"Morning Venus." The early night sky greeted us both and atleast now I have a place to sleep. Yuuka showed me where she showers turns out it's an outside shower head… Granted no one comes out here so this is interesting. The water was alittle cold but I've long since got used to that feeling.
"I'll give you some spare clothes of mine." Yuuka's southern cadence went away after the unintentional scare from yesterday. My guess she hides it unless something really surprises her or makes her angry.
"Yuuka I got those fruits and vegetables delivered make some space I need to clean my joints." Medicine came by the shower and it seem they shower together. Jesus christ why would a doll need to?
IN WATER?USE OIL OR CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR DOLLS NOT IN HERE!
The shower door open and she stare at me. Looked down and push me in as we're now both naked back to back.
Huh the craftsman gave her those things….why?
Either Medicine was an accurate anatomy doll or just a weirdos fantasy doll. We bump into each other limbs for a good 5 minutes before she slip past not bothering to close the door. I was done as well and saw my new attire.
Yay plaid pants and button shirt with a vest and old pair of boots.
Putting them on they fit well enough as I heard voices.
"YUUKARIN! WHY DIDN'T YOU ATLEAST WARN ME HE WAS IN THERE? JUST ARGH! ATLEAST HE KEPT TO HIMSELF BUT STILL WE NEED BOUNDARIES FOR THIS SORT OF THING!" Granted, I didn't like the experience either but I don't know the words for occupied and it's still dark out. Medicine look at me and…why didn't she put on anything? I turned away from them both.
"Its ok, it's not like I haven't seen yours before at this point. I just wanted a warning, besides if you tried anything funny I'd make sure to give you the worse poisons imaginable." Medicine's taunt did not give me ease of mind.
"Medicine, that's not nice, he's a resident of the sun and you should know we're all apart of nature equally." Yuuka's voice made me turn and see that she put a long white sundress on Medicine even though she was still dripping from the shower earlier. The dress hug tightly to the doll and still left nothing to the imagination .
"Fine, fine, but are you certain, you're positive that he was the one who control the water like that? Magic doesn't come easy to some folk and even harder if they're an outsider." Yuuka just gave her a reassuring smile and nodded. This got a scoffed to come from the doll before walking past me.
"Why are you both silent now? Cirno was right, you're related regardless of what blood flows in your veins." She took to the path towards the decimated flowers. A tap on my shoulder got my attention as Yuuka walked past in her usual attire. Following as the first ray of sunlight peek through giving the darkness a blueish hue.
Is it me or is my eye sight getting better? No, just my imagination.
I didn't need to squint as much or walk as slowly as before. We came upon the destruction finally. A giant scorch marked from the laser lined the impacts and rocks have flatten out many patches of sunflowers at the entrance. Yuuka huffed and dropped her parasol on the ground. Pulling out a small bag of sunflower seeds and handed some to me and in the other hand a two trowels. Grabbing one of them and the three of us began working in replanting. The constant sound of digging and light grunts was only thing heard every so often.
By the time the sun replaced the moon fully the combined help of a yokai, a living doll, and one human succeeded in making the burned quadrant of sunflowers looked good as new. More, importantly the patches were clear of debris. Yuuka doesn't seem too out of it unlike yesterday evening.
*CLICK*
Huh?
"Oh my they weren't kidding you look just like the USC. I've found the most amaz-EEEAK!?" The tengu reporter Aya was given an impromptu zap from getting too close to me. As a warning I produced the effect of what touching a live frayed wire does. Enough to stunned but is nonlethal. Yuuka and Medicine looked over surprise from the sudden yelp. This quickly turned to irritation for them both.
"OI! Leave ya annoyance! Go bother the shrine maidens or something ya parasite!" Yep, that's the southern accent anger I'm used to hearing. Yuuka eyed the tengu before sighing in defeat as she walk over avoiding the newly planted seed mounds. Picking up her parasol in the process. Even if she wanted to give a genuine smile it wasn't possible judging from the creases developing on her face as she approached the Tengu. She pointed her parasol at the tengu.
"Whoa, hey there Ms.Kazami it's certainly been awhile hasn't it?" If desperation was a sound it definitely came from the slight begging nature of the crow tengu. I took a clear step back from them both. I bump into Medicine as she wanted either to give the tengu a piece of her mind or was curious. She spoke her mind about the situation.
"Aya Shameimaru, the reporter tengu...guess word travel fast which means the three of us aren't gonna be resting easy this winter. Say Yuukarin, wouldn't it be better to be finally get rid of her?" Medicine and Yuuka gave off this creepy aura. As Aya back away slowly.
"Now hold on, you can't just silence the press like this. It's not right. Gensokyo needs to know about his existence. I want a interview kid. It's not like you can run away from this place. Small world just got alot more smaller." Aya had a point, humans technically can leave but they'll be transported to a location far from civilization. Still, Aya was one to flub details to give the public misinformation. I saw her notepad was in her hand. I gasp and made a careful walk over.
"Hey kiddo want to gi-HEY WHAT GIVES!?" I took the note pad which also had a pen knowing that any struggle could result in a quick death I was free to use her notepad. Which only illicit confusion in the three as I scribble a message in English. I show it to my stay of residency and Medicine as they eyed it.
Medicine and Yuuka can you read this?
"Yeah I can, what is this?" Medicine gave a verbal yes while Yuuka just nodded.
"Can I have my stuff back please?"
"hmmmmm...Nah let the boy decide ya fate ya harpy." Medicine was having way too much fun with the prospect of torture.
"I am not a harpy." Aya face had a degected look to it, I didn't care much as I continued to write as much as I could fit on a single page. When I was done I showed it to them both.
I used to have a name, but it seems no matter what I can't remember it. Like it's been completely erase from my history. I wanted to thank you for allowing me to stay at your home. Medicine I want you to relay this message to Aya when I'm done writing it.
A very quizzical gaze came upon them both from that revelation, Yuuka look at Medicine while Medicine just shrugged.
"Alright looks like ya get an interview just not the way you wanted it to be Aya. By the way can you contact the Village teacher after this?" Aya only gave an eyebrow raise from Medicine's words.
"You're letting me go? Keine? What does she have to do about all of this? I want answers ladies." Despite the demand the grunt of indifference that came from me was only thing she got in return as I focus on a one more note directly towards Aya. Showing it to Medicine which got a small devilish grin to appear while Yuuka had a looked of worry.
"Alright, I'm the Garden of the Sun's third gardener. I'm not related to Kazami Yuuka. I knew who you were the second you took that photo of me. I don't mind if you tell the whole Gensokyo. I belong here and no where else for the time being. I apologize on THE BEHALF OF MEDICINE AND YUUKA'S BEHAVIOR!?" Medicine looked at me with intense incredulity while I had a small chuckle at her expense. Yuuka didn't react the same and just put down the parasol away from Aya. With that outta the way I tore the pages of the first message and burned it while the second remain to be reviewed by Aya for later as I handed her stuff back.
"That boy is raised far better than I thought, he trust you two so much. It's nice to have such a relationship eh Yuuka?" Aya preceded to egg Yuuka on with a elbow bump which only got a huff from Yuuka and slight blush as well. Aya took off the ground alittle before turning to me.
"I'll see what I can do uhhhhh..." She check the note and in giant Hancock lettering of Kanji that was snuck in by Medicine.VENUS ROSE.
"Venus huh?Well Venus, I hope you ROSE to the occasion of the USC Ayayaya." There it is...that laugh of hers it's honestly a mock of birds chirping in human language to me. Yep in a blink of eye Aya was gone leaving only a few black feathers, not hesitant to grab one falling.
Neat, if I ever find a way out I can use this as an old writing utensil.
A different idea came from Medicine.
"Sweet, we can collect these for Eientei. Come on let's find the rest of her fallen feathers." That's an odd connection what purpose could Tengu feathers possibly be for the doctor and her assistant?Then again, the underground spider and Medicine are both useful for poison extractions. So maybe I don't get the alchemical purpose for these feathers. I watched as they both began combing the area for more until Medicine spoke with clarity.
"If we don't collect these, it becomes harder for Eientei to make certain medicines for Tengus. Any and all traces of feathers and furs of many beast yokai are sent to Eientei for study and those that find them get a hefty payout cause they're a rare commodity. So get to searching ooh there's a big one there. Get it!" She was pointing near my feet and sure enough there was. It might of been a dominant feather judging by it's size. Picking it up and giving it to her, she happily snatched it away.
"Thank yoooouuuu." With that they both began heading back with me following suit.
"Oh yeah, hey Venus, can you cook? Yuukarin's not feeling well lately if not I'll send you to Eientei to get medical supplies for two." I gave a nod which cause a surprise looked to dawn on their faces. Is it that weird that I can cook? This got me a scoff from Medicine while Yuuka still had a daze look to her as she wobble a few times as she walk
Uh oh thats not good.
"He needs to be able to speak, well whatever you're going there while I prepare a meal for you two. A-
*Thwump*
Yuuka crupple unto the dirt pathway unconscious. Given the circumstances I guess Yuuka had gotten overworked and this has broken the camel's back. Rushing over and checking her pulse...it's steady and she's still breathing though the blush and fever has started to warm her up rapidly. I took off the vest I had and produce ice from the moisture present around us and place it on her forehead. As for Medicine I barely payed attention to her so I refocus and realized she look more like a ragged doll after seeing Yuuka collapsed but was mostly calm. Before screaming in my ear.
"YUUKARIN! You! Head to Eientei, take the feathers and use the money for supplies, I'll get help from the local fairies to move her inside, after that we wait for any other response alright?" She forcibly gave me the rest of the feathers I only now realized these pants unfolded into a dress if you wanted pockets...wonderful.
Guess I'm really flying today if I don't want Yuuka to get worse.
Taking a running start before taking off with the lightning flight from before.
"Jeez kiddo...CIRNO, WRIGGLE WHERE ARE YOU!?
Yep, this is as scary as you can imagine being afraid of heights so I took a slower pace to see where the bamboo forest was relative to everything. From my observations it was to the right of the entrance so basically.
THERE!
Not controlling my speed sent me hurtling towards the bamboo forest thanks to my excitement.
Well, from floating to flying with electricity. Wait thats...uh oh bad times ahead.
It was two people in the clearing I expected, but didn't want to be near if they're both here.
"Round three princess? I'm up one."
"WHA-WHERE YA LEARN TO COUNT!? WE'RE EVEN!"
"Not after this next on-WHOA!?"
I stopped most of my momentum but I went right past a familiar color of red white. I barely miss crashing into a bamboo only to hit shoulder first into a rock.
*THAWK!*
It was loud and I swore I heard them both wince as I got up sluggishly. I looked at them both not really caring about the pain. I roll my shoulder to see if was dislocated...it wasn't, just really sore.
"Its rare to see a man fly. So are you from the garden of the sun pretty boy?"... Pretty?Oh right the plaid dress. There's no time!
"Medicine." I spoke my native tongue and got mix results from them both.
"Like the doll or aid?" The Talismans in white long hair spoke.
"I believe he means medical aid." I nodded still rolling my shoulder as it continued to silently pop before a loud pop gave in causing a jolt from them both.
"I'm leaving. This involves the Doctor, not me. You take him Kaguya." Kaguya looked scornful at her long time rival. Only to watch as she vanish in flames.
"Of course Mokou-san leaves it to a beautiful princess to play guide to a mear child. Ugh, very well follow close. You can glide right?" Nodding to her question Kaguya took a small step she floated off the ground and I follow suit behind her.
"So, you came here pretty quickly we didn't expect anyone from the Garden of the Sun to arrive until early winter or spring because of pollen fever and flu herbs and spices. So what happened?" I try to mimic Yuuka's demeanor before suddenly toppling over. I looked at Kaguya to see if she understands as I got up from my prone position. Bewildered that she was, she continued going forward while guessing my charade.
"So, the master of the Four Seasons went unconscious or is sick and doesn't have any way to heal correct?" All Kaguya got was a thumbs up and a nod.
"You're not very talkative so it's hopeless to get anymore information from just inference. My word,we do get some silent types from that sunflower garden. Well, except that Doll of course. The few times I've seen Miss Kazami she was all dour and sour but seemed polite to me. We last gave her sleeping pills after she was up for four nights so Medicine begged us to give her some. That woman must be a hard worker despite the fact her beauty is going to waste not using it unlike myself of course."
I rolled my eyes, if looks was everything I wouldn't get very far in this place or where I once lived. I'll admit so far everyone look a little above you average Asian woman except for Marisa, Yuuka and a literal magical living doll who can create poison. Marisa looked like she had more European blood in her. Not as pale as Reimu but more pinkish. I'm getting distracted.
Still, I don't think she gets that everyone has a place here and if I don't help possible bad things can happen.
The constant rustling while following the long silk black hair swaying in front of me was hypnotic to say the least. Until she swiftly turn right and I was back in the reality of my situation. Admittedly I never wanted to be here actually. But escaping isn't easy for magical beings. And from my past knowledge I'll just find myself back at the Hakurei Shrine. My name is also just gone and using my new name wouldn't work on the outside world. The bamboo forest is confusingly the same but Kaguya kept going until I saw the traditional building of Eientei. She made a flourish with her sleeved hands and made a beaming smiling at me.
"We're here at my humble establishment don't worry we'll get your supplies if my name isn't the princess of the moon." Her confidence belayed some form of egotism. Comes with the territory of course.
I just gave a traditional bow before the sliding door open.
HOLY HELL THAT'S ALOT OF BUNNIES!
Inaba central it was as the prime mischief maker appear in front of me with a line of Earth Rabbits holding inabas that were trying to escape their grasps.
"UGH, I hate fall, too many bunnies to organize. Hey princess whose the dude in the dress?" She tried to hide her snicker. Kaguya as well with her oversized sleeves.
"Well actually he is of need of assistance for his residency Miss Kazami has fallen ill." This cause different expression of shock to abject fear.
"Right, we should help him outta of that home." Of all things to say I would've taken a yes or no ya troublemaker.
What?...No!
"No, no it's not because of mistreatment by Kazami she is of need of medical supplies." This didn't make the many of faces any calmer just more weary of me. Tewi just huff made a beckoning gesture with one hand and I followed.
"Oh do you have anything to give to Eirin?" I showed Tewi the tengu feathers she try to grab for them only for me to keep them away from her.
She's quick. As expected of an Inaba. I really should give these to Eirin or Undongien.
Ever as we made a way to the front desk she wouldn't stop trying to grab them. Sure enough there was that familiar moon rabbit look to the ears at the reception. Standing straight up instead of pulled down. The long Lavender hair too.
Pinks and pastels...my eyes are hurting.
"Tewi stop that, anyways sir you need any...help?" The same apprehension as before, I gave her the tengu feathers she recognized them and promptly sprung up from her chair to start calling for Eirin.
"Miss Yagakoro it's from the Garden of the Sun! They brought a child here instead of the Doll. Is is alright to trade with him!?" She looked nervous. From somewhere down the hall a voice replied along with approaching steps.
"Garden of the Sun?" You certain it's a child Inaba?" Eirin appeared and look between the feathers over to me. She hum a bit before going over and grabbing random bottles and a basket.
"Inaba, we help those that are in need whatever the issue made be it's made up by these feathers...Oh my, one is extremely rare an extra 5k yen is in order. This will also make up for the 2k yen we'll be taking from this transaction for her early winter flu and spring supply."
She dropped a basket filled with medical aid at the counter before dropping what looked like 10k yen on the side.
OK. Note to self try to be as scary as my residency to make Aya dropped more feathers.
I took the basket and got it secure, grab the cash and swiftly made for the entrance. Oh right.
"Arigatozaimashita(Thank you)." I probably butchered it but they didn't seem to care just more surprise by my accent.
"You're welcome child. Also a little something for both you and Medicine as well so be sure to share them." I just gave them a thumbs up and took off.
"He's extremely rare indeed." As Eirin watch Venus take flight.
"Master wasn't that a bit too much?" Eirin shook her head.
"Nope, if you haven't noticed Yuuka Kazami has been making less and less runs around Gensokyo. She was always a go-getter even with her yokai age. Whatever happened recently must of been severe enough to send her own child our way. Undongien did you feel his magical output?" Reisen looked confused.
"No master why whats wrong with it?" Eirin laugh.
"It felt like Yuuka was in this very room watching over him...He might actually be her son or he is just blessed by her. Either way he's strong he's just hasn't notice it yet."
"EHHHHHH! HE'S MISS KAZAMI'S SON?"The effect of that prospect cause Reisen's ears to get bent outta shaped and Tewi to covered her ears from the yell.
"For once Yagakoro I agree, he might not be special or even if he is it's best to let him decide how to use his powers." Tewi gave her two cents of the situation.
I'm getting way to use to this, Since it's my second day I thought, hey we'll farm, we'll eat. Explore my possibilities in a safe environment. Go to sleep and be perceived as normal...Maybe...that's what I like to believe. People here aren't the type of normal you'll expect but it's normal to them. All lasers and nonlethal explosive as they are.
I finally could see the sunflowers and the house I've been staying in from above . It's really yellow and green and that's someone waving me down.
"Down here! Venus we gotta help Yuuka!" I was getting the hang of the balance and flight required and landed more graceful than I thought with a flared out dress and all that.
"Whoa, they weren't kidding you're like a mini male Yuuka." The antennas, the baggy shorts, the dress shirt, the cape looking like beetle wings and short green hair. Yep, that's Wriggle.
"Come on she's asleep, but Medicine needs well medicine to help Yuuka." Wriggle open the door enough for me to get inside and I start looking through the basket only to hear the rushing feet of the doll.
"I can only guess she is developing a heat stroke, fever or over exhaustion from tending the fields mostly by herself recently. There's a yokai medicinal in here hopefully that'll regulate her body temp to so she'll relax cause she's breathing more harshly since you left." Medicine look through each label until she found the one she was looking for and hurry back to Yuuka's room.
I probably should find the place she puts these.Wait? What is that box?that's not medicine at all.
Nope, I wasn't fool or anything and it smell of sweets so opening it slightly. Inside was rice cakes,mochi, and muffins. I see, snacks to tide over the winter. No wonder she wanted us the share cause this took up most of the carrying basket as there was more underneath the first layer.
Eirin might as well be seen as a grandma cause this is too much.
Setting it on the dining table and still waiting for a response from either Medicine or Yuuka as I got done putting away everything else in cupboards and drawers.
"Sooooo how long have you've been in hiding from us eh Yuuka's son?" I swear I want to punt you across the. It's no big deal. Let them think that hopefully Aya keeps her promise. Instead I hold up a finger to Wriggle which only made her have a blank stare only for Cirno to blurt it out.
"He's only been here 2 days and half Wriggle. Also I'm hungry what's to eat?" Right to eat... I honestly never thought about that until I check there was alot of preserve food stuff, from salted small barrels of assorted meat. To clearly that is hardtack of some kind. To what looks to be a working fridge?
It even hums? Hold on.
I open it and there were more modern preservatives and ready to be cooked foods in it but the house didn't really look like it was fully power except for this part so maybe there was an agreement. I did however spot milk, eggs, and pancake or waffle mix. All of it look ready to be use before spoiling.
Right this will do.
I check the salted meats and saw pork. Yep using that for my oil base.
"Ohhh what are you making?" Something close to my heart.
Ham, eggs and pancakes technically for breakfast but I'm hungry and quite frankly an opened container of milk will spoil fast so let's start.
Gas stove, a pan and some pork fat allowed me to make a grease addle foundation for everything else. I show Cirno how to crack eggs an open them into a mixing bowl gave her a whisk and she starting mixing the two eggs together. I added the milk into the eggs there was a type of butter too can't forget that. It even smelled unsalted.
Perfect.
"Venus, what are you doing?" Medicine came in looking more disheveled by the minute.
Makin pancakes and bacon, bacon pancakes, and eggs. Let's teach them how to make this at home.
Finally the sizzling pork was making the fat I needed so I mix the whole pancake mix into the stirred mixture and help Cirno mix it until it was clumpy and smooth.
"So cool, but what is this for?" Ignoring the obvious pun, I pour a small amount and watch it closely as it harden and spread. That was difficult with Cirno right next to me but was easily combated by just turning my aura heat up, only that started to produce a fog in the air.
"Hey, idiot and Venus stop standing next to eachother I don't want to open the door." Cirno bounded towards Medicine as I began making the third pancake.
"I'm not an idiot!" Leaping straight at Medicine while I can guess they bump into Wriggle and the three crumple unto the floor. As I was more focus on this.
"QUIT ALL THAT NOISE OUT THERE YA NOISY KIDS!" Yuuka sounded more lively.
"YES MISS KAZAMI!" Guess they do act like children. Anyways, I made a serving for Yuuka first. And walk to her bedroom,her door was slightly open. She looked at me with surprise and weary eyes.
"What is all this stuff?" She was given Pancakes and bacon, and I found out how to strip the pork thin during the making. I had some milk leftover and made her a glass.
I have no idea if she'll like it.
She took a careful bite, sure enough her eyes lit up.
"It needs a syrup Venus, otherwise this is really good." She pointed towards a spot near her bed and sure enough it was fully natural maple syrup in a jar. Still it's odd is right here and not in the fridge. I just hand her the container and she pours a little over.
"I really mean it, thank you for all this. I...I really should be alot nicer to people then I wouldn't be in this state. Mmmph..I should've eaten this morning." I gave her privacy to eat in bed and left to see how the others are fairing. Yep, Cirno trying to be greedy making a tower of pancakes.
You know it's not so bad, it's peaceful...I can see myself staying like this...what?
Author Notes:Wanted to get another near 5k of word count as this one will be kinda short. I'm probably gonna try and edit these earlier chapters as fast as possible, but I'm one person so please bare with the poor grammar mistakes.