TOUHOU-AT-ARMS : Gensokyo no Arashi

by Some Crusading Crusader

For millenia and a half, Japan is in turmoil. External issues pushed the sages to construct Gensokyo more early than it was supposed to, the year 1600s at least. Over the years in Gensokyo, humankind developed martially to combat the youkai threat but in overtime, themselves. With its status-quo broken, so changed these youkai exterminators of law into peace brokers of Gensokyo.

2. UNDERWORLD-CH:1 'Shodan'

[1]

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UNDERWORLD - CHAPTER 1 'Shodan'

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JUNE 22, THE YEAR 19[][]

THE HAKUREI SHRINE

.

It was one faithful afternoon in the Hakurei shrine and summer had just taken ahold of Gensokyo, if one was to describe the heat it'd be horrendous. Were there to be a keen observer walking around the shrine, they'd notice the subtle change in the air; a discernible hazing distort of heat.

However such heat sped up the process of a blossoming and serenely enough, the groves of cherry trees that bided; painted around the nice hue of natural green, bloomed into a saccharine colour of pink leaves, cascading down to the empty ground.

In between the avenue of cherry trees was a path that extended from the torii gate to the shrine itself; it was torn, shabby and tattered. So far, there was just a box on the porch.. which is nothing of interest to look upon aside the veranda lay mostly empty..

All though, inside- there were the small slow patters of footsteps skipping across wood, almost demanding in destination. Those small thumps grinded to a halt, then the noise of a soft whirr of the light sliding door being pulled aside with a strong but uncontrolled grip on the opening edge.

Reimu never did like the Summer.

Seconds later she dropped down flat, face first unto the floor, yet unharmed and lying languidly on the wooden porch, seemingly static on the spot.

"W-What.. the.. HELL! This is just the first day.. OF SUMMER!" Reimu hailed in a volume of fury, quietly screaming in exasperation before she began garbling exhaustedly on the floor.

She began craning her head around from the convection, and so hot it was; she couldn't think clearly, it's put her mind into an absolute flurry, managing her mental state by fighting to not pass out from reality but even so she was finely in tune with her surroundings.

Tired and drained, she strenuously lifted her head up from the wooden tiled floor which she noticed had a tid bit of spittle. She'll clean that afterward when she finally feels better. Eyeing up the entrance, she finds a lithe figure seemingly hopping down from a long stick.. a broom? her vision was just too hazy to delineate them more clearly, but she could at least tell off the characters by the colours of what they were wearing,

The character was wearing a black dress overtopped by a sort of white apron encroached by their neat blonde plaits, and a drafty pointy hat.. like a witch. She squinted and squinted again.

"gnn.. Marisaa? Is that you?" she groaned, voice slurring; combating the intensity of the roaring heat.

She'd curse at one of the gods right now if she wasn't tied down from the reigning temperature that so keep on boiling her into the wood, if she stayed any longer; she'd stick. She'd attempt to communicate with the magician, she was yet to be given a response back but a step, and another, then another. Her surroundings began to be shrouded by a large margin. Graciously to her, the sun was blocked out; no longer blinding her in the eyes with an array of sunlight.

The figure gradually approached nearer, and to Reimu, it was starting to get obvious who that person was.

The magician chaffed, "Yo Reimu, how's the weather? ze~ Zit too hot for your own liking?"

It was none other than the ordinary magician Marisa Kirisame, among her closest friends. Even when Reimu would grit her teeth because of her annoying tease, she was still a great companion to have.

...

The day was beginning to die, the shadows long close, the land a toned orange and red, and a kind wind blowing. They sat on the edge of the engawa; at the backside of the shrine, watching sunset sink slowly into the thicket that faced the shrine. Minutes before, they both enjoyed the green tea Reimu herself made.

The wisps of steam have already died out and Marisa was out getting something. So in the meantime, Reimu complimented the current chilly air, mentally, while spiteing the dying heat waves that so kept on terrorizing her the rest of the day. Reimu rose her head high, footsteps were heard behind her, sauntering down near with a stiff pace; like they were threading real careful, holding something. But that was because they were.

"Eya, Reimu." Marisa greeted with a likely sly smile, the shrine maiden didn't bother to look, she just knows, "Got the sake you asked for! Can't believe you guys got ton of this in the back of the storage room! Or so I think that's the storange room..! You guys sure you use these for them rituals? Looks mighty a lot for one shrine, heh."

"Don't think about even stealing it." this time she cared a gaze at the magician, she posed one aggravating finger at her, "And yes, we do. Although it's only for a wedding procession."

".. Tha's it?" Marisa said dumbfounded. She plopped down beside the miko, setting the series of delicate sakeware between them. The set were in an ordinary design, etched in a smooth tan and brown blended; melding in the middle. The pitcher however, was not, was put in a simple clear pearly white. The magician asked, "Have you.. ever done one? Like, I've never seen you did. Heh, I'm sure you drink from them unauthorised from time to time. And that fact we're using them as well, ze~"

"Mmh?" Reimu hummed in response, her lips grazing the rim of her cup as she sipped, "Is that a problem?"

"eh-ehto.. Eh, it's no problem. Thought you'd use a bit of. . . care into your actions, y'know. As the shrine maiden of the Hakurei shrine and protector of the Hakurei borders?" Marisa tittered at the title, "You'd be a lot more.. gracious, neh?"

Reimu subsided the cup down, "What's that supposed to mean? When have I ever used care and gracious into anything?"

"Huh. Touche. A-anyways," the magician brought herself to swing her legs at the edge, "-have you seen those guys running around, you know, these guys having one of these straw cone hats on top of their head, ze~" she proceeded to raise both of her hands to form the shape of a cone before bringing them up on her head.

Reimu glanced at Marisa's hands mimicking the shape of a cone, definitely looked quite funny to her, but she acknowledged it, replying, ".. yeah. I've noticed. I just tend to ignore them. They just usually dawdle around Kisetsu village and leave. A few would visit to pay respects and that's all."

The magician raised a brow, "... We're talking about the same village right?"

"Eh? Oh. Kisetsu. That's the name of the village not far from here, the village I shop to? I'm sure you're already well-known among them, they praise you just as I am."

"Ooooho.. Those guys, yeah I remember now.. Back to the point, you haven't thought to ask why they keep returning over here, ze~"

Reimu inhaled swabs of air before exhaling, took one small sip on her sake, then clambering it back down to the tray, "Why should I? Their matters are theirs to begin with. They could be wandering ronins looking out for some kind of destined faith, or mere pretenders for all I care. " she shook the cup, "Besides, I'm not allowed to tangle in whatever affairs they're doing anyways."

Marisa took one small sight of Reimu before taking a sip of the green tea, then a mischievous smile tugged on Marisa's lips as she leaned in.

"You know..!" she began, "Something bad's about to happen. Amid the Old Capital, or well, outside. Tons o' humans been poking around the place lately."

Intrigued the shrine maiden was, of course she wanted to ask, "Ah? Why so?"

"Meh. Something about bad relations." Marisa chortled at the thought, "-heh. As usual with any other ordinary clans with their local youkai, am I right? ze~" It was similar to something she's been dealing too!

The shrine maiden rang her hand around, "Yeah.. Like how I'm dealing with those brats over there." she pointed across the trees, just above the treelines was an enormous tall tree that stood out from the rest, "They really, really do not leave me the hell alone! I keep finding them around my shrine and their apparent pranks! I swear, I see these messes around the shrine every week!"

The magician threw an amused expression on her face, she dared to rile her up on such an occasion, "Heh. They aren't bad as you think. A little bit of mischief don't hurt, ze~"

"Oh please, you only say that because they actually buy stuff from you time to time." Reimu reacted irritatingly.

"Whoooah there, o'kay. Let's not get too hasty now."

"Shut up! You know how destitute the shrine's been getting. It's only been running on the donation of those villagers back there and you've the audacity to say that?" That shut Marisa right up quickly; she rubbed her own shoulder with a hand and with a look that pities the shrine maiden. In response, Reimu deeply sighed with a winding expression, "You know.. Actually, the reason why I hate them is not because of their cheap tricks and pranks but.. because that tree they call home was once a memorial tree from my ancestors. I don't know much about it but I'm certain Yukari knows something about it. She's been the one taking care of this place after all, although not personally."

The magician heartened up and made a move to.. in a way, to commiserate the Hakurei, "aahh.. That's fair. I understand your anger, ze~ . . ." The magician reciprocated. She does occassionally donate to the shrine when Reimu wasn't looking or not around, just to boost her spirits up. However it is true that the villagers come often to the shrine to donate for the miko has done for the village; and importantly Gensokyo too. Marisa's eyes danced through the yard, then behind her, then back at Reimu, ".. Whatever happened to those priests you guys had? You know, those funny looking hat guys. Remembered seeing them as a kid. Hats one similar to that taoist we met? Y'know, the one with the blue tal-"

"Yes. I know.. Even though the hats aren't the same with the taoist, I understand what you're getting at. But.. I.. actually don't know.. When I was born, there were generally there.. But they left; I think when I reach around at five. My mom said they were to go expel evil spirits from the north and.. that was that."

"Seriously..? Damn.. Well, I feel like I touched a sensitive topic.. ey? .. Sorry 'bout that Raymoo.." Marisa apologised genuinely.

"Eh? Oh. It's.. alright. Although I'd actually want to know more about them but... I don't think I'd ever see the moment I would."

".. Huh.." the magician mused about something, "You think they'd know anything 'bout your mom?"

"Ehh.. I don't think so." Reimu let out a pent-up sigh, "Mom was.. quite quiet about it when a month has passed. Ever since, the shrine had been lonely. Without my mom, gramps, and you here I would've gotten a bit crazy."

The magician chucked up a smile after hearing that, "Well then, I also have someone to talk to, ey?" she gave an open-heartedly laugh and a thumbs up.

Reimu didn't realise what she'd have said before the notion finally hit her, "Oh! Right.. Yeah. . ." but the notion did set her at ease, "Heh.. Who knew talking to a brick wall could be so interesting."

Marisa giggled and reached over to the shrine maiden, "Ha! There's the same old Reimu! The same berating shrine maiden we all know and love!" the shrine maiden rolled her eyes cordially. Marisa noticed that look, the change of emotions Reimu was enveloped with made her to snicker, "Don't try to hide your tag under your grumpy persona. Snckt. it's not working, ze~"

"Q-quit it." Reimu said a bit tipsy.. That sake was getting onto her; she hoped it won't kick in too strong now, "Let's get back on topic on.. whatever what's happening between the Underworld and the villagers all over from.. Where is this?"

"Meh." she shrugged, "I don't follow directions but man, I thought you'd know about that? Y'know, weren't your mother supposed to lecture you on the map of the world, just like your previous ancestors did or whatever. . . O-oh.. Right." Marisa sucked air through her teeth as she looked away from the Hakurei's eyes.

"... You were saying?"

"You..? eh.. erm." Marisa stammered with an awkward face, ".. Maybe get lectured from good ol' Kasen with these things..? To continue your guys' legacy, or somethin' like that.."

"W-what..?! Why Kasen?"

"Well I mean.. since you kno'.. she's practically your mentor most of the time..? ze~.." she slightly chose her words carefully.

The shrine maiden decided to brush that aside, eyes closed and sighed, "Just.. The point, please."

"R-right, yeah." Marisa waved her hands dismissively to push away the near gloomy mood, she continued, "Ahem.. You know tha' village near the Youkai Forest? Kutenmachi? I think that's its name? I don't really know how to pronounce 'em.."

"Umm... Nothing comes to mind." Reimu shook her head slightly.

"Okay! Eh, doesn't matter. This Kegi-whatever-its-called clan that owns it? They're getting real moody with the Underworld right now, and I can tell you it ain't going to be pretty soon, ze~"

"What do you mean by that?"

Marisa set her green tea beside her, as if she was going to prepare a lengthy statement, "Okay so.. take this with a grain of salt, but I really, really think those guys are planning to attack the Underground, ze~" Marisa said, her voice was low but told.

"Seriously?!"

Marisa nodded her head, "Yeah basically, the villagers 'round there are practically done with their clan's idleness on wiping out the onis since foundation stuff, and I think that incited the rest of 'em. ze~ Think it's also got into the head of the clan .. But eh, probably." she shrugged.

Immediately after, the silence tensed immaculately. Marisa's eyes lurked around in awkwardness till that wore off when Reimu turned up once more, "That's just.. incredibly stupid." the shrine maiden spoke disparagingly.

".. eeh?"

"Don't they know how ridiculously strong those freakin' youkais are?!" she gristled her teeth a bit as she grimaced reminiscently, "Especially those blasted onis..! They never know how much it made those cards so damn underwhelming!"

"Oh, did I strike a bad memory there? heh. Had the same ordeal until we met at that bird's place. Anyways trust me, they're well aware since, well they're onis. Everyone knows a thing or two from them. If they don't, then, emm.. Well it may as well be a lost cause."

".. So then how?!"

"How what? ze~"

"You say they're well aware, but I don't think they're that idiotically motivated to attack an entire civilisation full with onis? I don't imagine a spear would be able to kill an oni in one go! I doubt they'd be able to reach that hashihime!"

"Oh well, by raising the stakes! Of course! ze~" she stretched and continued ever so casual, cracked her knuckles and everything, "With hiring a bunch of mercenaries around the countryside, even the local village folk to put in the effort. Cuz, you know, can't risk great but numbers, ze~"

"Uh-huh. How much is a bunch to be able to do in the effort?" she crossed her arms, tapped her fingers in a pattern on the wooden floor as she waited.. Five seconds passed as Reimu's patience ever so grows the opposite.

The magician zoned out for a bit, then a reply, "Dunno. Tons." Marisa attuned nonchalantly.

"Wah..?" she spat bewildered at her laid-back stance, "W-why are you so casual over this?! Can't you be a lot more specific?!"

"D-dunno, like more than five-hundred..? Maybe.. Just a painless estimate by me, ze~" she shrugged sheepishly to the miko.

"E-e-ehh?!" The shrine maiden skipped a heart beat, "T-that's..! so many.." Reimu said agasp. That much? For what? Personal gains? Ill advice? or an arbitrary decision albeit foolish? she was horrified to hear the numbers of many, to follow a power of few, to their own probable demise.

"I-I told'ja so, it's a ton. ze~" Reimu irked at Marisa's flippant response.

"Yeah?! And that means a TON of lives are dying all because of some measly lord said so. Or those who are instigated they are with this whole mess! It's never a good idea to attack an oni head-on!" she snapped with a feasible temper, that so is like her with what Marisa thought. The miko continued, "They won't even last a second against those intoxicated onis with just hundreds of men, they'll just shred them apart! Especially when the inside is actually bigger than we thought!" she set the tea aside carefully, there was a slight evident agitation roping that movement, "Even so with that tsuchigumo!"

"Well.. I agree..! But, they're not just going to hire just ordinary soldiers y'know, ze~" that clearly caught Reimu's attention as her head perked up, "They're also bringing in their own youkai exterminators. Though I've no clue if they're capable against onis, nor how many they are. Considering them onis have vanished from human eyes for a long time. Well, except the occassional onis like Suika, ze~. I oughta say they'd have.. knowledge to take 'em out... if a bit lacking in information to help."

"B-b-but! They can't possibly do that!" she leapt out from where she sat, holding her hands up, ".. C-can they..?" she said a bit worringly as the miko tilted her head a bit in an incline.

"Eh? What is?"

"The having exterminators part. I thought they can't exploit them in use of conflicts? All human-related conflicts!" after she've responded, she sat tight, waiting for Marisa's answer. To be proven right. It was the other way around unfortunately.

"mm. Nah, nah. Reimu, I trust on my intuition on this, I think you've got the memo wrong, from me anyways, I think.. Anyways, they're permitted to have exterminators, right?" the shrine maiden nodded after her, "-In the case of a youkai 'incident." - she hand gestured with her two fingers from opposite hands to flick, air quoting around "incident.' - "And it all goes downhill from there, ze~ They're freely able to use exterminators whatever they want against the supposed youkai threat, ze~" Marisa clarified the situation, "I think. I'm not really all big about them stuff. Though I feel like I'm missing something.."

The words Marisa spoke out was good information, she didn't expect something worthwhile coming out of the magician's mouth! But nonetheless vexing of the probable pop-up of war.. because it meant.. she just has to intervene!

".. Won't the Gaido-court find this act to be unlawful? Like won't they need to have a viable reason as to why they need to attack them though..?"

"Yep, ze~ that's why they're biding their sweet devilish time for an opportunity to show up. Even when everyone in Gensokyo knows what's about to go down."

"What? W-when did this happen? How does everyone know about this?!-"

"Take it easy~ That was rhetorical, but honestly. It'll just be a matter of time, ze~ You know how ruthless them tengus are when it comes to profit off of somethin', always craving for an opportunity of some groundbreaking incident.. err.. that sounds wrong for this kind of situation.. emm.. event to report. It's like they have a sixth sense for it, ze~"

A thought deep within Reimu was already worrying her. What would happen if the rest of humanity in Gensokyo opt to campaign against youkais..? Organisation is how humanity was kept alive, one threat to another. No matter how abominable the consequences may be. The day the world would go back to its old roots of descending into madness, IF the humans were successful on their offensive on the Underworld, then Gensokyo would turn into and forever stay as a fantastical battleground. This happened once and it ended really badly from what she heard, historically. Reimu didn't remember what event was called though.

"Ooh.. yeah.. But! W-what about the rest of their army? Don't they at least have some kind of.. countermeasure? Or anything to prevent much lives from being taken?"

"annoo... I've no idea. Don't know about anything particular in that assortment of army of theirs... Probably like.. youkai fodder?"

"That's vile. . . still though.. how'll they be able to get to the Underworld? The Underworld isn't exactly coterminous anywhere as I remember.. oh well, except the geyser field the Moriyas helped set up," she tried to snap her fingers, Marisa suppressed a snicker at her attempt which was gone unnoticed, "Like they'd go there. Or well, no one even know that it exists.."

Marisa shook her head and cleared her throat inconspicuously, "You don't know where the actual entrance is? Hehh.. You don't know because Yukari gapped you in while I had to find my way in, ze~"

That's some attacking words Reimu noticed, and of course she didn't want to lose to that, "Uh-huh-yeah? Didn't Patchouli direct you there whereas you got lost yourself?"

"Ye-yheah! But Patchouli just said it was just around the lower base of Youkai Mountain. She confused me! Nothing more, nothing less! Got thrown off from just that!"

"Right," Reimu suspiciously said, "That aside.. Where is this place? Do they even know where it is?"

"O-ooh. Yeah. It's actually pretty easy to spot. Just a large hole in the ground, covered by trees though but shouldn't be too hard to find, ze~ .. I'd show you with a map.. if I had one."

Like she'd get one by legitimate means, "That easy huh? That common knowledge?"

"I guess..? Actually. When we beat that hell raven, Oku? I think that was her name, only picked that name up from that Orin cat I remember.." Marisa tapped her fingers on the floorboards in a consecutive order, "-But remember that you were just gapped out of there? ze~"

"Uh yeah? Is this related? I don't see how it is."

"S-sort of. After you went off, I decided to explore around for a bit for a little while, from the towns of the Old Capital, which I find to be really cool! ze~ To the exit, even found that spider lady again! Course, I apologised, then found my way out just like that, just flew out."

".. Okay, so?"

The magician stammered at the miko's impassive reprisal, "Right..! T-there was a couple of shady guys I found after I came out, and they were sure as scared as I did. ze~" Marisa snickered.

"Okay? Are you sure they're not just some wanderers goofing around? You don't even know if they're just some bystanders from the nearest village there!" Marisa knew this. How Reimu was reacting strongly. She knew she was trying to hope the whole situation is nothing but a fad, but here the magician wanted to prove otherwise.. or at least tried to convince her.

"Judging by how they reacted and moved, I can assure they're up to really no good. On my word, ze~" the magician reeled in a smile, "Especially with that piece of (washi) paper one of them had too. Down to outright suspicious! Em.. ze~"

"A.. paper?" Reimu said questionably, "And this concerns me why?" her fingers tapped continuously at her own shoulders.

Marisa was quite stunned at her solid words, just impassive again! "I.. dunno. Seemed like good information to relay to you... Other than moping 'round the Old Capital, if you think that's good information to you, ze~ " the magician chuckled before going back to another topic she wanted to bring up, ".. Huh.. Why do they call it the Old Capital actually? Seemed like it might cause some confusion with the Human Capital, quite misleading if I do say so myself." Like if humanity had an old capital.. Actually, Marisa is onto something. Doesn't seem really specific on what grounds it should be on. I mean, there's the Lunarian Capital and everyone knows what side they're on. There was also the Southern Capital, however the miko didn't know much about it. Yet.

Continuing on, the miko didn't care to regard about the Old Capital's select name but rather stayed on the previous topic, she doubted Marisa's thought without a first glance, "How do we know.. if this is related to the whole crazy nonsense of picking fights over the Underworld? If I believe what you say to be true.. Like I'm actually trusting you on this, this is seriously big. Then the whole concept of Gensokyo as a whole comes crashing down!" Reimu spoke bitter, if anything, stressed out.

"Yeah, yeah, I get ya.." Marisa spoke placidly, "..eh..? whole concept of.. gensokyo..?" Marisa shook her head and ignored whateve Reimu had said, her eyes loosened up a bit. She was piecing the effort in finding a logical answer that sounds plausible to her, and Reimu, "emm.. Okay.. They're, well, educated.. and experienced in what they're doing..? They're definitely not from around there! That's for sure! A-and I'm certain I heard at least a word of bashing the Underworld!"

Reimu didn't believe her words the first time, "Yeaah right, unlikely. How do we know if they're related to that clan that you mentioned? Doesn't really simply mean they came from that.. clan you said whatever."

"Oooh. . . Those are some really good points." She scratched her head, Marisa's eyes flickered around the shrine for a short upcoming idea, "But! Let's say, what if it is? If." she emphasised with a wholeheartedly motion, a hand caught to a cup, "They looked like they were measurin' and squarin' up the hole or whatever. Don't ya think that's a little bit more related to the stuff?" Marisa sipped and gulped down the sake.

"What's so suspicious about measuring something? .. For all we know they could just be some students doing that for some kind of project or some experiment, from the nearest dojo place or some private institution in that area with an educated background of kamis know what, there could've been an instructor you missed, or-or.. ." Her words fall short but Reimu was making good points, but to Marisa, it was quite.. obvious? Almost certain. She was deflecting to make herself think there really isn't anything problematic happening, ".. still, it doesn't tell much." she muttered at a volume Marisa could hear, the magician picked a pout from that, "Squaring up what? The vicinity?" Reimu added.

"Uhm, yeah, probably. . . even though i said 'if" Marisa whispered before she wiped that pout away, turned to gaze at the incandescent orange glow with a sigh, "But it still looked to me they're plannin' to build something. Pretty big, not in construction but in big ideas.. Or maybe both, ze~. You get me right?"

"Yes, yes, I do... I'll go along with your 'if.' So, by this, you're telling me they're going to build something to get themselves down? Or along those words?" she asked for a hopeful informing answer, her mind miffed, - 'To a cave.. full with youkais. . .' her thoughts sighed at that.

"Probably." the magician shrugged, eyes toward nowhere again, "Or maybe they're building some kind of barrier, or an invention that could make onis tremble! .. Nah, that sounds like that wouldn't even make the cut."

"That's.. real helpful.." she groaned, biting her nails had never been so appetising. Greatly concerned about the change it'll bring, even moreso to her spell card rules! Would their incident resolvers or the so called exterminators of theirs even follow them?! "Even so.. this would throw off the balance of power in Gensokyo!"

"Hm? Then, ze~" Marisa's smirk slowly widened, which Reimu noticed with caution as she watches the mischief dancing in the magician's eyes, "Well..! You could, you know.. join in. ze~"

It felt like if Reimu had received a twack at the back of her head for hearing that, Reimu immediately retaliated to that, "Are you kidding! You know I can't do that! The court has outlawed us.. Well, me! From intervening on human affairs."

Undeterred, the smirk still pertaining on that magician's face, she leaned in as her smirk grew more pronounced. It looked as if she was waiting for this very moment to happen..!

"Ooho? You know.. They did say that, BUT! Remember how the Gaidos said to remain your clan in duty by pacifying or exterminate youkais in case of an incident and in big bold letters! In obligation! ze~"

Did her words.. imply that she read the. . . Unbelievable, Marisa did her research! .. Reimu considered her words carefully and brought down every other useless thoughts to mind. Knowing Marisa, she knew the magician was going to bring up something strange.

".. Yeah?"

The magician sparkled akin to a imploding danmaku in battle, she yelled, "In technicality! This is a youkai incident!"

Reimu thought about it.. she doesn't think so, ".. No. Not really.. it'd be a youkai incident IF said youkais created something to threaten Gensokyo. . . Was.. that your whole plan to get me in to this whole mess?"

".. Ah... Hrmm.."

The magician placed her right hand on her chin, completely deep in thought. The miko knew what she was up to, Marisa was of course scheming.. again to incite her in. Reimu sighed, the idea of war still lingers around her mind, and such an event should be resolved posthaste! She gripped once more on the handle of her tea cup and drank listlessly.

"Aha!" she shouted as she put her right fist on the palm of her left hand, "Then we can create an incident!"

Immediately the miko spat out her tea, "What the?! Are you insane?!"

"No, no! Hear me out right, if I were to manage to rouse some youkais up; specifically a kappa friend near the mountain that I know, to create an incident!" Reimu was shocked to hearing those words, coming from Maris-.. who is she kidding..? It's Marisa. "-That can technically count and be approved as an incident, right? Rrriightt?"

The miko wiped her mouth clean with her detached sleeves, wanting to refute her words out of impulse, "Bleh. You know that I..! I-. . . uhhuh.."

The miko shutted up right quickly after comprehending what Marisa had said. Her fret washed away at her beginning to process the words Marisa had relayed to her; compartmentalising those words. Definitely the assessment was well-received to her. What Marisa said is actually right for once. What a loophole! .. Though, it might be frowned upon, she thinks, but hey! it's got its noble justifications with saving the Underworld at it.. but..

".. But..! The gaido-court and that one magistrate, shake bugyo or something. They're not gonna like me for it! Definitely gonna express disapproval" Reimu said unease of the idea.

"Who cares!" Reimu immediately scorned at Marisa's response.

"Wha? What do you mean who cares?! I care! Obviously! I'm the Hakurei shrine maiden for crying out loud!"

"Y-you don't have to directly cause it! Just.. indirectly!" Hearing that, Reimu could definitely see the prospects, a lot off from the kettle without a handful on her plate. Marisa realised as she gleed a smirk, "If it doesn't work out, then we'll just find someone who can authenticate your story. And if the gaidos decide to do otherwise, then the public will express their disapproval of it-" she nudged and temporarily chortled, "-and no doubt some other clans, ze~"

The shrine maiden sat poised for a little while, thinking. Where to that, Marisa laughed and chucked cheerily, until it transformed into a skittish smile, "ahh.. though.. it may renew that multifaceted piece of paper. ze~.."

The Hakurei closed her eyes, "... That's fine." -and nodded. The shrine maiden accepted.

The magician quickly turn up surprised at what she's heard, "E-eh? Really?" she didn't expect that, she was expecting a small flow of hesitance coming from the shrine maiden but she actually gave in. Don't get her wrong, she was boisterous about it but that felt.. was pretty unreal to the magician.

"As long.. as it sustains the balance of power, then yeah." Oh well, Marisa instantly understood.. Just take a sprinkle of Gensokyo's existance into threat and the Hakurei shrine maiden is sat on the idea! "Some of the court would be pejorative about it but.. at least, so I think, the lot of them would be pragmatic to see what I've been doing.. I hope.. Even if Yukari were to- ..." Her words trailed off. Marisa waited, why'd she stopped? Curious the magician was, she glanced at Reimu, "Yukari.." she whispered, and just now she sensed a particular someone approaching by them. Reimu was instantly alert, "Yukari!" Reimu exclaimed. As the same old gap materialised out of the thin air just right infront of the two.

Marisa had a shocked look, she definitely did not expect Yukari to visit unannounced. The tear boldening further more to an average height, zipping out, that purple dressed youkai, the gap hag Reimu detested throughout the years; but it was more of a love-hate relationship, as the youkai has been solicitous and active around the shrine IF she weren't during her hibernation. The youkai slowly came across the enigmatic tunneling tear, a fan shrouding her face.

". . . Reimu." Yukari greeted calmly, her expression was unreadable as always. She took a step forward, "You do, fully know that you're not supposed to intervene with human affairs, right?"

Reimu met Yukari's gaze evenly, her eyes struck in sight with her sharp pupils, it was a bit deterring, "I know that."

"And that you shouldn't try to step in by unconventional means. If you know the means to value your life, and Gensokyo itself. How queer to see the benevolent shrine maiden of the Hakurei shrine to be this.. improper, it's quite disappointing to see, Reimu." she facetiously yet flatly said unto her, "It's unorthodox behaviour compared to the previous mikos who ran the shrine before you."

The two exchanged looks as Marisa watched the two by the sidelines, subsequently, the miko blinked and looked away, staring downward below her feet. The magician pitied the miko, and attempted to back her up, "Oy! Yukari! What's the big idea? It's up to Reimu that she can do these types of things!"

"And she will. I'm not prohibiting her, black and white. This is an admonition." The words burdening hard on the Hakurei shrine maiden, Marisa on the other hand was rattled on what Yukari was trying to do.

With Reimu looking out with concerns for Marisa. With headway. Reimu finally found some courage to speak up, "I... Yukari, I appreciate your concern, but you know I can't just stand by and watch..!" Reimu spoke with the conviction, she was ready for one of Yukari's incoming asserting remarks. But what happened next was not what she expected, shockingly.

The gap youkai regarded her with a knowing gaze, her expression blocked behind a near folded fan, she eyed elsewhere, "... Very well then. Go carefully. I feel, the consequences of this unruly.. incident, or dare I say your escapade, will be dire this time." She warned, "If you back down now, it'll be fixed momentarily. It just needs time." Yukari spoke cryptically, "Until again. Reimu." Her voice almost filtered from the fan. It was strangely sounded strained.

"Right..." Reimu scrolled her eyes on the ground away from Yukari.

Just now, the same gap from before disspated. But a new one appeared right in front of Yukari, making this warping noise as it spawned, and in a short amount of time the slit that breaks the fabrics of the world enclosed on itself and the gap youkai that stood behind it had also gone. Leaving the two exterminators alone again, with the sun had already been vanquished deep enough to be an afterglow scenery and the crickets mellow. Surprisingly, the gap youkai didn't care to stay to drink.. intruding and didn't have the courtesy to respect the sanctity.. So the palpable quietude of the starting night remain.

. . .

"Jeez.. What's her deal? She wasn't all serious like that before. And.. what do you think she mean about 'your escapade?"

".. tch.. enigmatic as always." Reimu muttered, which even still, the comment was overheard by Marisa.

"er right.. Anyways you wanna take a look till it's fully night time? ze~" The magician asked.

"I think tomorrow is fine." .echo.

'...fine.'

.echo.

'..fine..'

.echo.

'.fine...

.

---

JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[][]

SHATO CASTLE, MYOUSHU PROVINCE

.

The crimson red dawn had just barely broken through the darkened skies of dawn. Opening illuminating lights in weak streaks; overbearing the viridescent garden greens, scantily protected by a interweaved bamboo fence. In front of the garden was a tall goten with great curved gables, its body sized akin of those normal dwellings; times two. There by the balcony, a man held on the banister of his balcony, sported an eccentric mix of a kataginu almost all green, swept with wavy white lines, and with the clan's kamon. He wore a jinbaori decorated with stylish coloured camellias in gold and white, suspended with a background of snippets of purple, red, and black.

He wore a long, tangling naga-bakama with him. Terrifically tall and a roughened face. He had a chonmage style that had his hair go full over the top, a bit rugged in physical features, a bristly beard, a snub nose, and a sheath hanging on his hips. While intimidating his appearance might be, he has an esoteric personality.. Seemingly.

. . . The air is lighter than usual, without reason. They think. . .

. . . !

"Tono-sama!" The servant retainer yelled and grovelled down to the floor before the feudal magnate, "Please excuse me, very much sorry, tono."

The seeming lord irked at the raised voice, but not at all too irate. His head shook and swiveled back at the retainer, "Get up. What is it? This isn't about that jinya gaido adminstrative office in Kozu-machi reporting for a loss of inventory? .. Or is it? We don't want any qualms with the Gundai right now. His attitude is quite arrogant, neh?"

"No, tono.. A messenger arrived, informed us with the unexpectancy. Mitsutada of Gyo, daimyo of the Kawamura clan.. he comes forth with an alliance.." the retainer answered, his tone in a steel of deference. He held his head high, "What shall we do with his messenger?"

There was a small complexion in the man's face, but his expression darkened slightly to the knelt retainer as he stood before him, "Oh? Has he come again all the way from Gyo to weave another batch of deceit with his honeyed words, or does he dare to ensnare me with promises as weighty as an oni's resolve? If so, it hints largely."

The retainer shook his head steadily, ".. N-no, tono. It's much more different." the servant reassured, "He claims to succor us in our campaign, extinguish the youkai presence and oni threat of the Underworld.. And from that, I do not know, as we are left to believe with what they say. The Kawamura messenger is still here."

Lord Kigiku hummed, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully at that, "Has the northern dike finally reached its zenith? Across the boundaries in the west? Hnmm.. I don't think so, truly..." he sharpened his words, he didn't lend a single glance at his retainer, "Itosu."

Immediately, the retainer imparted, "Tono!" he said as he bowed.

"Please do not divulge this to anyone else. I don't wish for the core value of this. . . conflict to be the horror of fear. But I find this event, my doing mostly, to be another stage to uplift the world itself to be reverted back to the timed entanglement of Geshoto."

"Ha-ha." the retainer acquiesced mindlessly. [Like 'hai', and 'hoh' being used here,' it's another form of agreement. But I could be wrong!]

The Kigiku lord drew in the dragged air within his goten, respiring, "That damning time." he cursed out reinvigorated, "I just.. wish to see Seno one last time. Not in battle. But at a session of flower-viewing; cherry blossoms in Hinoki-ji. With at least a hundred of attendants from the other clans, or sipping matcha with him at the tearoom once more, conducted by Taketa-dono.. only.. Had that horse not moved in our way..." he shook his head, his ramblings cut short, he grunted, "I apologise. It all goes back to the Geshoto when I am reminded by fraudulent existence. I still cannot let my guard down."

His retainer would whimsically follow at his every word, but here, he understood with meaning. Lord Seno-sama was one who would sacrifice everything, including his life, to which he did. To stabilise the acts of balance within the province but not the domain. Did it work? Seemingly. The clan is in ample serenity, even though lesser clansmen still regard hatred for their losses in the disastrous war of the Geshoto war. And yet Lord Kigiku's words still undeniably prove that even greater men are still stuck in the past. Wrought in for battle, always emblazoned in the arts of conflict.

"The current season beckons me out of my seclusion." he quietly said starkly, "My castle. My fortifications. My residence. And yet, the inner workings of this bureaucracy of established policies bounds me. The tradition, forgotten. The honour, dismayed."

He thought about it for a while, then nodded, ".. Ha.."

"Until now. Any man thinks of it. Not the dimming political society of strained prowess of administration as I do currently, and that Hozen in Kawajou growing to power, but what they'll want to receive. They come, they fall or survive. If they were any lucky, they accomplish the wins of their exploits. They end up with a plot of land and a sum too. And those all are incentives to achieve loyalty to further gains."

".. If I may, Lord Kigiku-sama." he grovelled again to the sound of a small thud.

". . . I'm listening." he settled a hand down, Lord Kigiku lingered his sights down.

"I-I express my infinite gratitude..! Lord Kigiku-sama!" jovially enlightened, he didn't realise his abrupt disdemeanour and went on to fix his mistake, "I apologise.. As you.. say, Lord Kigiku-sama. Isn't it.. wrong to refute something that has already been devastated without knowing the conclusion and pretense by.. politics?"

". . ." the salience of nothing. The retainer, Itosu, didn't dare to move his head. Till finally, the Kigiku Lord had finally found his answer with an affirmed hum, "It's good to have intelligent people like you full of youth. The mental concept, distracts the mind, once it is thought. Wherever you go, it never follows, as it is already everywhere in your head, to yearn for its presence; you summon it." Lord Kigiku tapped his temples," I know what you are thinking, and they won't be the last. The order that remained that held true must change in different ways. I always ask, what will be in store for me in the next day when I think of this? The next, I wait for it."

".. Thank you, Lord Kigiku-sama..! For the enlightening insight..!" he praised, bowing their head ever more slightly downward where his face wasn't presented clearly. The retainer was definitely giddy about having his question, or attention, fulfilled.

"Itosu." his words boomed with the residing authority it stuck on him.

The retainer's head slid upward to look at him, "Hoh!"

Lord Kigiku nodded his head in understanding, "Where is the messenger you say? It is the reason why I am here, am I not?"

"Of course, tono. The Kawamura messenger sits along the entrance, currently being courted with our provincial specialty, personally provided by with the yuzuke. He should be done with it by now."

"Ahh.. yes, the yuzuke. The thought does makes me want to have one again. It's been a few days. But, that is stupendous to hear." he congratulated the retainer personally, "How is the messenger's temperament? How is he faring well in this place? I would like to know how he feels."

"etoo.." the retainer wanted to scratch his head; a bit loose, but infront of Lord Kigiku? He opt not to, "The messenger's naturally calm, he draws no hostilities. With what we understood, Lord Kigiku-sama." he affirmed reassuringly . . ., "Although. . ." the retainer ruminated for long, clearly not wanting to say.

"Hm?" the lord patiently waited, wanting to earn why he stopped.. suspensefully, "Although? .. What has binded you to a pause?" Lord Kigiku questioned the retainer, he studied him intently, this got him to answer immediately.

"We.. have never seen the Kawamura before, unlike the previous Kawamura messengers, this is a face unfamiliar to us, Lord Kigiku-sama."

"Interesting. No matter, another to remember. You do not measure the foreseeability, as I do, after all." He exhaled, "Bring him close to the entrance, I'd like to see him for myself. But, do keep a watchful eye on him."

He brooked no delay on forming a response, "Wakarimashita." [Something along the lines of "Very well" or "Understood." in this scenario.]

The Lord Kigiku grunted considerately to the retainer with his utmost gracious patience.. but the news.. the retainer held in his thoughts. It still hadn't been heard out to Lord Kigiku. It should, it yearned to. Even when the messenger told him not to relay the information to him, but why should he listen to him? His loyalty stands in the Kigiku Clan, not the Kawamura.

".. Tono." he made a lump in his throat, "A congregation. There'll be a.. small congregation.. soon. A meeting here of utmost paramount."

". . . Now?" His eyes blinked at the retainer.

"N-no.. !" he jerked his head at his mistake, "I apologise .. Yes, tono-sama. Here.. We anticipate for your presence in said affair. It is why I am present here in the first place, Lord Kigiku-sama.."

He roused at the words narrowingly, "Congregation?" he intoned, "What are you talking about? Elaborate further."

"Of course..! The messenger that we have received, yes.. He was supposed to be here in attendance with Sasaki-dono a few days ago, but did not meet with the allotted time it was supposed to be met. So Sasaki-dono had returned back somewhere in Hashagu-gun. Now he's arrived finally but bearing ill news that should've been received earlier."

The Kigiku lord's eyes relaxed, "Is there a reason as to why their messenger's late?"

The retainer assented with a small head bob, "The Kawamura messenger said a group of rowdy fairies got in his way, of course, their diplomacy with them were swiftly sorted."

Lord Kigiku scowled, "I highly doubt that, there's not much fairies in the Kogarana road. But no matter, the continual matters still remain of importance."

"Yes. The congregation.. It is not small.." the retainer sweated, "It is of utmost importance, Lord Kigiku-sama..!"

"Then finish your statement, do not strain it all the way. There will be no omissions."

"Of course, Lord Kigiku-sama! . . Lord Kawamura-sama is on his way here, along with lord Fukui-sama.." the words barreled within the lord's ears, for a second it felt like if the Kigiku lord would take out all his anger out and strike him but it never came.

Kigiku crossed his arms and stared at the roof wondrously, "He arrives. How am I not surprised, he tends to come into my land unannounced. It is unorthodox for a daimyo like him. Then I shall see what he has to say. And that brash vassal of his. He never does know when to stop, his aggressive words always come weak to me. Like Himeji. But that'd be a direct insult for Himeji-dono."

"Yes. Lord Kawamura-sama seeks to confide with you, along with lord Fukui-sama as his bodyguard. Of course, as should be, his umamawari will stand by precedented near the garden. If anything comes their lord being harme-"

"Yes, yes. That is standard as the rest of the daimyos and every other Lord." he asserted, "Of course, there is lord Fukui, he is a wondrous warrior. One to insist always by his Lord in every battle or protect him. May I consider this meeting as a battle too? He earned the name 'The Madai Demon of Gyo' in Okafuchi for a reason, and it's without cheat. His name turned up in among the legendary stories in the papers. It should be worth mentioning, truly. His night surprise attacks always come upon my allies, they never expect it. A fierce samurai and a smart strategist, what a terrifying combination. But even if he is a prestigious samurai of a fitting name to the province he lives in. His abrasive nature may take him aground soon."

"Tono..! Such words is very expedient for such a situation as this. Gyo-no-Kami-sama should be coming his way, I pressure that he could have one of his shinobis listening in..!"

"Of course. You are right. I should be reserving those words once they get here." the retainer's face quickly turn white, but the Kigiku lord joked, "Those shinobis of his quite scary neh? Maybe I should get one of my own, then they'll have to think of sending their shinobis be busy in their province so that we may worry less."

The retainer raised his head, spouted the basic acquiescence the Kigiku lord heard everytime, "Ha."

Kigiku tranced around the corners of the room, "Hm.. And referring to his court title?" he guffawed shortly at it, "I see no value in that title of his. His steps to earning it is truly despicable. Only because of the Tochi-Kibe's code to entitle him because he saved his life in Minami-Daishizen. .. Hm. That aside, prepare the conference as usual. He could be here any minute now."

The retainer nodded vigorously, scrambling to fullfil his command, "Hoh..! It will be right away" The servant retainer Itosu scurried off, his trekking footsteps weakly echo in the corridor.

And so he was alone, turned and stared the coloured skies momentarily, then his hands were beginning to slip off the handrails. The Kigiku lord took off, his naga-bakama trailing wobbly behind him. It seemed wearing the naga-kamishimo was not for naught for the visit of a messenger but.. apparently, a change of plans to meet the Kawamura daimyo from Gyo to the north. Perhaps his spies may need to have a lot more careful comprehensive training in Kurinji. Or maybe hire the infamous professional shinobi with experience from the mountainous lands of Kakuretayama in Moyase province to train his shinobi.

Walking by inside his quarters, to corridors and stairs before leaving out the doorway of the goten, his face shoned by sunlight. It came from the chinks of light gently piercing through crevices in between branches and foliage, the verdant garden is just as he expected, calm and alive. Tranquil. The hardscapes connecting deeply with the alluding artifice of nature. Visiting the gardens never have been a waste.. That was later interrupted by a servant. Not Itosu, of course.

"Tono-sama." His servant greeted, "Lord Kawamura Gyo-no-Kami Mitsutada-sama awaits inside. Do convene, tono." That was quick. Was visiting the gardens taking most of his time? .. Maybe it is, but he thinks it'll reward him in the end for his patience.

"Of course.. I'll be there." his head jerked to a downward incline, "The fantasy world.. is truly interesting." he exhaled in a whisper, unheard words under his breath. With a wave of the Kigiku lord's hand, he ordered him away to do what he must. Leaving Kigiku alone to his own devices, saying words that'll be unheard, ". . . We shall see what helpless excuses he remains for us to hear." He strolled in down back to his residence. It's unconventional, or unwonted to have another Lord in one's residence than the very castle. But is it? Cloth grazing the tatami floorings. Corridors and corridors, rooms upon rooms. In a matter of seconds, or maybe a minute had already passed by. There the Kigiku lord met two of his servant retainers waiting for him, stood frozen in guard; awaiting Lord Kigiku. They lowered their heads at his presence.

The Kigiku lord entered the large hall, offsettingly dark and quiet. The murals were painted at a gush of blue, white, and green laying under the wall; interpreting a river with koi fishes jumping out of the water before a large white flower. Two figures were sat at the centre of room, the Kigiku Lord strode down continuously to the middle of the end of the hall, followed by the two retainers at his back.

The Kigiku lord sat down at the middle of this slightly heightened platform, the aforementioned retainers flanked him behind him by the sides. Kigiku got down on his heels then affixed his position cross-legged. He inspected the two men more, the one infront; no doubt it is the famed Lord of Gyo, the Sage of Hiromeru-mizu. He bore the same attire as his, excluding the naga-bakama which was replaced with a wide hakama. And the colours of the upper body, a mixing colour of mostly red contrasted with light grey. Small trims of black here and there in the corners of his attire.

Additionally had bright yellow kote sleeves. The man's face featured a sparse boxcar moustache, a sharp nose, slightly shaven and lacking the thickness, gives him a somewhat unkempt appearance. Just as he always remembered him, the Kawamura lord maintained his style. He had a slouching face, hair cutting down by the ears, and a clear sight of his cheekbones.

The other, his vassal. The familiar face of the Madai Demon of Gyo he mentioned, lord Fukui of Sokamichi. He remembers his prowess from the Battle of Satoru-dera.. Was it Satoru-dera? Maybe he doesn't remember at all...

The Kawamura vassal was hunkingly huge, quite gruffy to the Kigiku Lord's standards, and a burly man closely worn as the Kawamura lord's set of apparels; excluding the kote sleeves, if a bit more blackish and rumpled. The vassal was more born out of the secluded villages of a mire, a figure of speech. There is no mire in Myoushu. He had a great amount of hair covering the entirety of the top of his head, no bald spots, tied into a chonmage style. Featured bushy brows, a few wrinkles dotting his face, and two sagged eyelids. Despite his looks, he sees quite well; in physical masculine appearances, for a lord like his age.

"O'Kigiku Asagao-no-kami. Onari!" his retainer shouted.

Moments later, the Kawamura lord bowed; the man beside him by his left lowered his head; if a bit hesitatingly. He had this exuding confident aura around the Kawamura Lord, "Saigo of the Left," he greeted with a bow, his demeanor as polished as ever, "I am honored by your acceptance of my arrival." He's never been called by that title since the Geshoto War. 'Saigo of the Left.' Given by the Lord Tochi-Henka-sama of Inaga himself.

The Kigiku lord returned the bow with a measured nod, his expression remained unreadable, "Kawamura-dono, your presence is indeed unexpected. I did not intend to. It is quite fortuitous. Pray, enlighten me as to why you've come." He was civil. As he should, even to a long time foe.

The Kawamura lord scratched his right cheek, "Hmm. I'd have thought we'd meet conference in the main tenshu, not here. Oh how did I not expect your men to inform me we'd be doing it here."

"Your unforeseen visit was unexpected. We weren't prepared to take you in, but with the diligence of our preparation, we could. Do not be surprised."

"Oh? Is that so? Hadn't I sent a messager to here of Shato to relay you of my comings?"

The Kigiku Lord shook his head, "No. The messenger you've sent us was just received recently. I was supposed to speak with him wholeheartedly but you arrived. I might as well send his regards to you. "

"Ah? Peculiar then.." he motioned his head around, "The messenger was recommended by one of my retainers. It seems he'd have picked the wrong choice, neh?"

"Perhaps. . ." Lord Kawamura was definitely searching for something out of his sentences. So the Kigiku Lord changed topics to turn things away, ".. I've been issuing a gradual control in youkai-infested areas, to name one. Hashagu have been suffering with a youkai problem from Kaoru forest after the flowers bloomed. I'm only doing this because it'll appease many of the people there, alongside the local temples. They've been recommending us strongly."

"Amplifying control is definitely good. If anything, it will cement your position further." he nodded as he looked around to get in.. suspense? As usual strangeness of Gyo-no-kami, ".. Youkais have turned from a threat in the past, to a pest now. The lesser youkais have been hiding and lessening in numbers, they think it's peace." Lord Kawamura pushed himself a smile.

"I think otherwise. The West, including us, have been wracked with youkais since we've established here. Even the exterminators have their hands full. Every day, reports of villagers missing have racked up to two or four. They say the Kogarana and Mendo have been surging with youkais, we do not know how nor why." Asagao-no-kami said with half-truth. To throw the Kawamura off, he didn't mention the fairies that apparently halted his messenger's arrival.

"Yes. That is problematic.. Your care in administration truly shows in your words. I figured you'd be a good de-facto leader of the alliance." Alliance? .. Oh, of course. The man wants to embroider a loose alliance. Where the contenders are reaching for their own with probable remonstration from the other.

"Oh? Are you sure? You must know that I'm just a mere Lord with 82,000 kokudaka fiefs now, in my own provincial estate unlike your north regional holdings. Ever since the gaidos have reduced my lands and splitted the province to the other lords?"

"They however, still swear their allegiance to you? Forgive me If I ask but doesn't that make you one to still have a sizable power in Yonshou? Or to maintain the same in political magnitude? Still nevertheless have your 280,000 kokudaka fiefs in name, at your whims. Myoushu, is yours. That is assured."

". . . Kanda-kaigi and Ajisai-gun is not mine."

The Kawamura lord watched him intently in temporal silence, ".. Yes it is not. Unfortunate is it not, neh?"

Lord Kigiku shook his head, ". . . You are pushing your luck, and your will. Cheap sympathies will get you nowhere, Gyo-no-kami." Lord Kawamura's head bobbed up and down ambiguously to that with a small sigh, trying to find words to reciprocate a response. The Kawamura vassal squinted his eyes in ire on the ground, Lord Kigiku's words definitely have him riled up.

"Of course. Their compliments never mean anything if both Lords cannot trust each other."

". . . The rounded waters shall never test themselves more than twice. It is a common practice here in Myoushu after all." Lord Kigiku fervently responded.

".. I agree with your sentiment, however I do not know much knowledge here in Myoushu, despite being neighbours. But that affinity, is something to look forward to. I can tell. . . Myoushu is different compared to other provinces like Sakone and Moyase, neh? Hashagu here being an only exception."

"... Hashagu-gun only acts like it because of the outposts you have seted up, 'public services' your peons call. Your networks have encroached near the borders of the Shimoda Clan and their customs; rattled."

The Madai Demon looked like he was gnashing on his teeth on this mild accusation, even his lips were sealed tight to accentuate his anguished look. The Kawamura lord shook his head.

"That is advanced allegations, neh? Very bold. I wish."

"You wish? We also think so." Lord Kigiku retained a bit of natural balance in his reprisal, ". . . Kawamura-dono. You would have known that a messenger, or a letter would have suffice to this instead of your neatly presence. This is a risky move. Perhaps you must've forgotten of our animosity between us. Jog up your memories. Perhaps the Isshiki Clan must've done you much-"

"Insolence!" The Madai Demon spoke up in frustration and stood afront the Kigiku lord, "Such insolence..!" The tensed disturbance caused the Kigiku retainers close to stand to defend their lord at all cost if a fight should break out, until-

"Keiichiro. Stand down." The Kawamura lord relaxed his vassal, maintaining the affinity. To which he scowled long shortly at Lord Kigiku, and at being held back. The Kawamural vassal sat back down in a controlled manner. Kawamura smiled, deceptingly? at ease, "Lord Kigiku-sama. You are not the type of character to do such a thing."

"Of course I wouldn't. Where is the honour in that? They say to take advantage of an enemy's blunder at war, not your opponent's . It does not follow the rules of proper etiquette of being a warrior."

"You could slay us right here. There is no one to stop you. There is no tochi yet to punish you." Quietly, Kawamura's vassal behind his Lord looked to near drawing his katana out. Or in preparation to defend his Lord in an ambush. Kawamura laughed, "-Hah. Fukui. There is no ill intentions. Had he, we would've been attacked the first we've stepped in. Am I not wrong, Kigiku Asagao-no-Kami?"

"As you are, Kawamura-dono. There is no greater frame than being on the equal field."

The Gyo daimyo nodded with satisfaction at his response, "I've been meaning to ask, Asagao-no-kami."

"Hnm. Of course. Ask away."

"Do you know Hanaguchi? I'm sure you do, you are a native of Myoushu after all."

"Yes I do. What of it?"

"It regards the nearest borders, that has been causing turmoil between the two border villages of the river. . . Don't you think the lord Seii have been inching too much on the borders of my vassal? They say they're under the name of lord Seii of Kashikoi-Fuji, that should ring a bell." - 'Lord Seii? ... That doesn't sound like him.'

".. I fear I do not know much of that, Kawamura-dono. If what you say is true, then I will have a stern talk with him. Although, I am currently in the middle of a campaign. My men are still busy as such." Lord Kigiku huffed.

"Oh, yes, yes. I've heard. It's stirred up a hive everywhere Gensokyo. Tengus have already ushered the headlines, filled with your association in extermination. There is controversy and renown, neh?"

The Kigiku Lord assented with a grunt.

Lord Kawamura continued, "Many say, this will be the second Mitoshu Crusade, except without the power of divinity of the kamis. And this time, not for a religious cause."

"Divinity still win wars."

Lord Kawamura's head tilted a bit, ".. How do you call this then?"

"Destiny."

They locked eyes suspensefully. The room conveniently abhorred any sounds after that, as only the flow of air remained, whittling down for a bit as the two Lords scrutinised the other in a staredown. The Kigiku lord gazed directly with a stoic look on his face, he expected a perplexed expression from the man but of course, it wasn't as he hoped for. It should've been expected, as Lord Kawamura was cryptic as he was.

The Kawamura Lord looked quite satisfied with his answer; nodding then his lips curving a bit upward. The only noise out of the sheer silence was the Kawamura Lord's accepting grunt. Behind him, the Kawamura vassal looked a bit peeved. No, he looked a bit more vigilant and alert. As supposed to a chief retainer like him, judicious and prudent. However those said traits did not fit this aggressive Kawamura vassal, meaning there was something bothering the man. Seconds later he would know why.

The hall was somebody thundering down on the smooth wooden floorboards, stomping with such great exertion. The thuds were getting louder and louder, the Kawamura lord shifted his eyes from behind, his vassal stayed put. If a bit on-guard. Lord Kigiku eyed at what was behind them, an arrangement of wood trimming the ground and sunlight painting the tsuchikabe walls, seconds later an armoured man brandished with a jinbaori covering over his plate, without his helmet, stomped his way in. He had a rough beard style that gone up to his hair which was a basic ichomage style as everybody else in the room; they were lined forward close by his ears. The man looked halfly exhausted but with a serious expression with that weak eyelids of his, but even under that look, there were worries. And the Kigiku lord knows why. The man is a samurai of the Kigiku Clan, a famous warrior at that too.

His vassal called out to him, "Tono! I came here as fast as I could. After hearing the Kawamura at your estate near Shato castle, I had to come at your protection posthaste!"

"Ho? Himeji. I didn't think you'd come here." Lord Kigiku shortly smiled.

"ahh. Isn't it the Tsubomi Warrior of Niwayama. I have never forgotten our battle in Judaiga-cho."

"Silence!" The man in question interrupted irritatingly, "It is already audacious enough to have your presence stand before in the domain of the Kigiku. Did you think we would forget about your betrayal?"

The Kawamura vassal shot a sharp look, glowering, was equally as vexed of the Tsubomi Warrior's attitude by the response to his lord.

"Nobushida. Keep your calm." The Kigiku lord signalled him to stop immediately, his hand reaching out to him. The Kigiku vassal calmed and immediately complied, with a hint of reluctance.

He grumbled, "ugrnn. Hoh." he tramped on his way to the Kigiku lord, passed by the two men from Gyo and sat down at the right, afront of his Lord; in a strained manner of his suppressed fit of rage just as the Kawamura vassal had done earlier.

"Although.. My vassal is right. You've got quite some gall to appear before me. Kawamura-dono."

"And yet, that is ages ago. You would've known that would've happened. We were already at the opposite ends of the Court and the Tochi, it was eventually inevitable." The Kawamura Lord was testing him.

Lord Kigiku spoke clearly once more, "Hum. I may be cunning but at least I still hold the very idea of traditional loyalty." he bit back, "Kawamura-dono. Let us set the record back. Why are you really here? I don't hear important matters, other than spouting as if it is a social call. I'm sure you have a motive as to why you're here."

"So you do get it." His smile remained unchanged, "Kigiku-dono, It's quite simple really. Have you not seen? The West has grown tired but has become the wiser. No Tochi to execute the regulations concurrently; even the obsequiously clans on courtesy of the law won't be able to uphold it against us nor anyone, for now that is. The problems coalesced to a near end, what's left are the the feuds between the landowning Kuni-shu across Gensokyo. The remnants of the Henka ronins in the Migi-kai regions, hiding in Hariano. And the Yatagarasu fanatics that are so ever growing." So nothing changed? Turmoil still persists in the West, excluding Migi-kai; that region is set in the East.. The East tend to be a bit more tamed compared here, "We were enemies at one point but that doesn't mean we are forever enemies."

"Where are you getting on." The Kigiku Lord asked.

"There is nothing stopping us from turning the Underworld into a lake." The Kawamura Lord said snarkly. Which was then countered back with spite.

"Enraging the Moriya Shrine is not at our best interest. Unlike the Hakurei Shrine, they're not under the control of the gaidos, and has joint jurisdiction with the tengus; of the Daishizen region. " - A western (made-up) region in Gensokyo that stretches limits and areas of Youkai Mountain, Youkai Forest, and Genbu Ravine - "Provoke them, and we are at the might of the Mishaguji they sent during the war."

"Ah! Of course! I can't believe I've forgotten about them." He slapped his forehead with an astonished expression, "hum.. I will make due in Shin'bokyo. I still have alot of friends within the Court."

"Quite the aggravating words. The court is exploitable. This is why I sided with Tochi-Henka-Sama and still remain to be. If there were to be any reviving blood of the clan, I will hop to their aid."

". . . A man like myself know the broad idea to win better in battle, both physically and politically. However, I will not lie. You are the better tactician, even a strategist too, than me."

Lord Kigiku quietly let out a sigh as he listened intently, "While I thank you for your flowery language." he went back to weigh Lord Kawamura's words under the backdrop of uncertainty, "I still remain a Lord loyal to Tochi-Henka-sama."

"That will not be held against you." Lord Kawamura assured, "After all, why should I hate because for a samurai's loyalty? Every man needs a reasaon to keep going."

"Hoh. . . And what assurances do you say that this is not a mere ploy to further your own agenda? You say you sink the Underworld, were you going to lay the blame on us?"

The Kawamura lord's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure, ".. Hn.. It's hot here, don't you think? .. I suppose it is summer after all." Lord Kawamura said almost discomforted, the Kawamura lord acted as if it was really the heat but even so, it was no contest that his words were being sly.

"I think so too. But I'm more interested in the warmth of your intentions." The Kigiku Lord replied evenly.

In a instant, the Kawamura vassal immediately decried his thoughts with a holler, "You cur!"

His right hand flew over to his handle, gripped tightly and halfly drawn the blade at the middle of the saya. An aggrieved emotion stricken his face, posed to knee from where he sat, close to leap and strike where the Kigiku lord was. But he didn't, if he did, his blade would be quickly fighting off the Kigiku vassal, Himeji . . .They were a close match in combat, even though they have never fought each other personally, nor actually been in the same battle. No one knows who would win between the two if they were ever in a stand-off. Across where the Kawamuras sat. The Kigiku vassal, Himeji, was already locked in place; on the verge to block an incoming attack that'll never arrive.

Lord Kigiku merely glanced at his vassal and shook his head, while Lord Kawamura only rolled eyes and sighed. Both Lords turned to look upon their own belligerent aggressive vassals that were observing their opponent's moves. The two vassals have never met each other face to face before and this was the first time they have.

"I think so too. But I'm more interested in the warmth of your intentions." he replied evenly.

Lord Fukui got up from his position enraged, "Again..! You dare..!" his words cut short, raised down by Lord Kawamura. After that, the Kawamura Lord bowed.

"Kigiku-dono, I solemnly swear, truly, upon myself and the honour of my clan, that my intentions are quite pure. There is no ploy.. under the pretext of justice. I assure you, the quilts of martiality are dancing to their heart's content by their masters. The world prepares for it as we are, but I think the youkais aren't so. They've been too lax. The method of purging of the Underworld will be chosen by you." That was quickly reacted with a reply by his vassal.

"Tono!" Lord Fukui implored him not which was met by no answer.

The Kigiku lord regarded Lord Kawamura with a scrutinizing gaze, searching for any hint of deception, but like the physical colours of a quilt; cannot be understood always clearly, "Very well, Gyo-no-Kami." Lord Kigiku finally spoke, his words laced with caution, "Your words are sound. I shall consider your proposal carefully. Would you like tea prepared while you're here? Or perhaps a game of Go? Like old times." he said with a bit of spite, "I'm sure you've had a lengthy journey here."

"The bream's short tail will counterbalance the fiery beak of the reborned phoenix. As the bird, It strengthens with bondage within itself. As we, growing in this daunting age alone in necessity until there remains of no inaction." Lord Kawamura coupled an unrelated adage, but with reason, and meaning; there is , "So, no, that is fine. I'm only here for brief, as I am in dire critical time with Genjuro.. He is a construction officer of mine in Hedenzo-cho, if you may excuse me. . . If you want my vassals to fight alongside your clan. Think without ploy. Thank you once again."

". . . Then. I suppose we are done here."

The Kigiku servant retainers behind him bowed as he stood. The Tsubomi Warrior followed his path, but just as Lord Kigiku was just about to leave the room, "With one other condition." The Kigiku lord halted and looked back at the Kawamura lord still sat down, a condition? Unusual. That is not a talk would work, especially when his audience was near to a close. His vassal, Himeji glared with resentment, "Kigiku Asagao-no-Kami. If the Saburai from the North were to rise up, and the spring-up of the Oka-bushi rebels in Raku. Would you aid us?" Raku? ...

The Kigiku vassal erupted in anger, "Absurd! That won't even happen, even when the Sanada are able to cross the Sanzu!" . . . Ah. The Sanzu River. No one knows why one of the properties of Hell exist here on the overworld of Gensokyo.. Well, it is a fantasy world after all. A world with a different sense of technicality... They say the Outside World is...

"Interesting."

"Tono!"

Lord Kigiku ignored his chief retainer's cry, even avoided his gaze, "Your conditions are not even hefty to worry and not even worthy to praise and yet, there is still thought behind the process. Very smart. I guess you haven't lost it all after all."

"Hm. So what does that entail?" Lord Kawamura asked.

"Of course.." Lord Kigiku obliged, "In due time. . Just as the river and the flow is split by a large rock ahead, it reforms at the pivotal moment, at timed. All.. at.. once."

The Kawamura lord hummed at his answer. It seemed to entertained whatever idea Lord Kawamura matched up in his head. Lord Kigiku tend to have the upper hand in creating these.. allegories that fitted, or as how he envisioned to be decent in making sense; or related at that matter. A vague one at that one though.

With a nod of acknowledgment, the Kawamura lord stood up, bowed, then turned to leave, along with that scowling Kawamura vassal Fukui. Finally, that seemed to entail the end of this unexpected meeting. Thankfully, the Kigiku lord thought. He took the silence as a sign to leave, followed after by his retainers.

As the daimyo and his feudal vassal were out of the hall's volumetric hearing range, lord Himeji was confounded, "Tono-sama! What is the meaning of this? We can't trust these.." he struggled to find the words for a bit, ".. SNAKES!"

"Snakes or not. I can see their very fangs be sterile."

"Shikashi..!" ['but']

"Nobushida. Do you remember when we lost at Hori-den? That we staked everything we had? We were prepared. We fought from what we learnt from the heart and yet, the result? We suffered the biggest catastrophic defeat our clan has ever experienced."

"Tono..! Don't say that! The only reason why we lost the battle is-"

"When the men had initially thought the right flank had fallen from the ill-timed news of the Shiimeji reinforcements from the capital, they were quickly stricken with fear and they ran for their lives. We weren't united as I thought." The Kigiku Lord glared wistfully with a becoming smirk, "However, this situation we are currently in has presented a better opportunity to show a better fist to fix that fish's face." That definitely gave an effect to his vassal.

And that effect was him slowly caught on of the idea. Lord Himeji stared mindlessly before he widened his eyes by a bit then nodded, "Ha-ha!"

"However, we are devising a new plan." the Kigiku lord sighed and crossed his arms, "I didn't expect Kawamura to try be one step ahead of me. Especially with that tactic of his where he sends his messenger and find out how much in control I am in with the entire situation, or maybe I am overthinking it. observant I am. Though, it definitely has thrown a wrench into the works, and I am trying to find ways to for a reprisal."

His vassal gave an attested grunt, he was clearly impressed. No, happy. Jovial that his Lord has finally be able to be a lot more.. imposing.

Lord Kigiku gave a slow, satisfied nod, "Kawamura's here to try to know of my full intentions? Ah?" he faintly laughed, "His tactics of utilising his own messengers to know, I already knew what he was going for when he begun asking those questions." The Kigiku Lord was still suspicious. Construction in Hedenzo? The settlement could prime as a fort, so he wasn't surprised there. But now? That was where his suspicious was placed.

"Himeji. I'd like to assemble the lords to discuss further about something. Lord Kawamura won't get the one-up on me this time. Make the arrangements."

The vassal strongly responded with a firm grunt.

In an instant, his retainer vassal left, leaving the lord alone as he walked off. Lord Kawamura, that sniveling daimyo of Gyo. It was obvious, too obvious that he came for to check. Verify whether Lord Kigiku would grow far enough again to reach his clan's peaks. He was not here to make acquaintances or self-benefit, he was merely here for maintaining the status-quo here in the West.

He watched the floor and pondered the importance of such outcomes that can get out of this. And such outcomes he thought of, could have never been more fine.

.

---

JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[][]

THE HAKUREI SHRINE

.

As the first light of dawn sailed the land, the shrine was ever so the same. Within its confined walls, the air was chilly with the scent of.. alcohol? .. The interiors looked shoddy but it was nice and tidy; comfortably traditional. The entire inside was very dim though, slightly lit. And the furniture and well-preserved 'souvenirs' remained orderly arranged where they were.

But at the corners of the room, laid a disorganised futon and the napping disgruntled shrine maiden sleeping soundly, no doubt from her movement during the night. Then shafts of sunlight filtered through the paper shoji panels, casting square-shaped dapples of light perfectly on the miko. Slowly, her eyelids were scrunching and she groaned before turning to her left then right.

Immediately she opened her eyes, rousing her hand to wipe her stingy eyes clean. Posture was hunched and worn-out, blinking once, twice, and thrice, she rose up better and pushed the futon aside as she stood and yawned with minor languid stretches here and there. On her wobbly feet, her eyes were still heavy. But, with deft movements born of habit, she moved with a practiced grace to her closet; whipping out the routinal shrine maiden garments.

Wearily she dressed herself piece by piece of the apparels, almost everything but something felt amiss, a nagging sensation at the back of her mind until she realized—the ribbon! She shuffled the closets to procure her ribbon and settled it atop her head, like a cherry ontop. That should be final as she grabbed the gohei beside the futon.

"There we go." the shrine maiden murmured to herself tiredly quiet, "Now.. hopefully Marisa's readied up and not still in bed. She suggested this.."

She made her way to the doorway that hoisted the shoji sliding door, she held on the piece of wood and moved it across, she was met a bright greeting scenery as she came out of her abode, she analysed the world. The skies were a pocket of melting diverging colours of blue and orange; it was majestic and tranquil but to her, it was just like any other day in Gensokyo.

Wait! First and foremost, she shook the donation box. . . click. . clack. . Something was rattling inside, almost beaming, Reimu smirked. She was real thankful of the village by the roadside. The locals were faithful even if they were destitute themselves, they were sweet kindpeople to talk with whenever they come by the shrine or she would shop by their small local market. The locals were faithful even if they were destitute themselves.

She looked within the donation box, the times of the donation box having an input made her happy.. She reached her hand in. . . Just only a couple of five copper mon coins inside.. it was better than nothing.. She took them out... before giving the box another shake! thud.. wait... Reimu sent her hand back in and shuffled her hand in further... Something heavy.. something metallic..? She rubbed it a few times beforee taking it out to see it for hersel-. . . Holy! Is that a ryo? Seriously?! That'd last her for so long! ..

".. Okay. Okay..! Let's not be so hasty here, Reimu.. Is this... even real?" she tried bending with all her strength and surprisingly it held.. or maybe it was just her malnour- "I'll hold on this for now. Definitely handy..!"

Just as she stepped down the veranda she had a nagging feeling that someone is here, Reimu carefully eyed the cherry trees; no one in sight, then the torii gate but no one as well.. Where's that komainu when you need her?!

She trudged down the shadow-laden path to inspect the trees a bit more closer, you can't be sure to determine by the front.

Passing by trees symmetrically aligned in opposite sides of each other, one by one she checked, she reached to the torii gate and no one at all. Could it be they were hiding from her? With a ditch of a jump she flew, circled the shrine a few times.

"Weird.. I'm sure I felt that aura... What was it..? Eeh who cares. I'm sure it isn't worth my time." The miko floated away.. but little did Reimu know there was indeed someone, three specifically, and they all looked disappointed.

"I told you we should've moved it a little more closer to the trees!" One of them fussed.

...

The miko flew over the entrance, her flight carried her gracefully over the familiar landscape of Gensokyo, wind blowing the hair thrilly as she soared further. In under a minute below her, she saw the long road inhabited by the hamlet that hung near the shrine. The thatched roofs of these dwellings passed, it was bustling with small activities of ordinary farmwork and occasional trading. With a smile, Reimu waved to them below, it took seconds for the villagers to wave back, their faces mutual with her and she was just as content to experience that.

She continued on her journey, dived a bit straight down right then pitching up the necessary speed to find the occasional massed towering trees. Looking left, she could see the peaks of Youkai Mountain far away from her! and an intersecting road in which she didn't even need to follow to get where she is.

Reimu precariously analysed the ominous forest where Marisa lived somewhere admist the humongous trees. Reimu surged forward upon the forest, where she was momentarily basked in the striking beams of the sun; the passing wind helped in cooling her, it all faded when she arrived at the edge of the forest. She found Kourindou there in the same spot. She droved through the looming trees that expelled a residue of eccentricity from the cluster of mushrooms laying around its roots.

Eventually she found herself in the familiar small clearing of a house bearing a sign, 'KIRISAME MAGIC SHOP'

Reimu was in the right place, she should be. She descended carefully unto the flat rough stone floor that probably has magical properties by the owner herself. The sounds before her were a swirl of a coherent jumble of noises, mostly passing wind, it turned to the melody of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It was natural symphony in forests.

Her black shoes tapped to the floor under her, bringing her down, "Marisa! Marisa! I'm here!" ... "Where is she? .. Marisa!" The miko called to a shout.

Shortly enough, the door of the dwelling bursted open. It was Marisa adorned in her ordinary magician garb, holding onto her broom as it was support, "Hey, Reimu!" She called out, "You ready?"

"Yeah." Reimu answered back, "Just.. next time, plan out where we should meet so I wouldn't fly here on over everytime!" Reimu placed a hand on her hip.

"Hehe, sorry about that! ze~ Maybe we shouldn't have drank last night, that sake was pretty strong, so course I was gunna forget it!" Marisa replied with a smile and adjusted her hat.

Reimu rolled her eyes, "Well, at least you're here now. Let's get going."

"Yeah, yeah, I hear you." She pushed the tilting horizontal broom to fall after the stairs then levitated just before it hit the ground. With a jump, the magician pranced down on her broom

"First thing's first," She floated along, "We find ourselves some information, better to know why the heck they're doing this!"

"Hm.. Y'know, Kourin.. might just be the best place for information. Usually a lot turn up to his shop for bargains and all that.. and Kourin always know how to talk to his customers.. if he even has customers.. Plus I do need something to nab on the way." Reimu suspiciously glanced, ".. to borrow!"

"Yeah anyways, let's actually get going. I really don't want to waste our time wandering all about."

"Said the shrine maiden." She whispered.

[!]

"What'd you say?" She whipped out her gohei menacingly.

"Eeh! Nothing!"

.

---

JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[][]

KOURINDOU

.

It wasn't a long trip. It was practically just outside Forest of Magic to the south. The duo gone by the giant trees as sunlight gleamed downward at them, they approached the quaint little shop of Kourindou. Reimu and Marisa stopped. With a quick glance at each other, they halted in front of the entrance. Marisa's hand eagerly grasped the knob, giving it a twist before pushing the door open. Then they hear the familiar tune of a soft jingle of a bell that announced their arrival, stirring the attention of the owner.

They walked inside, the air was filled with a relaxing redolent aroma and the usual smell of the trinkets and artifacts around. If a bit musky. There, behind the prized stand, the half-youkai watched them enter and he relaxed.

"Hey Kourin." the magician waved.

"Ah, Reimu, Marisa, what brings you here today?" Rinnosuke greeted them with the same warm smile.

"Yeah and we have questions." The miko slid her hand on the warm counter, wiping for a while with both hands before withdrawing them.

"Yeh! We thought we'd come here to see if you've heard anything concrete. You always seem to have your ear all sound, Kourin."

"Oh? Then ask away." Rinnosuke replied.

"There's been tensions regarding the Underworld and it's not great." Reimu crossed her arms, Marisa nodded behind her.

"Ah, yes.." his eyes rummaging around the corners of the room, "I've been hearing whispers of such things. To be on the same page, we're talking about the Kigikus, hm?"

". . Kigikus..? . . . What the hell is a Kigikus? Is that plural?" Her face all scrunched up. The shrine maiden seriously and curiously inquired.

Without question, the shopkeeper held a mild look, "It's not a thing- it's a clan, that has quite the history. The Flowering Clan of Kigiku, named because of its massive flower gardens. And yes it's plural. A few passerbys, while I was outside, told me such rumours of the conundrum surrounding the Underworld and Gyo." his hands sounded to be assorting something hefty, opening up a chamber, pulling a compartment behind the counter before he pulled out a book; turning a number of pages.

The shrine maiden bore a dazzled expression, her head turned to Marisa, ". . This the kegi thing you were talking about?"

"eh.. Couldn't catch their name, it's close though." the magician said, tittering to her embarrassment. The shrine maiden was put to raise a brow in response.

She emitted a puff of air, which she didn't expect it happening.. she did find the place to be cold, did he renovate here? .. air conditioning..? Is that what it's called? "Anyways, who are these guys, Rinnosuke?"

The shopkeeper flipped a page and stayed on it, implying he's found what he was looking for, "ahem..The Kigiku is among one of the oldest clans, even predating before the two major wars. They were founded when Gensokyo was still freshly small, and when the youkais were still big." ... How familiar..

"Heh, old timer." Marisa teased.

He continued, "-staging in the Western portion of Gensokyo, right of the Tanuki forest; neighbouring the Gyō- Province, and near the edge of Youkai forest in the right, stretching their land until to the Ending World Border to the left. Ruled by the current lord, Saigo of the Left or otherwise known as . Practically governor of Myoushu; before the war, but many say he still retains his old properties of the land." Rinnosuke turned another page, "The Court wanted to make the lords in the province divided. He has five retainer vassals under him. The lords, Seiteki, Suzuki, Himeji, Seii, and Shishido. His kashindan, his loyal retainers who hold their own lands, major fiefs, under him. Gyo.. is strange, they hold twelve local properties tied to the clan, seven villages of Hino, Narai, Umago, Kuten, Inuna, Akawa, Iei. The last two being mountain villages, owned by Himeji and Seii seperately. The remaining five villages I mentioned are dedicated to agriculture or smithing. The former and as I say in chronological order; they are ruled by Suzuki, Himeji, Shishido, Matsushimo, Shishido, Seii, and Himeji again. However, these are the major fiefs in Lord Kigiku's holding in his second district.. Though if I recollect, I do believe he still owns an entire district to himself. Strange, is it not? They round up to be in for a lot of value. Excluding private institutions however, as Buddhist temples and shrines are considered protectors." Seems offly a lot for a district both fiefs and value... Wait one lord has an entire district for himself? "Also! notice that Himeji and Seii have two fiefs under their nam- "

"Rinnosuke!" the shrine maiden thundered in loud with her words high, "We're here as to hear why they, emm.. the Kigikus! Why are they planning to attack the Underworld without a brain!"

"Oh. Yes right. I'll tell you a brief history." which earned a groan from the two, "This'll be quick, I promise." he cleared his throat. "-hem.. Ahem .. Back when even before the youkai hysteria happened.. I assume you two know that?"

"Oh, yeah! Sure I do..! . . . Continue." Reimu said with near disdain, not wanting to hear more unnecessary information, hoped to make things quick by carelessly agreeing to the half-youkai store owner, she urged with contempt.

".. Right, the Kigikus started as a renowned samurai family in the Kana province of the Yomimasu Clan, now currently the Monoaware clan if I remember correctly.. or was it the Okazaki? Hm, anyways, the Kigikus and the Yomimasus were close allies, or should I say a close retainer vassal of the Yomimasu? Hm.. I think it was." his mind lingered, "Upon the safety of the northwest frontiers from a Yomimasu survey group, they were allowed to settle with their influence to said location, as guidance back then was accustomed to expanding the human ideal-"

"Damn it Rinnosuke! Not this whole origin background story!" she butted in again, this time twice the frustration, "Just answer, Why. the. hell..! Are. they. attacking. the. Under. world?" Reimu pressed on her words unto the shopkeeper, the shopkeeper reacted with a brooding look.

"Hm. I was just getting there." He sighed faintly, "The village of Kuten holds a lot of significance. It's their third settlement to be in open plains than the woods or mountainous areas. Many say the onis ravaged the village, as onis were prominent in the western side of Gensokyo than the east.. Astutely, they are close to where the Underworld is; alongside Youkai Mountain, so it'd be sensible for a youkai raid to be frequent in those grounds."

"Okay?" The two's faces had a puzzled expression, to which Rinnosuke elaborated to the two guests that tarried around his place.

"And while true, they did not care of the devastating youkais, namely onis, that roamed the countryside, raiding and making outrageous bargains. It were the species of the satoris from Youkai Mountain. They migrated over to the slightly quiet and less populated areas of the land, most importantly the mountains that overlay there. Due to their mind-reading features, the villagers were reasonably mad about their abilities and soon enough their presence-

". . . hey.. reimu.. keep him busy for a little.." the magician whispered.

"Eh..? Seriously?"

"seriously important..!"

"Fine."

Rinnosuke was still glued on the book, more of a ledger, to which Marisa enacted her plan while Reimu remained halfly listening, catching the only important details that stuck out to her, "-the village came to spite them, and over the years the hatred still lingers, causing an everlasting enmity towards them despite these specie not posing a threat."

Not posing a threat..? Is that.. true? How does he know this..? . . . Reimu felt pressuring anger building up from within, and yet a small feeling of confusion left her to bleed a nonplussed look in the outside. Rinnosuke was staring at her. Was he waiting for something? His reading glasses off slanted down as his eyes leered behind it. The shrine maiden let off the swirl of emotions off her chest and began to ask.

".. I don't get it, why couldn't they just leave them alone? They just left into the Underworld and they were not likely to come up again."

The shopkeeper nodded understandably, affixed his glasses and enlightened her with his answer, "So it would seem to one might say, but on the contrary their history background proves otherwise. They take a long way.. It isn't about the glory, or prestige, but rather the personal vendetta between them." He finished with a sigh, "Apparently grudges are just too hard to ignore by others.."

The half-youkai saw Reimu's befuddled face, knowing there'd be a question coming from the Hakurei; he stood by prepared, ".. So what, the Underworld is some kind of refuge?"

"Is that why Satori and her sister live down there?" Marisa rose up from the corner of Reimu's right eye.

"Woh, that was sudden.. Where did you go?"

"Browsin'." she said.. plainly. Reimu's definition of plainly however is different than everyone might imagine hearing it.

With ease, Rinnosuke answered the two's simultaneous incoherent response, "Precisely. Ever been so." although, he only understood Reimu's question at first then Marisa's at last.

"psst, reimu.. what exactly are we going to do with this information?" Marisa relayed her words to close to her ear.

"Just putting down my curiosity, a little knowledge wouldn't hurt."

"tha' it then?"

"Yeah."

The magician smirked with the most obvious malicious intent, "well i already got my fair share, so let's get out of this biz."

".. Right." Reimu appraised the magician, she was indeed, definitely holding something, ".. Anyways, Rinnosuke, thanks for helping us out."

"Ah, leaving already? .." he shut the ledger with a quiet smooth flap! "Hm, one more thing. I don't particularly trust my history knowledge, especially with the information I was given with, these are all what I understood after decyphering words and rumours. However, the Hieda can help you learn more a thing or two more accurately than I said."

The shrine maiden bowed sincerely, it was a rare sight from the old shopkeeper, "I'll keep that in mind, thanks again."

".. Good luck on your endeavors, to the two of you, and Marisa. Remember to pay next time or that'll be coming out of your adjustments on the mini-hakkero."

"EH! .. I thought I did it so quietly.." she sighed, "Well.. see you later then..."

The two walked out as the bell toiled behind them and a Thud! from the door. Just right now, the magician slouched a bit over.

"eeh.. What now?" Marisa inquired.

"Akyuu."

"Akyuu? That chronicler?"

"I know I trust Rinnosuke, but I sense there's something missing to it.. And also because what he said about it being rumours. That or I just want to know something a bit more than what meets the eye."

The magician got on her broom, still a bit disapppointed because of being caught red-handed; somehow, "Eh..? You do you. . . I need to do my part as well!" she threw a thumbs-up hand at her back, particularly the direction. Prodded it two times before revealing a smirk.

"eh? W-what is your part?"

"Have a conversation with Nitori, and a bit of offering that I 'slipped; that's why I took these!" Marisa, with a cheesy smile, opened her hand. From Reimu it just looked like two cylindrical objects that had a metallic texture.

"Uh, what are those?" Reimu asked about the foreign-looking objects.. Outside world technology probably..?

"These little things are what you call are batteries! .. I think, Nitori showed me them once. No clue what they are though but I did hear from her they fetch a good price in Genbu! I think! It's technological enough, but it doesn't look the same thing she's shown me though.. " Marisa said as she tossed the double A batteries in the air then catching them repeatedly.

"These are from the Outside world I take it?"

"May-be! but what I heard from Nitori, these things hold electricity. Not exactly my forte, ze~"

"With how dense you are, I imagine-" Reimu rotated her hips and straightened to stretch her back, Marisa heard a few satisfying cracks, "So!"

"Ouch."

"All right! We part ways here." Marisa saw Reimu ascended slowly up, "Since the Human Capital is just right of here along Youkai Mountain, we're still kinda going at the same direction."

"My route's a tad longer there than yours though! Since I gotta move bit more toward from the Human Capital to Youkai Mountain since y'know. Distance." Reimu would've said to take a shortcut.. but.. the magician did mention to her a while back that there was an increase of patrols at the Kamewari River.. Should she care?

"Doesn't concern me." Reimu swatted her hand at her.

"Just wanted to uplift some stuff! Jeez. Well.. I suppose.. we..! race to the capital and when we find out who gets there first has got the best mobility in flying, and i'm on my way after that! Da-ze~!" With a two-finger salute, Marisa turned into a blur.

"Ah..! This isn't a race! What the-.. Hey!" Reimu flew straight up swiftly as she tried to match up with her speed, "You had a massive headstart too! .. Marisa!" Reimu shouted.

As she zipped through the skies, she felt another strange sensation behind her, she averted her head back on Kourindou and the boscage of trees.. she's been having strange sensations lately..

---

GENSOKYO, THE DENIZENS GRASP STERNLY.. PLEASE WAIT WARMLY...

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[GLOSSARY]

[1] Torii - are traditional Japanese gates within a Shinto shrine.

[2] Miko - traditional Shinto shrine maidens/shaman/priestess.

[3] Engawa - edging (commonly)wooden boards running across the house.

[4] Tsuchigumo - spider-like youkais that hunt aimlessly with a big appetite, in Gensokyo they're not as ravenous as they were.

[5] Danmaku - ... bullet hell.

[6] Kappa - arduous turtle-like youkais that live by ponds or rivers, in Gensokyo they're quite the hardworking geniuses.

[7] Kataginu - a sleeveless vest with broad shoulder structure worn by samurais.

[8] Jinbaori - a sleeveless jacket, usually going over armour, built for samurais

[8] Naga-bakama - long lengthy trousers to accommodate casually without danger, their hems ending to be dragged

[9] Tono - a formality of courtesy to a (feudal) lord.

[10] Goten - a personal complex for a lord, a palace roughly, that also passes off as a castle.

[11] Samurai - provident noble warriors and/or retainers of the time. Granted with various great privileges for their services to their lords. Serves the lord/head of a clan in any form or way.

[12] Gohei - traditional wands/staffs/sticks, that are decorated with two shides[13) streamers attached, to perform divine interplay.

[13] Shide - traditional zig-zag shaped papers, fitted on the gohei[12), to display a holy emphasis on it

[14] Futon - a convenient Japanese bedding for your comfortable needs.

[15] Shoji - traditional Japanese piece of architecture of paper screenings split up in small square pieces by interweaving crossing wood.

[16] Komainu - are lion-dog statues that guards the sanctity of a shrine, in Gensokyo; are they silly but dedicated and loyal.

[17] Satori - a monkey-like youkai, gifted to read minds, in Gensokyo; with their third eye, but with a price to uncontrollably read out their thoughts.

(author's note : too much? and to enlighten the whole Underworld thing, this'll continue in many parts. custom world-building in touhou with historical and mythological aspects is quite harder than I thought.)

(other updated author's note : tons of information edited, have fun. also includes the other three chapters, if not as much as this one got..)