| ~Hakurei Shrine~ > Patchouli's Scarlet Library |
| Iced Fairy's Random Shorts |
| (1/33) > >> |
| IcedFairy:
I feel kinda bad not posting something completely new to the internet here, but I decided this was better then flooding the board with my stuff later when I needed two or three side stories to explain some of the stuff in Three Days Bright. Besides I might get a random idea that isn't drawn into the black hole that is my other side project, and it'll be good to have a thread here for that. Anyway I'll start out where I began: What Winter Left Behind The snow maiden happily floated along the edge of the Misty Lake. There wasn't a blizzard going, but it was noon, and the unnatural mist that gave the lake it's name had formed a massive freezing cloud. Letty loved every second of the deadly cold, which is why she had decided to make her home here. The mist also served to keep the area cooler during the less pleasant months. In fact, today the air seemed even more cold then usual. Perhaps spring would come late this year. Letty smiled at this thought, which quickly turned to a grimace as someone hit her in the back of the head with a iceball. Only a fairy would be so stupid as to pull that sort of prank on a youkai like her at the height of winter. She turned and focused her killing cold on the area, to teach the spirit a lesson. To her surprise, the tiny blue haired figure just giggled. Letty had enough time to see the tiny icicle wings flutter in the frozen air before the ice fairy ran off. The snow maiden's annoyance quickly turned to mild pity. Fairies were unkillable by normal means, but they only lived as long as the natural force that kept them alive lasted. Those that represented the moonlight through the trees, or the winds over the lake, would last for centuries. Ice fairies, on the other hand, usually lasted only though the winter outside of the mountains. Ice had no memory, unlike flowers, and the world didn't remember ice like the accursed spring. Letty quickly forgot the matter and spent the rest of her winter wandering about searching out the fiercest snowstorms. She'd seen to many of those fairies come and go to dwell on it too much. ---- Cirno floated over the lake. It had gotten nice and cold again, so Cirno could go out and play. There had been a big stretch where she had done nothing but use her powers to keep her home from melting. She had shrunk to almost half size before the weather had cooled down again. But now she was bigger and stronger then ever, so she could go out and play with all the other youkai. As she passed by the part of the lake that hid her home she saw a figure moving through the heavy snow. At first she was worried. Perhaps it was a human, or bad youkai who wanted to hurt her house. So she flew towards the figure in order to scare it off. Then the icy fairy noticed that things had become even colder. It was that odd feeling she had felt about the nice lady who had made things real cold in thanks for playing with her. She decided she would play with the nice lady again. So she rolled up a ball of snow and smoothed it out with her ice powers (to make it fly better) then smacked the nice lady right in the back of the head. The lady said some words Cirno didn't understand and turned to her. Once again, that wave of wonderful cold rolled over her. Then the lady looked real surprised. More surprised then normal for people who Cirno had just hit with an iceball. Cirno took a quick glance behind her to make sure nothing was sneaking up on her. There wasn't anything there, but then the lady put her hands around her neck. That felt less comfortable. "You shouldn't hit people with ice chunks little fairy," the lady said. "They tend to get mad." Cirno found the pressure on her neck wasn't enough to prevent her from talking. "But you thanked me last time. And could you stop holding my neck? It hurts." She began to squirm to get out of the hold, and the Lady let her escape. "So you were the fairy from last time. Did you come down from the mountain to play here?" "Nope! I live here." The lady frowned. "Hm... Well try not to be too noisy." And then she proceeded to walk away. Cirno floated after. "Hey. I'm Cirno. We should play. What's your name?" The little fairy rambled. The lady just sighed. "So troublesome. Shouldn't you check on your home to make sure no one's disturbed it?" Cirno got worried at the thought. "Oh yeah! You're right. Thanks miss." She flew off, thinking of ways she could make sure no one would disturb the small ice cave. Perhaps if she got stronger she could chase dangerous things away from the area.... ---- Letty sighed and reached out with her power. She could decrease how cold an area was in addition to increasing it. That was how the Yuki-onna drew humans to them, after all. This time, however, she used her powers to counter that of the little ice fairy, preventing her from making the icicles on the tree too large. "Cirno. If you keep that up you'll make the branches snap." Cirno pouted, "I know! That's the fun part. Then the snow on the branches falls down." Fortunately, she stopped using her powers allowing Letty to relax as well. Letty sighed again. For creatures created by nature, fairies seemed completely oblivious to the damage they caused to the natural world. Something that annoyed her to no end. Cirno was worse then most, as ice could deal a lot of damage, especially now that she had grown. Fortunately the little one had taken a liking to Letty for some reason, and either listened with a minimum of whining or stomped off, leaving Letty some peace and quiet. Still... "Why don't you play with the other ice fairies as often?" Letty asked. Cirno shrugged. "They never remember my name. Except the mountain ones occasionally. And usually they're different every year. They're fun but it's always a little weird." "Well, fairies aren't all that good at remembering things. In fact Youkai all have weak memory." Letty commented. Cirno looked over at the yuki-onna. "Nuh uh. I'm a fairy and I remember everything. At least now that I'm grown up. I remember the flower festival, the demon explosion, the time I froze a fish on that fisherman's hook...." The fairy began to ramble on, leaving Letty to think. That was odd. Letty knew that even the strongest Youkai let most events, especially repetitive ones, fade into the background of their memories. It took something like a spectacular defeat, or a passionate love, to leave a lasting mark. That was how they kept track of things over such a long life. She tried to remember if the ice fairies of the highest mountains had been different, but her tendency to avoid them and her own memory worked against her. "So yeah. My memory is great." Cirno finished with a beaming smile. "Hmm... Is that so? Didn't you say you had a match with that Darkness Youkai right about now?" Letty replied looking at the approach of twilight. "What? Then I have to go beat her down! Bye Letty!" Cirno quickly flew off. Letty felt odd about tricking the ice fairy like that. She actually couldn't recall at all when Cirno had said she was going to have that match. But it was just so easy to get the flighty girl to wander off. She only wondered why she didn't use those tricks more often. ---- Cirno picked herself off the snow of the forest floor. "Gah! You stupid humans! I'll make you cry next time!" She wiped the tears from her own eyes as she screamed her fury. This was the second time that those stupid humans had made fun of her, and she wouldn't forget it. She was going to be the strongest and she would make them pay. She fluttered her wings to make sure they had healed and then took to the sky. She had made it a little way into the air when the flash of a spellcard breaking came from along her assailants path. Cirno winced in sympathy for the poor youkai caught by that storm. On a whim she went to check on the person they had defeated. Most Youkai didn't like this weather either, so she was curious as to who it was. When she arrived at the battle site she saw a familiar hat and translucent cape half buried in snow. "Letty!" The figure in the snow muttered something unintelligible, so Cirno grabbed an arm and pulled her out. "Are you okay?" The tall woman brushed the snow off her face with one hand while clutching her side with the other. "I'm fine Cirno. I can't revive from death, but this isn't much of a wound." She tried to stand, grimaced at the pain, and settled for sitting. "Ah, but it looks like this winter will end soon. Well, I suppose I was getting a little tired." Cirno offered her hand to the yuki-onna, and after a pause Letty allowed Cirno to pull her up. The two began slowly walking back towards the lake. After a few moments Cirno spoke up again. "I'll miss the winter." She brightened up again. "But then I guess I'll get to see the flowers. And freeze frogs again!" Letty frowned and sighed. "You shouldn't mess with nature like that, Cirno." Cirno felt an odd twinge inside at Letty's disapproving words. "I'm just giving them hibernation training, that's all. I'm not messing with them." Normally fairies didn't bother giving excuses, but Cirno didn't like that look from Letty. Letty merely shook her head then stood up straighter. "Well in any case, I should be going home to sleep now. You probably should go home too, Cirno." Letty ascended into the air and flew ahead, while Cirno began her own trip back. After a few moments Letty sped up a bit, so Cirno sped up too. Letty increased her speed little by little with Cirno matching her every step of the way. Cirno found the exercise fun, though she wondered why Letty was sticking around to play when she said she was going home. Finally on the banks of the misty lake Letty turned to face Cirno. She looked angry. "Why are you following me?" Cirno thought it over for a moment. "Uh, I wasn't following you. I was going home. Why are you going this way? Weren't you playing with me?" Letty looked confused for a moment. Then looked around to see if there were any observers. "Cirno. Where exactly is your home?" Cirno felt fairly nervous about pointing out her home to anyone, but she trusted Letty naturally. So after a quick check of her own, she pointed to a hidden overhang by the lake. For some reason Letty put her head in her hands. "I'm too tired for this. I'll see you at the end of fall, Cirno." She then moved to a pile of snow covering a dead fall, carefully removed the branches, and stepped into the hole revealed, covering it up behind her. Cirno noticed the hole wasn't all the far from her own home. After a bit Cirno smiled. "Oh cool! We're neighbors." Well she'd do her best to keep everyone away from both of their homes then. An easy task for the strongest fairy. ---- The last year Letty had been dreading the inevitable recap story from Cirno, but it was almost fun hearing about what happened during her long sleep. She wouldn't want to be out and about in that heat, but the tales were interesting. Especially since the late fall rarely had any good snowstorms to dance through. Cirno gave another exaggerated gesture. "And then I saw Lilly White flying around during the festival and I shot her down. Boom! It was great." Letty tried to give a look of disapproval, "Now now. Even if she is a horrid bringer of pollen and warmth you shouldn't be messing too much with nature." Cirno pouted. "But she shot at me first!" Letty smiled widely and patted the fairy on the head. "Well that's okay then. Good job putting her in her place." Cirno beamed back at the praise. She was sorry she had missed THAT show. "Yep!" Cirno continued. "Daiyousei said that I was the strongest fairy for sure now that I beat Lilly! And Daiyousei should know, cause she's the smartest fairy." "I see. That's impressive Cirno, you should keep up the good work." Letty wondered if this Daiyousei was the rumored 'fairy of fairies' or if she was just the longest lived one in the area. "But that one Lady was kinda annoying. She said I was too powerful." Letty looked down to see Cirno frowning. "Who said that?" "The Yama. She said I was too powerful and that I might die. But fairies die all the time right? And then we come back." From her expression Cirno had tossed the idea aside. Letty felt that odd feeling again. "You shouldn't be so careless, Cirno. A fairy who dies to far from their home won't return. And a fairy who's home is destroyed will vanish forever. Gensokyo is a small place, but it's best to be careful." Cirno looked almost humbled for a few seconds. "Okay Letty. I promise I'll be careful." Letty patted Cirno on the head again. "Good girl." Most fairies were annoying and burdensome, but this one made up for it somehow. Maybe the increase in maturity explained it. ---- Cirno stopped Mystia from flipping past the recipe. "Why don't you use this one? It looks pretty good." "What?" The night sparrows wings flapped violently and Cirno had to quickly grab the book so that page wouldn't be lost. "How could you suggest using a recipe that requires bird meat!?" "You idiot! That word doesn't have anything to do with birds!" Cirno pointed at the preceding sentence. "See! 'Seikin.' It says you have to capture the eels live and keep them that way." The fairy folded her arms and gave Mystia a stern look. "The only reason you asked me to help is because I can read, so let me read before getting worked up about things." "Fine. Fine." Mystia replied with a huff. "Still that's not fair. I've never even heard that word before. Did you get it off Tewi?" "Well, yeah." Cirno muttered. "At least I got something useful out of her. Stupid rabbit and her tricks. If I ever caught her in a fair fight.... Hey that's an idea. You could add rabbit to your menu." Mystia gave Cirno an incredulous look. "That wouldn't really fit with the rest of the menu. Though it's better then your idea of selling popsicles in winter." Cirno sniffed. "I still think it's a great idea. They won't melt, and youkai would buy them." Mystia sighed. "I told you, the only youkai who would be willing to eat frozen foods outdoors in winter would be fairies. And YOU are the only fairy that uses money. And it's stolen money at that. You stick to reading, I'll handle business." Cirno was about to reply when a figure moved through the woods. "Letty!" Cirno flew towards the woman in blue and white that had just entered the clearing, and hugged the woman tightly. Letty accepted the treatment for a while before disengaging from the fairy and giving Mystia a nod. The two usually had little to do with each other, but the Night Sparrow appreciated the business winter sent her way. "Hello Cirno. It's been a while. You seem taller then ever." "Yep!" Cirno tried to strike a more mature pose. "You're up early, Letty. I wasn't expecting you for another week." "There's going to be a lovely snowstorm soon. It should bury the lower mountains. With that autumn will be over." Letty explained. Mystia started to fire up her grill and began absently singing to herself as the two ice youkai chatted. Cirno went recounting the events of the past year, and Letty sat alternately praising or chiding the fairy, and occasionally even asking for more detail. "... So the gate guard rushed straight into the "weak spot" of my spellcard and slammed straight into my bullets. It was great. So with the gate guard beaten I was able to wander into the mansion to challenge the mistress herself." Letty seemed to be unsure if she was proud, worried or just found the whole thing funny. "And what happened then." Cirno looked chagrined. "Uh, then I got blasted. A lot. The witches were having tea together that day and, well...." Letty used her hand to hide a grin before adopting a serious air. "That's what happens when you get overconfident. You shouldn't pick a fight unless you're also willing to lose it." "Hm... I would say that you shouldn't start a fight unless you're determined not to lose it." A dry voice interrupted. Two more figures entered the clearing. Both were easily recognizable to the three youkai. All of them knew the Hakutaku that guarded the village, and Mokou was an oddity even in Gensokyo. Mokou continued. "If you refuse to accept a loss, you'll go further then if you just give up. That's why I beat Kaguya whenever she doesn't cheat enough." Letty frowned. "That seems like dangerous advice to people who can die." Mokou shrugged and let the matter be. She turned her full attention to Mystia, who was puffing up and glaring daggers at her rival in business, though likely the night sparrow's anger was mostly over Mokou's willingness to cook bird. Keine smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I needed to ask a question of you. If you could just spare a moment?" Letty looked over at Cirno, who also seemed to have no idea what was going on. "I suppose I could try, but Youkai like you who can memorize histories are rare. I probably won't remember what you want to know." Keine nodded. "I expected that. Which is why I'm asking Cirno. If that's alright, of course." "Me?" Cirno looked incredulous then puffed out her chest in self praise. "But of course. I can remember anything I've seen. What do you need to know?" "How old are you?" Cirno blinked. "Uh. Let me think." The ice fairy closed her eyes. "This will be two hundred and thirteen, no two hundred and fourteen winters. Told you I could remember anything!" Letty gave the historian a questioning look of her own. "Why such an interest, Ms Kamishirasawa?" Keine turned away. "I think you already figured out the answer, Miss Whiterock." Cirno glanced over at Letty. "What did she mean by that?" Letty looked over at the Youkai Mountain. "Hm... Well I should hurry if I want to make that snowstorm. Besides I'm sure Ms Lorelai will want me away from her shop so the customers won't be cold. Do you want to come with me?" She stood. Cirno narrowed her eyes slightly. "That's not an answer." Letty laughed. "You're growing up, Cirno. You used to miss those all the time." She waved to the three still by the food cart and began heading towards the mountain. Cirno flew quickly after. "That's not an answer either." As they left Mokou shook her head. "That's an odd pair. You see such strange things as time passes." Keine smiled. "Indeed." She looked towards the cart. "Well since we're here, I could buy you diner, Mokou." Moukou looked to where Mystia had gone from violent looks to pretending to ignore them. "I don't think that would work well. Besides, it looks bad when you eat at the competition's shop." Keine waved the comment off. "Don't worry, I'll erase the history of this meal so no one will remember." Mystia grimaced but pulled out a few dishes. "I'll serve anyone with money, stupid human or not. And after tasting this lamprey, only the most stupid wouldn't swear off bird for life." ---- ~ And so the years passed ~ "Hey Letty! Guess what happened!" "Hm... Did you finally beat the giant frog?" ~ and passed ~ "Cirno! Why was the door to my house frozen over?" "Uh.... I wanted to wake you up early so I dropped the temperature.... I'm sorry!" ~ though the two would only meet one season out of four ~ "I found this near the boarder. I thought you might like it, Letty." "It's very pretty Cirno. It almost looks like real snow." ~ they enjoyed their time together to the fullest ~ "I hear you've gotten a name for yourself in the village." "Yeah. Humans are weird. You'd think that leading them into snow drifts would remind them I'm a fairy." ~ but all things of nature, seasons, years, and centuries must end. ---- The sound of someone entering her home awoke Letty from a light doze. It was still odd to spend so much time here awake, but she really didn't have the strength to go outside anymore. Shifting slightly, she raised her head and smiled at the woman who had entered, her sole visitor. "Hello Cirno. Come in." Cirno gave a weak smile and moved next to the bed. "Hey Letty. How are you?" Letty took a long breath. "I'm fine. Just tired." There was a long silence. "Hey Cirno, when will spring come?" The fairy looked away, feigning interest in the snowglobe by the bed. "In another week or so." Letty chuckled lightly. "You said that last week, Cirno. And the week before." Her tired smile widened just a bit. "You shouldn't mess with nature, Cirno." "It's *sniff* it's just around your home, Letty. I... I... I don't want you to go away, Letty!" Cirno finally broke down and started sobbing. Letty mustered her strength to pull the girl closer. "It's okay. Let it all out. Fairies are supposed to let all their feelings out, even if they are the strongest." Cirno tried to speak, but in the end just hiccuped and cried some more. The two sat like that for a long time, until Cirno's crying had lapsed to an occasional sob. "Cirno, I have something to tell you." Letty raised a finger to shush the girl when she looked up. "I'm the one responsible for your birth." She paused to take a deep breath. "The mist over the lake may have offered a little protection for the ice that is your focus, but me lowering the temperature for my hideaway was really why it wouldn't melt. I'm sorry I didn't take responsibility for that even after I figured it out." She brushed some hair off Cirno's face. "But now you can keep your home safe yourself. I'm glad." Cirno almost managed a smile. "Letty. I already knew. I've known ever since I saw your face when Keine asked my age. And you were always there for me. Even when I was really annoying." Letty closed her eyes. "Thank you Cirno. I'm glad you were there too. Even if you were sometimes really annoying." There was another long silence. "Cirno. I'm really tired. It hurts to be awake. Could you let me sleep?" Cirno gripped Letty tighter, but managed to simply say. "Yes." The air started to get warmer, and Letty began to drift off. She felt a certain pride for the girl, no, the woman, she had spent so much time with. It was rare when winter got to leave something behind. Especially something so full of life. ---- Epilogue Cirno floated above the lake, her face still marked by tears, but with most of her crying done. She moved to wipe away a few tears when a hand presented a handkerchief. "Here," said Mokou. "Use this." Cirno wiped her eyes, and shook the kerchief to unfreeze it before blowing her nose. She offered it back, but Mokou simply waved it off. "Consider it my donation to the 'ice goddess of the lake'," the immortal replied with a smirk. Cirno frowned. "You of all humans should know I'm not a goddess. And that's a terrible donation." Mokou laughed. "Good point. How about this." She raised a bottle of sake and two cups. "You'll have to chill it yourself though." Cirno managed a grin. "Thanks again. But I'm still not a goddess. I have no intention of letting the faith of idiots bind me." Mokou handed over a cup. "Then a wake. To our mothers." Cirno started at the words. Then choked back a sob. Perhaps Letty had been something of a mother. At least as close to a mother as a fairy would have. She wiped her eyes and blew her nose again, but she was smiling along with the tears. She took the cup from Mokou and they each filled the others glass. They raised their cups in unison and each drank. The two began reminiscing on the past. Tales of old matches, interesting times, and past friends. After a while Mokou sighed. "It's nice being able to talk with someone else who remembers. You, Keine, and HER are the only people who seem to remember things around here. At least things that weren't huge incidents." Cirno refilled her cup. "Ice doesn't forget." Seeing Mokou's odd look she explained. "When it melts, ice turns to water. If that water refreezes, it's new ice. But until it melts the ice doesn't change. It remembers everything. Since my focus doesn't melt much anymore...." Mokou nodded. "You remember everything. Not a bad skill. And I guess that's why you're smarter and stronger then most fairies too then." Cirno shrugged. That was enough introspection for one day, in her mind. Even with the wine. Mokou stretched a bit. "Well, I imagine soon even the most sleepy youkai will start remembering things. I hear the new shrine maiden has got a lot of talent. And there's another witch girl making a name for herself down at the village." A thought fluttered across Cirno's mind. "Hm... That sounds familiar. I take it the shrine maiden is very laid back?" Mokou nodded. "Some would say lazy." "And the witch is almost certainly insane. Trained by the black white?" Cirno said with a grin. Mokou shrugged. "Probably insane, though she's training under the puppeteer. But that one was pretty warped too." Cirno rubbed her hands together in expectation. "Well it would be untoward if they didn't have something to do. Maybe it'll wake up that mountain miko too." An idea had definitely formed. "Hey, what do you say? I could use a stage 5 boss." Mokou laughed. "Sorry, I do EX stages only. Besides, Keine would have a fit if I caused an incident. But if they do fly out my way I'll be sure to set them straight." The immortal picked up her bottle and flew off. "Have fun Ms Ice Fairy. Do keep the damage down." Cirno waved the comment off. Of course she'd keep the damage down. Letty would be sad if her big send off hurt nature. The Hakurei Shrine, on the other hand.... She raised her arms to the heavens and a vortex of ice and snow formed at her command. With careful aim she split it and dropped one on the forest of magic and the other on the shrine. After that it was merely a matter of making a proper trail back. She smiled as the other fairies started fluttering about the lake, each looking to take advantage of the fun. Now she just had to prepare her spellcards and wait. |
| PMiller1:
That, so cute. |
| Tengukami:
Thank you so much for bringing in actual Yuki-onna mythology into this one. So much of Gensokyo draws from Japanese myths. It's a real treat to see it brought to the surface. Also, this Cirno is adorable. She can't help being her, and she was very much the engine of the story here. |
| ♛ Apher-Forte:
I read this when it was in one of the AD series packs, and I knew straightaway this is one of the most awesome stuffs that I would ever read in fanworks. it is a beautiful, and most of all, touching tale. |
| IcedFairy:
--- Quote from: Alstroemeria-F on February 11, 2010, 03:38:50 AM ---I read this when it was in one of the AD series packs, and I knew straightaway this is one of the most awesome stuffs that I would ever read in fanworks. it is a beautiful, and most of all, touching tale. --- End quote --- Hm? Huh, actually that was a different story with the same name in the AD service pack. Didn't know about that one. I shall claim the name however, for I published first! No, don't look at the very clear date stamps showing they beat me to the name by 3 months. Just trust me. I'm glad that you all enjoyed it, however. And since I'm posting anyway I'll toss in another work that may have use later. Less serious this time. ------- Godhood Satori turned towards her pet as the hell crow walked into the room. ?You aren't feeling well? Did something happen, Utsuho?? Utsuho thought about denying it, but realized that was a futile gesture. ?Yeah. I feel tired, and hungry, and there's kinda a buzzing. It's been going on for a couple days.? ?And you're worried that you won't be able to keep helping me? You shouldn't push yourself like that.? Satori walked forward to pat the girl on the head. ?But it's good that you came to see me. We'll see about getting you back to normal.? ?Hey sis. Hey Okuu.? The voice caused both of them to jump, meaning it could belong only to one person. Koishi Komeji. She was staring a little at Utsuho, like a child stares at a puzzle. ?Okuu, why have your thoughts changed? You've got the normal ones, but there's some other ones I don't understand.? ?Unyuu?? The hell crow shook her head in confusion. She may not be as stupid as Orin occasionally said, but the workings of the unconscious were still beyond her. Satori frowned. ?That sounds dangerous. Maybe you should see someone about that. I think Orin spoke of a vet aboveground. I'll go find her.? -- ?See. Every time you don't tell me something you get in big trouble. We're best friends right? You have to tell me these things.? Orin shook her finger to emphasize her point. ?But it was onl~ cyah!? Utsuho's response was cut off by Eirin placing a very cold instrument on her bare back. ?Now take a deep breath. Then let it out slowly.? The doctor said, all the while scribbling notes. Utsuho tried to convey her apologetic excuses to Orin with just a look while the doctor forced her through various breaths, coughs and yawns. But, unlike Satori, Orin didn't read hearts. Or perhaps her scolding was just her revenge. At this point however the kassha was frowning and thinking about something. ?Hey, Okuu. Did your bust get bigger?? The hell crow blinked. ?Uh, about 2cm? I think. Maybe it's all the boiled eggs.? Eirin looked up. ?Oh that's good to know. I'll have to take measurements.? Orin looked at the doctor. ?Wait. How will that help you identify her problem?? Dr. Yagakoro blinked at the question. ?Oh, of course it can't help with identifying the problem. I'm just taking down notes for future reference material and research.? The two youkai looked at each other then whirled on the Lunarian. ?What!?? ?You mean you don't know the problem?? Eirin shook her head. ?Oh I know the problem. It's just that, your condition cannot be cured by modern medicine!? ?Don't say that while smiling!? Orin yelled. Eirin waved the kassha's anger off. ?Don't worry. I can't fix it. But I know who can. The same people who gave you the problem. They should be easy to find too.? -- The doors to the Moriya shrine flew open. Kanako sat up straighter. ?You should show more respect little kassha. Especially since I have acquiesced to see you on such short notice. Normally you'd have to fight past my miko.? ?I'd have worn her down eventually. I don't give up. Now fix whatever you did to Okuu!? Orin strode boldly into the chamber only to stop and look back when she realized her friend hadn't followed. Utsuho was kneeling at the entryway, panting heavily. ?So... tired... Voices...? Orin rushed to her friends side and lifted her up. ?Hey Okuu. Utsuho! Pull it together!? She began to shake the girl when a small hand on her shoulder stopped her. Suwako put her other hand on the fallen hell raven. Utsuho immediately sat up. ?Uh, I feel a lot better. Was that it?? Suwako smiled but shook her head. ?No, but we can fix it. Give us a little while to explain how Kanako screwed things up.? The larger goddess stood up and yelled at the other. ?Oi! You were the one who let the secret slip to the kappa. It's your fault too!? Orin and Utsuho looked at each other. Then Utsuho spoke up, ?Could you just tell us what's going on?? Kanako recovered her composure and sat down, while Suwako took a seat behind the two youkai. All the while the frog goddess kept a hand on the hell crow's shoulder. Kanako began to speak. ?The issue came about due to some unforeseeable events. When you consumed the Yagatarasu you gained it's power, and with that gave us the ability to give Gensoukyo the ultimate power. From that action we gained a great deal of faith.? Kanako paused to glower at her fellow goddess. ?However, some people learned the process involved, and placed their faith in you, the source of the power.? Suwako continued the explanation. ?Normally it takes a whole lot of faith to make an item a god. Making a Youkai is easy, but gods require more time and reverence. You however are different, because you've consumed a god and possess it's power.? Both the yokai's mouths were open in shock as Kanako concluded. ?That is the problem you have Utsuho Reiuji. You are becoming a god because of the faith of humans and youkai in your power. However that faith is yet weak and scattered. It is not enough to support a god of the Yagatarasu's stature. Without enough faith you will obtain godhood only to perish as the Yagatarasu did before you.? Orin recovered first. ?Does that mean we have to set up temples to Okuu? There's no way we could gather enough faith in time!? Suwako chuckled. ?Nah, don't worry about it. I said we can fix it.? Kanako nodded. ?Since the hell crow is acting on our behalf we will gladly share our own faith. We've gathered a lot of faith from your actions, so it's only right we support you ? ?It's a better deal then mine, since you can opt out whenever.? Suwako stuck her tongue out at Kanako, who smirked and adjusted her rope ornament. All eyes turned to the hell crow, who had just managed to find her voice. ?Wait. I'm going to be a real god?? ?Okuu, you're such a birdbrain.? -- A few more detailed explanations later, the two denizens of hell began their long trip home to the underground. As they flew along Utsuho suddenly turned to her friend. ?Hey Orin. I figured out what the voices are. They're prayers.? ?Well don't go overboard and try to fulfill all of them.? The kassha warned. Utsuho shrugged, ?Well most of them seem to be 'Please make this work,' or 'Please don't blow up,' so I really can't help. But it's weird knowing those people are thinking of me. I wonder if this is how Ms. Satori feels sometimes.? ?Huh. Maybe.? The two flew on a bit. ?Hey Okuu. I know you don't need a shrine and all, but wouldn't it be cool if you got a miko anyway?? ?Uh, I guess. Maybe? Why do you ask?? ?Well I figure if I've got miko powers and kassha powers I'll totally be able to show up the Hakurei maiden! And that would be awesome wouldn't it?? Orin looked over at her friend. ?So can I be a miko? Huh?? Utsuho smiled ?Sure. But if you're my miko, you can't call me birdbrain anymore. That's the rules.? ?Hey that's cheating!? |
| Navigation |
| Message Index |
| Next page |