A few hours later, Ryusei and Reimu walked out of a ramen shop both satisfied with their meal and bill. For once, they had managed to spend under $50 at one place to the relief of Ryusei. He had started out with three straps of $20 bills and was now down to his second strap.
After his call with Mordecai, he had been advised to keep the spending down to a minimum to lower the attention and that the two needed to ditch their tourist outfits in case Belloq's men recognized them and their clothes. Because of this, the two were now wearing their school uniforms which were coincidentally from the same school.
"I could've sworn that guy was drawing something about us."
"Man, I haven't eaten ramen for a looong time," exclaimed Reimu.
Ryusei couldn't help but smile at her. Just as he was about to head back to their hotel room, he felt Reimu tug on his arm in another direction.
"They're holding an exhibition at that museum. I'm dying to see what's inside," informed Reimu as she pulled him.
The samurai hesitated for a beat. Art wasn't something he'd rather not spend much money on since he could always just look up pictures later. However, spending time with Reimu had a way of broadening his horizons. He found himself genuinely curious.
"Sounds interesting," he admitted. "I haven't been to a museum in a while so I guess it wouldn't hurt to check it out."
A flicker of surprise crossed Reimu's face, then a smile bloomed. "Alright then! Let's go!"
She dragged him inside where they were met with various paintings, statues, replicas, and artifacts of ancient Japan and Kyoto. Many of which were quite familiar to Ryusei and reminded him of home.
They stood before a magnificent gilded statue depicting a fierce samurai warrior in full battle armor. Ryusei studied the intricate details of the handcrafted helmet and the finely layered plates of the armor. A thoughtful frown creased his brow for a moment.
"This style of armor," he murmured, tracing the details with his finger, "it shares similarities with certain ceremonial armor used in my world. Both emphasize the warrior's strength and status through intricate metalwork and symbolic designs."
Reimu, initially surprised by his unexpected knowledge, leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "Your world? You seem to know a lot about ancient Japanese art."
A faint smile touched Ryusei's lips. "Perhaps more than I initially realized," he admitted. "The way they depict historical figures in these paintings, the use of bold colors and dramatic scenes... it echoes a specific artistic tradition from back home."
He gestured towards a vibrant scroll depicting a fierce battle scene. Lush green hills and a swirling crimson sky served as a backdrop for charging warriors wielding similar curved blades to the katanas displayed nearby. Reimu traced the intricate lines of the painting with her finger.
"It's almost like looking into a mirror," she mused. "Despite the different cultural context, the way they capture the intensity of battle feels strangely familiar."
"Yeah. Just like at home," commented Ryusei.
"Speaking of which, how do you know and recognize so much of this?" asked Reimu. "You told me that you spent at least 12 years growing up and maybe training at the church ryu, then at least 20 years under Master Cross combined with maybe 10 years of traveling, you should be at least 42 years old right?"
Ryusei shook his head. "You're off by a lot. I'm actually 100 years old. I spent 12 years growing up with my family. Half a year at the Ryu, 18 years training under Master Cross, 12 years in this world, and the rest at the guild."
"Yeah yeah. That's what I meant but you look about 14 to 17," asked Reimu. "Wait, you're a 100?"
Ryusei nodded as he continued to admire the painting.
"But you look way younger than 100 and you aren't a youkai. How do you do it?" asked Reimu.
"Pretty much almost everyone from my world drinks a potion that de-ages our bodies after a certain number of years pass," replied Ryusei. "If you choose to become a samurai, you drink it once you turn 14 to turn your body into that of a 5 year old so your mentor can train you more easily. Then again after 13 years pass and again once you graduate from your mentor's training to head to this world to start learning modern technology and social norms."
"So let me get this straight, you were turned into a 5 year old three times?" asked Reimu.
Ryusei laughed before responding. "Not exactly. The amount of years restored onto us depends on the amount we are given which depends on how long we've been around and our choices."
"Like what?" asked Reimu. "Can you give me an example?"
Ryusei sat down on a nearby bench before beckoning her over to answer her question.
"As I mentioned earlier, when a samurai student from my world becomes 14, they are given the potion to turn them 4 or 5 years old. When their bodies reach the age of 18, they are given it to become 5 again and then depending on when you're given the samurai title, again to become 5 so you can join the others in learning modern skills and education in this world," explained Ryusei. "I got the samurai title some time after I turned 18 so I was 40 when I first visited this place."
"But the numbers don't add up. You'd be 50 or 67 right now instead of 100," pointed Reimu.
"I actually drank the potion to take several years off me twice during my time in the guild to retain the body of someone who's 14 years old," informed Ryusei. "I'm 100 right now but my physical body is that of a 16 year old."
"That's literally my age!" exclaimed Reimu. "Man I'd kill to be 8 again and I know a ton of people in Gensokyo who'd want to return to the infant stage of life. Where can I get this drink and how does it taste?"
Upon hearing this, Ryusei's face gave a sign of discomfort which he tried to hide from Reimu albeit unsuccessfully.
"It's something that is only made in my world. How it's made is not something a lot of us share lightly though it does involve learning restricted arts and mystic powers," informed Ryusei. "It's tasteless to say the least and while the potion does revert our bodies to a younger stage of life, our minds don't change as well as some of our physical strength."
"That doesn't seem bad," replied Reimu. "I'm sure a lot of people would like to retain those."
"But depending on which stage you're de-aged to, you might lose certain skills and abilities. For example, if you end up as an infant, you'd lose practically everything," revealed Ryusei.
"Hey, everyone's gotta learn somehow," commented Reimu. "Mind if I try the potion one day?"
"It pains me to say no to you, Reimu," answered Ryusei. "But the potion is only given out to people from my world and restoring your youth comes with a heavy price. In exchange for restoring your body, you'll have to give up your ability to conceive for 2-5 years."
"Oh," replied Reimu. "Well. I'm a broke shrine maiden so starting a family isn't at the top of my priorities right now."
"Well. Then wave your parties goodbye because that potion takes away the tolerance you've built up towards certain substances like alcohol once you drink it," added Ryusei. "Trust me, unless you don't ever plan on drinking or settling down in life, that potion is not worth it. Imagine being all alone at your prime just waiting for your next job and the side effects to expire just because all your friends are busy participating in something you can't join them in. Would it be worth it then?"
Hearing this, Reimu's face dropped and her excitement died down. Just the thought of being excluded from her friends' activities was a significant drawback. After a while, Reimu finally answered him, a hint of sadness in her voice, "You're right. For a few years, it's not worth it. Especially if I can't hang out with my friends."
Ryusei smiled and put a comforting arm around her before pointing at a nearby statue of a person.
"Potion or no potion, we're all gonna be like that person one day, gone from this universe and to a new life on the other side. That's why we've got to make the most of our time here while we still have it," commented Ryusei. "Speaking of which, I'm still paying for our entire trip so is there something you'd want to do here without worrying about the bill?"
Reimu smiled before giving him her answer, "Those maid cafes looked quite interesting in the brochure. I'd like to see if they can hold up to Sakuya's abilities."
"Whoa this is intense," commented Reimu. "They really went all out with the decorations here."
"Intense is one way to put it," replied Ryusei. He looked over a menu and the prices of snacks being sold were enough to make his jaw drop. "Some of these prices are more than enough to buy me and Reimu another set of outfits."
"Hey what's a 'Sparkly Dream Parfait' and why is coffee so…expensive?"
"I know," commented Ryusei. "It's very pricey to say the least. On the other hand, I think that dessert you were talking about earlier is right there."
Reimu took a quick glance at where Ryusei had pointed before turning back to the menu she had laid out on the table.
"It looks pretty similar to the parfait that Sakuya makes for Remilia back at home."
"Who's Sakuya and Remilia?" asked Ryusei.
"They're friends of mine," answered Reimu. "Remilia is a young vampire girl that usually visits my shrine for fun. She's also the person who caused that mist incident I told you about."
"I see," commented Ryusei. "And Sakuya?"
"That's her maid but she's really more like her mom or babysitter than a maid," replied Reimu. "She doesn't like it when people say that though but it's the truth. It doesn't help that Remilia acts a lot like a bratty kid and that she could literally pass off for someone in kindergarten or first grade."
"Wow. Really now?" asked Ryusei. "Does Sakuya mind or-"
"She doesn't actually and finds it cute," revealed Reimu. "In fact, she even told me once that she kinda sees Remilia as a daughter more than anything."
"Okay now, I think someone needs to break out the adoption papers," laughed Ryusei.
Just as he said this, a cheerful maid with blonde hair and a frilly apron skipped over.
"Welcome, darlings! Are you two highschool sweethearts on a special date? We have a special discount for student lovers!" informed the maid.
"S-school date?! We're not–" stuttered Reimu.
"We're partners," clarified Ryusei. "But not in that sense. We're taking some time off together from a trip."
"Ooooh! A romantic reunion!" beamed the maid, completely oblivious. "Is this a forbidden love between classmates! How thrilling! Don't worry, lovebirds, your secret is safe with us! Now, how about a round of our signature 'Love at First Bite' milkshakes? They come with two straws for maximum romantic entanglement!"
"Uhh," paused Ryusei. Apparently the maid was way more denser than he thought she was.
Reimu on the other hand burst out laughing before replying to the maid. "Sure thing!"
With that, the maid happily skipped to the kitchen while Ryusei gave Reimu a look of amusement.
"Love entanglement with straws? This is even certainly different from anything I've experienced," commented Ryusei.
"Well in any case, now I know why Remilia says fairies are perfect for the job," commented Reimu. "They're just as dense, childish, and cute as the ones here."
"Fairies?" questioned Ryusei. "Your world is truly something."
Moments later, the maid returned with their dessert and some animal headbands for the two.
"Now, now, lovebirds! No need to be shy! The Love at First Bite milkshakes come with matching headbands for extra cuteness! Do you like cats, dogs, bees, or bunnies?"
"We'll take the cats," answered Reimu.
Upon hearing her answer, the maid quickly picked up the cat ears and placed them on top of both Reimu and Ryusei.
"Kawaii! You look so cute!" exclaimed the maid. A few other maids came over to check out the commotion and had the same reaction upon seeing Reimu.
"She's so cute! Just like a real kitten!"
Reimu, who wasn't used to this much attention, blushed furiously as they gathered around her and Ryusei.
"Can we get a picture?"
"Can you do a pose?"
"Can I get your name?"
The maids continued to overwhelm Reimu with questions, making her a little uncomfortable. Sensing this, Ryusei attempted to redirect their attention by pointing at some new customers who had just walked in.
"Hey, I think those two over there need your service," informed Ryusei.
"Oh thank you, sir!" replied one of the maids.
"Please don't call me sir…" Ryusei corrected but all the maids had already left before his message could be delivered. With a sigh, he turned back to Reimu who was now drinking her milkshake a bit more content than before.
"Thanks," replied Reimu.
"No problem, neko miko Reimu," responded the samurai as he took a sip of his milkshake. He noticed the hint of a blush still lingering on her cheeks and a playful spirit took hold.
Reimu's eyes widened at the nickname. "Did you just call me a neko miko?" she squeaked, a playful swat aimed at his arm.
Ryusei grinned. "Sorry, sorry," he chuckled. "But those cat ears really do look cute on you, and well, you are a miko, so…"
Reimu giggled, the previous awkwardness melting away. She placed a hand on his arm, her earlier discomfort replaced by a friendly warmth.
"I don't have a problem with that but I just wasn't sure what gave you that idea," replied Reimu. "Yukari once told me that my ribbon looks like a pair of giant cat ears in front of everyone and they all called me 'Neko Miko Reimu' for an entire month."
Ryusei smiled upon hearing that but also began to ponder upon hearing the name Yukari.
"Yukari…That name sounds very familiar…"
"Is everything okay?" asked Reimu.
"Yeah. It's just that the name 'Yukari' is pretty familiar to me but I just don't know where I got it from," answered Ryusei. "But it's probably a coincidence."
Reimu shrugged her shoulders and continued to drink her milkshake while Ryusei got ready to pay the bill.
"If we ever come here again, I'm bringing some gold," commented Ryusei.
After he handed her what remained of his second stack of bills as a tip, the two got up and left the cafe to head back to their hotel room. Just as they stepped into the building though, an event poster caught Ryusei's eyes and got him to look at the remaining money he had left for this trip.
"Well. I really hope Mordecai is here tomorrow. Otherwise, Reimu and I might not have enough money to stay at this hotel another night," thought Ryusei.
He then tugged on Reimu's shoulder to get her attention.
"What?" asked the shrine maiden.
"Have you ever been to a ball?" asked the samurai.
Reimu shook her head. "I don't have the money or clothes to attend."
"Well, clothes won't be a problem for this one," revealed Ryusei. He pointed at the poster titled "Blast from the Past! Summer Uniform Ball" which depicted a group of teens all wearing school uniforms laughing and having a good time in a ballroom.
"Sure thing then! I'll go," answered Reimu upon seeing the poster. "It's tomorrow night right?"
Ryusei nodded before pulling out their keycard and entering their room with her.
"So have you been to a ball?" asked Reimu.
Yes for those of you asking, Ryusei is indeed way older than Reimu but looks about the same age as her thanks to de-aging potions.