After an hour of playing and we're finally done with our act as we took our leave silently. Well I did as I walk past the performers from before our act started where still here. I was about to finally take off the mask only to have my hand stop. It's the drummer in her white suit and short pencil skirt. Raiko a red head.
"Woah! You actually have a nice sense of beat, but your act needs brevity man. Still that opener really gave me chills. It...felt like home, it gave me a sense of need I haven't felt before...What inspired you?" With a wide mouth like this trying to recollect that song? She nods as she lets go of me.
"The strong silent type...that's cool. You let your actions speak for you. I can get behind that." I only now notice that the others are really close to me. I should really go see my friends now.
"Sorry ladies, but he's a mute and the drummer plus,he's taken already." I look over at Vector. What the hell man!? The others seem shocked.
"I see, well I hope your band's next show is as poppin as this." I nod at Raiko, and made my way back just to check if anyone was watching...no one around. Finally, I can breathe normally again. Luckily, with this coat I can hide alot of things in it. As I finally got back to the front end of the shrine I drop a few yen into the donation box. Atleast Rei Rei will survive the winter.
"Ah, found the lost soul that ended up here." I turned slightly to see the jizou Yama herself with her rod in hand in prayer. The heavy eye shadow on her was really obvious. It's clean, but her aura felt relaxed. Though, I thought she be in something more... modest, but the pencil skirt and blue blouse hug her mature slim figure the only thing off about her was the mismatched white and black thigh highs.
"I'll ignore the observations as you refuse to speak thanks to your fears. If you're wondering about...all of this? Then, I suppose I'll be brief." Yeah, that would be nice Shiki Eiki.
"Let's start with why you was reincarnated and not in hell. I don't like sending the misunderstood to hell for things they couldn't control. We had no idea that your soul was drifting between the netherworld and the outside world for years until a certain...man came to us." Well it's obvious who that was Eiki. She nods.
"Though I rather...never thank that man. Him and his cohorts had cause plenty of problems this year...including some...unpleasant sights."You make it sound like he skin someone in front of you or something. She blanched at that as if she was about to vomit.
"Please...This year was sickening as is and to think without his and his...team of psychopaths. I'd have to force my will on my subordinate for once. Knowing Komachi... It'll be hard to stop the smell of blood that permeates in the air."Ok, what really happened was it a slaughterhouse or was it a famine!? She looks me square in the eyes. As if I shouldn't push what I don't know.
"Such things should be experienced not talked about. Still, there wasn't much we could do about your state, we couldn't guide you back home, or send you to the netherworld. Your soul was burning for something and yet following you in that state wasn't healthy you almost became a vengeful phantom. You best ask Yuyuko on the matter of your time there." With that she leaves back into the crowd. I saw Satori coming up to me smiling.
"I found someone that might know about your time before you was reincarnated." Let me guess. The princess of the netherworld? She goes wide eyed at that.
"How'd you know?"...Call it hunch, so where we going to meet her? She grabs my hand to follow her as we push through the waning crowd as there's a clearing on the left side where all the head honchos are now laying on the dirt trying to be civil...how awkward that I'm the only guy so the girls were definitely more shock than my bored expression can make as we approach.
"Here he is." Yes, here I am. Of course, I knew she eats, but seeing a ghost stuff her face as she intently stares at you is kinda...funny. Though her body type kinda just reminds me of home with how she's rotund. She swallows before speaking.
"So, this was the "friend"? My oh my you're actually quite the looker. I wonder if Satori is really enough for you given your energy."...Desperation is a hell of a motivator. Still that was better attempt then Remilia's. Satori couldn't hold back her laughter before covering her mouth. Yuyuko's oversized loose kimono showed off more than you'll think. She chuckle into her giant sleeves before finally giving me an answer.
"Yes, I recognize that soul of yours, it was as bright as it was years ago. You might of stayed a few months in the netherworld. If you hadn't ran off somewhere. I'd would've love to see you grow with us. That's life though." Seriously, she feels like...home.
"Venus?"...I shook myself awake and gaze at the the worried expression Satori had. Yeah, I'm fine, but it's like meeting my grandmother again. There was so much I wanted to say to her.
"I take it you felt like you was meeting a family member correct?" I nodded at Yuyuko's question as I decided to sit down in the grass and rub my eyes. She's a ghost and she's practically my great great grandmother 42nd removed.
"If you wanted closure on your reincarnation your will was the cause of it. Many souls are lost for centuries and end up in my care, but your's was fully aware of where it was at all times I tracked your final place. You resided inside the Garden looking over it as if you've been there. So now here you are... as Yuuka's son."...I willed myself from nothing, I survived 20 years in darkness? Just to find out that I came back from the dead...by my own hands? IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!
"Venus!?"... I didn't noticed that I was lighting the ground on fire slightly as everyone avoided the ethereal flames until I turned it off. I started counting the stars and realize how many...less there was.
"There was more of them?"...This just illicit confusion to everyone nearby. I began retracing a capricorn and the big dipper with a free hand. Only to find out that the patterns were broken...how strange.
"Fascinating, you should look into being a teacher at the school."...Yeah I'm not cut out for that Satori. I think Keine already does a good job. Speak of the devil and they shall appear cause I only now notice she's here as well. Though it's odd how intently she is trying to gauge the two of us.
"So you're the one giving a rise around Gensokyo." Mind you, not on purpose I prefer to not be in the spotlight. Her expression brighten a little.
"So there is a chance between me and him? Given the fact you two seemed really close."... Yeah that's not exactly a correlation as apposed to speculation Keine. Of course the hand I feel is Satori as she squeezes mine lightly.
"There is someone special you like as well?" Seeing the teacher become flustered is odd to say the least.
"Yes, for a long time.I just haven't the time to see him yet."...I'm not playing the matchmaker with Rinnosuke. Satori looks between the forest and Keine before focusing her third eye and probably sees the truth as her face lights up. Satori don't say it out loud especially with whose around. She pouts at me, before letting the chance pass she tries to say it only for me to cover her mouth.
"Mmmmph!?"...No, this is not worth causing a scene as she struggles as I lightly let go of her.
"Venus...She should be put to ease. Her heart needs this."...Mindreader and yet do you not see...the others? I wave a hand at the group while still looking at Satori she huffs before nodding.
"I suppose we'll talk about it later." Yes, way in the far future. The confused stares at our little tussle as she relaxes against me definitely gives the more experienced group hints.
"Well, that's a relief and unfortunate. We lost to the mindreader...May you two be prosperous in the future." ...Oh yes Miko it's totally unfortunate that I didn't get hooked into one of the religious sects that actively hate yokai while being ones yourself. I'm not a hypocrite by choice of religion. This cause Satori to flare her third eye towards the Taoist prince; it crease slightly in anger as I heard the last remnants of her more beastial instincts growling in a low hum with gritted teeth.
"Something I said offend you?" Satori snaps out of it to apologize.
"Sorry it's just...bad memories is all." Miko nods. Welp time to get outta here.
"No ya don't mister." Suwako?..That is Suwako right cause right now she has obvious curves to her body she didn't have the last time we met.
"Well, ain't it much a surprise aye can shapeshift a little besides, look around ya. To think two younguns such as yourselves got hitch calls for celebration. Drink up." She shoves a sake bottle at me...Unfortunately for her, I don't drink as I despise alcohol, but I know a trick. I take it, and down the whole thing before lighting my mouth on fire evaporating the liquid and blowing it out into an white seeable flame. Screw getting drunk, party tricks and parlor acts are my forte. The rest laugh at me.
"I guess you're not much a drinker judging by that reaction." I nod before getting up...Satori seemed out of it though as I pick her up.
"Set me down...I don't feel too good." It's late and I'd rather get home. I felt a pulse...No I'm going home to rest, but I'm not leaving you here.
"Seriously?"...Do you want to sleep here? I only now notice the humans have long left and any yokai standing was male in figure...Great...
Guard Duty? My favorite and I don't feel tired either.
The girls found spots to rest, as they rather pass out drunk right on the spot. Admist all this I found mom and Yuugi and hauling them to a comfortable spot wasn't the hardest thing atleast it's not Suika increasing her weight to fuck with me.
So I waited until they woke up. Or was until I felt it...Three ridiculous magical signatures was right here. I looked over and notice the three figures observing the scene. One look like a western cowboy in all red, another a swordsman, the last was a buddhist monk.
No...can't be.
"Dammit guys! What are you three doing here!?" Vector was running over to them and beckons me over I walk from the empty stall to the place they're standing at...It's right at the tori entrance and yeah...I recognize them now. Bofeng was dress like an old western cowboy his messy blond hair look like his mother's and even had the stetson and spurs. I'm definitely not seeing things as he has six shooters attach. I look at the one next to him, and yeah that's Youki Konpaku wise from years of combat and training in the signature sea green in a hoari coat and hakama pants. The sword in sheathed look worn and ragged and had traces of rust and blood. In fact the three of them looked they fought tooth and nail to get here.
The last was Myouren Hijiri the brother of Byakuran Hijiri. Despite the soft young face he had this form of...unbridled rage behind his aura. His hair was the same gradient coloration as Byakuran, purple up top but turns brown at the ends. Prayer beads a plenty on his wrist while saying buddhist mantras. These three are suppose to be either dead or MIA. Talk about spooky to meet the sole reasons for alot of things here.
"You know how dangerous it is being up here right now?" They seemed...out of it as they search the area only to stop above their respective family members and reach out only to stop short of their hair. In a instant the three of them disappear...Eerie things are a coming around huh.
"So what was that really?" Vector huffs before heading down the steps.
"Where you going? Wait up!" He just beckons me to follow...DAMMIT!
"What really happened during the famine because they make it sound like a bloodbath they never wanted to see occurred." Vector looks back and made sickly weezing laugh.
"That's exactly what happened. It was the best months of my life. You had to see their faces of horror and disgust as we tear many starving yokai to shreds."...I shouldn't have ask.
"Yuku and Taro could probably tell you more but it seems they didn't showed up to this shin dig." More names with no faces but judging by the names they must of been some form of yokai.
"I wouldn't worry about them as they're from the mountain. Friends with those tengu girls up there." He mearly hand waves to the Yokai Mountain, but that barely narrows it down Vector.
"Ah the suns coming up soon...I'll leave them to you." He two finger salutes at me.
"No Wait!"...He's gone again.
"Fuck!"...Being able to say these again in my normal tongue makes me feel better Although.
I willed myself to existence huh? Not even the most unlikely thing to happen here.
I climbed back up the steps and waited out the rest of night.
Satori wakes up to see the sun and she's laying in the grass amidst other things was Venus staring into the sky before he turns he head slightly. He didn't looked exhausted as he got up to check on her.
"Did you even sleep at all?" No, I was on guard duty seeing how...well look around you right now. She sees the multitude of feminine yokai sleeping and takes the hint.
"You should get some rest too." She reaches out to me only to stumble and get caught into my warm arms as she hold on tightly in shock. Listen, I'm fine it's you I'm worry about. That earns me a peck on the cheek with onlookers staring.
"Don't do that stuff on my property please. Ugh my head." That's why I don't drink. We should clean this up. Only for a familiar suit wearing grimreaper to appear.
"Sadly we need to go." He grabs my shoulder...WHY ME!?
"Cause you're sober and the next part requires coordination. Unlike...all of this." The wobbly nature of everyone told me everything. I make a heavy sigh. I gotta go so I'll see you later.
"But, But...Mr.Castrix can it wait?" Astergo didn't seem to register her plea, but I definitely felt the air around him change. Those the felt it took a cautious step back.
"Sadly...It can't we're running out of time." With that said I kinda have no option but to follow him as we made a brisk escape from the shrine.
"Guy needs to lighten up. Never felt like that before. It was familiar though like...couldn't be? Ah! Yuuka you're awake let's get the after party going yeah!?" Yuuka groans at the oni as that sickening feeling ebb and flow inside her. She wasn't imagining it now what she saw and felt from last night.
Just what type of yokai are they?
"We need to clean up this place...ah man this will be easier with him around." Medicine look at Yuuka, shrugged and began cleaning in their disoriented state. Eventually, they'll be sober...they think.
I followed Astergo to a forest clearing that was near the shrine. He took ten paces from me and with a raised arm produce a scythe from the gather darkness. It look fairly normal except the blade was inky black.
"This is what really matters. In a real fight you'll have to hurt your opponent with real hits...Sadly if they saw this they'll stop it immediately before it gets too far." He rested the scythe on his shoulders and look at me.
"Well?"...You're serious? I...I...Well the day finally came. The fighting part of my life truly begins here. I take out balisongs in a flourish ready state and took a stance that kept my blades in a slashing position.
"Well, you're getting there but can you really keep up?" Don't-!?
*FWISH*
HE ALREADY CLOSE THE DISTANCE!?
Astergo ready a wide swing to catch my left side. All options dictate I'll have to dodge inward or block the oversized bat. Going for an inward slash.
"Sorry kid!"
He open palm strike me square in the chest sending further back into the brush. I definitely felt that one.
*Bzzrt*
"If you think that'll help go ahead. IT TAKES MORE THAN SPEED AND STRENGTH TO SURVIVE!"
"Hah!"
Astergo goes for using the pole end as a staff as he goes for a low poke. Stepping unto the scythe as he miss my feet. This is a bad idea as he wrench it from underneath me and using the momentum to catch my stomach on blade.
"Ugh!" I'm now being lifted by the blade like a hook before crashing down harshly unto the floor...I'M GONNA FEEL THAT TOMORROW!
*Brshhkrt*
This is not even a spar it's more like a rodeo...
"Nice try!" He smiles from his still standing position. Time to scramble.
*Swish*
"HEHE-WOAH!?" I go for a pitifully form leg sweep that catches his back right heel. It allow me to use my momentum to swipe at his unguarded abdomen.
I mearly nicked his clothes but the static and flames caught unto him. I went into using this unbalance opportunity to use his body like a ladder and knee him in the chin however...
"PUGH!"
"Right back atcha!"
I get an fierce right cross knocking me flat back unto the ground. I would've gotten up if not for the blade near my neck.
"We'll keep going until you're exhausted."...Fine then...I'll win eventually maybe not today...but soon.. He smiles at that..
"You two really don't know your limits.I like that."
I just hate losing. I refuse to back down until I'm good and ready.
"Are you feeling better now Yuukarin?" The ones that sober up felt massive hangovers. Yuuka herself was wondering where Venus has gone so early...well early relative to now. She nods to Medicine but anyone could see her face was unease.
"Ya must really love him that much huh? If it was Sanae I would be worry too." Suwako sees Sanae still curled up asleep.
"I wouldn't worry if he's her son he must be pretty hardy and tough right?" Yuugi's attempt to ease Yuuka's woes only manage to see Yuuka began pacing while silently muttering.
"Venus is safe...I think? That guy wouldn't dare harm him that badly" Satori herself could barely read Astergo's mind as even her brief check inside got her instantly block by him. He was beyond her reach.
"Seriously? You three are that worry about the silent assassin? I'm more scare of you Yuuka then anything that kid can do." They look at Tenshi sternly.
"Geez, I get it but unless he comes back bleeding and dying he should be fin-!"
*CRRRKKKKSH*
"FUCKING GRIMREAPER!"
"VENUS!?"...Awww my back. He threw me over the stairs and Tori before completely shutting down my flying ability just for me to crash into a yakitori stall. It's Mokou's stall too. Getting out of the wreckage of it mostly fine.
ZERO TO FUCKING 3!!? DAMN BASTARD IS
GONNA GET IT!
I felt my power return to normal...I'm gonna have to figure this out later...OR RIGHT N-
"Stop!"I really don't have time for THIS! I look towards the forest and back at what I promise...DAMMIT!
"AHHHHHH!" Tossing a piece of debris as it shatter against the tori... I DESPISE THIS FEELING!
I'll show that grimreaper what I'm wor-!?
"Venus it's ok. Just calm down."...Seeing Satori like this...I only soon realized she's burning herself...SHIT! I push her back and she lets go and I can see the singe marks...I'm so sorry. She smiles warmly as she shook her head.
"No...It's not your fault. You'll just have to work on that temper of yours."...I relaxed and the invisible flames fizzled out. She walks forward not afraid of getting hurt.
"See...There's my carp. Always making sure he doesn't hurt the people he loves."But the burn marks...She scoffs as she takes my hands in her's.
"Whats love without pain? As the saying goes right?"...
"Ugh!" You two are just too lovey dovey I'm heading back to the garden."
"Well those two are certainly an...interesting development."
"YES! THIS IS GOING IN MY NEXT PAPER FRONT PAGE MATERIAL RIGHT THERE!"
"He certainly takes after your brashness Ehh Yuuka?"
"Damn the kids are already moving past us in that department."
"I take it back Eirin, the boy knows what he wants."
Well after finishing probably our longest kiss...Satori is breathless and red in the face. Wanna just walk back. She nods.
"We'll see you back at the garden ok?" Her pets nodded as we waved at the group and made our quick escape.
"Thats what happened to you?"...Yeah I know not much of a fighter yeah? She hums.
"I think you did well, but I wouldn't know how that stuff works." About the famine. A mutual friend said you guys witness a bloodbath? She stops walking and her face grew pale as she held unto me tighter. I apologize if it brings bad memories.
"So many youkai...It's fine, but it really is best to leave it alone. I'd rather not see the flayed corpses that...Orin...brought."She was gagging lightly at the memory. I see now...Vector you're as sick as I imagined. Atleast the the festival was fun right? She brightens up.
"Yeah, I hope we get to do more stuff like that." She's carrying the Shoutigermon under her other arm. It look like tiger mix with Shou's likeness. It's definitely a keeper if your into that sort of thing.
"From your thoughts you used to have these things called plushies?"...Yeah, I did... Couldn't collect them after awhile and I was a self destructive child. Knowing that. Are you really ok cause I ruined your kimono and...I shouldn't have gotten so work up.
"Look at me properly." I met her gaze and while the signs of damage are there she's smiling through the pain.
"I'm ok, but it's you I'm worry about. Such anger can be destructive or it can be used for good. Now come on we gotta get back quickly before sundown." Yeah, it's just...I really hate losing like that.
"My fuckin stand." Mokou eyed the damage as really only the grill itself survive, but everything else was dusted from the impact.
"Your kid owes me Kazami." Yuuka sighs as she fishes for leftover yen stuff into her bra and gives it to the irate phoenix.
"Eugh."
"To think he came out of that almost unharmed. He really does remind us a certain gardener." Yuyuko couldn't help herself to the obvious.
"Miss Yuyuko were you certain he was the same soul from years ago?" Yuyuko look at her phantom gardener and nodded with confidence.
"It's hard to forget that type of soul. It was...unique to say the least. Even more so how he doesn't seemed to be all that fearful of us. Though, those outbursts are surprising. Whatever cause him to be so on edge it certainly was personally tied to him and his thoughts." Of course anyone nearby would've heard him speak but among the sudden crash it came out feral and guttural. Even if it wasn't towards them anyone knew that it was best to stay back until he cool off. Which made Satori's boldness showed through to them how much they truly care for eachother.
"A mute, a mindreader. Talk about a scary combination that compliments themselves. Imagine the things those two could actually do." Kanako's point was cleared to everyone else.
"If you touch them or even think to harm them in anyway. I'll make any of you regret being gods." Medicine look up at the wind goddess in challenge.
"Careful there doll. This is a land of snakes that can very much withstand a little venom. You really think we'll do that to them?" The Underground and the Garden look at the Eintei,yokai Mountain, and new hell with conflicting, but common thought.
Thats rich coming from you.
"HEY HEY HEY! Settle it not at my shrine. Besides, I suppose we make a truce to leave the two of them alone." Reimu the true final say of any discourse got nods her way.
"So if we see them together you leave them alone. It's hard enough without the yokai couple running around. Besides, how many really want to get on the bad side of Yuuka?" She got a raised hand...It was the American themed wearing hell fairy.
"What happens if we find the guy unconscious or in need?" Reimu felt an headache coming on.
"Then do what you usually do just don't forced yourself on him. I'd rather not have more of you running around, especially if they come out speechless...creepy."
"I think they would've come out quite cute, wouldn't you agree after seeing his face Yukari?"...
"...What prompted such a thing to be said Yuyuko?"
"I'm mearly teasing, Yuuka just so happens to have such a handsome boy."
"To each their own. Sakuya we should get going yes?" The head maid nodded and the vampires huddle underneath the sparse pink parasol as the other three of the SDM made their way back.
"Yeah, this was fun alright...something about that song felt familiar though. Like it almost describe..."
"Gensokyo itself?" Raiko snaps her fingers as Reimu gave her the answer.
"OF COURSE! Now it makes sense why it felt like home. I should've ask how it was played cause I'd love to bust out that rhythm to people." With that she's dancing to an imaginary beat while humming the tune to herself.
"Yeah, I'll admit that type of music seem to fit the musicians. It reminds me of your band Kyouka." Murasa looked at the punk rocker wearing yokai. Despite being childsize her yell reaches across most of Gensokyo. Carrying a guitar case she just nods.
"Well, I suppose we should get going. Murasa?" Pretty soon a boat was summon above the shrine and the Buddhist and her followers left to the Myouren Temple.
"Futo, let's head back as well. Who knows what lays ahead of us as this certainly is a development that surprises me." And with that...One by one the yokai headed to their respective places. The future is very much uncertain. The only one's left was the food stand sellers packing or repairing whatever left of Mokou's stand. As well as the original incident solvers and the Yakumos.
"Yukari...Just how did they get together?" Reimu tilted her head slightly at the sound of the mocking laugh that Yukari uses.
"Fufufufu. Isn't life wonderful? The world finds a way to grant us our wishes. I'd say let love be free and let us live in harmony, but remember we're mearly guests and soon we'll take our final tour Hakurei Reimu." Her troupe left in a gap leaving the remainders in confusion.
"Oi, that gap hag is always saying stuff like this. I wouldn't worry about it Rei Rei ze." Marisa gives a comforting shoulder pat before taking off. With Reimu now alone in her thoughts she's left wondering about how finite they really are. It didn't help when she saw the horrific situation this summer unfold.
"But, I am worry. What if we was the targets and not those...things."...
"Reimu?" She blinks and saw an old familiar face. Mima a vengeful ghost it's rare to see her appear here as she decided to stay in Makai.
"Mima, ah you just miss it." The ghost shook her head.
"It looks like ya guys had some bad things happened. Want to talk about it?" Reimu chuckle as she sat at the front steps of the shrine. Mima hovering over to her.
"Yeah...I'd like that."
"There you two are so ready to head back now?" Orin and underground itself waited at the front end of the Garden as they watch the young couple say their goodbyes.
"Last few days have been so...Exciting,exhausting, and exhilarating. Too bad winter starts in a few days so we gotta get ready." Does this place really get that bad of a winter freeze? Satori gives me a hum.
"It's not a problem for the oni or Orin but I kinda have to manage things more closely during the winter." Take care then. I'll be shoveling snow and growing lettuce soon.
"Plants can grow in winter?" Yeah even flowers can bloom during it, but we don't have the time to explain all that right now considering...You're holding up your friends. She looks over and gives an apologetic stare. Only to get reassuring smiles and thumbs up.
"No rush from over here! Take your time love birds!" Thanks Yuugi.
"I'll try to see you when winter's over." I think that's my line Satori...she fidgets with what to say only to jump into my arms and I kept her hoisted as she goes for another deep kiss.
"AH YEAH! GO GET HIM GIRL YOO!
"IT'S LIKE WATCHING MY LIFE FLASH BEFORE MY EYES!"
"GO SISTER GO!"
...She lets the passion of it finally let go of her.
"I love you so much." I love you too Satori.
I really love you.
Author Notes: After party and all that jazz... Most of the original plan is here actually except no feral yokai killing but the fight was needed. I wanted this chapter to answer the questions while leaving some things open. The week long break gave me a chance to really think about this chapter.