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UNDERWORLD - CHAPTER 1 'Shodan'
JUNE 22, THE YEAR 19[]
THE HAKUREI SHRINE
.
It was one faithful afternoon in the Hakurei shrine and summer had just taken ahold of Gensokyo, if one was to describe the heat it'd be horrendous. Were there to be a keen observer walking around the shrine, they'd notice the subtle change in the air; a discernible hazing distort of heat.
However such heat sped up the process of a blossoming and serenely enough, the groves of cherry trees that bided; painted around the nice hue of natural green, bloomed into a saccharine colour of pink leaves, cascading down to the empty ground.
In between the avenue of cherry trees was a path that extended from the torii gate to the shrine itself; it was torn, shabby and tattered. So far, there was just a box on the porch.. which is nothing of interest to look upon aside the veranda lay mostly empty..
All though, inside- there were the small slow patters of footsteps skipping across wood, almost demanding in destination. Those small thumps grinded to a halt, then the noise of a soft whirr of the light sliding door being pulled aside with a strong but uncontrolled grip on the opening edge.
Reimu never did like the Summer.
Immediately she dropped down flat onto the floor, unharmed and lying languidly on the wooden porch, seemingly static on the spot.
"W-What.. the.. HELL! This is just the first day.. OF SUMMER!" She hailed in a volume of fury, quietly screaming in exasperation before she began garbling exhaustedly on the floor.
She began craning her head around from the convection, and so hot it was; she couldn't think clearly, it's put her mind into an absolute flurry, managing her mental state by fighting to not pass out from reality but even so she was finely in tune with her surroundings.
Tired and drained, she strenuously lifted her head up from the wooden tiled floor which she noticed had a tid bit of spittle. She'll clean that afterward when she finally feels better. Eyeing up the entrance, she finds a lithe figure seemingly hopping down from a long stick.. a broom? her vision was just too hazy to delineate them more clearly, but she could at least tell off the characters by the colours of what they were wearing,
The character was wearing a black dress overtopped by a sort of white apron encroached by their neat blonde plaits, and a drafty pointy hat.. like a witch. She squinted and squinted again.
"gnn.. Marisaa? Is that you?" she groaned, voice slurring; combating the intensity of the roaring heat.
She'd curse at one of the gods right now if she wasn't tied down from the reigning temperature. From her attempt to communicate, she was yet to be given a response back.
Her surroundings began to be shrouded by a large margin. Graciously to her, the sun was blocked out; no longer blinding her in the eyes with an array of sunlight.
The figure gradually approached nearer, and to Reimu, it was starting to get obvious who that person was.
She chaffed, "Yo Reimu, how's the weather? heh"
It was none other than the ordinary magician Marisa Kirisame, among her closest friends.
The day was dying now, the shadows long, the land a toned orange and red, and a kind wind blowing. They sat on the edge of the engawa; enjoying the green tea Reimu made. No longer at the front of the shrine but at the backside, watching the setting sun sink. Reimu complimented the current chilly air, spiteing the dying heat waves that so- kept on terrorizing her the rest of the day.
"Oi Reimu." Marisa greeted with almost a sly smile.
"Mm?" Reimu hummed in response, her lips grazing the rim of her teacup as she sipped.
"Have you seen those guys running around, you know, having one of these straw cone hats on top of their head." Proceeding to raise both of her hands to form the shape of a cone before bringing them up on her head.
Reimu glanced at her hands mimicking the shape of a cone before replying,
"I've noticed, I just tend to ignore them. They just usually dawdle around the village close from here and leave."
The magician raised a brow, "And you haven't thought to ask why they keep returning over here eh?"
She sipped once more, "Their matters are theirs to begin with, they could be wandering ronins or mere pretenders for all I care. " she shook the cup, "Besides, I'm not allowed to tangle in whatever schemes the humans are doing anyways."
Marisa took a sight of Reimu before taking a sip of the green tea, then a mischievous smile tugged on Marisa's lips as she leaned in.
"You know..!" she began, "The clans near the Underworld have been poking around the place lately."
Intrigued, she bared to hear, "Ah? Why so?"
"Oh man what? I thought you'd know about that? Thought your family - oh.. right." Marisa sucked through her teeth.
"You were saying?"
"eh.. You should ask Kasen for that history lesson." she slightly repressed.
Reimu sighed, "The point, please."
"Right, yeah." Marisa waved her hands dismissively to push away the near gloomy mood. Catching Reimu's curiosity she continued, "You know tha' village near the Youkai Forest? Kuten?"
"Nothing comes to mind." Reimu shook her head slightly.
"Doesn't matter. The Kegi-whatever-its-called clan that owns it are going real moody with the Underworld right now, and I can tell you it ain't pretty."
"What do you mean by that?"
Marisa set her green tea beside her, as if she was going to prepare a lengthy statement, "Okay so, take this with a grain of salt but I think those guys are planning to attack the Underground." Marisa said, her voice was low but told.
"Seriously?!"
"Eh, probably." she shrugged.
"That's... incredibly stupid."
"eeh?"
"Don't they know how ridiculously strong those youkais are?" gristling her teeth a bit, "Especially those blasted onis..!" She grimaced reminiscently.
"Oh, trust me, they're well aware since well, they're onis."
".. So then how?!"
"By raising the stakes! With hiring a bunch of mercenaries around the countryside, even the local folk to put in the effort."
"Uh-huh. How much is a bunch to be able to do in the effort?"
Her tone shallow, "Tons." She attuned nonchalantly.
"Can't you be a lot more specific?"
"Dunno, like more than five-hundred."
The shrine maiden skipped a heart beat. That much? For what? Personal gains? Ill advice? or a foolish decision? She was horrified to hear the numbers of many, to follow a power of few.
"That's.. surprisingly many.."
"Told'ja so, it's a ton." Marisa's response was flippant, her tone unchanged.
"Yeah?! And that means a TON of lives are dying all because of some measly lord said so. They won't even last a second against those intoxicated onis with just hundreds of men, they'll just shred them apart!" she set the tea aside carefully, her agitation evident to the magician, "Even so with that tsuchigumo!"
"Well.. they're not just hiring any ordinary soldiers y'know, ze~ They're also bringing in their own youkai exterminators; no clue if they're trained for onis though, considering onis have vanished from human eyes for a long time. Well except the occasional onis like Suika."
"But! They can't possibly do that!" holding her hands up, "Can they..?" head tilting a bit on her right.
"What is?"
"The having exterminators part." She pointed out.
"mm. Nah Reimu, I trust on my intuition on this, I think you got the memo wrong. They're permitted to have exterminators in the case of a youkai 'incident.' air quoting "incident.' "Thus freely able to use exterminators against this seeming youkai 'threat." Marisa clarified the situation.
The words Marisa spoke out was good information, she didn't expect something worthwhile coming out of the magician's mouth! but nonetheless vexing of the probable pop-up of war.
".. Won't the Gaido-court find this to be unlawful? Won't they need to have a viable reason as to why they need to attack them though."
"Yep, ze~ that's why they're biding their sweet devilish time for an opportunity to show up. Even when everyone in Gensokyo knows what's about to go down."
"What about the rest of their army?"
"Don't know about the rest of the army, probably just youkai fodder."
"That's vile.. still though.. how'll they be able to get to the Underworld? The Underworld isn't exactly coterminous anywhere as I remember.. right the geyser field."
She cleared her throat inconspicuously, "That's because Yukari gapped you in while I had to find my way in."
"Yeah? Didn't Patchouli direct you there?"
"Ye-yeah! But Patchouli just said it was just around the lower base of Youkai Mountain." she coughed.
"Right.. So where's this place."
"Oh. Just a large hole in the ground, covered by trees though but shouldn't be too hard to find."
"That easy huh? That common knowledge?"
"I guess.. Actually. When we beat the hell raven, remember that you were just gapped out of there?"
"Uh yeah?"
"I decided to explore around for a little while, from the oni town to the hole, even finding the spider lady again; I apologised, then found the exit or so entrance, and I just flew out."
".. Right so?"
"There was a couple of shady guys after I came out, and they were sure as scared as I did."
"Okay? Are you sure they're not just some wandering bystanders?"
"Judging by how they reacted and moved, I can assure they're up to no good with that paper one of them had."
"And this concerns me why?"
"Dunno' seemed like good information to relay to you, they looked like they were measurin' and squarin' up the hole or whatever."
"The vicinity?"
"Yeah, probably building something to get down."
"By this, you're telling me they're going to build lifts down?"
"Probably."
"That's real helpful.." she groaned, greatly concerned about the change it'll bring, even moreso to her spell card rules! Would their 'incident solvers' even follow them?! "Even so.. this would throw off the balance of power in Gensokyo!"
Marisa's smirk widened, mischief dancing in her eyes, "Well you could, you know.. join in."
Reimu's response was immediate, "You know I can't do that! The court has outlawed us.. Well, me! From intervening on human affairs."
Undeterred, the smirk still retaining on Marisa's face, she leaned in as her smirk grew more pronounced. This was the moment she was waiting for.
"Ooh? You know, they did say that, BUT! Remember how the law said to remain your clan in duty by pacifying or exterminate youkais in case of an incident and in big bold letters! In obligation!"
She considered her words carefully, and she knew that she's going to bring up something strange, "Yeah?"
The magician sparkled akin to a danmaku, "In technicality! This is a youkai incident!"
She thought about it, ".. No. Not really.. it'd be a youkai incident IF said youkais created something to threaten Gensokyo.. was that your plan?
".. Ah... Hrmm.." the magician began scheming once again, placing her right hand on her chin, completely deep in thought.
The miko sighed, the idea of war still lingers and such an event should be resolved posthaste! Gripping once more on the handle of the tea cup and drank listlessly.
"Aha!" she shouted as she put her right fist on the palm of her left hand, "Then we can create an incident!"
Immediately the miko spat out her tea, "What the?! Are you insane?"
"No, no! Hear me out right, if I managed to rouse some youkais; specifically a kappa friend near the mountain that I know, to create an incident, that can technically count and be approved as an incident right?"
The miko wiped her mouth clean with her detached sleeves, "Tah! But-.. eh.."
Processing the words then compartmentalizing those words: definitely the assessment was well-received to her. What Marisa said is actually right for once. What a loophole! .. While might be frowned upon but it's got its noble justifications with saving the Underworld at it.. but..
".. But, the Gaido-court would express their disapproval of it."
"Who cares!"
"I care! Obviously! I'm the Hakurei shrine maiden for crying out loud!"
"Then we'll just find someone who can authenticate your story. And if the top guys decide to do otherwise, then the public will 'express their disapproval of it-" she nudged, "-and no doubt some other clans."
The shrine maiden poised for a little while.
Marisa laughed until it transformed into a skittish smile, "though.. it may renew that multifaceted piece of paper."
"... That's fine." The shrine maiden accepted.
"Eh? Really?"
"As long as it sustains the balance of power, then yeah. Some of the court would be pejorative but at least many of them will be pragmatic to see what I've been doing, even if Yukari were to- ..."
Her words trailed off as she sensed someone approaching, her intuition alerting, and she knew who it was, "Yukari!" Reimu exclaimed as a gap materialised out of the thin air.
The tear boldening more to an average height, zipping out, the purple youkai slowly coming out.
"Reimu." Yukari greeted calmly, her expression unreadable, "You fully know that you're not supposed to intervene with human affairs, right?" she leapt out, gap behind her.
Reimu met Yukari's gaze evenly, "I know that."
"And you shouldn't try to step in by unconventional means if you value your life, this is very unshrewd of you Reimu." she facetiously yet flatly said unto her.
The miko stayed quiet, Marisa pitied her, so she attempted. "Oy! Yukari! What's the big idea? It's up to Reimu that she can do these types of things!"
"And she will. I'm not prohibiting her, black and white. This is an admonition." The words burdening hard on the Hakurei shrine maiden.
"I... Yukari, I appreciate your concern, but I can't just stand by and watch." Reimu spoke with conviction, her voice steady and ready for an incoming of one of Yukari's asserting remarks.
The gap youkai regarded her with a knowing gaze, her expression blocked behind her fan. "... Very well, Reimu. Go carefully, for the consequences will be dire." She warned. "Until again." Her voice almost filtered from the fan and strangely sounded strained.
"Right..."
Yukari disappeared into the gap, leaving the two alone again with the sun had already been vanquished deep enough to be an afterglow scenery. Only the palpable quietude of the starting night remain.
"What's her deal? She wasn't all serious like that before?!"
".. tch.. enigmatic as always." Reimu muttered, which even still the comment was heard by Marisa.
"er right.. Anyways you wanna take a look till it's fully night time?" The magician asked.
"I think tomorrow is fine." .echo.
'...fine.'
.echo.
'..fine..'
.echo.
'.fine...
JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[]
SHATO CASTLE, MYOUSHU PROVINCE
.
The crimson red dawn has just barely broken through the darkened skies, opening illuminating lights in weak streaks; overbearing the viridescent garden greens.
The man held on the banister of his balcony, sported an eccentric mix of a kataginu and a jinbaori, wearing his long tangling naga-bakama with him. He had a chonmage style, a bristly beard, and a sheath hanging on his hips.
... The air is lighter than usual. They think..
... !
"Lord Aronoshi-sama!" The servant retainer grovelled, "Please excuse me, sorry, tono."
"What is it?" The lord irked.
"My lord. Mitsutada of Gyo, he comes forth with an alliance." the retainer answered, his tone a steel of deference.
Aronoshi's expression darkened slightly. "Hoh? Has he come to weave another web of deceit with his honeyed words, or does he seek to ensnare me with promises as weighty as an oni's resolve?"
"No, my lord, it is different." the servant reassured, "He claims to succor us in our campaign."
Aronoshi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, "Itosu!"
"Yes, my lord!"
"Where is he right now?" He brooked no delay, his authority was sharp.
"Near the crossroads, my lord." He answered.
"Bring him to the entrance of the castle, but keep a watchful eye on the snake."
The retainer nodded vigorously, scrambling to fullfil his command, "Yes, yes, my lord! Right away!" the man scurried off, his footsteps echoing in the corridor.
And so he was alone, he stared the skies momentarily, then his hands were beginning to slip off the handrails. He took off, his naga-bakama trailing wobbly behind him, the man breathed gristly.
Walking by inside his quarters, to corridors and stairs before leaving out the doorway of the goten, his face shoned by sunlight. It came from the chinks of light gently piercing through crevices in between branches and foliage, the verdant garden is just as he expected, calm but with the additions of two camp stools laying around the hardscape of the place.
"Tono." His servant greeted, "Lord Mitsutada awaits just outside. May I usher him in?"
"Yes, prepare to receive him. We shall see what helpless excuses he remains for us to hear." With a wave of his hand, the servant scurried off to tend the impending guest. Aronoshi strolled in down to the nearest low stool, the cloth grazing the stone floor, sitting down on the low stool and waited.
Moments later, the Lord of the Gyo province strode into the garden with an air of confidence, his demeanor as polished as ever. "Saigo of the Left," he greeted with a bow, "I am honored by your acceptance of my arrival."
Aronoshi returned the bow with a measured nod, his expression unreadable, "Lord Mitsutada-san, your presence is indeed unexpected. Pray, enlighten me as to why you've come."
He was civil.
Mitsutada's smile remained unchanged, "Aronoshi-san, it is simple, have you not seen? The buzzards circling around to feast? Our enemies grow bolder by the day since the Geshoto war, we were enemies at one point but that doesn't mean we are forever enemies."
Aronoshi listened intently, weighing Mitsutada's words against the backdrop of uncertainty. "And what assurances do you offer that this is not a mere ploy to further your own agenda?"
The lord's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure, "It's hot here, don't you think?" The words sly.
"I think so too. But I'm more interested in the warmth of your intentions." He replied evenly.
The lord frowned a little, "Lord Aronoshi-san, I swear upon my honour and the honour of my clan that my intentions are pure. I assure you, the quills of martiality are dancing to their heart's content by their masters. The world prepares for it but the youkais aren't so."
Aronoshi regarded Mitsutada with a scrutinizing gaze, searching for any hint of deception, but like the colours of a quilt; cannot be understand, "Very well, Mitsutada-san," Aronoshi finally spoke, his voice laced with caution, "I shall consider your proposal carefully. Would you like tea prepared while you're here?
"No, that is fine. I'm only here for brief, if you want my vassals to fight along you. Thank you once again." With a nod of acknowledgment, Mitsutada bowed once more before taking his leave.
He hummed,"Itosu!"
"Yes! My lord!"
"Bring the rest of my retinues here, now." he commanded.
"Yes! My lord!"
In an instant, the servant left once more, leaving the lord alone as he slowly stood. He watched Itosu gather a small party of horse guards of his station; his retainers clearly. Sooner or later they'd leave with packed apparatus, thus leaving the head of the Kigiku clan to ponder the importance of these outcomes he imagines.
The garden falling silent once more, it was expected, he thought. How obvious that he came for the purpose of ensuring his position, he was not here to make acquaintances, he was merely here for his own gain. But it will not matter, as it'll benefit him soon long enough.. And naturally, it'll be of the songs of swords and arrows.. it could have never been.. more 'fine.'
JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[]
THE HAKUREI SHRINE
.
As the first light of dawn sailed the land, the shrine was ever so the same. Within its confined walls, the air was chilly with the scent of.. alcohol? .. The interiors looked shoddy but it was nice and tidy; comfortably traditional. The entire inside was very dim though, slightly lit. And the furnitures and well-preserved 'souvenirs' remained orderly arranged where they were.
But at the corners of the room, laid a disorganised futon and the napping disgruntled shrine maiden sleeping soundly, no doubt from her movement during the night. Then shafts of sunlight filtered through the paper shoji panels, casting square-shaped dapples of light perfectly on the miko. Slowly, her eyelids were scrunching and she groaned before turning to her left then right.
Immediately she opened her eyes, rousing her hand to wipe her stingy eyes clean. Posture was hunched and worn-out, blinking once, twice, and thrice, she rose up better and pushed the futon aside as she stood and yawned with minor languid stretches here and there. On her wobbly feet, her eyes were still heavy. But, with deft movements born of habit, she moved with a practiced grace to her closet; whipping out the routinal shrine maiden garments.
Wearily she dressed herself piece by piece of the apparels, almost everything but something felt amiss, a nagging sensation at the back of her mind until she realized—the ribbon! She shuffled the closets to procure her ribbon and settled it atop her head, like a cherry ontop. That should be final as she grabbed the gohei beside the futon.
"There we go." she murmured to herself quietly, "Hopefully Marisa's ready and not still in bed. She suggested this.."
She made her way to the doorway that hoisted the shoji sliding door, she held on the piece of wood and moved it across, she was met a bright greeting scenery as she came out of her abode, she analysed the world. The skies were a pocket of melting diverging colours of blue and orange; it was majestic and tranquil but to her, it was just like any other day in Gensokyo.
Wait! First and foremost, she shook the donation box. . . click. . clack. . Something was rattling inside, almost beaming, Reimu smirked. She was real thankful of the village by the roadside, they were kind people to talk with, and faithful even if they were destitute themselves.
She looked within the donation box, the times of the donation box having an input made her happy.. Just only a couple of five copper mon coins inside.. it was better than nothing.. thud.. wait... she shuffled her hand in further... Holy! Is that a ryo? Seriously?! That'd last her for so long! ..
".. Let's not be so hasty here, Reimu.. This even real?" she tried bending with all her strength and surprisingly it held.. or maybe it was just her malnour- "I'll hold on this for now. Definitely handy..!"
Just as she stepped down the veranda she had a nagging feeling that someone is here, Reimu carefully eyed the cherry trees; no one in sight, then the torii gate but no one as well.. Where's that komainu when you need her?!
She trudged down the shadow-laden path to inspect the trees a bit more closer, you can't be sure to determine by the front.
Passing by trees symmetrically aligned in opposite sides of each other, one by one she checked, reaching before the torii gate; no one at all. Could it be they're hiding from her? With a ditch of a jump she flew, circling the shrine. "Weird.. I'm sure I felt that aura... eh who cares." The miko floated away but little did she know there was indeed someone, three specifically, and they all looked disappointed.
"I told you we should've moved it a little more closer to the trees!" One of them fussed.
...
The miko flew over the entrance, her flight carried her gracefully over the familiar landscape of Gensokyo, wind blowing the hair thrilly as she soared further. In under a minute below her, she saw the long road inhabited by the hamlet that hung near the shrine. The thatched roofs of these dwellings passed, it was bustling with small activities of farmwork and occasional trading. With a smile, Reimu waved to them below, it took seconds for the villagers to wave back, their faces mutual with her and she was just as content to experience that.
She continued on her journey, diving a bit straight down right then pitching up the necessary speed to find the occasional massed towering trees. Looking left, she could see the peaks of Youkai Mountain from her! and an intersecting road in which she didn't even need to follow to get where she is!
Analysing the ominous forest, Reimu surged forward upon the forest, where she was momentarily basked in the striking beams of the sun; the passing wind helped in cooling her, it all faded when she arrived at the edge of the forest. Finding Kourindou in the same spot. She droved through the looming trees that expelled a residue of eccentricity from the cluster of mushrooms laying around its roots.
Eventually she found herself in the familiar small clearing of a house bearing a sign, 'KIRISAME MAGIC SHOP'
Reimu was in the right place, she descended carefully unto the flat rough stone floor. The sounds before her was a swirl of a coherent jumble of noises, mostly passing wind, it turned to the melody of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It was natural symphony in forests.
Her black shoes tapped to the floor under her, bringing her down.
"Marisa! Marisa! I'm here!" ... "Where is she? Marisa!" She shouted.
Shortly enough the door bursted open, Marisa adorned in her magician garb, holding onto her broom, "Hey, Reimu!" She called out, "You ready!"
"Yeah, just next time, plan out where we should meet so I wouldn't fly over here a time!" She placed a hand on her hip.
"Haha, sorry about that! Maybe we shouldn't have drank last night, that sake was pretty strong," Marisa replied with a smile, adjusting her hat.
Reimu rolled her eyes, "Well, at least you're here now. Let's get going."
"Yeah, yeah, I hear you." She pushed the tilting horizontal broom to levitate, then jumping on the handle.
"First thing's first," She floated along, "We find ourselves some information, better to know why the heck they're doing this!"
"Hm.. Rinnosuke might be the best place for information, usually a lot turn up to Kourindou for bargains and talks.. and I do need something to grab on the way." Reimu suspiciously glanced, ".. to borrow!"
"Yeah anyways, let's actually get going. I don't want to waste our time wandering all about."
"Said the shrine maiden." She whispered.
[!]
"What'd you say?" She whipped out her gohei menacingly.
"Eeh! Nothing!"
.
JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[]
KOURINDOU
.
Going by the giant trees, they approached the quaint little shop of Kourindou, Reimu and Marisa stopped. With a quick glance at each other, they halted in front of the entrance. Marisa's hand eagerly grasped the knob, giving it a twist before pushing the door open. Then they hear the familiar tune of a soft jingle of a bell that announced their arrival, stirring the attention of the owner.
Walking inside, the air was filled with a relaxing redolent aroma and the usual smell of the trinkets and artifacts around. There, behind the prized stand, the half-youkai watched them enter and he relaxed.
"Hey Kourin." the magician waved.
"Ah, Reimu, Marisa, what brings you here today?" Rinnosuke greeted them with the same warm smile.
The miko"Yeah and we have questions."
"Yeh, we thought we'd come here to see if you've heard anything concrete. You always seem to have your ear to the ground, Rinno."
"Oh? Then ask away." Rinnosuke replied.
"There's been tensions regarding the Underworld and it's not great." Reimu crossed her arms.
"Ah, yes, I've been hearing whispers of such things. To be on the same page, we're talking about the Kigiku, hm?"
". . What the hell is a Kigiku?" the shrine maiden curiously inquired.
The shopkeeper held a mild look, "It's not a thing- it's a clan that has quite the history. A few passerbys, while I was outside, told me rumours of the Kigiku clan and the Underworld." his hands sounded to be assorting something hefty before he pulled out a book; turning a number of pages
"This the kegi thing you were talking about?" she turned to Marisa.
"eh.. Couldn't catch their name, it's close though." the magician tittering to her embarrassment, the shrine maiden to raise a brow in response.
"Anyways, who are these guys, Rinnosuke?"
"ahem..The Kigiku is among one of the oldest clans, even predating before the two wars. They were founded when onis were still roaming Gensokyo."
"Heh, old timer." Marisa laughed.
He continued, "-staging in the Western portion of Gensokyo, right of the Tanuki forest; neighbouring the Gyō- Province, and near the edge of Youkai forest. Ruled by the current lord, Saigo of the Left or otherwise known as Kigiku Aronoshi. He has five vassals under him. Seiteki, Suzuki, Himeji, Seii, and Shishido. His kashindan, his loyal retainers who hold their own fiefs under him. The land hold twelve local properties tied to the clan, seven villages of Hino, Narai, Umago, Kuten, Inuna, Akawa, Iei. The last two being mountain villages, owned by Himeji and Seii seperately. The remaining five are dedicated to agricultural or swordsmithing. The former and as I say in chronological order; they are ruled by Suzuki, Himeji, Shishido, Seiteki, Shishido, Seii, and Himeji again. Also notice that Himeji and Seii have two fiefs under their nam- "
"Rinnosuke! We're here as to why the Kigikus are planning to attack the Underworld!" shouted the shrine maiden.
"Oh. Yes right. I'll tell you a brief history." which earned a groan from the two, "This'll be quick, I promise." he cleared his throat. ".. Ahem .. Back when even before the hysteria happened.. I assume you two know that?"
"Oh, yeah! Sure I do..! ... Continue." Hoping that it'd make things quick, not wanting to hear more unnecessary information, the miko urged.
".. Right, the Kigikus started as a renowned samurai family in the Kana province of the Yomimasu Clan, now currently the Monoaware clan if I remember correctly.. or was it the Okazaki? Hm, anyways, the Kigikus and the Yomimasus were close allies, when a survey group from the Yomimasu deemed the northwest frontiers hospitable. With their influence they were allowed to settle to said locatio-"
"Damn it Rinnosuke! Not an origin story! Just answer why. the. hell. are. they. attacking. the. under. world?" Reimu pressed on her words unto the shopkeeper, the shopkeeper reacted with a brooding look.
"Hm. I was just getting there." He sighed faintly, "The village of Kuten holds a lot of significance. It's their third settlement to be in open plains than the woods or mountainous areas. Many say the onis ravaged the village, as onis were prominent in the western side of Gensokyo than the east."
"Okay?" The two's faces had a puzzled expression, to which Rinnosuke continued his talk, the two guests tarried around.
"And while true, they heed no care of the destructive youkais that roamed the countryside, raiding and making outrageous bargains. It were the species of the satoris from Youkai Mountain. They migrated over to the slightly quiet and less populated areas of the land, most importantly the mountains that overlay there. Due to their mind-reading features, the villagers were reasonably mad about their abilities and soon enough their presence-"
"hey.. reimu.. keep him busy for a little.." the magician whispered.
"Eh.. Seriously?"
"seriously important..!"
"Fine."
"-the village came to spite them, and over the years the hatred still lingers, causing an everlasting enmity towards them despite these specie not posing a threat."
Reimu felt anger building up from the inside and a small feeling of confusion left her to bleed a nonplussed look in the outside. After these swirl of emotions, she brought it out of her chest.
".. I don't get it, why couldn't they just leave them alone? They just left into the Underworld and not likely to come up again.
"So it would seem to one might say, but on the contrary their history background proves otherwise. It isn't about the glory or prestige but rather the personal vendetta between them." He finished, "Apparently grudges are just too hard to ignore by others.."
"So what, the Underworld is a refuge?"
"Is that why Satori and her sister live down there?" Marisa rose up.
Answering the two's simultaneous incoherent response, "Precisely. Ever been so." nevertheless he only understood Reimu's at first then Marisa's at last.
"psst, reimu.. what exactly are we going to do with this information?"
"Just putting down my curiosity, a little knowledge wouldn't hurt."
"tha' it then?"
"Yeah."
"well I already got my fair share, so let's get out of this biz."
".. Right." Appraising the magician, she was definitely holding something, ".. Rinnosuke, thanks for helping us out."
"Ah, leaving already? .. Hm, one more thing. I don't trust my history knowledge, Hieda can help you learn more a thing or two more accurately than I said."
"I'll keep that in mind, thanks again."
"Good luck on your endeavors to the two of you, and Marisa. Remember to pay next time or that'll be coming out of your adjustments on the mini-hakkero."
"EH! .. I thought I did it so quietly.." she sighed, "Well.. see you later."
The two walked out as the bell toiled behind them and a Thud! from the door. Just right now, the magician slouched a bit over.
"eeh.. What now?"
"Akyuu."
"Akyuu? That chronicler?"
"I know I trust Rinnosuke but I sense there's something missing to it."
The magician got on her broom, "Eh, you do you. I need to do my part as well!"
"eh? What is your part?"
"Have a conversation with Nitori, and a bit of offering that I 'slipped; that's why I took these!" Marisa, with a cheesy smile, opened her hand, from Reimu it just looked like two cylindrical objects that had a metallic texture.
"Uh, what are those?"
"These little things are what you call are batteries! No clue what they are though but I hear they fetch a good price in Genbu!" Carelessly tossing the double A batteries in the air then catching them repeatedly.
"These are from the Outside world I take it?"
"Maybe but what I heard from Nitori, these things hold electricity. Not exactly my forte, ze~"
"With how dense you are, I imagine so." She ascended slowly.
"Ouch."
"All right, we part ways here. Since the human capital is just right of here along Youkai Mountain, we're still kinda going at the same direction."
"Mine's a tad longer there than yours."
"Doesn't concern me."
"Just wanted to uplift some stuff! Jeez. Well.. I suppose we race to the capital and when we find out who gets there first has got the best mobility in flying and i'm on my way after that! Da-ze~!" With a two-finger salute, Marisa turned into a blur.
"Ah..! This isn't a race!" Reimu flew swiftly as she tried to reach up to her speed. "You had a massive headstart too! .. Marisa!" she shouted.
Zipping up through the skies, she felt another strange sensation behind her, she averted her head back on Kourindou and the boscage of trees.. she's been having strange sensations lately..
GENSOKYO, THE DENIZENS GRASP STERNLY.. PLEASE WAIT WARMLY...
[GLOSSARY]
[1] Torii - are traditional Japanese gates within a Shinto shrine.
[2] Miko - traditional Shinto shrine maidens/shaman/priestess.
[3] Engawa - edging (commonly)wooden boards running across the house.
[4] Tsuchigumo - spider-like youkais that hunt aimlessly with a big appetite, in Gensokyo they're not as ravenous as they were.
[5] Danmaku - ... bullet hell.
[6] Kappa - arduous turtle-like youkais that live by ponds or rivers, in Gensokyo they're quite the hardworking geniuses.
[7] Kataginu - a sleeveless vest with broad shoulder structure worn by samurais.
[8] Jinbaori - a sleeveless jacket, usually going over armour, built for samurais
[8] Naga-bakama - long lengthy trousers to accommodate casually without danger, their hems ending to be dragged.
[9] Tono - a formality of courtesy to a (feudal) lord.
[10] Goten - a personal complex for a lord, a palace roughly, that also passes off as a castle.
[11] Samurai - provident noble warriors and/or retainers of the time. Granted with various great privileges for their services to their lords. Serves the lord/head of a clan in any form or way.
[12] Gohei - traditional wands/staffs/sticks, that are decorated with two shides[13) streamers attached, to perform divine interplay.
[13] Shide - traditional zig-zag shaped papers, fitted on the gohei[12), to display a holy emphasis on it.
[14] Futon - a convenient Japanese bedding for your comfortable needs.
[15] Shoji - traditional Japanese piece of architecture of paper screenings split up in small square pieces by interweaving crossing wood.
[16] Komainu - are lion-dog statues that guards the sanctity of a shrine, in Gensokyo; are they silly but dedicated and loyal.
[17] Satori - a monkey-like youkai, gifted to read minds, in Gensokyo; with their third eye, but with a price to uncontrollably read out their thoughts.
(author's note : too much? and to enlighten the whole Underworld thing, this'll continue in many parts. custom world-building in touhou with historical and mythological aspects is quite harder than I thought.)