A wick wrapped in wax, away in its case
Shining bright ev'ry night without fail
It burns to no end, down to the base
The poor candle's just terribly frail
Remnants of a smoldering wick
The smoke deters passersby
It keeps burning, hoping
A soul watches it die
Sputtering, alone
Wax long melted
The wick says
"Goodbye."
Fury
Born of grief
It spreads the smoke
Where all hear its cry
What greets the duo is a fusion of fantastic and familiar, a sprawling city where buildings scraping the space above them surround steadily shrinking neighbors. At the center is a district full of architecture that aligns more closely with the duo's experience, where curved eaves line the roofs.
Shin makes a few rudimentary hand signs directed at Seija, the meaning of which they decided on the night before. Nodding, Seija grabs her partner and descends from the tree, ensuring they stay obscured relative to the capital. She does her best not to make direct contact with anything more than necessary, minimizing all sound they make.
We should thank Eirin for her trap; it made us realize how sensitive rabbit hearing is. Reisen heard just as well as Tewi, so it doesn't matter if they're from Earth or the Moon. I'm guessing the only reason they didn't hear us sneak in was because of how noisy preparations for the expo were.
Once near ground level, the duo rapidly scans their vicinity for patrols once more. They wordlessly skulk towards the capital upon determining the coast is clear. Shin positions herself between the back of Seija's head and scarf so as to keep watch on their rear, shrinking her bowl to keep it out of the way.
Don't speak unless required, don't walk and leave tracks, don't even scrape against a tree or branch. They could be anywhere at any time.
The thicket is such that they cannot see too far in any direction and only get glimpses of outer space visible above them, Earth included. Or at least, Seija assumes it is outer space and not just nighttime as it exists on the Moon.
Can't see the Sun anywhere. …If I remember right, the Lunar Capital is supposed to be on the Moon's far side. Why can we see Earth?
Shin taps Seija's shoulder to say something out of habit, causing the latter to turn her head, but stops herself before the words leave her mouth. She crosses her arms, racking her brain for a way to communicate the thought that came to mind.
Most of the signs we made and memorized deal with movement and battle tactics…
The sight of Shin's pouting causes Seija to crack a grin despite herself. Relenting, Shin waves off the issue and signifies they should keep moving.
Guess it's not that important. We can get away with talking more once we reach a populated area.
Five minutes pass without incident. In terms of area, the earlier vantage point made it clear to the duo how much smaller the Lunar Capital's total landmass is compared to Gensokyo. Going from the beach to the capital proper would, in their estimation, only take about seven or eight minutes at full tilt. Faster folks like Aya or Marisa could make the trip in even less time. However, they move slower to avoid unnecessary risk. Seija ponders this other world during the downtime.
From where we came in, that sea seems to stretch forever, well beyond the horizon. But it looked tangible - real - and was only on this side of the capital. I didn't see much besides trees on the opposite side from the vantage point. Trying to make out anything too far past there started to make everything blend together endlessly, just like the barrier around Gensokyo. Hatate was right on the money. It's like the barrier here forms a long, thin line that stretches around the sea and ends at the capital. Wonder how far the sea goes…
The next moment, they hear the faintest sound somewhere to Seija's right. It only takes a second for them to be hidden in the nearest bushes, taking care not to rustle any leaves and staying suspended above the ground. Then they wait. And wait. Sixty seconds pass.
"…walk in peace?"
"…deepest apologies…was ordered by…"
The voices come steadily closer. Seija's focus is locked in their direction, her body not even rising and falling to breathe. Shin, however, notices something about the lone branch of a short tree next to their hiding place. She, rougher than intended, pats the back of Seija's head and points to their right. Stunning jewels that encompass every color of the rainbow, larger and more beautiful than either have ever seen, seem to be growing out of the branch.
Gems?! Can Lunarians grow them? I've noticed a few like it among the peach trees so far. They've all looked nearly dead, or at least dormant. Didn't pay them much mind, though. Why is this one blooming now?
"Tell her I'm on my way back, then," says a voice that would sound serene were it not for the hint of annoyance behind that statement.
"Understood! And once again, I'm terribly sorry to have bothered you!" says a squeakier and clearly panicked voice.
The voices are getting louder. Maybe we should cut off the branch? It could draw their attention over here if they see it actively growing, but a rabbit might hear us chop it.
With a decidedly gentler tone, the first speaker replies, "Take this for your troubles, I appreciate your effort in finding me."
"T-thank you very much!"
Once the sound of the second speaker's running fades from earshot, the first speaker muses, "What a cute new recruit. I hope Yori hasn't been too harsh with her."
'Recruit' means the person who left was probably a rabbit. This is our best opportunity.
Seija does a slicing motion at the branch while looking at Shin to convey her idea. Immediately understanding, Shin unsheathes her needle and performs a rapid grow-and-shrink maneuver where she leaps up, slices off the bejeweled branch, and brings it back down into their hiding place. The nearly inaudible whistle of the needle slicing through the air and wood is the only sound she makes.
Nice! She's gotten good with that thing, even Youmu'd be jealous of how clean that cut was. Must've sharpened the edges of her needle, too.
Following the successful pruning, a woman wearing a white bonnet emerges from the foliage, humming a soft tune. Seija immediately recognizes her.
She's one of the people from that dream soul with the Lunarians!
Shin wordlessly shrinks Seija to maximize their chances of remaining undetected, resulting in them floating side-by-side a centimeter off the ground. They had kept Seija her regular size on arrival since that allows them to move much quicker; should they need to hide, they already agreed Shin would shrink her without a signal.
"Hm?"
Piercing golden eyes stare directly at the freshly shaved tree. Without the duo realizing, its branch had already begun growing back; however, its rate of growth seems to have severely decreased. If before its pace was comparable to the second hand of a clock, now its speed matches the minute hand.
What the hell is this thing? Is it… reacting to us?
The lady in blue approaches their hiding place, stopping close enough that she could grab them. Crouching down, she brushes her hand along the short tree's new branch. Slight crackles sporadically escape it, signifying the supernatural growth.
"Someone…" the woman trails off. She scans the area, her earlier humming now much punchier. Standing up straight and stretching her arms over her head, she says, "Well, I suppose I was already off to see Yori." With her parting words directed at no one but herself, she strolls away without a care.
The duo waits until they can no longer hear her plus another thirty seconds just to be safe. Seija makes a motion with her hand mimicking a moving mouth, deciding that her being small while away from the capital is their best opportunity to exchange a few words.
"I bet that gal holds some sway around here," says Seija.
Shin nods. "You think 'Yori' is the Yorihime woman that Reimu mentioned?"
"Mhm. And I bet I know what she looks like now."
"How could you-"
"I saw a dream soul while we were separated before. It had Sagume Kishin, Eirin, and two women I didn't know. That lady we just saw is one of them. The two had kinda similar outfits, one blue and the other red; my money's on them having the same rank. The one just now said 'Yori' super casually, so they must be close."
"Convenient you saw that," says Shin after a moment's consideration, "but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth. Seems like they know we're here cause of that weird tree."
"They think we were here. Far as they know, we left after stealing a branch with valuable gems. I don't what about us specifically triggers this thing's growth, but it lessened when you shrunk me. We can leverage that. It's gonna make the trip longer, but keep me small for a while. Let's also steer clear of any trees like this we see. With some luck, we won't set off another one and they'll think we turned around here."
"We might've set off more of these on the way here. Plus there's no way they take a sign of invasion that lightly."
"Maybe, but they'll be preoccupied securing the areas with trees that show growth. That draws attention away from where we're going."
Shin sighs. "How'd I know our 'recon' mission would get so involved?"
"Hey, it's way more boring this way."
"I knew you'd say that, too."
A toad hops down the road
"Oh dear, oh dear," it repeats
The poor toad is quite stressed!
And rather indiscreet
/
Along strolls a passerby
(who's ever eager to aid)
They see the panicked toad
And ask, "Why so afraid?"
/
"It's gone, it's gone!" it says
"Please tell me, what did you lose?"
The toad trembles, speechless
"Okay, don't blow a fuse"
/
So they search without end
But the toad keeps trembling
"It would help to tell me…"
They keep on questioning
/
The toad, weary from walking
Finds comfort in its new friend
It decides to trust them
And put this to an end
/
"I was given, I was-"
The toad's words catch in its throat
But the friend waits, at ease
Quite used to the toad's rote
/
"Couldn't choose, couldn't choose…
But I- But I had to!"
The friend smiles gently
"A choice you can't undo?"
/
"Yes, yes," the toad sobs out
"So what did you choose?" they ask
"To drink it, to drink-"
The toad is then squashed
Fifteen minutes later, the foliage begins thinning enough for the tiny duo to finally see buildings ahead.
Alright. Think we avoided the rest of those weird trees. No signs of guards in this area, either.
Ever cautious, the duo slinks towards an alley between two of the massive structures ahead. The one on their left has windows with glass panes; rows of them stretch all the way to the top, each line separated by roughly three meters. Neither of them see movement behind the windows on ground level, though their small size makes gauging that difficult. Upon reaching the alley, they faintly hear the din of civilization from the street beyond it.
"With the extra noise, it should be safe to talk openly provided we aren't very loud," says Seija.
Shin, studying the area, says, "So what's the play? If they suspect there's an intruder, I'm not sure our original idea of me carrying you around is the safest option."
"Based on everything we've seen, the capital's perimeter doesn't have a strict checkpoint system or barricade. That means we don't need a hard and fast escape route. If things go sideways, we can just run."
"And that's one thing we're good at."
"Among others. Doesn't seem possible for them to box us in even if we loiter here a while. We're golden unless they catch us dead to rights."
"So we stick to the plan and adapt as needed."
"Yep. Right now I want to make a beeline for the capital's center; that's where the more traditional buildings are. I'm betting the good stuff's in one of those, most likely the palace or one of the structures near it."
"This trip was supposed to just be recon."
"And we'll try to keep it that way. But if we have to fight our way out, a Lunarian weapon or two could help."
"Only if there's no other option, alright?"
Their plan of action decided, Shin grows and dons her favorite incognito hat before making her way down the alley with Seija in her sleeve. Yet they aren't halfway to the capital's outermost street when two rabbits wearing matching white caps, dark blazers, and light skirts turn the corner and march in their direction. Neither pay any mind to the old hat on the ground.
"-a Waning Gibbous," says one with a calm expression.
The antsier one behind her says, "It's my first time doing this, will everything be okay?"
"Don't worry, last time we got this alert, we squashed the problem easily."
"O-okay! Thank you for being so reliable…"
The more experienced soldier looks back and grins. "Heh, you'll be the same someday soon. Just follow my lead." Her junior merely blushes and nods as both head into the forest.
Shin waits for their footsteps to fade before whispering, "Today's Moon phase is a waning crescent, not a gibbous. That sounded more like a proper name for something."
"Maybe a code name for the alert they mentioned, but we'll be fine," says Seija, grinning at her partner.
"'Thank you for being so reliable'," Shin repeats, batting her eyes excessively. Seija merely rolls her own. "Anyway, let's get back to it."
They make their way to the alley's exit - with Shin no longer small - and take in the sights. Lunarians, outwardly similar to the average human villager, and moon rabbits go about their day. Some move with purpose, likely having somewhere to be; others saunter along, often stopping to chat with those they recognize. The main difference between them and Gensokyo's folks is fashion, with many wearing slick clothes that reminds the duo of outside world magazines they scavenged over the years. Some still dress traditionally, though, so the kimono-clad Shin discreetly slides onto the road as if she belongs. No one in the area bats an eye. To the duo's estimation, this street belongs to a business district, as they cannot see any restaurants or other places for leisure.
Only a moderate amount of foot traffic, which makes sense. Doubt a place on the outskirts with nothing fun to do gets many visitors. None of the rabbits here are in uniform so either they're on leave or not required to enlist.
And so Shin begins in earnest her peaceful, albeit tense, journey through the Lunar Capital. She holds her arms together, each hand going into the opposite sleeve to fully cover them. Seija, for her part, looks through a nearly imperceptible hole in Shin's right sleeve they poked out prior for this purpose.
The capital's raw size is pretty comparable to the village. Denser for sure and much bigger buildings, but the diameter seems smaller without even taking into account the village's farmland. Speaking of, with the whole perimeter surrounded by forest and nothing but ocean past it, where do they make food? I guess the Moon's dark side lacks sunlight- Wait, where does the light here come from? Is it artificially infused within the barrier? Does the barrier somehow project space from the near side? That would explain how Earth's visible. But then, do they not have a day/night cycle? Is it always bright? Does that affect people's sleep? …Do people here sleep? I guess someone in that dream soul had to be the source…
"Y'know how the barriers here and back home make the edge look like the same landscape stretching forever?" Shin whispers, unprompted.
The question distracts Seija from her thoughts' exponential growth. "Uh, yeah?"
"How do you think that effect is achieved?"
"I'm guessing you want a better answer than 'magic'."
"All magic has rules, right? At least any magic I've seen. My mallet can probably do almost anything but has rules governing it. If we figure out the barriers' rules-"
"Knowing the rules of how to use something isn't the same as understanding its underlying systems."
"How do you mean?"
"Say you wanna make something, like dango-"
"Are all your analogies gonna include dango now?"
"It seemed fitting, given earlier. But to my point, you might know how it or any other food is made in a rough sense, but not strictly what governs its flavor."
"I mean, I have a decent idea. There's, what, five major flavor groups that determine how food is perceived? At least for humans and adjacent species like me, not sure if a youkai like you is different-"
"Okay fine new analogy: you like to read, right?"
"Well, yeah."
"You understand how to use a book?"
"I know how to read and turn pages, yes."
"Alright, now tell me how to actually write a novel, as in figuring out a satisfying and engaging storyline."
"I've dabbled in some amateur writing."
"What? Really?"
"With years of downtime to pass, you try anything that comes to mind. I remember first thinking a good story needed a certain number of chapters cause all my favorites had at least sixteen," says Shin, doing her best to maintain a neutral expression as some conversing Lunarians come closer. She leans against a nearby wall and places her right hand on her neck as if stretching, which lets Seija speak even softer while still being audible.
"Oooookay. Then tell me how the book is physically made. Tell me how to distribute it. All of this, in detail."
"Alright, in seriousness, I see your point. Don't just rely on observation; we need to get at the inner workings."
"Then why'd you string me along?!"
"Cause it's funny seeing you try to avoid a question you can't answer."
"…Look, there might be some actually accessible documentation here we can learn from. It'll be leagues better than anything from the village's chronicle, at least."
"Ain't that the truth."
"So better that than random guesswork, yeah?"
"Agreed. We have other stuff to focus on right now anyway."
A light flips on in Seija's mind. "Was this what you wanted to talk about back in the woods?"
"Yeah. Were you thinking the same thing?"
"Oh absolutely. This place is nonsensical."
"So we'll be right at home."
There was a time, once, when I found love.
Every look, every whisper, made my heart dance.
I never expected it to last; happiness rarely does.
Someday one would die, leaving the other alone.
/
I made peace with that.
/
But is it a sin to wish, to pray, to yearn for a long life together?
To hold each other for thousands of years until the Sun stops rising?
Some find beauty in transience.
I did not count myself among them.
/
My spirit is ugly, covered in warts.
Maybe that is what blinded me.
To be so focused on love, yet not see the one behind it.
And so I acted in fear.
/
At least a candle is beautiful.
The duo does not see much of note until fifteen minutes later. By Seija's estimation, they are roughly halfway to the capital's central district when Shin reaches a break in all the tightly squeezed buildings.
Is this… a park?
Her guess appears correct, with scattered benches lining the grassy clearing. However, no play areas are set up, nor are there any gardens. Not even food stalls grace the small plot.
"Pretty lame excuse for a park," Shin mutters.
"If there's not much to see, might as well move-" Seija stops short when she spots two people on the far side from where they are. One bears a rabbit's distinctive ears but otherwise wears drab civilian clothes; the Lunarian she speaks to is quite elegant in comparison, whose blue and white ensemble strikes a familiar chord. "We need to go. Now."
"Way ahead of you," says Shin, already turning around when a voice calls out.
"Pardon me, young lady, could I borrow you for a moment?" Shin freezes. Seija can feel her partner tremble slightly, clearly contemplating making a break for it. The voice sounds again, "I'm terribly sorry, did you hear me? If it's no trouble, I could use a hand."
"You're alright," says Seija. "Just tell her you stopped here briefly but have an appointment you can't be late for."
Clearing her throat, Shin slowly looks back and replies, "I'm on my way to meet someone. Don't wanna keep them waiting. If you'll excuse me…"
"Oh that won't do," says the bonnet-wearing woman they saw in the forest. "Normally I wouldn't want to be such a bother, but I'd really appreciate your help. Consider it a royal request. I'll be happy to go with you and apologize when we're done if you'd like!"
Despite their trepidation, the duo cannot help but feel disarmed by her affable cadence. Every word is slathered in sweet honey, enticing passersby with its aroma.
If she's royalty, it'd be bad if we refused…
Shin wordlessly comes to the same conclusion and, hesitation bogging down each step, crosses the park.
"Thank you, truly." The woman's smile is among the warmest either Seija or Shin have seen. "I wouldn't want to condescend by acting like you don't know my name, so let me introduce you to Reisen," she says, gesturing to the moon rabbit next to her.
…Is that name common here?
"I-I can introduce myself, Lady Toyohime!" says Reisen, bowing towards Shin.
'Toyohime', huh?
Bowing in return, Shin says, "I'm… Jin." Facing Toyohime, she adds, "My sincerest apologies, milady, I didn't realize it was you from so far."
"It's no problem. And please, don't feel you need to stand on ceremony. Now then, here I thought I knew all the regulars around this park, but it's my first time seeing you. New to the area?"
"Yes. Honestly, I was a little lost. Finally got my bearings when I found this place. Was surprised to see it over here."
Toyohime chuckles. "It is odd, isn't it? Sticks out given the district. Still, I imagine the people who work here appreciate having some green to bask in every little while."
"…Mhm."
They might appreciate it more if there were something to do.
"Anyway!" Toyohime brings her hands together. "Reisen here works under my sister and me, but today's her day off. I ran into her on my way while on a stroll and simply had to play with her a bit, no hierarchy involved."
I'm sure she's thrilled to be with her boss on her day off.
"So what do you need me for?" Shin asks, maintaining her cool.
"To officiate!"
"Eh?"
"You're not the first that Lady Toyohime has asked," Reisen explains. "It's simple: come up with a simple game we can play verbally or with what's on hand, nothing physical. She and I will play and you'll determine the winner." Her apologetic expression makes clear just how many Toyohime has put on the spot in the past, with Shin as the latest.
Wonder how many of this rabbit's days off have been interrupted by bonnet's whims.
"Alright, I understand. Give me a moment," says Shin. Given how barren the park is, she does not bother scanning for props, instead opting to close her eyes and think. A few moments later, she says, "How about two truths and a lie? Both of you take turns coming up with three facts about yourself, but make up one of them. If one person guesses the other's lie, they win. If you both guess correctly, we can keep going until a winner is decided if that's desired. Lastly, to ensure everyone's playing honestly, whisper to me what the lie is before you start so I can verify."
Is she trying to dig for info? Smart.
"Hm, more original than the word chain games usually suggested," says Toyohime.
Reisen adds, "But I'm no good at lying! She'll know which isn't true just from looking at me!"
"Why not let Jin be the mouthpiece, then? Neither of us can look at each other until the game ends."
Shin, while surprised by the suggestion, says, "I don't mind. Provided you're okay with it, Reisen."
"Um, that's fine with me," Reisen answers. "Maybe this time I'll win!"
Nodding, Toyohime next asks, "And what's the reward for winning? The penalty for losing?"
"Personally, I think winning's a good reward in itself," Shin replies.
"And losing?"
"A frustration you can use to fuel future attempts at victory."
"My, you've got quite a competitive streak behind that formality, don't you? You must like games."
Shin smiles in spite of her nerves. "I appreciate a good contest. Proving your worth, especially to those above you, can be a lotta fun."
"Now I finally feel you're opening up with us!"
Try not to get too friendly.
Reapplying her formal façade, Shin says, "Apologies if it seemed I was trying to conceal myself somehow. Are you confident in your ability to read people, milady?"
"When you're in a position like mine, it's important to gauge the motivations of those around you. I'm not so arrogant as to believe I can read others' minds, though." Gazing up at Earth, she adds, "Thinking you totally understand someone is far too easy a pitfall to find yourself in."
…Not as full of herself as I expected.
"But enough of that, let's play!" says Toyohime, her cheeriness persisting unabated. "You should go first, Reisen."
"Yes ma'am! I already have my three facts picked out." Reisen then approaches and whispers to Shin, "First, I've won more Lunar Defense Corps shogi tournaments than any other rabbit. Second, I once managed to land a hit on Lady Yorihime in training. Third, and this is the lie, I've seen Lady XX."
Huh…? I didn't catch the name. And why's seeing this person so notable?
Once Reisen has returned to Toyohime's side, Shin begins repeating the facts.
After the first one, Toyohime interrupts. "Have you ever beaten Yori at shogi?"
"Well, no…" says Reisen. "But she doesn't join our game nights very often. And last time she did, I got pretty close! I'll beat her one day!"
Good job tipping your hand. A story like that makes it clear the first thing's true.
Once Shin says the second fact, Toyohime lets out a small laugh, but does not say anything else.
"And the third is…" Shin trails off.
Did she not hear the name either?
Soon enough, she says, "…that she saw someone she wouldn't be able to normally."
"Oh?" Toyohime tilts her head. "A riddle, is it?"
"T-that's not quite it. What I said was that I've seen Lady XX," says Reisen.
Again, I can't understand her. What's the deal?
"Now Reisen, many might feel uncomfortable discussing her. Be more considerate."
"Yes ma'am…"
The stigma around this person just bailed us out. But why can't I understand the name?
"More to the point, surely you aren't using a game to admit to a crime?" Toyohime asks, lighthearted as ever.
The rabbit's ears stand on end. "H-huh? But I didn't say how I happened to see her! It could have been above board!"
"Well? Was it?"
"Uh… I… When I said that, I wasn't exactly…"
A few seconds pass before Toyohime begins laughing even more than before. "I must say, I'm impressed. Landing a hit on Yori's no small feat."
"Huh?!"
"The lie is the third statement."
"…Correct," says Shin. She keeps a straight face, but Seija feels her body tense up.
Bonnet intimidated her into basically admitting she didn't have a story to back-up the claim, all without them looking at each other.
"Lady Toyohime! Scaring me like that's hardly fair!"
"Sorry, sorry. Yori knows that I often spend time with you and the others, so she asked me to try and include a lesson every little while. Remember to keep your cool next time, alright? You genuinely had me perplexed. If you hadn't reacted that way, I probably would've been forced to guess."
"U-understood."
"Though do tell, how did you get one over Yori? I'd love to tease her about it later."
"She wanted to practice dodging without relying on her sword for blocking, so she had the whole corp fire on her. It was also to serve as target practice for us. I just got lucky after a while when her fatigue set in…"
"Oh? Was she practicing for those danmaku duels Earthlings love so much?"
"I assume so. This was years ago, though, and it only happened the one time."
"Surprised she never told me," Toyohime muses. "Still, seems I win this round. If I can get Reisen to guess wrong, I win the game, right Jin?"
"Yeah. Otherwise you can call it a draw or go again," says Shin.
The princess nods and approaches Shin. The latter, and Seija in her sleeve, stay completely still.
If she can clock us as Earthlings somehow, we're gonna have to fight our way out.
After what feels like an hour to them, Toyohime's honey-laced words slide into Shin's ear. "First, I'm better at games than Yori. It depends on what we're playing, but I'd estimate our record to be around 65-35 in my favor."
Seija relaxes at the game proceeding normally.
Okay, we're clear for now.
However, with Toyohime so close, Seija cannot see her face from inside the sleeve. The slightest amount of sweat from Shin's arm moistens Seija's hand.
Huh?
"Second, just today, I saw some intruders right outside the capital."
No. Nonono.
Her composure cracking, Shin blurts out, "What?! If that's true-"
"Don't worry, silly. That's the lie," Toyohime whispers.
…What?
"Um, is something wrong?" Reisen asks, surprised at Shin's outburst.
"It's nothing," says Shin. "The princess just has some fascinating facts. Couldn't believe them at first."
Toyohime's whispers continue. "Good recovery. I think I'd enjoy playing a game with you sometime, but let's focus on the current one for now." She pauses briefly. "Since that lie was in poor taste, here's a different one: my favorite food is mochi."
What is this woman playing at? Was she trying to gauge Shin's reaction? Does she suspect something?
"Lastly - and this is true, to be clear - I've read a good deal of Earthling literature." With that, Toyohime steps away, allowing Seija to see her expression. Nothing about it has changed or indicates concern.
Shin clears her throat and starts listing off the facts. The first earns a simple nod from Reisen, the second causes her head to tilt similar to her boss's earlier, and the third sees her arms cross.
"Hmmm, I know you like mochi, milady, but I have a hard time believing you prefer it to peaches." Reisen's ears twitch. "I also don't always recognize the languages your books are written in, despite my literacy improving a good bit."
Toyohime simply hums.
Reisen nods to herself once more, an act of self-assurance, and says, "I'll go with the second one! That's the lie!"
"Correct," says Shin, less than enthusiastic.
"Yes!" Reisen cheers, pumping her first.
Great, since it's a draw we're stuck for another-
Toyohime abruptly cuts in, "I don't want to hold you up, Jin, so please don't feel you need to keep playing with us here."
"H-huh?" Shin blinks a few times. "Um, if you're sure, milady. Thank you."
"Though before you go, are you headed towards the palace? If so, we can walk together. You mentioned needing to meet with someone and I do owe them an apology for keeping you."
…Not good. Tell her no, Shin.
"Oh, uh, I could hardly ask that of you-"
"So you are headed towards the city center, then?"
Crap. She got too caught up in acting formal.
Toyohime presses further. "Then please, I insist."
"…I welcome the company," says Shin with a bow.
"I appreciate it just as much; it's not like I can take away all of Reisen's day off."
Right on cue, Reisen says, "I-I don't mind!"
"Come now, even I realize when I'm being overbearing. Go and see your other friends. Gods know you see me nearly every day already."
"If you insist, but… I really do enjoy spending leisure time with you, for what that's worth. I-I realize I'm just a rabbit, so-"
"Enough of that, no need to couch yourself in such terms. Now go on."
"Y-yes ma'am! And thank you!" After giving a salute with her face beaming, Reisen heads out, a spring in her step.
I… Huh. What was that about?
Once Reisen turns the corner, Toyohime says, "Let me ask you something, Jin: do you think I'm denigrating myself, interacting with Reisen in such a way?"
"…That's a loaded question, milady," Shin replies.
"You think so?"
"…"
"…Maybe it is. Shall we be off?"
Love is patient.
Love is kind.
Love is the force that binds.
/
Love makes you strong.
Love makes you wise.
Love makes you go 'til you die.
/
Love helps you listen.
Love helps you grow.
Love helps you survive your woes.
/
Love blinds you.
Love tries you.
Love throws you from view.
/
Love grows
and grows
and grows
and grows
and grows
and grows
and grows
and grows
and gr
"…I'm making you uncomfortable, aren't I?" says Toyohime, her usual cheeriness dulled.
"E-excuse me?" says Shin, stopping to look at her unwanted companion.
Since leaving the park, the two had been walking in relative silence for about fifteen minutes, only broken up by the occasional superficial comment. Many they passed did a double take upon noticing a princess, but otherwise went on as usual. Seija remains silent within Shin's sleeve as they near the capital's center. Currently, the group is on a quiet back road.
"You said differently earlier, but I imagine you were content being alone."
"Well, it's not a personal slight to you, I've just never been a people person."
That's a riot. She's hit it off with plenty of folks since first getting chummy with Reimu.
"I have a hard time believing that," Toyohime replies.
"Why?"
"You've been quite cordial with me, for starters. Even if it's out of deference for my position, it takes skill to be able to turn that behavior 'on', as it were."
"You flatter me, this is just how I am."
Toyohime smiles widely. "You're a good actor."
Yet again, her honeyed words hide a piercing suspicion that makes the duo's blood run cold.
"If you mean me hiding what your first lie was from Reisen, I just wanted to avoid making her panic."
"I suppose that's related, but not really what I mean."
"Then I'm afraid you've lost me, milady. Do you think I've lied to you somehow?"
"…Let me ask this: do you respect me? Be honest."
What? Of course we don't, by why…?
Shin takes a moment to consider. Her silence persists so long that Seija begins to gently tap her.
C'mon, get the lead out!
Finally, she says, "This is my first time meeting you, and during said time I've seen you strongarm your subordinate and me into playing a game despite our own plans. You then whispered outlandish things into my ear and proceeded to force your way into my commute after already realizing I would have preferred you not. Regardless of your position, I can't say your behavior has been 'respectable'."
There's such a thing as being too honest! What the hell are you-
"Pft, hahahahaha!" Despite how many times Seija and Shin have heard Toyohime laugh already, this instance strikes them as uniquely genuine. Less elegant, with even a hiccup in the middle. The display leaves Seija with her jaw hung open. "Oh my goodness, I needed that."
Shinmyoumaru Sukuna, while much more worldly wise than she was in years past, still would not consider herself Seija's equal when it comes to reading the moods of others and how to best aggravate or appeal to them. But one thing she has over her partner is extended casual experience with those in positions of power. There are times to appeal to their ego. There are times to be combative. And there are times it is best to offer nothing but blunt honesty.
After recovering, Toyohime says, "I can't remember the last time anyone besides Yori was so straight with me, and I'm married!"
Shin snickers a bit herself. "Do you still believe I'm acting?"
"You finally aren't anymore. I got a whiff of this strong personality of yours and had to see it in earnest. You've been walking on pins and needles since the moment you saw me. Don't think I didn't see through that lie about not recognizing who I was at the park."
"Ah, well, guilty as charged."
"I wish more people had your gumption! Everyone's always so eager to please."
"Well, if we're dropping all pretenses, why bother me so much?"
"Think of it as me keeping my hand on the pulse of the people. I need to learn how they see me, interact with me. Do they genuinely like having me around? If not, why? That sort of thing. So sometimes I'll strike up a conversation with someone on the street, maybe invite them to do something. I got the urge to call out to you the moment I saw how closed off your body language was. Maybe it's cruel of me, but I thought someone like that would give more honest reactions to my prodding."
It was certainly annoying.
"And do you always give everyone such a thorough rundown afterwards?" Shin asks.
"Most of the time I let them go when it's clear we're getting nowhere. You, however, strike me as someone who marches by the beat of her own drum. Being willing to use such a bold-faced lie like not recognizing me says a lot."
"…So, are we done for real now?"
"Almost, but there's one more thing to clear up."
What now?
"Why were you really in the area near the park? You clearly didn't recognize the area, but since we left you've taken the most direct route to the city center. Hard to believe you had to meet someone near here - a place you know better - when you were over there earlier."
She's wrong in such an odd way, but that's reassuring if anything. The way we're suspicious is like a townsperson hiding something rather than a foreigner wandering.
Choosing her words carefully, Shin says, "Would you be willing to accept that it isn't your business and move on now that we've ditched the pretenses?"
"I would say yes if not for one small problem." Toyohime's left hand juts out and grabs Shin's right arm - sleeve and all - between her wrist and Seija. "There's this lingering stench of impurity that's followed you this whole time."
Shin cannot bring a word to her lips, her shock momentarily paralyzing her.
She can detect us?! We need to run!
"It's not you, Jin. The impurity has latched onto you like a parasite. Stay calm and don't move a muscle."
Wha-?!
With one fluid motion, Toyohime grabs a hand fan attached to her belt while maintaining her grip on Shin's arm.
"The winds from this fan can purify large swathes of land at once, but that could cause mass destruction even here in a land as pure as the capital," she explains. "But, for an impurity as small and insidious as the one I feel on your arm, just smashing it with this should suffice. It might sting, though, so brace yourself."
"H-hold on a second!" Shin shouts, though her protests fall on deaf ears.
If Shin fights back, it'll blow everything! Which means…!
Seija squirms up Shin's sleeve and, after taking the slightest moment to steel herself, emerges from the right side of her partner's collar.
"There you are!" says Toyohime, a glint in her eye. She narrows her focus on Seija's small form, as if attempting something. But at the same time, Seija goes to invert Toyohime's sight, which requires much more exertion while small. The princess, who has little experience with direct combat, is thrown by the sudden disorientation. From the duo's perspective, she blinks out of existence for a second before popping back in, nearly falling over. "How did…?"
She can teleport?! Was she gonna take us somewhere? …I need to get away from Shin to keep the focus on me!
Seija flies off her partner and, as loud as her small stature can muster, shouts, "There's more where that came from!" Her tiny and high-pitched voice, while drawing the reoriented Toyohime's attention, does not add to the intimidation factor.
This is rapidly becoming a worst-case scenario. It's only a matter of time before someone comes to investigate the shouting. Normally we could restrain her, but she'll probably teleport out.
Shin clenches her fists nearby, clearly frustrated.
There has to be a way out of this that doesn't throw out all the effort spent to get this far. The palace is a stone's throw away!
"You're what I sensed traces of in the forest," says Toyohime, holding up her closed fan defensively. "I figured I could let Yori handle you; color me surprised when I felt your presence again when I whispered to Jin."
"Is that why you made such a weird face?" Shin asks.
That's what made Shin nervous.
"Yes. Same reason for the fake lie," Toyohime answers, not taking her eyes off Seija. "I couldn't feel any from you specifically, but needed to gauge if you were together. Seems it really is a lone agent. I can't blame you for not noticing, Jin; something is minimizing her impurity. I have no idea what."
Does she mean the Miracle Mallet?
"Regardless, I assume you're a youkai of some sort? The horns are a giveaway."
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Seija replies.
"How did you get here? Is this a declaration of war? Is that gap youkai behind this?"
"Don't associate me with that hag."
"So not with her, at least. Either way, if you know Yakumo, that confirms you're a youkai from Gensokyo."
"Tch."
Briefly looking back at Shin before returning her gaze to Seija, Toyohime says, "Why latch onto a civilian?"
Is she worried about Shin?
"…To hide my impurity. I figured one of you snobs would make good camouflage."
"I see. Since I instigated earlier in the heat of the moment, let me offer an apology and a deal."
"What…?"
"Submit yourself quietly now and I guarantee you'll be returned to Gensokyo unharmed after we've learned how and why you came here."
"Why do you think I'd ever agree to that?"
"Because it means no one here has to get hurt."
…I don't think she's lying. Maybe she's afraid I'll beat or escape from her since I threw her off balance earlier. She might also be looking out for the innocent 'civilian'. Or she's just buying time.
"Now be on your way, Jin," says Toyohime. "I'll follow up with you later. It's dangerous here."
While Seija weighs her options, Shin takes progressively softer steps towards Toyohime, simulating walking away.
Is she gonna whack her? That might be our only option, but if it doesn't knock her out-
However, after revealing the Miracle Mallet, Shin does not bring it down on Toyohime. She instead closes her eyes and mouths something Seija cannot make out. Toyohime seems to notice a presence behind her right as the mallet flashes, causing the princess to stop cold mid-turn. She does not move.
"What did you do?" Seija asks.
"I… made a wish," says Shin. "One that would remove all traces of you from her memory."
"That's- Huh. Isn't it risky to wish for such high-concept stuff?"
"Yes, but… I couldn't let it end like this. We're too close."
"…"
"I wracked my brain on what might count as the 'least' amount of work for the mallet. I figured removing solely you from her mind would let her retain most everything else up to now, so the wish should cost less."
"Still, something like that can't be cheap, right?"
"Right now, I feel the mallet's energy in her head. I won't know until afterwards if the power's waning. It should be done soon, so you need to go and do as much as you can while I finish up with her. We can meet at the edge of the forest near the passageway when you're done."
"It'll take me forever to move around while I'm small, though. And I can't switch sizes without you nearby."
"…Do you think you could use that trick you showed me before to bridge certain swathes of distances while small?"
"Hypothetically, maybe? But I bet it'd be mentally taxing."
"In that case, I can leave a trigger on you. I've actually been messing around with this idea since we made the giant dango for the festival."
"A trigger? What do you mean?"
"Basically, I implement a condition in the wish that would prompt the magic to be dispelled. With the dango, I wasn't practiced enough with the idea by the time we had to execute, so I did it the normal way. Since then, I ran some tests using playing cards-"
"Hold on," says Seija, raising a finger. "Did you cheat when we played Daifugō?"
"…Tenshi has cosmically good luck and you have the ability to overturn any situation. I was just making things fair."
I don't know whether to compliment or throttle her.
"Anyway, I can wish for you to grow small but only if you perform a certain action after the wish has been made. By extension, I can have that same action dispel it."
"But I can only go back and forth once?"
"I could wish for more or to give you the ability outright, but that potentially pushes the mallet's limits. We need to space out big ticket wishes if we want to avoid any backfires."
"Considering bonnet here potentially used up our trump card, I think I can work with the cheaper idea. Give me the one time effect, I'll find a way to make it work."
Shin nods. "Alright. Since you're already small, I don't think it's a stretch to tack the wish onto you as is. That means you can willingly change sizes three times."
"Got it. So start small, then go big to small to big again as needed?"
"Yep. To switch, just raise your arms while thinking 'grow big' or 'become small'." As Toyohime begins to stir, Shin raises her mallet once more and infuses her partner with the wish. She then tosses over the shrunken replica mallet, adding, "Please be careful. I want you to prioritize getting home safe."
Catching and fastening the replica to the back of her waist, Seija says, "Don't worry. If they try to capture me, I'll give 'em hell."
"You better."
And with that, Seija proceeds to the palace while Shin begins smoothing things over with the discombobulated Toyohime.
Shin got us this far, time for me to pull my weight.
I write this letter knowing it can never be sent.
I can only hope that, somehow, the sentiment reaches you.
Your anger is something I could never know.
Your pain greatly eclipses mine.
You watched your loved one die.
I watched my love for another die.
But does that mean we can never commiserate?
/
Hearing what you did to reach me was shocking.
Yet, even in hate, you showed me more consideration than most.
After all, who would reject death at this stage?
Not that I have that luxury.
Maybe you, with your pure light, could find a way.
Erase my name, my history, my sins.
Or maybe you would leave me like this?
/
I have never seen you, but I know you to be beautiful.
To so thoroughly love another that the loss shapes you such.
My heart is far too selfish for that.
Too covered in life's warts.
A simple candle could burn it away.
So please, do come back.
It would be nice to finally meet you.
It takes twenty minutes - much longer than she would like - but Seija manages to reach the palace's outer wall from the back road without being detected. She passed by many establishments and stalls that hosted food, games, and general merriment; notably, these places seem to host far more rabbits than other Lunarians.
There aren't any rabbits in uniform around; most must still be patrolling the forest. That might make it harder to return later, but one thing at a time.
A plethora of thick trees and bushes, which she passed through earlier, encompass the wall's perimeter, providing plenty of cover for her as she ascends.
We didn't have enough time to discuss it, but based on bonnet's words, the Miracle Mallet somehow disguises impurity. Maybe it's a literal size thing, where when I'm shrunken down, that energy's mitigated. But that doesn't explain Shin not registering on bonnet's senses at all. Either way, as long as I'm tiny, whatever device or technique they use to detect it only works when I'm really close.
Once at the top, she plans her route to the main building.
The courtyard's pretty sparse between here and the inner wall, but it doesn't seem like there's anyone roaming the grounds. I can fly between the treetops near the main path.
Her movements go unnoticed by the guards in front of the gate, who never turn around. Seija then arrives at the inner wall without issue; however, she immediately spies a new problem. A rabbit stands under the arch that marks the entrance of the palace itself, facing the interior. Her outfit, at least from the back, matches that of the others Seija saw in the outskirts.
A soldier. Is she talking to someone? Can't make it out.
Emboldened and curious, Seija flies directly to the balcony surrounding a smaller structure that rests on top of the arch. She assumes it to be primarily decorative, though it could also serve as a lookout. The arch itself is built into the palace; the actual doorway, Seija guesses, is directly below her. She then lies flat near the edge and focuses on any sounds she can make out.
"…tially bloo… …moved fast…"
Ugh, hardly getting anything from here.
Bits of a different voice reach her.
"…the route…"
"…beach… …Kaian…"
There is a pause.
"…with me."
Footsteps and the shutting of a door are the last things Seija makes out before it goes silent.
They know we came from the beach? If that's true, they'll post guards by the passageway. Should I go back? …No. Shin knows how to stay hidden if she runs into them; I'd only endanger us both by regrouping early. I have to believe she'll be fine until we meet up.
The Lunar Capital's palace looms over her.
…I really want to go in there, but without Shin to back me up, I shouldn't risk entering what has to be the most well secured place in the capital. Besides, there are other buildings behind the palace; maybe I'll find something usable in those.
So begins her skittering over the palace roof like a squirrel, where she makes sure to avoid going too low or high. The palace's back half has an extra story, which looks like a square house jutting out of a rectangular building. Seija gives it a wide berth.
Last thing I need is to run into Tsukuyomi or whoever calls the shots here.
Once at the back of the palace and close to the inner wall's far side, Seija gets a better view of an equally large - though far more drab - building behind it.
Didn't realize from the viewpoint before, but this rear building would be hard to see from ground level. Even the trees around this area are taller. So dull looking, too. Might be a storehouse.
She clears the far wall and descends the narrow gap between it and the building. Once on the ground, she scours for a defect in the building she can use as an entrance, but soon finds the stone to be immaculate on all sides.
Their maintenance is airtight. I can see where small blemishes were fixed, too. It's not like how Eientei had barely aged.
After five minutes of scouting, the only way in to be found is the presumably intended one: a set of red wooden doors that face away from the palace. They are two-and-a-half meters tall and, from what Seija can tell, not particularly thick. No handle or keyhole to be seen, but seem easy to open were she regularly sized. The standout feature, though, is what rests over the doors: a criss-crossing arrangement of shimenawa.
Is this building sacred somehow?
Seija moves to the door and, as she expects, it does not budge from her tiny form's pushing.
Let's try the trick from Eientei.
Clearing her mind, she uses the protractor analogy Shin suggested to better help visualize the doors rotating inward. However, they do not budge.
This isn't normal resistance. It's similar to Shin's castle, but weaker. Some kind of magical force. The shimenawa, maybe?
The sacred ropes, on closer examination, are attached to the wall on one end via hooks.
Oh, guess you just remove them that way. They must enter this place a lot.
Not a sound besides Seija has been audible since she reached ground level around this building. The lack of weather and animals in the capital, including insects, results in far less ambience than anyone from Earth would be used to.
No one's nearby and I'll definitely hear if someone comes close. Plus I need to be able to actually move and take whatever's in here.
Seija raises her arms.
Grow big!
Near instantly, her body returns to normal.
Good trick, Shin.
Not wanting to waste a moment in case her impurity has become more easily sensed, Seija cleanly unhooks the shimenawa and opens the doors in seconds. She re-hooks them just as fast once inside and leaves the entrance open with the slightest crack.
Don't wanna get stuck in here but I have to make it seem closed from a distance. This should be fine for now.
Only after ensuring that does Seija let herself absorb the interior. The lighting is dim and the wooden floors creak. Nothing lines the walls nearby, nor are there any doors. Just a path stretches in front of her.
Weird place, but can't let that slow me down.
Her steps are brisk yet controlled, ready to stop cold or break into flight at a moment's notice. Nothing changes in the building barring the rare sharp turn. Minutes pass.
If I didn't know better, I'd say this place is bigger on the inside.
With so little to see, Seija focuses on the finer details.
I don't see or feel any dust. How sealed off can this hallway be? And the light fixtures in the ceiling are so, I dunno, blocky? They're encased in some kinda opaque glass. The floor and walls aren't grossly colored, so they don't draw attention, but they're dark enough in the light that I barely register them. It's a different feeling from wandering in the dark.
Another turn.
So austere yet not quite barren. I wouldn't call it oppressing, just… lonely. Isolated from the world.
Seija turns the next corner. This time, she sees something new. An end to the path.
Finally. …Is that a screen? There's light and some shadows behind it.
She subconsciously slows down as the distance between her and the screen lessens. The floor stops creaking. All Seija hears is her own breathing. Then, as she gets closer, a sudden sound. Paper ruffling, so quiet yet so audible in the hall. Then the clink of a cup. Something tapping on wood. Signs of life. Finally, Seija reaches the screen and, crouching down, pulls it up enough for her to cross the threshold.
They pick the toad up
But it breathes in their hand
"Worth a try," they say
And ascend from the land
/
It's put in a cage
For a very long time
Left to consider
All the sins of its crime
/
The years pass it by
While every day lingers
Soon it goes quiet
Waiting for the stinger
/
But then there's a change
More moving than a song
From under the screen
A new face comes a-
"Hm?"
The poem's writer, engrossed as she was, only now realizes she has no room left on the page. She retrieves a fresh sheet from below her writing table and lays it flat. But instead of immediately resuming, she takes a moment to reconsider her unfinished poem. Her finger runs over each line as if they were on the new page, counting syllables and gauging their meter. She then reaches for her tea cup and goes to take a sip while her writing hand taps the table with the bottom of her brush, only to realize the cup's lid is still on. But just as she finishes processing this, a noise from behind startles her so much she drops the tea.
Seija looks around, exceedingly puzzled by the room she has stumbled into. The clang of the dropped cup immediately prompts her to face forward. She freezes upon noticing the person there.
"Well this is a surprise," says the writer, turning around. While the cup did land on the table, a combination of the lid and her own hand immediately stabilizing it prevented a spill. "Who might you be?"
"Uhhhh…"
I heard noises but didn't think someone was actually here!
Now mostly past her surprise, the writer smiles casually and says, "I take it you're trespassing? Can't say I've ever seen you before, and they're very particular about who gets to see me. The horns are a giveaway as well."
"Are you going to arrest me?" Seija asks, readying herself for battle.
"Odd thing to ask a prisoner."
"Huh?"
"You must not know who I am. My name is XX, but if you're from Earth, you can simply call me Chang'e."