I honestly don't remember much after hugging Yuuka. Cause the next thing I know I'm on the couch in the dark. It felt good to be vulnerable and know that everything was going to be alright. I could stare at the night sky and see stars for once. The moon was almost about become a new moon as it's a now in it's final waning crescent this night.
Tomorrow night, will be the darkest, and... What?
If I wanted to move it'll be quite hard as Medicine is right on top of me and only now I can feel every bit of the sleeping doll. Little points and all. The more I look at her the more I realize small knocks and gashes on her expose joints and limbs. The messy blonde hair that seem greasy to touch. I wasn't the cleanest person, but I knew about hair alot cause my own hair is a hassle to clean. It's no wonder she doesn't wear that fancy red dress and her hair in curls. Her and Yuuka won't ever have time for that stuff because they work hard constantly on the sunflower field, not just growing it, but defending it from people trying to destroy it just to get a rise outta them...I work in that field too...Now I get why they don't like Tenshi.
Even if I could move, I'd didn't have a reason to do so. It's peaceful, but underneath that peace they both share a giant hassle and a dream. With that thought in mind I wrap my arm around the doll and tighten my grip and it seem to get her stop being so restless in her sleep. Man, I feel tired. Like real tired for once. All this...running around...getting..hurt..makes..ya..sleepy.
Reality,death,life,dream,truth,lie,soul
A person is born with these intrinsic designs
We're all born with these in mind
Yet we don't find the time to bind ourselves
To our kind.
"H...HEY...HEY..WAKE UP!"Wha?
*SMACK*
"WHOA! UGH!"
*THUMP*
Dammit! Not in the face!
Well, clearly Medicine is now up.Ever been smack by a wooden doll? It hurts for one thing the second is that she can blush? Yep on her half hidden face a red blush was adorn on it.
"I know you got all huggsy with Yuukarin, but I'll never be treated like a doll by anyone. Including you." That wasn't my intentions...whatever happen to her must of left her in a bad way. I'm starting to think she wasn't just abandoned, but intentionally ruined by someone. I offered a hand to her and she accepted it as I got her back on her feet. She huff and try to fix her hair to no avail. After watching her struggle with it for two minutes sh-.
"AHHHHHGH! Yuukarin help me fix my hair!" She gave up in spectacular childish arm flailing fashion. I really couldn't hold my smirk in as the house gave us no response. Wait...what time is it...Damn, we overslept. As Medicine waited she just sat down on the couch all pouty and cross arms. Jeez girl you ever heard of independence?
Me on the other hand decided to check the area for a brush and comb, funnily enough there was a metal pick for my type of hair but as I ran it through it didn't get hitch on a single knot.
Don't tell me my hair has gotten less curly and more straight as well since last night?
Checking the bedroom mirror confirm that my hair has long since gotten rid of it's fro shape for this long straight and curly style. Great, I can now officially headbang properly. I finally found what I looking for and walk back into the living room. A brush and comb in each hand. She looked up and instantly got worry.
"Ah hell no, I'm not you letting near this. Besides, you call that a hairstyle?" Ooooh, real convincing oil head. It's real nice to insult the mute. Wait a minute.
"Baka yokai."She raised an eyebrow in bewilderment.
"You'll take that back Venus, or I'll make you regret those words" With the amount of confidence you can have with no words to fight back with, I gave her a shit eating grin and said.
"No." With that she got up and ran towards me. Dropping the comb and brush as I got out through the front door we go rushing past the sunflowers and taking random pathways. All with Medicine screaming bloody murder at me.
"I'LL SHOW YOU WHOSE A STUPID MONSTER. ONCE I CATCH YOU, YOU'LL FIND OUT WHY I'M CALLED MELONCHOLY. SLIPPERY BASTARD, GET YOUR PUNISHMENT!!!" Oooooh oohh man she's not happy. Granted this is what siblings do so maybe she's atleast having fun with this right? Of course we're way out of the sunflower fields now, and on a random dirt path towards...somewhere this doesn't look familiar. Weirdly enough, I should be tired and yet I kept trucking along as I hear her slowing down.
"DAMN YOU! IF WE WAS FLYING THIS WOULD BE EASIER!" Even for a doll she acted out of breath or rather...her body is giving out. I stopped running to see if she can catch up to me only to watch as an audible.
*CRACK*
"AHHHHHHHHHH!" OK! That's brutal regardless of what you're made of. Medicine's left leg splinter into two pieces. and she crumple into the ground. An extremely jet black substance leak from the wound. With her struggling to get back up as I walk over.
"N-no, stop...s-stay back! Venus if you touch M-Me you'll die from the poisons." I trust her enough to not kill me, as I lift her up bridal style with her carrying her leg. I'll say this that it burns...it burns bad. But she can't fly in this type of pain. Theres only one person who can fix her. Medicine curl into my chest with rapid pants as I lift us both towards the forest of magic. It didn't take long to see two very distinct western houses in the clearings. I head for one that had clearly being guarded by dolls from my observation.
I landed a bit too harshly as more of that liquid sprayed out as another scream came out. This time muffle by biting into the shirt I'm wearing. This got the attention of the guard dolls clad in metal armor with javelins and a small buckler. Which in turn alerted the puppeteer. I waited until the front door open as an alarm Alice eyed what I was holding. A look of caution and horror was plastered on her face.
"MEDICINE!? Quickly let's fix her up, uh Venus right? I saw the papers couldn't believe it myself until I saw you back at the human village." I carefully carry her into the home as Alice pointed at a vacant child size chair where I place Medicine upright, but she didn't let go of me.
"Don't go yet."It came out between whimpers and solid black tears lacingeher face. Unfortunately, Alice had other plans.
"You need to wait outside. Don't worry I'll fix her up but she's...she's not a normal doll. So please leave." Unbefuckinglievable, After what I saw she's gonna kick me out over this? Even with that strained reassuring smile.I was pissed.
"SHINÉ(DIE)!"This got a jolt from them both as I felt my being burn with ferocity. This also got a fearful look in Alice's eyes. I fizzled out the energy I had, and let go of Medicine.
"Wait. A-Alice. V-Ve-Venus!" As I got outside The door slam shut as I got one last look at her scared pain glass eyes. I needed a walk to cool my head. As I step away and check the damage. Even with all that pain,it didn't seem to go through my skin, but Yuuka's spare clothes are officially a death zone.
The audacity of her. To act like common decency matters. I get it, but at this point we're both over it now. I just wanted to get to know her not this. In hindsight I did see the condition her body is in. It probably wasn't going to last... No that's not an excuse!
As I breathe in and breathe out I didn't notice the person coming over to Alice's home.
"Oi Da ze!" Oh come on not now.
"So we meet ag- ZE!?" Yeah I look like a Creature from the Black Lagoon. I look at Marisa morsefully while keeping track of my slow breathing.
"Wow, Ya change alot ze. YA even grew into the whole scary Yuuka vibe with ya black paint ya got there. Though it clashes with the visible whites and reds." How very astute ordinary magician. How about you just ignore the mute.
"Soooo, what are ya doing out here?" I gave her the stink eye as I can't speak. She made an Oh expression before facepalming herself.
"Right, da ze. Sorry da ze." Everyone tries to smile but I can tell you that all of them so far that wasn't from Yuuka or Medicine at home have been these nervous forceful smiles. Whether it was because I'm part of the Garden or the fact I look like I've been through the ringer recently. Which reminds me.
Right warm water and cold wind equals.
*Bwash*
"WHA ZE!?"
A mini hurricane surrounded my body that lasted 5 seconds. When it stop my clothes were dried and clean, but my bandaged skull was loosen. The sudden action surprised Marisa and the dolls were also ready to strike as they were in a defensive position in front of her. After that little outburst I felt better.
Alice came out cover in the black oily substance with a content expression on her face. Consequently she was using a towel to clean her hands, but all it did was spread the substance out more.
"Come on it was only for 10 minutes. Anyways, she's done come on in you two." I pointed at her feet and thought of word for my new trick.
"Tsunami Raijin." In an instant Alice was engulf for the same 5 second hurricane completely clean of the poison. She eyed herself in shock.
"OI, Alice da ze. He's quite good at his control of magic, but what happened if he's here?" Alice was about to respond until.
"Venus!" Well heeeeeeeeeeyyy?
Those are new parts, its not just wood its also metal joints and a nice new dress with Curly blonde hair in drills. She really looks like a doll. Also, her face looks more expressive.
Medicine didn't look as raggedy from before, her limbs are polish mahogany wood , and her joints don't squeek. I made the right decision to get her to Alice. I gave them both two raised thumbs up.
"WOW! Alice you did really good on me. I can twirl without my leg going backwards." That happens? Then again she's a ball jointed doll so she must have weird 360 movements.
"But um... did you have to make me this wierd plastic body even those are more prominent now?"...What the fuck!? Alice nodded with a smug looked on her face.
Thats just weird.
"Of course, also it's not really plastic it's a mix of synthetic and wool with natural padding to make sure you don't get hurt." I now had a suspicious look on me as I thought. Hell I even mouth it.
RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIGHT.
Medicine blush, while Marisa is just stunned and took a step back from Alice.
"Oi, That's not something to be heard in public, do ya do that to Hourai, and Shanghai too?" Yep, theres a semi pouty face Alice as her face got really red.
"ITS RESEARCH AND MEDICINE IS A PERFECTLY FINE YOUNG LADY TO FIGURE HOW SHE WAS MADE!" Ok time to go before things get heated. I grab Medicine's arm, and we both silently ran away from the two who might start burning down their yards. Medicine started to laugh.
"HAHAHAHA, finally got one over that Dollmaker." I'm confused. She gives me some insight.
"Now, don't get me wrong she's the only one that can fix me. But man does she not get ultra creepy about every little detail of not just me but all her dolls. It's ok to have an hobby but she's weirdly obsessed so instead of just fixing my leg she strip me and forcefully remove my head... DO YOU KNOW HOW DISCONCERTING THAT IS!?" I winced at the sudden outburst, justified it was. But my lord, I wouldn't want that to happen to me in the doctors office man. So I get it.
"So what do you want to do now? We ran all around Gensokyo and still couldn't find Yuukarin." Actually you chase me cause I said no, and preceded to try to poison me with unimaginable toxins. I don't know how I'm alive but I don't feel weird. So maybe she trust me enough to carry her as she diluted her toxins.
I'm curious.
Medicine watch as I floated out into the treetops.
"Hey! Wait up. Where you going?" Following in my stead and headed to a direction that was near the Hakurei Shrine instead we flew past the stairway and red Tori. I caught a glimpse of Reimu sweeping not paying attention to our flyby. The sky was slightly cloudy and blue perfect time to relax by the water.
I always wanted to see the Misty Lake, I just wished it was summer.
Landing near the shoreline of the lake taking off my boots I can only say that the water was cool but not freezing.
"You could've waited until summer." While I'd agree I haven't been to natural water in years. The water was clear and ice blue however, the mist definitely blocks your view from the other side.
Every piece of nature is quite beautiful here and yet so primordial.
This was the most girly thing I've done in a while. Lifting the skirt while wading in at foot height water. From an outsider perspective they'll think Yuuka is just enjoying a silent moment with her doll.
"Man, you're a weirdo, but I guess I can't judge much. This whole place is built on weird." Medicine watch Venus twirl around. She couldn't lie sometimes it's ok to be silly especially after today's situation. Medicine sat down in the sand admiring the scenery before her.
There isn't anything here I'll trade for if I can't be with Yuuka, but maybe...there's something else being added to the list.
"I think I get it now Yuukarin.I see why you got attach to the kid so quickly." I couldn't tell what Medicine was muttering as I finally got done feeling graceful and elegant, and sat down next to Medicine. What I didn't account for was all that movement in the water. Attracted a certain mermaid.
"You know how hard it is to sleep? Please don't disturb the Lake again, come back in Spring." It wasn't much of a question as more of a order. Some yokai sleep during winter seems Wakasagihime also hibernates. Let me tell you, princess is apt to say to least. In the same way Kaguya is.
"Sorry, he just hasn't been to the lake before." Medicine answer for me. Wakasagihime made an oh face before nodding.
"He's a new yokai? I don't think we get many male yokais." I can think of a few reasons why. Also not a yokai, I'm a perfectly functioning human...I hope.
"Yep, he's also can't talk. His name is Venus Rose." I gave Wakasagi a small wave.
"Weird choice of clothes, weird name, and can't talk. Par for the course here in Gensokyo. Still, don't disturb the lake. Fish need to hibernate too you know." With that she dove back into the water. Well, maybe now will good time to head back. Getting up and grabbing our discarded shoes we took off back to the garden.
"Ok, that did make me feel better. So thanks." Medicine's face has improved thanks to Alice. Uhhhhh whats with that look?
"YOU'RE NOT OFF THE HOOK JUST YET!"Uh oh she also has improved I'm mad face as well. Well time to rocket by the shrine to avoid an irate Medicine. This time however the electricity was more self contained than before. Which just made me way faster than before. Control seems to improve magic.
"NOT FAIR, YOU'RE CHEATING!"Anyone nearby could hear her shrill voice as she tried to keep up, however flight was not the strongsuit of Medicine's and Yuuka's abilities. I think I know what to call myself.
VENUS ROSE:TECHER OF THE GARDEN'S SUN.
My ability as far as I can tell is base on alchemist traits mix with science. As long as I know the properties I can basically make it appear. It becomes easier if the property is naturally close. And since molecules are everywhere you get why I made lightning my trait. I bet I can use it for magnetism too.
I want to know more, but right now let's avoid the poisonous doll until she gives up.
I long since past by the shrine and back into the path towards the fields only to see the familiar parasol walking the same direction. Yuuka turn slightly and move a bit to the left to avoid my unsteady landing.Not far behind us was Medicine and I think...oh great.
"YUUUUUUUUUKARRIIIIN!" I started to run towards to Medicine knowing that we both don't want to get into the crossfire of the Celestial. However, a giant Keystone came towards us both as Medicine crash into me. Getting as steady as I could even as I slid into Yuuka.
"Get down you two!" Yep, noted.
"DOUBLE SPARK!" It's as you expected two Yuukas standing in front of us and using the parasols like a wand.
"I'LL WIN THS TIME YOU SADISTIC BITCH!" God just shut up already.
*VRRRRRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMM*
Twice as big,colorful,and loud. The spark rings out and echos across the forest as it pierces the sky. One thing for certain...it hit a certain mountain; the Youkai Mountain to be specific. We all winced as a hole was basically scorched into the side of it.
"*Cough*hack, ugh. Dammit I was so close too."FUCKIN HOW? Know your limits you damnable annoyance in a multicolor dress.
"Close!? Just leave us alone already!Medicine wretch free from my hands as she walk upto the still recovering Tenshi. Looks like this won't look good on any of us regardless of what happens. Medicine grab Tenshi's face and forcefully open her mouth.
Shit...wait.
"Suffer." Yeah I had enough as I tackle Medicine before she tried to basically kill the celestial. Even if it can be deserved this isn't how we deal with things here. Medicine kept struggling as I pull her back to Yuuka's side.
"FUCKING BITCH, WE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO YOU, YOU BURN OUR FLOWERS, TRAMPLE OUR GARDENS, AND KEPT GOING AFTER NOT JUST YUUKA BUT ME AS WELL. NO ONE CARES CAUSE ITS US. YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!" Yuuka had a neutral expression as the doll slowed down her movements and began crying into my chest. Things only got worse as not only did both shrine maidens showed up but Marisa, Alice and the Tengu reporter as well.
Just our luck.
Tenshi however, was in a weird state of euphoria as she rose up and produce her orange flaming sword. A sadistic smile across her face. Something was planned from the start.
"Housing that disturbance in our balance, but wishing me dead? I think it's only fair to cut off that doll's head." Walking slowly only for the messager of the dragon to finally showed up between us and Tenshi.
"Iku leave, it's time to teach a cockroach where they belong." Iku didn't budge instead.
*KACRACK*
It was instantaneous flash that blinded us as a bolt of pure plasma hit Tenshi, it was design to knock out a celestial judging by the fact she was now laying unconscious at Iku's feet. She pick up the Hisui and look towards us.
"It might be time for an apology from us to you. Yuuka Kazami please forgive our greatest daughter. Yuuka looked down at us both. Figured that we basically weren't at fault.
"I'll forgive ya'll if ya promise me something." Yep that didn't go as expected as they all look between themselves nervously.
"Anything miss Kazami." She gave her iconic silent little close mouth smile with eyes close. Before opening them.
"How about some tea and something to eat? We still have plenty of leftovers. Did you know that Venus can cook? He's actually pretty good." With that they're were stunned.
"Come along you two, I just got a new cake recipe and I need helpers." Well, I'm not good at actually baking but I can try.
"Hey let me go already, I'm not going to kill her now." Oh right I loosen my grip and just as we kept walking away from the group. One thing I gotta say...
ITS GOOD TO WIN FOR ONCE!
Author notes:Yep a Medicine Centric chapter, It's shorter than the rest as I'm probably gonna do shorter two character pieces until the festival part.