To say that after making food for a very excited fairy and myself it can only be said that it was great new experience for Cirno. Me however, I was thinking about how to make Yuuka's workload easier.
"Yo, make some room I'm crashing here for tonight." I looked over to see Medicine in child's sleepwear holding a extra pillow in her arms.
Where would a doll sleep anyways? In a glass display case away from preying eyes in case it turns out to be haunted?
This got a small chuckle from me as she lay opposite of me. Trying to get comfortable as her joints creak.
"You ever wonder why me and her are always together?" I've tried to give her the rock eyebrow raised meme but this only made her laugh.
"Ok, Yuukarin isn't very popular with people or yokai. She's the outcast of outcasts; hell if a dullahan, werewolf, and a mermaid are more well like then why isn't she?" I see where this is going. Yuuka is fine by herself cause she is powerful therefore she is respected and fear, however they haven't tried to understand her plight. No matter how I see it, so far Yuuka just wants her garden to prosper in peace; but the constant interruptions have began to wittle her down not just physically but mentally. Yuuka is in silent suffering even if she has Medicine to be there for her.
"Fairies, tend to avoid her except Cirno. I think it's because Cirno just wants someone to treat her like she belongs. Wriggle is important because she helps out during possible insect raids on Gensokyo. I'm... Well you know?" Medicine looked out the window as we gaze at the stars. A small smile crept unto her face as she eyed the waning moon.
"In my time of helping Yuukarin I've never seen her this tired or run down before. Then again, she was asks to grow multiple crops to stop a possible early famine this summer. She almost lost her entire field because she wasn't able to tend to her sunflowers. She kept at it and the flowers survive. This fall season is almost over, so I have a request." I looked into her grey glass eyes as she tried to find the right words.
"I hate asking this, but Venus...Stay...atleast for Yuuka... this has been her most relaxed she's been in a long time. I don't want to lose my friend to a season of pain and hatred anymore. We both should be better for if we don't...We'll both soon disappear." I watched as she close her eyes and her breathing made a small whistling noise through her body.
Huh, so I don't know how to answer to that request, on one hand she's right, their powers and demeanor warrant caution. She's wrong in that they'll start to disappear cause without fear what is a yokai to do? Keine and Rinnosuke are an exception in Gensokyo; both are only half yokais so they can live off either fear or food. Yuuka seems to be purely biological as well. Needs rest, food, and is still just powerful because she was born this way.
I got up from the couch without disturbing the petite doll and went outside. I needed to clear my head. A small part of me wants to stay the other doesn't. Stay or leave, I want to stay because it'll be the right thing to do. I wanted to leave because I never wanted to be here in the first place. But even now bit by bit I'm changing more into a magical being. Speaking of which I need to figure out this ability some more.
I'm getting to use to flying and heights, oh theres a clearing right there.
Again still wearing the plaid dress just forgot to put on the boots. So a slow graceful barefooted landing in the forest clearing. As I looked it had enough space for my own experiments. Besides dozen upon dozens of encircling trees there was a big rock in the middle that had moonlight cascading around it.
Right that rock will do, where do I want to take this power? If I'm correct I might be the "last avatar" But knowing Patchouli studies under the Five Chinese elements it's possible that mine is a derivative of her's. But it doesn't have to be exactly like her's either.
You see in order to create invisible flames that the naked eye can't see you...Methanol you need methanol. And oh God that smell.
Yep, that's a strong scent, well gotta ignite it.
You know that kung fu panda scene where Po lifts his hand and it's on fire? Well yeah, I basically did that and because it's dark out; methanol fires come out as this ethereal white. Shiranui(invisible fire) perfect name for this.
This...is...awesomeness! Lightning is always yellow,blue, or purple. So thats almost outta the question? It's red? Why is it red?
Oh right this an intensely stored version of lightning called sprites that flies upwards rather than downwards so maybe this will better suited for faster flight. "Flight of Sprites". This will make it easier to move to place to place.
I should head back before they worry about me. In the end I use my red lightning to fly up really quickly and then use the momentum to glide towards the sunflower fields again. From my experience I was probably only out for five or ten minutes atleast.
I opened the front door silently and closed it as I turn around to only see Yuuka at the fridge eating the leftover bacon I made. Alright I can work with this.
Walking over while she was still stun I grab the left overs and made a cold plate for her to eat at the table.She already set out the same syrup jar from earlier so I made my own plate and use some on my cold pancakes and bacon. We ate in silence in the dark minus the set out candle on the kitchen counter. She has alot of western proprietaries here. Even have the silverware I'm used to seeing. Her name is Japanese, but everything else is so western. Its like I'm right back at home again.
More things change the more they stay the same.
Yuuka finish eating and left the table carrying the candle back.
"Alright good night Venus, I just couldn't bare being in bed all day yesterday after eating that. She made careful steps back to her room a small content smile on her face.
Yeah good night Yuuka.
It's a cage, a prison for the lazy and blunt
We have no direction, balance is all
We have no ambition, see our existence end
It's soon,It's soon, children must be the future.
Today I was bombarded with the golden rays of the sun. I look around and saw that Medicine was still asleep. Getting up and checking to see if Yuuka was up. She isn't as I can see her green hair and subtle rising and falling of her breathing. Laying on her left side and trying to clutch at something there.
How long as it been since I had a day to myself? Man there is alot of places to see here. I could leave, get in trouble or worse get the attention of that celestial. Nah, she rather gun for Reimu than me. Or stay until they wake up. Should I stay or should I go.
Closing the front door silently and taking flight towards the human village.
I mean it's just to check out this place and quite frankly I got nothing else to do.
I'll admit flying is pretty cool once you get the hang of it, it's all balance and momentum base anyways. Then again I'm setting the sky orange with my red lightning. I should calm down before...
"Oi, Da ze! Cool it with the fireworks!" Yep of course she's up here. Marisa seemed to be beaming from ear to ear and I can see why. A massive bag hanged from her broom.
"How's it feel to fly? Ya seem right at home with the birds. Also, ya makin headlines. Anyways, be careful ya don't want Ol reimu to challenge ya or worse that pesky celestial. Imma head on home take care da ze!" With that she made a two finger salute and headed to the forest of magic. She's probably right, but as long as I mind my own business and treat people fairly things can't get that bad...
Right?
I made a slow descent to the gate, I could go over it but that's impolite. The less issues I give people the less they'll think Yuuka is a bad person. Oh gosh, those guard faces where bugging out when I appeared still wearing the same plaid and dress attire as Yuuka.
"Miss...Kazami?"Nope guess again, as I shooked my head.
"Oh you're here for another seed run for her?"
I gave him two thumbs up as I couldn't be here at the gate forever.
"Well, then you know the rules kid, take care now." I made my way inside, the place wasn't as bustling as the first time I was here. Then, again I don't know what weekday or weekend it is today. I was however, during the last conversation in her bedroom to take my share of the yen. I took only 5k yen for the fact that I'm just a part of the work.
What do we actually need? Honestly, she has plenty for the winter.
As I made my way through central row of buildings a clearing was made and it was an assorted area for plays and puppet shows. Adults and children alike. As well as the Yokais of various areas.
I guess it's a day to relax so possibly Sunday or Saturday.
"The value king was beset by his court of knights" It was a puppet show on the left, ran by a Blonde woman in a blue dress, she seems to get frequent payers judging by the flying doll holding a bucket filled with coins.
"Halt in the name of Esoterra, you've committed heinous acts against your own kind and your kingdom. How do you best plea to resolve this issue?" The head knight raised his sword against the King and knew they could never see eye to eye so they fought." Her eyes and technique were mesmerizing as she control the strings like extra limbs as the two puppets are in a fierce make believe battle. I continued walking past to see what else there is.
I'll admit it's cute if alittle wordy. So that's how she's gets people to trust her. Well that looks interesting.
A platform with only a dancer in the middle expressionless and holding a naginata twirling it gracefully between a traditional drum and oda string beat. The dancer's clothes were vibrant as her pink long hair, a blue blouse and pink skirt with masquerade faces carved into it. Happiness and Agony.
They say expressionless, but I can see she enjoys this alot. It's subtle but there's a smile on her face.
Silent I am but not unobserved. I kept walking by groups of many familiar yokais until I got outta of the crowded area. Well that was my enjoyment time to...go?
If being in a gap was a phobia then I have it. In a blink of eye I'm confronted with red eyes and that creepy purple background.
I'm not important enough for this.
"I haven't even introduce myself and you're already belittling yourself, have more confidence young man. Women hate mopers." I made an audible sigh as I turn towards the only person who would do this. The only word to describe her is complicated and vague. In her classic white dress and purple tabard with long blonde hair ending in curls with the purple eyes gazing at me with curiosity.
"Yakumo Yukari at your service dear Gardener of the Sun." You forgot to put the fucking in between Yakumo and Yukari.
"I know that you don't talk much so I'll keep it short. The green couch is a welcome gift. I'm surprise you haven't lock yourself away instead opting for something you strongly dislike. The whole doing work, meeting people, I suppose you still have some form of wonderment in you or you wouldn't have explore as you've done."Oh please Get to the point Yukari.
"Welcome to Gensokyo. I hope our people treat you nicely. I should thank you for uplifting our dear Yuukarin's mood recently. Speaking of, how long have you've been gone really? Fufufufu." One thought came to mind now.
DAMMIT YUKARI!
With that I was dropped above the human village that day.
"FLIGHT OF SPRITES!"You know how words have power and emotions amplified your powess? Yeah, one moment I'm falling the next.
*KAKABWOOM*
I've become red lightning incarnate and set the blue sky ablaze as I race back to sunflower fields. In hindsight it's an overreaction, but knowing Yukari she wanted me to do this exact thing. Marisa was right I had to cool off. As I slow down my volatile force, the lightning mellow out into soft breeze as I refocus on what to do. Then again I was now upside down with a thinking pose drifting between the village and the fields. That explosion will attract many people including...the shrine maidens.
This will not look good on me or Yuuka. It's basically painting a big dramatic target saying "this asshole". I can't fight and I'm not actually Yuuka so I can't intimidate anyone to just forget. What a nuisance she can be. Damn you Yukari.
I was lost in so much thought, I haven't realize a very important thing about flying in the air. You're a pretty obvious target if you fly high and if someone wants to ruin your day it's quite easy.
I mean what ca-
*CRAAACK*
A direct impact into my liver as I look at what hit me...It's a yin yang orb. If I wasn't filled with electricity and shot nerves I probably would've fallen straight down. Instead, I just felt annoy at Reimu. Granted she isn't wrong, but if this the response you get for not paying attention, I can now see why she implemented the spellcard rules. Alright, I'll let you in on a secret about my body, I can take alot of pain before I go down.
I turn towards the trajectory of where it came from and Reimu seemed confused.
"Most yokai go down after that and you're clearly human. So unless you've learned compound enhancement magic already I suggest you go back to your gardening child." This damnable Orb won't stop trying to puncture my liver so I grab it a-
*CRRREASSH*
Whoa!? I wasn't that strong before.
Sure enough the orb stop after being crush.This cause Reimu to go into full alert. She raise her gohei and had a spellcard in her hands.
"So you're exactly like her just as I thought." Now hang on Reimu.
"YAMERO!" She stop as I finally got upright and handed her crushed orb.
"Gomen Nasai (I'm sorry)". I breathe slowly waiting to see if she'll just hit me with th-
*Bonk*
It wasn't a light hit on my head although, the strike cause me to rebound from it without a sound, and ended with an open bloody wound. Clearly she was pissed as she huff and blew a stray hair outta her eyes. Still holding the destroyed orb and eyeing it in annoyance.
"I'm gonna have to get this repair, Atleast give me some compensation for this." I breathe sharply and drew out a good 4k yen to her. She flinch at the sight, before quickly snatching it from my hand.
"Perhaps I shouldn't have done that to you, still you Garden of the Sun people are scary. Best remember to not explode like that again." I looked at the blood I've gathered from my wound in my hands. Yuuka is gonna have a mess to clean. I gave her a thumbs up causing some of the blood to fly towards her, which she tilted her head away from the spray of red.
"Are you really ok?" NOW YOU'RE CONCERNED!? I looked at her with disdain and disbelief as the blood started making a river in-between my eyes. She winced.
"Right, an overreaction I'll make it up to you and Yuuka." How?
"There's an end of autumn festival at the shrine.I know it's a bad idea, but if you want. Bring Yuuka and Medicine to enjoy the festivities ok?" She tried to smile but it ended up with this strain face and any form of innocent intention was forego for nervousness. I don't know how I'll tell them. Wait... how do you pronounce festival?
With that, I zip away from her. Clearly it cause a reaction from her but I was long gone from her.
"I hope I don't have to fight her because of this. That kid might be hers." Reimu headed back to her shrine with a small smile at her new fortune.
I finally got back and saw Medicine and Yuuka in the fields talking. When they notice me and my face a looked of shock and horror was upon theirs. Yuuka ran over, and couldn't stop herself from examining my head. Clearly I think it's a overreaction. It wasn't as I was drag back to the house. Yuuka let me go and went inside only to come back outside with bandages and rubbing alcohol. She sat down on the floor and patted her legs.
What?
"Sit." That's all I got from her, a single word so I layed there in her lap. Looking into her eyes and face some more, I saw she had a looked of worry. I-
"Sssssssaaa"I flinch from the chemical burn I'm getting from the rubbing alcohol.
Yuuka kept her hands steady and careful.
"I can guess that something happen and if it wasn't your fault this was only your warning. You're lucky fighting back leads to complications with those pesky incident resolvers." Medicine had vitriol in her voice. Whatever happen in the past it definitely was after these two knew eachother judging on how recent she makes it sound.
"Yuukarin has really taken a liking to you, it's best to not get hurt again. You're really apart of our little home now." Sentimental they are, yet even I think this a bit much. I do technically lived here now as well. The cool breeze after so much happening the soft and warm feeling of Yuuka. I don't think I was ever was held like this. I'm so used to my independence and individuality that I always kept to myself and the instant someone gets too attach I'd rather they didn't.
Is it all that bad to be care by someone? I prefer my time alone. Away from people, the complications, but I think Medicine and Yuuka are the same. Until they found eachother and now they are basically a family. I don't see myself with many people or even related to my own kin that much. I still don't think I belong.
I yawn and curl into Yuuka's stomach.
"Sleep, I'll be right here when you wake up." In a world that hurts, of unimaginable pain. Aya was right, it's good to have someone.
Just a small part of the world
BUT NOTHING CAN BREAK ME
I'll live as I die, unmoving, uncompromise
IF THIS WORLD HATES ME IT WON'T BE
MY DEMISE!
Opening my eyes I realize it was now late midday and Yuuka and Medicine are in mid conversation.
"I don't get that gap yokai Yuukarin, what if something happens, what if they try to hurt us or worse?" Yuuka had a thoughtful frown before responding.
"After this overextension of power the Hakurei needs a stern talking to. I don't think Venus knows the full extent of his power yet. I'm honestly as surprised as you are Medichan in just three days of staying here. I think everyone is right he's." She stopped and looked at me with a shocked expression. I'd rather she not say that next word I know I'm human I have these memories they're mine.
"You don't have to say it, I see it and feel it too, he's like the big brother I haven't had. He doesn't turn away in disgust or belittle me for my powers."There are tons of things to be said about you Medicine, non of which are completely unjustified both of you have a reputation. But the more I'm here the more I'm convince people are just scare of you because of what you two might do if they made you angry.
Me, a big brother?A long time ago yes. But knowing this place. He's probably dead. I can see it though.
"So if he is your, well you know. What are we gonna do?" Come on she isn't, I'm not. That's laughable, Yukari please come out of nowhere land and just set this straight.
Fufufufu and ruin the fun?
"NANI!" My abrupt attempt to get up bash my forehead against Yuuka's resulting in two things, a possible concussion and Yuuka's bloody nose. A groan escapes us both from the impacted. Yuuka focusing on looking up as Medicine check the damage before applying cotton balls into Yuuka's nose.
"Well he has your strength and he can copy most of your mannerisms. Seriously kiddo you might have memories of your past but how long ago was that?" I looked at Medicine like she's gone insane. That suggests I reincarnated into Gensokyo. No, I refuse the notion. So I shooked my head violently. Medicine sigh in defeat.
"Believe it, or don't. You can't leave this place if you're a reincarnated being. Come on let's get you two clean up. Also, that Gap youkai invited us to the Hakurei Shrine. I would've said no if not for Yuukarin's current condition." Seems like I didn't need to learn the word after all as I got up staggering along with Yuuka. Having this much blood made us both look like serial killers.
If I died wouldn't I have be sent to be judge instead of being here. I feel like this a mistake.
Once inside we were offer some of bake muffins and we both ate it carefully after we both got rock'em sock'em into this sorry state. My jaw actually hurts to move. Medicine was busy with a tea of some kind. It was yellow in color before it became a dark orange before handing a tall glass to us both.
"Its a form of medicinal tea. Accelerates yokai healing and numbs pain." So it's a form of pain relief tea. Well taking a sip of it I can tell you it's a taste between bitter and sour with a strong sweet aftertaste for some reason. But I felt better, and Yuuka had a dopey smile on her face.
Medicine what is in this?
"Sorry! I must of put too much it's a relaxant, but too much causes not just human form of hallucinations it causes heighten euphoria in yokai." Great, so I'm high instead of just seeing the dark shadows. You're a good girl Medicine...what?
"Medichan you're not supposed to mix them like that. Ya'll should know better little one." Yuuka got back into her southern drawl. Honestly expected my high to be bad, but I guess on a technical level we're both just really chill people.
"I know Yuukarin. So in about a week or two the festival will be held, do you understand that Venus?" Come on, that's not helpful but whatever, I gave her a lopsided raise thumbs up. She had a remorseful resignation as she basically watch us go through the motion of what a medical numbness turn into a unintentional high.
"I'm sorry, really am." Yuuka got ahold of Medicine and gave her a hug.
"It's ok Medichan we all make mistakes It's no harm done. You're the daughter I could never have Medicine. As for you Venus, I've always dislike humans cause they villianize me for centuries. But, you're an alright kid. I hope we all have better days together!" Letting go of Medicine. She got up before I could avoid her, I was hug into her bust and heard her muffle laugh. I would say it was awkward if this wasn't us on a mental high. I probably would be crush into oblivion if I wasn't like this now. I really wanted know if it's her, her garden, or it's just plain dumb luck.
I'll humor them, until I find the truth.
"Hey look. Your eyes. They're blue."Yuuka giggle as I looked up at her confuse while still in this predicament. Even Medicine was confused until she got closer.
"Whoa they're blue.I swear they were brown before." Ok time to get outta this woman's grip. She loosen her hug as I essentially sober up by now and went into Yuuka's bedroom and check the mirror. I have change drastically. Same skin, less rotund, but my eyes are an ocean gray blue instead of light brown.
I wanna scream so bad...
"KUSO!?(Shit)"It was the only thing to say about my situation.
"Language!" Yuuka's voice came from the kitchen. I couldn't hold back the degected feeling I had. It's possible that I'm not the original me but a reincarnated version of me. It's cool, Its not, it's a new experience, its a new mistake, a chance to be better, a chance to be another failure.
"Venus?" I stop and look at Yuuka, she had a look to her that reminded me of home. Maybe it's ok to rely on someone, make mistakes, be a failure. Yuuka and Medicine to everyone else are outcasts, but after thinking about it all. We don't have to be because to me. They're home. I ran into her arms.
"Whoa, Venus!?" I guess I am family regardless of how I see it. I'll find out the truth but until then. I'm home.
I am home.
Author notes:This one has been doing numbers, I don't know how people feel about this one. Still, I'm happy people been enjoying this. Yeah it's sappy and sentimental. It's a thank you to those that began reading this.