"Alright, are you ready to begin?" Mokou asks.
"Yes, teach!" the man raises his hand enthusiastically.
A few days had passed and the two are meeting up at Bamboo Forest (despite trying to keep it hidden from the princess, the man suggest that the two still meet up here). Mokou had brought the man to a place somewhat secluded, a secret place that she can call her own. A couple walks from here and they could find her home. A simple wooden home. But then again, how many people would be able to traverse here? Practically zero (except for some special individuals). Mokou had set up the place, making a small clearing so that the two would have a decent place to begin their activities. It was hard at first, because the bamboo here are different from the usual bamboo. The rate of their growth is mystifying, the bamboo would grow immediately after it was cut down. However, Mokou already had plans on how to counteract that. How would she do it? Well, that's an immortal secret. So, she brought over some stones so that the man could sit down. It's impolite for the guest to sit on the grass like that.
Also, you might have heard that man had called her teach. Well, that's because of the outfit that Mokou is wearing right now: A prescription-less glasses rest on her face, her shirt is now added with a red tie with white outline and her hair is tied to a singular ponytail, instead of having some strands strewn around, that easily reveals her nape. Behind her, a simple blackboard (that Keine had lend her) and chalks (provided by Keine as well). On her hand, a bamboo cane, snugly rested there. There is a reason for this change of appearance. Mokou recalls back to a few days ago,
It is night at the Human Village. After agreeing to help the man with his love life, Mokou decided to meet up with Keine. She had no experience in teaching anyone, however, she knows someone that does. Not to mention, it has been a while since Mokou last saw her. So, she walked to the direction of that person's home: a school. This one school has been a learning institute for the young. For the people of the village. After all, it won't do any good if the people have no literacy and basic arithmetic (something she heard from the Heida said). Sometimes, she even saw that some fairies join in as well. Surprisingly, the parents seem to not mind them as much, as fairies are usually generally harmless. Not to mention, fairies in the first place never had any intention to hurt anyone, they only seek one thing: fun. Maybe the pranks could be regarded as harmful, but their intentions had always been pure. Although, a certain someone from the Heida is not fond of it, but she let it go, as she trusted Keine judgement. She looks around the usual spot and there it is, the light is still on. That means the(a) teacher is still inside. Knowing this, Mokou walk inside.
Inside, she walks a couple corridor and is greeted by a room: a break room. The only room that the light is on. Without knocking, Mokou opened the door.
"Keine, I'm coming in," Mokou announced.
"Hm? Oh, Mokou, sorry, but I'm a bit preoccupied right now. Would you mind waiting for a bit?" she said, currently sitting, in front of her is a set of paper and a small red brush. It looks like she was grading tests.
"Don't worry. Waiting is an immortal abundance," she joked. Mokou finds that one spot that she usually sits whenever she came over and waited for the teacher to finish her business. Not long after, Keine placed the brush down and slump down on the small table.
"Ahh~ it's done~" she breathed a sigh of relief. As if on cue, Mokou walked over to the teacher, she placed her hand on her head.
"Great work as always, teach," she moved her hand on the teacher's head.
"Thank you~ At least someone appreciate what I do~" Keine said in a sing-song manner, "Oh, where are my manners?" she sits upright and coughed, "Ehem, what is it that you need, Mokou?"
"What, I can't meet with you if I had nothing going on?" Mokou pouted.
"N-no that's not what I mean-"
"I'm kidding," Mokou snickered.
"Geez, stop teasing your teacher!" Keine scolded. But why would she stop when it's fun to see her reaction? How many times have she done this and how many times had she gave her a different reaction everytime? But anyway,
"Well, it is true that I have something to ask of you, but, how about we talked it over a drink? The night is still young after all."
"That's true. And I do need something to unwind. Wait here then, I'll bring something ov-" before Keine could stand up, Mokou stopped her.
"Don't worry. I'll serve you. It's not often you got to relax like this," Mokou stands up, she moves over to the cupboard, "Sake is fine with you?" she asked.
"I prefer beer, but that is fine too," hearing that, Mokou brought over a sake bottle and two glasses of sake cup. And with that, the night begins for the immortal and the history teacher.
When alcohol is involved, people tend to be looser. That includes for the person in front of Mokou as well. She rambles on and on about her students, some that made her happy because she could see the child's improvement, some that she is angry because they would sometimes tease her, and some that she worries because they either lacking behind or wasn't able to connect with their peers. But there is one thing that Mokou knows, that whenever she talks about her students, Keine always had the biggest smile on her face. Despite the grumble and babble, she always finds good points about the people that she taught. She truly loves her student. Mokou wonders if she also thought of Mokou as one of her students, with how she is acting in front of her. Well, it's been long enough and it's time to ask,
"Hey, Keine?" Mokou started to speak, she sipped her sake after.
"Hm? Oh! It must have been a bit boring, hearing me ramble about my students like this..." impishly, the teacher said.
"No, no, it's not that, well, it is about your profession."
"Hm? That is strange. You rarely asked me about how I work. Maybe because I was the one rambling on, hahaha..."
"Well, I don't mind. It's clear as day that you love your students very much. Well, I was wondering how you do it."
"? What do you mean, Mokou?" Keine took a sip of her sake.
"I was just wondering what it's like, teaching and all. You have done it for long, with all the complaints that you give, I was surprised that you still stuck with it."
Keine looked at Mokou for a while, then begins to speak, "That's true. There are times those little rascal have been giving me a hard time. Not listening, sometimes ignoring. Some even say that they hate me..." Keine gave a forlorn look, however, soon after, she smiled, "But, even with the bad, there are the good. Like seeing the failing student, trying her hardest to succeed. She was adorable when she tried her best and the smile she gave when she succeeds is even more rewarding. Or when they made a surprise for me, to celebrate on my birthday. The smile and warmth that I received from that day has been ingrained to memory, and I won't ever forget. Anyway, everything in life has its up and down, but that's what made the world beautiful. Something worth trying for. So, I dedicated myself to teach the people here history. After all, our past shape our future. And I want to be the one to guide the students to the right path," the biggest smile could be seen from Keine's face.
"I see... You really thought this through, Keine," honestly, Mokou replied.
"But anyway, this is strange. Why are you interested in this?" Keine asked. Well, no point in hiding it. Besides, that's not Mokou's style anyway.
"Well, the thing is," Mokou took a deep breathe, "I got this one guy that asked me to teach him something, and I don't really know how to go about this. I was wondering if you could give me some pointers an-" before Mokou could finished, Keine dropped her (thankfully it's empty) sake glass, "A-ahh Keine, what are you doing? Are you drunk alrea-" hands then reached for Mokou's shoulder, a face-down Keine is holding her.
"...what did you just say, Mokou?" a serious sounding Keine asked.
"Huh?"
"You just said that you wanted to teach someone? Am I hearing this right?"
"U-uh, right... I did," was it that bad of a question? After a small silence, Mokou could feel that both of Keine's hand started to shake. Afterwards, she faced up, straight to Mokou's.
"Finally! My Mokou is finally trying to integrate herself to society! And to start with teaching no less! I am so proud," a stream of tears could be seen from Keine's face. Quickly, she gave Mokou a (strong) hug.
"Le-let go, Keine!" despite usually she had been hugged by her, Mokou is still not used to it when it happened suddenly.
"Uuuuuuuuu, this is the greatest thing that you have told me! If I've known, I would have prepared something much grander! This won't do! We have to have a celebration for this momentous moment! Wait here, Mokou! I'll go find something to eat for the both of us!" Keine started to stand up. But thankfully, Mokou was able to stop her.
After that, the questioning from Keine began: Who was she teaching? What age? How many are there? What subject? Does she need a teacher aide? Where is she going to teach? Instead of asking question of what a teacher usually asked, it most like a mother trying to find out everything she could about her daughter. It is embarrassing for Mokou, to say the least. However, Keine means well. Not to mention, she did teach Mokou on how to handle things. However, the part about the clothes is something that Mokou could not accept. A short black skirt that hugged the body like that is way out of line! Why does Keine have this in the first place?
"... I thought it would look good on you so I bought it... hehehe..."
... anyway, that part is rejected. Strangely enough, she won't budge about the glasses and tie. And if Mokou tried to reason with her, Keine would pout and gives her biggest dog eyes, something that Mokou could never win against. In the end, she settled for the glasses and tie but before leaving, Mokou became the teacher's fashion model for the night.
Which leads us to now. Keine also provided a spare blackboard and chalks. Thankfully, Mokou managed to stop her from coming. She gave an excuse, saying that the person she was teaching is shy and can only do one on one, which Keine agreed on. However, she had to report to Keine after the lesson is over.
"Teach? Are you there?" a voice questions Mokou. Mokou got out of her stupor to see that the man is asking. She clears her throat.
"Ehem. Excuse me. Now, would you tell me what we are doing today?" Mokou points to her 'student' with the bamboo cane. The man tilts his head,
"? Did you forget already? You're going to teach me how to get closer to the princess!"
... oh course she knows. There's a reason why she asked such a dumb question. This is one of the tips that Keine had given her previous nights ago, and that is
"Let the pupil states his goal for learning. That way, he can affirm themselves of their goal and to not go astray".
so Mokou asked a foolish question. Keine wouldn't go around and tell her the wrong thing intentionally.
"Good. Now, before we start, let me ask you something first," Mokou brings the cane back to her side, "How would you get the princess to like you?"
"... I don't know, that's why I'm asking you, Mokou!" the man points to Mokou. Of course, that is also a similarly dumb question, but this is something Keine had said,
"Before you begin the lesson, you should check what his level of understanding is. At school, we have a standardized teaching lesson for the students, but that doesn't mean it would work for everyone. Some requires hands on lesson, some prefer a test approach. Everyone has a different learning speed and understanding. A teacher should be flexible at all times. Mokou, you have a privilege of only having one student, so you should focus and find the right tempo for your student".
is what Keine said. Also,
"From now on, you will address as me as teacher. Do you understand?" Mokou places her finger on the bridge of her nose, fixing the glasses in place. Keine had also said,
"Also, your student should address you appropriately".
"Hahaha," the man laugh, "We're really going for this whole thing, huh? Alright, alright, teach."
"One time is fine. Now, you probably had no idea right now, but why not come up here and write anything," Mokou points to the blackboard.
"You sure? Will this really help because I'm drawing a blank here," despite his grumbling, the man stands up and walk towards the blackboard. He picks up the chalk and stands there for a few before writing something on it. After a while, he finishes. Mokou looks at what he wrote,
Complement girls
Gift them gifts
Talk about what they like
and from the side, a smug looking man is proudly showing off his skills. Reading this, it is something that you would usually do to get people to like you. However,
"Wrong!" Mokou swings the bamboo cane (gently) to the man's butt.
"Ow! What was that for?!" the man screams, rubbing the place he was hit from.
"This is not good!" Mokou places the end of the bamboo cane at the end of her hand, "You think this is enough to get the attention of that person?!"
"Wh-what do you mean by that?"
Looking at the blackboard, there is nothing wrong with what he wrote. That is all an acceptable answer that he had provided. Sure, that person(Kaguya) wouldn't give him the time of day even when he does this thing, but Mokou could already see it,
"Hey, Mokou? You know? There's this guy that kept on complementing on my looks. Honestly, I don't really need to be told the obvious, but it is nice to hear it from someone else. Hey, have you ever been complimented like that, well, I don't need to ask. Hahahaha!" laughed the princess.
"Hey, Mokou? Look here! I've been getting present from this guy. I mean, it's not really the greatest thing, but it's the thought what counts. Have you ever received anything? You haven't? Pfft!" snickered the princess.
"Hey Mokou? What it's like feeling unwanted in your life? I mean, do you even have something to live for?"
Mokou imagined for a minute. This is something that that person would do if he were to do those things that he wrote on the blackboard. Looking at Kaguya boast her life like that does not sit well with Mokou. Besides, she wasn't really going to let him be nice to that person. Her plan has already set in motion: she will use the guy to annoy the princess. Nothing more, nothing less. So naturally, Mokou lied.
"Well, I give you points for stating the obvious. However, this will only work if that person is normal. Do you think the person you are trying to pursue is that simple? That normal?"
"N-no! Of course not!"
"Of course not!" Mokou whips the air, "This will only get you to be 'Guy A' and nothing else!"
"G-Guy A?!" Guy A says in shock. Mokou then smiles,
"But don't worry. I'll be teaching you everything I know about that girl. So, you better be prepared."
"Of course! I'll trust you," the man clenches his fist. And so, begin the two adventures of annoying the princess.
First try
Mokou and the man are walking in the bamboo forest. Their target for today: Eientei. More specifically, the princess of the moon. Today is the day that they tried on what they have learned. Mokou looks to the man to see that he has the look of full determination. However, he seems to be somewhat shaky during his walk, not to mention when Mokou asks if he's fine, he seems to be occupied by something else. Well, that is to be expected. He will be facing a battle of his own today. Mokou had asked Keine how love felt, and she gave Mokou a bunch of romance comic and books. Of course, she read it (Keine gave it to her after all) but she still doesn't understand what it means. Anyway, they're here. Mokou turns to the man, and he seems to try calming himself down by taking deep breathes. Mokou gives her affirmation and resounding thumbs up and with that, the man gains a small amount of strength. With that, the man walks forward, to where the princess is. Mokou, however, walks around the building, finding a small clearing to watch the man from afar. Today, the plan is simple: praise the princess. However, Mokou may have told the man a small lie. She remembers back to a previous day,
"For that girl, giving her a simple compliment is insulting for her."
"Wh-what, really?" the man questioned.
"Well, not exactly. You see, that girl over there has heard every compliment in the world already. So, saying the same thing would bore her."
"So, what should I do?"
"Easy. Just follow what I do and you'll get her to notice you. Repeat after me. -" before Mokou could finished reminiscing, a voice could be heard from Eientei. It seems the man is calling out to Kaguya right now.
"Kaguya! There is something that I would like to say to you!" the man stands outside the room where the princess is currently sitting. He takes a deep breath and says,
"Kaguya, your smile is as a burning sun and that sun were to melt my entire body! Your move as grace as a clumsy girl. But that gap is what made you cute! Your intelligence is similar to a first grade, but that is only to show your childlike innocence! Your figure as well showing how childlike your body is! But that is okay that you will never grow to a bodacious babe like you ever wanted, because Kaguya, you are perfect as you are now! Kaguya, I love you! Will you go out with me?!" he bows his head, hands outstretch towards the princess. Silence emerges for the two. Well, that is to be expected. After all, there is no way that princess could react after hearing that. Mokou had asked him to do one thing: mixing insult with praise.
The reason Mokou give to the man is simple: first is to overwhelm the princess with insult, to surprise her. Then, gives praise afterwards so that she can feel reassured. We called it the "Push-and-Pull" tactic. Well, it's from one of the books that Keine had given her. When she was reading it the first time, she finds that the guy was really annoying, being all cold then charming to the girl. And that is perfect for what Mokou had planned. And the result is this abomination of a line that the two had come up with (Mokou came up with the insult while the man follow up with the praise). And of course, the princess isn't happy (or moreso confused) by the man action, but she could not do anything about it. In the end, the princess asks the man to leave, and the man comply. Today may have not been a success (for the man) but it's fine for Mokou. Because this is what she wanted in the first place.
Second try
"A-are you sure this is fine, Mokou?"
"Hm? Of course. This is a gift for the princess. Just trust me on this," Mokou reassures the man.
The two are walking to their destination: Eientei. More specifically, the princess of the moon. Today, is special. The two had brought a gift for the princess. After all, who would hate a gift? Mokou turn around to see the man. He is currently wearing something different today. He is wearing a beekeeper outfit. Why would the man wear such a thing? Well, it is because he is currently carrying a stick with a beehive on it. Of course, Mokou wouldn't be hurt by it. After all, she is an immortal. But that can't be said for the man. At first, the man was opposing the idea but after a bit of persuasion, he agreed to do it. It was bizarre to hear he agree on this plan, but people who had courted the princess should be as crazy as she is. Oh, we're here. As usual, the man would go to the princess and present her the gift. Another lie is given to the man in the form of persuasion. Mokou had only said to the man that the princess of the moon would love gifts that are pure. And what better thing to describe a thing as pure than raw. So, the man had thought of giving things that girls would love: sweets. Sweets turn to honey. Honey came from bee. And bee came from beehives. And of course, the princess asks the man to leave. Looks like she had been stung. But that's fine. The princess is a tough individual. After all, she is the rival of Mokou. And again, today fail as well (for the man) and a success for Mokou.
Third try
Today, is a special day. Mokou and the man are heading to Eintei: the princess of the moon. This time, we're doing what the man suggested. This is fine, because nothing the man would do would ever reach the princess ears. And of course, today as well, we failed.
This goes on for many tries: Mokou would lie to the man, he would follow her wishes, he would annoy Kaguya, and they fail. Rinse and repeat. Luckily, this yield result for Mokou. Because during their usual fights, Kaguya would complain about this one guy that had been pestering her, and that made her unable to focus during the fight. This leads Mokou to win everytime that the two met. But the best part is seeing that princess's face looking distress and tired.
However, Mokou is confused. Even after failing for the 40th times (Mokou counted), the man kept going strong. His determination to court the princess never falters. After the many tries, the fire in his eyes is still there. He looks strong, look like someone that could achieve anything if he were to try. Mokou doesn't understand. Why would the man go so far? Why won't he give up? Why would he still believe in whatever Mokou says? Even now, he would follow her wishes. Wouldn't he had realized by now that Mokou had been lying to him? I mean, the things that she made him do make no sense. Some of it were from books but those books are fiction. It would be delusional to believe everything that you read. Mokou doesn't like this feeling of confusion. And she doesn't like to skirt around the question. So, she asked him directly.
"Hm? Why do I still ask for your help after all of this?" the man repeats Mokou questions. This is the 64th time that the man had tried to court the princess. He is wearing joke glasses: with mustache and a big nose. He was trying to go for another funny approach again. How many have this make? Four times already? He kept saying that his 'comedic' talent hasn't been polished yet. Or, maybe he really wanted to make the princess laugh. Either way, he continues,
"Well, truth be told. I was thinking that our plan is a-uh, a bit strange," the man says while the glasses stay on, "I mean, giving the princess a beehive? I don't think anyone would like that, hahaha," he laughs. So it is true, he has been thinking the plan were a bit off, "However, Mokou, you were the only one that stood by me on this," the man stops a bit. Mokou tilts her head to the side, prompting the man to continue,
"My friends... from the village. I told them about this idea of courting the princess. I thought that those two would have my back and all, but they, uh, they kinda laugh at me and brush me off. Oh, that doesn't mean that we weren't friends anymore, its just that trying to bring back the conversation to them feels like something that I shouldn't do, you know? So, when I met you and asked you to help me, I was surprised at first. After all, we're just strangers. Only a guide," he points to Mokou, "And a guidee," he points to himself.
"So, I thought to myself 'I should take any chance that I can' and here we are, doing all these silly things," he smiles and puts away the glasses, "At first, I was like, maybe that could work, after all, people are weird. The second time I got weirded out. And after that it spirals down. There are times when I wanted to ask you 'Is this really what would help?'," he paused again. Then, "Funnily enough, I thought that this would work still."
"... huh?" Mokou surprisingly mouthed out.
"Well, you know, Kaguya is a princess. And princess are almost always eccentric, right? Like, maybe they don't like eating rice, or maybe they have a soft spot for animals. So, maybe this plan could work. Maybe being a weirdo could actually captivate the princess!" he optimistically says, "After all, an odd person stands out than a normal person! So, I wanted to say, thank you, Mokou! Even though your plan may have been weird, it is still something worth trying. And of course, without you, I would've never thought that I would be doing any of this stuff. I mean, taming a boar? When would I ever do that! Again, I wanted to thank you. Even though we might fail this, but I still am having fun. I hope we can still continue this. Because I really enjoy being with you."
Mokou stands silent for a while before nodding, "If you're still alright with me then," as she looks away. Not good. Mokou feels that her face started to heat up. Why is it hard to look at his face now? Why is his smile gives her a bit of an embarrassment? Why is it that his eyes, still have those life in it after all this time? Is it naivete? Is it stupidity? Or is trust? Bravery? Determination? But one thing that came to Mokou's mind is that,
"How beautiful..." she mutters.
His eyes, that still have life(flame) on it. How beautiful his actions are when he never gives up. His determination to pursue the things he wanted. Mokou have forgotten that feeling. Living as an immortal have made her forget. The joy of adventuring. The excitement of discovering something new. Is that the reason why Mokou would love to listen to people on their stories? Because now, she has been complacent with her own life? Is this the reason why her heart is thumping? Louder and louder when she looks at the man? His soft, gentle smile. His adamant personality to go through with his ideals. Even now, he still wanted to stay with Mokou. Even after she had purposefully lie to him.
"Hahaha, well anyway, hopefully that we could get the princess to finally fall for me," he stretches.
...it hurts. Why does her heart hurt hearing that? Why is the image of the man getting together with Kaguya hurt her? Isn't that what the plan has been all along? Her minds feel a bit murky hearing that. Why is that? Not to mention, her heart hurt. Because she had been lying to the man. Instead of helping him, she had use him. Use him for her personal benefits. Even after he had trusted her completely. Before Mokou could ponders longer, the man comes closer and holds her up by the chest.
"!" Mokou was startled by the sudden lift, and that place is...! "Le-let me go!" Mokou thrashes around, trying to run away from the man's grip.
"A-alright alright, sorry man!" gently the man places Mokou down. Mokou quickly places her hands on her chest, trying to hide it in embarrasment, "Oh come on man, it's just one single lift. I mean, having a bit of a man boob is not something to embarrass about. My big belly friend has it all the time," the man finishes. Hearing that, Mokou's blood started to boil. Unable to contain her anger, she decks him straight in the face. That leads the man to stumble down, "Ow! What was that for du-bwuh!" before he could finish, Mokou is sitting on top of his stomach. Her fist is raised.
"I had my suspicion for a while now. But, what do you think I am?"
"Huh? What are you talking about? You're Mokou, aren't you?"
"...am I a girl to you, or a boy?"
"Is this a trick question? Of course you're a bo-" before he finishes speaking, a fist landed right next to his face. Slowly, Mokou re-raised the fist again.
"I knew it... And for your information: I. AM. A. GIRL!" Mokou screams out, "And I'm sorry that I only have small boobs similar to a man!" with a punch, Mokou ended the man's day. As soon after, the man passed out, not before mouthing out 'Y...you're a... girl?!'. Thankfully, the doctor of Eientei takes anyone in, even after the man had pester the princess over and over again.
That night, an angry phoenix is sitting inside the bamboo forest. The reason for her anger comes from what had happened this morning. Mokou remembers back to today,
'What do you mean? Of course you're a boy. A boy. Boy. Boy"
and with that, she punches the air. Aaaahh, how dare he! Is that why he had been chummy with her all this time? Because she hadn't been seen as a girl? Sure, she may have been acting more like a boy with her mannerism. Or with the way she dresses herself. Even Keine had told her that. But, but, that is no reason for him to act like that with her, right? He should have a bit more tact, right? Yeah, forgive her, because she is not the same as that haughty girl. Yeah, she doesn't have black, flowing hair like her. Or have the same girly disposition like her. Or how she is the only person that you ever look at. What, just because he thought of Mokou as a boy, he gets to treat her like one of his guy friends? That's ridiculous! Why can't he just treat her as a girl? Why won't he look at me as someone from the opposite sex…
… is Mokou that unattractive…?
… why is she even thinking like this? Why is she even comparing herself to Kaguya? Mokou is Mokou and Kaguya is Kaguya, and there is no denying that fact. Is it because… for the man… Mokou is…
… hahaha, of course not. That is ridiculous. Mokou, liking a mortal. That is something that could never happen. Only pain would engulf the two if she were to live with him. But, so would he if he managed to grasp Kaguya's heart (which is something that will never happen). So, it should be fine, right? If she were to try? Trying, won't harm anyone, right?
Mokou then stands up. She knows what she has to do. To confirm this feeling, she needs to consult someone. Someone that she trusts. Because of that, she starts walking to the direction of the Human Village. To where a teacher would still be grading her students work.
It is dark. Mokou looks around the place she is in. Dark. That is the only thing that could describe where she is right now. Looking under her feet, she can't feel the floor. Is she floating? Or is she falling? If Mokou couldn't tell, then how could anyone else. She stands still, unsure on where she needs to be. But then, to her right, a ball of light is present. She turns to the direction and see: herself and Keine. Why is she there? Isn't Mokou here? Before anything else happens, the two speaks,
"Hey, Keine. I don't understand." 'I' started to speak.
"Hm?" Keine replied.
"This feeling in my heart. I don't understand it."
"What do you not get? As your teacher, I will do everything to help!" Keine placed her hand on her chest. Her modest chest. Bigger than Mokou's.
"… its just, you know about the guy that I was teaching?"
"Yeah, you have been giving me reports about it. Honestly, you should be nicer to that guy."
"That's not important! ... but I'll keep it in mind. So, the guy, right?"
"Yes, what's wrong?"
"… when you first met me, have you thought that I was a boy?"
"Wh-what? Of course not!"
"Keine."
"Uuuu, maybe… ahaha, but, but it wasn't my fault! You were so handsome before, so I generally thought that you were a guy!"
"… I guess I couldn't fault the guy," 'I' sighed, "But, handsome, huh?" 'I' snickered.
"Uuuh, don't tease your teacher!" Keine placed her hands on her face to hide her embarrassment, "An-anyway, what is wrong! This is your counselling session, not mine!" Keine pointed her finger to 'me'. Right, this is about 'me'.
"Well, the thing is…" 'I' paused for a moment before continuing, "So, my heart, it started to thump heavily."
"? What do you mean?" Keine tilted her head.
"… that's what I don't get. It's just that…" 'I' tell Keine everything. How when 'I' started to look at the man, 'my' gaze would go elsewhere. Or when the man talks about another girl (Kaguya) 'my' heart started to turn murky. Or when 'I' spend time with him, 'I' wishes that time stopped. Keine listened to 'me' with full attention and after that, 'I' finished.
"… and that's it. So, I don't understand. What is happening to me?" 'I' questioned Keine. Keine stood silent for a moment before laughing. What is happening? 'I' don't get it.
"Oh Mokou, I can't believe it!" Keine wiped a singular tear on her face with her finger. "I can't believe that you haven't realized yet."
"?" 'I' tilted my head. Realized? Realized what exactly. Keine still smiled while giving the answer.
"Mokou, you're -" before Keine could finished, the light is gone. What? What was Keine going to say? Mokou tried to reach the light, wanting to see the end of the conversation, then, a voice came,
"… How joyous…" a voice of a man. A bit raspy, like he had inhaled a lot of smoke before. Mokou turns to the direction of the voice. She then sees it, someone back. He is wearing a soldier gear from the old. Mokou knows this, as she had live as long. Mokou looked to the man, however, his back is the one facing her. Looking at him more, she could see that his body is badly bruised and injured, like he had been beaten or rather, pushed off of a steep cliff. Tumbling down to his death. A small sandal print could be seen behind the man's armor. He continues, "How great it is, for our little thief to be this happy. Living her life well…" the man said, however, Mokou could feel a slight sarcasm on it. Mokou looks away. She knows who that is. She had been having this dream before when she turned to an immortal. After only 300 years, the time where the dreams would less occur. Mokou doesn't want to see this. It made her sick. Sick to see this injured man. Because every word that he spouted rings the truth. So, Mokou runs. To where? In this space, everything is black. Is she even running in the right direction? Mokou doesn't know. But anywhere else. She wanted to be anywhere else than here. She doesn't want to listen. It's not her fault. It's not her fault that the man died. It's her fault. The god is the one at fault! If she wasn't there, then everything will be fine. The more that Mokou runs, she could see more man, laying on the ground. Pool of blood, swords and daggers are covered in red. And in the middle, a jar is sitting there. For unknown reason, Mokou started to walk to where the jar is. It feels as if this is her destiny. A past that she could not run away from. She picked up the jar, and before she could open it, the man from before grabs her leg from behind, he was crawling on the floor, he screams out,
"Good for you, you murderer!"
and with that, Mokou wakes up. Inside her small home, her body is drenched in sweat. She sits upright and look outside her window. It is night. The time where everyone is fast asleep. She had just returned from Keine after bringing back things for her to do tomorrow and some lessons as well. Mokou gather her bearing by steadying her breathe. In. Out. In. Out. After a while, she regains her composure. It's that dream again. The dream that keeps on haunting her when she gained immortality. It has been a long time that she had forgotten it all. Hahaha. Is this a sign? A sign that she will be haunted by this dream, forever? A sin that will never go away. Hahaha. Hahaha. Hahaha. Mokou laughs. She laughs and laughs. Similar to how a broken record would replay the same tune over and over again.
It is now morning at the Human Village. People are minding their business, moving to work or perusing the store, in case there is any sale available for today. However, today is a bit different. Because today, a certain someone is walking in the village today. She was wearing a white (light) sundress, that if the sun were to light in a certain way, you could see her figure from underneath, her hair, tied to a ponytail, with the same talisman from before. Her face, now done with slight makeup, courtesy of Keine teachings, from a bit of powder to remove imperfection (not that she has any) to lip gloss. However, the pants are something that she would not let go. She is still embarrassed from having nothing underneath there, so they opt for a short pants (a thing that Keine is disappointed with). She walks to her destination, the place where the two would meet up. After arriving, she looks at the hand mirror that Keine had provided, and mess around with her hair a bit. Her heart is thumping. She is scared. Battling that immortal is much easier than doing this. If you're still wondering who this person was, it is none other than,
Fujiwara no Mokou.
Strange, isn't it? Mokou, going out of her way to wear something like any girl would. Something this normal feels strange for the phoenix. She had never done this before. Doing her makeup, hair, and clothes, everything is new for her. Thankfully, she had someone to help her with all this. Mokou have to thank Keine later helping her. Why is she doing all of this for? It is simple really, because today, Mokou had asked the man out for,
"An outing?" the man asked. It is now the 98th time that the man had tried to court the princess. He was wearing a multicolour wig on his head. Where he got that from is a mystery. But anyway,
"Yeah, I thought that we should take a break tomorrow. Maybe a different outlook could give us different ideas. Not to mention, this is something of a technique as well. We're going to make the princess wonder about you all day. Because, she will not expect a time that you're not going to do this. She will be anxious, thinking, 'Is he not going to come today?'" Mokou lied. Well, partially lied. Because this is a technique from a book that Keine had lend her.
"Hm. Yeah, maybe you're right," the man agreed, "I did hear that the absence made the heart grow fonder. It was from a book that I read before, but I can't remember its name. Anyway, maybe rest would be best. Well, I like it!" he gave a thumbs up, "So, what do you have in store? Should we check out some store at the village?"
"I would like that," Mokou smiled, "How about we meet up at-" Mokou planned with the man.
and that is the reason for today. Today, Mokou wanted to surprise the man. After the incident with the man previously, Mokou wanted to show him. Show to him that she is indeed a woman. Someone from the opposite sex. That is why she is wearing this sundress right now. She chickened out at the beginning, but she managed to gather her strength today. However, her heart is thumping. Is her hair right? Her dress cleaned? She doesn't look weird in this, right? It's almost time. Did she come by a bit early? Well, that doesn't matter, does it? After all, she will be going on an outing with the man. But then,
"You murderer!"
flashed, in her mind for a few seconds. The night from before still lingers. Mokou shakes her head to remove the negative thought. And then, she could hear him. She turns her head around, unknowingly, a slight smile is formed from Mokou's face, but then, her smile is gone.
Around the corner, Mokou hides. She hides from the crowd. Because she could see it. The man was surrounded by people. People from his age. Men and women are crowding around around him. Mokou take a peek of the man, and she could see how happy he is. He's smiling, much brighter than he was with Mokou. A smile that she had never seen before. Not to mention, he never mentioned before that he was very close with girls. Had he known that he used that smile for those girls? Had he ever had feelings for them? Have those girls had feelings for him? Looking how the girls act and how Mokou would act is as the earth and sky. Mokou could see how natural it is for the girl while Mokou had to pretend to be this, ideal girl that she had in her mind. An ideal girl that she tried to be for the man. There is no way for Mokou to beat that. And lastly, there is no way for those girls to be carrying this sin with them. The sin that could never be erased from Mokou's heart. A stain on her body.
… how laughable. Mokou was doing something to laugh about. She had forgotten. She had forgotten who she is: a monster. A monster that carried the curse of immortality. Carrying the sin of a murderer. She is different from the man. She is different from the woman that is crowding the man. They are different, a youkai and a human. Just like the red miko would always say, 'A human and Youkai could never be together,' she had forgotten. For a momentary second, a brief of happiness, she had forgotten. She had forgotten who she is. On how the people had treated her. On how she carried hatred and resentment for the people. She had forgotten. She has no right to be happy. And she has no right to strip the happiness of the man. Mokou clenches her fist. Disgusting. Today is disgusting. She is disgusted by her actions. How dirty of her. To play and mingle with the lives of mortal. And because of this, to save the people of the village, the phoenix(Mokou) flies(runs) away.
It is afternoon, and Mokou is resting in the bamboo forest. She is still wearing the outfit from this morning. She doesn't have the energy to change yet. She has to apologize to Keine after this. She had failed. But this is for the best. She shouldn't mess with the lives of mortal. Only pain and suffering follow suit if she were to proceed with this. For the man, and for herself. Is she trying to save the man, or was she trying to save herself? Maybe a mixture of both. She wipes her face with the handkerchief that Keine had provided for her. Ah, the makeup… ahahaha.
…
"There you are," a voice came from behind. Startled, Mokou quickly turns around, and it is the last person that Mokou wanted to see, the man, "Finally, you know how hard it is walking around here. I got lost in an instant!"
"H-how did you..?"
"Hm? What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," he tilts his head. He comes closer to Mokou.
"How did you get here?" Mokou asks. Because how would he finds her, this is the Bamboo Forest of the Lost. Finding a person here is like finding a needle in a haystack.
"… huh? How did I get here?" he places his hands under his chin, thinking, "I just wanted to meet with you and next thing I know it, I'm here. Huh, weird huh?" the man smiles. Stop that, Mokou doesn't want to see him right now, "Anyway, that's not important right now! Hey, Mokou! Why did you leave me hanging like that?!"
"H-huh? What are you talking abou-" before Mokou could finish, he cuts her off.
"Don't play dumb with me! I asked the people around our meeting place, and they saw someone was running to this place. And there is no one else that would come here willingly except for you!"
"… are you not angry?"
"Hm? Yeah, I'm mad. Mad that you just leave like that. But you probably have reasons for the suddenness. So, I was just wondering what's up? If it's hard to say, then you don't have to say it. I'll wait for you until you're comfortable enough to say it."
… Mokou couldn't believe her ears. Is this real life? He… worried for her? He entered this dead man forest… just for her? He searched high and lows… for her? Is he an idiot? Mokou already knows that he is. But, maybe idiot is the wrong word. She looks to the eyes that she had been trying to avert. She could see it: flames. Flames that no matter the environment, will never goes out. The drive of the man that exceed an average person. But the main caveat of this is, all of this, for Mokou. For her. A murderer. A sinner. Sure, he may have not known, but Mokou's heart is thumping. It gets faster. Louder. Louder than usual. Louder than the time that he had fought the princess. She started breathing heavily. This feeling in her heart. She understands what Keine meant now. What her dream had said to her. She needs to say something but before she could think of what to say, her mouth speaks for her,
"I love you…"
then silence. Silence from the man, and from Mokou. No one makes a move. Only the rustling of the bamboo leaves could be heard. Mokou had done it. She had achieved her goal. Her goal for the date today. Yes, her goal: to confess. It takes everything from her: her physical strength, her mental strength, her resolution. Just for today. She wears something that she had never wears. She tries something that she hasn't done before. All for this day. And now, she waits. Wait for the response of the one she had confessed to. The silence is killing her. Ironic, because immortals could not be killed. Then, the man opens his mouth. And, something unexpected happens: he laughs.
"Ahahahaha. Oh man, good one Mokou!" he laughs, clutching on his stomach, "You got me! Ahahaha," he continues to laugh. Mokou sits there, dumbfounded by his reaction, "Hah, I see. You're trying to punk me! Look, I know that I might have called you a boy before, but you don't have to do all this just to prove yourself you're a girl! I mean, I get the message already," she points to what Mokou is currently wearing. Something different from the norm that she always does. Hearing that, Mokou laughs as well,
"A-ahaha, yeah. I got you good, right?!" Mokou gives the biggest grin she could muster. Despite that, a certain shakiness could be heard from her voice, like she's trying to hold back, "So, what do you think?" Mokou twirls around.
"Hahaha, yeah, you got me. You look so good in that, man! But yeah, I preferred the normal you more, man!" he smiles. How painful that smile is, "And that confession, and icing on the cake! Made my heart skip a beat!" that's the worst thing you could have said.
"Well, I am good at surprising people. Isn't the gap beautiful?" Mokou proudly points to herself.
"Yeah, it was amazing. Hey, maybe we can use this for our next plan? I think this would really shake the princess!"
"Hahaha of course. Maybe she'll even fall for you," the disgusting feeling is back. Contain it, Mokou. Contain it. Afterwards, the two planned put their next tactic and before the sun sets, Mokou send the man out of the forest. Mokou takes her leave while the man does the same.
During his walk, the man recalls back to how Mokou look. She was different. Very different. She looks so beautiful. The sun that shines behind her and her flowing hair, it breathes femininity. This is increased tenfold because Mokou have never act this girly before. And when she confessed to him,
"I love you…"
his heart skipped a beat. It was… something. He would have accepted her confession there and there, but he instead laughs at it. This disgusting man just laughs. He knows that it is awful for him to do so. But, he panicked. He was afraid. Because, if he does agree to her confession, their relationship will change. Their status quo will be different. Instead of a friend, she will become his lover. And of course, that does sounds wonderful to hear that from a girl, but he just couldn't. Because his eyes are set on the princess. And trampling on that ideal is similar to trampling on his self. Because of that, he lied. He lied to Mokou. He lied thinking that it is a joke. Mokou looked serious when she confessed. Thankfully, Mokou played it off as well. Mokou seems to not want to change the status quo as well.
…
But, his heart starts to waver. The mind of Mokou confessing is re-playing in his mind. All of the idea that he has for the princess is overwritten by Mokou. He now imagines going on dates with her. Or how wonderful for them to stay together. But not now. He can't. Betraying his ideals is worse than death.
Because of that, he proposes something. After the 100th tries, he would stop. He would stop with the childish dreams of his. Because now, he finds someone that actually loves him. He doesn't know what Mokou see in him, because he, himself, knows that he is an idiot. A nobody. His friend even reminds him at times. However, he doesn't want to trample on his friend confession. He will respect it. Who cares of his ideals! Today, instead of his usual walk, he runs. Where to? Who knows? Today, he wants to get a clearer mind. And what better than running to get the brain engine running? So, he runs.
It is now night, Mokou is currently walking in the bamboo forest. Her destination: unknown. After sending the man home, she walks. She had been walking for a while without a set destination. Her mind right now is in disarray. She failed. Her confession failed. She had muster everything that she has, but it was shot down. By the man that she now realized, she loved. After all this time. The memories kept on replaying in her mind. How embarrassing. For Mokou, to fail that spectacularly. She had thought highly of herself. How could she have won, against the princess of the moon? She had stolen everything from her. Her father, her childhood, and now… However, the last part has no relation to the princess. Mokou is only trying to find someone that she could blame. She hates it. Hates the fact that she would go that far to shift the blame of herself. As she was walking, she could hear rustling, from one of the bamboos. She paid it no mind and kept walking. But then, emerges someone. Someone that she knows far too well. It is her rival for eternity. There, she stood in front of Mokou.
"Ah, there you are! Where have you been? We were supposed to fight today. What? Did you get cold feet? Did the mighty phoenix get cold, or maybe, she turned to a chicken?" Kaguya laughs while mocking Mokou. However, Mokou did not respond. She only walks forward, "Hm? What's this? Did I hear no quips from you, or is the phoenix flame had lost its flame?" Kaguya mocks again. And again, Mokou stays silent. She only walks, "Okay, Mokou, it's not fun when I'm the only one egging you. This feels like I'm bullying you. Can you at least say something?" silence from the phoenix, "A-ah I see! This is a trick! To lower my guard! How dirty of you~! But no matter, I have already seen through you, and nothing that you can do could stop me and," during the princess's monologue, Mokou had reached the princess, her head rest on her shoulder, "Le-let go of m-" before the princess pushes Mokou off, she stops. She could feel a slight wetness on her shoulder. The princess, despite being the rival for Mokou, is no demon. If there is something wrong with her opponent. She would help them. And that is why,
"… why don't we sit down first?" the princess suggests.
Thus, the two finds a place to sit down. Kaguya and Mokou sits apart from each other. Silence from the two. Kaguya doesn't know what to do. This is a different side of Mokou that she had never seen before. Million question comes to mind, but none sounds like something that could alleviate the situation. So, silence fills the area. But then, Mokou starts to speak,
"Hey, Kaguya," her voice sounds a bit sad, hoarse even, "Am I not a girl?"
"? What is this? A dumb question? Well, obvious when it comes from you," Kaguya snidely remarks. She just couldn't let go of her venomous tongue, huh?
"I mean… with my appearance right now… I won't be considered a girl? Am I?" Kaguya stays silent from Mokou questions. She doesn't understand. Why is she speaking like this? Mokou continues, "Because… I'm different from you," hearing that perks Kaguya awake. What is going on? "I don't have flowing black hair. Like you. I don't have a feminine figure. Like you. I don't have a softer way of speaking. Like you. I don't have a feminine hobby. Like you," Mokou compares herself to Kaguya. She doesn't like hearing this, "I mean… I'm not pretty. I'm not feminine. I'm just… a failure," Kaguya head starts to boil, "A nobody. No match for you. Never, could I reach your beauty."
Silence. Then Kaguya stands up. She gets closer to Mokou. She picks Mokou up by the collar and slap her face hard. No restraint in her strength. Because of that, Mokou falls over. That seems to get Mokou out of her funk, as she immediately screams,
"Ow! What was that for, Kag-" before she could finish, Kaguya sits on top of the fallen Mokou, another slap comes from the princess. And another. And another. The barrage doesn't stop until the princess is satisfied. Then, she picks Mokou by the collar again,
"I don't care if you berate me," Kaguya starts, "I don't care, if you say bad things about me. I don't care, if you compliment me. I don't care, what you have done to me. But I really hate… I hate that you belittle yourself like this!" screams the princess, "Don't you ever dare belittle Mokou like that! I don't care if it's you yourself doing it, but don't ever do so! Mokou is not like what you mentioned! She is strong! Stronger than anybody that I have fought! Her determination is off the charts! No way in hell would she ever devalue herself like this! She is beautiful! The danmaku that she displays everytime, would light up the darkness, and brings forth warm to people! Sometimes I feel jealous of you! You have the freedom to do whatever you wished yet you chose this mundane life! I'm jealous of how you managed to live! Despite being alone, you're strong. Whereas I still need the help of Eirin and the others! So never again. Never. Again. Say that you are a failure! This isn't the Mokou that I know! Where has she gone? The Mokou that would fight tooth and nail to kill this piece of beauty here! Where is she gone? Where is the fire in your eyes? The determination that you have to live? Where has it gone? Where have 'you' gone you imposter?!" Kaguya finishes. She choked on her last line. Mokou lays there in silence. Then, she laughs. She laughs and laughs. This, however, anger the princess.
"Huh?! What's so funny?!" anger and embarrassment set in. Kaguya realized that she had said some embarrassing things to Mokou.
"No, it's just… I can't believe that's what you thought about me! Ahahaha," Mokou laughs. Kaguya faces turn redder than a tomato.
"Ye-yeah well, I only said those things in the spur of the moment. In no way form or shape that that is what I thought of you! Don't you ever dare think that!"
"Ahahaha, yeah, yeah…" Mokou finishes laughing. Her mind feels a bit clearer now. Kaguya is right. This isn't like her at all. The Mokou that she knows wouldn't give up like this. She would pursue her interest to the end. Similar to killing this person right here. How long has it been that Mokou had this feeling? This forgotten feeling. However, it came back. And there is one target that she sought out. But before that,
"Thanks, Kaguya," a sincere thank you came from Mokou's mouth. This sudden thanks makes Kaguya a bit flustered, but she managed to keep her composure.
The goal is set. Mokou knows what she has to do. Her mind is much clearer. There is only one thing that she has on her mind: the man. Nothing more, nothing else. She will use everything in her power to achieve her goal. Similar to how she killed the man to live an immortal's life. Similar to how she fought off all the youkai in the world so that she won't go bored. Similar to how she fought, with the princess of the moon, to satiate her life. Her flame now rekindled. She will do what it takes for the man to fall for her. Even if it takes her until his lifespan. She will do it. This is also his fault in the first place. How dare he had fallen in love with another immortal when an immortal is right here in his face. Also, no more pretending. If Mokou can't be her ideal women, then she will change his mine. Everything for her goal. The phoenix has found her prey. And she will chase until his lifespan end.