Disclaimer: Touhou Project was created by Jun'ya Ōta (ZUN). I don't own any of the Touhou characters used in this story. Cover art by Tokiame.
Author's Note: I wanted to write something sad for a change, hope that it's good despite it being a bit on the shorter side. Without further ado, please enjoy.
Reminiscence of Spirit
Yuuka was walking through the sunflower field, her trusty parasol at her side.
Normally, it wasn't anything abnormal for her to walk through her flower fields. After all, she did it all the time.
However, today was special, it's supposed to be Lunar Eclipse today. The day when she can meet her very old friend again.
She was walking for quite a bit until she came across a clearing.
Yuuka folded her parasol and sat on a medium-sized rock.
She looked at the moon. The eclipse was starting.
The youkai waited for a bit, silently observing the sky, until she felt something push against her back.
Someone sat on the rock too and leaned against her back.
-It's good to see you again, Yuuka.
She knew whose voice it was. The youkai smiled.
-Likewise, old friend.
-Sorry to trouble you like that, but I can't exactly appear anywhere and anytime, anymore.
Yuuka chuckled.
-It's fine really, Mima. That's what friends are for.
They both sat in silence for a moment.
-So, how's the rascal doing these days?
Youkai was confused for a moment.
-Rascal? Ah, you mean Kirisame.
The spirit snorted.
-Who else? That kid was clinging to me like crazy. Well, I can't say it was all bad. I actually liked being her mentor in some ways.
Yuuka laughed.
-I haven't really seen her in a while, but the last time I met her, she was doing just fine. She actually stole my Master Spark too.
Mima chuckled.
-Well, that's no surprise. She was stealing my techniques all the time. I must admit, that kid had a talent for mimicking other people's techniques.
Yuuka nodded.
-How about that shrine maiden? Still exterminating evil spirits and youkai?
-Indeed. She eased up on that a bit though, as matter of fact, she made up more friends with youkai than with humans.
Mima was surprised.
-Truly? I still remember her little self flying on her turtle, looking all confident to exterminate all the "bad youkai" for her god. I guess she finally grew up a bit.
The youkai chuckled.
-They all did. Your pupil and her miko friend are now grown up adults, not the child that you were acquainted with.
She felt Mima nod.
-Well, it's to be expected, after all, I did disappear for several years.
-Marisa still misses you, you know.
Mima was silent for a while, then answered.
-Yeah. I know. But there's no returning for me anymore. My grudge ran out these last years.
Yuuka hummed in thought.
-That reminds me, you never told me, what was your grudge, in the first place.
-It doesn't really matter anymore, besides, I don't want you to babble it to these rascals, especially Marisa. That kid was really proud that she was a human magician. I don't want her to start hating her humanity because of it. She was actually the one that made me rethink my grudge too.
Youkai was hurt by this.
-You don't trust me?
Mima shook her head.
-I trust you. I just don't trust your drunk-self. It's better that you don't know, so you won't accidentally tell it to her. Perhaps, when you will end up on the other side, I'll tell you, but not now.
Yuuka nodded, she wasn't really content with this response, but she respected her friend's wishes.
-How about you? Are you doing fine these days too?
-I am. However, there wasn't much interesting going on. There was one incident where some people mistook the regular occurrence for something abnormal and I posed for the "villain." But other than that, I didn't do anything that would resemble our old days. Nowadays, I just walk around my sunflower field and tend to my flowers.
Mima chuckled.
-Looks like it wasn't just them that matured. I almost expected you to tell some stories where you bullied a dozen of people or something even worse. But consider me surprised that "The Sadistic Yuuka Kazami" became docile.
The youkai snorted.
-You're the one to talk. The spirit that invaded Makai then kidnapped that Alice girl for herself.
-I did release her after a while, though! It's all in the past. I haven't done anything after that too, you know.
She nodded.
Yuuka looked at the moon, the eclipse was already over.
She stood up and turned around to look at the spirit.
She was slowly fading away.
Mima too stood up and turned around to look at the youkai. She had a miserable smile on her face.
-Looks like it will be our last meeting. I can feel my soul moving to the other side already.
The spirit took off her cap and threw it to the youkai.
Yuuka caught it.
-Give it to, Marisa alright? Tell her that I'm proud of her and for her to never stop following her dreams. I'm sure she will become a great human magician without resorting to the alternatives.
The youkai nodded sadly.
-And thanks for being there for me, Yuuka. I will never forget you and the moments we shared together.
-Neither I will, Mima.
The spirit then faded away completely.
Yuuka stared at the spot for a while, then felt something wet on her face.
She touched it. These were her tears.
Who would have thought that, the fearsome Yuuka Kazami would be crying, but there is it. She felt pathetic for letting her emotions get to her.
She then walked over to the rock and placed a daffodil on it. The symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.
She hoped that her old friend would start over, somewhere where she wouldn't have to worry about anything.
Yuuka unfolded her parasol, then started walking back. The moon and cold wind silently accompanying her during the walk.