[3]
UNDERWORLD - CHAPTER 3 'Hidari'
JUNE 23, THE YEAR 19[][]
AIRSPACE OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL, SHIN'BOKYŌ
[THE SHRINE MAIDEN OF PARADISE'S VIEW]
.
Arriving to the industrialising world of Gensokyo, she soared on over the massive areas of the residential blocks of the capital, most were all built in a traditional kyo-machiya style, not at all different from Kakemasu she flew over, except for the substantial amount of structures that were laid out.
And the clear canal park that had a selection of willow trees were fewer than before the last time she visited. Things changed in such a short amount of time in between on one of her incidents, it's quite nostalgic in a way for the young shrine maiden.
But the red miko paid little to no mind, she flew low, beneath the space where these floating wasen ships embark or dock in main harbours and yards; clustering outside the living zones, except for the floating trading ports that were busy with the hurdling of ships of cargo. Apparently these trading ports or.. islands? Weren't anything made within the first fantasy setting of Gensokyo but rather created by the humans below.
So the first time Reimu visited the capital, she was amazed. She remembered asking the locals about it and they would answer that the idea arrived was wrought from the Majishans of Mahoshū. It was also the first time she's heard the name. Months later she would visit Mahoshū with Genji; and it was almost spectacular. Practically it was one huge magical island, sustained by the very magic provided by the magicians they run on. It was near plenty with its users, if a bit egotistical in the edge. She'd asked Marisa to come with her but.. she would refuse with excuses. With the shrine maiden's discernment of Marisa's situation, she understood.
Anyways, the city's atmosphere still feels a bit new to her, strangely overwhelming, she couldn't find the right words to truly describe it.. It just doesn't sit well with her. Maybe cloistered up into that shrine have changed her views? Probably, she thought.
The miko lously searched the reaches of the capital from the skies, because apparently everytime the capital expand. The Hieda family would relocate on the edges due to its still developing and quiet nature, but not too far from their temple school. Thankfully the place should be where it still remains. By going along a straight line as how she remembered last time visiting.. Should be easy to spot by now... There.. No? . . . Had she gone the wrong way?!
She grumbled annoyingly, she never visited the human capital wholly because she didn't have any reasons to. The only times she did visit the capital was to find Kosuzu or the chronicler, or that school teacher at the temple school the Hiedas owned... And Geidontei for some fine dining after a hard day at 'work.' She never visited the capital to buy anything at all, as she only bought her groceries at the small village stalls near the shrine because it's close, so the capital was never in her best interest.
Snapping back, she looked at the direction she were meant to go as strokes of sunlight washes out her vision, "Hngn..This place.. is still huge just as it is, I swear does it not stop?" she covered the sun's direction with her hand as she bit her lips, "-did the whole population boom or what?!"
"Yo! Reimu!" Marisa voiced out to her, that familiar voice.. but why was she.. behind? "I've been trying to catch up to you!" Instinctually, she turned around effortlessly to see the magician floating toward by her.
Her eyes locked in with the ordinary magician on her signature levitating broom, "Marisa? ehto..,I thought you were-?"
"What? Miss me?" she snarked.
Reimu irked at her remark, "No-no, I just thought you were at-"
"Naah." she waved her hands dismissively, "When you disappeared on me, I chilled around at Kazehmasu, and went through an earnest quest. Believe me! It was quite an errand, ze~"
Reimu raised a brow in suspicion, there was no way she would, "That's rare of you."
"Ehh? What's the part that made you doubt?"
"You doing a charitable task?" she scoffed, "Don't make me laugh."
"H-hey I have my moments! You just never get to see me do it often!"
She folded her arms, "Uh-huh. Maybe next time you come to the shrine, how about you help me sweep the place?"
The magician was taken aback, "Ehh.. Sure, maybe when this whole incident is done... and maybe when you aren't home, i'd clean house.." Marisa whispered.
"What'd you say?" Reimu didn't catch that. She swears, just what is with that magician? ".. Eh, anyways I wouldn't exactly call it an incident but rather a dispute.. But why stop at Kakemasu of all places when the capital is just right here?"
"Mm..." Marisa hummed in thought for a couple of seconds then with a head-bob up she renewed with vigor, "I had a h-headstart, so I was giving you more time to catch up y'know?" Reimu noticed her stutter but she wasn't going to ask questions for a silly thing, "ehh.. it was closer, and figured I'd nab-.." she paused with a sudden realisation, "ehe-grab something for Nitori!" Marisa said skittishly.
'This again..' dismissing her klepto tendency, Reimu's arms loosed and swayed her hand, "Right. All that away, do you know where that chronicler is? I'm sure you've at least visited her before."
"Yeah..! I have! But.. I'm in the exact same situation as you are in, ze~ So I've not a single clue." Marisa shook her head no.. Well that makes two of them, "I saw you and followed you!"
"Seriously.." she stared then shook her head, "Anyways, shouldn't it just be a straight line from here. Could've sworn-"
"Or it's that one over there, ze~" the magician pointed at the left of her, making Reimu's arms collapse.
Reimu's eyes followed the trajectory from Marisa's tip of her index finger to a distinctive long structure, a funny looking shinden-zukuri building with its right wing cut off, forming an L-shaped but sideways to the right, just directly presenting itself on the front to them. What prompted after that was Reimu's baffling look.
'... That obvious?!'
"I mean.. That's the same ol' design isn't it?" Marisa said confidently with a gleeful smile, ".. Welp! Race's back on then!" but before she could press forward, Reimu's vice-like grip held on the broom, disallowing the magician to move any further.
"... Eh?" Marisa slowly turned her head over..
".. I don't know if you heard me back there but.." Reimu loomed over her, "It's. Not. A. Race." she emphasised strongly before giving a hefty sigh, "I thought you were going to Nitori?" she inquisitively asked with dying frustration.
Marisa gave a sly smile after the situation seemed to have toned down, "I will! .. After a drink in Akyuu's place! I hear she treats people with tea." in return she was given an odd look by the miko.
"... You're insufferable."
"What can I say? It's not a crime that I just visit as a guest,"
"Unannounced." Reimu deadpanned.
The magician brought a mock shocked face, by Reimu's standards, "Wah! Who said that about me? It's those tabloids isn't it!"
"Me, by experience." Reimu gave a stalking look, "Anyways, retrospectivelycouldveswornwehadthistalk- Let's just go."
Marisa couldn't make up the words in between, but she was always ready to come along with, "Uh. Alrighty then, lead the way. ze~" she shrugged.
With a stern look, the shrine maiden turned, looked both sides before nose-diving forward, the magician watched for a few seconds with a grin before following suit to the descent. Their apparels lifting to the surging air, a few strands ran free, and yet their appearance still left unchanged. The both were taking on the complimenting breeze smoothly but the singeing heat vexing; Reimu mostly. It was a mixed feeling. Marisa was okay with it, her hat making the most of things more fine.
She took another final drop before Reimu caught herself carefully into the ground, landing into the front yard of the mansion. It was a natural garden, with a few trees and a pond which was inhabited with koi fish. Serene and tranquil but it was traditionally luxurious, yet it restrained in extravagance. Which earned respect by many of the locals.. Reimu would absolutely kill to live in one. But she won't.
Grasping her surroundings more clearly, by this irregular tobi-ishi path surrounded by small copious amounts of pebbles that came intermingling with parched grass to a plain old turf of thin grass. Respecting the house as always, she walked forward on the stones, following the intended path. While from behind the miko, Marisa jumped off to a patch of grass from her broom. Then there was a small thud but she chose to ignore it. Could just be Marisa. 'Anyways.'
"Would it kill you to have some dignity for once?" Reimu said exasperatedly,
"Sorry, old habits die hard."
"Not too hard to believe." her exasperation turned into a snark. For a bit Marisa kinda chuckled on that, whistling a bit.
Marisa slung her broom to lean on her shoulder guards, simultaneously walking behind Reimu.. Trying to match on with the smooth stones by hopping on them one at a time then, "Hggnk!' she gasped.
The miko swept her eyes on the noise, her slightly turned head viewed a close stumbled Marisa. Understanding what Marisa was trying to do, she berated her, "What are you doing? Walk on them normally! Stop being like a child playing around! It's like if you're new to this!"
"E-eeh.. I thought you're not supposed to hit the pebbles?"
"What?! By landing your feet on the edge of the stone?" she pointed out her gait.
The young magician looked down at her foot placement, "Ehe, fair enough."
"Also you can hit the pebbles, it's not serious.. You don't have to follow every rule, it's not going to kill you. Thought you went here before?"
"Not personally!"
As they continued walking down the stepping stones, Marisa fixed her mistakes and was finally getting the gist of it as she looked around the yard.
…
".. hey reimu," Marisa whispered to her, "-is it me or.. is it really quiet around here?"
"Eh..? What do you mean?" - Now that she thinks about it, it is quieter than usual.. Why is she whispering?!
".. you know, when we were above the city, it was loud, right?"
"Okay, there's no need to whisper! Just talk to me normally!"
"Ow! Okay! Okay! Jeez.. Have you noticed how quiet it is here compared to when we were going through parts of the capital?"
She did notice, if it weren't for the eerie atmosphere the place is exuding, "Yeah. It is strange. Normally there'd be a group of scholars asking for some stupid history but.." she eyed the empty gate, "- guess not."
"Or we could be in the wrong house."
Instantly Reimu spurred out at her, "Wuh..! You led us to this place!"
"I wasn't sure..! I don't remember all my visits!"
Reimu clicked her tongue, "Maybe try to! If this isn't the place, have fun speaking with them because I've already handled yours in the past."
Marisa made a face, seemingly pouty from here. She did fix it afterward though.
"But.. we'll ask. I know many manors like this usually have some guards. They'd probably point some directions to Akyuu."
".. heh, Even after we intruded onto their front yard? Don't think we're allowed to do that, Reimu! To think you'd stoop this low, ze~!" Marisa quipped.
"Shut up! You're just making us more suspicious." she could almost feel a blood vessel about to pop, maybe Yukari was right all along..!
"Alright, alright.. Hey, the last time I visited, those guys wouldn't even let me in!"
"Thought you haven't been here personally?"
"Yeah! But, I.. well, maybe I should've cleared up my words back there, ze~ .. I flew from there, " she pointed at the manor's porch then the pathway, "but not there. And I've never seen the inside before!"
"Right.. Hnm... Guys.." she recalled Marisa's words.
"Yeah..?"
Evocatively she did remember a handful of guards when she was at the manor, of course Akyuu wasn't there but they were around Mr. Hieda, "Those samurai bodyguards?" she looked back a bit in memory, "Yeah. Tall and masculine, kinda freaks me out."
"ehe, freak you in a way-?"
"Marisa!"
"Hey, I'm not exaggerating with your sexual preferences, I've also seen you eyeing the samurai ladies too-"
Reimu shoved a hand on Marisa's face, "Stop! And no, not in that way…" the shrine maiden put her hand down, "Just.. They seem a bit.. Jumpy..?" she tried to explain while not getting flustered.
Understandably, Marisa nodded, "Yeah, I get ya, like they're always on the edge all the time?"
"Yeah. Anyways, let's move on." The miko felt extremely embarrased, and she knew Marisa knew. She was also certain that she probably noticed her face getting a small tint of red.
The two stepped up the small wooden step stairs, the wooden floor creaked hushly and almost muted underfoot as they held onto the bannister ascending upward.
"Even if this is her home, you think she's not here?" Marisa said quietly.
"Who?"
"Akyuu, duh."
"Possibly but.. it's worth a try." Reimu shrugged.
The duo met at the front of the sliding panels. Before they even lay a finger on it, the sliding panels rolled over their right of the threshold. Skirting to the rollers horizontally on the crafted tracks. A tall middle-aged man in a onyx coloured haori and kimono with a fastened grey hakama appeared in the doorway with a prepared half-body stance, just prior the floorboards squeaked under him, and noticeably the hand on his saya tied by the folds of his obi; looked dubious to the two.
His face curdled into a nonplussed look, his eyes going upon Reimu and then Marisa. The two youkai exterminators watched him closely, then his eyes shut and respectfully bowed to a 15 degree angle before fixing it to a 45 degree angled bow before reverting back to a calm and normal pose. The two exchanged bemused glances.
"Welcome back to Tsuwano-ku. And the Hieda Mansion. Hakurei-sama, Majishan-sama." he casually greeted. Still intimidating though..!
"ah, yes, it's.. nice to meet you." Reimu replied a bit miffed, and despite how crude her reply was, the man nodded in affirmation.
"he knows that I've visited before..!" Marisa whispered in a panicked tone behind her, if she could call it that panicky. More of a shock than anything.
The wooden floor ticked under a small weight, the sounds of approaching padding feet along the floor. The samurai's head turned, looked behind him. Marisa and Reimu peeked off him, trying to see who it was. A character with a delicate colourful design, strikingfully vivid. A small lady of purple hair and soft silky skin. A golden brocaded haori over a green kimono, both worn over by her red hakama which was secured by a frilly white obi overbored by a red obijime.
Her purple eyes met the visitors briefly before she switched her eyes over to the samurai attendant. She remained in eye contact with him for a bit, till the chronicler nodded him off, "I'll take it from here."
"Ho." he bowed once more before nonchalantly passing by the two guests. What a daunting fellow..
Akyuu stepped forward, welcoming them. She offered a polite bow to Reimu and Marisa before speaking, "Please come in. It's really hot today. Do take your footwear off first though." She caught Marisa almost clutching down her shoes in.
"Ah! eheh.. Right!" Marisa retracted her shoe back and began slipping her feet off them. Reimu also cutted down to her feet to do the same.
Placing the shoes on the raised floor by the entrance alongside Marisa's broomstick, they ascended onto the foyer with a small creek.
Akyuu started, "Hm, we haven't met before, have we? Hakurei Reimu, Kirisame Marisa, why the unexpected visit?" she said as she led them further inside.
Reimu made a quick look on the black and white magician, in which she given a look back, before answering, "I came to talk about something, since you have the ability to remember everything."
"Eh.. not everything but I do remember what I know and learnt of." Akyuu said with correction.
"That means you can help, right?"
"Of course, we can discuss this in the waiting area while I prepare tea. You should know where that is, right?"
Marisa looked at Reimu funnily, "Reimu here does, I remember when she talked all about it with its very own courtyard, ehy Reimu?" she nudged Reimu a few times.
"Lucky.." whispered Reimu.
"Great! Please make yourself comfy, don't be too embarrassed to take a look around the western wing. Have a sit in the waiting hall once the tea is finished." The chronicler left the two to their own devices
"Heh, real silent aren't cha'?"
"Shut up! You live in a forest!"
"One that's self-sustaining, ze~" the magician grinned.
Reimu rolled her eyes and began storming off, irritated.
"Oii! Reimu! Don't be like that! It was just a joke!" Marisa ran right after her.
Walking down the hall, Reimu surveyed the area with a controlled trudge in her steps, she couldn't help but admire the traditional layout and woodwork put to it. Passing various items and furniture:, like hanging storages and complex arranged cabinets were near plenty, miscellaneous displays, and the silhouette of a chest behind a blank byōbu screen. There were normal tools like a washing board, a broom, and a oke washtub.
"So, what's on your mind, 'mu?" Marisa said boorishly, both hands behind her head.
Reimu, a stoic expression plastered on her face, twitched slightly at Marisa's voice, "Nothing.." she said calmly in reply, continuing her pace.
They exited out the hall, meeting the outside's scenery once more; finding themselves in a hashidono. A bridged breezeway to a building. The miko slid her hand along the wooden guardrail, from there, she saw small streams flow and the moss floor tonguing the edges of the stream, small stones half-submerged into the ground and a single shrub showered in sunlight. She huffed from the sight.
As they entered the doorway of the next building, the floor grounds changed to a 10-tatami pieces flooring arranged in an intentional neatly pattern, intricate designed arches adorning the walls and the few subtle sophistication of furnishings. It felt balanced. On their right, the wall was closed but it had an eye-interesting object. It had its own little quarter. It was a katana.. Or not, it was more of a tachi on display. It almost looked like the one that ghost servant, Youmu, has. Though it was a lot more curvier by the grip and tensely old. It also had a scribble, she took one look. "Ancestral" The tachi was mounted up on a wooden stand with its two hind legs, the weapon's been held up by two protruding hooks. Its cutting edge facing up.
In the middle of the room were the hearth and a low rectangular table that's elongated to fit a number of six guests and exact number of zabuton cushions to house said number limit. Just behind the table was an opening; leading to a small garden, a tsukubai at its centre. A miniature fir tree stuck on the right of the tsukubai. Stones surrounding a pit, by its left a lone ishi-doro sat behind the water garden.
At the far end of the room, by their left from where they came in, was another opening, no doubt to the left wing of the manor but, by the right of it looked like a small tea ceremony room joined in with the building... With its alcove that was empty and above a kakemono hung on the wall. She couldn't read out the characters, too far out from here but.. By the Hakurei Kami, why doesn't the shrine not have funding like this?
"Stunning as usual." she tossed a sigh in the end.
The magician snickered, "Never been here before but I can say this is one solid place, ze~"
"Maybe some day, I'd get something like this." Reimu pushed her hands down on the table.
Marisa chortled a bit, "Stop thinking of incidents, that'd be a bad influence!" The magician tried to hold her laughter.
She glowered from that remark, "Nevertheless..! A wondrous place to live in."
"ehe-.. Ay.. Well I mean, Sacrifices are made due.. Ehe, literally."
"Oh yeah? Think there's also someone here who also should get paid for their sacrifices."
The magician smirked, "I think you were looking for the term, 'us'."
"I think I should get my fair share!"
"Don't be so selfish, 'mu! At leeast I'm satisfied with what I have, ze~" she said proudly.
"That's because you've been stuffing your pockets full with somebody else's stuff!"
The same clattering of Hieda's padding feet on the tatami mats interrupted their banter, accompanied by the sounds of small clinkerings of a white tea set; it had pristine markings of articulated elegance.
She looked and motioned the two, who stood at the entrance, to sit at the table. Subsequently they followed Akyuu's gestures, moving to the mat by the outdoor garden and took a seat on one of the cushions. Marisa relaxantly rested her legs down whilst Reimu rested her legs down first into the soft zabuton, placing her hands to her thigh as she waited.
"soooft." Reimu said snuggly.
"Why is this garden here by the way?" the magician pointed to the outside garden with her thumbs.
Akyuu placed the tray down right beside them, taking two cups with her, "It's a tsukiyama garden, with its very own tsukubai that blends in with the environment, it's there for convenience and symbolism." she emplaced two cups in front of them.
The miko looked at what they were talking about. Indeed the garden is there but what caught her eye was the ishi-doro. She stared at the stone lantern, "Never knew you for a Buddhist." Reimu raised a brow.
"My 'current' family is, I don't really follow the practices. But I admire it." she carefully poured tea on the cups, expelling visible steam, implying its contents hot.
Whilst she poured, Marisa asked something to the miko, "Aren't you guys like intercrossed with the Buddhists? I mean don't you have those things in the shrine. I'm definitely sure I-"
"Yeah well. That was old and our clan integrated them before the Buddhists strayed from its principles-"
"Still tackling them on because of their change, come on now Reimu, you should know better." she sounded disappointed, this magician..!
"No, more like we have our own beliefs to relish in."
"Meh, well you do you. Still holding my ground." her arm laid on the table lethargically.
"Hm." Reimu looked back at the jointed section of the tea room, she squinted, "Cool kakejiku, what's it say? Can't see it all the way from here."
"Just characters for 'memory." she carefully poured tea on the cups.
Judging by how Akyuu acted, she looked to be fervent in what she was doing despite never meeting her at least once, her attitude just tells it, "You seem a bit ecstatic, and open." she asked, "Something cheered you up?"
She sat down, on the opposite side of the table with them, "Many of the household attendants left for important business, I didn't care to ask. I shouldn't pervert myself in such personal matters, but because of their leave, I have much freedom to do so."
"Is that normal?"
"It is rare for that to happen but I particularly don't care, I like to tend to my guests myself." Akyuu said with a smile, "So why is it you come in here for?"
"Right. You've heard of the tension with the Underworld, right?"
"Oh, yes. Did you come here to talk about the history around it?"
"I do."
"There wasn't a lot much information I could've gathered, during the Kaizen and Kimeru eras. Since I passed away those times but luckily a handful of scribes, and official scribes by the gaidos, would be given to me when I am born. By connecting some pieces together, I was able to understand a good amount of that time."
"Right, so what's the big idea with them? .. The Kigikus I mean."
The chronicler hummed, "From my understanding, the Kigikus.. were a lot leaned forward on their people."
"Leaned.. forward..? What do you mean by that?" Reimu squinted a bit.
"Call it.. indirectly, or influenced by them. During the times of the Kaizen era, the current lord of the clan was Kigiku Myoga, he was a timid ruler who frequently listens to the people of the domain rather than his senior vassal's intuition and his father's personal retinue."
"Can already tell something's about to go bad." Marisa calls out while Reimu was sipping on her tea, listening.
"Indeed. A great ruler who listens to his people but a terrible lord in politics. Subsequently this led to a schism between them and the Hirakens from the north but it was later resolved by the current Tochi, the busho, or how I would like to say, shogun, of the capital, sending the fourth fleet."
"Shogun? Sounds like an ancient word."
"Oh it is." Akyuu chuckled.
Reimu, confused, continued on with her inquiries. "So who are the Hirakens?"
"The first family of the Gyo province."
"Hey, how many fleets are there? You said there's a fourth one." Marisa asked, the miko looked at her as if she were scheming, "eh, what?"
Akyuu gazed at Marisa for a bit before answering, "Shin'bokyō has five commissioned fleets. They each have an individual use, it's a strange system but I think it's based on something but I'm not entirely sure."
"Then..! Would you mind if you wanna list 'em?"
"Hey!-what are you-" Reimu acted up on Marisa's intentions before she was abruptly interrupted.
"Sure. The fleets of the capital to each other are considered as siblings, but the first fleet," she paused to think, "-is a lot more different compared to its sisters, considered as the brother of the group for its eccentricity."
"Eh, why's that?" Marisa inquired.
"Their movements are arbitrary, rarely called up, made to be as a sort of unit to hunt down anything by their decision without orders. They're belligerent and vigilant."
"Soo.. where's that now?" she suspiciously asked.
".. Why are we talking about this?! Litera-"
"Yesterday, one of my attendants told me they're around Youkai Mountain. No doubt by the tensions between the Underworld and the Kigikus. They may possibly intervene.."
"So nowhere near Genbu, got it-"
The shrine maiden slammed her hands on the table, "W-would they!" Could it be? An intervention at last?
"But.." Akyuu said with an unfortunate look.
Reimu groaned, ".. There's always a but!" her high hopes immediately plummeted.
"The current commander of the fleet, Manjiro Matsunaga.. is not the right character we'd imagine for the first fleet."
"W-what do you mean?"
Marisa interjected, "He's the type of guy that would intervene in the last moment, you know, "save the day", ze~"
"Tch! Can't believe this."
"The second fleet, the home fleet of Shin'bokyō, structuring in with the society of the capital. Consider them as peacekeepers. Never ordered out, they merely protect the capital. No role nor rank can move them."
"How useful." Reimu scorned.
"Oh yeah, those guys, found their ships close the river one time. It was really close..!" Marisa reflected back when she were crossing Kamewari, or just before crossing the river.
"Strange, they wouldn't do that."
"Eh? What'd you mean?"
"The fleet is supposed to cycle around the edges of the capital, not its demarcated borders. Maybe, the current political affairs are getting too dull that no one cares."
"Yeah and it shows!" Reimu took another sip.
"Next, the third fleet, similar to the sister fourth fleet. They're meant to serve as the vanguard but since no declared appointment of the Gaido-court for the Tochi have been announced, no person can move the fleet."
"And it gets worse." Reimu sighed.
"Then the fourth fleet, more of an auxiliary fleet or escort fleet, used as a necessity fleet by the Tochi-"
"Can we get back to the topic!" Reimu cutted in.
"Ah, of course."
"Marisa, you better not ask again about an opportunity you find useless such as benefiting yourself!"
"Alright! Alright! Jeez.."The magician scratched the back of her head.
Reimu cleared her throat, "About the uh.." she racked her brain, trying to retract the story she wasn't really listening much to, "-the Hiraken and the Kigiku clan, what about them?"
"Hm yes. When the Tochi compelled the two sides to stop, the Hirakens were given a hard choice. Either they keep their position but be given heavy sanctions by the court or surrender all their fiefs, they chose the latter."
"The hell? That sounds like the worst of the two."
"As terrible as it sounds, honour was more valuable to them than their position so they chose to keep their honour."
"Honour huh? .. Why'd the Hirakens get heavily coupled? And the Kigikus vindicated?"
".. See here, the current Tochi then.. were deeply sided with the Kigikus and to pay their patronage, they were quick to comply with replacing the Hirakens with another staunch vassal to the Kigikus, the vassal in question were the Sugeki clan."
"Wait! The Kigikus were really vindicated?! Just like that? That's unfair!" Reimu shouted out, shaking the table too at the same time, and the tea wares wracking along a bit, "ehh.. sorry."
Akyuu continued, "It's politics. But this was a time when the Bunbunmaru was yet to exist so word didn't pass by swiftly and could easily pose off as a fad.." she paused shortly, "It was out of luck that the scribes were honest and most connected to form up the story."
"Ehh.. What about the gaidos? Were they really sticking it up for this Tochi?"
"To make things short, the Tochi isn't really a separate entity to the gaidos. They are a part of the court. They are the military leader of the military office, appointed by the three offices of the court. Said three offices can be appointed by a chosen official by the Tochi if they choose to, as only it would be fair to have the other view's perspective be painted their way to prevent an internal altercation, or be allowed to stay in their position, that's why they would choose a Tochi they want than a Tochi they need."
"That's such.. A flawed system."
"I agree. I don't think Igarashi-san considered it carefully about it. But the Jibun Tochi system she has molded, has its merits for the other side. Where the Tochi would be able to handpick their own people in the Gaido-court only once, and it gets deeper. Majority cannot vote out a Tochi, only can they be removed is if all four offices agree."
"Eh? All four.. You mean the Tochi too? How does that work?" said a confused Marisa. Reimu would also like to agree.. what?
"The Tochi is not absolute. It is a role to accomplish not a rank to keep. To keep the Tochi in check, Igarashi created one way to counter an incapable Tochi. Particular secretariats of the military office: a police group by the gaidos, assists the military associates, commissioners, and counselors of favours."
There are..! So many things to catch up with..! Just like Rinnosuke when he kept going in depth with whatever he talked about a.. Tent? —Government? Something about old terminologies but this time.! This is more than he can muster! Looking at her side. Marisa is listening dismissively but a bit more slumped in her posture than usual.
"- fairly the military bugyos are independent and could listen to the gaidos, if there is no Tochi, but to prevent the gaidos allowing full power of their military might– ah.. I may have been speaking too much that we are off-topic. Going back, the Tochi merely threatened without their consent. The Hirakens backed down to hearsay."
At this point Reimu was lost in the conglomerate of information packed into her maidenly head. She's taught in a shrine and learnt religious teachings, not whatever this is!
"eetoh.. what about the Kakashi Spirit News if there were no Bunbunmaru?"
"They existed but weren't very motivated to do it for the public, and people back then were heavily… intolerant of youkais.. Sensibly. But the news outlet was more of a youkai information network."
"Then why did Hatate create the Kakashi?"
"Well, it wasn't called Kakashi Spirit News back then, it wasn't called anything actually. Just an information network for tengu outposts and hot spots. The chief of the karasu, Megumu, proposed Hatate to manage the network to Lord Tenma, it was accepted."
"That's hardcore! Tengus dealing with secret espionage and intelligence spy stuff? Awesome." Marisa exclaimed.
"Not to that extent but youkais back then were not as they are today. The tengus were hedonistic at the time during the Tekigō era, especially the Chishi-zoshi war." Reimu thought about something.. 300 years and nothing was done to curve the thumb of war. She felt there wasn't even progress to halt its advance.
"There weren't any other newscasts? Other than the tengus?"
"Hm. Literacy was low back then and such information were only reserved for clans and their vassals. Hence why the gaidos have been changing previous mandates by their predecessors to make reforms."
"They have a motive in all of this?"
"The three out of four offices of the court have been focusing on public development, cleverly wanting to weaken rustic landholders and provincial lords like the Monoawares or the Kigikus themselves, to gain a ambitious rise. And the western and eastern daimyos."
'Okay so the Gaido-court doesn't give a care about youkais. Do they really think they're the greatest power in all of Gensokyo? They're literally no joke..!' Or so she thought.
"Right. So where was the trespassing tengu in all of this?" her words inferring Aya.
"Serving her time by working for Lord Tenma." - 'There's no way it's just that, there's definitely something more to that. No way again is that aloof tengu just serves without earning a rank of such.'
"As a..?"
"Informant." There it is. Although, she did not expect Aya to be an informant, "but she wasn't great in having word kept but she was a great eavesdropper; from each of the daitengus's words.. and their recollections. Lord Tenma didn't say a word about her abilities."
"Sounds like her."
Marisa raised from her cushion, "..! Oh! Oh! Yeah I remember this! I think.. During the time of Tenma's Kingdom of Congruence, right?"
"Mhm. The very same. Lord Tenma and his appointed Chief Council of the Daitengu. I'm surprised someone like yourself know this." Akyuu said with mirth.
The magician nodded at that jovially, "Tenma created a kingdom but it was later soon just.. don't know, flatline with the rest of the world."
"Very oversimplified, I take it you have adequate knowledge of said history?"
"Yeah! I once knew some history with my mom, she was always there to help me and help me learn magic!"
"Too bad you became a thieving magician, huh?" before a thought passed her mind, "Oh."
"Ow, bit too far."
".. S-sorry." her apologetic stature shows, "A-anyways do you know why the Kigikus has a greater hatred for the satoris than any other youkais out there?"
"Hm. Long time ago, Lord Kigiku Ishiro, second to rule, once had a satori assistant, the first satori to meet with a lord, it was also said that the satori have frequently made him laugh every morning but who knows, it's likely a rumour. She would help him expel those who have committed crimes, those who lied further were sentenced to death." Akyuu noticed Reimu's appalled face, "It was common at that time."
Reimu clenched her fists a bit, ".. what happened next?" the miko asked. Marisa was uncharacteristically silent.
The chronicler nodded, "Many weren't educated about youkais or the entirety of Gensokyo, they always relied on their lords. It was said that when those criminals were released, they created rumours of the girl by their lord's side, her, a succubus, the one who sways Ishiro." she looked at her tea cup, the brazen steam had extinguished; it had tempered down.
Reimu was all engrossed in the story, "Yeah?"
"It spreaded all across the countryside, Ishiro received exterminators to kill her but he refused every single one. To protect her, Ishiro sent her away to the first village in the mountains, putting her into a litter and moved quickly. Since the way to the village had no trails or paths, they casually strode west to the nearest mountains as command." The two watched Akyuu finally pick her tea up and take a sip, it was a quick one.
"But.. of course," she shook her tea cup around, "The day she left the castle with her retainers, was the day a village mob occurred, ensuing this manhunt.. Or youkai hunt, which both were unbeknownst to her escorts. To prevent the mob from heading to the village, she ordered her attendants to Misty Lake."
By now the two youkai exterminators of Gensokyo can see where it's going, presenting a glum look. It looked as if they'd curse but chose not to, with this atmosphere they sat uncomfortably.
"She commanded them to toss the litter with her in it, they were reluctant, even if she had told her identity, they still remained hesitant. Until the mob had finally arrived, the escorting samurais and trusted retainers had their stand and finally with pressure, the order was followed. Not because of desperation but to honour her, because as it seems, the same loyal escorts would die fighting the mob."
The two were dead silent, they definitely understood the story but they didn't know how to respond. With a pent up sigh, Marisa chimed, "How'd the guy react? Eh-shiroh or somethin' The warlord dude?"
"There were none."
.. What?
"I understand your confusion but from what I have understood from all these sequences. This was organised to have the people dedicate to the Kigikus further; with his spirit no longer controlled, "she emphasised those last words, "he played along. It was a great scheme."
"Just to.. drown a helpless satori?" Reimu chagrined.
"No. But to climb up the ranks of politics. Apparently she knew of the outcome. This earned the support of many in his home region and also gained the aid of other landholders to bow under him as vassals. He led a council as a provincial lord, but it doesn't make him the true lord of Myoushu nor a daimyo, as there were still others more to rival him."
Reimu was infuriated.. Furious..! Just to climb up the ranks for.. recognition? And legitimacy of some lands? All this, just for the same clan to invade the Underworld..! … She brushed all her hatred aside, a question mingled with her after the story.
"I.. I don't see how it answers why the Kigikus hate the satoris with a passion. You never mentioned that they developed a hatred for them but rather killed one unknowingly."
The chronicler hummed, "You're right. I didn't, strange of me for not answering the main point. I was indulging too much of the past."
"So why?"
"There were survivors after the incident, and I'm afraid to say, not all samurais can keep their word."
Reimu could only groan at that, should've expected that..! Was already clear at the get go.. ".. Then.. What about that village in the mountains? Was that a big deal?"
"It was. A tragic outcome. I don't think Lord Ishiro had expected such a thing." she stared blankly on her tea cup, as the contents rolled around, "When word had spread of Ishiro's advisor being a specie never heard of before, all they must've thought that the rumours were true. So when they coerced the surrendered survivors of their destination, they gave in and had told the mob of the direction of the village."
A bad feeling etched onto the red miko as her bones felt strangely chilly, she took one glance at Marisa, seemingly she also was preparing for the deliverance. Instead, Akyuu said something to reset the two to refresh.
"Please finish your tea. It doesn't seem to be finished, it's getting cold."
".. Ah..! Sorry about that!"
"It's fine. It's not mandatory. I was merely asking."
'It is a waste though..' Tightening her fingers into the handle, she raised the cup, tilting the cup, she took another sip…' she was right, it is cold.'
Clink.. The sound of a hollowed out cup, empty. Clacking into the smooth wood. She peered at the source of the sound, it was Marisa's teacup. All drank up.
"Oh? Would you like me to refill?"
"Eh.. no thanks, ze~ Thanks for, ehm, having us." she made a smile that was genuine, but it definitely looked awkward as she lifted herself up from her seat.
".. I see."
"Before we leave, two last questions." Reimu rose forward from her cushion.
"Hm?"
"What kind of village was it? Is it still on the map?"
"No."
"It was a satori village. Wasn't it?"
"It was."
The miko made a dismayed face, ".. Back to the present. Even if there is no military leader– eh, Tochi" she corrected, "Don't the gaidos have some sort of response force to mediate human clans?"
".. Hm. The gaidos doesn't have an army, only their personal holdings of their own households or lands, or the divisionary offices they control. Their grip on the human clans are weak. Their influence can still call and rally a few lords and vassals but don't expect them to waste them for us, not even you." she explained a bit coldly but apologetic in some way, "And since there is no current Tochi to supervise the realm, it is bound to happen."
"But why can't the gaidos aid in other means?!"
"I did hear they were drafting out reassurement letters and that's all they could do at the moment. The first fleet was their move though. But, I very doubt they'd care, it's more help to them cutting loose ends. Things won't change for them. If the conclusion ends in he Underworld or the Kigikus weaken, it benefits them either way."
"I wanna ask something," said Marisa, "Were you this.. Ehem, prominent in speaking in this age?"
"I-.. I've been through a lot. Especially that every time I am summoned by the Miare, the next generation of servants are always on me to be educated on the current era and sheltering me. I never get much fun nowadays."
Before Marisa could say a word, gradual sounds of footsteps Reimu hadn't heard before were getting louder and louder but it sounded more soft akin to Akyuu's movement. Akyuu perked an eye on the doorway and within five seconds, a brunette lady worn in a clear faint pink yukata and a navy blue obi entered. She held what appeared to be an envelope but it's clear she's among the attendants that didn't leave.
She bowed, "Excuse me, Ojou-sama."
"Of course, what is it?"
"Yes. My lady. I've received a letter from Ryosuke-dono." she reached out the folded washi paper.
"Oh? What is it about?" she received the folder, unwrapped them, and read.
"In short.. Lord Kawamura Mitsutada of the Gyō province." the servant paused suspensefully, "-have allied themselves with the Kigikus."
Just as Akyuu finished reading, the letter and her words caught Akyuu almost by surprise but she held herself, "Oh? Really? Never expected Lord Kawamura to be so bold, even right after the recent occurrences of the Geshoto war. Allying with a previous enemy.. How peculiar."
While for the two, their reaction was greater than Akyuu expressed. It seemed their workload had just increased.
.
JUNE 24, THE YEAR 19[][]
THE MORIYA SHRINE, SOMEWHERE ATOP YOUKAI MOUNTAIN
[THE SHRINE MAIDEN OF THE MORIYA SHRINE'S VIEW]
.
The canvas of the dimmed skies have been moored by the colour of dawn stretching the world, only such a jarring sight cannot be beautified naturally. In the highest peaks of Youkai Mountain and above the sanctity of Tenma's hall. The miko from the Moriya Shrine, emplaced in the highest places in Youkai Mountain, and arguably, of Gensokyo. had just woken up from her slumber, yawning, it was another day.
Their arrival in Gensokyo was rather conflicted.. Gensokyo's technology was frivolous to say the least, by Lady Yasaka's remarks. But even so, with this traditional setting. Kanako Yasaka, Goddess of Wind and Rain, primed with a knowledge of the outside world's technology, knew she can be able to profit off it to the rest of the world so called Gensokyo due to the realm's redundant technology compared to the outside world and… well.. their tumultuous history with war.
Sanae kneaded her face with her hands, eyes fluttering as she got up from her futon, the sounds she'd normally hear like occasional bird chirpings were muffled by inaudible chatters outside of her room and the next room. It was unceremoniously rowdy in one of the most venerated shrines in Gensokyo!
Before she'd leave, she wouldn't go out to find out the racket in her juban! That'd be shameful! Just like that, she penned out of her blanket and routinely stretched. Gathering all her energy, she left and unrobed, opening a wardrobe with a wide variety of appropriate Moriya miko robes. In time she'd be wearing her everyday shrine maiden garbs.
She tidied up her hair in front of a mirror, affixed her ornamental frog pin then snatched her gohei before walking down to her door. The door wasn't your average traditional door but one that had a knob, which was alien to the people living in Gensokyo; as to Kanako's modern ideals from the outside world, and overhaul to the Moriya Shrine.
She twisted the knob, the distinct noise of the mechanism was heard. The shrine maiden pushed the door forward; causing it to slam to the sturdy wall to her right. In front of her, a couple of passing priestesses were caught mid-frolicking about. How unshrewd!
Conspicuously, they were clearly chatting until, well of course, all bearing a startling face by the sudden noise as their chatter grinded to a halt, except one stoic priestess. Sanae bore her eyes into them and sensibly, they were alarmed by her presence.
"Hey! What do you think you guys are doing?" she scanned each of their faces.
"Ah! So sorry, Lady Kochiya, please forgive us.." she blurted out. They all bowed in response, "The sanctuary is currently under a meeting, they have skipped a crucial ritual; making this bad luck.."
'Eh? What? Lady Moriya wouldn't let that slide!' - "Where's Lady Moriya?"
"Etoo.. Lady Moriya is currently in the sanctuary." - 'Lady Moriya made that happen?!'
"Eh?" Sanae had a complexed face after she heard that and asked, "Why? Why did she?"
Another priestess spoke up, just as the same priestess that spoke first, she was clueless, "W-we don't know. We were all ordered to not come near the honden sanctuary. "
"If I may," the other priestess arose from the group, "- a congregation between elders is taking place. Lady Yasaka, Lady Moriya, and the other elder priests and priestesses have been consulting-" - 'That early in the morning?! Or did I wake up late?' - "-regarding of Lord Kigiku's potential invasion on the Underworld."
"A-an attack?! Is it true? By Lord Kigiku's words?" Sanae approached closer to her, pressing in for a response. The priestess remained undaunted from the shrine maiden's force.
"Yes, lady Kochiya. We have the official seal from the provincial lord of Myoushu as commitment. As of course, we do not have permission to bear it." Official seals? Sanae doesn't know much of political diplomacy or politics in general, but why had it to include divine places like the Moriya's.
Suddenly the priestess she first spoke with, bowed, "Please excuse us, lady Kochiya..!" which resulted in the other priestesses to do the same.
"Ah! Of course, you may. Thank you for informing me." Sanae returned the same gesture, she watched them all begin to leave to her left in a trot.
With them finally gone out of her sight, she took one small breather. She didn't think Lady Kanako and Lady Suwako would just outrightly dismiss a rite like that..! Well She wasn't sure about Lady Kanako but.. Lady Suwako wouldn't let that be! And yet.. Surprisingly she did.
She headed down to the main hall that should connect to the honden.. Just a little bit of listening in wouldn't hurt! And so she continued walking down this normal hallway, only the exception were these light bulbs hanging down from the ceiling.
The voices were getting coherent to grasp as she took more steps forward. The wind priestesses were right, they were indeed discussing an involvement.. A serious involvement..! Before recognising Lady Kanako's commanding tone after a quiet atmosphere from a heated talk. It was a bit hushed but near understandable.
"..-We won't just stand by and ignore the implications just like that." her voice boomed throughout the room, though she sounded extremely jaded despite the presented circumstances.. "If the Kigikus have managed to stage a focal area where it can serve as a beach head into the Underworld. This'll no doubt incite other clans and possibly anti-youkai groups to join in this charade. Hence why, I've established a branch shrine and post in the Underworld. I've had experience."
There was a significant pause there.. Knowing the two goddesses, Sanae was sure that Kanako eyed Suwako funny as the Moriya goddess rolls her eyes, Lady Yasaka continued, "If this campaign goes on to succor good deeds; Not will it threaten the balance between humanity and youkai but also the delicate accord we've maintained since we've arrived." After that, Sanae could hear Kanako sit back down, "Again. If you were listening, we have posts in the Underworld to serve NOT as a religious ground but as a ward. I'm sure a few of you would think fervent, while I admire such avid following, you shouldn't also dismiss rational thinking."
'.. W-what is this? Some sort of war council?!'
Slowly, the shrine maiden slipped into the room a bit closer. Peered an eye into the edge of the doorway.. and she already garnered two senior priests at her..! But, thankfully to their grace, they merely nodded at her.
Continuing with Kanako's statement, the other elders hummed in agreement but amidst the talk, another elder, a matronly priestess with silver hair, inquired, "What measures do you propose, Lady Yasaka?"
One of the elders nodded solemnly, "Lady Yasaka, this is too much of a bold move.. If our intentions may hint resistance of this campaig-"
"It is already hinting at resistance, if they're smart, but we're also going to play the mediators in this; if there will be. But it'd be more auspicious if the Hakurei tries to brute force her way to prevent this by ignoring Gaido law so we won't get needlessly involved. She understands the situation, ever since our encounter she has quite the intuition."
"But..! Our followers would disinterest us for that."
"If you recollect my words, the branch shrine is only our doing. To many it would look to be expansive out of religious ardour but to us, a necessity." her words immediately accomplished slow avowal out of the assembly.
As Sanae listened intently in from her discreet vantage point, and even peeking a bit more. She saw at least a few were concerned and discontent, they were the more religious zealots of the shrine.
"O'Lady Yasaka. And O'Lady Moriya. Lady Kochiya should be awake by now. If you may, Lady Yasaka, I'll fetch her." Sanae was shook.
"No. It's fine. She's already here." Sanae was even more shook!
"E-ehh!" Sanae squeaked. The shrine maiden hastily entered the room in a dogeza, her head just barely hitting the ground, "Forgive me lady Kanako for my impudence! I couldn't restrain myself being curious..!" she looked around the room, finding the other secular figures bearing down on her, she paled and her head hitted the ground, "and-andasafaithfularahitogamiandimportantlytheshrinemaidenofthemoriyashrine, I-"
"Sanae.." Kanako sighed, "It's fine." she said, cutting through her frantic apology. Her eyes was resting upon Sanae.
With a slow elevation of her head turned to lady Kanako, and beside her was lady Moriya, "I deeply..! Apologiseee!" her words slid off.
The other goddess of the Moriya Shrine, Kanako Yasaka had her head slouched before her right hand that acted as a support; cross-legged, while the true goddess of the shrine was placed in a frog sitting position. Sanae's cheeks still flaring up in embarrassment.
"Sanae, you can enter anytime how you want." the frog goddess(of mountains) finally spoke up with a laid-back tone, "Just don't eavesdrop again. We already knew you've woken up due to your presence. We're not new to your aura, Sanae." she giggled.
"Y-yes, lady Moriya! T-thank you, Lady Moriya..!"
"It's good that you're curious, Sanae," Kanako said flatly, "-but be more discreet with your presence if you plan to duel or handle other matters."
"Of course..! ehhtoo.. If I may-"
Kanako interrupted with a hand, "No harm done. Now that you're here, you might as well join us. You're a part of this shrine, so, it will include you too."
Sanae, in an instant, prostrated again with an absolute resolve despite Kanako's reassurances, "Yes!"
Suwako chuckled softly, "That's the spirit, Sanae. Now let's continue."
"Sit wherever you want, you may be a shrine maiden, but you are the shrine maiden of the Moriya shrine."
"Yes..!" she bobbed her head, crouching; she strutted down beside the two goddesses. . . She really wanted to ask why Lady Moriya still dismissed, or skipped the rite.. It still lingered in her mind.
The goddess nodded and resumed, "As you all have noticed," a large washi tarp rolled down; presenting a large screen with the layout of what appeared to be the southern edges of the human capital, mainly focusing on the Myouren(-ji) temple. "-the Myouren temple has been training youkais as monks. It's not necessarily a bad thing.. But.. the Myourens have been under fire recently due to that. Like us, they're still new to how the world works."
'The Myourens? Under fire?' The Moriya shrine maiden thought of the Myouren temple burst into flames, burning. She may need to improve her grip on the different usage of speech, metaphors aren't really her thing.. It was just as the maidens have taught her though..
"When the Myouren temple was established by Byakuren, the other Buddhist sects and temples certainly did not approve her teachings, and her acceptance to youkais as monks resented her more. Especially when it was gathering more faith than the local temples."
"Hem. If I may, how does this concern the Moriya shrine?" the same silvery maidenly hair asked.
"It doesn't affect us personally, we understand the Myourens. But if said resentment continues, those devout sects and other zealous groups will begin some idiotic conflict." she contacted a gaze on the wooden-tiled floor, "I've been hearing voluntary movement into the campaign and damn it all as well when the monks of Keii-ji are coming."
"If I may," one blurted out, "The voluntary movement is a entrance to learn themselves with fo-"
"An attempt." she chastised passive aggressively.
"Y-yes of course, lady Yasaka." they cleared their voice conspicuously, "Many would want to try testing their strength, as one. As I hear from travelers, many are just there to climb up the ranks, honing their skills in battle, and to reap the spoils."
Sanae agreed. While it may sound like a bold claim, it's practically true. As commonplace nowadays.. even though the Moriya never experienced the livelihood Gensokyo was put through..
"And where did you get this from?"
"B-by my kins, Lady Yasaka."
"Don't you think that is a little bit biased?" she mused.
"It is, Lady Yasaka but believe me that I have spoken with other than my family."
"Hm. I hear your honesty." definitely from her godly abilities, no doubt, "You do have a point there, Emi. I agree." she commended.
With a bow, "Thank you, Lady Yasaka."
"But, have you caught my point as you embellished?" Kanako boldly proclaimed, they stared downcast, "As you said, they came here for a motive, and it's one of what you've said. Their skills in the battlefield, fighting youkais potentially stronger than the average youkais in refuge as monks. Even when they say they're inherently peaceful."
"Y-you mean to say..?"
"They've been preparing. Not these errant adventures wanting to make a name for themselves. No. Them. They've been aiming for a reason since Murasa's palanquin ship was repurposed to a Buddhist temple in regards with Hijiri, albeit with outdated teachings. These monks- No. Soheis, they refuse seeing their faith smeared over and be shunned for it."
Many of the elders murmured, singing a chorus of their own opinions, "The Keii-ji are assisting in with the Kigikus?" they said one to another, divided with denial or understanding, "They're willing to risk their lives and the zeal of their temple? How aggravating..!"
Kanako seemed to let them go on. Apparently this bickering was common, despite being in the presence of two goddess, and a half-goddess. 'The sanctity of lady Moriya's shrine is just being desecrated like this..! Just.. Just how shameful can these elders really be?!' Until the room simmered down in noise, 'Eh? Wow.. What a coincidence!'
Unknown to her, Suwako, along with Kanako, picked up on the shrine maiden's temperament kicking in. Without Sanae realising, a sway of a hand from the Moriya goddess herself caused the hall instantly quieted down.
Out of the silky silence, an elder, who appeared blanched, spoke up their concerns, "Etoo..! Please wait, Lady Yasaka! That is a big claim..!"
"It very may as well be." Kanako tersely said.
'Wuh.. Wh-what! Lady Kanako..!' She struggled internally. The shrine maiden casts looks on the among baffled elders. A few weren't though, especially the silver-haired one..! Passive as always..
"I've been learning through from Gensokyo's history, and there is one thing that bothers most. And that."
'That?' Sanae repeated in her thoughts.
As it seems, Suwako stared wistfully at the goddess, Sanae noticed her gaze, inadvertently joining in as she looks Kanako's face to be steady. The goddess stayed poised for a solid ten seconds... How suspenseful.. Why did it turn so tense all of a sudden?!'
"That most of the reasons of your wars in history had been all holy wars for naught." primely this set off a series of fuss.
"D-don't you think those are just great exaggerations, Lady Yasaka?"
"So it is, but if the Geshoto war had taught me anything, it is that most clans use their right of their divine gods. Importantly the Buddhists with their abundant use of sutras. it looked to me that they were more bored than anything. Pent up in their little monasteries and temples with aspirations ready to explode."
"Lady Yasaka..! This'll bring-"
"Who said I'll be announcing such a statement?" she interrupted.
. . .
With a smirk, "Stand up if you're honest to the people." shockingly, not a single elder stood. Not even the religious zealots, "Aha-and It seems to be that you all aren't as reverent to be in the Moriya shrine but.. Ambitious." she turned down to see Suwako. The two just stared at each other both in the eyes. What had this turned into? Before Sanae felt an approaching presence, mixed with an urgent and trepidating response. . . Was this the presence feeling they were talking about?
Then the two looked over at the entrance of the shrine.. Her inkling, or maybe intuition was right. It was indeed somebody approaching however with clear insistence. So she guesses, it is what they're talking about!
"Lady Moriya!" the figure just stepped up into view, they were noticeably tired, better term; fatigued, from the overbearing stairs to the shrine, can't blame them, "The Kigikus have earned aid from Lord Kawamura Gyo-no-kami!" they astonished.
".. Of course he did. I never liked that character of a man, very spiteful. Although, what has happened to that tengu we've hired to relay information for us? If you were instead the only one to come here?" Kanako asked the extremely drained out man, his face that was once relief turned into a stupefied one.
"Wh-wh.. etoo.. Just yesterday, lady Yasaka!" he said with a strong sense of duty, wheezing a bit, "Our tengu.. were out of commission for today due to an incident with the kappas. They were-"
"No need for details.." from Sanae, Kanako's furrowing brow was noticeable even displaying conspicuously to the elders, she whispered, "If that daimyo from Gyo genuinely supports them.. How else would the other clans react..?" she slightly stood from her position, "Why didn't you take the ropeway?"
"So sorry..! The car..!" he couldn't finish it entirely, "The car is out of service.. due to the kappas from Genbu..!"
".. The kappas?"
.
JUNE 26, THE YEAR 19[][]
AROUND THE SKIES OF YOUKAI MOUNTAIN
[A CERTAIN TENGU'S CAMERA]
.
"Just nailed yesterday's quota!" the tengu boisterously cheered to herself, "Thank Tenma for the.. the.. the upcoming invasion..?" what mixed signals for a profit, ".. Huh. That said, aren't we in cordial relations with the Underworld." she tapped her finger to her chin.
Again, it seemed to be a fruitless cause, considering that a number of at least a thousand humans(including the Kawamura) were coming into blows against an area full of onis isn't exactly the brightest idea. Though, granted, the humans have exterminators, but in a tightly packed place full of onis? Eh, she didn't think very much they'd do a lot.
Streaking the air around, she'd very much want to check out how the situation is going though. Who knows, maybe they got a sort of secret weapon? Oh! Maybe an incident that could compel the Hakurei shrine maiden to come? Or that the Moriya shrine would intervene..!
She tinkered her camera a bit, small inspections, then her clothes came to life. They were bearing down as a turbulent gust of wind hitched in and drowned out her thoughts every time this object finished a loop.
Even the sounds of that large object.. or seemingly its ro, was quite deafening..! Only a minimum of two seconds she can have a mind to herself until the next swing befell her. It was a giant ro!
Looking above, a massive craft floors into view and an opaque arcane symbol attached on the keel and other more symbols like a sort of auxiliary, definitely magic-powered. To all her sight seeing of other ships, this one was different. Larger than normal and a hull bulkier than others. Veritably palatial in comparison with the average ships she've seen.
It looked more like a rectangle.. New state of the art? Even so..! The audacity of flying over her mindlessly without regarding her safety! Did they not notice her? This is going in the papers for sure! Her camera clicked, it flashed the bune's back momentarily.
She moved the camera out of her face as curiosity clouded her judgement. Where were they going? ... If anything this could lead her to a scoop! She looked at their direction, determining the location.. Well without the clouds! So she dove down to seek the geography, her talons sprinting off the air.
"Let's see.. Soo.. if that's the Youkai Forest.. The ship is in between.." she judged the landscape once more, "And the lakeside there and that sleazy Kakashi headquarters there.. They're heading west..!"
The tengu immediately flew upward to find the bune and to her dismay, it had already gone.
"That quick? Now.. how can I know if that ship turned ways?" she whined, ".. Eh, regardless, west is where I'll go anyways."
Myoushu, located on the western side and closely north of Youkai Mountain, just neighbours the mountains. Where the fantastic blowhole to Old Hell can also be found; around the lush forestry of Youkai Forest stretching the left side of the Mountain. Which is undoubtedly near!
The tengu looked back, "Though, can't say for sure if it's some voyager ship for a spectatorship or an inclusive one..?"
As she was about to say something, at the corner of her eye where the clouds did not permit to cover, she spotted a group of noteworthy characters. Distinctive vivid colours of blue and green caps all the way from up here. She quickly made a decision.
"Now.. it'd be ideal to do what I was supposed to do.. But.. kappas stepping out of the Genbu ravine is unheard of!"
She utilised her camera again, handling it above her chest-level, she zoomed in to capture the kappas more closely, trying to determine the looks of these kappas, her eyes sticking closely on the screen.
The unexpected appearance of the kappas coming out of the Genbu recluse zone? How rare indeed! Kappas are social creatures so it'd make sense for them to get out of their habitat once in a while.. Is that Nitori?
"Ooh..! .. ehh.. now I don't know if I should head on over to Myoushu. If anything, that Kawashiro kinda counts as head of the kappas.. and her leading a crew out kinda proves that. Now..! Let's see if the kappas are going to be doing something out of the ordinary." Because that'd be a perfect scoop!
After all, a tengu like her has got to uncover an exposé, that is her devoted duty to Lord Tenma! .. and also because out of her competitivity...
.
GENSOKYO, THE DENIZENS GRASP STERNLY.. PLEASE WAIT WARMLY...
[GLOSSARY]
[1] Wasen -referring to traditional Japanese ships.
[2] Tobi-ishi - stepping stones to compliment in with the entrance as a form of natural harmony.
[3] Saya - A sheathe for the user's katana, or any fitting weapon such as a tachi[10] or a wakizashi,[4] that would be attached/tied by the obi[6] or for some, by the obijime[7)
[4] Wakizashi - a weapon akin to the katana, shorter in length compared to it, acts as a replacement. A weapon that is to pair up with the samurai's katana or primary weapon; leading to a term "Daishō."[5)
[5] Daishō - a term to call the usage of two Japanese blades by together.
[6] Obi - wrapped around the kimono to be held, tightly supported by an obijime.[7)
[7] Obijime - a crucial cord used to hold the obi[5] in place.
[8] Byōbu - decorative traditional Japanese folding screens.
[9] Oke - a tub, commonly of traditional wood.
[10] Tachi - predecessor of the katana, a lot more curvier on its model than its successor..
[11] Tsukubai - a stone wash basin to wash your hands via a ladle. (Optionally, I believe)Its water being automatically provided through a bamboo pipe from a water source.
[12] Ishi-doro - a stone lantern, lighting them apparently sends your appreciation to the Buddha.
[13] Kakemono and Kakejiku - hanging scrolls with inscriptions on them or other intentional designs.
[14] Tsukiyama - an artificial garden style of natural foliage and geography.
[15] Bushō - a status that conducts in military affairs, simply military commander.
[16] Shogun - an ordained higher status that engages with all of the military affairs. Commander-in-chief, marshal, or general.
[17] Juban - a type of sleepwear or at least suitable; intimate to privacy purposes that is, worn under any clothing commonly kimonos
[18] Honden - main sanctuary hall of a shrine.
[19] -ji - suffix for a Buddhist temple.
[20] Sohei - a Buddhist monk warrior from a temple, monastery, or sect.
[AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'll be honest with you guys, I don't know if they're all in character. Their dialogues just seem off-putting to me. And I dropped a bomb of information, I hope it isn't too thick to read through. Thanks for listening]