The Perspective of The Unmoving Used Goods Seller Part 1

A calm and windy day in Gensokyo. The wind gently pushes the leaves making a harmonic sound that is pleasing to hear.

Until it was disturbed by a knock on the outside. It appears a customer has arrived. I wanted to keep reading but as customers always comes first. Can't leave a bad impression on my shop now would I?

I got up from my chair and moved toward the door to open it and welcome my supposed customer but what happened as soon as I opened it is that a girl with silver-white hair suddenly collapsed right in front of me. Of course I quickly catched her and tended to her while also closing the door behind us.

Forgive me for the late introduction, but I'm Rinnosuke Morichika. I run an antique store called "Kourindou".

The girl seems to be unconscious and I could only hear her groan in pain. It's a great thing that I know how to give first aid, otherwise I'll have to leave the shop to call for help. I'd tried to carry the girl to the living room but she's too heavy, pardon me for saying that but I can't move her if she's that heavy. Then I noticed her clothes, there are armor plates on each side of her shoulders and hips. I took noticed of her weapons too and I quickly deduced that she's a swordsman.

An idea came to my mind but the unconcious girl won't like it when she wakes up but I do need to tend to her wounds and so I guess I could just explain it to her.

With that I proceeded to carefully remove the necessary parts of clothes of the girl...That sounded a like I'm about to commit a heavy crime but we won't get anywhere if I think like that. When I meant necessary, I first took off her armor and even her boots, they were very heavy by the way. The rest except for the undergarments are done later, her body needs to be checked and to be relaxed. I just hope that no other customers -- especially those two, if they can be called such-- arrives at my shop at this time or they probably think I'm commiting such a crime.

After removing the heavy part, she seems to be light as a feather now and I moved her to my chair to quickly examine her injuries.

It is as I thought, she has bruises and probably overexerted her body. Too much fatigue can make the human body shut down. Hence a rest is needed, I wonder what happened for her to be in such a state?

Then it clicked to me, right now this person in front me probably came from the outside world and run into trouble. Regardless of that, I cleaned her wounds and stopped the bleeding on her forehead.

I didn't pay attention to her sarashi – the bandages tied around her chest–. What I noticed are more bruises and a few cuts but they are not that severe, then there is that crimson red colored crest in her upper right chest it and strongly resembles a dragon... an eastern dragon. I think I've seen that before but it's best to focus on treating her bruises and cuts.

After treating her injuries. All I could do now is to move her in my bedroom and cover her with a blanket because she may catch a cold – especially since she's not in her clothes – then for her to wake up. Come to think of it she looks familiar but I can't tell if it is from a distant memory or perhaps just my imagination.

Nevertheless I returned to my seat and resumed my reading.

I didn't have my morning tea yet maybe that explains the unusual feeling I've felt before the girl's unexpected arrival.

"Seems like today is going to be an unusual day." I muttered before focusing on the book am reading.

The Perspective of the Amnesiac Swordsman

"Huh?" I opened my eyes and wondered what happened.

I quickly recalled my battle - If it could called such - to the yokai by the name of Rumia who controls the darkness.

"Am I dead?" I uttered as I try to get a feel of myself.

I am not cold and that means I'm not a ghost yet. So what could have happened? I do remember losing consciousness at someone's doorstep.

"So I'm asleep?" I keep talking to myself and then remembered seeing a sign before knocking on the door.

What was it again? um... ko...ku?. I keep on stammering until I finally got it.

Ah, it reads "Kourindou" I guess it's some sort of shop? Well no use of trying to figure it out now.

Anyway where the heck am I- my thoughts were frozen as I get a look from my surroundings.

"HAH!?" I cannot contain my surprise because of the absurdity of what I am seeing.

Well who wouldn't as what I am seeing now are lots of stars and as to where I am standing it seems to be a rocky surface and its white. I've known about this before but I cannot remember when did I learn about it perhaps it's basic knowledge. But that doesn't explain the question...

"Why... Why am I on the fricking moon?!" I shouted as I see the vast vacuum of space.

"Of all the things I could dream... why here? It's freaking empty!" Maybe it has other meanings like how my mind is right now or what am I feeling. Then again its all just a speculation and a total bullshit.

I didn't moved from where I found myself but instead crossed my arms and sighed.

"I need to wake myself up." I said as I tried pinching myself but to no avail. I did noticed too that all my injuries are gone and which solidifies me being in some sort of dream or some crap.

I do hope to myself that this better not turn into a nightmare but the setting is almost like it is one. I am alone and see nothing but the rocky surface of the moon.

Footsteps... I quickly heard and turned around and I see this woman with a sword in her hand. She seems to be angry... like how suddenly a killer shows up when your alone. The horrifying part is that I can't see her face clearly, it's blurred.

I did not say anything I just watched her look at me with ill intent. It's like we're having a staring contest. I grab ahold of my weapon just incase she suddenly decides to attack me.

"You lured me out here didn't you?" I heard her say but before I could reply back she continued to speak. "A human taking the sides of the yokai and commanding them... how absurd. Do you think your plans will succeed? My sister can take care of the rest..." She gripped her sword and told me to draw my sword.

"Draw your sword, you insulted me and drew me away from the frontline. I'm not so lenient to let you go without fighting after all you just started a war."

A war? Seems like this woman is talking nonsense, ain't no damn way that's true. Though it does sound like what I would do when in a war. Lure away the commander and fight our own battle and leave the fight to the others. Of course I would not do it without someone reliable commanding the army. But seriously? A commander of a yokai army? Bah! Nonsense! Guess I'll just play along... who knows I might wake up during the fight.

With that I assumed a daring pose and with a smug face I said. "You're too easy to lure that is, do you even know the full extent of our plan?" Here I am talking high about a plan, heck I don't know even know it.

"I don't need to call on the power of the Gods to beat you." She claimed making me think of what kind of dream is this.

Huh? Wait power of what now? Did I picked a fight that gets my ass kicked?

"I will end this quickly human, I don't want your filthy impurity sticking in to my clothes and skin, let alone in my sword." This made me angry for a reason. Not only she looked down on me but calling me filthy is enough to make my blood boil.

"Impurity? I don't know what is that but you just insulted me... I'll get you for that, just wait till I get close and I'll give you the bitchest slap you ever felt, probably the first time too." I declared as she gave me reason to so. I do have the propensity to act like this whenever someone gravely insults me or others I know, at least that's what I remember.

I drew my sword and assumed my battle stance and said "Come at me and I'll give you a fist of advice!"

Even if she's way stronger than me I cannot allow her to do and think as she please. Someone needs to knock in some sense into her and that would be me.

She quickly leaped toward with such speed and as soon as ready myself in countering it. Everything turned black. Yes it was anti-climatic. Just before I could fight it was interrupted, again.

When I came to, I was in a different place again. This time a house, with very few furnitures and they were pretty old. There's a fireplace nearby thats why its pretty hot. After examining the house design and its furnitures I could say I am in small japanese house. But I am alone again... I can see from the window that it's already dark and snowing, it's probably winter.

I got that feeling again of suddenly emerging out of nowhere except that it's a dream. I waited for a few minutes thinking that someone would come. While doing that I admired the snow and wondered the last time I saw one. Of course I wouldn't remember after all I lost my memory. Somehow I felt the urge to go outside and try to make a shape in the snow or even make a snowman.

Before I could do that a person opened the door and I quickly jumped into a defensive position. It was a man that seems to be in his mid 20's or so. He has a silver hair and like the previous encounter I can't fully see his face. He gently locked the door and put down the firewoods he brought back with him at the table while chiding me.

"Geez, its already cold outside, why do you have to be so too?" the man said.

I calmed down and slowly seated down. "Sorry, can't always let my guard down you know?" I replied which the man quickly understood.

"I secured more firewoods that should last us until morning." He said, sitting next to me. Normally I'd say "Give me some space will you?" but since the fire place is too small, I opted to stay silent.

"Say, why won't you take me as your student? I tried everything to please you... and you always say no without any reason... I just want to know. Am I really that weak and a dissapointment to be taught?" He shoots a question at me that it took me by surprise.

Have I taken a student before? But I cannot answer his question without my memories. This is too sudden!

I stayed silent for a few minutes while looking at him.

His eyes seem to yearn for the truth... which I cannot provide even if it is a dream I dare not to lie especially in situations like this.

But staying silent is not the answer, therefore with all the minutes I've used looking at him. I managed to shoot back a good answer and as well as a question to him.

"Why do you want to be my student and receive such teachings?"

Perhaps I already asked this question before but I need to confirm what he really aims for.

The man didn't even think for a second and quickly replied "To become like you of course!" The way he said it made my heart move, not in a romantic way but in way of respect. He continued to explain himself and I listen in.

"You always protected many people. You've helped many and only used your own power for good. You didn't ask for anything else in return. Hence when you rescued me, I cannot help but follow you wherever you go. I saw myself how you put yourself in danger to save people. You inspired me to be like you, though I cannot actually become like you at least with your teachings I can do things you can do!"

His words are all but a praise to me. It was very pleasing to hear but enough about that. I could swear I almost gave a smile. Did I really do all those things? Heh, finally a dream about something nice.

I sighed and replied to him "Though your reasons are good, I cannot take you as my student... not because your weak or will dissapoint me but because I cannot expose you to the danger am always in."

Yeah that sounds cool enough, I waited for his reaction and reply. He seems to be satisfied with my answer though he looks a bit down. Well I am not finished yet.

"Well I said I won't make you my student but I can teach you as long as am staying in this place. You may be weak physically but your determination and passion is strong. Use that to strengthen your weakness. What do you say? Think of it as my parting gift, you can't always follow me around. One day you'll find where you belong and stay there. The same thing applies to me." The answer just came to me and it feels like it wasn't me speaking at all.

He seems to have shifted his mood and became energetic he almost jump out with joy like a kid. Seems pretty childish but seeing this makes me happy.

"Alright! So when do we start?" He excitedly said. Too eager, eh?

"Not so fast, before you learn the sword, you must condition your body. I'll also teach you how to fight bare-handed so you know how to fight back in case you lose your sword."

His eyes gleamed with enthusiasm and replied. "Woah... even I haven't seen you fight like that and I get to learn it!"

I do know different fighting style techniques especially with the use of one's own body. Studying them and implementing within my own fighting style. I just haven't got the moment to use it though, only in training...maybe? I dunno I've lost my memory remember?

"Satisfied? Now we can't actually train for now but here." I passed him two pocket size papers with drawings, one is about how to make one's body strong and the other is my own references of my training routine.

Where did I store that? Well I just happen to have rummage through my pocket and well, these papers turned out instead money. I don't actually have these in the real world or perhaps I did but actually gave them to someone else? Eh? It's pretty confusing? Me too, so let's move on then.

"Thank you, I'll try to understand them and show the fruits of my study tomorrow." He then turned his attention to the papers I gave him and I looked at him with positivity that he'll do well.

Before I get to turn my back, he called out to me. "These are very well written and detailed. I do have one final request, if you will please hear it." He said making be turn around to him. I nodded to agree.

"Can I call you, Master?" he said.

Though I can refuse, it wouldn't hurt to let him. After all once I leave he won't be there to follow me no more. Well at least in this dream scenario.

"Sure thing, just remember to give it your all." I said and he seems to be very happy about it.

It was a nice dream but I have the feeling that either I wake up or get booted to another dream scenario.

Perhaps I can change my mind about not letting him accompany me but it's just a dream and maybe I'll regret that decision after all the world is a dangerous place. It would be best to leave him where it is peaceful.

As moments passed yy eyes seemed to be heavy enough that I think that am about to fall asleep but why is that when you're dreaming? Maybe it is the opposite?

I kept struggling to keep myself awake but to no avail. At least this time it is peaceful and how should I put it? A bit nostalgic? I don't know, after all what am I saying is what only I feel. That is all before I completely close my eyes.

The Perspective of The Unmoving Used Goods Seller Part 2

About 30 minutes has passed after Rain arrived at Kourindou.

I walked in back to my room. Seeing the girl is still not awake yet, I leaned in close to her to check her up. It seems like she's still fast asleep.

So what did I do to pass time? Well aside from reading the book I have not yet finished. I sorted the girl's belongings or rather her armor clothes and weapon. As I do that I do wonder how her clothes remain unscathed and the one that intrigues me the most is her pair of swords. I cannot help but use my ability on them.

My ability is that I can examine any tools and learn what their name and their use. As I get my ability to work. Vast information filled my mind. So first is that the pair of the swords are actually different, the set of sword is called a "Daisho" consisting of a katana "Daito" used for longer reach and a wakizashi "Shoto" is used for faster attack but less reach.

Yes, these are its uses and there is no need to guess on how they operate. Hmm? I paused for a second as more information gets processed. The moment it is done, I learned something more of its uses and it made me feel uncomfortable. What I learned is that these two have other uses and one of them is...

"Used to cut through Reality and Fantasy..." The thoughts escaped through my mouth. What even is this use? How do you use it? Wait...there's still more?! My ability tells me that these has more uses and before I could learn them. I got cut off, yes cut off like it stopped me from learning more. I'm not really sure but is it the weapon itself that stop me or some sort of magic?

Either way I learned a few. Each blade has its own unique and shared uses/abilities but I didn't get to learn what it is apart from being able to cut through reality and fantasy. It also has the use of "Yokai Extermination" in it but the last use of the weapon that I managed to learn is very concerning and that it is, it can be used to "Slay the Gods". How can a girl like her own such a powerful weapon? Perhaps she didn't know about its other uses? Then questioning her about might just confuse her. Let's leave it at that for now.

For I also learned its name, though like its many uses or they are called abilities? Anyway, it has many names but since I got stopped by an unknown cause I only managed to get four of its names. The first is "Genjitsu to gensō" which literally means "Reality and Fantasy". The Daito/longer sword is named Reality and the smaller one Wakizashi is Fantasy. I don't know why they are named like that but each sounds mysterious.

I'm getting curious as to what exactly is that ability and how does it operate? I could ask its owner later but for now its second name is "Raikirimaru" meaning "The Thunder Cutter" this may be a reference to how fast this weapon is. This time the name is shared to both swords. The rest of the names that I've found out shares the same naming, it is considered that the two swords are one.

The third name has two variations "Inazuma no Tsurugi" or simply "Inazuma" which means "Lightning Sword" seems like a contrast to the second name but may still pertain to the speed of how it cuts?

Lastly the fourth name was simple "Ame no Tsurugi" Meaning "Rain Sword" These names are connected somehow, there are still many names that I have yet to be known. Why does it have so many names? Which one is the first or original? Is it because of how many abilities it have? I have so many questions but the ones who could answer them are out cold.

I like to keep it and probably display it at the living room... Oh, what am I saying? It has an owner and would very much not willing to part with it. Besides I already have a sword that is on par with this, though it's not for sale much likely this one too if I get the hold of it.

That's how much of the time has passed just examining her weapon took almost 20 minutes. Let's move on to the present time.

Now that I look at her, she's pretty, well at least that's what I think. I can't help but look at her face because I definitely have saw her somewhere.

While kept staring at her face. I saw her opened her eyes. Not slowly but in a way you'll think the dead came back alive due to how fast her eyes opened. It almost gave me a heart attack. Though I remained calm in the outside so as not to startle the girl.

She looks at my face. Our eyes met and her mouth moves to say. "Is it morning already?"

Naturally that wasn't what I was expecting and did not answer.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" The girl said while she slow gets up. It is only a matter of time before she reacts to it. I'll just be here and be ready to calm her down.

"Wait a second, this is no longer a dream? I can feel my body ache again. Then who's this guy? He looks like the one in my dream except he has glasses." She voiced out her thoughts. Guess that explains her carefree speech earlier, it must have been a nice dream, but what did she mean by that?

"H-hey! Where the heck are my clothes?! I...I" She stopped and looks at me again. I could say I only smiled at her as she finally noticed it.

What happened next was beyond my expectations. I thought she would calm down and thank me for my help but instead-

I felt the burning sensation of her palm in my face. Yes, I got slapped in the face. I even got thrown off to a corner due to how hard it was. This girl doesn't know how to pull her punches.

"God damn it! Where did you put my freaking clothes and swords?! You had your fun? Well guess what?! I'll return the favor ten fold...with my sword!" She said as she standed up, using the blanket to cover her body. She's so angry that her face is all red or was it embarassment? I don't know but-

Dear customers, If I die today... I'd like to thank you all for your continued patrionage. Except for those two who hardly counts as customers but rather shoplifters.

"Please listen to me first." That's all I could say.

As I said that she seems to have stopped.

"..." She could only sigh at me before speaking again.

"I'll give you a shot to explain." She seems to have calmed down.

Which of course I obliged. I stood up and started talking. It didn't take long for me to relay what happened.

"And that's how you ended up without clothes." I ended my narration and waited for her reaction. She seems to be trying to piece it all together.

She exhaled and sighed again before replying.

"Sorry for that, I didn't quickly noticed that you're the one who helped and treated my wounds." She bowed her head at me.

"Sorry again, I just kind of overreacted there. Thank you for your help. I would have been yokai food." She seems to be looking around and I think she's looking for her belongings.

"They are in the living room, try to relax and tell me how you're feeling." I said.

What happened earlier was water under the bridge.

The girl seems to be okay with it and said.

"The pain is still there but I'm much better now, no more pain in the head nor dizziness and blurry vision. Just lots of body ache." She said as she moves her arms and legs.

She already tied the blanket to her body as a means of temporary clothes.

"I just have one more question to you Mr. If you mind answering it truthfully."

She seems to be asking for my name and I replied. "Rinnosuke Morichika, I don't mind so ask away."

"Well, did you see it?" She asks me. But I don't quite understand what she means. So I gave her a puzzled look. She may be referring if I saw the truth about her weapon? I'm not really sure but that looked like that wasn't it judging from the look on her face. So it's best that I tell her I saw nothing.

"Er...I saw nothing." I said.

"Really?" She seems to be relieved but this was soon followed by her angrily reacting to my reply.

"Wait... nothing? As in there was nothing for you to see! Huh! Is that right?!" her sudden shift in the mood is quite annoying. I've thought about what she said and I think she was referring to her chest, she has a sarashi so I didn't actually see it. But I unexpectedly looked at the other direction upon the mention of that.

"Oi! You're looking away... don't try to hide it." She folded her arms.

I pity you miss but there is indeed nothing that I saw. I want to reply that I really saw nothing but that would probably upset her more.

"Ah, nevermind I'm acting like a child. So Mr. Rinnosuke was it?"

I nodded and said "Rinnosuke is fine."

"Rinnosuke it is then, I am Rain Nanase a swordsman, Rain is fine to me but before tell you how I ended up here. I'd like to dress first, you know? Cause you've been staring too much and I feel uncomfortable being almost naked." The girl called Rain introduced herself. She's got a point though but I am not really staring at her that much it's just that when talking it is natural to look at the person you are talking to right? So to clarify I said to her.

"I'm not really staring, I'm just looking at you because it is natural to look at the person you are speaking with right?"

"Right... well if you would please." She gestured to the door leading to the living room.

"Of course, follow me this way." I went out of my bedroom with her following me. As soon as we arrived at the living room I can hear her admiration of the items and merchandise that I had in display.

"Oooh, lots of items you got here. So it is a store. Hmm? Oh hey, I think I've seen this before. I think Sumireko has one? Though this one looks a bit old and big while hers is much more slender and small. I think they are called uh...laptops?"

?! She knows about that girl? Judging from what she said they met in the outside world. She's talking about this computer. She's from the outside world thus she also possesses the same knowledge to it.

"Your clothes and sword is just right there-" I gestured to where they are located. Rain here is too excited to finally get dressed that she didn't even let me finish.

"Finally! I got it, thanks." She didn't even waited for me and decides to get it herself. She seems to have forgotten that she's still hurt.

"I wonder how long was I out-" Like I said she needs to be careful but she didn't listen she seems to have slip. Of course I anticipated this and quickly tried to catch her. Did I mentioned how she's almost as tall as me? About an eye level, she is the tallest girl I saw who went in this shop.

"Whoa!"

There was loud crash and I seemed to have caught something. Thankfully I didn't hit my glasses and opened my eyes. Her face is front of me and well the position we ended up in is embarassing. Seems like the one I managed to catch is the blanket, well not literally catch but I seemed to have pulled it thus undoing its tie.

"Ow! You shouldn't have done that! I could have balance myself and not totally slip! A-Anyway! Please get off me...you're pretty heavy and kindly remove your... um...hands on my chest please." She said as her face reddens again.

As she said that I could not help but get a whiff of her smell and her body seems to be hot does she have a slight fever? "You smell nice and you're pretty hot..." I uttered my thoughts out aloud without realizing it.

"Huh?! I do? Wait!? Hot?! What are you saying?! Just get off me already! You're freaking heavy!!! AND! Those HANDS! I swear if you're stalling just to get more time, I'll- I'll-" She's getting angry again. This time I realized my blunder but before I could move I heard another voice.

"Hello? Kourin? Ya there? I came to borrow some stuff! A bit weird that I can hear someone yelling-" The familiar voice said and stopped as she saw the awkward position of us.

My mind knows exactly who it was and she always does this. Just barging in without even knocking.

"Ma-Marisa..." I said as we both exchanged looks. Her face seems to be in shock. Well who wouldn't?

"Ah...D-Did I came at the wrong moment?" She said before slowly backing up.

"Is-is that Marisa?" Rain said and could only cover her face presumably from embarassment. I was surprised she knows Marisa but our focus now is to resolve this possibly misunderstanding.

"I-I will come back later..." I can hear her say this before quickly sprinting out of the shop.

"No wait! This isn't-" I said but it seems like the little witch is gone before I could say something.

"I think I'm gonna cry..." The poor girl said as I helped her stand up and console her.

"I'm sorry..." That's all I could say.

"No, it's alright... it was an accident and it was my fault for slipping. I'll talk to her about it."

The atmosphere became awkward as we didn't say anything to each other. She gets dressed while I turned around waiting for her to be done.

"You can turn around now..." She said now back in her clothes and weapon.

I quickly remembered how I felt her body is hot and she might have a fever so I told her.

"Sorry again for earlier, you might want to be still resting, I've felt how hot your body is earlier. You might possibly have a fever."

"O-oh... so that's what you meant earlier." She seems to be flustered.

"We'll deal about Marisa later, thank you again for helping me. Now I'll share to you my story." She sits down on a chair while I too accompanied her.

I listened and learned that she came from the outside world and that she's looking for someone who can help her restore her memories. She didn't came her via accident as she sought Gensokyo herself. I also learned that Sumireko helped her. She relayed all of the things that happened that led her here in my shop.

Though I can't help but have the feeling that some parts of it have been omitted or change. Like how did she even managed to survive a fall from such a high place? Or I'm just overthinking things.

I guess I could say she's pretty lucky to some extent. To survive a yokai attack is pretty much beyond lucky if she's not a skilled warrior then perhaps that may have been her end.

"I see... you're welcome to rest here." I said as I drink my tea. Of course I poured one for her too.

"Thank you for your help and hospitality but mind if I ask you if you're human? So far only Marisa and Reimu are the ones that I've met so far."

"Of course, I'm not really human nor a yokai but rather a mixture of them." I said and she completed my sentence.

"A half-yokai..." I nodded to confirm.

"I've been thinking, How do you sell these items? How should I say this? Your choice of opening up a shop is rather...well far away from potential customers." She somewhat asks about my store.

"That's pretty simple, whoever comes in with the intention of buying is a valid and potential customer. I'm not really in for the profit." I said while adjusting my glasses. Though I can't really tell her that I opened this shop in here so that both human and non-human can be my customers... which of course failed miserably.

"I see, not entirely a business for profit..." she said as she drinks her cup of tea.

"Well as long as you're happy with it... I'll come back here and probably check out your wares." She then casually shoots me a smile. When she did that I felt that strange feeling again of familiarness.

"That is if I have the money, I'm actually broke at the moment so maybe I can just do some window shopping?" She nonchalantly said.

Then what's with that confidence earlier? I Can't believe she's saying such a thing. Reminds me of Reimu and Marisa for some reason.

As we're busy chatting, we heard a loud bang on the door and there quickly emerged a red-white miko that's seemingly in a hurry along with two other people. One of them is Marisa who seems to have been dragged back and the other is the doll maker herself, Alice.

I have a bad feeling about this...

A/N: Oooh, there we go... so what did y'all think? Technically I wanted to write this in 3rd person but I'm a fan of CoLA so I could not help but write it in that style. Anyways more interesting chapters awaits! Especially this so called fresh incident at the Kourindou that Reimu hears about from Marisa. Thanks again for reading! See you on the next chapter!