The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is owned by Nagaru Tanigawa. Touhou Project is owned by ZUN and Team Shanghai Alice. I own neither. This is a fan fiction of those works.
Beta Reader (and partial writer) for this episode:
Smooglii
January 1st, 2004
Remilia Scarlet stood in awe, taking the time to experience the realm of Yukari Yakumo. It was quite the spectacle for anyone not used to it, the 'stars' in the sky were eyes, and eye symbols on the ground exuded crystals. The different colored crystals gave light, them being the sole light source. The realm served many purposes for Yukari - a place to get away, to rest, to store acquired (stolen) items, or just a place to plan her next move. It wasn't necessarily her home, just a realm that she made hers, being the gap of all things.
The vampire appeared a bit unnerved after several moments, as most would. The eyes constantly staring at you would have that effect on outsiders. Yukari was getting ready to use the time travel device again, grateful that youkai didn't black out to the combined effects of portal and time traveling.
She looked back at Remilia, to tell her she was prepared, but the vampire had an unsure look on her face.
"Is something wrong, Miss Scarlet?"
Remilia was an interesting person. Vain, impulsive, and decadent, she left most things to her servants, but in rare times like this, she would take action herself. She and her sister were much alike, but Yukari felt that somewhere in her must be a sense of responsibility. It was these traits that made her so easy to manipulate, and her power and influence made her well worth using.
Remilia took her time to answer, glancing back at where the portal to the boy's room was. "You don't know what that boy is going to do, or what's going to happen to him, do you?"
Before Yukari could answer-
"Or is it that you do know?" Remilia took steps towards her, her face impassive. "You do have your years on me, but I can tell that you aren't supposed to be here." The vampire had Gungnir out as she approached, her body tense like an animal ready to defend itself.
Yukari debated on playing dumb, but decided against it, instead giving a smile of acceptance. This brat had already made up her mind anyway. "Ah... so the pretense of wanting to see Haruhi for yourself-"
Remilia jutted her jaw, staring right at Yukari. "Stop with the acting job. We've met long ago for me and mine to get passage into Gensokyo, but there is certainly something different about you."
If only you were always so clever as this. Well, it's probably better this way. After all, it would be too troublesome if a faction leader was smarter than the demon. Yukari nodded. "Let me guess. The chains of fate surrounding me and the boy tipped you off that there's something else going on." Yukari sighed, shaking her head. "I should have interrupted it when you read his fate a few days ago... well, a few days ago for you."
Remilia had stopped her advancement, realizing that Yukari would cooperate. "So you understand what I saw?"
"Sadly, yes."
The vampire looked back to where the portal was again. "You're doing something about it, right? Because he is my servant."
Possessive as always. Frightfully so. "Why do you think I'm here?"
"That is the question, especially since I sensed another you in the home at Mayohiga while you were battling Hakurei. I smelled you. Heard your breathing. There was someone else in that house, and my gut tells me it was another you." Remilia smirked, raising a mocking eyebrow. "I find it odd that the two of you aren't here at the same time explaining things, though I guess I don't know how long I'd suffer through another long explanation from two of you." Remilia casually looked around. "It'd be much easier to tell me what's going on."
Your senses are better than I thought. Could be result of this world coming together, but who knows. "You knowing what is going on could be problematic. But it was an outcome. Maybe an unavoidable one, ultimately."
"What about the other you?"
Yukari gave a small chuckle. "Ah, well, my past self doesn't need to know certain things. It's better she doesn't."
Remilia blinked. "...Past...?"
Yukari closed the distance between her and the stunned vampire. "Well, there is one tactic to live by. In order to fool your enemies, you have to be able to fool your allies as well. In my case..." She leaned down so she could be eye to eye with Remilia. "...I have to be able to fool my past self too. And she accepts it." Remilia had opened her mouth to say something, but Yukari placed an index finger over it. "Ah, no. Not yet. You see..." Yukari brought out something.
Remilia stared at the golden glow, wide-eyed.
"You see, my little vampire, this is an intricate web you've stumbled upon. Though the danger that you saw at the ends of his chain of fate is very real, what you think has been happening at chance has actually been all planned." She gave a wry smile. "It's hard to plan for the human element. But one can coax it, and hope that the chaos of a human heart follows the path that was laid out for it." Yukari gave a slight shrug. "It's all one can hope for. Changing a group's direction is easier. A single human is much harder."
Unless you know exactly what to say and do for them.
[The Meltdown of Haruhi Suzumiya]
[Episode 7.5]
["The Melancholy of Yukari Yakumo"]
"Behold! The beautiful sky! The wide open land! This is the view from Heaven that commands it all!
Just how many people are born in this world, and what goes through their heads as they live their lives...?
Life in Heaven is dull, but this view is the one thing I liked...
I had no doubt that somewhere in this world, there was someone who could understand me.
I searched desperately for that place where I belong... Yet every place in this beautiful world rejected Tenshi Hinanai...
You said I could fit into this world if I just pretended to be something I'm not, but I never considered it worth doing such a thing... I didn't want to lie to this world I love... Because I knew that being accepted by faking who I am wouldn't wipe away the loneliness.
Besides... Continuing to live as myself may not be easy, but I feel like it makes my tears just a bit lighter...
That's why I want to keep living as Tenshi Hinanai from here on out.
...Sure, I could get avoid getting hurt if I just stayed locked in my miniature garden above the sky... But there's no way I could bear a life sitting there hugging my knees, neither loved nor hated by anyone!
So, if I ever get this world to accept me... This is what I'll say:
'Finally you noticed how I feel. I'm sure you didn't realize, but from the beginning, I've always loved this world.'
I will say that and smile."
-Tenshi Hinanai, from the doujin Anniversary, by: Jiba Tenko
"Viewing things from only one point of view shows that you lack imagination and analysis skills. Even if the answer is in front of your eyes then, you'll be blind to it. That's because you can only see the back side of the answer. In reality, you're doing pretty well as a reporter."
August 31st, 2008
Summer was nearing its end in Gensokyo. While the heat was still prevalent, one could already tell that the temperature was starting to wane with each passing day, especially since the humidity was falling. The crazy weather incident that had happened earlier in the month was still remembered, but thankfully there wasn't any lasting damage, nor did it make the weather odd in the aftermath.
Marisa Kirisame was grateful that not much had changed. While the incident made danmaku certainly more enjoyable with the weather modifications to the rules and actions, it wasn't as fun against someone so strong.
Actually, there was an issue she had with the incident, especially considering her weather. Because of the constant rain that had been around her, her home was currently overgrown with weeds, choking the life out of the regular plants in the area. Marisa had been working all morning, having switched to her light blue witch's dress when working outside in her black dress was too hot. Having already finished weeding the base of her home, she had begun work in the yard itself, already cursing to herself for having so much junk in it. The weeds were difficult to get to, wrapping around objects, partially rooted under them, and the like. Even though the humidity was leaving Summer, everything was still rather wet, especially since the rain a few weeks earlier was constant. She let out a grunt of anger as she fell down after pulling a particularly pesky and strong weed that was wedged under a sign she had found a year ago. The still-wet ground under her thankfully provided a little cushion, and she was getting red in the face due to how frustrated she was with the labor. Still, it was her fault for letting it get this bad - the weeds were getting to her knees, as had the grass.
As she was pulling out weeds, Marisa was still mindful to remain vigilant should a youkai get ideas while she was busy outside. Most of the ones in the immediate area knew not to test her after she set them straight, but there still could be ones wandering, waiting to be properly introduced to the witch.
Marisa grumbled to herself as she had already filled up yet another pail of weeds, taking it to the pile she had started, and was going to burn later. Marisa had already separated the weeds that would be useful as ingredients for experiments. She tossed the useless weeds, and was getting ready to go back to work when she heard the grass rustle.
Marisa immediately turned to the sound, bringing out her mini-Hakkero. She kept her demeanor calm and collected, but her eyes darted around, looking for the source of the noise.
"How 'bout I start blasting, ze? I'm gonna burn something already, so if you want me to start early, I'll start early. If someone is out there-"
A brown bunny hopped into view out of the grass. It stopped and stared at her, the only thing moving was its nose as it quickly breathed. Marisa aimed at it, mindful that it could be a rabbit youkai. It continued to stare at her with its red eyes.
"Are you really that jumpy?"
Marisa turned around again, her teeth clenched as she had recognized that voice. Yukari Yakumo smiled at her, less than a meter away.
The two stared at each other, Marisa aiming right at Yukari's head, and Yukari simply smiling from under her parasol. It took Marisa a moment to realize that Yukari was leaning out one of her portals - her lower half was in a portal and Yukari was laying her elbow on it like one would do at a windowsill.
"Relax, Kirisame. I understand your caution, but I'd appreciate it if you stopped aiming that thing at me."
Marisa slowly lowered her weapon, lightly letting out her breath and letting the tension ebb away. "Ya gotta stop doing that, y'know? You're gonna get blasted one of these days if you just keep popping in and out, ze." Marisa kept her composure, which was admirable. Marisa quickly smiled.
Yukari was beginning to get Marisa's tells. She hadn't spent much time with the witch, but after all this contact, she was starting to read her. Marisa likes fun, but she has that as a mask over her seriousness. Her lies, her thievery, her flirts... all a cover. This girl, despite her sloppy home, her attitude, and everything else she does, is actually quite a hard worker.
Yukari smiled at the witch. "Maybe. Still," Raising an eyebrow, Yukari looked behind Marisa. "A brown rabbit is kind of rare in Gensokyo, isn't it? Well, a brown rabbit youkai. Pretty much all the rabbits from Eientei are white."
"Huh?" Marisa looked back at the rabbit, who had gone to the pile of weeds and begun eating them. It had effectively put its front half into the pile, its backside and white cottontail sticking out. "Ah, yeah, actually, now that you mention it, they are pretty much all white rabbits there, aren't they?"
"Plants use capillary motion to suck water up from their roots."
Marisa just gave Yukari a confused look. "What?"
Yukari grinned, referencing the pile. "Do your best to keep the plants that have lost their roots moist."
Marisa shook her head. "Uh, no, they're useless weeds. Ain't got any use under a mortar and pestle, ze."
"Everything has use if you know how to use it properly. I pray that you know how to, or are open to suggestions on how to use things properly. One has to be, otherwise they risk... consequences." Marisa was getting unnerved from Yukari's smile. That's fine. This conversation isn't for you anyway. "I trust you're prepared for the incident that happens later this year? It's important to be prepared, especially if you have someone telling you to do so."
Marisa clenched her fist and brought it up, trying to look ready. "'Course I am! Well, I'm getting prepared, ze. Ain't until winter, right?"
"Yes. I mean, there is still time to prepare..." Yukari pulled herself out of the portal, landing on the ground. Marisa's eyes widened upon seeing the spell card in her hand. "So..."
August 12th, 2004
"Remi."
Remilia looked over to Patchouli, in between drinking and eating her meal. "Mmm?"
Remilia was in an obvious bad mood ever since coming back from whatever outing she was at. She had gotten burned, dirtied her dress, and had quickly retreated back to her room to change. Even after the vampire took her time to redress herself, she was still griping.
In all the time that Patchouli had spent with Remilia, she knew not to push her buttons when she was like this. Not that Patchouli didn't enjoy teasing her best friend, in fact she made a sport of it. Only Patchouli could do or say things to piss off Remilia and get away with it. In fact, if Flandre had become more... 'normal', more social, she'd probably get away with even more than she already did. When Flandre was angry or having a tiff with her sister, she'd refer to her as 'that girl' instead of using her name.
Patchouli gave a weak smile, knowing to tread carefully. "The party looks quite lively. It's already a hit." Patchouli was at the end of the balcony, tiredly overseeing the activities of those below. Her eyes fell on an animated conversation between Reimu, Marisa, Kyon, and Alice who all sat together at a table. Reimu's plate was stacked the highest, but not for lack of effort - while the others were finishing up their first course, she was already midway through her second. She's such a glutton. Then again, I don't know how much she eats at her shrine... The miko sure disliked the Scarlet Devil Mansion but was always more than happy to eat there. Reimu had said something apparently funny, as Marisa began to laugh in her tea. Patchouli instinctively frowned at the human witch. One of these days... one of these days I'm gonna get my books back-
"Is anything wrong, Lady Patchouli?"
Patchouli turned, Koakuma resting a plate of food for her master. The librarian shook her head, glancing again down at the group, but quickly located a certain person in the crowd. "No, but, Koakuma, could you call up Miss Nagato? I'd like to have a discussion with her." It was something Patchouli had been meaning to do. Sure, the two had a love of books, and they did have some interesting conversations the last time Nagato was there, but there was something in the back of Patchouli's mind that was bothering her. If the two of us can think it through, surely we can figure it out. Nagato had mentioned something the last time, about a conversation that was had under Eientei...
July 19th, 2004
It was a mid-summer day at North High. The summer break was upon the students, and the anxiety of exams as well as the notion of days off was felt throughout the school, as it would be for every school in the nation. The heat wave that Japan had been going through for that summer was still going on, compounding the anxiety that was felt by each and every student in the High School in question.
Save for two.
One of them, Yuki Nagato sat at her desk, rather expressionless and apparently unaffected by the heat as her Literature teacher went over the book Kokoro, by Natsume Soseki. Nagato didn't show it, but she was interested in reading it. It was said to be one of the great Japanese literary works, set to how Japan shifted from the Meiji era to the Modern era. The teacher went over how the story was published over the course of several weeks in a newspaper as a serial, before becoming a book. Nagato felt a little thrill when she would be assigned the book, a reason to read it. Kokoro was always on her personal to-read list; reading being one of the things she truly enjoyed. Putting words on paper was such a primitive way of collecting data, but it was enjoyable. She caught herself giving a small smile, still unused to showing emotion because she wasn't sure she would convey it correctly.
Kokoro was about change, of roles, of the self versus the group, and identity. Certainly issues that were relevant to Nagato on a personal scale in the past year and a half. The teacher went on and on about the story, how it was received, the issues within the book, and the fact that it was also made into a movie twice. All things Nagato knew about the book. Again, her thrill came back since she was actually going to read it. Still, it was tempered a bit since she had to read it as opposed to reading it on her spare time. She just never got around to it-
Nagato perked up, measuring an unnatural shift in the environment. She reset her facial expressions, looking to the classroom door. She saw a silhouette of a woman with a parasol out in the hallway, and she knew who it was. Nagato didn't know if that woman was going to do something, but the woman simply walked away. Judging by the acoustics of the hall, the woman went into the restroom.
Waiting for the teacher to have a break in his speech and assign the work, Nagato raised her hand and asked to be excused. As she had never asked to be excused from class before, she was given permission. Nagato got up, bowed, and quickly exited, making her way to the girls restroom.
When she opened the door, the woman inside started speaking.
"Oh, Kokoro. A wonderful tale. And all within such a pivotal time in Japan's history." Yukari Yakumo was looking into the mirror, like she was admiring herself. She was doing this just for show. "Secrets, betrayal, transition of the country. The Meiji Emperor dies in the story, and his General follows, taking his own life so he can be with his Emperor in death. Such loyalty."
Nagato didn't reply. She crept into the room like an iceberg, with certain purpose yet no clear direction, and the door swung shut behind her. Yukari forced a smile to try and ease whatever feelings of uncertainty the girl may have had, but it was only her guess what she might have been thinking. No matter how many, or how complex the shikigami that Yukari crafted could be, there would always be a gap between them and the interfaces of the Data Overmind. The Overmind was an unpredictable element to her, and that made her loath to consider it in her schemes, yet at least for now, it seemed like it couldn't be avoided.
In Nagato's case, there was at least something of a human element, and that was as much as Yukari could hope for.
Unless you had one you knew how to deal with. What buttons to press with her. Like Remilia, she could be a little... possessive. Like how she almost went off on that Student Council President who threatened the Brigade, until she realized it was just for show. Or how far she was willing to go to protect those around her.
Nagato still wasn't saying anything, having correctly deduced that Yukari was there to give an important message or make a request.
"Loyalty... loyalty is a driving force in Kokoro. Loyalty to country. Loyalty to crown. Loyalty to family..." Yukari took a deep breath, still looking in the mirror. "...Loyalty to one's friends."
Yukari felt her chest slightly tighten, feeling the tension as Nagato was simply waiting for the reason why she was summoned. There was a sheen of sweat on Nagato's body in the warm restroom; Yukari supposed it was to be in response to that blasted heat wave. Yukari's usual dramatic effects wouldn't work there. Yukari looked down at the sink, noticing that the faucet was leaking around the base, providing a slight hiss as the trickle of water went down the drain.
"I know I don't have to question your loyalty to the Brigade. Nor would I want to be the one to ask if it wasn't important." Yukari turned to Nagato, still smiling. "What I am to ask of you may seem unusual, but trust me in that it will be important."
Nagato finally moved her head in a nod, indicating that she was receptive. Good. Looks like you're open to working together.
"In a short while, you may detect certain energy signals in the school, and in the Brigade room. I ask of you a few things. One, that you allow them. Do not investigate, nor allow Emiri to investigate them either. Two, when you finally go to the Brigade room after your next class, you do as Kyon asks you to do. Three... well, three is a repeat of one during and shortly after that event."
Nagato gave another nod, which was significantly slower than the other one. It was certainly possible to read an interface - the tells were slight, but they were there. You keep yourself bottled up, but you feel like any other creature. The girl was cautious, but seemed willing to work with Yukari on this.
Do you feel insulted that I am using him as a way of using you? If I dug in your heart, would I find that kind of resentment?
"Before you ask, yes, it's for his survival. I wouldn't be appearing here before you in person if it wasn't important."
Getting another nod, and appreciating the direct nature of Nagato, Yukari gave a slight bow, and opened a portal in a stall, turning to go to it. "Oh, and before I forget, I'll need to visit you some other time. I've taken too much of your time right now as it is, as your teacher may think you're ditching class."
"He wouldn't think such a thing. It's my best class." Nagato kept her eyes on Yukari, like some wary predator who didn't know if they wanted to fight or just let something slip away. Yukari didn't want to bother fighting such a creature, especially in such close quarters and with a large collection of human innocents around. It's much easier if you are willing to work with me. I don't need you attacking the one who's about to intrude the Brigade room. She'll need to feel safe and in control, otherwise she'll abort her all-important mission.
"Very well. I'll see you in less than a month at your home."
August 12th, 2004
"Remi."
Remilia looked over to Patchouli, in between drinking and eating her meal. "Yeah, what's up?"
Remilia was in an obvious bad mood ever since coming back from whatever outing she was at, but was quickly getting over it. She had gotten burned, dirtied her dress, and had quickly retreated back to her room to change. After coming back from redressing, she went right for the beer, and started to drown her sorrows.
It's not like Remilia to go for the beer like that. Well, whatever. Remilia was in a good mood quick enough, which was a load off of her mind. When Remilia was in a good mood, she was at her most generous, like when she gave her entire library to Patchouli and allowed her to live there.
Still, I'm surprised you ordered us to bring out all the beer we had for everyone. I know this is a German feast, but this is going overboard. Everyone will have massive hangovers tomorrow morning.
"I guess that note for the beer worked out in your favor..." Patchouli was at the end of the balcony, tiredly overseeing the activities of those below. Her eyes fell on an animated conversation between Reimu, Marisa, Kyon, and Alice who all sat together at a table. Reimu's plate was stacked the highest, but not for lack of effort - while the others were finishing up their first course, she was already midway through her second. She's such a glutton. Then again, I don't know how much she eats at her shrine... The miko sure disliked the Scarlet Devil Mansion but was always more than happy to eat there. Reimu had said something apparently funny, as Marisa began to laugh in her beer. Patchouli instinctively frowned at the human witch. One of these days... one of these days I'm gonna get my books back-
"Is anything wrong, Lady Patchouli?"
Patchouli turned, Koakuma resting a plate of food for her master, and a stein of beer per Remilia's orders. Why'd you get me beer? I know Remilia said to serve me some, but you know I don't drink that stuff. The librarian shook her head, glancing again down at the group, but quickly located a certain person in the crowd. "No, but-"
Remilia had stood up, carrying the stein over. "Patchi, you oughta know that tonight is the time to relax and have fun." Remilia's face was already getting red, as she had been hammering them back. She already stunk of alcohol. Remilia forcefully put the stein to Patchouli's lips, and poured some in. "Loosen up you stuck up librarian shut in!"
Patchouli coughed, the distinct vanilla and wheat flavor telling her it was a Hefeweizen. Ugh, I hate this type! They have sediments! Finding something to chew at the end of your drink was not something Patchouli enjoyed. But it wasn't like Patchouli could run from this. This was Remilia getting to tease her, which the two would do to each other. If Patchouli rejected the drink, Remilia would force even more in. Frowning, Patchouli relented, drinking a gulp, and shivering when there was something solid in the drink that had passed her lips. I hate these unfiltered beers so much.
Pleased with her friend drinking, Remilia had already begun to drag her away from the end of the balcony, as Patchouli afforded a glance back at the crowd. Nagato too was being given a drink by... looked like that nekomata servant of Yukari's, Chen. Wait, why is that cat serving her? What-
Remilia wasn't having any of Patchouli's stalling or protests. The vampire brought her to the table to sit down, feast, and drink the night away whether she wanted to or not.
August 12th, 2004
Ah, the party. Yukari had to skip it originally, being too busy setting up future events to have time for enjoying the present, and so she counted herself lucky that she had her own TPDD and a perfect excuse to come back to this moment. The grounds of the Scarlet Devil Mansion were a thing of beauty in the light of the full moon, and youkai of all kinds were mingling amongst the lavish dining tables topped by German feasting dishes resting on fine silks, waited on by nervous-looking fairies in miniature maid outfits. The music of a phantom ensemble was drifting over it all, lending it an authentic atmosphere of a noble vampire's celebration, which Yukari supposed was more from the effort of the head servant than the vampire herself.
And of course there were beer kegs stationed everywhere. All types, too, not just German. If I have the time, maybe I'll sample a few drinks...
Remilia's sister was also around, to the surprise and concern of many. Flandre was not the type to wander out of doors, usually staying in the library during her older sister's monthly celebrations and occasionally watching from one of the windows, but on this night, Yukari had deemed it appropriate to inform her in casual conversation that certain guests were not possible to kill, and so the little vampire was now among the guests in search of the former Lunarian party.
It wasn't that Yukari was particularly interested in tormenting the visitors from Eientei, but newcomers to Gensokyo had to know their place so as not to threaten its balance. That, and there were still some facts that needed to be confirmed.
The two of them are immortal... or the one. Shadow memories cloud even the present – Is my memory of Eirin Yagokoro taking the elixir true? Or the memory that she did not?
Yukari believed she knew the answer, having heard about it afterwards, but the loop had to be closed, and the facts re-confirmed. It would be imperative that she know every difference between the now and the now-that-was. A forward-thinking enemy might even have engineered some of these memories. I have to know for sure that the actions I've taken really happened.
Still, there was no need to keep her eye so closely on the doctor and the vampire girl, and so with a skipping step and a flutter of her dress, Yukari glided amidst the crowd, exchanging smiles and brief words with those who knew her – and helping herself to a glass of beer in the process – until she drew near enough to see the night's true goal: A hedge on the border of the mansion's garden, where a flustered and panicked Mikuru Asahina had been cornered into an interview by Aya Shameimaru.
"Y-You're a reporter?" Asahina's voice raised to interrupt the latter's self-introduction. "Please, someone needs to stop this party! I-I think someone might be seriously hurt!"
"Ah, is that so? Is this an event from the past or the future?" Aya probed the skittish-looking girl with a professional air, balancing expertly on the corner of her shoe's one tooth, a notebook in her left hand and a scribbling black fountain pen in her right.
How convenient. You're both just where I'd hoped you'd be.
Aya wasn't hard to find, nor to predict – wherever something interesting was happening in Gensokyo, she was bound to be somewhere within sight of it. If something could possibly upset the balance of power between Gensokyo's factions – for instance, a rumor about the existence of a time machine – she'd be on top of it in the blink of an eye.
Asahina grew ever more tense under the tengu's gaze, but kept her composure and said, "Wh-what? It just happened, the little girl with the wings looked like she was attacking someone..." Her wide eyes drifted askance as she spotted an irritable-looking Eirin striding across the walkway towards the gate in a huff. "...Wait, she looks just fine...?"
She did take it in this universe. Why, I wonder... Eirin Yagokoro is far older than any of us here in Gensokyo, and far more confident in her own abilities. Age could never claim her, nor anyone seeking to harm her... Did she know the Alternates would come, and try to avoid her own erasure? Or did the Alternates arrange for it, to render her soul impure?
Yukari spared a moment to watch her as she went. Perhaps that was it; the powers of the Lunarians were derived from their purity, and a Lunarian who would willingly erase the boundary between life and death would be forever bound to both concepts. The Alternates had taken many steps to weaken the Lunarians, who would have posed a great threat to them; someone like Eirin would only be inconvenienced by becoming an immortal. Not even the elixir could make her persist beyond the destruction of the universe. It certainly is a roundabout method of tainting her, then. They must have limits to what they can change within the universe while accomplishing their goal. Is it worth it to try and decipher what those limits are...?
"I see, I see. So it's from the future." Aya's pen flew across the pages of her notebook, even now conjuring up the beginnings of a newspaper article. "What about a little further on? Any natural disasters we should prepare for?"
Asahina, too absorbed in puzzling over Eirin's full recovery, fretted a moment before returning her attention to Aya and saying,"I-I'm sorry, I..."
"I understand. There are probably things you can't say for the sake of the timeline."
"No, I didn't hear what—"
"Let's move on to some other questions, then." Aya raised her voice above the noise of the crowd and the music, hinting to Asahina that she should speak louder as well. She leaned in and said, "A current hot topic in tengu society is what outside world computers will be like in the future, and how they'll perform compared to modern shikigami. Is it true that the time machine is a non-physical technology? Can you show it to me?"
Finally, Asahina's eyes went as wide as they could go, and she almost backed away as she stammered out, "Ah? Wh-wh-what? How do you know that? Th-th-that's classified—"
"Everyone knows about it. I'm simply trying to get the facts. Is it true that one of these devices is currently in the possession of a youkai?" Aya leaned closer and lowered her eyes to her notebook, the scratching of her pen almost audible in the din as her excitement drove it to fly faster.
That will be my cue, I think. Yukari drifted towards the hedge, placed her hands on her dress, and squeezed herself into a gap that opened between the branches.
"I-I-I can't talk a-about – Please, don't ask me any more—"
Before Asahina could finish protesting, Yukari popped out of another gap from behind her, seized both of her hands in a delicate yet powerful grip, and with a fluid and elegant pirouette, stored her safely in the gap and closed it up.
"I can take your questions," she said, turning to Aya with a sweet smile.
Aya glanced up from her notebook with a blank expression, then looked left and right for the missing girl. "Huh? What?" she said. "Where did Miss Asahina go?"
Unfortunately for you, that program in her brain does more than just let her time travel. You wouldn't get much information out of her even if she wanted to give it. Well, let's not get bogged down with telling her unnecessary things like that. Yukari cleared her throat and, putting on her best interview persona, said, "It is true that the device in question is non-physical. However, the one I was given is a unique model that exists in physical space and is not connected to any network."
Do I have your attention now?
Aya straightened up, finally realizing who she was talking to. "Ah, it's Yakumo. So you're the one who stole it?"
She spoke her accusation with a straight face, like it was simply common sense. I wonder just what kind of character you've made me out to be in that paper of yours... Well, not that you're totally wrong. Yukari put some humor into her smile and said, "It was not stolen. It was given to me by the woman you were just interviewing." Yukari paused, realizing that was a half truth. "Oh, but from her point of view, she hasn't done so yet."
"I see. Time travel sure sounds complicated," said Aya, taking it all in stride. She paused to write a few more notes, then narrowed her eyes, jutted her jaw to the side, and pointed her pen at Yukari. "By the way, you still have to answer for your shocking and blatant abuse of that fox last time."
Oh, not this again. Yukari had completely forgotten about her last interview with Aya all those years ago, and felt a tiny bit annoyed at having done so. Having gone to the trouble of setting up the topic in the first place, it would be rather difficult if Aya went and changed it now to something entirely different.
Yukari didn't let it show however, and decided to ignore the comment. "It's troublesome to carry around because it's a physical object," she said, "So I keep it at my home when I'm not using it. My shikigami keeps an eye on it for me, so I'm not worried about theft."
"Yes! That shikigami fox!" Aya jabbed out her pen once again, a fierce and righteous anger evident in her expression. "There is nothing more despicable than physically beating a poor animal! Repent at once!"
And should I explain to you that Ran is no longer a mere animal? I told you already that she is weak if she doesn't follow her programming. You who lives and thrives in the hierarchical tengu society should appreciate the importance of knowing one's role. Yukari opened her mouth to argue, but thought better of it, and instead, pretended not to hear Aya's words. She turned her eyes to the sky, putting on a show of thinking, and said, "Let's see... I guess she only has to watch it when I'm sleeping or outside. I like parties, so if there's one like this coming up, I'll sleep a lot beforehand so I have lots of energy. She knows not to wake me during that time." Yukari folded her hands, feigning innocence against Aya's increasingly agitated expression, and added, "She also does all of the house chores, so it's really convenient."
Torn between arguing and writing down Yukari's comments, Aya's professionalism eventually won out and she turned her attention back to her notebook. "I'm going to include this in my article, you know. All of Gensokyo is going to hear about your crimes against animals!"
Oh, I'll count on it. Maybe it's better you brought this up after all. Yukari lifted the corners of her dress in a curtsy before saying in her politest tone, "It seems like the interview turned into something else, so I'll be leaving now. This article will run tomorrow, is that correct?"
Aya squinted at Yukari with suspicion. "Yes... Hey, wait!" She cried. A gap in the hedge opened up behind Yukari and, still bowing, she retreated through it.
Well, that was good enough, I think. Yukari allowed herself to breathe out, now that she was alone inside the gap. Simply saying the right words wouldn't be enough – Aya wasn't stupid, and the tengu were masters of manipulating information. Even though they never lied, it wasn't a sure thing that her interview would be published after Aya realized that Yukari was up to something. The short time until the article would be published however, combined with Aya's personality – her desire to publish the whole, unedited truth, and her eagerness to see justice done in Ran's name – might have been assurance enough.
Just in case, I should pull a few strings on Youkai Mountain... especially since they can be rather selective on revealing the truth.
But first... she had a house call to make.
August 13th, 2004
It wasn't Yukari's style to knock, but Nagato had been such a good sport that she felt compelled to respect her privacy, and chose to arrive on the apartment balcony outside her door. Perched on her right hand, its talons held fast to her white lace gloves, was a great black crow with a stiff posture and wide, searching eyes. As soon as the two of them emerged from the gap, its head snapped to the cityscape view beyond the railing, and twitched as it rotated back and forth in rigid surveillance.
"We'll have enough time to speak our business," Yukari whispered, "but I shouldn't like to be interrupted." She lifted her hand past the balcony's railing, and the crow took silent flight, disappearing at once into the deep black sky. With that taken care of, she turned to the door and knocked but once before it swung inward, and Nagato's dark eyes peered up at her from the other side.
Yukari folded her hands and donned a sweet smile. "Forgive my intrusion so early in the morning. You'll be having more visitors soon though, so I felt it was a convenient time to drop in. May we chat?"
Nagato gave a small, firm nod. "Yes. Please come in." She stepped away, allowing Yukari entry into her barren home. Without further pleasantries, the two of them sat at opposite ends of the table in the center of the main room, Nagato's face still impassive and expectant.
"I have to commend you for what you did with the Mallet," said Yukari. "You gave it so much power, and all without a price. Your reputation for being able to do anything is well-earned."
Yukari didn't expect Nagato to respond to her praise, but it was against her nature to get right to the point. However, a small bit of apprehension appeared on Nagato's face just then – a human twitch of the eyes, the faintest catching of the throat that suggested uncertainty and guilt.
So you do have some feeling in you. It hasn't grown great enough to give you away yet, but all the same, you don't yet know how to hide it.
Yukari narrowed her eyes, never dropping her smile. "Am I wrong?"
"...No," said Nagato. "I removed the Mallet's power leakage, and bound its output to resist reversal... However, without sufficient data, there was no way to test in practice nor simulation that my alterations would have the intended effect."
"I saw it for myself. The Mallet worked differently from usual, but it was effective even in the hands of a youkai. It certainly got the better of me." Yukari chuckled to remember her fight against Seija. She hadn't expected to win, but the way that she lost was just a tiny bit embarrassing.
Nagato's head inclined ever so slightly, and Yukari spied a bit of curiosity in her expression. "Was this youkai defeated eventually?"
"She was. And in a rather ironic way, at that." Yukari paused as the words left her mouth, realizing the possibility that Nagato was raising.
You aren't going to say...
Nagato's grew tense. "I see."
Yukari leaned in and said, "The price for using the Mallet was removed from it. You're sure of this?"
"...I think so."
I can't work with "I think so." I have to be sure. A single errant variable, especially one so integral...
"In the highest margin of error," Nagato continued, "if there is still a price, it should no longer be proportionate nor direct. The user may also be a factor in its response."
"How is that there's something you can't know about it?" Yukari asked. However, on this point, Nagato did not reply.
She can't reveal why. Does she not know, or is she being held back? Yukari's eyes bored into Nagato, searching for the answer. It came when Nagato forced herself back into total neutrality; an unnatural stifling of her own emotions meant solely to avoid revealing too much. The Data Overmind had realized too late that it was revealing to Yukari a weakness in itself.
The Miracle Mallet, which grants the power of dreams to its wielder... A power that can grant existence within reality to that which only exists in the mind.
I see. I understand now.
The Data Overmind was an organism that had no need for an unconscious. Every part of its own mind was bare, readable data that behaved exactly in the way that it should. In fact, a thing so alien to the creatures of the earth could perhaps not even be called a "mind" at all. There were no errant, uncontrollable thoughts. Only pure will; like a hermit or a Buddha, it had even left behind such inconvenient things as personal desires, and was driven instead by a machine instinct to further its integral purpose.
In short, the Data Overmind had evolved too far, and lost the ability to dream. That was what Yukari deduced about the force that was puppeting the girl before her.
Yet Nagato herself has diverged. She's nearer to us now. She could still change the Mallet... I wonder. Yukari folded her arms, considering the girl in silence a moment longer. The Overmind was a puzzle she could never solve, but Nagato provided a small window of insight. Every interaction with her was worth having.
"Tell me this, then. As clearly as you can: Will the Mallet still exact its price if it continues to be used?"
For a moment, Nagato remained silent and still, staring down into the tabletop. Just as Yukari was thinking she would continue to play coy though, she lifted her head and said, "If the dream is insincere... Maybe."
Yukari clapped her hands together and beamed. "Then there's nothing to worry about. Everything can proceed as planned."
"Is this still for his survival?" Nagato's voice hardened in suspicion. Nothing gets by you, I see. Even if you're not as talkative as Remilia, your conversation is much more stimulating.
"It's for everyone's. There is a lot that needs doing, and a power like the Miracle Mallet is needed to get it done. The people who are on their way right now to ask if you can remove its power – instead of doing that, I want you to put the Mallet to sleep." Yukari reached out her right hand and laid it on the table before Nagato, palm facing up. "When the time is right, let my hand be the key that awakens it. If you do that, I guarantee his survival – and the whole world's."
Nagato stared at Yukari's palm. No doubt that she – and the Overmind – knew what kind of power they would sign over to her with this. Others might have balked at the notion – but not them. What interest had the Overmind in her activities? Their scope was much larger than hers.
You understand what this is, O alien machine Buddha in the sky? The one who thinks without thought, who comprehends without consciousness? This is a sign of trust. I am offering you to touch my very self; I can do nothing but accept whatever it is you want to do with me.
Do you now believe in the sincerity of my dream?
It was a long and deafening pause. Half a minute passed in silence, neither of them moving a single muscle, with nothing but the noise of the wind outside to reveal that time still passed inside the room. Eventually, a steady, regular tapping sounded at the door – a sign that Yukari's time to talk was just about up. Still, neither one moved. This moment was too important.
Without a word, Nagato reached out one hand and touched the tips of two fingers to Yukari's palm. A flurry of sound then came from her mouth as recited the entirety of the code she was injecting into Yukari within a single second.
She felt it. Something changed inside her soul. She could not know what – only that something was now different. Her expression unchanging, she retracted her hand and bowed her head to Nagato.
Even with her head down, she could tell – Nagato's body was tense. The girl could not hide her discomfort at what had just occurred. That, in and of itself, told Yukari much.
"Many of the Mallet's basic functions were altered," said Nagato, at least succeeding in keeping her voice level. "It was not created to be used in this manner, and further alterations for safety will be impossible. The more it is used, and the greater the wish it is made to grant, the greater the risk. In the worst-case scenario, the artifact may be destroyed, and the power inside it may run rampant."
How... inconvenient. Yukari frowned, noting that the Overmind, or Nagato herself, had chosen to reveal this to her late. "At what point will it run that risk?" she asked.
"Unknown. If you want to prolong its use, you may limit the scope of the wishes you make. You may also allow it to rest between uses."
"Then I suppose I will just have to be careful."
Inconvenient, but not too much that it can't work. If I can examine the Mallet myself, I may just be able to identify those limits. I would never like to gamble on a piece of damaged equipment, but under the circumstances...
It was what it was. Yukari would simply have to be more vigilant than the Mallet's current user. That much was not out of the question for her.
The tapping at the door grew louder, cutting short any further conversation – not that Yukari was at a loss for time to talk, but there was nothing else to be said anyway. With her dignity intact, she got to her feet and strode for the door, which she opened up to reveal the crow that was pecking at its bottom corner. As soon as the gap was wide enough, the crow fluttered upward without a sound, coming to rest on her outstretched hand, and Yukari turned back one last time to wink at Nagato.
"Don't worry. Everything is under control."
With those final words, she retreated beyond the door and closed it shut.
August 31st, 2008
"The hell was that spell card, ze?!" Marisa was gasping from the ground, her hair a mess with some of the uprooted weeds tangled in it. It wasn't even a real fight, as she was totally unprepared for it.
Yukari hid her smile behind her fan. "Oh, just one I've come across in my travels. Thought it could be useful. Maybe you could... no. Not you. Another, perhaps. Yes, I think another might make use of it." Yukari amusingly noticed Marisa's reaction, like she was the one she was talking to. Even though you couldn't survive it, I couldn't use it properly. It wasn't at its full potential. So it needs something else... a power source that only the original user can tap...
...Actually, there might be a way...
All spell cards required something to work, whether it was magic, divine power, or something different altogether. If one wanted to use someone else's spells, it was best to tap into that same source of power. The particular spell card that Yukari used had quite the unique original owner...
Marisa rubbed her head. "Man, what are you even talking about any more? I just don't get you sometimes."
"As for the rabbit, I think you should hold onto her for a while. She could be of some use. With all that is going on, I think it could be essential to her survival that you take her to your side for a bit, and she can be beneficial to your home."
"Huh?" Marisa looked around as she sat up - the rabbit had fled during the fight, not wanting to get hit by that unfair danmaku. "You know what?" Marisa frowned at Yukari, showing her frustration. "If you just wanted to fight, just say you do, ze. You ain't gotta be all cryptic and stuff. It's tiring to keep up with you."
"You may not think my words are useful, but they will be. Just not right now, and just not for you."
"I'm starting to get why Reimu is so frustrated with you, ze. I take back what I said. I don't get you at all."
"Mmm." Yukari twirled her parasol, looking at the mess the fight had created. With a wave of her fan, portals took the weeds and replaced them into the pile. "Getting one another is difficult. Well, not difficult for some people, am I right?" Yukari stared right at Marisa's eyes. "Some people, even when they hear the message for them, won't know what needs to be done unless it's spelled out for them. I do hope you make the right decisions. Others count on it. I count on it."
"You know, if you had used a fair card, I would have said that this had been fun, but it hasn't. Were ya just showing off or something?" Marisa grumbled again as she got up to her feet, appearing done with trying to understand what Yukari was doing. "Are we done? I got yard work to do."
With another smile and twirl of her parasol, Yukari left Marisa, frustrated, dirty, and tired. The witch stared in the air that Yukari had portaled out, and threw her hat on the ground. She let out a sigh, looking up at the almost-noon sun, deciding that she'd take a break for lunch.
April 2nd, 2004
Yukari blew into her hands, warming her fingers from the bitter cold. The sun hadn't even risen, but she had some things to accomplish that day. What I wouldn't give to have some hot chocolate, a warm fire, and a nice book to read while wrapped in a cashmere blanket. She enjoyed simple pleasures, as well as some outlandish. Like say, other ways to warm up...
Just thinking about it started to warm her body, but she had a job to do. She looked to the red mansion that was not far from where she was, but it wasn't her current target. Still, hard to believe that he's so weak in that current state as he sleeps in this time. A far cry from what he could achieve. Even he wouldn't believe how far he would come.
Yukari came across the small igloo, opening a portal to inside of it, where the little ice fairy was still asleep. The fairy was splayed out on her bed, a droplet of drool hanging like an icicle from her mouth. Charming as ever. Another one who will never know how useful she'll be. If only she could do something useful like cool down Yukari as she was working during the hotter months.
Yukari smiled at the sight of the fairy, knowing how important this little one would be. The smallest things, and the smallest people, are what give this world its spark. There's not much more that I can ask for. You certainly make Gensokyo interesting. She brought out the mallet, and tapped it on her head. She then searched the small igloo for the spell card, and she found it. The low-level Icicle Fall. Who would have thought that such a weak card would be so important? She tapped that as well with the mallet, and it glowed gold for a second.
There was an old saying. Yukari forgot who said it, or if someone even said it at all. Could just have been an amalgamation of her own experiences of running Gensokyo. She found herself whispering it to the little fairy.
"Accomplish great things by performing many small tasks."
Satisfied with herself for getting another chore out of the way, she portaled out of there before the fairy could start waking up.
She happened to alight in a corner of the Forest of Magic that she had been to before. It wasn't anywhere specific; just a small spot to rest before she left for another time plane, relatively sheltered from the winds. There was an odd beauty about the forest like this, with all the foliage that in other parts of the year would spring up and devour everything now withered away and coated in a layer of deep snow. It felt pure, but not empty; a deep gutter was cut across the snow, at the bottom of which were strange tracks belonging to no natural animal. If Yukari closed her eyes and truly listened, she could hear the whispers of spirits, and even what may have been the wingbeats of fairies lurking in the trees. She breathed in the cold air, letting herself feel the natural beauty that was Gensokyo. She felt tired, more exhausted than ever before in her long life.
All of this... all of this for Gensokyo. She had to remind herself. She just wanted to lay down and rest, but knew the time limit she gave herself, while allowing her to do what she needed, also forced her to hasten her goals.
Tears came to her eyes as she stared up at the sky, as the sunrise broke through. The colors, the sound of life waking up to greet the new day. All of this was worth it. Worth putting her body and mind through the wringer to get it right. To finally save what she spent so much of her life working towards.
I'll be damned if anyone, anybody, takes it away from me. I won't allow it. I have the means to defend my land and those who live in it.
Nobody will threaten Gensokyo.
She felt overwhelmed, the tears rolling down her cheeks, cursing that her work wouldn't be done, that she wasn't anywhere close in finishing it. Yukari felt fatigue, both physical and mental, like anyone else. Everything was just piling up on her, and it felt like too much at that moment.
I need more strength. I can't... I'm so tired. I just want to rest forever...
She fell to her knees, overcome by it all, taking in sharp breaths. Her self-doubts, fatigue, worry, everything was attacking her. Trying to pretend that she was in control took its toll on her, but what else could she do? She couldn't show weakness in front of others, lest they take advantage of her. For a moment, she considered giving up, just walking away from everything.
But what would happen...
She experienced the memory, felt it like she was really there. When Nagato and Patchouli figured it out that night, the enemy coldly decided to end that world. Sending a nuclear weapon against them to wipe them all out. Yukari heard the screams of everybody, felt her other self dying so vividly.
She couldn't let that happen again. She was dealing with actual monsters, willing to erase what didn't agree with them.
Such creatures shouldn't be allowed to live.
Yukari lost track of the time she stayed there, staring up at the morning sky, realizing that she was gripping the mallet too hard as her hand was getting sore. The cold mallet still gleamed its light, a reminder that she had the power to stand up to them, that she had the power to give to others so they could stand up as well.
April 11th, 2004
"May I say so, interesting plan." Yasumi smiled at Yukari, taking the time to look around them, making sure they were out of earshot from everyone. People were starting to get out of their homes, getting ready for the day. "I'm impressed, and I'll do it."
"It is, isn't it? That being said, there are various factors at play. I can only do little changes here and there."
"So true." Yasumi crossed her arms. "For what it's worth, I don't know if it'll be enough."
Yukari paused, staring at Yasumi. "...You know what's going on."
"Only bits and pieces. Reality is, I'm not a hundred percent sure myself. Though I have an idea, and how to defeat them. Unfortunately, you have one factor that you can't prepare for without raising flags; one that you can't prepare for even with everything going for you."
For a moment, Yukari pursed her lips, realizing that Yasumi might be telling the truth. It was a little hard to tell due to her cheerful nature that betrayed the seriousness of what she was saying. "Pray tell, what is the obstacle?"
Yasumi shook her head. "No. Even you can't fix everything - it'll have to come from him, and if he isn't willing to change that heart, he'll fall."
So... one factor, according to Yasumi. One that I can't set up. And one that would end him... but... Yukari stared at Yasumi, an odd feeling that the girl in front of her already told her the answer to the question, but Yukari just couldn't see it.
Yukari couldn't dwell on that. She reached into her dress, and produced a small figure. "Well, regardless, there is something else I need from you. When this is destroyed, I need its opposite to happen..."
July 14th, 2004
She tapped the book, before putting away the mallet. I'm so grateful that the price was taken away from this thing. I have to be careful. Who knows when that freedom from the cost will wear off. The inchlings had paid for their use of the mallet, as would anyone else using it, normally. Yukari placed the book on the cart after putting away the mallet, and began pushing it out.
The library in this world was fine for what it was. It was sad that it too would be fading away. Can't help it. The increasing reliance on electronics for information will make these places obsolete. Which in turn will negate the special abilities of libraries. She forgot the specific name for it, but each library was connected with each other.
Though I suppose the electronics are connected to each other as well. It just felt so impersonal to Yukari. To negate actually going out and connecting with other people to find out what you need. Instead, people just type up what they want, find out, and because they didn't do anything to work for that knowledge, it doesn't retain. Humanity has the world of knowledge at its fingertips as long as their batteries work. Otherwise they'd be pretty useless. If their precious electricity gets wiped out, they wouldn't know what to do.
Enough inner ranting, Kyon and Nagato had entered the library. She smiled down at the book, knowing that she'd set it up so that whoever picked up that book would get warped into Gensokyo in a short time. Now... now I have to go find a book that Nagato will be interested in. She might notice it, but it was a chance Yukari was willing to take. Then again, she accepts some of these things quite willingly. Almost as if she's starved for new experiences. That poor girl in that state is already like humanity. She's done nothing to earn the knowledge she has - it's all available to her to access, sure, but she didn't sit down and learn it. And if she got disconnected, she was useless herself.
Yukari couldn't help but smile. Nagato is more human that she realizes. Though, no. Yukari's smile dropped. No, she does read, at least. So she actually is better than most humans.
Yukari waited for the two to separate, making sure that she wasn't detected by Nagato. She smiled as Kyon was looking for an air conditioner to sit under, and he passed right by the cart - he stopped, looking at the title of the book on top of it.
She gave him time to take it in, no doubt fondly remembering his time in Gensokyo. Her assumption was confirmed when she saw him bring out that lovely little nekomata figure and hold on to it. Making her way to him, she stepped next to the cart. "Are you interested in that book, young man?"
He looked up with a start, a little disoriented after being brought of his thoughts. "Excuse me?"
"I said are you interested in that book, young man?"
He glanced back at the book, and then turned back his attention to her. "Uh, yeah. Why not?"
Yukari smiled. "Well, if you would like to read it, by all means go ahead. It's already been checked in, and I was about to shelve it. But books are meant to be read, young man. So, please. Give it its purpose." Yukari inwardly sighed as Kyon picked up the book. "Yes, not too many people read that any more. Nobody is interested in the folk tales of yesteryear. The youkai live on in those tales... and because of those tales. Those stories were lucky to be recorded into that book. Who knows how many more were lost over time. Countless youkai lost because they were forgotten..."
Yukari realized she rambled on for more than she wanted to. She gave Kyon another smile before pushing away the cart from him, and disappearing into the stacks of books. All right, now I need to find one for Nagato, then go find out what Asahina and Koizumi will be in contact with later...
Unknown
Yukari never liked coming to this realm. It was similar to hers in more ways than she liked to admit, but it wasn't under her control. Perhaps that's why it was so unnerving. Familiar yet alien. The big difference was that there were doors everywhere instead of eyes. A great void, filled with red-purple haze within which floated an array of identical giant wooden double-doors, each one adorned with a diamond symbol near its top. Each with a specific purpose, and a specific destination. They would act like portals, both physical and metaphysical. It was impossible to know what lay far ahead, nor behind any of the doors. A place as mysterious as its owner.
Of course, the similarities between Yukari and the owner of this realm were probably why they worked together in the first place. It's just that this owner was... reclusive, in a way. Still, it wasn't like they were hostile with each other. They had to come together to put together Gensokyo after all.
What a lot of people didn't get was that Gensokyo was not a one-woman job. Yukari was simply the most visible sage; there were others, some working behind the scenes, while most simply did their part in the creation and went on to other things. One of the biggest contributors was the owner of the realm to which Yukari had come.
It wasn't long before she heard the rustle of leaves that accompanied the approach of two obscured figures. Found me faster than I'd have liked. Yukari didn't like dealing with them. Might as well get this over with. Hopefully she's receptive, otherwise these two will attack me for entering the realm without permission.
Yukari turned to the two women, giving them her best smile. "Mai Teireida. Satono Nishida. It's been a while."
The two of them balanced on the tops of nearby doorframes in their usual dramatic pose, standing on one leg, other leg bent in the air. As they were dancers, they generally had their bodies ready to move. Teireda was in a green dress, with white apron, and caplet. She had a bent eboshi on her head, and was carrying a bamboo stalk. Her long light green hair gently swayed with her movements - her body was like a tightly-wound coil, anticipating a reason to make quick movement. The brown-haired Nishida wore a purple variation and carried a ginger stalk. One could mistake them for fraternal twin sisters with their mirrored pose and mirrored garb.
The way they moved was looser, and yet every bit as measured as Yukari's own servants - they were not shikigami, but the subtle hollowness to their expressions was a hint that their nature might not have been unalike.
"Sure has," responded Teireda with a coy smirk. "Been a while, hasn't it?"
"What do we owe the visit?" Nishida gave a polite smile. "Come to pay tribute to our master?"
Yukari stepped closer to them, doing her best to not set them off. They were fiercely protective of their master, and an annoying prolonged fight with them was not something Yukari wanted to go through. "I've... I've come to ask for assistance."
"Why would master waste her time with you?" Teireida frowned at the youkai with blatant disdain.
Nishida eyed her companion. "No need for that. If a legitimate request is made, master would surely listen."
"Whether she accepts to assist is another matter."
"Assuming what master wants without knowing what she will do is presumptuous." Nishida frowned.
"But wouldn't a good servant know not to allow their master be bothered by useless matters?"
I don't need a headache on top of all of this. Yukari didn't want this to be turning into a difficult conversation, as she was guessing that was where it was heading. She cleared her throat, trying to get their attention. Even though they weren't related, they really did act like twin sisters. "It concerns the well-being of Gensokyo."
That got their attention. The tension in their bodies lessened, as they eyed the demon at the same time, further mirroring their movements.
"A threat to Lady Okina's Gensokyo?"
"That certainly can not be allowed."
If it was truly hers, she'd let me in on what she does for it. I understand she's fond of secrets, but it feels like I'm the only one doing all the work.
Nishida gave a slight bow. "If it is important to one of Lady Okina's possessions, then it's reason to be granted an audience."
"Pity." Teireida still maintained her frown. "I was looking forward to making you fight us for the right to meet with her."
"I'd rather not. Fighting the two of you at the same time is not fun." Strength and skill are well and good, but those who work well together are always the most difficult to face in danmaku.
"It's fun for us." Teireida turned to lead the way. "Now, come."
"You're lucky, Miss Yakumo." Nishida gave Yukari a smile as she turned as well. "Lady Okina does not currently have any important matters at hand. She should see you right away."
The way to their master was strange and short, and led through many sets of doors that opened up to nothing else but even more doors. After venturing down a solid line of doors in the deepest, densest part of the mist, Yukari was led before a great purple throne made of simple chiseled stone, that nonetheless looked more grand than it had any right to - for two ornate purple doors swung out from its backside, and green, cyan, orange, and magenta flames licked out of it, radiating the power of the one setting in the chair, at whose side the two dancers came to rest. They kept their hollow expressions locked onto Yukari as they remained vigilant against her, should she do something stupid like attack their master.
Of course I know better than that. Taking on the three of you at once by myself would be suicide.
The woman in question was a person with a powerful presence. Long, blonde hair, yellow eyes. An orange robe, the front of which was decorated with the Big Dipper adorned on it. Green skirt, black boots, and a three-point hat on her head. It was slightly off-center, to balance off her leaning.
This was Matarajin, a Buddhist god of many faces, but she also went by Okina Matara.
She was one of the founders of Gensokyo; a sage.
"Yakumo..." Okina Matara leaned on the right armrest of her throne, a tired look on her face. She looked positively bored. There was a spark of hope in her eyes - she was obviously curious about the purpose of the visit. "To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit after such a long time?" She smirked. "Perhaps a social call?"
Yukari decided to be direct here. Okina and Yukari knew each other quite well, even though they never spent much time together. "I wouldn't have come to you if it wasn't important."
Okina slightly frowned. "You wound me. I thought us allies." She playfully rolled her eyes. "But no, I suppose you wouldn't have. It has been a long time, Yakumo."
"Yes, it has; too long, in fact. Haven't seen each other since Gensokyo was created."
"Though I've been hearing things, Yakumo. Hearing that Gensokyo might not have been ours." Okina drummed her left fingers on her armrest. "Is what I've been hearing about a Haruhi Suzumiya true?"
You still get information. Even though she stayed cooped up in her realm, Okina kept tabs on things going on. "Yes and no. There are issues at hand. But that isn't the pressing matter."
"My servants told me that Gensokyo is threatened. Do I need to intervene?"
"No. Whoever is doing this is countering, and if they won't get what they want from this crossover world, they'll simply destroy it and try again. Or they could abandon it, disappear into the multiverse, and come back after us after they get what they wanted from another. I do not wish for that situation."
"Mmm. Sounds troublesome." Okina pursed her lips. "You'd deal with them now? That'd be tactical play here."
Yukari nodded. "That is why I'm... giving them what they want, so they have no choice but to stay and fight for it. If you show yourself, I'm sure this alternate Hecatia, has a contingency. If they were able to block me, they surely could block you. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing."
"My my. How interesting things have gotten." Okina blinked, her smile disappearing. Her eyebrows rose in more than just casual interest. "Wait. Hecatia? Hekate?"
"Not ours, but one from her own world. She seeks power by destroying others. This is merely an alternate form of her, one from the multiverse. It's just a mess we find ourselves in. That's why I'm cautious. On one hand, I loathe having to give these alternates their goal after they've committed such atrocities."
Okina grinned, narrowing her eyes. "Says the woman who organizes humans to be captured and fed to youkai."
"I find purpose for people that are brought into Gensokyo, one way or another. These alternates just erase humanity when it doesn't suit their needs and keep telling themselves they are going to save humanity." Yukari stepped closer to Okina. "If she kills humanity in this world, well, we paranormal entities will be affected."
Okina leaned back in her chair, silent for a moment. "How do you know these things?"
"There is an effect. We call them shadow memories. They've been experienced by those who repeat the same events over and over, and I believe that some of them bled out into our world. Even humans have experienced them, a certain group who were subjected to a time loop had memories of other timelines bleed into their minds. As for me, I've had memories of other worlds, of our failures. Of my failures." Yukari shook her head. "I aim to not allow that to happen."
"...By giving them what they want."
"I am forced to. The last time this happened, they killed off the world because someone deduced their operations. On a specific night, two... scholars got together and figured it out. Within the hour, the enemy wiped out that world. I took steps to make sure it didn't repeat in this one."
"So they're cautious."
"They're also arrogant. I saw several runes that didn't appear to be doing anything. Turns out, she signed her own runes. She wanted us to know it was her."
Okina scoffed, her eyes widening to hearing that. "...That is quite arrogant. More so than the Hekate I've heard of."
"That's why I'll give them what they want. They have to stay. They have to play this one out."
Okina nodded, taking this in. "A sound plan, and very much like you." She looked to her two servants, who simply kept their eyes on Yakumo. Okina leaned forward. "And? If they get what they want?"
"That's the issue. Hecatia will become more powerful beyond what either of us can comprehend."
"It sounds like you'll lose either way. If they don't get what they want, they'll leave but destroy it all and try again elsewhere. If you give them what they want, they'll surely destroy us, right?"
Yukari nodded. You're quick to understand my reasoning. I'm used to dealing with people who have to be coaxed into my plans, so it's refreshing for you to be on the same page.
"...And you want this to be their trap?"
Yukari went up to Okina directly, looking at the two servants. She leaned down to Okina, and whispered her plan into her ear.
After doing so, Yukari returned to her place before the throne. Okina was just staring at her.
"That is certainly bold, and if I may say so, mad."
"We're dealing with someone who doesn't play by the rules; in fact, they'll change the rules to their advantage. I'll need to destroy their time travel devices just to give us a chance."
Okina clasped her hands together, realization showing on her face. "You're to literally trap them. They can't cheat their way out of it, and you dangle the carrot in front of their face. They'll have to act." Okina grinned, chuckling to herself as she looked to the side. "Marvelous. You made this interesting. So..." Okina looked at Yukari. "...What do you need of me?"
Yukari reached into her dress, and produced a pumpkin charm. "I need you to bless this charm. Make it your idol, spread a myth about if you have to. In a time of crisis, the holder of it is to be your avatar, gaining your power, and the power your servants can give. But only under a specific circumstance can it activate. Oh, and this, just in case." With a flick of her right hand, a gap opened up behind Yukari, and out fell a metal cylinder, the object that the kappa had been working on. "This is the object I plan to use against them. Place a-"
"Place a backdoor on it, therefore linking our world to wherever they come from. Because I'm guessing when they start losing, they'll retreat."
Yukari smiled at the god. It's refreshing that you can follow my train of thought. "They'll be resisting it, but it should allow for a small group to enter."
"And then finish them off." Okina sat there in silence, once again taking the time to think about it. She no longer seemed bored, which was a good sign.
Okina was one of the classic gods. Blessed those who worshiped her or were her allies, and was wrathful to those who were her enemies. She was one of the few that Yukari had to be direct with, no time nor patience to be playing games. Okina leaned forward again, hands clasped in front of her mouth, arms on her knees, as she narrowed her eyes.
"This mallet you'll obtain? Will that not suffice?"
Yukari shook her head. "Won't be enough. It'll help, but the power won't be enough. They'll be ready to counter anything I do with it." Which is why...
Okina slowly nodded. "...Very well. I will do as you ask. For the sake of our Gensokyo." She grinned from behind her hands. "I must be mad as well to follow such a plan. Surely your allies will think the same when they learn of what you've been doing."
As long as I get the job done, I can ask for forgiveness of my actions later. Yukari felt elated, but reminded herself to be composed. She gave a deep bow. "Thank you, Lady Okina."
January 1st, 2004
"You're taking steps, right?"
"Of course I am." Yukari stared down at the small vampire. "I wish to protect our home. That is all." I am not lying about that. That's why I went to great lengths to obtain this. That's all I ever wanted. To protect us, our kind, and our land. "Of course, you knowing certain things can be... problematic."
Remilia crossed her arms, looking up to Yakumo. She was doing her best to look sure, but she was still just a child. "...If... if it's to help protect my servants, my new home, then what can I do to help? I mean, there is something I can do to help, right?" Remilia again glanced back to where the portal was. "His chain of fate shatters in four years. There isn't anything that can be done."
"Not that you could see."
"So what are you going to do about it?"
Yukari grinned. "...The biggest cheat in Gensokyo."
December 24th, 2008
"Honestly, there's no better way to gauge how for you've come. This'll essentially be a mirror match."
Patchouli continued talking over the orb, telling Marisa that she had better win since she gave the witch the crystals. You're still worried about that? If it came from you, it'll be all right.
While others were talking, Remilia stared across the table at Yakumo. The vampire had been playing along for the past four years, letting events happen at her home, playing her part. Back in the summer, she wasn't sure she would win against, let alone fight Yakumo. When Yukari told her bits and pieces of the events that would have to happen, Remilia relented. It would also bring status to the Scarlet Devil Mansion at the end of all this, should it all work out.
That being said, it did feel good to take on Yukari and win. Yakumo actually did put up a fight, and it didn't feel like she threw the fight.
Remilia looked around the room, getting more worried with each passing moment. The chains of fate surrounding everyone present were starting to shatter, not extending past that day. Fate doesn't work like this. It's not this reactive. What's going on?! She was remaining calm, but kept looking to Yukari, silently demanding an explanation.
You'd better have something good planned. We're all going to die if you fail. And if you get either of my servants killed, there'll be hell to pay, Yakumo!
I'll never forgive you.
Read and review. Lady Yukari demands it.