~Hakurei Shrine~ > Kosuzu's Grand Bookstore
A New World (book 2) Complete
Iced Fairy:
Sareseno stood in the autumn gardens. The trees here had been bred specifically to have all the colors of autumn without the leaves actually dying. In the past he'd found it beautiful and had spent many hours under the branches.
Now he was here because the display was one of the few things that seemed more hollow then he did.
His mind drifted back to when he made his decision.
?Brother... do you really plan to stay here??
Sareseno looked over at his brother, wondering what he planned to do. Plans seemed beyond him really.
?I don't know.? Sareseno looked over the gardens again. ?How can I trust myself to make a choice? I didn't even realize I was in love with the woman I was married to until she died. What kind of fool does that make me??
Miyari frowned. ?You're definitely a fool Sareseno, but it's not because you find yourself in love. It's because you're letting your survivor's guilt get in the way of rational thought.?
?Hm... rational thought.? Sareseno looked at the leaves. ?Tell me Miyari, do you find this place beautiful??
His brother looked at him questioningly. ?I'm not the one to ask about such matters, but I do think it's pretty.?
?I see.? Sareseno closed his eyes. ?I find it something of a farce myself. I can't see the beauty any more.?
?What are you talking about Sareseno?? He felt Miyari's hand fall on his shoulder. ?You've written poems about this place's beauty.?
?I was a fool.? He opened his eyes, and plucked one of the leaves from it's tree. ?Do you know why the leaves changing color is beautiful? It's the color of course, but the essence of the beauty is the death of the leaves, the passing of that color.? He waved his hand at the forest that was eternally autumn. ?There's none of that here. Just colors. No different from painted leaves.?
?There's beauty even in paintings brother.?
Sareseno turned away. ?I know. But I'm tired of only seeing that reflected beauty. I want to see the real beauty. The beauty of struggle, impurity and death.?
?There's no place for me among the true Lunarians anymore. Goodbye Miyari, and live well. I promise to do the same. But in my own way.?
He snorted as his words. He was always good at waxing poetic. But he was hardly living up to them was he?
He was learning of pain. Of sorrow. Of hopelessness. But he couldn't find any meaning there. Or perhaps that was what he was supposed to learn? Still it didn't bring him any closer to an answer. Or even a question.
?Forgive my intrusion.?
Sareseno slowly turned in surprise. ?Are you here to kill me too? I thought that would be too blatant.?
Jiyuwan bowed. ?No. I was not ordered to take your life, so you will not come to harm. Even if you choose to take revenge.?
Sareseno gaped at the man. He'd wondered what he would do if he faced his wife's murderer, but all his thoughts had involved the man denying the action, or confronting him violently. Not, this....
Finally he asked, ?Why??
?It was my lord's orders,? Jiyuwan replied simply. ?I swore long ago to serve regardless of my personal feelings.? The swordsman paused a moment.
?I'm uncertain if you will draw any comfort from it, but your wife not only avoided my ambush, but wounded me severely. Because I had to rush healing I've permanently lost 3% of my arms strength.?
Sareseno wondered if he was supposed to feel rage or pride at that. However he still just felt empty.
?Tell me about death, swordsman.?
The man shrugged. ?Death is nothing. Duty is everything.?
Sareseno rubbed his eyes. ?Don't lie to me swordsman. I know you would not be so flippant if we were speaking of your son's death.?
The mans eyes widened slightly, then he bowed. ?Indeed. Perhaps that is another failing of mine... or perhaps that is my one virtue.? Sareseno saw the man's eyes turn to the painted leaves.
?I can not tell you about death poet. But I can tell you, life is defined by death.?
There was a silence.
Jiyuwan turned to bow to Sareseno. ?I fear I have no words for you, Lord Watatsuki. But perhaps I can give you something else. I know the power you possess. The power to see, and to remember the sagas of those who give you leave.? He stood up straight. ?I give you permission to tell my story, in its entirety, as you see fit. I give you my legacy. Destroy my name, or leave me to be forgotten. It is your right now.?
Sareseno felt a rush, as knowledge seeped into his mind. He knew if he closed his eyes and concentrated all the years of history the man before him embodied would flow into his mind. For that matter he could watch history unfold around the man if he wanted to.
A thought came to his mind. He raised a hand to stop the swordsman from leaving. ?I ask one more thing of you. Please ask Lord Tenshou to allow me to record the war.?
Jiyuwan looked mildly surprised but nodded. ?I will ask.?
The swordsman left, but Sareseno didn't care. He'd found a purpose. A temporary purpose perhaps, but perhaps in action he would find understanding.
He left the autumn garden for his home. The path seemed to fly by, and soon he found himself at his table, brush, ink and paper ready.
He closed his eyes and called upon the story Jiyuwan had given him.
As the images swam through his head, he began to write.
The swordsman waited. He knew that the two generals of the moon were formidable foes. His only hope of victory was in surprise....
----
Eirin weighed her options as the meeting broke up. She had no faith in the tengu. To be honest she didn't really have much faith in herself. She fully expected the tengu to look after their own interests first, just as she was doing now.
First she had to define what that meant though. What were her goals, and how could she accomplish them?
First was to keep the princess safe. Kaguya was immortal, but Eirin knew several ways to make an immortal's life unbearable. She'd designed most of them in fact. It was folly to hand out the Hourai elixer without a backup plan to stop an angry immortal human. So letting them capture the princess was unacceptable.
Secondly was her own life. She liked living.
Third was Reisen, Tewi and the other rabbits of Eientei. Reisen of course deserved a number all to herself, but the moon rabbit had changed. She was unlikely to abandon her comrades again.
Tewi on the other hand could look after herself. And would.
Last came the rest of Gensoukyo. She had a fondness for the place after all.
Unfortunately matters weren't as simple as saving one or the another. Hiding would protect Kaguya, herself and the rabbits at the expense of Gensoukyo. But the Lunarians would surely return later, and without the rest of Gensoukyo to aid Eientei, they'd be doomed.
Fortunately she had a guess as to her opponent's plans. He'd be doing the exact same thing she was doing, but he wouldn't be putting the pieces together and figuring out how to attack the whole. Lord Tenshou would just guess at her weak point and target it.
The only difficulty was guessing how he'd get it wrong. There's only one right answer, but there are an infinite number of wrong ones.
Eirin had always worried about her ability to be cold blooded. It was not a positive trait morally. But it was incredibly useful. And right now it allowed her to guess her opponent's plans, and to triage things appropriately.
Even if that cut might mean her own death.
She stood up and walked to where Reisen was working on organizing the earth rabbits into patrols. They'd started listening to her when they realized their skins were on the line. The fact that Tewi had been the soul of obedience had probably scared them into following orders as well. Princess Kaguya was of course watching the whole affair, trying to keep her spirits up.
?Udongein, could you spare a moment?? Eirin asked.
?Ah yes master! What do you need?? Reisen replied.
Eirin smiled at her student. ?I want you to take over the distribution of the army. In full. You'll be in charge of the Princess' defense.?
?What!?? Everyone in the room was staring at her now.
Kaguya stood, ?What are you doing, Eirin??
Eirin steeled herself for the fight ahead. ?I trust Reisen to lead the rabbits in war. She can hold back the Lunarian's moon rabbit armies easily, and if they bring in more people she can organize a fighting retreat with Tewi's help.?
Kaguya shook her head. ?I know I can trust Reisen.? Reisen perked up immediately at that. ?But I can't trust you Eirin. You'll do a lot of stupid stuff just to keep me out of a fight.? Kaguya's expression softened and Eirin felt some of her willpower weakening as the princess moved close to her. ?I'm truly immortal Eirin. And I'm skilled in combat now. Mokou's seen to that. I don't need to be hidden away.?
Eirin sighed. ?I understand princess. It's just I don't want to see you hurt.? Then she smiled. ?But I'm afraid I have a good reason for this.? She turned to Reisen. ?Udongein, if you were Lord Tenshou how would you use your power to plan your assault on Eientei??
Reisen thought for a moment. ?I'd either ask how to position people to keep Eientei from disturbing the battle, knowing I could finish them off later, or I'd ask for a plan to eliminate you master.? She thought another moment. ?He wouldn't know that Princess Kaguya and I are both as dangerous as we now are, and he wouldn't know about Tewi at all.?
Eirin nodded. ?So you see, if we want to avoid his plans we have to make it so both his most likely options are flawed. Either he ignores Eientei and gives you a chance to attack him, or he tries to contain Eientei and allows me to take him by surprise.?
Kaguya gazed deeply at Eirin's face, then embraced her tightly. Eirin's gut twisted as she felt Kaguya's tears start falling. ?Eirin you idiot.?
Eirin folded the princess in her own arms. ?Kaguya... I don't want to leave you all here. But this is the best plan.... Please believe in me. I'll make it back, I promise.?
Kaguya's grip just tightened. ?I hate it when you lie to me.?
Eirin closed her eyes. ?I promise I'll do everything I can. I'll use every trick I know. If that's not enough... then staying here won't change anything.?
Eirin felt Reisen embrace her from behind, and her heart twisted again. ?Master. Be safe.?
?You two take care of yourselves,? Eirin said. ?I want to have a home... a family to return to.?
Sefam:
*fangasm*!
Keep up the good work, this story is amazing. If some Lunarians have powers to negate other's powers, how can any of the youkai present be useful? I'm worrrriiieeedd~ :ohdear:
Iced Fairy:
?People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them."
He had born many names over the years. Lord Tenma, the Tengu God, the Great Tengu. Currently Great Tengu was the most popular, though the other tengu elders knew he was more a living legend then a pure youkai at this point.
He had led his people to safety when the human world turned against them, and he had kept them strong and safe in their mountain abode. They'd weathered the various storms of history largely untouched, continuing their millenia long way of life. Some things had changed. The old gossip mills being replaced by newspapers, and the faces of those around him. But the tengu were strong. Like the crows of the outside world they survived.
Thus he had already been thinking about how to turn the most recent situation to his people's advantage even before the former guardians of the land came to him. He already knew what his answer must be.
Still it couldn't hurt to hear their case. He was not such a fool as to ignore information when it made itself available.
There was a clap outside the shoji door, and his personal guard Momiji called in, ?Great Tengu, forgive the intrusion but Aya Shameimaru is here with emissaries. Ran Yakumo, Chen Yakumo, Renko Usami and Maribel Hearn.?
The Great Tengu was mildly surprised at that. He'd figured Ran would have used Maribel as a front. Perhaps Aya had cautioned them against that? Or perhaps there were other factors in play.
?I have been expecting them. Please bring them in.?
Momiji opened the door and led the five supplicants into the room, then moved to his side to stand guard. A formality, but one earned by the wolf tengu.
Aya sat in front of the group, but slightly to the side, indicating she was here simply because she thought her lord should hear the other supplicant?s words. To the Great Tengu's surprise both the humans sat alongside Ran, with her Shikigami sitting behind both Ran and the woman that, if the pictures were to be believed, was Maribel. They each bowed before sitting. Not as deeply as perhaps they should, but he didn't really care, and making a fuss about protocol wouldn't benefit him right now. No, given the serious looks and smoldering rage in Maribel's eyes, pleasant conversation would be best.
?Thank you for bringing me these illustrious guests, Aya.? The Great Tengu put on his best smile. ?I apologize for not speaking to you personally when you started your tours of Gensoukyo, Maribel Hearn, Renko Usami. I thought I would have more time to learn about you before a formal meeting.? He paused and allowed a concerned frown to show. ?However, it seems events have conspired to force me to reconsider that.? He looked out the window over the new lands that had been revealed. ?I assume you came to speak to me about the barrier's collapse??
Ran spoke first. ?No. We came because Gensoukyo is about to be invaded.?
Straight to the point. They were very concerned then. ?I see. It's the Lunarians I suppose??
Maribel opened her mouth, frowned and kept her silence. Still the Great Tengu noticed. Apparently she was taking this war personally. Then again perhaps she had a reason to. Her friend, Renko spoke instead. ?Yes. A faction of them apparently.?
?I've heard rumors,? the Great Tengu said, leaving silent that the 'rumors' had come from Aya herself. ?Still why do you think the Tengu would be involved in this war??
?They're willing to kill an entire planet full of humans because they annoyed them. What do you think they'll do to someone they find dangerous?? Maribel snapped.
The Great Tengu nodded at the point. ?Hm... True. Still groups are more likely to strike out at the weak then the strong. Momiji, your opinion??
Momiji maintained her watch over the room while stating, ?They're almost certainly right. The Lunarians have never known defeat. And they know we can mitigate any gains they make. If they wish to humble the youkai they must defeat us.?
He nodded. Nothing he hadn't already thought of, but it was good to have it confirmed by another who he trusted. ?Then it seems that we will be part of the war whether we choose to fight or not.? Now came the hard part. ?I thank you for your warning.?
?Then you'll gather your army and join with us?? Chen asked happily.
He sighed. He didn't want to dash that hope, but he had to. ?No. The armies of the tengu will gather, but we will not march.?
?Why not!?? Maribel yelled. ?You said yourself they'd be coming for you. Why do you think sitting in one place is going to help you win??
The Great Tengu's smiled thinly. ?Do you know what the tengu nation's biggest weakness is?? he asked.
?You're arrogant?? suggested Renko. Somehow, she managed to take the bite out of the insult though. In fact the Great Tengu almost thought he saw Momiji's lips twitch.
?Hm, no. Our confidence can trip up individual tengu. But as a group? Well...? He turned to Aya. ?Who's my successor Aya??
Aya blinked and stared at him. ?You don't have a successor.?
?Exactly.? He sighed and turned to Ran. ?The tengu don't base inheritance off bloodline, they base it off worthiness. Far superior to the human model,? He chuckled wryly. ?However, some unique circumstances has led to my current problem. Aya, which living Tengu has seen the greatest number of battles??
Aya looked confused. ?Momiji has seen 17 battles. Amuro has seen 13. Only Momiji has fought in a war past the creation of the barrier, and then only as a partial combatant.?
The Great Tengu smiled. ?Now now Aya. I know you've fought in 21 battles. Admittedly you claimed to be reporting, but I know your desire to meddle is greater then your reporter's integrity.? The four visitors all looked at Aya with varying levels of surprise at that. ?In addition I know both you and that Hatate girl defeated an Oni in danmaku. An impressive feat, even if it was a game.?
?Still you two both lack the political capitol needed to rule.? Which was the nice way of saying Aya was almost considered an outsider despite her elder status, and Hatate was barely into full adulthood, and still unmarried. ?And I find that those who have the connections to rule successfully have equally well connected enemies who have equally dull resumes.?
?That's the long and short of it. No living tengu other then myself has had the opportunity to show the skills required for leadership.? He looked out the window again. ?Especially not in a time of exploration and growth like this era will come to be. I could make a good guess as to who would be suitable, but the other tengu wouldn't just follow them.?
He turned grimly to Ran. ?In short if the Lunarians kill me there will no longer be an army of tengu. Just several squabbling clans who will most likely retreat to their homes to protect their own families.?
?Are you saying you don't trust your people to not abandon their posts in the middle of a war?? Maribel asked.
?Not if 'their post' needs to be constantly coordinated with headquarters,? the Great Tengu said sternly. ?This isn't a human war, with two armies meeting on the field of battle. This will be a series of skirmishes. Youkai and Lunarians hunting each other through Gensoukyo, each hoping to find someone weaker then themselves. If the armies know that there's someone guarding their families while they hunt then everything will be fine. But without a leader...? He shrugged.
?I don't get it,? Chen said. ?How does sitting around doing nothing help??
The Great Tengu turned to the Shikigami. ?Because with my armies concentrated they can't eliminate me easily. I can lure them into traps as they try.?
Ran looked like she'd swallowed something bitter. ?That might work against a normal foe, though I pity those of us stuck outside while you slowly trap Lunarians. But we have good information that the leader of the enemy army has the ability to know how to disperse his forces perfectly. 'To know where people need to be to maximize success.' A trap won't work against him unless you cause them to think irrationally.?
The Great Tengu turned around to conceal his reaction. THAT he had not heard. His mind spun rapidly as he considered what that meant for his plans.
He did not like the answer he received.
Without turning he replied. ?That news makes the trap my only option. Out leading the troops I would be too far from reinforcements. Here I can avoid being ambushed by a great number of troops.?
There was a shuffling behind him, then Renko's voice. ?That doesn't seem quite right. Wouldn't you do better with more variables in play? Sitting here away from the chaos of war makes you an easy mark.?
?And there's not much stopping the Lunarians from just wiping out everyone else and getting to you later after a rest,? snapped Maribel.
The truth of the words stung the Great Tengu. But his path remained the same. Or at least similar. He managed to hide his emotions and turned back to his guests. ?I'm afraid my path is set. We will form our armies here, and attempt to lure as many Lunarians in as possible. I'm sorry if that harms your personal plans.?
?You id~,? Maribel's outburst was cut off by Ran putting a hand on her shoulder. The fox looked at him with narrowed eyes, then nodded.
?We're sorry for wasting your time then.?
The Great Tengu bowed. ?You did not waste it. I apologize we couldn't come to a closer agreement.?
The five rose to leave, but he raised his hand. ?I will say this though. Any Tengu who wishes to fight in the rest of Gensoukyo has my permission to do so. If you want to battle at your friends' sides Aya, you have full leave, as does any one who joins you.?
?Thank you Great Tengu,? Aya said before exiting with the others.
He sighed and sat down again as the door shut behind the crew. He sat in silence for some time, occasionally looking out the window, wondering if his calculations were correct.
After a few minutes he noticed Momiji was silently watching him.
?You do not approve,? he said.
?No. I do not understand the choice,? Momiji replied.
The Great Tengu liked Momiji. She was admittedly a little young, but she was the most faithful and skilled wolf tengu on the mountain. The reason for that annoyed him admittedly.
Wolf tengu, unlike their crow tengu cousins, didn't do well in small spaces. There were always less wolf tengu then crow tengu. This had been fine in the days of yore when the tengu lived all along the islands of Japan. But as their territory shrunk to the lands of Gensoukyo it had become a serious problem. Their numbers were tiny. Perhaps 28 families.
The wolf tengu of course had instituted a series of arranged marriages to make sure their species survived. Bloodlines were traced and the pairings were designed to keep them healthy. There were hiccups here and there but it worked out well. For most people.
The problem was that there were always more girls then boys. One of those quirks of nature. Boys just had a slightly higher fatality rate during childhood. Which meant there were always four or five women who were never going to have a suitable partner of similar age.
As time passed those fighters tended to either set off as lone wolves, or turn completely to their duties. Those that stayed with the rest of the tengu had become something of an elite fighting force, willing to give their lives to protect their fellow pack mates. In many cases perhaps overeager to do so.
Momiji was one of those women. The eldest now in fact, which was why she was guarding the Great Tengu personally. He approved greatly of the woman. She was as fanatically loyal as her predecessors, but considered death to be a sign of a failed strategy. And she was willing both to state her opinion and admit that she might be wrong. These were all excellent qualities in his mind.
Which is why he gave in to that stare and admitted what he could not to the outsiders. Not even to loyal tengu like Aya.
?There is more to the matter. If I die without a clear successor, invasion or no, then the tengu will scatter to the winds.? He pointed at the sky of the outside world, no longer behind a barrier. ?We are creatures of the wind. Most of my political power comes from the fact that there was nowhere else to go. I imagine several young tengu, and perhaps a few older ones, are starting to realize they can pack up and take their family out into the world. To a place where they don't have to listen to the Great Tengu's boring speeches and annoying edicts.?
He moved to where his writing table was. ?In fact we'll lose some families anyway, just because we tengu are curious. And that is a good and just thing. But if I die, and there's a leadership gap... well then everyone will think of leaving. After all, why fight the Lunarians to defend those other youkai? The ones that pester us almost as much as the humans??
?I see,? Momiji said slowly.
He nodded to his guard then picked out a brush and a piece of paper. It was time for a final decision.
The words came to him easily.
The leaves turn once again
Bare branches fall to the floor
New life arises
He nodded. Poor, but sincere.
?Call in Aya, I have a proclamation to make.?
----
Aya shook her head as they left. ?I'm sorry. Something must be up that I don't know about. I've been running around the rest of Gensoukyo too much. I'll see if I can find people to help but...? Her shrug indicated what she thought of her chances.
?Not your fault, Aya,? Ran replied. Her bitter expression hadn't vanished however. ?Still that's a serious blow to our plans. We'll have to try to spread their forces thin and confuse them now.?
Renko sighed. ?Didn't we just say that wasn't going to work??
?As Flandre pointed out, knowing how to split your forces doesn't matter if you don't have enough forces to split,? Ran said. ?We have to try to make them overextend.?
?Isn't there anyone else?? Maribel asked. She seemed to be slipping back towards her depression. Not too surprising considering how anger and determination were probably the only things keeping her up Aya thought.
Chen shook her head. ?Not any armies.?
?But there are a few more people we can ask for help,? Ran said. ?And we'll want to confer with our known allies as well. I think we should split up now though. I should go with Maribel to see Chireiden and the Netherworld. Chen and Renko should check in with the SDM and see about some of the stronger youkai out there.?
Chen's tailed lashed a bit. ?Aw... I was hoping to try to make that rabbit into my shikigami.?
Ran rolled her eyes, ?She's better off at Eientei. Rabbits need groups. And you should get to know someone a little better before making them a shikigami, Chen.?
Renko frowned. ?Why that split??
?Because you'll need a guide, and I need to stick close to Maribel so she doesn't break the laws of reality again,? Ran said with a mild glare.
Maribel brightened a little at that. ?Well it turned out for the best, right??
Renko pushed her friend's nose. ?That doesn't mean you should ever try something like it again. You could have died!?
Maribel winced at her friend's vehemence. ?Sorry Renko. I promise to be more careful,? Maribel replied.
?We'll meet at the temple of Myouren,? Ran said.
?Why not the Hakurei shrine?? Maribel asked.
Ran smoothed her tails, ?Because I want to see if they're willing to fight,? she sighed. ?And because I want the Lunarians to forget that the Hakurei shrine exists.?
?We can only hope,? said Renko.
Iced Fairy:
?He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.?
Alice's dolls fluttered about the massive dining hall where her family had gathered, arranging things here and there. Normal people would have fidgeted, but to Alice making the dolls pace nervously in her stead was as natural to her as breathing.
Finally Patchouli and Koakuma sat up. ?There. Could you check the work Alice??
Dinah also stood from where she was reading, and came to look over at the spell. Most of it was fiendishly complicated on a conceptual level, like a lot of Patchouli's spells, but Alice had gotten used to the style over the years, so she knew where to look for the runes that needed to be part of the spell. After a few checks she nodded. ?You've got the symbols perfect. I'm not sure exactly how the mansion transfer works, but since that's a duplicate of a spell that pushed through the Hakurei barrier the jump should work just fine.?
?I don't know why you're talking about running away,? Flandre said sharply from the head of the table. ?They aren't going to leave the basement alive.?
Juri frowned at the vampire. ?My Lady, what if one of the intruders has the ability to summon rain, or sunlight? It would be best to be prepared so you aren't hurt.?
Flandre sighed and put her head on the table. ?Hmph. Like I'd lose to some stupid failed humans....?
?Ah excuse me, Lady Flandre?? Everyone turned to see Huian enter the room and bow. ?We have an emissary here to see us.?
Alice raised an eyebrow. ?An emissary??
Huian motioned behind her and a shaking rabbit stepped forward. ?I ah! I, um. Iwassenthere to bring you an offer of pardon from the moon,? she finally squeaked out.
There was a brief silence as everyone stared at the rabbit.
Then Flandre snickered. ?Pardon? For what, scaring them??
The rabbit gaped, ?Um, I don't, that is to say... here's the letter!? She held forth a sealed note with trembling hands.
Marisa cast a quick spell to check for traps. ?Looks clean.?
?Well, I never expected that spell to actually have a good use,? Patchouli said.
?Hey, I don't see you complaining now that books are being added instead of removed,? Marisa replied.
Alice sent one of her dolls to grab and open it. ?Check it again. Best not to take chances.? Marisa shrugged and complied, then Alice moved to where Flandre was sitting with the doll trailing behind.
Flandre grabbed the note, leaving Alice and Juri to read over her shoulders. ?Let's see... 'Not guilty of crimes against the moon.' Hah! Isn't existence a crime according to those jerks? 'Tolerate your continued presence.' Like they've got a choice. 'Offer of safe passage to other locales.' Tch.? She turned her gaze to the rabbit who jumped backwards. ?So basically the head jerk of the moon says we can run away and he won't chase us??
The rabbit just stood there and shivered. She was looking around for escape routes and wasn't finding any. Flandre tended to worry people, Alice mused. However, it seemed this girl arrived scared. That could be useful. She still didn't like using fear as a negotiating tool. It was uncouth. But then so was blowing up the Earth because you thought the humans were lowering your property values.
?Talk little rabbit!? Flandre said, her movements setting her wings tinkling.
The rabbit tried to jump back, only to be caught by Huian. It struggled briefly for a moment, but there was no escape from the youkai's grasp. After a bit of futile struggling the moon rabbit broke down and started crying. ?Uuuah! Ple~, please don't kill me! I taste bad. I don't like the new people in charge! I~ I didn't do anything! They sent me here to die, just because my father didn't go through with the plan to kill the humans! Please don't eat me!?
Everyone in the room winced at that. Though Alice admitted for some people she couldn't be sure if it was from guilt or because of the racket the rabbit was making.
?Silence,? Juri said calmly and coldly. The rabbit girl shut her mouth instantly, though she was still quivering in fear.
That handled her family all looked around at one another, judging what their next course of action should be. ?So what's the proper way of saying 'I hope you all die, and I'm going to try to be the one that kills you?'? Marisa asked.
Alice shrugged. ?Well the first question is do we want to even send them back a message??
?Oh we want to send back a message,? Flandre said leaning back. ?After all, we want to kill as many of them as possible to help our friends right? So we want to make them angry.?
Alice considered for a moment. ?Then we probably don't want to be proper anyway. If our goal is to insult them as much as possible....?
?Oh, I can do that!? Marisa said with a smile. ?Let me start on something. Should probably add unnecessary profanity too...?
?Don't overdo it,? Patchouli said. ?There are plenty of ways to insult them without resorting to crass language.?
As the two began working on the best way to declare war on someone Alice turned her attention back to the rabbit. ?So what should we do with her? We can't send her back. That would be showing weakness on our part. They'd be more likely to ignore us. We need them angry and a little scared.?
The rabbit whimpered, but kept silent.
Flandre rubbed her hands together. ?Hm... and the Lunarians don't care about prisoners. Still they don't need to know what happened to her. And it might be fun having a pet rabbit.?
Huian nodded. ?We could use more staff I suppose. Though we'd have to keep her under key until we'd destroyed the lunar army.?
?Ah, while she's kind of pathetic, I do remember that moon rabbits can communicate over long distances with those ears,? Dinah said pointedly.
Juri raised an eyebrow. ?I see.? She drew her sword. ?Well that's unfortunate.?
The rabbit's eyes grew wide, but Huian struck a pressure point, rendering the youkai mercifully unconscious.
Alice nodded at her daughter. ?Messy. But that gives me an idea.?
---
Byakuren smiled slightly as Unzan moved Ichirin to a open futon at the side of the room. The woman could use the rest. Really they all could, but Byakuren was adept at altering her bodies limits.
The smile faded as she turned back to her work. Eirin had taken in a number of the wounded they'd found, and the villages scattered about had taken in a great number more, but there were only so many that could be healed.
And so it was the temple's duty to take in the dying.
Byakuren carefully checked the last two patients in the room, making sure the survivor was comfortable, and carefully drawing a white sheet over the one that had passed away. She then walked out back to the well, to purify herself before checking in on the rest of the temple and starting the rounds again.
The moon shone brightly on the white rocks of the garden. Byakuren moved to the solitary well, carefully drew the bucket out from the well by hand, then poured the cold water over her body. Fortunately she could dry herself magically, so she didn't have to waste time changing between outfits. She repeated the process twice more, before returning the bucket and turning towards the presence that had been cowering in the corner of the gardens. ?You can come out now. Violence will only come to those that bring violence with them in this temple.?
The creature that slowly stepped into the light was a rabbit youkai. ?Um, are you Byakuren Hijiri??
Byakuren put on her most comforting smile, and stepped back to give the youkai some room. ?Indeed child. Forgive me for not finding you earlier, but we are busy with the wounded here. Do you have a message from Eirin??
The rabbit shuddered and shook her head. ?Forgive me, but I'm a rabbit in service to Lord Shimeiri of the moon. I come bearing you an offer of peace.?
Byakuren paused. So this was the face of their enemy? The moon rabbit seemed to shrink from her gaze. Perhaps their foes wanted to present a less aggressive face? Or maybe they sent this one as a sacrifice? Or maybe they just didn't care?
Still there was no reason not to hear their request.
?While I'm glad to hear about a possible truce between the Earth and the Moon, Toramaru Shou is still the leader of this temple. I will lead you to her.? Byakuren turned and headed into the temple, her heightened senses allowing her to easily make sure the rabbit youkai followed her into the temple.
She deliberately slowed as they passed the rooms where the wounded and dying lay. Glancing back she tried to read the youkai's face for any sign that the rabbit noticed the pain and suffering it's masters had caused, but the youkai seemed focused entirely on Byakuren. The fallen nun sighed, and continued down the long corridor of the grain silo turned ship.
As she entered the main temple she found Shou already there. The woman was sitting and meditating in front of the statue of Buddha, the fires and reflected light giving her almost a halo of light. Shou had been spending a lot of her free time in meditation after the barrier collapsed. Byakuren was a little worried that the tiger youkai might be obsessing over something, but Shou had seemed merely contemplative when she was working, so Byakuren was unwilling to press the issue.
She reached out magically and rang the gong lightly to summon the rest of the temple. Ichirin would probably still be sleeping, and Unzan would stand watch over her, but Murasa, Nazrin and Nue should be present as well.
Shou's eyes opened at the note from the gong. She stayed in the lotus position but nodded to Byakuren before turning to the rabbit youkai. ?Are you a supplicant??
?Um, I'm a messenger...? the rabbit youkai said, backing up again.
Her movement took her to the door, where she nearly bumped into Nazrin. ?Oi, there's really only the one door, so could you please move?? Nazrin asked. The rabbit jumped forward at the sudden voice, then stood looking around nervously in the middle of the room.
They'd definitely sent a paranoid messenger, Byakuren decided.
Nazrin walked up to where Shou was sitting and flopped down next to her. The mouse youkai looked attentive, but irreverent. Which was actually one of her jobs.
Nue flew in the door shortly after. She'd abandoned her disguise when the barrier fell, though she still pretended to be a bird when she gave out her cry over the morgue. Some things were just part of a youkai's nature.
Murasa was the last to appear, walking though the wall grumbling about missing her sleep. The ghost set her anchor down and leaned on the wall across from Nue.
After Nue moved off to the side Shou spoke again., ?So what is the message??
The rabbit pulled out a piece of parchment. She took a deep breath and attempted to read it as smoothly as possible. ?It reads as follows: To the Myouren Temple.?
?I Lord Tenshou, now the ruler of the Lunarians, have unfortunately found myself in conflict with the people of Earth. The Humans who intruded on the moon have been dealt with. However there are those among the youkai who are even more guilty.?
?We are uncertain if you know, but several youkai invaded our beloved home, and slew many of our citizens in an unprovoked attack. We thought we had punished those responsible for the action, and dropped the matter despite the injuries given to us, but we have learned that the instigator of those events, Yukari Yakumo, has made plans for her resurrection, and that several youkai groups are aiding in it.?
Byakuren narrowed her eyes. This sounded a lot like propaganda. Nue shifted, indicating she wasn't impressed either. Nazrin was doing a good job of looking bored, while Shou's face had remained strangely impassive.
Murasa openly sneered. ?Yeah right. Avoiding the trip is easy, but the yama doesn't let anyone back. She may be less then 10,000 years into her reign, but she's no slouch.?
The rabbit fidgeted at Murasa's comment but she didn't have a response. After a moment she continued. ?We understand that your temple is both a honorable place of worship, and favored by the deity Vaiśravana. And we know none of the youkai here are responsible for the attack against the moon. Thus we extend to you an offer of peace, so long as you neither actively support the youkai armies, or hide their warriors in your temple.?
Byakuren frowned. ?What of the wounded??
The rabbit twitched, ?Um, I don't know. That's all the message says.?
?I see. Well, I have our answer.?
Shou stood and Byakuren's eyes widened. The tiger youkai's halo wasn't off of the lights behind her. She was radiating divine power openly!
Shou slammed her staff on the ground and the crackle of lighting filled the chamber, followed by the boom of thunder. Only Nazrin didn't take a step back.
?Hear my words and repeat them to the dogs that claim to rule the moon! I am Vaiśravana, ruler of the North, leader of the yassha! I am Bishamonten, fortune of strength, god of warriors! You have burned my temples, murdered my priests, and scorned my name. Then you have the audacity to come to my house and speak of 'peace'?!?
Shou swung her staff to point at the emissary, who fell backwards in fright. ?There is no peace between us! You should have begged for my forgiveness, but you are too foolish and arrogant to even ask for my blessing! Well, I have not been asked, but I shall give you my curse instead. Know this Lunarian! Your war will fail. Your nation will die. And though the skies may seem to rain with blood, your plans will come to nothing. And I shall be there ensuring your defeat. And I would say you will regret ignoring my words, but I know you are too arrogant to listen to them.?
Shou raised her staff. The glow around her faded slightly, though it still was visible to the naked eye. ?Did you hear all that??
There was a stunned silence for a few seconds, then Nazrin snickered.
Finally the rabbit managed to stammer out, ?Y~Y~Y~Yes!?
?Then get going and tell those chumps!? Murasa yelled. Murasa watched the rabbit scramble from the room, then turned to Shou, ?Uh, sorry. Didn't mean to steal your thunder there.?
Shou smiled. ?It's okay Murasa. I shouldn't get all the fun lines after all.?
?So, who are the yassha anyway,? Nue asked.
?Indian youkai,? replied Nazrin. ?Also, took you long enough to figure it out boss.?
Shou laughed lightly, ?Well you know how dense I can be sometimes.?
Byakuren finally recovered enough to bow. ?I hadn't realized the post was open so soon. Well, I guess you really are officially the owner of the temple now, Lord Vaiśravana.?
?Ah! It was all thanks to you Lady Byakuren. Please don't bow so low!? Shou waved her hands as if to brush off the praise. Byakuren giggled at Shou, while Nazrin shook her head.
?Seriously, you've got a reputation to uphold now Shou.? The little mouse gave an exaggerated sigh. ?I'm only going to be around for another 30,000 years, so you've gotta get on your game.?
Shou just sighed deeply and looked at the ground.
Nue coughed lightly. ?Sorry to dampen the mood, but we probably ought to work out a battle plan. Since you did kinda declare war here.?
Murasa nodded. ?I'm fine with just breaking the face of any Lunarian who comes in here, but there's probably a better strategy then that.?
Byakuren looked at Shou. ?You seemed to have a moment of prophecy when you spoke to the emissary. Any suggestions??
?Yes. I don't remember the details, but I think I remember what we were supposed to do,? Shou looked at Nue first. ?Nue you're the best of us at stealth and deception. You're also a strong fighter. You're going to go out and help the other youkai.?
Nue frowned, then reluctantly nodded. ?I don't like going off on my own while you all fight together, but you're right. I'm really good at sneaking places and confusing people.?
?Thank you Nue,? Shou said. ?Everyone else should stay here and guard the temple. We'll offer it as a refugee center to any human or youkai that wants to stay out of the battle. Ichirin and Unzan will have to tend the wounded, while everyone else stands guard,? Shou continued.
?Eh? But I wanted to get in on the fighting.? Murasa said.
Nazrin stood. ?And what are you doing? Just because you're officially my boss now doesn't mean you can ditch me whenever you want.?
Byakuren help up a hand. ?Nazrin, we'll all be needed to guard the temple, won't we??
Shou nodded. ?I think if there are enough of us they'll ignore the temple. We don't have room to gather an army after all. However we need to contribute to the battle as well.? She patted Nazrin on the head. ?I'm sorry Nazrin, but while Hijiri and Murasa have the strength, they just can't keep watch over enough places on their own. They need you, your mice, and your dowsing abilities to be able to keep the place safe.?
?Yeah, hard to hit someone if you don't know they're there,? Murasa admitted.
Nazrin frowned deeply but nodded. ?Alright. But you be careful Shou. Your power hasn't increased much, since Bishamonten's faith was mostly blown up. You can still die.?
Shou lifted the jeweled pagoda. ?I'll be careful. But my enemies should be the ones fearing for their lives. Sadly I think they lack the wisdom to even pay attention to me.?
---
Lord Tenshou frowned as Shimeri approached. The man had the look of someone who was expecting to have to think quickly. This did not bode well. People who had succeeded rarely needed to search for explanations.
Still he had to ask. ?What news??
?I fear our diplomacy has not born fruit,? Shimeri said. ?The Myouren temple refused rather dramatically, and well...? He pulled out a box and opened it. ?This was found where our messanger was supposed to return to. It bears the seal of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
Lord Tenshou looked into the box and saw the severed ear of a moon rabbit, along with three scrolls. 'Disgusting,' he thought.
?Is there anything of worth on the scrolls,? he asked, ?or is it just more barbaric threats??
?The first is more barbaric insults My Lord. I wouldn't suggest reading it unless you dislike your mother, and desire knowledge on the breeding habits of farm animals.? Shimeri frowned. ?The second scroll is a recipe for rabbit stew.?
Lord Tenshou knew he shouldn't ask, but he did anyway. ?And the third??
Shimeri winced at that. ?Another stew recipe, but with a... different main ingredient.?
Lord Tenshou pondered the meaning of that for a few seconds then unconsciously stepped back. He shook his head. ?While this will make our plans more difficult, it's perhaps a good thing we're going to destroy those devils.?
?Do you want me to prepare a detachment to assist with the attack there?? Shimeri asked.
?No. Rabbits would just be a waste against them. Was there anything of note in the Myouren temple's refusal??
Shimeiri shook his head. ?The tiger youkai there made some claims to godhood, but nothing that should be considered of worth.?
Tenshou consulted his power again and nodded as the results returned unchanged. ?Then your target remains Eientei.?
Iced Fairy:
My update size was going to be either long or short. I chose long.
And since there's no way to explain this without an Authors note: In Buddhist mythology the gods are usually actually humans granted a position. Positions like that of Vaiśravana (and likely Yamakandu) are held for 60,000 years.
I've, of course, also blended in some of Bishamonten's theology, recognizing the oddities that Shinto/Buddhist fusion creates.