Chapter 1

In Takamagahara, dense clouds churned across the sky, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Amaterasu took a deep breath, her voice steady but tinged with reluctance. "I will bear all the responsibility. Go now, to Gensokyo! That is your true home. Takamagahara may not be your home, but the three of us will always be your family."

Her gaze swept across the three figures before her—Kyouya Amaba, Kengo Tsuchimikado, and Tamami Shiomi. All three lowered their heads, their eyes betraying a mix of unease and unspoken resolve.

"You will find people there truly worth protecting!" Amaterasu's voice echoed across the heavens.

The three exchanged silent glances and nodded before leaping into the clouds, their figures vanishing into the misty descent toward the mortal realm.

The sun shone warmly over the Hakurei Shrine in Gensokyo, casting a peaceful light over the scene. Reimu Hakurei swept the shrine's front steps, the purification rod leaning against a wall. Her expression was a mix of laziness and mild boredom as she gazed at the treetops in the distance, thinking it might be another quiet day.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through, carrying fallen leaves and an unusual energy.

"What the hell?" Reimu's alert eyes scanned the horizon, just in time to hear a loud "thud" not far away—like something crashing to the ground.

Following the sound, she saw a man in simple white and black clothes clambering to his feet. Dusting himself off nonchalantly, he glanced at the sky and muttered, "It's been ages since I dropped into the mortal realm…"

Reimu's brow furrowed as she instinctively grabbed her purification rod. "Hey! Who are you, and where did you come from?" she demanded, her tone sharp and wary.

The man turned to reveal a relaxed smile. "Ah, caught already? I'm Kyouya Amaba, just a… well, an ordinary tsukumogami! I got lost while sightseeing in Gensokyo."

Reimu's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized him. Her intuition told her he was anything but ordinary. She pointed toward the shrine. "Lost? From the sky? Don't play dumb. What are you really here for?"

Kyouya raised his hands in a show of innocence. "Come on now, I don't mean any harm! I just thought this place looked nice and wanted to check it out. See? No weapons or anything."

But Reimu wasn't buying it. She struck the ground with her rod, the air buzzing faintly with spiritual energy. "Cut the act. An ordinary tsukumogami doesn't have that kind of spiritual aura. I'll give you three seconds to start talking, or you'll regret it."

Kyouya pulled an exaggeratedly frightened face and hurriedly exclaimed, "Whoa, hold on! Okay, fine, I admit it—I was looking for a place to stay. Can't a wandering spirit find some shelter? Your shrine looked so inviting… can't you let me crash here for a while?"

Reimu blinked, caught off guard by his audacious request. "Stay here? This isn't some random hotel!"

Kyouya shrugged as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You're a shrine maiden, right? Isn't it your job to help wayward spirits? I promise I won't freeload—I can do chores, sweep, cook, even chat with you. Great deal, huh?"

Reimu glared at him, her tone frosty. "I don't need help, and I definitely don't need company. Keep this up, and you'll regret it."

Kyouya didn't budge. Instead, he plopped himself on the ground and crossed his legs. "Well, I guess I'm staying unless you physically throw me out. But hey, fighting's not very peaceful for a shrine maiden, right?"

Veins bulging on her forehead, Reimu raised her rod, its spiritual energy humming dangerously. "Think I won't?"

Suddenly, Kyouya pointed past her and yelled, "Ah! A snake!"

Instinctively, Reimu spun around, only to find nothing. When she turned back,

Kyouya had already grabbed a broom and started sweeping enthusiastically. "See? I'm already helping out! And honestly, it's not safe for me to live alone out there. So why not let me stay?"

Reimu stared at him, momentarily at a loss. This shameless guy didn't seem malicious, but she still didn't know what to make of him.

"Fine, do whatever you want. But if you cause trouble, you're out!" she barked.

Kyouya grinned widely, giving a playful salute. "Thank you, shrine maiden! From now on, I'm your loyal assistant!"

Reimu rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, "Who is this guy anyway?"

Ever since Kyouya moved into the shrine, life for Reimu had been anything but quiet. Though she often scolded him for lazing around or "slacking off," there was one thing she grudgingly had to admit—his cooking was exceptional.

Breakfast at the Shrine

One morning, the aroma of grilled fish and freshly steamed rice wafted through the air, stirring Reimu from her sleep.

Rubbing her eyes, she stepped into the kitchen to find Kyouya, wearing an apron, expertly flipping ingredients in a pan. Flames danced under his precise control, as if bowing to his skill.

"Morning, Reimu-san! Today's breakfast is grilled fish, miso soup, fresh rice, and my special pickled vegetables," Kyouya announced cheerfully, glancing at her with a smirk.

Reimu raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "And what's with this 'fancy breakfast'? Can you even cook?"

Kyouya chuckled, exuding confidence. "Never underestimate a man with proper culinary training. This is nothing."

Despite her reservations, the enticing aroma made Reimu's stomach growl audibly. She turned away, feigning indifference. "Fine. But it better not taste awful."

When she finally tasted the meal, her eyes widened involuntarily. The fish was perfectly crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, with just the right hint of smoky char. The miso soup was rich and harmonious, the flavors balanced to perfection.

Still, she swallowed and casually placed her chopsticks down. "Not bad. I guess it's passable."

Kyouya raised an eyebrow knowingly. "For someone who says it's 'passable,' you're eating pretty fast."

Reimu flushed slightly, snapping, "I was just hungry, okay? Don't get cocky!"

As they bantered, a familiar voice floated in through the shrine's doorway.

"My, my, the smell here is absolutely delightful. No wonder Reimu's breakfast looks so lavish," Yukari Yakumo teased, stepping elegantly from a gap in reality, her fan covering her amused smile.

Reimu glared at her. "Yukari! What are you doing here again?"

Yukari walked closer, elegantly closing her folding fan. "Oh, don't be so cold. I just caught a whiff of something delicious and thought I'd join the fun."

Her gaze landed on Kyouya. "So, this is the so-called 'ordinary tsukumogami'? It seems you've got quite the talent if you managed to win over Reimu's taste buds. That's no small feat."

Kyouya waved cheerfully. "Oh, you flatter me, Miss Yukari. I just wanted to do something useful for the shrine maiden since I'm staying here. I can't just freeload, can I?"

Yukari eyed him with interest. "Is that so? Then I won't hold back. May I have a taste as well?"

Kyouya grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Please enjoy, Miss Yukari."

Once seated, Kyouya quickly prepared a portion for her, plating it with precision. The presentation was exquisite, each dish visually appealing and aromatic. Yukari picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks, placed it in her mouth, and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Oh? The flavor is excellent. This level of culinary skill isn't something one would expect from an ordinary tsukumogami."

Reimu sat silently nearby, her thoughts racing. This guy's cooking is so good even Yukari is impressed… Something's definitely off.

Yukari's Test

After finishing the meal, Yukari set down her chopsticks, her smile taking on a hint of mystery. "Kyouya, your cooking is indeed remarkable. However, culinary skills alone aren't enough to convince me that you're just an ordinary tsukumogami."

Kyouya's expression remained unchanged as he leaned back in his chair. "Miss Yukari, are you doubting me? How heartbreaking! I'm just a peace-loving, trouble-avoiding, ordinary tsukumogami."

Yukari gently closed her fan with a faint snap. "Is that so? Then how about a little game?"

Before he could respond, the air around them rippled. A gap opened nearby, and an invisible pressure descended, enveloping Kyouya. Despite the sudden shift, Kyouya remained seated, unmoving, his lazy smile undiminished.

He calmly lifted his teacup, blew lightly on the surface, and remarked, "Miss Yukari, this pressure feels a bit excessive. It's ruining the appetite."

Yukari's eyes flashed briefly with surprise, but she quickly dismissed the gap. "Interesting. It seems the definition of 'ordinary' might need some reconsideration."

Reimu couldn't help but interject. "Yukari! What are you trying to do? Stop messing around at the shrine!"

Yukari smiled faintly. "Don't worry. I just wanted to get to know our new friend a little better. Kyouya, you're certainly intriguing."

Kyouya shrugged, his tone casual. "Miss Yukari, you give me too much credit. Someone like me couldn't possibly be worth your attention. Have another cup of tea—let's not make the atmosphere too tense."

Yukari gazed at him with her ever-present enigmatic smile but said nothing more. Deep down, however, she was certain of one thing: this "ordinary tsukumogami" was far from ordinary.

Night at Hakurei Shrine

Kyouya leaned against the veranda, gazing at the starry sky. The moonlight bathed his face, softening his usually carefree expression with a rare hint of serenity. Reimu had already gone to bed, leaving the shrine in peaceful silence.

A gap silently opened, and Yukari stepped through with her characteristic elegance. Smiling, she sat down beside him.

"Kyouya, staying up so late? It seems you have a lot on your mind," she teased.

Kyouya glanced at her, then gestured toward the sky. "Not really. I just think the sky here is beautiful. Takamagahara's stars were magnificent, sure, but they never had this sense of freedom."

Yukari turned her head to study him, hiding her mouth behind her fan. Her tone remained as elusive as ever. "Freedom? You seem to have quite the impression of Takamagahara."

Kyouya shrugged, feigning indifference. "Just something I've heard about. Someone like me—an 'ordinary tsukumogami'—couldn't possibly have been to such a place."

Yukari chuckled softly, her voice gentle but probing. "Is that so? Yet your spiritual aura doesn't seem like something 'ordinary' can explain."

Kyouya's eyes flashed briefly with a sharp glint, but the expression quickly vanished. Taking a sip of tea, he replied nonchalantly, "Miss Yukari, do you have something against me? I'm really just a simple guy who dislikes fighting and avoids trouble."

Yukari didn't immediately respond. Instead, she waved her fan, sending out a soft wave of spiritual energy that blanketed the shrine. Her gaze deepened, becoming contemplative.

"Kyouya, if you've chosen to live in Gensokyo, you must understand its rules. Are you here seeking something? Or perhaps… running away from something?"

Caught off guard, Kyouya chuckled to mask his unease. "I'm just here to enjoy life. No other motives. As for the rules, I'll be sure to follow them."

Yukari studied him for a moment before withdrawing her energy. Her usual soft smile returned. "Very well. I'll trust you for now. I hope you truly came here for freedom and not to bring chaos to Gensokyo."

She stood up to leave. Just before her gap closed, she turned back with a meaningful smile.

"But if you intend to hide your secrets, be careful. No one here is as simple as they appear."

The next day, Kyouya strolled along a quiet forest path in Gensokyo. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. The surroundings were serene, with the occasional chirping of birds and the distant murmur of a stream. For someone just getting accustomed to this land, this peaceful atmosphere was soothing. Yet, Kyouya remained ever vigilant.

Suddenly, he paused mid-step as the air ahead turned unnaturally heavy, accompanied by an indescribable sense of cold oppression. This presence was unlike any ordinary youkai, carrying an ancient majesty and the aura of a predator.

"Gensokyo never fails to surprise," Kyouya mused inwardly. Outwardly, he remained as composed as ever, even quickening his pace slightly with a hint of anticipation.

As he entered a clearing where shadows crisscrossed under the canopy, he saw the source of the presence. A short-haired girl with blue hair stood before him, wearing a bat-shaped hat and holding an ornate red parasol. Her outfit was a detailed red-and-white dress adorned with lace, and her steps exuded confidence and poise.

Behind her, an intangible darkness seemed to follow, her overwhelming presence suffocating enough to make one hold their breath.

Kyouya's and the girl's gazes met, locking in midair, as if time had momentarily stopped.

"Human or youkai?" the girl asked, her voice crisp but laced with an undeniable authority. Her crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity and a faint trace of disdain, as though appraising an intriguing plaything.

Kyouya studied her, already guessing her identity. This was the legendary mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, the Vampire Queen—Remilia Scarlet. Compared to her fabled image, her real-life presence was far more arrogant and dangerous.

"Just a passing tsukumogami," Kyouya replied with a slightly nonchalant smile, his tone deliberately disarming yet subtly confident.

"A tsukumogami?" Remilia raised an eyebrow, twirling her parasol lightly in her hand. Her voice carried a note of scrutiny. "Your aura doesn't feel like that of an ordinary tsukumogami—deep and restrained, yet it holds a faint trace of something... unsettling."

Kyouya shrugged, feigning indifference. "You flatter me, young mistress. I tend to keep a low profile. But your overwhelming presence makes a humble traveler like me feel rather on edge."

Remilia smiled faintly, her expression brimming with confidence and a hint of mischief. "Low profile? It's rare to see someone remain so composed in my presence. Since we've met, why not let me see what kind of 'low profile' you're capable of?"

Before Kyouya could respond, she waved her hand. A torrent of blood-like energy surged from behind her, instantly dyeing the clearing crimson. The surrounding light seemed to vanish, replaced by an atmosphere so suffocating it could crush the unprepared.

Kyouya felt the weight of her oppressive aura, but his smile didn't falter. Instead, he appeared intrigued as he surveyed the warped space. He casually raised a hand, and a gentle breeze swirled around him, forming an invisible barrier that effortlessly dispersed the blood energy.

"Your hospitality is overwhelming, young mistress. It's a bit too much for me to handle," Kyouya remarked lightly, as if her test was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Remilia's crimson eyes narrowed slightly. She hadn't unleashed her full strength—this was merely a probing attack. Yet the ease with which this tsukumogami countered it was unexpected. She let out a soft laugh, her tone now carrying a hint of approval. "Interesting. You've got some skill, at least."

Kyouya maintained his calm and relaxed demeanor, though inwardly he was assessing the girl before him.

"The purity of this power… As a vampire, she's undoubtedly at the pinnacle of her kind. If I weren't suppressing most of my strength, this encounter could have escalated into a troublesome clash."

Remilia withdrew her aura, gracefully twirling her parasol. Her tone shifted to one of playful curiosity. "You're quite amusing, tsukumogami. If you ever have time, why not visit the Scarlet Devil Mansion? I'd like to see how long you can keep up this 'low profile.'"

Kyouya flashed his signature smile and gave a slight nod. "If the young mistress invites me, how could I refuse? Just don't let me drink too much tea and forget to leave—it could get awkward."

Remilia raised an eyebrow but didn't respond, her red parasol spinning lazily in the sunlight. Turning elegantly, she walked away, leaving him with a parting remark full of subtle implications. "I hope your sense of humor proves just as useful in the Scarlet Devil Mansion."

Kyouya watched her retreating figure and sighed softly. "The residents here just keep getting more interesting. Looks like I'll have to be even more careful about staying 'low profile.'"

A few days later, Kyouya, carrying a small cloth bag of groceries, wandered into the Bamboo Forest of the Lost. Known for its labyrinthine paths and mysterious aura, the forest was said to be navigable only by those familiar with it. At first, driven by curiosity, Kyouya simply wanted to explore this legendary place. But before long, the arrangement of the bamboo around him began to repeat, creating an illusion of walking in circles.

"This forest is definitely unique," Kyouya said to himself with a chuckle. "Too bad there's no GPS—and even the wind direction is unreliable here."

Just as he was considering whether to use a bit of his power to find his way, a cold, sharp voice called out from the distance, "Outsider, this is no place for you to be."

He looked up, spotting a faint flicker of firelight in the shadows of the bamboo. A figure stepped into view—a girl with flowing white hair dressed in a white shirt and red hakama. Her crimson eyes gleamed fiercely in the firelight, her aura devoid of deliberate menace yet exuding an innate sense of authority and intimidation.

Fujiwara no Mokou studied the tsukumogami before her, sensing that his aura was unusually restrained. It was clear that he was no ordinary presence. With a mix of caution and aloofness, she spoke coldly, "The Bamboo Forest of the Lost is not a place for ordinary people to wander. Leave now if you want to avoid trouble."

Kyouya shrugged, his tone still relaxed. "Hey, I'm just a regular tsukumogami who wandered in by accident. I didn't expect there to be a patrol guarding the place."

Mokou frowned, displeased by his flippant attitude. "Patrol? Hmph, I'm not that bored. This forest has its own rules and isn't friendly to strangers. You'd better leave quickly."

Kyouya looked at her, intrigued and amused, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "You say the forest isn't friendly, but you seem to live here quite comfortably. What does this forest mean to you?"

For a moment, Mokou's gaze flickered with a hint of hidden emotion, but it was quickly replaced by her usual cold demeanor. "That's none of your business. If you plan to keep asking questions, I suggest you save your breath."

Kyouya didn't press further, nor did he make any move to leave. Something about Mokou piqued his interest—a faintly familiar resonance that seemed tied to ancient memories, as if the girl before him shared an unbreakable bond with undying flames.

The Test of Fire

Mokou grew increasingly impatient with Kyouya's demeanor. A flicker of crimson flame appeared in her palm, illuminating the bamboo forest with an eerie, blood-red glow. "Since you refuse to leave, I'll send you out myself. Don't say I didn't warn you—this isn't a place where you can loiter casually."

Kyouya remained rooted in place, his expression as relaxed as ever, with a touch of playful teasing. "Send me out? My lady, surely you're not planning to burn me?"

Mokou snorted, and the flames in her hand erupted into a fiery slash, surging toward Kyouya. The intense heat distorted the air, and the sheer force of the flames was suffocating.

Kyouya watched the blazing slash approach and gently raised his hand. With a light flick of his finger, a soft breeze arose, forming an invisible barrier that neutralized the searing flames mid-air. Not a single trace of scorch marks was left on the surrounding bamboo.

Mokou froze, clearly not expecting the man before her to disperse her attack so effortlessly. Her crimson eyes burned brighter with newfound resolve as she raised her hand again. This time, an even fiercer flame coalesced in her palm. "It seems you're not just an ordinary tsukumogami. Let's try this again!"

The flames took the form of a roaring dragon, its heat and ferocity unmatched as it lunged toward Kyouya.

Kyouya sighed lightly, and with a wave of his hand, the surrounding bamboo leaves swirled into the air, carried by the wind. The leaves formed a verdant whirlwind that collided with the fire dragon. The two forces neutralized each other, dissipating into a harmless cloud of smoke.

The End of the Test

Mokou finally lowered her hand as the flames gradually died out. She stared intently at Kyouya, her tone cold and skeptical. "An ordinary tsukumogami? Hmph, you kept this bamboo forest intact without a single scratch—your lies need more work."

Kyouya raised his hands helplessly, his smile unwavering. "There you go again. I really am just ordinary—it was pure luck, that's all. Besides, with your skill, burning bamboo is such a waste."

Mokou frowned, her eyes filled with both irritation and a lingering wariness. "Fine. Since you don't seem to mean any harm, I'll let it slide this time. But remember, if you wander into the Bamboo Forest again, don't expect me to go easy on you."

Kyouya nodded lightly, his hands clasped casually behind his head as he smiled. "Got it, Miss Mokou. If you ever need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Mokou snorted and turned to leave, her figure disappearing into the shadows of the bamboo.

Watching her retreat, Kyouya muttered under his breath, "The guardian of this forest is no joke. Her control over flames is incredible. But… this sense of unyielding determination feels oddly familiar."

After his brief encounter with Mokou in the Bamboo Forest, Kyouya found himself growing more curious about Gensokyo's residents. At the same time, he began to feel a hint of unease about maintaining his "low-profile life." Resolving to avoid unnecessary trouble, he decided to focus on helping maintain the shrine and refrained from venturing out for a while.

However, his quiet days didn't last long. An energetic visitor soon arrived, shattering his plans.

Afternoon at the Shrine

In the shrine courtyard, Kyouya was repairing an old, worn pillar. Reimu sat on the veranda, sipping tea, her tone critical as she commented on his work.

"You nailed that crooked. Are you planning to rebuild the whole pillar?"

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Kyouya replied lazily, "Miss Reimu, it's this handiwork that barely earned me a spot here. You can't be too picky."

Reimu snorted, about to continue her critique, when a sudden gust of wind swept through the shrine, sending the teaware tumbling. Kyouya quickly steadied the pillar and looked up at the sky. A dark shadow zipped past, accompanied by a burst of laughter.

"What a strong wind!" Reimu stood up, her brows furrowing. "It's her."

Following Reimu's gaze, Kyouya saw a girl descending from the sky. She wore a white uniform, and a pair of black wings stretched from her back. Holding a camera, she smiled brightly, as if she had just accomplished something brilliant.

"Reimu, did this wind freshen up your shrine?" Aya Shameimaru floated gracefully to the ground, her tone teasing.

Reimu sighed, exasperated. "Aya, do you always have to make such a dramatic entrance? What do you want?"

Aya chuckled, tapping her camera. "I'm here for a scoop, of course! I heard there's a peculiar new resident at the shrine, and I just had to check it out."

Kyouya raised an eyebrow, stood up, and dusted himself off. "A peculiar resident? Surely, you don't mean me?"

Aya turned, scanning him from head to toe, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh! So it's you. The moment I saw you, I could tell your aura isn't ordinary."

Kyouya scratched his head with a sheepish grin. "That's an overstatement. I'm just an ordinary tsukumogami, here to unwind."

Aya flashed a sly smile. "Ordinary? I don't buy it. How about this—since you're a fellow traveler of the wind, why don't we race to see who's faster?"

Kyouya paused, then chuckled wryly. "A race? I'm just a humble tsukumogami who prefers walking. How could I compete with you, a great tengu?"

Aya flapped her wings lightly, and the surrounding air stirred with sudden intensity. "Since we're fellow wind travelers, don't refuse. Don't worry—I'll go easy on you."

Reimu, arms crossed, watched the exchange with a smirk. "Kyouya, this is your chance to show Aya just how 'ordinary' you are."

Kyouya sighed inwardly, thinking, Reimu's doing this on purpose. He turned to Aya and smiled. "Alright, let's give it a try. What's the course?"

Aya pointed toward a distant mountain peak. "From here to that mountain, then back to the shrine. Whoever returns first wins. How about it?"

Kyouya nodded. "Simple enough. I'm in."

The race began. Aya's figure instantly transformed into a black blur, streaking across the sky. Her speed was so overwhelming that the surrounding bamboo trees shook, their leaves scattering in the wind.

Kyouya remained rooted in place, seemingly unmoved. Reimu frowned at him. "What, afraid to run?"

Kyouya smiled faintly. "Why rush? Let her go first."

As soon as he spoke, he lightly tapped the ground. A sudden gust of wind swept him into the air, carrying him upward. Unlike Aya's aggressive momentum, Kyouya's movements were light and graceful, each step propelled by an almost imperceptible acceleration.

Before long, he had effortlessly caught up to Aya.

Aya sensed the presence behind her and glanced back in surprise, only to find Kyouya following closely, his face calm and smiling.

"That's impossible!" Aya thought, shocked. She pushed herself to go faster, trying to widen the gap. Yet no matter how much she accelerated, Kyouya remained a steady distance behind her.

The two raced on, soon reaching the mountain peak. On the return leg, Aya made several attempts to shake him off, but to her frustration, he kept pace effortlessly.

As they approached the shrine, Kyouya suddenly surged forward, his speed becoming a whirlwind that swept past Aya. He landed on the ground first, light as a feather.

Aya touched down moments later, panting as she stared at Kyouya. "Your… speed… how can an ordinary tsukumogami be this fast?"

Kyouya spread his hands with a relaxed smile. "Maybe the wind just favored me. Guess I got lucky."

Aya narrowed her eyes, her face filled with suspicion. She couldn't find any fault in his words, but her instincts told her there was more to him. She smiled slightly and said, "You, 'ordinary tsukumogami,' are becoming more and more intriguing."

Reimu snorted, lazily settling back onto the veranda. "Aya, that's just how he is—loves pretending to be normal. If you want another race, let me know ahead of time. Maybe I can make some money off it."

Aya chuckled, lifting her camera to snap a picture of Kyouya. "Alright, you win this time. But I'll be back!"

With that, she took off like a gust of wind, leaving the shrine behind.

Kyouya watched her disappear into the sky, exhaling in relief as he sat on the ground. "The people in Gensokyo just keep getting more and more challenging."

Reimu raised an eyebrow, glancing at him. "If you know they're tough, then don't go causing trouble for me."

Kyouya nodded, though a mischievous smile crept onto his face. "But what's the point of such a lively place if I don't stir up a little trouble?"