As one of the few retainers of the honorable Clan Miare, you are beholden to a number of responsibilities. These range from common chores - cleaning, shopping, or delivering tea when called for - to slightly more specialized tasks, such as the regular maintenance and updating of the clan's archives.You were a scholar, once. To be precise, you were…>A naturalist, fond of exploring the great outdoors. You've developed some skill in herbology and tracking as a result and can work your way around even the more fantastical creatures that roam the land. (Practical knowledge and a lay of the land have earned you respect and success. You know how to deal with trouble, and not just through violence.)>An accountant, bookkeeper and master analyst of the clan finances. The vagaries of fortune are an open book to you; in another life, you'd have amassed a fortune to rival nations. (Problems that can be solved with money aren't problems. Don't let Reimu get her hands on you.)>A cultural historian, knowledgeable in both myth and fact. You've got an artist's heart and an open mind; the village children love your stories, and if a few youkai drop by every now and then… Well, no harm, no foul. (A deft tongue and generous soul have won the hearts of many, youkai and human alike.)All of Miare's retainers are held to a certain standard of education–part of why the estate remains so woefully understaffed. Such was your life in the Human Village of Gensoukyo. Mild labor, familiar scrolls, and the occasional guest lecture at the local school whenever Miss Keine called for it and you had the time, which was not often.Then the Madame announced her pregnancy, and suddenly what few hours you had to yourself vanished into thin air.Of course, it's not as if you minded. If anything, the thought of a new generation for Clan Miare brings a smile to your face. The Master and Madame had been kind to you, what with being born into their service (courtesy of your mother, grandfather, and several following greats). They had often struggled for their own child, and no few nights had passed where your mother prayed for their success. When she passed, that banner fell upon you…>Though you've never been particularly religious, despite everything. You acknowledge their existence and might, but dedicated worship to such whimsical beings leaves you discomfited. (A rationalist at heart. You can keep a cool head no matter what, but you might come off a bit cold.)>Which you took to with fervor. You've had plenty of close scrapes in your life; without the blessings and protections of the living gods, you'd likely be in line for the Yama's judgment by now. (Sincerity shines through in you. There's a strength to such innocence, though it does have its own drawbacks.)
A Touhou Quest. The candle that burns twice as bright lasts half as long. How will you keep it lit?
>>5605904>A naturalist, fond of exploring the great outdoors. You've developed some skill in herbology and tracking as a result and can work your way around even the more fantastical creatures that roam the land. (Practical knowledge and a lay of the land have earned you respect and success. You know how to deal with trouble, and not just through violence.)>Which you took to with fervor. You've had plenty of close scrapes in your life; without the blessings and protections of the living gods, you'd likely be in line for the Yama's judgment by now. (Sincerity shines through in you. There's a strength to such innocence, though it does have its own drawbacks.)
>>5605904>A cultural historian, knowledgeable in both myth and fact. You've got an artist's heart and an open mind; the village children love your stories, and if a few youkai drop by every now and then… Well, no harm, no foul. (A deft tongue and generous soul have won the hearts of many, youkai and human alike.)>Which you took to with fervor. You've had plenty of close scrapes in your life; without the blessings and protections of the living gods, you'd likely be in line for the Yama's judgment by now. (Sincerity shines through in you. There's a strength to such innocence, though it does have its own drawbacks.)
>>5605904>>A cultural historian, knowledgeable in both myth and fact. You've got an artist's heart and an open mind; the village children love your stories, and if a few youkai drop by every now and then… Well, no harm, no foul. (A deft tongue and generous soul have won the hearts of many, youkai and human alike.)>Which you took to with fervor. You've had plenty of close scrapes in your life; without the blessings and protections of the living gods, you'd likely be in line for the Yama's judgment by now. (Sincerity shines through in you. There's a strength to such innocence, though it does have its own drawbacks.)
>A cultural historian, knowledgeable in both myth and fact. You've got an artist's heart and an open mind; the village children love your stories, and if a few youkai drop by every now and then… Well, no harm, no foul. (A deft tongue and generous soul have won the hearts of many, youkai and human alike.)>Which you took to with fervor. You've had plenty of close scrapes in your life; without the blessings and protections of the living gods, you'd likely be in line for the Yama's judgment by now. (Sincerity shines through in you. There's a strength to such innocence, though it does have its own drawbacks.)
>>5605904>An accountant, bookkeeper and master analyst of the clan finances. The vagaries of fortune are an open book to you; in another life, you'd have amassed a fortune to rival nations. (Problems that can be solved with money aren't problems. Don't let Reimu get her hands on you.)>Which you took to with fervor. You've had plenty of close scrapes in your life; without the blessings and protections of the living gods, you'd likely be in line for the Yama's judgment by now. (Sincerity shines through in you. There's a strength to such innocence, though it does have its own drawbacks.)
>>5605904>A cultural historian, knowledgeable in both myth and fact. You've got an artist's heart and an open mind; the village children love your stories, and if a few youkai drop by every now and then… Well, no harm, no foul. (A deft tongue and generous soul have won the hearts of many, youkai and human alike.)>Though you've never been particularly religious, despite everything. You acknowledge their existence and might, but dedicated worship to such whimsical beings leaves you discomfited. (A rationalist at heart. You can keep a cool head no matter what, but you might come off a bit cold.)
Cultural Historian and Religious locked in. Thanks for waiting.
>Artist’s heart>Deft tongue>Innocent sincerityWe’re going to be a poet, aren’t we?Woe be unready hearts, the poet is coming!
>>5606754Let's hope no-one kills us and bury us under a tree
>>5606754>In Gensokyo>Youkai are a common sight>We write about them
>A cultural historian, knowledgeable in both myth and fact.>Which you took to with fervor.The news of the latest addition to the Hiede House spread like a summer fire, though such was to be expected of a Great Family. Once, after a session of telling stories to the village children, a young woman wearing a charming little tokin pulled you aside to ask about the soon-to-be heir."I'm Shameimaru Aya, of the Bunbunmaru Report! You can call me Aya. You're a retainer of the Hieda, aren't you?"She had been rather excitable, red eyes sparkling as she cradled a curious little box-shaped contraption. When you had asked about it, she had been all too happy to explain its use."This? It's a camera! Here, here, let me show you how it works…"You grinned in reflex as she pointed it at you, and there was a sudden flash of light. Then, while you were busy blinking the spots out of your eyes, she passed the resulting "photo" to you.The smile on your face stretched even wider as you saw yourself reflected upon its surface. Fascinating! In exchange for the fresh experience, you imparted upon the woman a condensed history of the honorable Hieda family and its esteemed founder, Hieda no Are–author of the Kojiki and a historian of great renown. As the matter aligned with your own scholarly discipline, you may have been a touch too excited to speak of the great founder; after the first hour and a half of your lecture, Aya had begged off, citing "more scoops to pursue." The woman gave you her shaky thanks, accepting a cheerful goodbye in return before dizzily staggering off towards the village exit.A shame. You'd have liked to speak more with the disguised tengu; it wasn't often that yokai came to the Human Village, barring rare exceptions like Miss Kamishirasawa or Miss Tatara. There were thousands of questions you had yet to ask her, like why all tengu favored outfits so similar to that of mountain hermits.Ah, well. There was always next time.Days passed in the span of seconds, and months flew by in minutes. In all the excitement, it seemed as though between one moment and the next, the Ninth Child of Miare had been born. [1/2]
Tragically, neither the Master nor Madame were very good at coming up with names. Or maybe they felt obligated to continue the tradition of numerically naming the Children of Miare. Either way, thus came about Hieda no Akyuu, and with her, a profound joy that could crack even the iron facade which the Master so frequently wore.The Madame's skin was slick with sweat, hair plastered to her scalp in thin strands. Dark bags lined her eyes, and her slim frame stood out all the more when compared to her husband's stockier form–but as she cradled her newborn daughter to her chest, the light of her motherly smile easily washed away the pains of childbirth.In contrast, though, the Master wore an expression you could only describe as bittersweet.Akyuu no Hieda did not cry as she suckled from her mother's breasts.>From the moment of her birth, an overwhelming weight could be felt in her gaze. (She retains more memories from her previous incarnations, but her health declines further.)>But you later came to understand that this was simply normal for who she was–a quiet, reserved girl, though one nonetheless curious about the world. (Retains only the memories related to the Gensoukyo Chronicle.)[2/2]
>>5606868>The woman gave you her shaky thanks, accepting a cheerful goodbye in return before dizzily staggering off towards the village exit.Aya, defeated. A rare achievement indeed.>>5606871>>But you later came to understand that this was simply normal for who she was–a quiet, reserved girl, though one nonetheless curious about the world. (Retains only the memories related to the Gensoukyo Chronicle.)
>>5606871>But you later came to understand that this was simply normal for who she was–a quiet, reserved girl, though one nonetheless curious about the world. (Retains only the memories related to the Gensoukyo Chronicle.)Kek, we Nerded Aya off
>>5606871>From the moment of her birth, an overwhelming weight could be felt in her gaze. (She retains more memories from her previous incarnations, but her health declines further.)Expected heartbreak and the weight of ages, I cannot wait. How does someone so old, yet human deal with someone so exuberant (Us)?Was one of her reincarnation a guy?
>>5606922Yes, it's presumed that she has had both male and female reincarnations. I'm mostly going off the wiki for stuff like this with the occasional reread of Perfect Memento In Strict Sense, but also taking some very minor AU liberties because I'm not familiar with the entirety of 2hou canon because I'm not insane enough to try and consume all of it.
>>5606871>>But you later came to understand that this was simply normal for who she was–a quiet, reserved girl, though one nonetheless curious about the world. (Retains only the memories related to the Gensoukyo Chronicle.)
>>5607097>but also taking some very minor AU liberties because I'm not familiar with the entirety of 2hou canon because I'm not insane enough to try and consume all of it.Considering the in universe records about Gensokyo are written by Akyuu (who will take bribes to falsify the Gensokyo Chronicle), Aya (who thinks making things up is a perfectly reasonable journalistic practice), and Marisa (who responded to being told that she’s going to hell for lying too much by saying she’s never told a lie in her life), coming up with your own take on things is to be expected.
>>5607128>saying she’s never told a lie in her lifeThe sheer audacity is awe-inspiring.I hope our cultural historian employs an instrument when telling stories. It seems oddly fitting, considering the setting. Plus, it's a tool to beguile all, from gods to men to beasts, none can resist a musical poet; at least, that's what I gather from myths and folktales I've read.
>>5606871>But you later came to understand that this was simply normal for who she was–a quiet, reserved girl, though one nonetheless curious about the world. (Retains only the memories related to the Gensoukyo Chronicle.)
>>5606871>From the moment of her birth, an overwhelming weight could be felt in her gaze. (She retains more memories from her previous incarnations, but her health declines further.)Akyuu will be fine if she has us to look after her.
>>5606871>>From the moment of her birth, an overwhelming weight could be felt in her gaze. (She retains more memories from her previous incarnations, but her health declines further.)
Tallying. Sorry for the delay, had a busy night.Quiet and Reserved wins.
>But you later came to understand that this was simply normal for who she was.And so the story begins.—You look down at the toddler before you, a blankly bemused grimace set upon your face.Akyuu giggles as you peel off your summer robes, freshly stained with urine. Her laughter is wispy, almost gasping; you'd think she was asthmatic if it weren't for the fact that the village doctor had given her a… relatively clean bill of health.There wasn't anything wrong with her that wasn't supposed to be there, at least.Next to you, Kumi - a chef in service to the clan - lets out a rasping chortle. The elderly woman passes a fresh cloth diaper to you, her hands steady and firm despite the wrinkles and scars that network the skin."Come now, boy. Tie it like I showed you." She raises a hand as if to pat you on the back, then visibly decides against it, letting out another laugh as her arm drops.A sigh escapes you as you go through practiced motions, raising the Hieda heiress' pudgy legs up to more easily wrap the cloth around her waist. To her credit, the girl doesn't try to kick. Instead, she simply gazes at you, amethyst eyes sparkling with curiosity.The temptation is too strong to resist! You sigh again and poke her in the cheek, smiling despite yourself as your charge giggles, tiny hands wrapped around your finger.Kumi nods approvingly. "Right then. Seems you've got the hang of things. I'll set aside some fresh clothes for you, then I'm off to prepare lunch." Without waiting for a response, the woman departs, leaving you to glance helplessly at her retreating back. [1/3]
This isn't something you're used to. To say you feel out of your depth would be an understatement. A storyteller you might be, but there's a sizable difference between interacting with children as part of an audience and actually taking care of them, much less someone as young as Akyuu.Not for the first time, you wonder why such an important role was thrust upon you. Of course, you understood the reasoning behind the delegation itself. Though the Madame was reluctant to part - not due to any particular distrust of you, but simply the result of a mother wanting to be with her daughter - the Master had reasoned that as well-behaved as Akyuu may be, she was still a toddler in body and mind. As the current state of your robes would suggest, fragile paperwork had no business being in the same room as her. Not yet, at least. There would be plenty of that in her future, as the eventual author of the 9th Gensoukyo Chronicle–and to better prepare her for that role, both the Master and Madame had to lay the necessary groundwork.You were more than willing to aid them in their efforts, of course. Why, part of the reason you had taken up storytelling was to keep your mind honed and ready. When the time came to put your skills to use, you would be prepared!It came as a bit of a shock to you, then, when you were told that you would be reassigned as Akyuu's caretaker. Though you didn't quite protest, you couldn't help but ask why. After all, there were obviously superior options already present: in addition to Kumi, the Hieda also employed her daughter, Tsubaki, as the groundskeeper. Citing experience with the task, both women had served as midwives during Akyuu's birth, whereas you had waited outside with the Master until given the go-ahead to enter.In response to your question, the Master had patted you on the back, a solemn expression on his face. "The reward for good work is more work."[2/3]
Surveying Akyuu's bedroom, you cast a helpless glance at the leftmost wall, where a series of honeycombed shelves proudly present row after row of decorated scrolls, each containing various myths and paintings you had personally prepared.Apparently, word had gotten back to your employers regarding your presence in the village. Being surrounded by so many children left a bit of an impression, not to mention your guest lectures at the Hieda Temple School.Ah, well. It means they trust you. When put like that…You have to admit it feels rather nice.—Soon after Akyuu's birth, a letter came from the Hakurei Shrine, delivered by a miko-in-training. It seems they're offering to throw a party in celebration of Hieda no Are's successful reincarnation.>You decided to attend. "Miss Reimu, was it? You must have walked quite some distance. Come, have some tea while I bring this to the Master." (Hakurei Shrine)>Unfortunately, you missed it, on account of a minor mishap with some fairies. "I don't suppose you girls would be willing to let me go if I gave you some sweets? …Only if it's ice cream, huh?" (Misty Lake)[3/3]
>>5609487>You decided to attend. "Miss Reimu, was it? You must have walked quite some distance. Come, have some tea while I bring this to the Master." (Hakurei Shrine)
>>5609487>Unfortunately, you missed it, on account of a minor mishap with some fairies. "I don't suppose you girls would be willing to let me go if I gave you some sweets? …Only if it's ice cream, huh?" (Misty Lake)Someone can rescue us later I suppose.
>>5609487>>You decided to attend. "Miss Reimu, was it? You must have walked quite some distance. Come, have some tea while I bring this to the Master." (Hakurei Shrine)
>>5609487>You decided to attend. "Miss Reimu, was it? You must have walked quite some distance. Come, have some tea while I bring this to the Master." (Hakurei Shrine)Cute characterisation.
>You decided to attend.The girl at the front door is a wiry little thing, clad in the two-tone robes typical of a miko. Wordlessly, she looks up at you, lips twitching into a small frown as she raises a hand to wipe away the sweat on her brow. In the distance, unseen cicadas drone on, as if to further reinforce the overbearing summer sun.The young miko's gaze slides over to the little bundle slung across your chest. As if prompted, within the blanket cocoon a sleeping Akyuu lets out a quiet snore, her chubby face pressed against your robes."Hello there," you murmur. "You're…?"The girl seems oddly familiar. Of course, there's only one shrine of any real note in the area that you know of…She beats you to the punch, dipping into a practiced bow before handing you a letter. "Hakurei Reimu. I'm here on behalf of the Hakurei Shrine."Yes, you remember now. You've seen her performing grocery runs on occasion; she rarely stops by to listen to your tales, but every now and then she'll linger for a minute or two. Nodding in reciprocation, you accept the envelope, tucking it into your sleeves. "A pleasure, Miss Reimu. You must have walked quite some distance. Please, come in. This won't take long."At your offer, a quiet sigh of relief leaves the girl. She seems all too happy to step in after you and escape the heat. You guide her to an empty room, chuckling a little as she sprawls herself across the tatami floor."I'll get some tea prepared for you. Are you alright with barley?"She nods wordlessly, a thankful look flashing across her face. In short order, you retrieve a glazed teapot and two ceramic cups filled with chilled tea.Reimu jolts as her fingertips touch the porcelain, hazel eyes widening in surprise. "Cold!" She snatches it up and presses it against her cheek, stoic expression cracking into a smile.You hum in response, eyes creasing with a grin of your own. "Isn't it nice? You can thank the kappa. Remarkable little fellows; they've made something called a 'refrigerator,' and it can…"Your voice trails off as the smile slips from Reimu's face. She sets down the cup, looking into the dark ripples spreading across its surface."Kappa, huh." She lifts the cup to her lips, visibly subdued. It takes you a moment, but… Ah, that's right. They're a family of youkai exterminators. It would make sense for her to feel a little unsure about benefiting from them.>Be that as it may… "As far as youkai go, the kappa are largely harmless. The ones that trade in the Village haven't done anything wrong.">Let it lie. This isn't the kind of thing that can be changed with a single conversation, and considering her position, she'd be obligated to warn you to keep away from youkai.>Write-in?
>>5611866>Let it lie. This isn't the kind of thing that can be changed with a single conversation, and considering her position, she'd be obligated to warn you to keep away from youkai.
>>5611866>>Be that as it may… "As far as youkai go, the kappa are largely harmless. The ones that trade in the Village haven't done anything wrong."
>>5611866>>Let it lie. This isn't the kind of thing that can be changed with a single conversation, and considering her position, she'd be obligated to warn you to keep away from youkai.
>>5611866>Be that as it may… "As far as youkai go, the kappa are largely harmless. The ones that trade in the Village haven't done anything wrong.">”Despite their eccentricities and occasional hostility, even Youkai seem to appreciate stories. It certainly makes dealing with them easier for a simple historian like myself.”
>>5611866>>5612118As a note, I’m not admonishing Reimu, and if she brings up that we should stay away from Youkai then I would agree with her. They’re often stronger than people. That makes them dangerous and Reimu’s job necessary. But Reimu can’t be everywhere, nor would she want to be. We all learn how to keep the peace ourselves to the best of our abilities, and ours is with engagement. We’re good at talking after all.
>>5611866>Be that as it may… "As far as youkai go, the kappa are largely harmless. The ones that trade in the Village haven't done anything wrong.">”Despite their eccentricities and occasional hostility, even Youkai seem to appreciate stories. It certainly makes dealing with them easier for a simple historian like myself.”>"But the hostile ones can be truly despicable. Gensokyo is fortunate to have exterminator such as the Hakurei to protect us."
>>5612123Worth noting that she's a child right now, so strictly speaking she doesn't have much in the way of direct exposure to youkai yet (beyond obvious exceptions like Yukari). She's still got her broken cheat power of "floating" which is why she's allowed to go out and do chores on her own, but she's very much still in training. They all start somewhere. One day she'll become the slacker we all know and love... Or will she!? Depends on the degree you interact with her and the accompanying choices. In another world, the Hakurei Shrine might have even become financially stable.Yes, this also means that Marisa is currently still living in the original Kirisame Shop along with Rinnosuke.
>>5612149So what I’m hearing… is that we have a kid here in need of our stories. Doubly so as she lives at a shrine so our own religious bent makes her more endearing!
>>5612279If we aren't careful, we are going to end up overworked trying to be the best uncle ever to too many people.Don't know how much we can help Reimu with poverty since we aren't an accountant though.
>>5612290Eh, Akyuu is our actual ward. Reimu would just be swinging by and hearing stories like other kids.Though it would be funny if Reimu does visit semi-frequently to admonish us later in life. Not because of Youkai or overwork, but because we don’t charge people for our stories.
>>5611866>Be that as it may… "As far as youkai go, the kappa are largely harmless. The ones that trade in the Village haven't done anything wrong.">”I understand the concerns you feel about youkai. All I ask is that you remember that they are individuals just as we humans are, and that you not hold the actions of some youkai against all.”
So far it looks like the "Not all youkai" vote is leading by one, but with a lot of degrees of variation. In cases like this I'll try and combine their common aspects. I'll post my summarized understanding of the vote for you guys to confirm in a bit.
>>5612429General idea seems to be that as a storyteller, we are not blind to the risks, but nor do we allow ourselves to be blinded by those same risks.
>>5612429>>5612444And that as a storyteller, we use more words to communicate this idea than is probably needed.At least she should see we’re being sincere.
>>5611866>>Let it lie. This isn't the kind of thing that can be changed with a single conversation, and considering her position, she'd be obligated to warn you to keep away from youkai.Never trust even one
>>5612444Yeah, not all Yokai are bad, but some still are.And that's when you call the ghosts busters
Bleurgh. Came back to check on the thread because I just finished my last lecture for the day, but there's a tie...Apologies, >>5612465. Normally I'd roll for a breaker, but I've already written up a fairly sizable draft. Hopefully a fast update will make up for it.
>Be that as it may… (Write-in ver.)The topic of youkai is one that you find difficult to discuss with your fellow villagers. It's a sensitive one, to say the least.Fairies and phantoms - the two most common types of youkai, found all across Gensoukyo - are scarcely better than pests. Though largely mindless, swarms of phantoms can unduly influence people, even possessing them on occasion. And while one can communicate with fairies, their reputation as pranksters is well-deserved.Whether they act out of true malice or not is irrelevant. You have known farmers forced to endure long winters due to ruined crops. Families with children spirited away for months, if not years–and that's assuming they get to see them returned at all. So on and so forth.The eight preceding Gensoukyo Chronicles are dedicated to the eternal struggle between youkai and mankind. No matter how optimistic you might be, as a retainer of the Hieda and a historian yourself, you cannot ignore the facts.The world beyond the village walls is not one meant for men.No matter how similar their outward appearance, there exists a fundamental difference between youkai and humans.And yet…They are people all the same.[1/5]
Drinking your tea is a bit awkward. You have to consciously angle your arm so as to avoid bumping against the sleeping Akyuu. It requires a delicate balance, and you are far from athletic.Still, you manage."As far as youkai go, the kappa are largely harmless."Key word being "largely." Sometimes their experiments go awry, and… Not worth mentioning, you think.An attentive Reimu raises an eyebrow at your sudden pause. With a wave and a cough, you continue speaking. "At the very least, the ones that trade in the village haven't done anything wrong.""The… the poe-ten-shul, is there, though," she argues. A little grin flits across your face as she sounds the word out."Of course," you allow, nodding. "But if we allow ourselves to be held back by the possibility of something going wrong, we will never see success in the things that matter."Reimu frowns at that, her back straightening as the two of you begin to discuss a topic that goes back further than either of you could ever hope to imagine. Falling into well-worn instincts, you set down your cup and raise a lecturing finger.“I understand you might have some reservations regarding contact between humans and youkai, Miss Reimu. The vast majority of the Human Village shares this perspective, with only a small percentage of them willing to entertain the youkai. Reluctantly at that, I might add.""It's dangerous," she states. Plain and simple. She's not wrong, of course - but there's always more to be said.You shrug. "Yes–I can't deny that the Village would be safer if we barred all youkai from entering. But would things truly be better? It's hard to say. If we did exclude them, though, it'd be much harder for me to enjoy a cool cup of barley tea on a hot summer day."Reimu unsubtly rolls her eyes as you wink at her, raising your cup in a silent cheer. Wetting your tongue, you continue in a gentler tone.[2/5]
“If I may be so presumptuous… I hope that one day, we may bridge the - heh - boundary that exists between the two. I consider some youkai to be very good friends of mine, and I would be very sad if I had to stop meeting them. Why, they tend to be some of my best listeners! I can always count on them for a good tip.”Reaching into your pocket, you take out a well-worn coin pouch. Covered in a myriad of shoddy patches, it nonetheless makes a delightful jingling sound.With a focus you tend to only see on grown men in the gambling dens, Reimu's eyes lock onto the pouch, unerringly tracking its movement before finally snapping back to your face.Uh.Okay, then. She likes money. Duly noted. You'll have to remember to mail her something for the New Years.With deliberate care, you stuff your coin pouch back into the recesses of your pocket, clearing your throat before continuing as if nothing happened."But of course, I'd be remiss to overlook the many, many cases where human and youkai interaction have led to… less than stellar results. Beyond my own academic interest in the matter, I imagine few people would be particularly happy, if, say, the oni were to one day reappear."The miko scowls at the mention of the drunkard ogres, but seemingly accepts your concession. Reimu reluctantly sits back down. Though the young miko still wears a look of mild discontent, she seems to be willing to let slide your pro-youkai sentiments.Exhaling lightly, you lean over the table, reaching out a hand to playfully ruffle her hair. At your touch, a little squeak escapes her. A terrible war is fought within yourself as you resist the urge to laugh, yet you somehow manage to bravely soldier on."But that's exactly why we depend on the youkai exterminators–people like you, Miss Reimu."She peers up at you. Even through the veil of her bangs, the doubt in her eyes is palpable."Like me…?""Mhm. After all, it's because of the Hakurei Clan that those of us in the Human Village can live our days in peace. For that, you have my utmost thanks."She goes oddly still at that. Unused to praise, perhaps.[3/5]
"...You should be saying that to my mom. All I do back home is sweep the floors."Her voice is faint. Unsure. Reluctant, almost. Can she really believe what you're saying?The responsibility of keeping Gensoukyo's peace is an incredible weight to place on a child's shoulders. But… it's not an impossible one for her to bear.Leaning back and folding your legs into a loose seiza, you bring the tea to your lips again, abandoning propriety for a brief moment."That, too, is an important duty. Cleanliness is divine, Miss Reimu. And besides…"Why did you become a historian?"...I'm sure you'll grow up to be an excellent shrine maiden."–Simple.To ensure that the gifts your predecessors left behind would be passed on through the generations, preserved in their entirety.You dip your head in a polite bow, acknowledging the strength of the Hakurei.Embarrassed, the girl before you returns her gaze to her lap, then abruptly snatches up her own cup of tea in an effort to hide her face behind its leaf-green glaze."...You should go deliver that letter, Mister."–Ah! It felt like you were forgetting something!Halfway through scrambling to your feet, you remember you're carrying Akyuu. An exasperated half-laugh leaves you as you forcibly slow down, gulping down the rest of your tea and setting off for the Master's office.[4/5]
Out of the corner of your eye, you catch a flash of Reimu's smile.—A day before the celebration at Hakurei Shrine was meant to take place, the Master and Madame had taken Akyuu off your hands. For the first time in what felt like far too long, you were free.Honestly speaking, it's a bit odd. It didn't take long for you to get used to carrying Akyuu around the compound. Still, with nothing better to do, you took a walk around the village…>...And nearly got bowled over as a little blonde girl came racing out of a nearby store, eyes puffy and wet with tears. A somewhat rotund, balding man came out after her, huffing and puffing. "KIRISAME MARISA! GET BACK HERE!" Unfortunately for him, she's long gone. Fortunately for you, she's a (somewhat) familiar face–you've got an idea of where she went.>...Only to be accosted by a rather exotic-looking foreigner. With a mirror in one hand and a silver rod in the other, it was almost as if a legendary Yama had walked out of one of your mythical scrolls. "I-incredible. Your soul… It's even purer than that of a child!" Oh. It turns out she actually is a Yama.>...Yet as soon as you stepped out the door, a purple-haired woman wearing a deep straw hat walked up to you. "H-hello. Would you like to buy some medicine…?" For some reason, she won't look you in the eyes. Is this…?[5/5]
>>5613067>...Only to be accosted by a rather exotic-looking foreigner. With a mirror in one hand and a silver rod in the other, it was almost as if a legendary Yama had walked out of one of your mythical scrolls. "I-incredible. Your soul… It's even purer than that of a child!" Oh. It turns out she actually is a Yama.We hold the power to enjoy pleasant conversations with Shiki Eiki. A rare feat indeed.
>>5613067>>...Only to be accosted by a rather exotic-looking foreigner. With a mirror in one hand and a silver rod in the other, it was almost as if a legendary Yama had walked out of one of your mythical scrolls. "I-incredible. Your soul… It's even purer than that of a child!" Oh. It turns out she actually is a Yama.
I hope the direction I took the vote in was satisfactory. Still not sure if it was too preachy or not. Avoiding talking-heads syndrome without feeling too stilted was tough.
>>5613087Seems fine to me. Looks as if Reimu will at least consider our words.Also I find it funny that we’re one of the few people who would listen to Shiki’s lectures, yet going by the vote we don’t need them.
>>5613067>...And nearly got bowled over as a little blonde girl came racing out of a nearby store, eyes puffy and wet with tears. A somewhat rotund, balding man came out after her, huffing and puffing. "KIRISAME MARISA! GET BACK HERE!" Unfortunately for him, she's long gone. Fortunately for you, she's a (somewhat) familiar face–you've got an idea of where she went.I really want to see Eiki, but Marisa is sad. A bit hypocritical when I was worried about ending up trying to be the best uncle to everyone
>>5613067>...Only to be accosted by a rather exotic-looking foreigner. With a mirror in one hand and a silver rod in the other, it was almost as if a legendary Yama had walked out of one of your mythical scrolls. "I-incredible. Your soul… It's even purer than that of a child!" Oh. It turns out she actually is a Yama.I like True Administrator remixes more than Master Spark remixes. What can I say?>>5613087Fine with me. Talking Heads Syndrome isn’t something I notice (and I’m not rereading to see if the text suffered from it!) and the characterizations were good.Glad to see that little bit of pride in her may have meant something. She may still be a slacker, but maybe she’ll work harder if we’re involved.
>>5613067>>5613145Whoops, meant Fate of Sixty Years. Both versions of the statement are true though.
>>5613067>...And nearly got bowled over as a little blonde girl came racing out of a nearby store, eyes puffy and wet with tears. A somewhat rotund, balding man came out after her, huffing and puffing. "KIRISAME MARISA! GET BACK HERE!" Unfortunately for him, she's long gone. Fortunately for you, she's a (somewhat) familiar face–you've got an idea of where she went.Marisad
>>5613067>...Yet as soon as you stepped out the door, a purple-haired woman wearing a deep straw hat walked up to you. "H-hello. Would you like to buy some medicine…?" For some reason, she won't look you in the eyes. Is this…?Alien
>>5613169A fresh perspective to add to the history books."You say the humans managed to reach the moon...!? I-incredible! And--these weapons you mentioned, what did they look like?"
