DoSomething
Trash in trash can
As I understand, our little kappa here met nameless husk, imprinted identity upon it and it resulted in two kappas going out of deepwood. Am I correct?
Tangled Strings (Touhou SI)
- Thread starter Ylamona
- Start date
As I understand, our little kappa here met nameless husk, imprinted identity upon it and it resulted in two kappas going out of deepwood. Am I correct?
Ylamona
Konlulu~
Something like that. Some poor smuck victim of Deepwood stumbled into the feverishly working Kappa and in rare Nat 20, managed to gain back some semblance of personhood. Now there are always been Kappa sisters, though of course some details smoothed out by a certain kind and generous someone so the history isn't some weird, nonsensical stuff.
- Pronouns
- He
Did our the fairies just almost kill the kappa for gear?
Like, that's legit some Zelda horror shit right there lol
Ylamona
Konlulu~
Alice: "Like children, they are innocent. And like children, their innocence can be very cruel one" tired sigh of a nanny
Daily Life of the Girl who Plays with Stories (Dubiously Canon?)
Ylamona
Konlulu~
05:00 Clean the House
06:00 Cook food for today and for others (Marisa, Reimu, Fairies, in that order)
07:00 Breakfast, wait for Marisa
08:00 Marisa, if not, rest time
09:00-11:00 Research and work time, procuring materials count as work
12:00-13:00 Rest time, do shows or watchalong with fairies, social visits (Reimu or SDM/Misty Lake or Human Village)
14:00-18:00 Research and work time
19:00 Dinner, probably Marisa too
20:00-23:00 Research and work time
00:00-??:?? Not your business
01:00 Overview what happened yesterday, review what fairies doing or news they given
02:00 Lamenting if this is worth continuing and if it's not just better to just be truly a shut-in before paranoia about canon messing up kicks in
03:00-04:00 Sleep, otherwise Doll Maintenance.
06:00 Cook food for today and for others (Marisa, Reimu, Fairies, in that order)
07:00 Breakfast, wait for Marisa
08:00 Marisa, if not, rest time
09:00-11:00 Research and work time, procuring materials count as work
12:00-13:00 Rest time, do shows or watchalong with fairies, social visits (Reimu or SDM/Misty Lake or Human Village)
14:00-18:00 Research and work time
19:00 Dinner, probably Marisa too
20:00-23:00 Research and work time
00:00-??:?? Not your business
01:00 Overview what happened yesterday, review what fairies doing or news they given
02:00 Lamenting if this is worth continuing and if it's not just better to just be truly a shut-in before paranoia about canon messing up kicks in
03:00-04:00 Sleep, otherwise Doll Maintenance.
A Peaceful Day
Ylamona
Konlulu~
"As expected of real android, making machine in human form works truly an inspired design"
I couldn't help but sighed as I examined one of the android recovered yesterday, the 'Boss' one. As expected of a civilization that advanced enough, a random professor had a planetary destruction bomb and was able to lock the moon's orbit without much effort, their creations were certainly beyond modern human comprehension. In a bit of a twist of fate, this particular android was easier to understand since it was made to truly emulate magic, good enough that it was infinitely close to proper magic but just shy of being truly one. There were some similarities in that regard with my dolls, though my dolls weren't also supported by a myriad of futuristic technology straight out of comic books.
Not yet at least.
It was too bad this Chiyuri lacked the technical know-how but it couldn't be helped. There were many things still worth studying though, many things already usable for further advancement of doll-making. The broad functions of some things were easily understandable even if the methods or details were beyond my current means. The materials used were also possible to be replicated through alchemy, and it would certainly be useful with how capable they were. Fake-flesh that is both tough and able to transmit sensation, strong yet light and flexible metal bones, synth-muscle fibre that exerted power with minimal energy. Those and combined with the ingenious way they were constructed already enough to properly create a new generation of dolls.
Maybe I could not only just barely finish Argleton in time but made her better before Scarlet Mist began.
...Right, Scarlet Mist. I felt a bit bad to the Scarlet folk but their plan had to be delayed for several more days.
While it brought me no small amounts of headache, my apparent 'leadership' amongst the fairy did have few perks, which included connections to many fairies. Why the scarlet mansion kept a cadre of fairies as maid is everybody's question, though the answer was simply to keep up Face, even if said maids were basically self-sabotaging the mansion. A bit different than regular fairies, these fairies are naturally more at home in urban settings apparently, though they are still fairies in the end. It was surprisingly easy to talk them into doing some little things, just enough to delay Patchouli's preparation for Scarlet Mist and keep Remilia busy. Small stuff that the fairies would've done, but together in certain ways would create enough distractions.
It wouldn't last long, but it would be long enough for me to catch my breath. Things been so busy lately, and carried a lot of implications. Scarlet Mist in particular will be big for the first big Incident where Spellcard Rules will be used, setting up precedent for upcoming ones. I should made sure this delay and that mess won't cause any problems down the line. Then I'll have to check on the fairies to make sure they haven't mess up anything yet and on their progress with the expeditions into the dimensional vessel...
More works, yet more works. I just wanted an easy, peaceful life, why did I burden myself with this again? ...Ah right, there are other people with their own life and guilt of potentially messing theirs up is a bit too much...it really can't be helped. Truly, those who said slow life isekai is boring must've quite the mentality.
Back to less depressing matter, despite everything about the Kappas 'recruitment' by the fairies, their work were quite exemplary. I wasn't sure if it was actually possible for them to understand these technology without what happened, but all that matter was that they did manage to repair the technology, in their own Kappa way. It meant that the machines became much more magic-friendly or outright magitech now as the Kappa tried to repair it as best as they could. For example, the energy pistol might just become a danmaku amplifier not unlike a wand, or a proper danmaku pistol that done similar thing in a much more complicated yet effective way while also just be used as normal energy pistol.
Like how the advanced android used technology to replicate magic, the Kappas seemed to managed made their magic to replicate or work together with the machine. It was simply easier to understand and replicate so long magic is involved. The most obvious usage would be to improve the performance of smaller-sized dolls and the weapons. Though it would be better if I try to see if I could simplify the entire thing more, less parts meant it would be more efficient and durable after all. Replacing them all would require some time though, and so will developing them to begin with.
...There really are so much things to do. But I suppose that simply the sign and price of peaceful time. At least today should be quiet, everyone had something else to do.
In a world of magic and mysteries, there was always something to uncover. Akagi Rina , the tengu reporter, had her sights set on a story that had been eluding her for weeks. It was a tale of strange disappearances, of fairies gone missing, and of a trail that led to a house at the depth of the Forest of Magic. A place where not many dared to thread, but not this reporter.
With her camera in hand and a determined glint in her eye, she set out to follow the trail that had been haunting her thoughts. The air was thick with secrets, and she could feel the weight of the mystery growing heavier with each step. As she made her way towards the house, she noticed something peculiar. There were no signs of life, no sounds of chatter or laughter. It was as though the house was holding its breath, waiting for her to arrive...
'Great, this is a great start! I should finally be able to break out a hit with this! This will show everyone!' Rina thought giddily as she finished writing in her notebook.
Sure, everyone might have thought she was stupid to make news about fairies so much, but she couldn't help what she liked! And that fact might've been how she alone noticed the abnormality that happened in Gensokyo. Rina is confident that no one else observed fairies as close as her, and she realised that many of the notable fairies seemed to be missing lately. If it was just one or two then it probably she just missed them or the fairies went somewhere, but more than dozens in a day and then more? Even lesser fairies, ones that even she admitted basically everywhere and endless almost like a pest, seemed a bit less in many hotspots nowadays.
Others laughed at her when she brought it up, only Hatate-senpai cheered her up and encouraged her to go seek the truth! Okay, that might've been a pity but still, Rina was determined to prove everyone wrong! She followed the trace and found that there was a pattern in the fairies' disappearance, and it pointed toward here, the forest of magic. Combined with what she know about how the magician Alice apparently had dealing with fairies.... She wasn't sure what to expect, but whatever it is, it will be a scoop that would make her career!
Now she just needed a good title for the article...something that can hook reader...
'Fairies are mysteriously disappearing'...maybe too dramatic, but she wasn't wrong and the public should know about this sooner.
'Mysterious force abducts fairies'...too vague, maybe she should wait till she knew more. And by then, it might not be so mysterious.
'Gensokyo in danger, fairies on decline'...okay, maybe that was too farfetched, maybe this wasn't actually a bad event but that's not the point.
'Missing fairies, the truth behind their disappearances'...yeah, that sounds more like it. And it would still work if this ended up harmless, as a mystery is still interesting.
'Fairies, the hidden secret of their existence'...no, maybe that's too grand and unrelated. Though if this was big, it would work and be great...
Rina was too distracted in her thoughts to notice that she had arrived at the house she was searching. The building stood tall, its windows dark and its doors closed, as if hiding away its secrets. As she stepped closer, the air grew colder, and a chill ran down her spine. She had heard stories of this place, of the magician who lived within its walls, of the magic that seeped through its foundation.
...She heard GOOD stories from both youkais, fairies and humans about the Magician, but she won't let those biases affect her! It might not be the case, but if the Magician was a villainess that kidnapped fairies, then that was her big scoop. She'd be a bigshot in no time, and her paper would be popular! She could already imagine how everyone would read her article, how they would think she is a great reporter, and how her senpais would be impressed by her...
'Focus, Rina, focus. Now I need to get to work. But what to do?'
The house loomed over her, its presence heavy with an unspoken energy. She could feel the weight of the past, the memories that were etched into its very walls. She could hear whispers of magic, of spells cast long ago, and of secrets buried deep beneath the ground. Rina took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever may come, and stepped forward...
She could just ask the Magician, but she wouldn't admit anything even if it was true! Plus, that would be a waste of a great story! Maybe she should try to sneak inside the house...
No, she would go from the front first!
RIna suddenly felt chill that shook to her core. The tengu was drenched in cold sweats, her breathing erratic. She must've been more nervous than she thought, this might be her first proper interview with anyone other than fairies for a while after all, and she couldn't call those interview either. While it might be better to go all secret and find all the truth like others did and her senpai advised, Rina preferred something more upfront first. The tengu believed should at least try to understand the situation and possible perpetrators before accusing her or worse, broke into her house after all.
'I am a proper journalist, I won't jump into conclusion that easily! And if the magician is innocent, than it's better for me to ask for her help. Even if she isn't the perpetrator, she's still a magician, and a magician would know the most about magic, so maybe she can still help me. I just need to not jump into conclusion and stay professional, I'll be fine!' Rina thought as she steeled herself for the worst.
The tengu reporter walked to the door, and before she could knock on the door, it swung open. She was greeted by the sight of the magician, Alice Margatroid, standing in the doorway. Rina was struck by the sight of magician, even she a Youkai must admit that the human magician was eerily beautiful. With unblemished skin and elegant face that retained her youth, her hair cascaded down to her shoulder looked like spun god kept only by a red hairband, and her pink eyes sparkled like a gem with an otherworldly light. She wore a blue dress that seemed to shimmer, as if woven from the very essence of magic itself.
"Hello there, Miss Tengu," the magician said, her voice soft as she smiled gently. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Rina couldn't help but blush and stammer a bit, feeling awkward and a bit foolish. Why did she feel nervous when looking at the human? "Uh...H-hello, Miss Alice. I'm Akagi Rina, from Yousei-no-hi newspaper! I want to ask you some questions...if that is okay?" She cursed herself, where did all of her confidence go?
"Of course, come on in," Alice replied with a smile, gesturing for the tengu reporter to follow her into the house. With some trepidations that Rina couldn't quite explain, the reporter entered the house.
The house was warm and inviting, with a sense of magic lingering in the air. The walls were lined with bookshelves, each filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. Rina felt herself drawn to the shelves, running her fingers over the spines of the books as she walked past. The books were old, their pages yellowed with age, and the covers were worn and cracked, as if they had been opened and closed many times over.
The house was dimly lit, the only light coming from the flickering candles that hung from the ceiling. The flames danced in the air, casting shadows on the walls and making the house feel alive. Rina could hear the creaking of the floorboards, and the sound of the wind howling outside, as if the house was trying to speak to her. The tengu couldn't shake off the feeling that the house was trying to tell her something, but she couldn't quite make out what it was. She felt as if the house was a living being, with a soul and a mind of its own.
As Rina continued to walk through the house, she noticed that there were dolls scattered throughout. They were all shapes and sizes, and each one was unique. Some had button eyes, while others had glass eyes that seemed to stare into her soul. The dolls were dressed in elaborate outfits, and some were even wearing miniature crowns and tiaras. The tengu reporter couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, as she had never seen anything quite like it before.
'Is this...the rumoured dolls of the magician?' Rina thought, feeling a bit of fear that she couldn't shake off. There were much scarier things out there than a bunch of dolls, but they were still unnerving to look at.
The dolls were arranged in a way that made Rina feel as if she was being watched, as if the dolls were alive and waiting for something. It was a feeling that she couldn't shake off, and it made her skin crawl. She couldn't help but wonder what the dolls were hiding, what secrets they held within their tiny bodies.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Alice said, gesturing to a chair in what appeared to be the living room. The chair was ornate and had intricate carvings on its armrests. Rina sat down, and the chair seemed to mould itself to her body, as if it was made just for her "I must admit, I wasn't one to kept up with the news so pardon me if I missed your newspaper. You are the first tengu reporter who approached me though"
Rina couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as the human sat in a chair across her, her expression polite yet her pink eyes seemed to look through the tengu's very soul. "Ah...it's fine, Miss. My paper is just about fairies anyway..."
"Fairy? Interesting, I didn't know fairies were so interesting for humans or youkai to make a paper about." Alice said simply as she poured some tea for Rina and the tengu reporter took a sip out of politeness. The taste was surprisingly good and helped calmed her nerves a bit.
"Y-yes...well, n-no. No one really read my newspaper...b-but that's only because everyone hasn't know the wonder of fairies yet!" Rina answered a bit nervously, before she continued more excitedly. "I-I'm sure everyone would love fairies as much as me if only they knew about them. And my paper would be popular too!"
Alice nodded in agreement. "I see, that is an admirable goal, though it would be quite the uphill battle. Fairies aren't exactly the most popular topic for the newspaper, are they?"
Rina shook her head. "That's the problem, they should be! Fairies are amazing creatures and people should know more about them! That's why I started the newspaper, to share their stories and show how interesting they can be."
Alice smiled, and for a moment Rina could almost forget the strange house, the creepy dolls, the unnatural atmosphere, and the unsettling feeling. It was almost like the human was a regular person and this was a normal interview.
"You are right," the human said, "Fairies are indeed fascinating. I must admit, I find their simplicity and innocence to be quite refreshing."
"I know, right?!" Rina exclaimed. "They're just so pure and playful, it's hard not to love them. And they're always up to something, so there's never a dull moment when they're around. I don't get why others couldn't see it"
"Well...I suppose their tendencies to prank others and relative harmlessness might have something to do with that...but you are right, fairies are a delight," the human replied, "It's a shame your newspaper is not popular, it would be wonderful if more people would appreciate fairies"
Rina couldn't help but blush in pride and happiness at those words, it was nice to find someone who shared her love of fairies, especially since others seemed to not get it at all. It wasn't even about the newspaper anymore, it was so relieving that there is someone who truly got fairies like she did. "I-I'm glad you agree, Miss Alice! I knew someone would get it someday!"
"Please, call me Alice," the magician said with a warm smile. "I must say, I'm intrigued by the concept of a newspaper dedicated solely about fairies, but have you thought about making some changes to your newspaper? Have you done any market analysis or research to determine what would be best to make your newspaper more popular?"
"Oh, um.... what are those?" Rina asked, not quite understanding what Alice meant.
"Market analysis and research are methods used to identify the preferences and interests of a target audience, in this case, the readership. By conducting market research and analysis, you can gather data on what topics and stories are most popular and appealing to your target audience. This information can then be used to tailor your content to better meet the needs and interests of your readers." Alice explained patiently.
"Ah...I-I see..." Rina muttered, feeling a bit foolish. She should've known about that, but to be honest she never really thought about it that hard. She didn't really know much about business stuff or market or whatever. She just thought she should write about things she liked, and that would be enough. Rina didn't even hear other tengus talking about that, so it was probably not important for a tengu reporter, right?
Seeing the tengu reporter's confused and troubled expression, Alice continued. "It's a common mistake for people to create something that they personally like and expect it to resonate with their target audience. But the truth is, it's the needs and desires of the audience that should dictate the content. It's important to understand the wants and preferences of your target demographic to increase the chances of success."
"Umm...are you sure that's necessary? I just want to share what I think is interesting and fun about fairies with everyone!" Rina said a bit defensively. She didn't like the idea of changing her newspaper to make other people happy.
"Of course, it's not about compromising on the essence of your work, but rather about finding a balance between your own interests and those of your audience. It's important to keep your passion for the subject while also considering what will appeal to your target readers. It's about understanding what will make your content stand out and be noticed, even if it's not what you originally intended. It's about finding a way to make your content not just good, but great, for your readers. It's about creating content that is not just interesting to you, but to the audience as well. It's about finding a way to make your content not just enjoyable, but meaningful for your readers. It's about creating content that not only informs, but also inspires and engages your audience."
"Oh...yeah, I guess that makes sense..." Rina said, starting to understand what Alice meant, even if the concepts seemed alien. It was a lot to take in, and she was still a bit skeptical. "But how do I do that? I don't know much about business or marketing or any of that stuff."
"Well, it's not just about business and marketing. It's about understanding your audience, their needs, and what makes them tick. It's about finding the right balance between your own passion and what will appeal to your target readers. It's about being creative, innovative, and open to feedback and change."
Rina nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I see... you seem to know a lot about this stuff, Alice"
"It's simply knowledge accumulated by those who came before, Rina-san. Many people made the same mistake, so we learn from their errors and successes." Alice answered with a smile, "Humanity has years, decades, centuries to learn and improve. We might be young or short-lived, but we have the wisdom of many to help and guide us"
Rina nodded, feeling a bit better. "I see... well, thank you, Alice. You've given me a lot to think about."
"You're welcome, Rina-san. Though I do have an idea on how you might improve your newspaper" Alice said with a small smile, "Why not try to make your newspaper for the fairies instead? You certainly seemed knowledgeable about fairies to know what they liked so you can write about topics that might interest fairies!"
"I know some fairies that are smart enough to want to know about what's happening in Gensokyo. Others might only care about simple things like food or fun. Some might just want to be in a newspaper to brag to others. You can try to cater to those fairies, diversify your approach. I am sure it will be popular then." Alice suggested, and Rina's eyes sparkled.
"Really? You really think so?" Rina asked, feeling excited again. She had never thought about writing for fairies themselves before.
"I don't see why not. It would certainly be a unique approach, and it could be a hit with the fairies and even some youkai, humans and maybe others that are interested in fairies." Alice said encouragingly, "And if you manage to make a newspaper about fairies for fairies, that would be a first even for tengu reporters"
"Yeah, you're right! That would be amazing!" Rina said, grinning. "Thank you so much, Alice! I tried so hard to appeal to others about fairies that I never thought about trying to appeal to fairies themselves!"
"You're very welcome, Rina-san. I'm glad I could help," Alice said, smiling. "It's always exciting to see someone pursuing their passions."
As the two of them talked more, Rina couldn't help but feel more comfortable and relaxed. Alice was so nice, and she understood her love for fairies. The tengu reporter had never met someone who understood her so well before. Rina felt like she could talk to her all day. She didn't even notice that the eerie feeling she had felt when she arrived was now gone. Rina was so caught up in her excitement that she didn't notice that she had completely lost sight of her original goal of coming here.
"Oh dear, look at the time," Alice said, looking at a clock that Rina hadn't noticed before. "It's getting late and I have to start preparing dinner."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take up so much of your time," Rina apologised, feeling bad for taking up so much of Alice's time.
"No, please, don't apologise. I enjoyed our conversation. It's been a while since I've talked with someone like you." Alice said, standing up and walking Rina to the door. "Please feel free to come by again anytime. I would love to hear more about your fairy research"
"Of course, Alice! Thank you for the talk. It's helped me a lot!" Rina said, bowing politely before she left.
'Wow, I can't believe it. Alice is so nice and understanding!' Rina thought, feeling much better than when she had first arrived. 'She's given me so much to think about, I can't wait to get started on improving my newspaper!'
Rina couldn't shake off the lingering feeling that she missed something, that something wasn't quite right. But since she forgot about it, it's probably not important right? She should focus on her newspaper instead! She could already imagine how good it would be!
What a delightful girl, so bright and full of passion. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her leave.
An unexpected surprise to find someone like her, such willpower and determination hidden beneath that. Akagi Rina, perhaps I should watch you closely. May you won't meet a terrible fate again.
...Ah, Yuuka would tease me for picking up strays again, wouldn't she?
I couldn't help but sighed as I examined one of the android recovered yesterday, the 'Boss' one. As expected of a civilization that advanced enough, a random professor had a planetary destruction bomb and was able to lock the moon's orbit without much effort, their creations were certainly beyond modern human comprehension. In a bit of a twist of fate, this particular android was easier to understand since it was made to truly emulate magic, good enough that it was infinitely close to proper magic but just shy of being truly one. There were some similarities in that regard with my dolls, though my dolls weren't also supported by a myriad of futuristic technology straight out of comic books.
Not yet at least.
It was too bad this Chiyuri lacked the technical know-how but it couldn't be helped. There were many things still worth studying though, many things already usable for further advancement of doll-making. The broad functions of some things were easily understandable even if the methods or details were beyond my current means. The materials used were also possible to be replicated through alchemy, and it would certainly be useful with how capable they were. Fake-flesh that is both tough and able to transmit sensation, strong yet light and flexible metal bones, synth-muscle fibre that exerted power with minimal energy. Those and combined with the ingenious way they were constructed already enough to properly create a new generation of dolls.
Maybe I could not only just barely finish Argleton in time but made her better before Scarlet Mist began.
...Right, Scarlet Mist. I felt a bit bad to the Scarlet folk but their plan had to be delayed for several more days.
While it brought me no small amounts of headache, my apparent 'leadership' amongst the fairy did have few perks, which included connections to many fairies. Why the scarlet mansion kept a cadre of fairies as maid is everybody's question, though the answer was simply to keep up Face, even if said maids were basically self-sabotaging the mansion. A bit different than regular fairies, these fairies are naturally more at home in urban settings apparently, though they are still fairies in the end. It was surprisingly easy to talk them into doing some little things, just enough to delay Patchouli's preparation for Scarlet Mist and keep Remilia busy. Small stuff that the fairies would've done, but together in certain ways would create enough distractions.
It wouldn't last long, but it would be long enough for me to catch my breath. Things been so busy lately, and carried a lot of implications. Scarlet Mist in particular will be big for the first big Incident where Spellcard Rules will be used, setting up precedent for upcoming ones. I should made sure this delay and that mess won't cause any problems down the line. Then I'll have to check on the fairies to make sure they haven't mess up anything yet and on their progress with the expeditions into the dimensional vessel...
More works, yet more works. I just wanted an easy, peaceful life, why did I burden myself with this again? ...Ah right, there are other people with their own life and guilt of potentially messing theirs up is a bit too much...it really can't be helped. Truly, those who said slow life isekai is boring must've quite the mentality.
Back to less depressing matter, despite everything about the Kappas 'recruitment' by the fairies, their work were quite exemplary. I wasn't sure if it was actually possible for them to understand these technology without what happened, but all that matter was that they did manage to repair the technology, in their own Kappa way. It meant that the machines became much more magic-friendly or outright magitech now as the Kappa tried to repair it as best as they could. For example, the energy pistol might just become a danmaku amplifier not unlike a wand, or a proper danmaku pistol that done similar thing in a much more complicated yet effective way while also just be used as normal energy pistol.
Like how the advanced android used technology to replicate magic, the Kappas seemed to managed made their magic to replicate or work together with the machine. It was simply easier to understand and replicate so long magic is involved. The most obvious usage would be to improve the performance of smaller-sized dolls and the weapons. Though it would be better if I try to see if I could simplify the entire thing more, less parts meant it would be more efficient and durable after all. Replacing them all would require some time though, and so will developing them to begin with.
...There really are so much things to do. But I suppose that simply the sign and price of peaceful time. At least today should be quiet, everyone had something else to do.
In a world of magic and mysteries, there was always something to uncover. Akagi Rina , the tengu reporter, had her sights set on a story that had been eluding her for weeks. It was a tale of strange disappearances, of fairies gone missing, and of a trail that led to a house at the depth of the Forest of Magic. A place where not many dared to thread, but not this reporter.
With her camera in hand and a determined glint in her eye, she set out to follow the trail that had been haunting her thoughts. The air was thick with secrets, and she could feel the weight of the mystery growing heavier with each step. As she made her way towards the house, she noticed something peculiar. There were no signs of life, no sounds of chatter or laughter. It was as though the house was holding its breath, waiting for her to arrive...
'Great, this is a great start! I should finally be able to break out a hit with this! This will show everyone!' Rina thought giddily as she finished writing in her notebook.
Sure, everyone might have thought she was stupid to make news about fairies so much, but she couldn't help what she liked! And that fact might've been how she alone noticed the abnormality that happened in Gensokyo. Rina is confident that no one else observed fairies as close as her, and she realised that many of the notable fairies seemed to be missing lately. If it was just one or two then it probably she just missed them or the fairies went somewhere, but more than dozens in a day and then more? Even lesser fairies, ones that even she admitted basically everywhere and endless almost like a pest, seemed a bit less in many hotspots nowadays.
Others laughed at her when she brought it up, only Hatate-senpai cheered her up and encouraged her to go seek the truth! Okay, that might've been a pity but still, Rina was determined to prove everyone wrong! She followed the trace and found that there was a pattern in the fairies' disappearance, and it pointed toward here, the forest of magic. Combined with what she know about how the magician Alice apparently had dealing with fairies.... She wasn't sure what to expect, but whatever it is, it will be a scoop that would make her career!
Now she just needed a good title for the article...something that can hook reader...
'Fairies are mysteriously disappearing'...maybe too dramatic, but she wasn't wrong and the public should know about this sooner.
'Mysterious force abducts fairies'...too vague, maybe she should wait till she knew more. And by then, it might not be so mysterious.
'Gensokyo in danger, fairies on decline'...okay, maybe that was too farfetched, maybe this wasn't actually a bad event but that's not the point.
'Missing fairies, the truth behind their disappearances'...yeah, that sounds more like it. And it would still work if this ended up harmless, as a mystery is still interesting.
'Fairies, the hidden secret of their existence'...no, maybe that's too grand and unrelated. Though if this was big, it would work and be great...
Rina was too distracted in her thoughts to notice that she had arrived at the house she was searching. The building stood tall, its windows dark and its doors closed, as if hiding away its secrets. As she stepped closer, the air grew colder, and a chill ran down her spine. She had heard stories of this place, of the magician who lived within its walls, of the magic that seeped through its foundation.
...She heard GOOD stories from both youkais, fairies and humans about the Magician, but she won't let those biases affect her! It might not be the case, but if the Magician was a villainess that kidnapped fairies, then that was her big scoop. She'd be a bigshot in no time, and her paper would be popular! She could already imagine how everyone would read her article, how they would think she is a great reporter, and how her senpais would be impressed by her...
'Focus, Rina, focus. Now I need to get to work. But what to do?'
The house loomed over her, its presence heavy with an unspoken energy. She could feel the weight of the past, the memories that were etched into its very walls. She could hear whispers of magic, of spells cast long ago, and of secrets buried deep beneath the ground. Rina took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever may come, and stepped forward...
She could just ask the Magician, but she wouldn't admit anything even if it was true! Plus, that would be a waste of a great story! Maybe she should try to sneak inside the house...
No, she would go from the front first!
RIna suddenly felt chill that shook to her core. The tengu was drenched in cold sweats, her breathing erratic. She must've been more nervous than she thought, this might be her first proper interview with anyone other than fairies for a while after all, and she couldn't call those interview either. While it might be better to go all secret and find all the truth like others did and her senpai advised, Rina preferred something more upfront first. The tengu believed should at least try to understand the situation and possible perpetrators before accusing her or worse, broke into her house after all.
'I am a proper journalist, I won't jump into conclusion that easily! And if the magician is innocent, than it's better for me to ask for her help. Even if she isn't the perpetrator, she's still a magician, and a magician would know the most about magic, so maybe she can still help me. I just need to not jump into conclusion and stay professional, I'll be fine!' Rina thought as she steeled herself for the worst.
The tengu reporter walked to the door, and before she could knock on the door, it swung open. She was greeted by the sight of the magician, Alice Margatroid, standing in the doorway. Rina was struck by the sight of magician, even she a Youkai must admit that the human magician was eerily beautiful. With unblemished skin and elegant face that retained her youth, her hair cascaded down to her shoulder looked like spun god kept only by a red hairband, and her pink eyes sparkled like a gem with an otherworldly light. She wore a blue dress that seemed to shimmer, as if woven from the very essence of magic itself.
"Hello there, Miss Tengu," the magician said, her voice soft as she smiled gently. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Rina couldn't help but blush and stammer a bit, feeling awkward and a bit foolish. Why did she feel nervous when looking at the human? "Uh...H-hello, Miss Alice. I'm Akagi Rina, from Yousei-no-hi newspaper! I want to ask you some questions...if that is okay?" She cursed herself, where did all of her confidence go?
"Of course, come on in," Alice replied with a smile, gesturing for the tengu reporter to follow her into the house. With some trepidations that Rina couldn't quite explain, the reporter entered the house.
The house was warm and inviting, with a sense of magic lingering in the air. The walls were lined with bookshelves, each filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. Rina felt herself drawn to the shelves, running her fingers over the spines of the books as she walked past. The books were old, their pages yellowed with age, and the covers were worn and cracked, as if they had been opened and closed many times over.
The house was dimly lit, the only light coming from the flickering candles that hung from the ceiling. The flames danced in the air, casting shadows on the walls and making the house feel alive. Rina could hear the creaking of the floorboards, and the sound of the wind howling outside, as if the house was trying to speak to her. The tengu couldn't shake off the feeling that the house was trying to tell her something, but she couldn't quite make out what it was. She felt as if the house was a living being, with a soul and a mind of its own.
As Rina continued to walk through the house, she noticed that there were dolls scattered throughout. They were all shapes and sizes, and each one was unique. Some had button eyes, while others had glass eyes that seemed to stare into her soul. The dolls were dressed in elaborate outfits, and some were even wearing miniature crowns and tiaras. The tengu reporter couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, as she had never seen anything quite like it before.
'Is this...the rumoured dolls of the magician?' Rina thought, feeling a bit of fear that she couldn't shake off. There were much scarier things out there than a bunch of dolls, but they were still unnerving to look at.
The dolls were arranged in a way that made Rina feel as if she was being watched, as if the dolls were alive and waiting for something. It was a feeling that she couldn't shake off, and it made her skin crawl. She couldn't help but wonder what the dolls were hiding, what secrets they held within their tiny bodies.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Alice said, gesturing to a chair in what appeared to be the living room. The chair was ornate and had intricate carvings on its armrests. Rina sat down, and the chair seemed to mould itself to her body, as if it was made just for her "I must admit, I wasn't one to kept up with the news so pardon me if I missed your newspaper. You are the first tengu reporter who approached me though"
Rina couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as the human sat in a chair across her, her expression polite yet her pink eyes seemed to look through the tengu's very soul. "Ah...it's fine, Miss. My paper is just about fairies anyway..."
"Fairy? Interesting, I didn't know fairies were so interesting for humans or youkai to make a paper about." Alice said simply as she poured some tea for Rina and the tengu reporter took a sip out of politeness. The taste was surprisingly good and helped calmed her nerves a bit.
"Y-yes...well, n-no. No one really read my newspaper...b-but that's only because everyone hasn't know the wonder of fairies yet!" Rina answered a bit nervously, before she continued more excitedly. "I-I'm sure everyone would love fairies as much as me if only they knew about them. And my paper would be popular too!"
Alice nodded in agreement. "I see, that is an admirable goal, though it would be quite the uphill battle. Fairies aren't exactly the most popular topic for the newspaper, are they?"
Rina shook her head. "That's the problem, they should be! Fairies are amazing creatures and people should know more about them! That's why I started the newspaper, to share their stories and show how interesting they can be."
Alice smiled, and for a moment Rina could almost forget the strange house, the creepy dolls, the unnatural atmosphere, and the unsettling feeling. It was almost like the human was a regular person and this was a normal interview.
"You are right," the human said, "Fairies are indeed fascinating. I must admit, I find their simplicity and innocence to be quite refreshing."
"I know, right?!" Rina exclaimed. "They're just so pure and playful, it's hard not to love them. And they're always up to something, so there's never a dull moment when they're around. I don't get why others couldn't see it"
"Well...I suppose their tendencies to prank others and relative harmlessness might have something to do with that...but you are right, fairies are a delight," the human replied, "It's a shame your newspaper is not popular, it would be wonderful if more people would appreciate fairies"
Rina couldn't help but blush in pride and happiness at those words, it was nice to find someone who shared her love of fairies, especially since others seemed to not get it at all. It wasn't even about the newspaper anymore, it was so relieving that there is someone who truly got fairies like she did. "I-I'm glad you agree, Miss Alice! I knew someone would get it someday!"
"Please, call me Alice," the magician said with a warm smile. "I must say, I'm intrigued by the concept of a newspaper dedicated solely about fairies, but have you thought about making some changes to your newspaper? Have you done any market analysis or research to determine what would be best to make your newspaper more popular?"
"Oh, um.... what are those?" Rina asked, not quite understanding what Alice meant.
"Market analysis and research are methods used to identify the preferences and interests of a target audience, in this case, the readership. By conducting market research and analysis, you can gather data on what topics and stories are most popular and appealing to your target audience. This information can then be used to tailor your content to better meet the needs and interests of your readers." Alice explained patiently.
"Ah...I-I see..." Rina muttered, feeling a bit foolish. She should've known about that, but to be honest she never really thought about it that hard. She didn't really know much about business stuff or market or whatever. She just thought she should write about things she liked, and that would be enough. Rina didn't even hear other tengus talking about that, so it was probably not important for a tengu reporter, right?
Seeing the tengu reporter's confused and troubled expression, Alice continued. "It's a common mistake for people to create something that they personally like and expect it to resonate with their target audience. But the truth is, it's the needs and desires of the audience that should dictate the content. It's important to understand the wants and preferences of your target demographic to increase the chances of success."
"Umm...are you sure that's necessary? I just want to share what I think is interesting and fun about fairies with everyone!" Rina said a bit defensively. She didn't like the idea of changing her newspaper to make other people happy.
"Of course, it's not about compromising on the essence of your work, but rather about finding a balance between your own interests and those of your audience. It's important to keep your passion for the subject while also considering what will appeal to your target readers. It's about understanding what will make your content stand out and be noticed, even if it's not what you originally intended. It's about finding a way to make your content not just good, but great, for your readers. It's about creating content that is not just interesting to you, but to the audience as well. It's about finding a way to make your content not just enjoyable, but meaningful for your readers. It's about creating content that not only informs, but also inspires and engages your audience."
"Oh...yeah, I guess that makes sense..." Rina said, starting to understand what Alice meant, even if the concepts seemed alien. It was a lot to take in, and she was still a bit skeptical. "But how do I do that? I don't know much about business or marketing or any of that stuff."
"Well, it's not just about business and marketing. It's about understanding your audience, their needs, and what makes them tick. It's about finding the right balance between your own passion and what will appeal to your target readers. It's about being creative, innovative, and open to feedback and change."
Rina nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "I see... you seem to know a lot about this stuff, Alice"
"It's simply knowledge accumulated by those who came before, Rina-san. Many people made the same mistake, so we learn from their errors and successes." Alice answered with a smile, "Humanity has years, decades, centuries to learn and improve. We might be young or short-lived, but we have the wisdom of many to help and guide us"
Rina nodded, feeling a bit better. "I see... well, thank you, Alice. You've given me a lot to think about."
"You're welcome, Rina-san. Though I do have an idea on how you might improve your newspaper" Alice said with a small smile, "Why not try to make your newspaper for the fairies instead? You certainly seemed knowledgeable about fairies to know what they liked so you can write about topics that might interest fairies!"
"I know some fairies that are smart enough to want to know about what's happening in Gensokyo. Others might only care about simple things like food or fun. Some might just want to be in a newspaper to brag to others. You can try to cater to those fairies, diversify your approach. I am sure it will be popular then." Alice suggested, and Rina's eyes sparkled.
"Really? You really think so?" Rina asked, feeling excited again. She had never thought about writing for fairies themselves before.
"I don't see why not. It would certainly be a unique approach, and it could be a hit with the fairies and even some youkai, humans and maybe others that are interested in fairies." Alice said encouragingly, "And if you manage to make a newspaper about fairies for fairies, that would be a first even for tengu reporters"
"Yeah, you're right! That would be amazing!" Rina said, grinning. "Thank you so much, Alice! I tried so hard to appeal to others about fairies that I never thought about trying to appeal to fairies themselves!"
"You're very welcome, Rina-san. I'm glad I could help," Alice said, smiling. "It's always exciting to see someone pursuing their passions."
As the two of them talked more, Rina couldn't help but feel more comfortable and relaxed. Alice was so nice, and she understood her love for fairies. The tengu reporter had never met someone who understood her so well before. Rina felt like she could talk to her all day. She didn't even notice that the eerie feeling she had felt when she arrived was now gone. Rina was so caught up in her excitement that she didn't notice that she had completely lost sight of her original goal of coming here.
"Oh dear, look at the time," Alice said, looking at a clock that Rina hadn't noticed before. "It's getting late and I have to start preparing dinner."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take up so much of your time," Rina apologised, feeling bad for taking up so much of Alice's time.
"No, please, don't apologise. I enjoyed our conversation. It's been a while since I've talked with someone like you." Alice said, standing up and walking Rina to the door. "Please feel free to come by again anytime. I would love to hear more about your fairy research"
"Of course, Alice! Thank you for the talk. It's helped me a lot!" Rina said, bowing politely before she left.
'Wow, I can't believe it. Alice is so nice and understanding!' Rina thought, feeling much better than when she had first arrived. 'She's given me so much to think about, I can't wait to get started on improving my newspaper!'
Rina couldn't shake off the lingering feeling that she missed something, that something wasn't quite right. But since she forgot about it, it's probably not important right? She should focus on her newspaper instead! She could already imagine how good it would be!
What a delightful girl, so bright and full of passion. I couldn't help but smile as I watched her leave.
An unexpected surprise to find someone like her, such willpower and determination hidden beneath that. Akagi Rina, perhaps I should watch you closely. May you won't meet a terrible fate again.
...Ah, Yuuka would tease me for picking up strays again, wouldn't she?
This update brought to you by working in the dark with low battery. I might've gone a bit too far, also some of my old class stuff can finally be used! Anyway, here you go, a totally peaceful day that I might write the what could've/did happen if people want to, though it might be a bit dark? Dunno if I am confident in my skill in it hence why I didn't include it here, also due to it would be break immersion
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Is she a canon character that meets a bad fate? My google fu lead me to this thread so she must be very minor if not an OC.
Ylamona
Konlulu~
OC, hence why SInotAlice interested. Technically met a bad fate but not in this route of choice. Just look at the bolded part where the path could've diverge
Undercover Report
Ylamona
Konlulu~
Bree Sunkiller reporting.
While I admit that I had some doubts about being assigned into an undercover mission, Infiltration into the Scarlet Devil mansion has been successful. So far, there is no suspicions upon me beyond the standard astonishment of my height. Some unforeseen problem was only the headmaid's spare dress was big for me, albeit rather tight around chest area. Otherwise, there is no indication of anyone suspecting my purpose here.
With all respects to all parties involved, the discipline amongst the fairy maids are disappointing at best. I have seen newbies hold their attention better on the battle than these maids. The fact that neither the head maid nor the mistress of the mansion saw it fit to train them is a baffling decision. Therefore, I've taken to the task of shaping them up into a proper maid. I do beg for forgiveness if it was out of line for me but as a Brownie, I shan't not permit such horrendous sacrilege to the holy duty of a maid.
I must shamefully admit that it took me the better part of an hour to get them to listen and another to finally done their task up to bare minimal. It was still far from the devilish standard that lord Sebastian, the patron of housekeeper, that milady said. I shall strive to push them to be better during my short tenure here.
In another matter, morale in the mansion seemed to increase with the increase on operation efficiency. We can't compete with the head maid naturally as her truly magnifique temporal ability truly hard to compete with, nor it is our place to do so. However, the mistress of the mansion has been quite happy with our full course meals that she has forgotten about her plan for another day or two. It will however be hard to continue in this manner as the head maid seemed to not allow us to use the kitchen for some time now, and the ingredients rapidly running out.
However, subversion of the fairy maids have been progressing within expectations. Strawberry and pineapple candies seemed to be of favourite amongst the maids. We were able to convince some of them to work in several key points of the Scarlet operation through accidents related to whatever materials they need for the ritual. The magician proved to be a problem but Mei Mindhaze managed to keep her distracted through supplies of certain outside world snacks we supplied with.
All in all, as expected of our Lady's plan, the Scarlet Devil Mansion's plan should be delayed by three to five days from its original date.
Addendum: Through the sudden advise of a senior member, we've infiltrate the underground section and encountered Formido Oppugnatura Exsequens. She was agitated and far more perceptive than her appearance suggest. Our initial attempts of communication was unsuccesful, but through gastrodiplomacy and concession of milady's storybooks, we managed to pacify her agitations.
We will stand by until operation Argleton or until the Incident finished proper, Bree Sunkiller out.
While I admit that I had some doubts about being assigned into an undercover mission, Infiltration into the Scarlet Devil mansion has been successful. So far, there is no suspicions upon me beyond the standard astonishment of my height. Some unforeseen problem was only the headmaid's spare dress was big for me, albeit rather tight around chest area. Otherwise, there is no indication of anyone suspecting my purpose here.
With all respects to all parties involved, the discipline amongst the fairy maids are disappointing at best. I have seen newbies hold their attention better on the battle than these maids. The fact that neither the head maid nor the mistress of the mansion saw it fit to train them is a baffling decision. Therefore, I've taken to the task of shaping them up into a proper maid. I do beg for forgiveness if it was out of line for me but as a Brownie, I shan't not permit such horrendous sacrilege to the holy duty of a maid.
I must shamefully admit that it took me the better part of an hour to get them to listen and another to finally done their task up to bare minimal. It was still far from the devilish standard that lord Sebastian, the patron of housekeeper, that milady said. I shall strive to push them to be better during my short tenure here.
In another matter, morale in the mansion seemed to increase with the increase on operation efficiency. We can't compete with the head maid naturally as her truly magnifique temporal ability truly hard to compete with, nor it is our place to do so. However, the mistress of the mansion has been quite happy with our full course meals that she has forgotten about her plan for another day or two. It will however be hard to continue in this manner as the head maid seemed to not allow us to use the kitchen for some time now, and the ingredients rapidly running out.
However, subversion of the fairy maids have been progressing within expectations. Strawberry and pineapple candies seemed to be of favourite amongst the maids. We were able to convince some of them to work in several key points of the Scarlet operation through accidents related to whatever materials they need for the ritual. The magician proved to be a problem but Mei Mindhaze managed to keep her distracted through supplies of certain outside world snacks we supplied with.
All in all, as expected of our Lady's plan, the Scarlet Devil Mansion's plan should be delayed by three to five days from its original date.
Addendum: Through the sudden advise of a senior member, we've infiltrate the underground section and encountered Formido Oppugnatura Exsequens. She was agitated and far more perceptive than her appearance suggest. Our initial attempts of communication was unsuccesful, but through gastrodiplomacy and concession of milady's storybooks, we managed to pacify her agitations.
We will stand by until operation Argleton or until the Incident finished proper, Bree Sunkiller out.
I have no idea what I wrote but here, something?
Wow, that was… surprisingly coherent for what I assume is a fairy.
Ylamona
Konlulu~
Alice: "Bree in particular is extremely advanced compared to other fairies. While she retained fairy innocence in some ways, she seemed to be quite solitary and smart. Teaching those fairies how to read and write took me a bit however, the mangas certainly helped"
- Location
- Middle East
after Google-fu, Formido Oppugnatura Exsequens is type of mob in the game
Ylamona
Konlulu~
Basically fairy being fairy try to sound fancy, because latin is cool is ingrained to then through Alice's shows, even pig latin. It really just mean "We found EX boss"
Isiri Pudireach
Predictive text can go duck itself
Sylent-M
Be Trans, Take to Heresy
- Pronouns
- Was/Were
You best hope Sakuya never gets her hands on this report Bree. The shade you're unintentionally throwing.
Is Bree being a brownie a self-assigned role? Or are you going with Gensokyo having a more diverse fey population.
Ylamona
Konlulu~
That's a mystery with a simple answer of "Blame everything on Deepwood"
The Deep Ones of Forest of Magic! Their Secrets Revealed!
Ylamona
Konlulu~
"The Deep Ones of Forest of Magic! Their Secrets Revealed!" by Akagi Rina
Dear readers, prepare yourselves for a tale of mystery and wonder that will leave you breathless! I have uncovered the truth about the elusive Deep Ones, a group of enigmatic beings who dwell deep within the depths of the Forest of Magic. Mysterious people, cloaked in shadows, with an aura of danger and intrigue, the Deep Ones have long been shrouded in secrecy, their true nature known only to a few. But fear not, for I, Akagi Rina, have braved the depths of the Abyss to bring you the truth! As a journalist, I have dedicated my life to uncovering the truth and bringing it to light, no matter the cost. And now, after countless hours of research and investigation, I have uncovered many secrets about the Deep Ones.
But before I reveal them, allow me to paint a picture of these mysterious beings. Imagine a group of individuals, each one a master of technology and magic, their skills unparalleled. They are masters of the forge, creating wondrous items with their hands, each one a work of art and a testament to their skill. Yet they are unknown, nary anyone within Gensokyo knew about them, neither legends nor myths speak of them, only whispers of fairies told us of their existence. They are a complete total enigma, a group of individuals who have managed to keep their secrets hidden from the prying eyes of the world.
However, from what I've managed to gather, they are not a native species of Gensokyo. They have no myths, legends, or folklore that precede them, suggesting that they may have arrived in Gensokyo from somewhere else, perhaps from another realm or dimension. But where did they come from? What is the true nature of these mysterious beings?
What lies behind their enigmatic facade? Are they a race of beings from another world, brought to our own by some mysterious means? Or are they a manifestation of some ancient power, long forgotten by those who once knew it? Or perhaps unknown youkais that have been living in the darkness, away from everyone's sight, their true form and nature unknown even to themselves? Are they a danger waiting to be unleashed, or are they merely misunderstood creatures, seeking only to live in peace?
The truth is both stranger and more fascinating than any of these possibilities. So what are you waiting for, dear reader? Join me on a journey into the unknown, as we uncover the truth behind the Deep Ones and reveal their shocking secrets to the world!
Also known as Fukakimonodomo in our language, Deep ones's history and true nature still remained a mystery dear reader. Their unwillingness to share their secrets and history, as well as their closed-off nature and lack of information or legends and myths about them, made it hard to determine their exact origin. Their appearance suggest that they might've been a group of Kappa that decided to live deep inside the forest and became youkai or subspecies of their own, but whether that is correct or not, only they know.
They can be found deep within the forest, far from prying eyes, they lived inside an abandoned and flooded building called cathedral that has been repurposed to suit their needs. The building, long since abandoned by any human, is now a haven for these strange beings. Inside, the air is thick with the smell of metal and magic, and the sound of hammers on anvil can be heard echoing through the halls. The building is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers, each one filled with the tools of the trade, from forges to laboratories, from libraries to workshops. Strange statues and murals decorate the walls, depicting scenes of mysterious creatures and grand, yet firghtening figures. Despite its abandoned appearance, the building is alive with activity, as the Deep Ones work tirelessly to hone their skills and perfect their creations.
The deep ones themselves are a sight to behold, their bodies covered in intricate tattoos that glow with an otherworldly light, their pale skin shimmering with an iridescent sheen, all covered in their black dress and veil. They move with a fluid grace, their movements as precise as their craftsmanship and as bizarre as their nature. They speak in a language that is both familiar and alien, their words a strange melody that echoes through the halls of the building. Their most striking feature would be their eyes, each one a different colour, sometimes with different shapes, sometimes the size of their iris is different than their other eye. Some of them cover one of their eyes with their hair, or maybe eyepatches. Whether out of tradition or for a practical reason, that too is still unknown.
What we do know is their prowess in the arcane. Mixing strange technologies with equally bizarre magic, many fairies I've interviewed have told me about strange things the deep ones created. Once one pass their strangeness, deep ones' creations are often very potent and bizarrely beautiful. Each are testament of their creators' skill, whether in magic or in smithing. They have a fondness for creating strange and beautiful trinkets and tools, and they have been known to create these items for those who have earned their trust. However, their penchant for secrecy and mysterious natures has made it difficult for outsiders like this reporter to obtain these items, despite her best efforts.
Though it seems, these deep ones for all their secrecy and aloofness, have a soft spot for fairies of sorts with fairies. Their strange manners and behaviours, which baffles and confuses others, seems almost normal to the fairies. Many of the fairies I interviewed seem to have a fondness for the deep ones, despite their peculiarities and inscrutable actions. Perhaps there is something about their enigmatic nature that resonates with their child-like innocence and wonder? Or maybe their shared love of play and mischief creates a natural bond between them?
The fairies seem to see something in the deep ones that others cannot, a spark of wonder and mystery that captures their imaginations and stirs their souls. And while the deep ones may be shrouded in darkness and secrecy, their relationship with the fairies remains a source of light and hope, a reminder that even the strangest of creatures can find connections with others in unexpected ways.
Maybe they are not so enigmatic and strange after all? Perhaps they are merely misunderstood beings, seeking only to live in peace with their own kind, far from the prying eyes of the outside world. Perhaps, in their own way, they are trying to create a world where they can be happy and fulfilled, free from the expectations and judgments of others.
But whatever their true nature may be, one thing is for certain: the deep ones are a force to be reckoned with, and their secrets remain shrouded in darkness, waiting to be revealed. Until next time dear readers, stay safe, keep your eyes peeled and your minds open to the endless wonders of our world.
"...Deep Ones huh? Because they were affected by or originally came from Deepwoods? How subtle." Alice scoffed as she set aside the newspaper she read, never expected for Rina to finish the day after she started anew, it was only yesterday they talked. Interesting choice to deliver in the evening though "At least these ones are disconnected enough they won't affect Gensokyo at large. But not even a week, merely three days at most...an entire group of Kappas enthralled by the fairies offers, exotic technologies, forest of magic...I see, using those to construct this background.."
"...Was it you, 'Mother'? Or was it you..o' Deepwoods?" Alice looked out the window, toward the directions of a certain forest and sighed "I'll have to deal with this aren't I? ...haah, I'll have to pay a visit to the Kappas and these 'newcomers' to later"
Just yet more works to do. Is this because Canon approaching and fuel even more changes? What next, some of the fairies evolved into certain feys like certain monsters? ....Wait, is this because Rina herself is some sort of main character so she found these kind of things?
....I really envy Reimu to not have to deal with these kind of Incidents. The thing I do for Gensokyo..
Dear readers, prepare yourselves for a tale of mystery and wonder that will leave you breathless! I have uncovered the truth about the elusive Deep Ones, a group of enigmatic beings who dwell deep within the depths of the Forest of Magic. Mysterious people, cloaked in shadows, with an aura of danger and intrigue, the Deep Ones have long been shrouded in secrecy, their true nature known only to a few. But fear not, for I, Akagi Rina, have braved the depths of the Abyss to bring you the truth! As a journalist, I have dedicated my life to uncovering the truth and bringing it to light, no matter the cost. And now, after countless hours of research and investigation, I have uncovered many secrets about the Deep Ones.
But before I reveal them, allow me to paint a picture of these mysterious beings. Imagine a group of individuals, each one a master of technology and magic, their skills unparalleled. They are masters of the forge, creating wondrous items with their hands, each one a work of art and a testament to their skill. Yet they are unknown, nary anyone within Gensokyo knew about them, neither legends nor myths speak of them, only whispers of fairies told us of their existence. They are a complete total enigma, a group of individuals who have managed to keep their secrets hidden from the prying eyes of the world.
However, from what I've managed to gather, they are not a native species of Gensokyo. They have no myths, legends, or folklore that precede them, suggesting that they may have arrived in Gensokyo from somewhere else, perhaps from another realm or dimension. But where did they come from? What is the true nature of these mysterious beings?
What lies behind their enigmatic facade? Are they a race of beings from another world, brought to our own by some mysterious means? Or are they a manifestation of some ancient power, long forgotten by those who once knew it? Or perhaps unknown youkais that have been living in the darkness, away from everyone's sight, their true form and nature unknown even to themselves? Are they a danger waiting to be unleashed, or are they merely misunderstood creatures, seeking only to live in peace?
The truth is both stranger and more fascinating than any of these possibilities. So what are you waiting for, dear reader? Join me on a journey into the unknown, as we uncover the truth behind the Deep Ones and reveal their shocking secrets to the world!
Also known as Fukakimonodomo in our language, Deep ones's history and true nature still remained a mystery dear reader. Their unwillingness to share their secrets and history, as well as their closed-off nature and lack of information or legends and myths about them, made it hard to determine their exact origin. Their appearance suggest that they might've been a group of Kappa that decided to live deep inside the forest and became youkai or subspecies of their own, but whether that is correct or not, only they know.
They can be found deep within the forest, far from prying eyes, they lived inside an abandoned and flooded building called cathedral that has been repurposed to suit their needs. The building, long since abandoned by any human, is now a haven for these strange beings. Inside, the air is thick with the smell of metal and magic, and the sound of hammers on anvil can be heard echoing through the halls. The building is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers, each one filled with the tools of the trade, from forges to laboratories, from libraries to workshops. Strange statues and murals decorate the walls, depicting scenes of mysterious creatures and grand, yet firghtening figures. Despite its abandoned appearance, the building is alive with activity, as the Deep Ones work tirelessly to hone their skills and perfect their creations.
The deep ones themselves are a sight to behold, their bodies covered in intricate tattoos that glow with an otherworldly light, their pale skin shimmering with an iridescent sheen, all covered in their black dress and veil. They move with a fluid grace, their movements as precise as their craftsmanship and as bizarre as their nature. They speak in a language that is both familiar and alien, their words a strange melody that echoes through the halls of the building. Their most striking feature would be their eyes, each one a different colour, sometimes with different shapes, sometimes the size of their iris is different than their other eye. Some of them cover one of their eyes with their hair, or maybe eyepatches. Whether out of tradition or for a practical reason, that too is still unknown.
What we do know is their prowess in the arcane. Mixing strange technologies with equally bizarre magic, many fairies I've interviewed have told me about strange things the deep ones created. Once one pass their strangeness, deep ones' creations are often very potent and bizarrely beautiful. Each are testament of their creators' skill, whether in magic or in smithing. They have a fondness for creating strange and beautiful trinkets and tools, and they have been known to create these items for those who have earned their trust. However, their penchant for secrecy and mysterious natures has made it difficult for outsiders like this reporter to obtain these items, despite her best efforts.
Though it seems, these deep ones for all their secrecy and aloofness, have a soft spot for fairies of sorts with fairies. Their strange manners and behaviours, which baffles and confuses others, seems almost normal to the fairies. Many of the fairies I interviewed seem to have a fondness for the deep ones, despite their peculiarities and inscrutable actions. Perhaps there is something about their enigmatic nature that resonates with their child-like innocence and wonder? Or maybe their shared love of play and mischief creates a natural bond between them?
The fairies seem to see something in the deep ones that others cannot, a spark of wonder and mystery that captures their imaginations and stirs their souls. And while the deep ones may be shrouded in darkness and secrecy, their relationship with the fairies remains a source of light and hope, a reminder that even the strangest of creatures can find connections with others in unexpected ways.
Maybe they are not so enigmatic and strange after all? Perhaps they are merely misunderstood beings, seeking only to live in peace with their own kind, far from the prying eyes of the outside world. Perhaps, in their own way, they are trying to create a world where they can be happy and fulfilled, free from the expectations and judgments of others.
But whatever their true nature may be, one thing is for certain: the deep ones are a force to be reckoned with, and their secrets remain shrouded in darkness, waiting to be revealed. Until next time dear readers, stay safe, keep your eyes peeled and your minds open to the endless wonders of our world.
"...Deep Ones huh? Because they were affected by or originally came from Deepwoods? How subtle." Alice scoffed as she set aside the newspaper she read, never expected for Rina to finish the day after she started anew, it was only yesterday they talked. Interesting choice to deliver in the evening though "At least these ones are disconnected enough they won't affect Gensokyo at large. But not even a week, merely three days at most...an entire group of Kappas enthralled by the fairies offers, exotic technologies, forest of magic...I see, using those to construct this background.."
"...Was it you, 'Mother'? Or was it you..o' Deepwoods?" Alice looked out the window, toward the directions of a certain forest and sighed "I'll have to deal with this aren't I? ...haah, I'll have to pay a visit to the Kappas and these 'newcomers' to later"
Just yet more works to do. Is this because Canon approaching and fuel even more changes? What next, some of the fairies evolved into certain feys like certain monsters? ....Wait, is this because Rina herself is some sort of main character so she found these kind of things?
....I really envy Reimu to not have to deal with these kind of Incidents. The thing I do for Gensokyo..
I'll be honest, I was writing next main stuff proper before this idea suddenly struck me and blitz through it in an hour or so. Not sure if I should put it on main or sidestory so tell me later, but here it is, one of the 'actually make some sense' article in the newspaper for fairies
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Uncertainty and Doubts
Ylamona
Konlulu~
As often seen, Hakurei Reimu is lazing around again today. While it is a misconception that she just lazes around all day, Reimu's daily 'activities' certainly didn't help with her image, though the shrine maiden herself didn't seem to mind. Perhaps Reimu herself already accepted such thing
As Reimu enjoyed her tea however, she heard footsteps on the shrine's grounds. Since Marisa and most of her other 'friends' flew in, only few possibilities are left. On the off-chance it was visitor from the village or outsiders needing help, Reimu stood up and tidied herself before she walked to see who came. She had to be professional after all, or at least not seen as someone lazy.
To Reimu's slight relief, she looked at the familiar blonde figure, realising she made the right choice as being seen lazy would mean another round of lecture or worse, having to endure that look of disappointment.
"Alice, did you come to bring food?" Reimu called out to the newcomer in a cheerful voice, not bothering to greet properly.
Alice sighed before she smiled back "You're so full of energy today, I see. I just come to check on you, not to feed you," she replied. "I'm not even sure I want to know what you have been doing all day, you look like you have been napping." She added, giving Reimu a look over.
Reimu laughed nervously. "I have been taking care of the shrine, cleaning the place, sweeping the leaves, and other stuff." Reimu quickly answered.
Alice stared at Reimu for uncomfortable few seconds before let out a giggle. "I believe you," she said, though Reimu wasn't so sure if Alice did or was simply teasing her, it's often hard to tell with the magician "So, may I come in? Or are we will just stand here in the shrine's ground?"
"Ah!" Reimu quickly moved aside to let Alice through, slightly embarrassed "Come in, come in"
"You seem to be doing well. I guess I don't have to worry about you, after all," Alice said as she poured a strange liquid to drink, it looked shiny and all purple "It's too early to drink, you're too young anyway so it's something I made from various fruit" Alice explained as she saw the look from the other girl.
Reimu took the drink and tried it, it tasted wonderful. She felt a bit fuzzy all over, but not like being drunk, more like a comfortable blanket all over. "Thanks! This is delicious, I never had something like this" Reimu exclaimed, looking happy and excited. Alice's eyes softened as she gazed at Reimu enjoying the drink.
"I'm glad you like it," Alice said, a soft smile on her face. "It's a new recipe, Marisa said she liked it but you know how she is sometimes, so it's a relief to hear that"
"I know," Reimu nodded. "I swear her taste buds must be broken from all of those mushrooms she eats. She even bought some of her so-called potions once, they all taste horrible" She said, making a face.
Alice giggled at Reimu's expression. "I know, I have been her taste-tester too, some of them are... interesting. Though those potions of hers work well, even if they taste horrible. At least, the ones she gave you, they should make you strong if consumed regularly"
"Pass," Reimu said, shuddering at the memory of the foul liquid.
"In another matter, here" Alice took out a pouch full of coins and put it in Reimu's hands. "Despite what people thought, I knew you've done great jobs recently giving the people at the village peace of mind and pacifying some youkais. It wasn't as much as proper 'extermination fee' but a little reward for your good deeds, take it."
Reimu stared at the money, and then at Alice. "I can't accept this, I just doing what I'm supposed to, not for money" Reimu said, as she looked away "And it was you that told me about those before they became actual problems anyway"
"You can, It's simply what you deserve, nothing more or less." Alice said, a small smile on her face. "And besides, your hands seemed to have other ideas" Alice added as despite Reimu tried to hand the pouch back, her fingers gripped it firmly.
Reimu blushed. "Well, I suppose I could accept this, since you're so insistent" She said, putting it in her robes. "Thank you, Alice"
"Think nothing of it" Alice smiled, and the two fell into a comfortable silence. Alice was looking out at the sky, and Reimu was sitting there, looking like she was lost in thoughts. Reimu had a lot of things to think about, and she wasn't sure what to say or ask. She looked at Alice, then at the sky, then back at Alice.
"Say, Alice," Reimu began, breaking the silence. "Do you ever feel like you're missing something?"
"Missing something?" Alice repeated, looking at Reimu curiously. "What do you mean by that?" She asked with a patient smile
"I mean, like you're missing a part of your life, something that you didn't realise, and it's bothering you. Like you don't know what you're missing, but you feel it's important." Reimu tried to explain, feeling awkward.
Alice nodded. "I know what you mean," She said, looking at the sky. "It's a feeling that something is missing, but you can't figure out what it is, or why you feel that way" She said, her voice soft and gentle. "But that's not unusual. We all go through that sometimes, especially when we got older."
"I guess so," Reimu said, her voice trailing off. "It just... feels like it's been going on forever. And it's getting worse. I feel like something is missing, but I have no idea what it is or why I feel this way." She said, looking lost in thought again. "I don't know how to describe it, it's just there, nagging at the back of my mind." She said, her voice sounding almost distant.
"That's okay" Alice gently caressing Reimu's hair, and Reimu leaned to the touch. "You're still young after all, and there's a lot of things that you don't know yet. You'll figure it out in time, Reimu. I'm sure of it." She said, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. She then hugged the girl, who hugged her back, her hands wrapped around her body, and she held her close, her head resting on her shoulder. The two stayed like that for a few minutes before Alice pulled away, a gentle smile on her face.
"I... Thank you, Alice." Reimu said, looking at Alice. "Can I ask you something else?" She asked hesitantly.
"Of course, what is it?" Alice asked gently.
"I... Sometimes, I wonder if I've been doing enough, you know?" Reimu said hesitantly. "I mean, I've been doing the best I can to help people and solve problems, but sometimes I wonder if I could have done more. Or if there's something more I should be doing, you know?" She said, her voice trailing off again. She felt a little uncertain if she should continue, if she could continue. But Alice didn't say anything either, patiently waiting for Reimu to continue. Reimu took a deep breath, and then continued.
"I just... sometimes, I get worried about it, you know? I'm afraid that I'm not doing enough. That I'm not solving things fast enough, that I'm not helping people enough. Sometimes I'm afraid that I'm not good enough at this, that I'm not cut out to be a shrine maiden and protector of Gensokyo, and that I'm failing everyone and everything, that I'll make a wrong choice and destroy everything, that..." Reimu's voice was getting louder and her words were coming out faster, and she felt herself start to panic. She didn't want to think about it, she didn't want to imagine it. But she couldn't help it. She felt the fear and worry start to well up inside her, and she couldn't stop it.
Reimu suddenly felt a hand on her head, gently patting her, and she looked up to see Alice. Reimu felt the warmth of Alice's hand and the gentleness in her voice. "There are many things I could say here, some soothing words or reassurances that you did a good job, and you're not failing, or you did your best so it's okay. But you wouldn't believe them even if I did. You will deny them, and even feel bad about it, thinking that you don't deserve such things misplaced. Not to mention, it would be a lie to say that you were perfect at it either"
Reimu didn't know what to say. She didn't know what she expected, but she didn't expect Alice to say something like that. She felt a little hurt, a little surprised, and a little... relieved? She wasn't sure. She didn't know what to say, or how to respond.
"So I'll simply say this. If you fail, then you failed. That just means, I and others will have to work harder to support you. You will simply have to work harder to fix it and do better. If you succeed, then you'll simply have to work harder to make sure everything is okay and keep Gensokyo safe."
"That's... that's it? You're not going to try to convince me that I didn't fail? Or that I did the best I could? Or that I didn't do anything wrong?" Reimu asked, a little surprised.
"Of course not," Alice gently smiled. "I'm not going to lie to you or sugarcoat things, Reimu. You're not a child anymore, you deserve to know the truth. You deserve to know that sometimes you fail, that sometimes you make mistakes, that sometimes you don't do enough. And you also deserve to know that sometimes you succeed, that sometimes you do more than enough. That's how things are, that's life."
"But I don't want to fail! I don't want to make mistakes!" Reimu protested, her voice rising.
"Who does? It hurts, it sucks, and it feels horrible to fail or make mistakes, but that's just part of being human, unfortunately." Alice said. "The only way to not fail or make mistakes is to not try anything at all. And then you will never succeed or learn. You'll just stagnate and rot, being safe in the comfort of mediocrity. Is that what you want?"
"... No, I guess not." Reimu said, her voice softening.
"Good. Don't be afraid to fail or make mistakes. Learn from them, and move on. If you're too worried about it, you'll just end up panicking, and that will just make things worse. If you're too hard on yourself, you will just end up hating yourself and beating yourself up. And that's not healthy either. You should forgive yourself, not hate yourself. You're the only person that will always be with you, no matter what. You should be your own greatest ally, not your own worst enemy." Alice said, her voice gentle.
"But what about the people, what about Gensokyo? I can't just fail them!" Reimu protested.
Alice sighed. "I know that, but it's not like you're doing this alone. You have friends that will help you. You have me, Marisa, Yukari, and the others. But again, that's something you must accept yourself to really believe."
"Besides, even if you fail, you'll still have us." Alice said, her voice reassuring.
"I... I don't know..." Reimu said, her voice wavering.
"That's okay" Alice gently caressed Reimu's back. "It's okay to be uncertain. It's okay to be afraid. But don't let that fear control you. Don't let it stop you from trying your best. Don't let it stop you from succeeding. And most importantly, don't let it stop you from asking for help when you need it." She said, her voice soft and gentle.
"I... I'll try," Reimu said hesitantly.
"Good" Alice said, as she hugged Reimu. "That's all I can ask for now."
".... Thanks," Reimu said quietly "Thank you, for everything, Alice"
Reimu sat silently on the porch of the Hakurei Shrine, leaning on Alice's lap, her eyes closed. The air was warm and still, with a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves. Alice sat next to her, her eyes closed as well, enjoying the silence and the peace of the moment. The two sat in silence for a long time, not saying a word.
It didn't take long until Reimu fell asleep, her body relaxing and her breathing slowing. Alice opened her eyes and looked at the girl, a soft smile on her face. She gently stroked Reimu's hair, the girl's head resting on her lap.
Alice sighed, her smile fading "I hope that was the right thing to say, Reimu. I wish I could give you better answers or do more, but how could I when I'm unsure myself. I just hope you learn to trust yourself, to forgive yourself. That's the only way you'll ever be able to truly be happy and content"
As Reimu enjoyed her tea however, she heard footsteps on the shrine's grounds. Since Marisa and most of her other 'friends' flew in, only few possibilities are left. On the off-chance it was visitor from the village or outsiders needing help, Reimu stood up and tidied herself before she walked to see who came. She had to be professional after all, or at least not seen as someone lazy.
To Reimu's slight relief, she looked at the familiar blonde figure, realising she made the right choice as being seen lazy would mean another round of lecture or worse, having to endure that look of disappointment.
"Alice, did you come to bring food?" Reimu called out to the newcomer in a cheerful voice, not bothering to greet properly.
Alice sighed before she smiled back "You're so full of energy today, I see. I just come to check on you, not to feed you," she replied. "I'm not even sure I want to know what you have been doing all day, you look like you have been napping." She added, giving Reimu a look over.
Reimu laughed nervously. "I have been taking care of the shrine, cleaning the place, sweeping the leaves, and other stuff." Reimu quickly answered.
Alice stared at Reimu for uncomfortable few seconds before let out a giggle. "I believe you," she said, though Reimu wasn't so sure if Alice did or was simply teasing her, it's often hard to tell with the magician "So, may I come in? Or are we will just stand here in the shrine's ground?"
"Ah!" Reimu quickly moved aside to let Alice through, slightly embarrassed "Come in, come in"
"You seem to be doing well. I guess I don't have to worry about you, after all," Alice said as she poured a strange liquid to drink, it looked shiny and all purple "It's too early to drink, you're too young anyway so it's something I made from various fruit" Alice explained as she saw the look from the other girl.
Reimu took the drink and tried it, it tasted wonderful. She felt a bit fuzzy all over, but not like being drunk, more like a comfortable blanket all over. "Thanks! This is delicious, I never had something like this" Reimu exclaimed, looking happy and excited. Alice's eyes softened as she gazed at Reimu enjoying the drink.
"I'm glad you like it," Alice said, a soft smile on her face. "It's a new recipe, Marisa said she liked it but you know how she is sometimes, so it's a relief to hear that"
"I know," Reimu nodded. "I swear her taste buds must be broken from all of those mushrooms she eats. She even bought some of her so-called potions once, they all taste horrible" She said, making a face.
Alice giggled at Reimu's expression. "I know, I have been her taste-tester too, some of them are... interesting. Though those potions of hers work well, even if they taste horrible. At least, the ones she gave you, they should make you strong if consumed regularly"
"Pass," Reimu said, shuddering at the memory of the foul liquid.
"In another matter, here" Alice took out a pouch full of coins and put it in Reimu's hands. "Despite what people thought, I knew you've done great jobs recently giving the people at the village peace of mind and pacifying some youkais. It wasn't as much as proper 'extermination fee' but a little reward for your good deeds, take it."
Reimu stared at the money, and then at Alice. "I can't accept this, I just doing what I'm supposed to, not for money" Reimu said, as she looked away "And it was you that told me about those before they became actual problems anyway"
"You can, It's simply what you deserve, nothing more or less." Alice said, a small smile on her face. "And besides, your hands seemed to have other ideas" Alice added as despite Reimu tried to hand the pouch back, her fingers gripped it firmly.
Reimu blushed. "Well, I suppose I could accept this, since you're so insistent" She said, putting it in her robes. "Thank you, Alice"
"Think nothing of it" Alice smiled, and the two fell into a comfortable silence. Alice was looking out at the sky, and Reimu was sitting there, looking like she was lost in thoughts. Reimu had a lot of things to think about, and she wasn't sure what to say or ask. She looked at Alice, then at the sky, then back at Alice.
"Say, Alice," Reimu began, breaking the silence. "Do you ever feel like you're missing something?"
"Missing something?" Alice repeated, looking at Reimu curiously. "What do you mean by that?" She asked with a patient smile
"I mean, like you're missing a part of your life, something that you didn't realise, and it's bothering you. Like you don't know what you're missing, but you feel it's important." Reimu tried to explain, feeling awkward.
Alice nodded. "I know what you mean," She said, looking at the sky. "It's a feeling that something is missing, but you can't figure out what it is, or why you feel that way" She said, her voice soft and gentle. "But that's not unusual. We all go through that sometimes, especially when we got older."
"I guess so," Reimu said, her voice trailing off. "It just... feels like it's been going on forever. And it's getting worse. I feel like something is missing, but I have no idea what it is or why I feel this way." She said, looking lost in thought again. "I don't know how to describe it, it's just there, nagging at the back of my mind." She said, her voice sounding almost distant.
"That's okay" Alice gently caressing Reimu's hair, and Reimu leaned to the touch. "You're still young after all, and there's a lot of things that you don't know yet. You'll figure it out in time, Reimu. I'm sure of it." She said, her voice filled with warmth and reassurance. She then hugged the girl, who hugged her back, her hands wrapped around her body, and she held her close, her head resting on her shoulder. The two stayed like that for a few minutes before Alice pulled away, a gentle smile on her face.
"I... Thank you, Alice." Reimu said, looking at Alice. "Can I ask you something else?" She asked hesitantly.
"Of course, what is it?" Alice asked gently.
"I... Sometimes, I wonder if I've been doing enough, you know?" Reimu said hesitantly. "I mean, I've been doing the best I can to help people and solve problems, but sometimes I wonder if I could have done more. Or if there's something more I should be doing, you know?" She said, her voice trailing off again. She felt a little uncertain if she should continue, if she could continue. But Alice didn't say anything either, patiently waiting for Reimu to continue. Reimu took a deep breath, and then continued.
"I just... sometimes, I get worried about it, you know? I'm afraid that I'm not doing enough. That I'm not solving things fast enough, that I'm not helping people enough. Sometimes I'm afraid that I'm not good enough at this, that I'm not cut out to be a shrine maiden and protector of Gensokyo, and that I'm failing everyone and everything, that I'll make a wrong choice and destroy everything, that..." Reimu's voice was getting louder and her words were coming out faster, and she felt herself start to panic. She didn't want to think about it, she didn't want to imagine it. But she couldn't help it. She felt the fear and worry start to well up inside her, and she couldn't stop it.
Reimu suddenly felt a hand on her head, gently patting her, and she looked up to see Alice. Reimu felt the warmth of Alice's hand and the gentleness in her voice. "There are many things I could say here, some soothing words or reassurances that you did a good job, and you're not failing, or you did your best so it's okay. But you wouldn't believe them even if I did. You will deny them, and even feel bad about it, thinking that you don't deserve such things misplaced. Not to mention, it would be a lie to say that you were perfect at it either"
Reimu didn't know what to say. She didn't know what she expected, but she didn't expect Alice to say something like that. She felt a little hurt, a little surprised, and a little... relieved? She wasn't sure. She didn't know what to say, or how to respond.
"So I'll simply say this. If you fail, then you failed. That just means, I and others will have to work harder to support you. You will simply have to work harder to fix it and do better. If you succeed, then you'll simply have to work harder to make sure everything is okay and keep Gensokyo safe."
"That's... that's it? You're not going to try to convince me that I didn't fail? Or that I did the best I could? Or that I didn't do anything wrong?" Reimu asked, a little surprised.
"Of course not," Alice gently smiled. "I'm not going to lie to you or sugarcoat things, Reimu. You're not a child anymore, you deserve to know the truth. You deserve to know that sometimes you fail, that sometimes you make mistakes, that sometimes you don't do enough. And you also deserve to know that sometimes you succeed, that sometimes you do more than enough. That's how things are, that's life."
"But I don't want to fail! I don't want to make mistakes!" Reimu protested, her voice rising.
"Who does? It hurts, it sucks, and it feels horrible to fail or make mistakes, but that's just part of being human, unfortunately." Alice said. "The only way to not fail or make mistakes is to not try anything at all. And then you will never succeed or learn. You'll just stagnate and rot, being safe in the comfort of mediocrity. Is that what you want?"
"... No, I guess not." Reimu said, her voice softening.
"Good. Don't be afraid to fail or make mistakes. Learn from them, and move on. If you're too worried about it, you'll just end up panicking, and that will just make things worse. If you're too hard on yourself, you will just end up hating yourself and beating yourself up. And that's not healthy either. You should forgive yourself, not hate yourself. You're the only person that will always be with you, no matter what. You should be your own greatest ally, not your own worst enemy." Alice said, her voice gentle.
"But what about the people, what about Gensokyo? I can't just fail them!" Reimu protested.
Alice sighed. "I know that, but it's not like you're doing this alone. You have friends that will help you. You have me, Marisa, Yukari, and the others. But again, that's something you must accept yourself to really believe."
"Besides, even if you fail, you'll still have us." Alice said, her voice reassuring.
"I... I don't know..." Reimu said, her voice wavering.
"That's okay" Alice gently caressed Reimu's back. "It's okay to be uncertain. It's okay to be afraid. But don't let that fear control you. Don't let it stop you from trying your best. Don't let it stop you from succeeding. And most importantly, don't let it stop you from asking for help when you need it." She said, her voice soft and gentle.
"I... I'll try," Reimu said hesitantly.
"Good" Alice said, as she hugged Reimu. "That's all I can ask for now."
".... Thanks," Reimu said quietly "Thank you, for everything, Alice"
Reimu sat silently on the porch of the Hakurei Shrine, leaning on Alice's lap, her eyes closed. The air was warm and still, with a gentle breeze blowing through the leaves. Alice sat next to her, her eyes closed as well, enjoying the silence and the peace of the moment. The two sat in silence for a long time, not saying a word.
It didn't take long until Reimu fell asleep, her body relaxing and her breathing slowing. Alice opened her eyes and looked at the girl, a soft smile on her face. She gently stroked Reimu's hair, the girl's head resting on her lap.
Alice sighed, her smile fading "I hope that was the right thing to say, Reimu. I wish I could give you better answers or do more, but how could I when I'm unsure myself. I just hope you learn to trust yourself, to forgive yourself. That's the only way you'll ever be able to truly be happy and content"
Everyday is more day of my initial plan for plot changed, but I suppose this one is fine. Might be a little hasty, maybe I can separate the thing into two separate events so it isn't a double whammy stuff. But that's how the muse goes it seems. Some things might feel out of place but as usual, this update brought to you by lack of sleep and a dream.
Alice: "This isn't even the first time this happens with Reimu, and Marisa too. I wonder sometimes if I fail as the technically older one due to self-insert, that this keep happening. I wonder if I am a failure as an adult? Haah, I really envy those people who hates on slow life isekai, I certainly can use one"
Alice: "This isn't even the first time this happens with Reimu, and Marisa too. I wonder sometimes if I fail as the technically older one due to self-insert, that this keep happening. I wonder if I am a failure as an adult? Haah, I really envy those people who hates on slow life isekai, I certainly can use one"
A Terrible Fate
Ylamona
Konlulu~
She could just ask the Magician, but she wouldn't admit anything even if it was true! Plus, that would be a waste of a great story! Maybe she should try to sneak inside the house...
Yeah, she might be the culprit after all!
RIna suddenly felt chill that shook to her core. The tengu was drenched in cold sweats, her breathing erratic. She must've been more nervous than she thought, but she won't be stopped just by this. This wasn't just for the sake of readership but also for the sake of fairies who might be kidnapped or worse!
The tengu took a moment to calm herself down before making her way into the house. It took a few tries, but she managed to just go in from the front door instead as it wasn't locked and there didn't seem to be anyone there instead.
She went through the house, making sure to take notes of everything she found and the atmosphere. The interior was lit with strange flickering lights and eerily silent, making it hard to tell whether it had any occupants or not. The place also has the feel of being lived-in but also not quite like it. There was a strange atmosphere to it, as if it was a place that was once full of life but had become hollowed out somehow. Rina couldn't quite describe the feeling but she would try her best. She also noted that the house felt much larger than it was from the outside, a feat she had seen before with youkai and magic users, but this one seemed different somehow. The tengu couldn't put her finger on why exactly, but there was an odd sense of emptiness to it, as if the rooms themselves had been drained of substance. She would try to describe this too, though she wasn't sure if her readers would understand.
She wandered the rooms, noting that there was a lack of furniture or personal items, which made the house feel less lived-in, despite the fact that the place was obviously inhabited. The rooms were mostly empty and the furniture that was there seemed to have been moved in a hurry. There were also a lot of books scattered about, as if someone had started to organize them but then stopped halfway. She also noted that the house smelled strange, like old paper and rotting wood. She didn't know if it was a sign of anything, but the tengu decided to take note of it anyway. She wasn't sure what it could mean, but at least it would help to paint a picture.
Strange paintings were on display on the walls, depicting what she assumed to be fairies and youkai, though they were rather odd in appearance. They all wore strange, almost human-like clothes, and their faces looked very similar to the tengu. She wasn't sure if it was coincidence or something else, but there was a definite theme to them. She also noted the lack of windows in most of the rooms. The only ones she found were the kitchen and the main entrance, and they were both boarded up. She wasn't sure why this was the case, but she decided to take note of that as well.
Shelves filled with books were everywhere. Despite her trepidations, she took a look at some of the books. She noted that the titles were all written in a strange script that she didn't recognise, though she could make out a few words here and there. She couldn't quite understand the meaning of the words, but they seemed to have something to do with fairy tales, and the titles of the books were also rather strange. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Something felt oddly familiar about them, and oddly alarming. She didn't know what they were, but there was something that made her nervous about them. There was nothing that indicated anything about the case, but it was still worth noting.
Then of course, there were the dolls that littered the entire place. From the shelves, cabinets, the floors, and anywhere she could look, dolls seemed to fill every nook and cranny. Rina must admit that she did find them very frightening. Something about them felt off, as if they weren't supposed to be there. It felt as if they were watching her, as if they knew she was intruding. They didn't move or speak, but they seemed to be staring at her all the same. Then there were those that looked pained, their mouths hanging open and their eyes bulging. Their limbs were bent in strange, uncomfortable positions, and they seemed to be trapped in an eternal agony. There were a few that looked almost alive, their eyes glinting in the dim light, their hair flowing in the nonexistent wind. They stared at her as if they were alive, and it was unnerving to say the least. There were also some that seemed to have been thrown about the room haphazardly, as if someone had carelessly tossed them aside.
It was when she turned a corner to a new hallway that she felt a sudden chill run up her spine, her breathing suddenly quickened, and her heart started to pound. She wasn't sure what it was, but something felt very, very wrong. Her eyes darted around, looking for the source of the strange feeling. That's when she saw it, a door at the end of the hallway. It was an ordinary door, but something about it felt... off. It looked normal enough, but something about it made her skin crawl. It was as if it was radiating an evil aura, and the thought made her want to turn back and run. The door was slightly ajar, and it was clear that it had been recently used, and yet... there was no sign of anyone in the hallway. She had a sudden urge to open the door and peek inside, just to see what was beyond. She knew she shouldn't, she knew it was dangerous, but she just couldn't help herself. The tengu crept up to the door, her footsteps barely making a sound. She reached out a hand, and slowly, ever so gently, pulled the door open.
The hallway beyond the door was dark, ambient light barely illuminating anything. She couldn't see what lay beyond, but she felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding.
Rina's feet felt heavier and heavier, each step was harder to take than the last, but she kept going. The air in the hallway was thick and oppressive, and it was hard to breathe. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, as if the walls themselves had eyes. The hallway seemed to stretch on forever, and she had a sinking feeling that she would never make it to the other end. And yet, she kept going, step by agonizing step. Her body, her mind, her soul, all cried to her that she should turn back, that she should escape while she still can. Yet her willpower was stronger than any fear, and it drove her forward. She had a goal, a purpose, and that was all that mattered.
The tengu was so focused on reaching the end that she didn't notice the shadows moving in the dim light. She didn't hear the whispers that seemed to echo all around her. She didn't feel the cold hands reaching out to grab her. Rina was so intent on her goal that she was blind and deaf to everything else. Her will was stronger than any fear or doubt, and it pushed her forward. Nothing would stop her.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the hallway ended in a simple wooden door. Rina's hand shook as she reached for the knob. She knew that whatever lay beyond this door, it wouldn't be good. But she had to know. Rina had to see, so she gently opened the door.
...Nothing
She couldn't feel anything, see anything, smell anything. It felt like she was standing in a vacuum. It was as if all the senses she had were suddenly shut off, and she couldn't understand why.
"...."
Sound, no, words. She could hear the sound of someone's voice. It sounded so faint, so far away, and yet so close. It felt like it was coming from everywhere and nowhere. It was a woman's voice, she was certain of that much, but the voice seemed to echo, bouncing off of the walls of her mind.
"..-Child. I am sorry little one"
There was something about the voice, something soothing and gentle, filled with sorrow and helplessness. Something that made her feel safe and cared for, despite the emptiness around her.
"If you've turned back from the Door, or at least from the Hallway, perhaps I could've done something. Though mayhaps, the moment you broke into this place, it was already too late. There was nothing that could've stopped you."
The voice, it felt so close, so intimate, as if it was whispering in her ear. And yet, there was no one there. The voice seemed to be coming from inside her, and that scared her more than anything.
"Ah, yes, you're probably confused right now, aren't you? I'm so sorry. I wish I could explain, but it would only make matters worse. All you need to know is that everything that happened was unavoidable. There was no other way. I'm so, so very sorry."
The voice was becoming clearer now, more defined. It was a woman, an old one at that. Her voice was gentle, but there was an unmistakable tinge of sorrow in her words. It made her feel even more helpless.
"I... I never saw anyone that could take more than two steps into the Hallway, let alone made it all the way into the end. Your Willpower is truly something to behold. Not even Reimu or Marisa could compare to you, that I'm certain of."
Reimu? Marisa? Why did those names sound so familiar? She couldn't place them, but they seemed to stir up some sort of emotion in her, one that she couldn't quite grasp.
"But, indomitable spirit alone isn't enough for this. Perhaps if I invited you in, perhaps if you didn't break into this place, perhaps if you knew what you even looked like? Lacking any identity, any characters about yourself, your existence simply too frail and lack any substance to stay. Even if you don't understand, the fact that you couldn't understand at all is a proof of its own."
Existence? Identity? Characters? What is this person talking about? Why is this happening to me? She was starting to feel dizzy, her head spinning. The words didn't make sense to her, they were just a jumbled mess. She couldn't understand what she was saying.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I wish there was another way, but there isn't. Please, forgive me. I'm so, so, sorry."
The voice was fading, growing weaker. She felt a sudden pang of sadness, a longing to reach out to the voice, to comfort it. She wanted to tell her that everything was alright, that there was nothing to forgive. But before she could say anything, the voice was gone, leaving only a faint echo in her mind.
"..."
She tried to speak, but her voice was gone too. She couldn't feel anything anymore. Her body was numb, her senses shut off. She was floating, suspended in nothingness.
...
.......
............
Alice sighed, starting at the piece of paper in front of her, smudged ink slowly disappearing from the page as it was returned to blank, pristine white.
"Another poor soul...snuffed out before she could bloom..." Alice sighed "..I am sure this would be enough right, dear Audience? You have seen all that needed to be seen, so please, if you may, leave this place. Let this sad, sad story end, and return to how it should've been. I'm sure you have better things to read...Please, let the poor girl have the life she deserved and not..this. Please...?"
Yeah, she might be the culprit after all!
RIna suddenly felt chill that shook to her core. The tengu was drenched in cold sweats, her breathing erratic. She must've been more nervous than she thought, but she won't be stopped just by this. This wasn't just for the sake of readership but also for the sake of fairies who might be kidnapped or worse!
The tengu took a moment to calm herself down before making her way into the house. It took a few tries, but she managed to just go in from the front door instead as it wasn't locked and there didn't seem to be anyone there instead.
She went through the house, making sure to take notes of everything she found and the atmosphere. The interior was lit with strange flickering lights and eerily silent, making it hard to tell whether it had any occupants or not. The place also has the feel of being lived-in but also not quite like it. There was a strange atmosphere to it, as if it was a place that was once full of life but had become hollowed out somehow. Rina couldn't quite describe the feeling but she would try her best. She also noted that the house felt much larger than it was from the outside, a feat she had seen before with youkai and magic users, but this one seemed different somehow. The tengu couldn't put her finger on why exactly, but there was an odd sense of emptiness to it, as if the rooms themselves had been drained of substance. She would try to describe this too, though she wasn't sure if her readers would understand.
She wandered the rooms, noting that there was a lack of furniture or personal items, which made the house feel less lived-in, despite the fact that the place was obviously inhabited. The rooms were mostly empty and the furniture that was there seemed to have been moved in a hurry. There were also a lot of books scattered about, as if someone had started to organize them but then stopped halfway. She also noted that the house smelled strange, like old paper and rotting wood. She didn't know if it was a sign of anything, but the tengu decided to take note of it anyway. She wasn't sure what it could mean, but at least it would help to paint a picture.
Strange paintings were on display on the walls, depicting what she assumed to be fairies and youkai, though they were rather odd in appearance. They all wore strange, almost human-like clothes, and their faces looked very similar to the tengu. She wasn't sure if it was coincidence or something else, but there was a definite theme to them. She also noted the lack of windows in most of the rooms. The only ones she found were the kitchen and the main entrance, and they were both boarded up. She wasn't sure why this was the case, but she decided to take note of that as well.
Shelves filled with books were everywhere. Despite her trepidations, she took a look at some of the books. She noted that the titles were all written in a strange script that she didn't recognise, though she could make out a few words here and there. She couldn't quite understand the meaning of the words, but they seemed to have something to do with fairy tales, and the titles of the books were also rather strange. She wasn't sure what to make of it. Something felt oddly familiar about them, and oddly alarming. She didn't know what they were, but there was something that made her nervous about them. There was nothing that indicated anything about the case, but it was still worth noting.
Then of course, there were the dolls that littered the entire place. From the shelves, cabinets, the floors, and anywhere she could look, dolls seemed to fill every nook and cranny. Rina must admit that she did find them very frightening. Something about them felt off, as if they weren't supposed to be there. It felt as if they were watching her, as if they knew she was intruding. They didn't move or speak, but they seemed to be staring at her all the same. Then there were those that looked pained, their mouths hanging open and their eyes bulging. Their limbs were bent in strange, uncomfortable positions, and they seemed to be trapped in an eternal agony. There were a few that looked almost alive, their eyes glinting in the dim light, their hair flowing in the nonexistent wind. They stared at her as if they were alive, and it was unnerving to say the least. There were also some that seemed to have been thrown about the room haphazardly, as if someone had carelessly tossed them aside.
It was when she turned a corner to a new hallway that she felt a sudden chill run up her spine, her breathing suddenly quickened, and her heart started to pound. She wasn't sure what it was, but something felt very, very wrong. Her eyes darted around, looking for the source of the strange feeling. That's when she saw it, a door at the end of the hallway. It was an ordinary door, but something about it felt... off. It looked normal enough, but something about it made her skin crawl. It was as if it was radiating an evil aura, and the thought made her want to turn back and run. The door was slightly ajar, and it was clear that it had been recently used, and yet... there was no sign of anyone in the hallway. She had a sudden urge to open the door and peek inside, just to see what was beyond. She knew she shouldn't, she knew it was dangerous, but she just couldn't help herself. The tengu crept up to the door, her footsteps barely making a sound. She reached out a hand, and slowly, ever so gently, pulled the door open.
The hallway beyond the door was dark, ambient light barely illuminating anything. She couldn't see what lay beyond, but she felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding.
Rina's feet felt heavier and heavier, each step was harder to take than the last, but she kept going. The air in the hallway was thick and oppressive, and it was hard to breathe. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched, as if the walls themselves had eyes. The hallway seemed to stretch on forever, and she had a sinking feeling that she would never make it to the other end. And yet, she kept going, step by agonizing step. Her body, her mind, her soul, all cried to her that she should turn back, that she should escape while she still can. Yet her willpower was stronger than any fear, and it drove her forward. She had a goal, a purpose, and that was all that mattered.
The tengu was so focused on reaching the end that she didn't notice the shadows moving in the dim light. She didn't hear the whispers that seemed to echo all around her. She didn't feel the cold hands reaching out to grab her. Rina was so intent on her goal that she was blind and deaf to everything else. Her will was stronger than any fear or doubt, and it pushed her forward. Nothing would stop her.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the hallway ended in a simple wooden door. Rina's hand shook as she reached for the knob. She knew that whatever lay beyond this door, it wouldn't be good. But she had to know. Rina had to see, so she gently opened the door.
...Nothing
She couldn't feel anything, see anything, smell anything. It felt like she was standing in a vacuum. It was as if all the senses she had were suddenly shut off, and she couldn't understand why.
"...."
Sound, no, words. She could hear the sound of someone's voice. It sounded so faint, so far away, and yet so close. It felt like it was coming from everywhere and nowhere. It was a woman's voice, she was certain of that much, but the voice seemed to echo, bouncing off of the walls of her mind.
"..-Child. I am sorry little one"
There was something about the voice, something soothing and gentle, filled with sorrow and helplessness. Something that made her feel safe and cared for, despite the emptiness around her.
"If you've turned back from the Door, or at least from the Hallway, perhaps I could've done something. Though mayhaps, the moment you broke into this place, it was already too late. There was nothing that could've stopped you."
The voice, it felt so close, so intimate, as if it was whispering in her ear. And yet, there was no one there. The voice seemed to be coming from inside her, and that scared her more than anything.
"Ah, yes, you're probably confused right now, aren't you? I'm so sorry. I wish I could explain, but it would only make matters worse. All you need to know is that everything that happened was unavoidable. There was no other way. I'm so, so very sorry."
The voice was becoming clearer now, more defined. It was a woman, an old one at that. Her voice was gentle, but there was an unmistakable tinge of sorrow in her words. It made her feel even more helpless.
"I... I never saw anyone that could take more than two steps into the Hallway, let alone made it all the way into the end. Your Willpower is truly something to behold. Not even Reimu or Marisa could compare to you, that I'm certain of."
Reimu? Marisa? Why did those names sound so familiar? She couldn't place them, but they seemed to stir up some sort of emotion in her, one that she couldn't quite grasp.
"But, indomitable spirit alone isn't enough for this. Perhaps if I invited you in, perhaps if you didn't break into this place, perhaps if you knew what you even looked like? Lacking any identity, any characters about yourself, your existence simply too frail and lack any substance to stay. Even if you don't understand, the fact that you couldn't understand at all is a proof of its own."
Existence? Identity? Characters? What is this person talking about? Why is this happening to me? She was starting to feel dizzy, her head spinning. The words didn't make sense to her, they were just a jumbled mess. She couldn't understand what she was saying.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I wish there was another way, but there isn't. Please, forgive me. I'm so, so, sorry."
The voice was fading, growing weaker. She felt a sudden pang of sadness, a longing to reach out to the voice, to comfort it. She wanted to tell her that everything was alright, that there was nothing to forgive. But before she could say anything, the voice was gone, leaving only a faint echo in her mind.
"..."
She tried to speak, but her voice was gone too. She couldn't feel anything anymore. Her body was numb, her senses shut off. She was floating, suspended in nothingness.
...
.......
............
Alice sighed, starting at the piece of paper in front of her, smudged ink slowly disappearing from the page as it was returned to blank, pristine white.
"Another poor soul...snuffed out before she could bloom..." Alice sighed "..I am sure this would be enough right, dear Audience? You have seen all that needed to be seen, so please, if you may, leave this place. Let this sad, sad story end, and return to how it should've been. I'm sure you have better things to read...Please, let the poor girl have the life she deserved and not..this. Please...?"
Ylamona
Konlulu~
It's very secure normally, no one can bypass the hallway and everyone has to make multiplr successful willpower checks. At that point, with everything screaming at you it's a bad idea, it's your Choice. It's Free Will and stuff
Settling In
Ylamona
Konlulu~
"You want to go home?"
Chiyuri nodded at Alice's question "Yes, I am thankful for you letting me stay, but I really think I should go back home"
Internally, Chiyuri couldn't help but sighed. She had spent the past few days at Alice's home. She didn't mind staying at the doll maker's place. In fact, Chiyuri will say with certainty that despite her spotty memories, she knew Alice's house was one of, if not the best house she had stayed in. It wasn't the most opulence or the largest, but everything was so comfortable and felt like home.
It was easy to overlook them from the outside for some reason, but it was a sizable house that looked straight out of a fairytale book Chiyuri saw before. Warm and welcoming, the interior was beautiful and elegant in subtle ways, the bed and sofa were comfortable beyond words, the food was delicious and made with care, and everything felt just right. It felt magical and nostalgic, a place she had been missing dearly and had only just realised it when she had arrived.
Alice herself was a wonderful hostess, kind, gentle, and attentive to details. She had been nothing but polite, friendly, and helpful to Chiyuri, and she couldn't help but feel grateful to her. The doll maker was also an interesting person, full of knowledge and stories to share, and she had enjoyed spending time with her. It made Chiyuri feel slightly guilty for ever doubting her, even if they are strangers and Chiyuri couldn't really understand the magician or everything surrounding her often.
Some parts of Chiyuri didn't want to leave, wanting to enjoy the comfort for as long as possible. However, the longer she stayed, the harder she found it to leave. She didn't want to overstay her welcome, and she felt like she needed to do this.
"This isn't only about finding your own place, isn't it? I know some places if you just want a house for yourself. You explicitly want to go back to your home in the the Human Village" Alice took a sip of her tea before continuing "I assumed you knew what this might meant, but I'll have to make sure"
"I am sure you realise that this Gensokyo, this world, most likely isn't yours? That there might never have been a Kitashirakawa Chiyuri ever lived here, that you might not even found anything there?" Alice asked, looking at her with a serious gaze.
"It's fine, I knew that. I still want to go and see it for myself" Chiyuri answered, looking back at her with a determined expression "I..I know, or rather don't know what my home was like. Was it big? Did I have a family? There was simply a feeling of emptiness in me, like I was missing something. I couldn't even tell if I lived there, but I felt like I have to at least try to know"
"I suppose this is inevitable. I can't force you to stay here, and I don't have the right to do so either" She sighed, thinking for a moment before speaking again "Those who lost something, will try search and seek it, to fill their voids. This is undoubtedly true to those affected by the Deepwood. But as you probably already have some inklings what this might meant Chiyuri"
Leaning forward, Alice stared at her with a piercing gaze that made Chiyuri feel slightly uncomfortable. The atmosphere became tense and serious, and she felt like she had to listen to her words carefully. Alice's rainbow-coloured eyes glowed with a strange light, making it harder for Chiyuri to look away from them.
"Chiyuri, your decisions will affect not only yourself, but others and perhaps even Gensokyo at large. And there will be no guarantee what the effects would be. Knowing that, will you still stand by your decision and accept the consequences that follow?" Alice asked, her voice soft but firm, her expression unreadable.
She couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine, as she felt a strange sensation of being watched by a multitude of eyes all at once "I know, I understand. I have been thinking about it since the start, and I still feel the same. There is something I must found here"
Alice stared at her for a long time, her eyes searching for something in her face that Chiyuri couldn't quite understand. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she nodded slowly and sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Very well, I won't stop you then. This too might be Destiny at play, or perhaps something greater, but if that's what your heart truly desires, then I won't deny you that"
"This might be the right time too with what comes around the corner. And there are some things that need to be done in the Village too" Alice smiled weakly, as if she knew something Chiyuri didn't. The dollmaker was often cryptic and vague in her speech, and it often left Chiyuri feeling lost and confused.
"Please wait outside for a moment. We will handle this today" Alice stood up and walked into a door Chiyuri never noticed was there, a rather strange and eerily normal door. It was a wooden door, plain and unadorned, with a simple brass doorknob that looked as if it had been there forever, but it didn't belong in the otherwise fairytale-like house.
Resisting the urge to snoop, she walked out of the house to wait.
Chiyuri found herself outside, standing on a cobblestone path that led to the front of the house, a small patch of grass on the side. She looked up at the clear blue sky and breathed in the fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. It was a beautiful day, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for being alive.
As she waited for Alice to come back, she took a breath and closed her eyes, taking a moment to relax and centre herself. She tried to clear her mind and focus on the present moment, on the sounds of the wind rustling the leaves, the birds singing in the distance, and the gentle hum of insects. She tried to let go of her worries and fears, and to trust that everything would work out in the end.
The sound of the door opening made Chiyuri turn and look. However, instead of Alice, the person that walked out wasn't who she expected.
"M-miss Chiyuri, I am sorry it took a while" A girl, who looked younger than Chiyuri and probably barely taller than average fairies greeted her. Her voice trembled with a hint of uncertainty. She wore a green beret-like hat that covered her shoulder-length brown hair, and a matching green cloak over her dress. The cloak looked a bit tattered and worn, like it had seen better days, and her outfit was a bit mismatched, like she had put it together from whatever clothes she could find. Despite that, she still somehow managed to make it look presentable, even if just barely.
Her appearance made her look almost like an abandoned street child, someone who had no one to rely on and nowhere to call home. She was small, even for her apparent age, with a fragile and vulnerable air about her, like a flower that could be crushed underfoot at any moment. Despite that, her brown eyes that often look closed, showed maturities and wisdom far beyond her age, and a determination that belied her fragile appearance.
The girl also carried a large backpack that looked heavy and cumbersome. Chiyuri couldn't help but notice that the backpack looked much too big for the girl's small frame. It seemed to be filled with various items, and the weight of it seemed to be pulling the girl down. Though the small girl seemed to not be bothered by the weight of it, or at least used to it.
"..Ah, my name is Elma, a match seller" The girl introduced herself with a nervous tone. "I'll be helpin- helping you today"
"Anyway, we should hurry. I need to get you to your old home before nightfall," Elma spoke quickly, her eyes darting around nervously, as if she was worried about being seen or heard. Her voice was still trembling, but she seemed determined to get Chiyuri to her destination.
Chiyuri wanted to ask more questions, to demand an explanation or at least a clarification. But the urgency in Elma's voice, and the way she was acting made her decide to play along, at least for now, and she nodded in agreement. She sensed that there was something deeper going on here, something that she needed to understand.
"Alright, lead the way" She decided to trust her, or at least in Alice she knew behind this. Whatever this was, it couldn't be too bad, hopefully.
They started walking through the woods, leaving Alice's house behind them. They walked for what felt like a long time, through dense trees and underbrush that seemed to close in on them from all sides. Chiyuri followed closely behind Elma, trying to keep up with her brisk pace, and feeling increasingly uneasy about their situation. The forest was dark and quiet, and there was an eerie sense of foreboding that seemed to hang in the air.
Chiyuri couldn't help but notice how Elma seemed to be walking on the path of the woods with confidence and familiarity. Even with her short height and the heavy backpack, she moved through the woods easily, as if she had done this many times before. She seemed to know where she was going and where she was, despite the twists and turns of the path, and the way the trees and plants seemed to blend together in a sea of green and brown.
"Elma often visited the Forest of Magic" The girl suddenly said, as if she could sense Chiyuri's question. "The woods here are..different. They are not the same as the others, and they have a magic all their own. They also made a good match for fire. I also gathered other stuff from here to sell back in the Village"
"Oh, okay. That's interesting," Chiyuri replied, trying to sound casual and not let her confusion show. She didn't know what to make of Elma or the situation, and she couldn't help but feel like she was being led into something that she didn't understand. But she also couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to trust Elma, that there was something important that she was missing.
They walked in silence for a while longer, until they reached the edge of a clearing. The trees seemed to open up before them, and the sunlight streamed through in golden beams that lit up the grass and flowers that grew there. It seems they've reached the edge of the Forest of Magic and toward the regular forest that should lead to the Human Village.
"A-ah, miss Chiyuri? Do..do you trust me?" Elma asked, her voice trembling and hesitant, as if she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer. She was looking at the ground, avoiding Chiyuri's gaze, her hands clenched tightly around her bag. She couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl, who seemed so young and vulnerable, yet so brave and determined at the same time. It was hard to reconcile the image of Elma with the memory of Alice, but something in Chiyuri's heart told her that they were one and the same.
"Yes, of course I do. I don't really understand but I trust you" Chiyuri replied without hesitation. She didn't fully understand the situation or the reasons behind it, but she trusted Alice. A strange thing to say about someone who she just met few days ago and barely know anything about, but it felt right somehow, like many things involving her memories or even this very journey's goal. Thus trusting this girl wouldn't be much of a stretch.
Elma's eyes opened wide in surprise, a mix of disbelief, hope, and gratitude. It seemed like she wasn't expecting that response, and it touched her deeply. She looked at Chiyuri with admiration, and her voice was softer and more sincere when she spoke. "Thank you, Miss Chiyuri"
The two girls stood there for a moment, looking at each other, before the smaller girl handed Chiyuri a spool of golden string. It was a beautiful and delicate thing, shimmering in the light of the sun that filtered through the trees. Chiyuri took it in her hands, feeling its weight and smoothness. She didn't understand its purpose, but she could sense that it was important.
"Please hold this somewhere safe, and follow my lead. If anyone came, j-just let me be the one that talk. At least until you understand" Elma said, looking at Chiyuri with a mixture of anxiety and hope "A-ah..but I guess...I should explai- explain some more first, right? Right"
"To put simply since that place..that scary woods took your self..it made you more..malleable? I guess that's what you would call it? Anyway, it made it so you can..change things, or rather be changed easily, and even yourself. It's complicated..but other people's words..their perspective of you can change you or even the world?" She rambled, her words tumbling out in a rush, her fingers fidgeting nervously with the hem of her cloak.
Chiyuri stared at her, trying to make sense of what she was saying. The words were strange and confusing, but there was something about them that made her uneasy, like a nagging feeling that she couldn't shake off. It was like a piece of a puzzle that was just out of reach, a clue to something bigger that she couldn't quite grasp.
"W-what I am saying is, if ah- your house! If we can convince people that your house is there, and you lived there. It will be true, and it will be there if possible, though easier if we use an existing home no one cares about" Elma continued, her voice quivering with emotion, as if she was afraid of being dismissed or laughed at. "Or rather, because you were 'unknown' to them, so long there is no evidence to otherwise and it is a plausible thing, they will accept it and believe in it, and the world will change to fit that. But...it's a bit more complicated and I can't really explain more. I am sorry I am not making much sense..ah, though it is only possible because you were almost 'purified' by the Deepwoods. You have a lot of gaps to be filled"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! That's..that's a lot to take in. You mean that if people believe I lived in that house, then it will be mine? That's... that's impossible. That's not how the world works" Chiyuri replied, her voice shaking with disbelief. It was a ridiculous idea, something out of a fairy tale, and she couldn't believe that Elma was serious about it.
"It doesn't, neither gensokyo works that way either. it's just how weird Deepwoods is..." Elma sighed and looked down, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She looked so weak and fragile, like a doll that could be broken with a single touch. "It-it's how it is..that's why you felt empty..those gaps in your self, they yearn to be filled. Hence why before other people can 'fill' you with their perspectives of you randomly and accidentally, we will direct it and shape it. We can't create things out of thin air, without very convincing and detailed backstories that are believed fully by many at least, but so long there are enough things and sufficient apathy to not contradict it..."
"At least your sense of identity is stable enough, so you won't get changed too much as a person, just some of your...details. Like, your past, your family, your home. You can't back out from this, once you has a history here, you can't remove it, ever. Not without going to Deepwood again" The small girl looked up at Chiyuri again, her eyes full of sadness and resignation. "But it's better than feeling hollow, isn't it? To fill your emptiness, even if the way to do it is..like this"
"I..I don't know. It's just... it's just a lot to take in" Chiyuri replied, feeling overwhelmed by the information. It was hard to accept that something so fantastical could be real, and she wasn't sure what to think. Her mind was racing with thoughts and questions, and she didn't know where to start or what to ask.
"Y-yeah, that's understandable" The girl nodded, her expression turning apologetic. She looked like she had been through this before, like she had tried to explain this to someone else, but they had not believed her. "I'm sorry, let's rest for few minutes. It was a lot to take in"
The two girls continued on their ways and reached the Human Village in the afternoon. Throughout the journey, Chiyuri couldn't help but be tense when they met villagers working on the fields around the Village while Elma remained calm the whole time. She tried to follow Elma's instructions, keeping her mouth shut, trying to maintain a stoic expression, and letting the girl speak for her. Though it was hard for Chiyuri to not panic whenever the villagers greeted them or asked questions, which Elma skilfully answered without implicating Chiyuri of anything. Chiyuri noted that the villagers seemed to know Elma well and greeted her warmly and respectfully, often cheerfully if she was here to sell some things again.
"We're here, the Human Village" The small girl said as she fix her hat and pat her cloak to make it look more presentable.
Despite being called a village, it was larger than Chiyuri imagined. It would at least be a town or maybe even a small city in some places, but not a village. There were hundreds of houses and buildings, many of which were built in a traditional Japanese style with wooden walls and tiled roofs. Some of the streets were paved with cobblestones, while others were made of dirt or gravel. The village bustled with activity, with people of all ages and occupations walking around.
Chiyuri couldn't help but marvel at the sight, as a sense of familiarity and nostalgia washed over her. She lived here, she knew this for sure now. She had spent time here and had memories of the place that were slowly returning to her. She could almost hear the sound of children laughing and playing in the streets, and she could almost taste the food being cooked in the nearby stalls and shops. It was a place that felt like home, even though she had only just arrived.
Elma looked at Chiyuri, who seemed to be lost in thought, and smiled softly. "It seems that Destiny has its plan…."
Only marvelling for a few moments, Chiyuri regained her composure and looked at the small girl next to her. "So, what now? We just..go find it"
"It's not that simple...m-maybe. Do you feel anything? Any tugging feeling?" Elma looked at her, her expression hopeful. "Or maybe a feeling or a thought that your home was in a particular direction?"
Chiyuri closed her eyes, letting the sounds and smells of the village wash over her. She could feel something stirring inside her, like a memory or a feeling that she had lost. She tried to focus on it, to find the source of the sensation, but it was elusive and fleeting, like a whisper in the wind.
She shook her head, feeling frustrated and disappointed. "I'm sorry, I don't feel anything"
"It's fine" The small girl smiled at her, her voice warm and reassuring. "Let's wander around for a bit. Maybe we will find some clues or hints"
As they walked through the streets, Chiyuri seemed to feel more at ease. The village became more familiar to her as they walked around. She started to remember things about it, like the names of some of the buildings and the locations of certain landmarks. Until Chiyuri could feel that sensation again, stronger and clearer this time. It was a sense of recognition and belonging, like a piece of her puzzle had been found.
She turned and looked at Elma, her eyes bright with excitement. "I think... I know where to go"
Chiyuri led Elma down a narrow street, past a row of houses and shops, until she came to a small building. It was an old and worn wooden structure, with a thatched roof and weathered walls. The door was shut and locked, and the windows were covered with curtains. It looked like no one had been there for a long time, yet it still stood tall and strong, as if it was waiting for someone to return.
"This is it. This is my house. I'm sure of it" Chiyuri said with confidence. She felt like she had finally come home, after being lost for a long time.
"..." Elma meanwhile frowned and looked at it with an odd expression. She was quiet for a moment, before nodding and speaking "I see...you're lucky it's an abandoned house, and there are no traces of anyone living there. And..it's perfect for what we need"
"Ah, I guess that's good. Now what? Do we just claim it or something?" Chiyuri asked, looking at Elma curiously.
The small girl laughed softly, and shook her head. "No, it's not that easy. Though at least we didn't need to make an actual house first, truly perfect..too perfect actually" She muttered to herself, before continuing "Since all was ready, we only needed some more firm recognition. I already told others that I was bringing you home so all that's left is something...bigger"
"Something bigger?" Chiyuri tilted her head in confusion, not understanding what Elma meant.
"J-just leave it to me" The girl nodded and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Just follow my lead, we will need to talk to someone. Someone that many people here, someone with weight to their existence in the Village. Some come to mind but only one suited for this. Oh, and wear this cloak"
With that, Elma led Chiyuri, who now cloaked enough to hide her identity, down the street, and they soon arrived at a house. After Elma knocked on the door, a woman with long silver hair with blue highlights and brown eyes answered the door. She wore a dark blue dress with white short sleeves, and a red ribbon is tied to the bottom of the collar.
She smiled as she saw who was at the door. "Oh, hello there Elma. What brings you here today?"
"Hello, Miss Keine!" Elma greeted her, with a smile that was both cheerful and shy. "I-I have something importan- important to talk to you so can we come in please?"
"Of course, come in, come in" Keine stepped aside to let Elma and Chiyuri inside her home. The house was small and cosy, filled with many books and scrolls. It had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it was clear that Keine took good care of it.
"Please have a seat" She said as she gestured to some chairs around a table. Elma sat down, and Chiyuri followed suit, still wearing the cloak that Elma had given her.
"So, what do you want to talk about, Elma?" Keine asked as she took a seat across from them. Her expression was kind and curious, and she looked at Elma with genuine interest.
"I-it's um.." Elma looked nervous and fidgety, as she glanced at Chiyuri and then back at Keine. She took a deep breath and began to explain, stuttering a little as she spoke. Chiyuri barely noticed that hidden from view, Elma held a burnt match as the smoke from it started to fill the room, though Keine seemed to not notice. "I was..in the Forest of Magic and-"
Keine sighed "Elma, I told you to be careful and stay out of the Forest of Magic. That place is dangerous, you could have gotten hurt or worse. Don't you realise the risks you're taking?" Keine's expression was serious and stern, but Chiyuri could see a hint of worry and concern in her eyes "I know you're a hardworking girl and you need the money, but there are other ways to make it"
Elma looked down at her hands, ashamed and guilty "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Miss Keine. I just..I just couldn't find any other jobs"
Keine's expression softened, and she reached out to touch Elma's shoulder gently "I'm not trying to be mean, Elma. I'm just worried about your safety. You're a smart and capable girl, and you deserve better than risking your life in the forest"
Elma nodded, still not meeting Keine's gaze. "I know, I know. But..but today I found a strange mist. A-and it was scary, I-I got lost. Then..then this person here saved me. She was also lost in there and she saved me. We got out together, and..and I realised she lost her memories.."
Chiyuri's hand tightened on the cloak, as she listened to Elma's words. She knew that this was all a lie, but she also knew that it was necessary. She had to trust Elma and go along with her story, even if it made her feel guilty.
"Oh dear, that's awful. How terrible for her" Keine's expression changed to one of sympathy, and she looked at Chiyuri with kindness and concern. "Is that true? Do you remember anything at all?"
Chiyuri's voice trembled as she spoke, trying to keep up the act "Y-yes. I think..I remember living here in the village. I think my house was here, but I can't remember where. I just remember that I lived here, and I had a family. But I can't remember their faces or names"
Keine frowned, thinking for a moment. She seemed to be trying to remember something, or to put the pieces together in her mind. "I see...that's unfortunate" She looked at Chiyuri, her expression thoughtful and serious "Can you tell me anything else? Anything at all that you remember?"
"Um, not much. Just that I lived here, and that I had a family, Ithink. I remember the smell of the food and the sound of the laughter. But that's all" Chiyuri felt her heart racing, as she tried to keep her voice steady and calm. She didn't want to give herself away or make Keine suspicious.
"...Maybe miss Keine recognizes her if you see her face?" Elma piped up, pointing at the cloak that still covered most of Chiyuri's appearance. "She has this weird outfit, and we didn't want to draw attention. But I think you might recognise her"
Keine looked at Chiyuri curiously, nodding in agreement. "That's true. Maybe if I see her face, I might be able to help. Can you please remove your cloak, miss?"
"Uh, sure" Chiyuri hesitated for a moment, before slowly removing her cloak. She felt exposed and nervous, as she revealed her face to Keine. She wasn't sure what to expect, or what Keine would say.
"!" Keine's eyes widened in surprise and recognition, as she saw Chiyuri's face. She gasped softly, her expression changing to one of shock and disbelief "It can't be...no, it is..you're..Chiyuri-chan?!"
Before Elma or Chiyuri could react, Keine rushed forward and embraced Chiyuri in a warm and tight hug. Chiyuri was caught off guard by the sudden affection, and she stiffened for a moment, before relaxing into the embrace. She could feel Keine's tears on her shoulder, as the woman clung to her.
"Chiyuri-chan, I can't believe it's really you. You're alive. You're alive" Keine whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "I thought you were dead, after you went missing sometimes ago. We searched for you everywhere, but we couldn't find you. We thought you had died"
Elma looked thoughtful as her gaze connected with Chiyuri in silent communication before the latter nodded. Elma secretly lit another match and waved it off, filling the air with more invisible smoke "Miss Keine, you knew her? Were you friends..or even family with her?"
Keine pulled away from the hug, wiping her eyes with her hand. She looked at Chiyuri, her expression still full of surprise and happiness "Family..I guess you could say that. We're cousins, though I was like a big sister to her. I was the one who raised her after her parents passed away"
Chiyuri nodded, feeling a sense of relief and warmth spreading through her. She didn't know how she knew it, but she could feel a connection between her and Keine, a bond of love and familiarity. Whether it was the truth or not, she knew it was genuine and real "I..I don't remember that, but I feel like I know it. I feel like I know you, Miss Keine"
Keine smiled at her, her eyes shining with tears "Please, call me Keine. Just Keine. We're family after all" She reached out and took Chiyuri's hands in her own, squeezing them gently "I'm so glad you're alive, Chiyuri-chan. It's a miracle"
Elma, meanwhile, watched the scene with an inscrutable gaze before switching back to a more innocent expression "So, since you knew each other..I will take my leave now miss Keine"
Keine nodded in agreement, still holding Chiyuri's hands "Thank you, Elma. We're in your debt. You've brought us back together, and we're grateful"
The small girl bowed her head slightly, a faint smile on her lips "It's nothing. Elma just wants to help. Now, if there is nothing else, Elma needs to go. I still have a job to do and places to go"
"Ah, of course, of course" Keine released Chiyuri's hands and walked Elma to the door, thanking her again for her help. Elma gave Chiyuri a wink and a small smile before she left, closing the door behind her.
As soon as Elma left the house and out of sight, she let out a sigh of relief and satisfaction. "That went well, though it was..too coincidental" She muttered to herself, looking up at the sky "I wonder if there's a Destiny at work here, it can't be Chiyuri actually from here, this Gensokyo...right? What would be the chance for that?"
"And that house...miss Keine..History?" The girl muttered to herself as she walked away, her mind racing with thoughts and speculations, disappearing into the crowd of villagers.
The sun set over Gensokyo, casting a warm orange glow over the land.
Chiyuri is currently making her way back toward Alice's house. While she was grateful to Keine and happy that she found someone who knew her. Though her house was still rundown and Chiyuri wasn't ready yet to stay at Keine's house, she made up some reason about how she left a few things in the Forest. Which the teacher bought and even offered to go with her. But Chiyuri politely declined, saying that she could handle it on her own. It took a while to convince the woman to let her go, but she eventually relented and let her go after she brought up wanting to go with Elma to retrieve her stuff. Chiyuri had to admit, it was nice to know that someone cared about her and wanted to protect her. She could see the concern in Keine's eyes and hear the worry in her voice. She didn't want to lie to her, but she also knew that she couldn't tell her the whole truth either.
So here she was, she couldn't find Elma so she just made her way directly toward Alice's house. There were some questions still in her mind about the day's events and she wanted to get some rest too. It has been a long day and she was getting tired.
When she arrived, Alice was already waiting for her, as if she knew that Chiyuri would return "Welcome back. Did you find what you seek?"
"Yeah, yeah I did" Chiyuri nodded, feeling a sense of relief and happiness. Things might be uncertain, but Chiyuri felt like she at least have some direction in her life now, and that she have someplace to belong, and that was enough for now. She looked at Alice, and saw a knowing smile on her lips.
"That's good, I'm happy for you" Alice said, her voice sincere and gentle. She gestured for Chiyuri inside to sit down at the table, where two cups of tea were already waiting. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss"
Chiyuri recounted the events of the day to Alice, telling her everything that happened in the village and with Keine.
When Chiyuri was finished, Alice took a sip of her tea and spoke "I see, it seems that things turned out well. You handled things well with Keine, though perhaps it was meant to be"
"Meant to be?" Chiyuri asked, curious about what Alice meant. She didn't understand what Alice meant by that, or how things were meant to be. "What do you mean?"
Alice looked at her with a mysterious gaze, her eyes twinkling with something that Chiyuri couldn't quite place. "While it might seemed a convenient thing, our status to alter reality is not as easily as it sounds. You surely understand how easy it would be for others to alter us so long there is enough people and 'gaps' to fill"
"However, it seemed that things come naturally to you, extremely so. It's as if you simply reconnecting cut threads, rather than spinning new ones" Alice sighed and looked down, her expression turning thoughtful. "I suspected this, and this seemed to confirmed it. As far as this world concerned, you always belonged here, you were simply lost and now found. Perhaps you truly were from this world"
"This...is confusing" Chiyuri said, "But I feel like it's the truth, somehow"
Alice nodded as she took another sip of tea. "I know, and that's how it is. As it is now, you didn't need to worry about accidentally 'filling' in your 'gaps'. So long you stick around Keine and away from anyone important enough to affect you, you're fine. Your 'backstory' so to speak, will naturally filled by Keine now and it would simply be truly remembering things again instead of creating things out of nothing"
"I see" Chiyuri said, feeling a little overwhelmed but also grateful. She didn't want to lose herself, and she was glad that she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. "Thank you, Alice. I'm glad you're helping me"
Alice smiled and nodded "You're welcome. Just avoid Marisa and Reimu for now, be non-committal and act amnesiac for now. That should be enough until I am free enough to deal with the vessel"
"I will do that" Chiyuri nodded.
Before the two girls could talk anymore, they heard a knock on the door. Alice seemed to just continue drinking her tea, silently signalling Chiyuri to handle it. Chiyuri sighed and went to answer the door, curious about who was there.
As she opened the door, she saw three small girls standing on the porch. The one on the right is a blonde girl with red eyes and black dress, the one on the left was a girl with green wavy short hair and green eyes, wearing a red-plaited dress and white shirt. The girl in the middle was one of the fairies she saw before, short blue hair, black shirt and green skirt with butterfly motif. Something about the group terrified Chiyuri in primal sense of things.
"Good evening" The girl in the middle greeted Chiyuri, smiling brightly "Is Alice-chan home?"
"...Ah, so that was what I forgot, old monsters meeting" Chiyuri heard Alice mutter to herself and suddenly felt that she might've been better to accept Keine's offer to stay.
Chiyuri nodded at Alice's question "Yes, I am thankful for you letting me stay, but I really think I should go back home"
Internally, Chiyuri couldn't help but sighed. She had spent the past few days at Alice's home. She didn't mind staying at the doll maker's place. In fact, Chiyuri will say with certainty that despite her spotty memories, she knew Alice's house was one of, if not the best house she had stayed in. It wasn't the most opulence or the largest, but everything was so comfortable and felt like home.
It was easy to overlook them from the outside for some reason, but it was a sizable house that looked straight out of a fairytale book Chiyuri saw before. Warm and welcoming, the interior was beautiful and elegant in subtle ways, the bed and sofa were comfortable beyond words, the food was delicious and made with care, and everything felt just right. It felt magical and nostalgic, a place she had been missing dearly and had only just realised it when she had arrived.
Alice herself was a wonderful hostess, kind, gentle, and attentive to details. She had been nothing but polite, friendly, and helpful to Chiyuri, and she couldn't help but feel grateful to her. The doll maker was also an interesting person, full of knowledge and stories to share, and she had enjoyed spending time with her. It made Chiyuri feel slightly guilty for ever doubting her, even if they are strangers and Chiyuri couldn't really understand the magician or everything surrounding her often.
Some parts of Chiyuri didn't want to leave, wanting to enjoy the comfort for as long as possible. However, the longer she stayed, the harder she found it to leave. She didn't want to overstay her welcome, and she felt like she needed to do this.
"This isn't only about finding your own place, isn't it? I know some places if you just want a house for yourself. You explicitly want to go back to your home in the the Human Village" Alice took a sip of her tea before continuing "I assumed you knew what this might meant, but I'll have to make sure"
"I am sure you realise that this Gensokyo, this world, most likely isn't yours? That there might never have been a Kitashirakawa Chiyuri ever lived here, that you might not even found anything there?" Alice asked, looking at her with a serious gaze.
"It's fine, I knew that. I still want to go and see it for myself" Chiyuri answered, looking back at her with a determined expression "I..I know, or rather don't know what my home was like. Was it big? Did I have a family? There was simply a feeling of emptiness in me, like I was missing something. I couldn't even tell if I lived there, but I felt like I have to at least try to know"
"I suppose this is inevitable. I can't force you to stay here, and I don't have the right to do so either" She sighed, thinking for a moment before speaking again "Those who lost something, will try search and seek it, to fill their voids. This is undoubtedly true to those affected by the Deepwood. But as you probably already have some inklings what this might meant Chiyuri"
Leaning forward, Alice stared at her with a piercing gaze that made Chiyuri feel slightly uncomfortable. The atmosphere became tense and serious, and she felt like she had to listen to her words carefully. Alice's rainbow-coloured eyes glowed with a strange light, making it harder for Chiyuri to look away from them.
"Chiyuri, your decisions will affect not only yourself, but others and perhaps even Gensokyo at large. And there will be no guarantee what the effects would be. Knowing that, will you still stand by your decision and accept the consequences that follow?" Alice asked, her voice soft but firm, her expression unreadable.
She couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine, as she felt a strange sensation of being watched by a multitude of eyes all at once "I know, I understand. I have been thinking about it since the start, and I still feel the same. There is something I must found here"
Alice stared at her for a long time, her eyes searching for something in her face that Chiyuri couldn't quite understand. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she nodded slowly and sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Very well, I won't stop you then. This too might be Destiny at play, or perhaps something greater, but if that's what your heart truly desires, then I won't deny you that"
"This might be the right time too with what comes around the corner. And there are some things that need to be done in the Village too" Alice smiled weakly, as if she knew something Chiyuri didn't. The dollmaker was often cryptic and vague in her speech, and it often left Chiyuri feeling lost and confused.
"Please wait outside for a moment. We will handle this today" Alice stood up and walked into a door Chiyuri never noticed was there, a rather strange and eerily normal door. It was a wooden door, plain and unadorned, with a simple brass doorknob that looked as if it had been there forever, but it didn't belong in the otherwise fairytale-like house.
Resisting the urge to snoop, she walked out of the house to wait.
Chiyuri found herself outside, standing on a cobblestone path that led to the front of the house, a small patch of grass on the side. She looked up at the clear blue sky and breathed in the fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. It was a beautiful day, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for being alive.
As she waited for Alice to come back, she took a breath and closed her eyes, taking a moment to relax and centre herself. She tried to clear her mind and focus on the present moment, on the sounds of the wind rustling the leaves, the birds singing in the distance, and the gentle hum of insects. She tried to let go of her worries and fears, and to trust that everything would work out in the end.
The sound of the door opening made Chiyuri turn and look. However, instead of Alice, the person that walked out wasn't who she expected.
"M-miss Chiyuri, I am sorry it took a while" A girl, who looked younger than Chiyuri and probably barely taller than average fairies greeted her. Her voice trembled with a hint of uncertainty. She wore a green beret-like hat that covered her shoulder-length brown hair, and a matching green cloak over her dress. The cloak looked a bit tattered and worn, like it had seen better days, and her outfit was a bit mismatched, like she had put it together from whatever clothes she could find. Despite that, she still somehow managed to make it look presentable, even if just barely.
Her appearance made her look almost like an abandoned street child, someone who had no one to rely on and nowhere to call home. She was small, even for her apparent age, with a fragile and vulnerable air about her, like a flower that could be crushed underfoot at any moment. Despite that, her brown eyes that often look closed, showed maturities and wisdom far beyond her age, and a determination that belied her fragile appearance.
The girl also carried a large backpack that looked heavy and cumbersome. Chiyuri couldn't help but notice that the backpack looked much too big for the girl's small frame. It seemed to be filled with various items, and the weight of it seemed to be pulling the girl down. Though the small girl seemed to not be bothered by the weight of it, or at least used to it.
"..Ah, my name is Elma, a match seller" The girl introduced herself with a nervous tone. "I'll be helpin- helping you today"
"Anyway, we should hurry. I need to get you to your old home before nightfall," Elma spoke quickly, her eyes darting around nervously, as if she was worried about being seen or heard. Her voice was still trembling, but she seemed determined to get Chiyuri to her destination.
Chiyuri wanted to ask more questions, to demand an explanation or at least a clarification. But the urgency in Elma's voice, and the way she was acting made her decide to play along, at least for now, and she nodded in agreement. She sensed that there was something deeper going on here, something that she needed to understand.
"Alright, lead the way" She decided to trust her, or at least in Alice she knew behind this. Whatever this was, it couldn't be too bad, hopefully.
They started walking through the woods, leaving Alice's house behind them. They walked for what felt like a long time, through dense trees and underbrush that seemed to close in on them from all sides. Chiyuri followed closely behind Elma, trying to keep up with her brisk pace, and feeling increasingly uneasy about their situation. The forest was dark and quiet, and there was an eerie sense of foreboding that seemed to hang in the air.
Chiyuri couldn't help but notice how Elma seemed to be walking on the path of the woods with confidence and familiarity. Even with her short height and the heavy backpack, she moved through the woods easily, as if she had done this many times before. She seemed to know where she was going and where she was, despite the twists and turns of the path, and the way the trees and plants seemed to blend together in a sea of green and brown.
"Elma often visited the Forest of Magic" The girl suddenly said, as if she could sense Chiyuri's question. "The woods here are..different. They are not the same as the others, and they have a magic all their own. They also made a good match for fire. I also gathered other stuff from here to sell back in the Village"
"Oh, okay. That's interesting," Chiyuri replied, trying to sound casual and not let her confusion show. She didn't know what to make of Elma or the situation, and she couldn't help but feel like she was being led into something that she didn't understand. But she also couldn't shake the feeling that she needed to trust Elma, that there was something important that she was missing.
They walked in silence for a while longer, until they reached the edge of a clearing. The trees seemed to open up before them, and the sunlight streamed through in golden beams that lit up the grass and flowers that grew there. It seems they've reached the edge of the Forest of Magic and toward the regular forest that should lead to the Human Village.
"A-ah, miss Chiyuri? Do..do you trust me?" Elma asked, her voice trembling and hesitant, as if she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer. She was looking at the ground, avoiding Chiyuri's gaze, her hands clenched tightly around her bag. She couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl, who seemed so young and vulnerable, yet so brave and determined at the same time. It was hard to reconcile the image of Elma with the memory of Alice, but something in Chiyuri's heart told her that they were one and the same.
"Yes, of course I do. I don't really understand but I trust you" Chiyuri replied without hesitation. She didn't fully understand the situation or the reasons behind it, but she trusted Alice. A strange thing to say about someone who she just met few days ago and barely know anything about, but it felt right somehow, like many things involving her memories or even this very journey's goal. Thus trusting this girl wouldn't be much of a stretch.
Elma's eyes opened wide in surprise, a mix of disbelief, hope, and gratitude. It seemed like she wasn't expecting that response, and it touched her deeply. She looked at Chiyuri with admiration, and her voice was softer and more sincere when she spoke. "Thank you, Miss Chiyuri"
The two girls stood there for a moment, looking at each other, before the smaller girl handed Chiyuri a spool of golden string. It was a beautiful and delicate thing, shimmering in the light of the sun that filtered through the trees. Chiyuri took it in her hands, feeling its weight and smoothness. She didn't understand its purpose, but she could sense that it was important.
"Please hold this somewhere safe, and follow my lead. If anyone came, j-just let me be the one that talk. At least until you understand" Elma said, looking at Chiyuri with a mixture of anxiety and hope "A-ah..but I guess...I should explai- explain some more first, right? Right"
"To put simply since that place..that scary woods took your self..it made you more..malleable? I guess that's what you would call it? Anyway, it made it so you can..change things, or rather be changed easily, and even yourself. It's complicated..but other people's words..their perspective of you can change you or even the world?" She rambled, her words tumbling out in a rush, her fingers fidgeting nervously with the hem of her cloak.
Chiyuri stared at her, trying to make sense of what she was saying. The words were strange and confusing, but there was something about them that made her uneasy, like a nagging feeling that she couldn't shake off. It was like a piece of a puzzle that was just out of reach, a clue to something bigger that she couldn't quite grasp.
"W-what I am saying is, if ah- your house! If we can convince people that your house is there, and you lived there. It will be true, and it will be there if possible, though easier if we use an existing home no one cares about" Elma continued, her voice quivering with emotion, as if she was afraid of being dismissed or laughed at. "Or rather, because you were 'unknown' to them, so long there is no evidence to otherwise and it is a plausible thing, they will accept it and believe in it, and the world will change to fit that. But...it's a bit more complicated and I can't really explain more. I am sorry I am not making much sense..ah, though it is only possible because you were almost 'purified' by the Deepwoods. You have a lot of gaps to be filled"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! That's..that's a lot to take in. You mean that if people believe I lived in that house, then it will be mine? That's... that's impossible. That's not how the world works" Chiyuri replied, her voice shaking with disbelief. It was a ridiculous idea, something out of a fairy tale, and she couldn't believe that Elma was serious about it.
"It doesn't, neither gensokyo works that way either. it's just how weird Deepwoods is..." Elma sighed and looked down, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She looked so weak and fragile, like a doll that could be broken with a single touch. "It-it's how it is..that's why you felt empty..those gaps in your self, they yearn to be filled. Hence why before other people can 'fill' you with their perspectives of you randomly and accidentally, we will direct it and shape it. We can't create things out of thin air, without very convincing and detailed backstories that are believed fully by many at least, but so long there are enough things and sufficient apathy to not contradict it..."
"At least your sense of identity is stable enough, so you won't get changed too much as a person, just some of your...details. Like, your past, your family, your home. You can't back out from this, once you has a history here, you can't remove it, ever. Not without going to Deepwood again" The small girl looked up at Chiyuri again, her eyes full of sadness and resignation. "But it's better than feeling hollow, isn't it? To fill your emptiness, even if the way to do it is..like this"
"I..I don't know. It's just... it's just a lot to take in" Chiyuri replied, feeling overwhelmed by the information. It was hard to accept that something so fantastical could be real, and she wasn't sure what to think. Her mind was racing with thoughts and questions, and she didn't know where to start or what to ask.
"Y-yeah, that's understandable" The girl nodded, her expression turning apologetic. She looked like she had been through this before, like she had tried to explain this to someone else, but they had not believed her. "I'm sorry, let's rest for few minutes. It was a lot to take in"
The two girls continued on their ways and reached the Human Village in the afternoon. Throughout the journey, Chiyuri couldn't help but be tense when they met villagers working on the fields around the Village while Elma remained calm the whole time. She tried to follow Elma's instructions, keeping her mouth shut, trying to maintain a stoic expression, and letting the girl speak for her. Though it was hard for Chiyuri to not panic whenever the villagers greeted them or asked questions, which Elma skilfully answered without implicating Chiyuri of anything. Chiyuri noted that the villagers seemed to know Elma well and greeted her warmly and respectfully, often cheerfully if she was here to sell some things again.
"We're here, the Human Village" The small girl said as she fix her hat and pat her cloak to make it look more presentable.
Despite being called a village, it was larger than Chiyuri imagined. It would at least be a town or maybe even a small city in some places, but not a village. There were hundreds of houses and buildings, many of which were built in a traditional Japanese style with wooden walls and tiled roofs. Some of the streets were paved with cobblestones, while others were made of dirt or gravel. The village bustled with activity, with people of all ages and occupations walking around.
Chiyuri couldn't help but marvel at the sight, as a sense of familiarity and nostalgia washed over her. She lived here, she knew this for sure now. She had spent time here and had memories of the place that were slowly returning to her. She could almost hear the sound of children laughing and playing in the streets, and she could almost taste the food being cooked in the nearby stalls and shops. It was a place that felt like home, even though she had only just arrived.
Elma looked at Chiyuri, who seemed to be lost in thought, and smiled softly. "It seems that Destiny has its plan…."
Only marvelling for a few moments, Chiyuri regained her composure and looked at the small girl next to her. "So, what now? We just..go find it"
"It's not that simple...m-maybe. Do you feel anything? Any tugging feeling?" Elma looked at her, her expression hopeful. "Or maybe a feeling or a thought that your home was in a particular direction?"
Chiyuri closed her eyes, letting the sounds and smells of the village wash over her. She could feel something stirring inside her, like a memory or a feeling that she had lost. She tried to focus on it, to find the source of the sensation, but it was elusive and fleeting, like a whisper in the wind.
She shook her head, feeling frustrated and disappointed. "I'm sorry, I don't feel anything"
"It's fine" The small girl smiled at her, her voice warm and reassuring. "Let's wander around for a bit. Maybe we will find some clues or hints"
As they walked through the streets, Chiyuri seemed to feel more at ease. The village became more familiar to her as they walked around. She started to remember things about it, like the names of some of the buildings and the locations of certain landmarks. Until Chiyuri could feel that sensation again, stronger and clearer this time. It was a sense of recognition and belonging, like a piece of her puzzle had been found.
She turned and looked at Elma, her eyes bright with excitement. "I think... I know where to go"
Chiyuri led Elma down a narrow street, past a row of houses and shops, until she came to a small building. It was an old and worn wooden structure, with a thatched roof and weathered walls. The door was shut and locked, and the windows were covered with curtains. It looked like no one had been there for a long time, yet it still stood tall and strong, as if it was waiting for someone to return.
"This is it. This is my house. I'm sure of it" Chiyuri said with confidence. She felt like she had finally come home, after being lost for a long time.
"..." Elma meanwhile frowned and looked at it with an odd expression. She was quiet for a moment, before nodding and speaking "I see...you're lucky it's an abandoned house, and there are no traces of anyone living there. And..it's perfect for what we need"
"Ah, I guess that's good. Now what? Do we just claim it or something?" Chiyuri asked, looking at Elma curiously.
The small girl laughed softly, and shook her head. "No, it's not that easy. Though at least we didn't need to make an actual house first, truly perfect..too perfect actually" She muttered to herself, before continuing "Since all was ready, we only needed some more firm recognition. I already told others that I was bringing you home so all that's left is something...bigger"
"Something bigger?" Chiyuri tilted her head in confusion, not understanding what Elma meant.
"J-just leave it to me" The girl nodded and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Just follow my lead, we will need to talk to someone. Someone that many people here, someone with weight to their existence in the Village. Some come to mind but only one suited for this. Oh, and wear this cloak"
With that, Elma led Chiyuri, who now cloaked enough to hide her identity, down the street, and they soon arrived at a house. After Elma knocked on the door, a woman with long silver hair with blue highlights and brown eyes answered the door. She wore a dark blue dress with white short sleeves, and a red ribbon is tied to the bottom of the collar.
She smiled as she saw who was at the door. "Oh, hello there Elma. What brings you here today?"
"Hello, Miss Keine!" Elma greeted her, with a smile that was both cheerful and shy. "I-I have something importan- important to talk to you so can we come in please?"
"Of course, come in, come in" Keine stepped aside to let Elma and Chiyuri inside her home. The house was small and cosy, filled with many books and scrolls. It had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it was clear that Keine took good care of it.
"Please have a seat" She said as she gestured to some chairs around a table. Elma sat down, and Chiyuri followed suit, still wearing the cloak that Elma had given her.
"So, what do you want to talk about, Elma?" Keine asked as she took a seat across from them. Her expression was kind and curious, and she looked at Elma with genuine interest.
"I-it's um.." Elma looked nervous and fidgety, as she glanced at Chiyuri and then back at Keine. She took a deep breath and began to explain, stuttering a little as she spoke. Chiyuri barely noticed that hidden from view, Elma held a burnt match as the smoke from it started to fill the room, though Keine seemed to not notice. "I was..in the Forest of Magic and-"
Keine sighed "Elma, I told you to be careful and stay out of the Forest of Magic. That place is dangerous, you could have gotten hurt or worse. Don't you realise the risks you're taking?" Keine's expression was serious and stern, but Chiyuri could see a hint of worry and concern in her eyes "I know you're a hardworking girl and you need the money, but there are other ways to make it"
Elma looked down at her hands, ashamed and guilty "I know, I know. I'm sorry, Miss Keine. I just..I just couldn't find any other jobs"
Keine's expression softened, and she reached out to touch Elma's shoulder gently "I'm not trying to be mean, Elma. I'm just worried about your safety. You're a smart and capable girl, and you deserve better than risking your life in the forest"
Elma nodded, still not meeting Keine's gaze. "I know, I know. But..but today I found a strange mist. A-and it was scary, I-I got lost. Then..then this person here saved me. She was also lost in there and she saved me. We got out together, and..and I realised she lost her memories.."
Chiyuri's hand tightened on the cloak, as she listened to Elma's words. She knew that this was all a lie, but she also knew that it was necessary. She had to trust Elma and go along with her story, even if it made her feel guilty.
"Oh dear, that's awful. How terrible for her" Keine's expression changed to one of sympathy, and she looked at Chiyuri with kindness and concern. "Is that true? Do you remember anything at all?"
Chiyuri's voice trembled as she spoke, trying to keep up the act "Y-yes. I think..I remember living here in the village. I think my house was here, but I can't remember where. I just remember that I lived here, and I had a family. But I can't remember their faces or names"
Keine frowned, thinking for a moment. She seemed to be trying to remember something, or to put the pieces together in her mind. "I see...that's unfortunate" She looked at Chiyuri, her expression thoughtful and serious "Can you tell me anything else? Anything at all that you remember?"
"Um, not much. Just that I lived here, and that I had a family, Ithink. I remember the smell of the food and the sound of the laughter. But that's all" Chiyuri felt her heart racing, as she tried to keep her voice steady and calm. She didn't want to give herself away or make Keine suspicious.
"...Maybe miss Keine recognizes her if you see her face?" Elma piped up, pointing at the cloak that still covered most of Chiyuri's appearance. "She has this weird outfit, and we didn't want to draw attention. But I think you might recognise her"
Keine looked at Chiyuri curiously, nodding in agreement. "That's true. Maybe if I see her face, I might be able to help. Can you please remove your cloak, miss?"
"Uh, sure" Chiyuri hesitated for a moment, before slowly removing her cloak. She felt exposed and nervous, as she revealed her face to Keine. She wasn't sure what to expect, or what Keine would say.
"!" Keine's eyes widened in surprise and recognition, as she saw Chiyuri's face. She gasped softly, her expression changing to one of shock and disbelief "It can't be...no, it is..you're..Chiyuri-chan?!"
Before Elma or Chiyuri could react, Keine rushed forward and embraced Chiyuri in a warm and tight hug. Chiyuri was caught off guard by the sudden affection, and she stiffened for a moment, before relaxing into the embrace. She could feel Keine's tears on her shoulder, as the woman clung to her.
"Chiyuri-chan, I can't believe it's really you. You're alive. You're alive" Keine whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "I thought you were dead, after you went missing sometimes ago. We searched for you everywhere, but we couldn't find you. We thought you had died"
Elma looked thoughtful as her gaze connected with Chiyuri in silent communication before the latter nodded. Elma secretly lit another match and waved it off, filling the air with more invisible smoke "Miss Keine, you knew her? Were you friends..or even family with her?"
Keine pulled away from the hug, wiping her eyes with her hand. She looked at Chiyuri, her expression still full of surprise and happiness "Family..I guess you could say that. We're cousins, though I was like a big sister to her. I was the one who raised her after her parents passed away"
Chiyuri nodded, feeling a sense of relief and warmth spreading through her. She didn't know how she knew it, but she could feel a connection between her and Keine, a bond of love and familiarity. Whether it was the truth or not, she knew it was genuine and real "I..I don't remember that, but I feel like I know it. I feel like I know you, Miss Keine"
Keine smiled at her, her eyes shining with tears "Please, call me Keine. Just Keine. We're family after all" She reached out and took Chiyuri's hands in her own, squeezing them gently "I'm so glad you're alive, Chiyuri-chan. It's a miracle"
Elma, meanwhile, watched the scene with an inscrutable gaze before switching back to a more innocent expression "So, since you knew each other..I will take my leave now miss Keine"
Keine nodded in agreement, still holding Chiyuri's hands "Thank you, Elma. We're in your debt. You've brought us back together, and we're grateful"
The small girl bowed her head slightly, a faint smile on her lips "It's nothing. Elma just wants to help. Now, if there is nothing else, Elma needs to go. I still have a job to do and places to go"
"Ah, of course, of course" Keine released Chiyuri's hands and walked Elma to the door, thanking her again for her help. Elma gave Chiyuri a wink and a small smile before she left, closing the door behind her.
As soon as Elma left the house and out of sight, she let out a sigh of relief and satisfaction. "That went well, though it was..too coincidental" She muttered to herself, looking up at the sky "I wonder if there's a Destiny at work here, it can't be Chiyuri actually from here, this Gensokyo...right? What would be the chance for that?"
"And that house...miss Keine..History?" The girl muttered to herself as she walked away, her mind racing with thoughts and speculations, disappearing into the crowd of villagers.
The sun set over Gensokyo, casting a warm orange glow over the land.
Chiyuri is currently making her way back toward Alice's house. While she was grateful to Keine and happy that she found someone who knew her. Though her house was still rundown and Chiyuri wasn't ready yet to stay at Keine's house, she made up some reason about how she left a few things in the Forest. Which the teacher bought and even offered to go with her. But Chiyuri politely declined, saying that she could handle it on her own. It took a while to convince the woman to let her go, but she eventually relented and let her go after she brought up wanting to go with Elma to retrieve her stuff. Chiyuri had to admit, it was nice to know that someone cared about her and wanted to protect her. She could see the concern in Keine's eyes and hear the worry in her voice. She didn't want to lie to her, but she also knew that she couldn't tell her the whole truth either.
So here she was, she couldn't find Elma so she just made her way directly toward Alice's house. There were some questions still in her mind about the day's events and she wanted to get some rest too. It has been a long day and she was getting tired.
When she arrived, Alice was already waiting for her, as if she knew that Chiyuri would return "Welcome back. Did you find what you seek?"
"Yeah, yeah I did" Chiyuri nodded, feeling a sense of relief and happiness. Things might be uncertain, but Chiyuri felt like she at least have some direction in her life now, and that she have someplace to belong, and that was enough for now. She looked at Alice, and saw a knowing smile on her lips.
"That's good, I'm happy for you" Alice said, her voice sincere and gentle. She gestured for Chiyuri inside to sit down at the table, where two cups of tea were already waiting. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss"
Chiyuri recounted the events of the day to Alice, telling her everything that happened in the village and with Keine.
When Chiyuri was finished, Alice took a sip of her tea and spoke "I see, it seems that things turned out well. You handled things well with Keine, though perhaps it was meant to be"
"Meant to be?" Chiyuri asked, curious about what Alice meant. She didn't understand what Alice meant by that, or how things were meant to be. "What do you mean?"
Alice looked at her with a mysterious gaze, her eyes twinkling with something that Chiyuri couldn't quite place. "While it might seemed a convenient thing, our status to alter reality is not as easily as it sounds. You surely understand how easy it would be for others to alter us so long there is enough people and 'gaps' to fill"
"However, it seemed that things come naturally to you, extremely so. It's as if you simply reconnecting cut threads, rather than spinning new ones" Alice sighed and looked down, her expression turning thoughtful. "I suspected this, and this seemed to confirmed it. As far as this world concerned, you always belonged here, you were simply lost and now found. Perhaps you truly were from this world"
"This...is confusing" Chiyuri said, "But I feel like it's the truth, somehow"
Alice nodded as she took another sip of tea. "I know, and that's how it is. As it is now, you didn't need to worry about accidentally 'filling' in your 'gaps'. So long you stick around Keine and away from anyone important enough to affect you, you're fine. Your 'backstory' so to speak, will naturally filled by Keine now and it would simply be truly remembering things again instead of creating things out of nothing"
"I see" Chiyuri said, feeling a little overwhelmed but also grateful. She didn't want to lose herself, and she was glad that she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. "Thank you, Alice. I'm glad you're helping me"
Alice smiled and nodded "You're welcome. Just avoid Marisa and Reimu for now, be non-committal and act amnesiac for now. That should be enough until I am free enough to deal with the vessel"
"I will do that" Chiyuri nodded.
Before the two girls could talk anymore, they heard a knock on the door. Alice seemed to just continue drinking her tea, silently signalling Chiyuri to handle it. Chiyuri sighed and went to answer the door, curious about who was there.
As she opened the door, she saw three small girls standing on the porch. The one on the right is a blonde girl with red eyes and black dress, the one on the left was a girl with green wavy short hair and green eyes, wearing a red-plaited dress and white shirt. The girl in the middle was one of the fairies she saw before, short blue hair, black shirt and green skirt with butterfly motif. Something about the group terrified Chiyuri in primal sense of things.
"Good evening" The girl in the middle greeted Chiyuri, smiling brightly "Is Alice-chan home?"
"...Ah, so that was what I forgot, old monsters meeting" Chiyuri heard Alice mutter to herself and suddenly felt that she might've been better to accept Keine's offer to stay.
After few times got interrupted by other muses, finally this is done. Not really that satisfied, and had to trim a lot of things or push things to next chapters. Probably made a lot of mistakes, both typo and narratively. It could be better but I think I better put this out now than just dallying along
sicilian
culling witches
Thanks for the update!!! Alice is really living up to her theme as the girl who plays with the people's shapes ~
With retroactive creation of history and identity, is it even reliable that it "feels" like "the truth" to Chiyuri ~ ?
EDIT: It's also very in theme for Alice to talk about Chiyuri's reconstructing identity as strings reconnecting <3 <3
With retroactive creation of history and identity, is it even reliable that it "feels" like "the truth" to Chiyuri ~ ?
EDIT: It's also very in theme for Alice to talk about Chiyuri's reconstructing identity as strings reconnecting <3 <3
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