Disclaimer: Shin Megami Tensei: Persona belongs to ATLUS. Touhou Project belongs to Zun. I have no ownership of the copyrights of either series in any way.
Edit posted 12/13/20
Chapter 2: A Place to Be
Soon after being introduced to her homeland, we were back in another gap of hers on our way to our next destination, wherever that was supposed to be. I tried asking her for an answer, only to be given a coy: "You'll see," which she followed with a small giggle that she hid behind a fan that she pulled out from somewhere on her person.
We had been walking for quite some time now; long enough for the some of the songs on my MP3 to loop quite a few times now. Yukari said that she was going to take me to a friend of hers that would be taking care of me, and that since it was quite far away it would take a while, even by gap. But seriously, is there any way to stop those eyes from staring? It's getting a bit uncomfortable.
Unblinking, wide, and dilated; It's not just that they're staring, but I don't think any of them have blinked this entire time either. I'm not really all that scared of them, but it's still putting me on edge. It's like getting stared at by Ryoji's empty eye sockets but with an uncountable number of them and only them… that was not a useful comparison.
"How much longer is this going to take?" My song looped again the moment I asked as I felt a wave of fatigue hit me, my acknowledgement of the time that had passed finally allowing my body to register its exhaustion. Though most of it was mental. Just being watched constantly can take a toll on a person.
"Oh we're just about there," was her immediate response. I couldn't see her face, but I could swear she sounded oddly peppy. "And here we are!" she exclaimed as she opened up a new gap. Unlike the other which first led me to Gensokyo that had bright sunlight, the light that shone from this one was gentler, soft. Was that moonlight? It was ambient, somber… and pink. Yeah that's pink, but what could shine such a soft pink light like that? Well it already seemed more inviting than this place. Probably less intrusive too.
Without further ado, I stepped through the gap, and was met by the second sight that day to take my breath away. In every direction, as far as the eye could see, sakura trees in full bloom greeted me. All of them perfectly trimmed and cared for, glowing a beautiful, and yet a seemingly tragic, light under a full bright moon which simply crowned the scene in a majesty to which my words could never do justice.
Around that moon, stars twinkled in the sky despite the bright world around me with the occasional cloud helping to remind me it was still night thanks to their black color. On the ground were traditional walkways and stone lamps that led to a distant structure that looked like a traditional home that I only saw in pamphlets and television. These fixtures of gray stone helped to accent the beauty of the bright world they framed by providing a clear distinct contrast. Just who was this person Yukari was taking me to see? Who could possibly reside in such a, well, heavenly place?
"Well let's not dawdle too long. You'll have plenty of time to admire the scenery later." Oh… didn't notice her get in front of me. Guess that's what she's like… Time huh?
I just realized I do have time now. I have time now. It still hasn't sunken in completely yet but, I can live a life now. I've got a life to live, and all the time in the world too. With how my constitution works now, I am functionally immortal. According to her anyway. Well more like I can't die by natural means like age or disease. Yukari wants to keep an eye on me since it's not full proof.
"As cute as it would be to watch you fall asleep here, I must insist that we keep going," She said with a smug smirk on her face. She was enjoying this, though I don't really get why.
"Right…" Our destination ended up being a building off in the distance. Hmm… I guess first thing I need to do is try and see everyone again. Though that might take a while. So until then… "Can you tell me more about Gensokyo?"
"Well what do you want to know?" She replied without breaking her stride.
"Well, what is Gensokyo? I know that's the name of the place but nothing much else."
"Hmm… think of it like a pocket that holds in all the things that have been forgotten in the outside world, where you used to live." Outside world… is that what it's commonly called here? Huh…
"You said that last time and you still haven't really explained what that means." And not much else for that matter.
"First, remember that I called myself a youkai. You probably know that in the outside world, youkai, and all… excuse me, most manners of magic and the supernatural are considered nothing but the imaginings of a time long gone. Here in Gensokyo, those things such as magicians, ghosts, fairies, and all kinds of supernatural creatures reside in peace without fear. As long as they have been forgotten or actively disbelieved by those who reside outside, then they have a place here. Oh, but there is a healthy human population here too I'll have you know," She finished her explanation.
That's uh… a weird set of qualifiers. Well seeing is believing I guess. This place certainly is quite magical. I picked up an errant petal that lay on the floor. Soft. It felt like it would break away with even the slightest bit of pressure. Though… disbelief?
"Do you have any examples solely from the actively disbelieved category?" I don't think I can imagine what that's like honestly.
"Let me think for a second… Oh! Nuclear Fusion! We have that." What?
"That's kind of hard to believe. Isn't that a bit too modern? I didn't see anything that looked like a plant when we were on that cliff earlier. If this is a prank, maybe you need better material." Besides, when I was still in the outside world (I got used to calling it that really quick…), there was news that Nuclear Fusion would be viable in the next fifteen years or so, so it can't be forgotten or be held in disbelief that much, right?
"Oh it's just not above ground. What would I gain from lying to you?" She was somewhat indignant in her response, though the sarcasm wasn't really all that subtle. It's kind of annoying, but it's not like I can do anything to her. I hope someone else does.
"Right…" I wonder if she's even capable of being straightforward with a person.
"So mean…" I can tell you're faking it. I mean I think she's faking it. I've seen it before. Not often, but often enough to know when it's fake, I think.
"Are you done yet?"
"How rude; a girl's feelings are quite sensitive you know? You'll never get a girlfriend if you keep acting like that." You have no idea.
-0-0-2-0-0-
This door's quite a bit more ornate than I thought it would be. It didn't take all that long to get here. Up close, one could see that the building, despite looking ancient from a distance, was well maintained and in good condition. Not a single dirty spot, rowdy plants, or speck of dust could be seen at all. Though it's really quiet. A place like this should have a large staff, but I don't hear anything.
While that took my attention, Yukari walked up to the door and knocked. Without any other noise around, it was quite loud, and I couldn't help but wince at first since the only sounds prior were our footsteps and voices. Surprisingly, despite how large the structure must have been on the inside and how quiet it has been all the way here, the door opened almost immediately to the sight of a young girl.
"Good day Youmu, is Yuyuko available right now?" Youmu then, was a petite girl with silver hair topped off with a black bow. She wore a white dress shirt, black bow tie around her neck and what appeared to be a green one-piece dress over those articles, though in actuality it was a two piece that just was hard to tell apart. Sheathed behind her were two katana that seemed ridiculously long for the girl due to her small stature. I think one of them was even as long as she was tall.
Also there was whatever that was. Floating just a little bit above and behind her was this phantom like thing. Could it be a familiar perhaps? I'm not sure. This is getting kind of weird… or maybe it was already kind of weird. It looks pretty soft squishy…
"She is waiting in her usual spot. I'll take you to her," Youmu said, almost devoid of emotion or at the very least in a very reserved manner. To think there was someone more robotic than Aigis used to be, and she's an actual robot. Very impressive.
"Splendid," Yukari clapped her hands in delight before she then turned to me." Now don't be shy, I know Youmu can be cute but it's rude to stare at a maiden, you know?" Again with the teasing. Is this how she gets her kicks?
"Whatever. So we were going right?" I asked Youmu. Perhaps if I ignore Yukari, she'll stop the teasing. At least I'm hoping for that. Here's to hoping.
"Of course, this way please." Youmu turned around and motioned us to follow her. Yukari shrugged, and we were on our way to see, Yuyuko was it? It was quiet as we walked the halls. Like the scenery outside, the inside was a quiet and calming Japanese interior. I've not been to many of these, and my most recent memories were of a modern city so, this was refreshing. Still, with only the sound of our footsteps, it made the place feel empty. Since Youmu doesn't seem like an avid conversationalist, the only person to ask, unfortunately, is…
"So who is this Yuyuko-san?" without turning to me, Yukari responded.
"As I said, she's a friend of mine and has been for a very long time. While she is a very bright person, don't let that fool you into thinking she is a simple individual. As long as you don't intentionally antagonize her though, you shouldn't have anything to worry about from her," she explained. At least it was slightly above vague.
"What Yukari-san fails to mention," I turned to Youmu now, surprised that she interjected without missing a beat, "Is that Yuyuko-sama is the lady of this shrine, Hakugyokurou, which oversees one of the most esteemed realms of the afterlife known far and wide for the vast sakura garden that I alone maintain." I stopped in my tracks to make sure I heard that right. Afterlife? She said afterlife. Also that she maintained all of the garden by herself, but wait this is the afterlife…
"I'm sorry. I'm not sure I heard that right. May I hear what you just said again?" This is her sense of humor isn't it? How twisted. Living in the afterlife is a bit ironic to say the least… Yeah I don't find this all that funny.
"You are in what is considered the most beautiful realm of the afterlife, which is overseen by the shrine known as Hakugyokurou, looked after by Yuyuko-sama, the Ghost Princess," she said in such a straight deadpan way that there could be no room for argument with the escort. "I assume that Yukari-san has done what she normally does and neglected to inform you of, if not outright omit, certain things that may have been important for you to know. Do not fret, however. You will not be made into a permanent resident of ours since you appear to still be of the living."
Well that's good to know. Also it seems Yukari doing this sort of thing is a common occurrence. That still begs the question why we're here.
"Besides," Youmu continued, "Only artists or those killed by Yuyuko-sama in a particular way may reside here." That is some odd qualifying criteria. Artists is one thing, and I admit kind of fitting, but what is this about being killed? She's a princess right? That doesn't exactly conjure thoughts of violence… most of the time at least.
Oh well, just go with it for now. She said Yuyuko was her friend right? Though she did send me here to the afterlife. I looked at Yukari trying to gleam anything I could from her expression. She responded by looking to the side as if none of what was just said concerned her. Oh it's that fan again. Now I can't even see the bottom half of her face.
"I thought you would have liked the surprise?" She said with half a smug expression because I couldn't see the other half. Yeah sure. If that's her excuse. Whatever, I can't do anything about this situation right now so no dwelling on it. I heaved a sigh and continued to follow them through the halls.
"Well at least that explains why it took so long to get here even when using the gap." Youmu was now staring quizzically at me. Does she not know about Yukari's gaps?
"What are you talking about? Yukari's gaps are instantaneous and can cover any distance given the right circumstances." Dammit… How many pranks did this woman pull in just… well a few hours I'm guessing? I haven't kept track, but she's done quite a bit in that time. Ugh… I still don't like those eyes. I see you Yukari, looking back at me. I'm going to have to see if I can do anything about this, but later.
"Surprise again?" She said, finally lowering her fan just long enough for me to see her attempt some kind of smile that looked nothing but cute, girlish, and innocent. She's got lying down to a tee I see.
"Here we are." Before I could begin to contemplate a counter response, Youmu directed us to a big door as she slid it open.
Inside was a lone woman sitting at a table eating snacks and drinking what looked to be freshly brewed tea. She gave the air of a matured grown woman with hair as pink as the sakura trees from the garden I just outside. Actually, I think her hair may be even pinker than that. On top of that hair was a blue dome shaped hat that had a white paper triangle with a red swirl on the front of it. She wore a heavily modified blue kimono that looked to be like sleeping wear and was far looser than a conventional kimono. As beautiful as she was, and she was as beautiful as Yukari for one thing, what truly caught me was her demeanor. It was one of perfect calm and peace. She looked to be so content with life that I couldn't help but be swept up in the feeling as well. Opening her eyes, revealing a color close to maroon, her smile widened considerably.
"It's so good to see you Yukarin." Oh nice, leverage. Just need the right time to use. "And I see you've brought someone with you today. Could it be your new lover perhaps? I'm quite jealous that you've found someone, and he's so cute too."
"I would never abandon you to your lonesome. Do you think so little of me? Only so much to throw me away on a whim as if I were one of your snack wrappers?"
"Of course not. You are like one of the bottle caps on those western beer bottles, kept only as a side show amusement." The two continued on like this, trying to outwit the other for a considerable amount of time. No wonder these two are friends. Still, how in the world did they become friends in the first place? Did they meet before Yuyuko died? Well, not like I'll get an answer any time soon. Speaking of time, they're still going at it. Honestly, that's kind of impressive, but I'm starting to get tired.
"That's enough. As fun as this is, I have an important favor I must ask of you Yuyuko, before he falls asleep," The sudden attention directed at me, made my eyes shoot wide open.
"Ask away Yukarin." I don't know. Is that better or worse than Yuka-tan?
"I wish for you to house this boy-"
"Minato Arisato," I made my introduction after realizing that I hadn't actually made myself known yet. Yukari still seemed pleased by my introduction. I'm… not adverse to that.
"Nice to meet you, Minato-kun, I am Yuyuko Saigyouji. I'm sure my servant and gardener, Youmu Konpaku, already told you about me." She replied with a wide and innocent looking smile that I could actually believe. After being sure I heard her, she turned towards Yukari before continuing. "Hmmm, I don't mind housing Minato-kun, in fact I would be delighted to have the company, but why would you want him to live here in Hakugyokurou?" I could think of a number of reasons, almost all of them involving irony of some sort.
"Minato's safety is paramount to the survival of all living things. So what better place to hide him than in a place no living thing would think to look? I would house him in my estate, but I, as you know, will be too preoccupied with certain very important affairs. Ran and Chen will also be too busy handling their own tasks and duties to properly look out for the boy. This is not even mentioning Chen's inadequacy for the task to begin with."
"So in other words, you're too lazy then?" was Yuyuko's immediate retort.
"I prefer my explanation." Yuyuko looked at me after ignoring Yukari's rebuttal with a low hum. She seemed to be analyzing me. Her gaze was motherly but also unmistakably calculating as well. It felt like she was thinking of both how to care for me, and also how to milk this for all it was worth. What a strange combination. I could hear a shishi-odoshi from somewhere, but all else was quiet. Moments passed before she closed her eyes in thought, only to open them right after. Now facing Yukari she said-
"I hope you don't mind if I decide to just keep him here forever, do you? I do like that nice shade of blue his hair has. It blends well with the scenery and will make eating my meals more calming." And now she seemed giddy as a schoolgirl who just got a new dolly to play with. Oh wait she might have actually.
"Splendid, then I'll be on my way and leave Minato here with you." Yukari snapped her fan closed and started towards the exit.
"Wait, you're just going to leave me here like that?" That's quite sudden. I mean I know that was part of the arrangement but still…
"Well what would you have me do? You have no possessions other than the ones on your person. I told you that I would be leaving you with a friend, and now that your living arrangements have been, arranged, it serves no purpose for me to remain here. Oh, but don't worry, this place has electric outlets so you can charge your MP3. I left a charger in your pocket as well by the way. Don't ask where the electricity comes from. Well, bye-bye!"
Without another word, she made a gap right in front of her and disappeared inside, the gap closing up behind her like a zipper. Only Yuyuko and I remained in the room. Judging by how unfazed she was, this was probably normal for Yukari. Youmu still remained outside, her diligence unwavering. Talk about Hi-byes. I only just met her and now she just left me here. This is moving a bit fast for me I have to admit. I need a break.
"Youmu, please come in." I was knocked out of my thoughts by Yuyuko's command, that actually seemed commanding. It was a tone I couldn't have imagined would come from the seemingly eternally optimistic woman. After Youmu walked in and situated herself in the room, "From today onwards, Minato here will be staying with us as a guest and is to be treated as such. Do you understand Youmu?"
"Understood, Yuyuko-sama." Youmu's mechanical tone as she said that was still quite irksome. Perhaps it's my over familiarity with such a tone?
"Great! Now Minato-kun, would you like something to eat?" And now she was back to the tone of voice I heard first. But she makes a point; I haven't eaten in months or done anything at all for that matter. Right now though…
"I'm tired right now. Would it be alright for me to turn in early today?" It may not have been long since my sort-of release, but it was the most activity I had done in the longest time. First thing I want to do after being freed, is getting some sleep, huh?
"That's fine. Youmu, would you kindly show him to his room?"
"Yes, Yuyuko-sama." Youmu made a gesture towards the room's exit and said, "This way please." She waited until I got up and walked next to her before leading the way out, leaving Yuyuko alone in the room. Had I stayed I would have known that she said-
"I wonder why Yukari directly brought him here instead of leaving him to fend for himself like all the other poor souls she drags here to Gensokyo."
-0-0-2-0-0-
The walk to the room was quiet. Despite the building's massive size, it was as empty as I thought it would be when I first got close. It seemed that for as spacious as it was, Youmu and Yuyuko really were the only ones who lived here. Not single other living soul… in a manner of speaking. The walk to my room didn't take very long. It seems we were already in the living quarters. Youmu stopped in front of an ornate door, but almost all of them were ornate to be fair. Still this one did seem to be slightly different from all the others.
"This is where you may retire to should you desire rest. There is a bathroom just down the hall that way. As Yukari-san said, we have electricity. I don't know where it comes from, and it is rarely ever used, but you are free to use it if you wish," she explained with a stony-faced countenance.
"Thank you Youmu-san." I tried to give her a smile in hopes that she might open up. It was a smile I learned from watching people as I drank coffee. I hope it doesn't look too bad.
"You are welcome." And my attempt failed, but the phantom thing seemed to turn a slight shade of pink for a second. Or was it always pink? It's hard to tell. Though it is cute the way it moved to hide itself from me by hiding behind Youmu.
"If you need anything, simply call my name. If there is nothing else, then sleep well." Without skipping a beat she left, going back to serve Yuyuko I presume.
I opened the door to find a bare, but nice and spacious, room with only a futon, desk and a closet that was opened to reveal many sets of traditional Japanese clothing. There was a window that shone the moon light which was the only light source in the room. It gave an ambient feeling that served to make me feel even more tired than I already was. Dragging my body across the room, I shook off my shoes and fell onto the futon that was provided without hesitation. Now to enjoy what I missed the most, a good…. nights…sleep.
-0-0-2-0-0-
Even though I knew that I fell asleep on a still futon, I felt that I was moving despite being unmoving; a rushing sensation towards something in an infinite darkness with the only visible thing being a checkerboard floor. Then there was a door, purple in color, appearing without warning. No velvet was a better description.
*Click*
How nostalgic. I was now completely still and despite my eyes being closed, I could tell that I was sitting in a chair and that the atmosphere was warm and yet quite cold at the same time. Opening my eyes, a world of velvet greeted me. The room I resided in was much different than what I remembered it being. A far cry from what it once was, it was now an empty, token room with little in the way of décor, save for the bits of furniture in the center, my chair included. The other pieces that were here included a table covered with an ornate, complexly stitched cloth that was also velvet. Simple, small, circular; it was just big enough to serve its purpose.
On the other side was a lavish, velvet couch upon which sat the only other individual in the room. On most occasions, such an individual would be considered quite untrustworthy when judged solely on his appearance. He had a lanky build that was quite slender upon which sat a neat black suit and a pair of immaculate white gloves. He was clearly an aged man with an almost comically long nose. It wasn't long before I had my bearings before he revealed his blood shot eyelids and said to me a phrase most nostalgic.
"Welcome, to the Velvet Room."
Edited Author's Notes:
And here's the second chapter edited. Still the same stuff being moved around. Looking at this stuff, I at times can't help but change some stuff for the sake of changing it, but I'm trying to just limit my edits to choices in prose, but not the meaning or the overall story. I'm not doing an overhaul here, just an adjustment. Still, it hurts to see some mistakes I made and never caught. I'm wincing at some of the lines I originally had written, but I guess that's normal for everyone. Hopefully, the next edit doesn't take so long. Before that, I need to focus on bringing out the new chapter. Thanks everyone for sticking with me all these years. Now if you'll excuse me, Miko is streaming Bully and I want to see how she does with English class.
Author's Notes: Thank you all who took the time to read this story. To darkcloudt2: I agree 100% on the terms of Minato's level of power, but there are a few things to consider, one is that Minato has not had time to use the power to any extent other than to form the seal. The second is that while I agree that if Minato put his mind to it he could pretty much match even Reimu, who is honestly pretty broken in universe and by extension stronger than Yukari, when it comes to Yukari, she is pretty much his kryptonite. Consider that she is a Border manipulator, and that Minato is a border. Also consider the things she can do to borders. I hope you can see where I am going with this. And to chonotimeguard, I got some ideas, and besides, it wouldn't be persona without personas now wouldn't it? Also again, writing it as it comes so even I have no idea where this is going so that I can get a good ride too. Finally, can anyone suggest to me a good format? I am experimenting with the breaks. I would be grateful for any suggestions on how to make it so that they aren't abrupt and ruin the flow. Thank you again, and bye.
