next Tenma. So you just keep leading Tengu society, and I'll have your back every step of the way."

Megumu smiled. "Thank you. Your words were just what I needed. And… I'll have your back, too. Whatever it is you want to do, wherever you want to go with your life, I'll support you. You can do anything now."

"Thanks," Aya said. "Of course, I'll keep working on my paper, and being the guard captain, at least for now. I want to expose injustices, not just here but all around Gensokyo, and repel the kind of corruption that has infected our society for so long."

"That's a noble goal," Megumu said. "And I regret preventing you from doing it before. That kind of obstruction is unforgivable, and I want to redeem myself for allowing injustice and hate to persist for so long."

"All you have to do is be the kind of leader that you want to be, and what the Tengu want," Aya said. "Not everyone can lead, I sure as hell can't. Not everyone has the drive and charisma to guide a bunch of scared, dumb, panicky sheep through the light, and inspire them to stand up for themselves and work together to become more. But you have all of that, so don't ever give up."

"I won't," Megumu said. She then turned to me. "By the way… I never got your name."

"Ah, yes," I said. "My apologies for not introducing myself. My name is Goro Akechi. I'm a detective who fell in from Outside recently."

"Oh?" she wondered. "An Outsider? I'm surprised the guards let you in so easily. They must have really liked you if that was the case."

"He's been giving me a helping hand with my reports," Aya said.

"Is that so?" Megumu leaned over and gave a mischievous smirk. "Are you sure he isn't your boyfriend?"

Aya's face reddened. "N-n-no! He's just a friend!"

"But that's what it looks like, isn't it?" Megumu asked. "Such a tall, handsome fellow with natural good looks and charm, it was enough to make you go all 'Ayayayaya~' over him…"

I rolled my eyes. Here we go again, I thought.

"Sh-shut up!" Aya pleaded, while Megumu giggled at her expense. At that moment, our food arrived, and we got busy grilling it and attempting to change the subject, but the rest of the lunch date consisted of Aya and Megumu throwing banter at each other like an old married couple. At least their relationship was no longer hostile, I thought. Eventually, Aya challenged Megumu to a spell card duel after lunch, and I used the opportunity to exit stage left and return to the shop to work for the rest of the day.