A New World (book 2) Complete

~Hakurei Shrine~ > Kosuzu's Grand Bookstore

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Sefam:
This thread isn't on first page anymore! What a blasphemy! This story is great :D

I kind of foresee Lord Temna dying, wars come at a great cost, there's already been huge losses for the humans, and I imagine the tengu will also be affected in a similar manner.

Iced Fairy:
Maribel looked around the huge antechamber.

She wished she could have come here earlier. Right now she was impressed by the massive stained glass windows and huge pillars, but she couldn't enjoy them. She sighed then looked at Ran. “So where's the person in charge?”

“I don't know. She doesn't exactly have a throne room or anything.” Ran looked about. “Ah, just a reminder, the ruler of this place is a satori.”

Maribel nodded. “Right, so she can read hearts.”

“It's more then that. She can read your thoughts, and she can't really help but blurt them out or answer them directly. This is going to be an annoying conversation for you,” Ran said.

That did sound annoying to her. Maribel glanced at Ran, “Why not annoying for you?”

“Well, I'm a fox, so I don't care if I talk when I communicate.”

Maribel wasn't sure if that explained everything or nothing.

“Oh, hello there aunty. What are you doing here with a human?”

Maribel jumped at the sudden sound behind her while Ran's tails bristled. Spinning around she saw three young girls in dark dresses staring at her. Each had a set of cat ears in addition to their normal ears and they were all staring at Maribel with curious, predatory eyes. They seemed like the feral equivalents of Chen. Still none of them looked older then Kanon, and they weren't overtly hostile.

Ran smoothed out her tails. “I see you've gotten better at sneaking up on people, girls.” The three grinned at Ran's rebuke. “Maribel, this is Io, Hiso, and Sanso.” Sadly Ran made no indication as to which was which. Maybe she was afraid of getting it wrong? Ran turned back to the trio. “We're here to see Satori. Or your mother if she's about.”

The triplets nodded. “Mama and Satori are with Lady Reiuji,” Io (?) said.

“When the barrier went down Utsuho went a little crazy. Apparently she got overwhelmed with faith,” Hiso (?) added.

Ran's eyes opened wide at that and her ears flipped back. “She's alright now though right!? She's not planning on scouring the surface world again, right?”

“Again!?” Maribel asked.

“Nah, she was able to give most of the faith to the goddesses up top,” Sanso (?) said. “But mama and Miss Satori are helping her still. She said it was like having a million people screaming for mercy in her mind.”

Maribel shuddered at the girls calm explanation. She could barely begin to imagine the horror that must have gone through people's minds. To have a million of them blaming you personally....

Then a thought arose from her mind. Perhaps she could find a way to make the person responsible for this hear that before he died.

She shuddered and hid that thought away. She didn't like what it said about her.

Maribel started again when one of the girls spoke up. “Anyway, do you want us to bring Miss Satori here? It's gotta be kinda important if you didn't send Chen.”

Ran nodded. “Yes, thank you. We can go to them if they need to stay with Utsuho.”

“Nah, the bird brain is probably sleeping now. We'll go find out.” The three girls took flight and disappeared down a hallway.

“We should go find a room to sit in,” Ran said, heading down another corridor. “It's a fair distance to the reactor. They'll be a little while.”

After a little while they found a sitting room with a fireplace going. A dog in the room looked up but went back to sleep when Ran yipped politely at it.

After the first five minutes Maribel reached into a gap and grabbed a book. She wasn't sure how much she'd be able to read, but it would give her something to do other then sit and be miserable.

About twenty minutes later the door opened.

Maribel immediately guessed this was the satori. While the body of the youkai was that of a short woman or girl, the strange heart eye that floated around her looked almost exactly like the pictures of the legendary monster.

She walked in and bowed. “Nice to meet you Ran, Maribel. Utsuho is doing fine now, and yes Maribel we Satori can't be killed unless the person empties their mind. But we can still be hurt very badly. So please don't try it.”

And now Maribel began to understand what Ran meant when she suggested the conversation might be annoying.

“Ah sorry. It's been awhile since I talked to anyone except my pets. I'll try to let you get in a word edgewise,” Satori said as Maribel opened her mouth. Maribel sighed. Clearly this was going to be a very one sided conversation. Satori looked over at Ran. "Ah, yes please do."

Ran nodded. “This is a formal meeting so I need to speak the words.” Ran closed her eyes as she often did when focusing on a spell, then said, “As Gensoukyo no longer officially exists our pact between the members of the underground and the Yakumo family is hereby complete. You may walk about the surface as you see fit, though we will not protect you on your necessary journeys.” Ran smiled. “I'd offer to help guard the city of the ancients, but really now that the oni are here that'd be an empty gesture.”

Satori smiled in return. “Indeed. Anyone who can get through the entire oni race will not be stopped by force of arms alone.”

She turned to Maribel. “Yes, that's right. We were banished down here for being 'disturbing.'” Maribel flushed as she realized that her thought had once again been picked over. “Oh, don't worry. I don't find that insulting. And your embarrassment speaks well for you.”

Maribel shook her head to clear it. “We should probably get back to business.”

Satori nodded, “Yes. So what brought you here? A war? Hm....”

Ran sighed. “A war against the moon. I know you can't really force the oni to fight. But you, your sister and your pets are all fairly strong in unique ways. Your help would be invaluable.”

Satori stood and began to pace. “You aren't sure if you're going to win. But you bear a lot of hatred for them.” The sight on Maribel's burnt home appeared in her mind. “Ah. I'm sorry to hear that.”

This time Maribel was glad she didn't have to put her thoughts to words.

Satori sighed. “As you said, I can't force any of the other underground youkai to fight. I'm no real ruler. The only reason I 'own' this place is because no one bothered to move us from our sleep when they relocated hell. And no one but the oni are powerful enough to get me and my pets to leave.” She looked at the two again. “In fact I don't really have a reason to fight for the surface.”

“But because my pets have friends up there, I'll let them join you. I'm a combat liability, and Utsuho shouldn't be allowed to fight directly right now. But Orin can help. And Koishi will join in even if I tell her not to. Perhaps a few of my other pets will be interested as well.” Satori shrugged. “That's all I can offer.”

It didn't sound like much, but Ran seemed pleased. “Good. Those two should each be able to fight a Lunarian solo. Just warn them not to underestimate their foes.” Ran's confidence boosted her spirits a little. Still Maribel wondered if there was some other way to get help.

Satori sighed. “I'll try. You know how those children are.” She turned to Maribel again. “And I'll put out word in the underground of the battle. Some people may come out just for fun.”

“This isn't fun for some of us,” Maribel stated.

“I know,” Satori said with a sympathetic glance.

Ran stood, “This might be about justice, but you can't be picky about your allies. Especially given a lot of us are, well, monsters.”

Satori nodded. “Still, even most monsters find destruction on that level mildly disturbing. These fallen Lunarians seem the equal in malice to any youkai.”

---

Renko was worried about Maribel, but hopefully being active would keep her friend's mind off things. Chen set a quick pace to the Mansion, and soon they found themselves at the gate, where Huian was standing.

“Hello, Renko, Chen. What did the tengu have to say?” the gatekeeper asked.

“They aren't going to leave their mountain,” Chen said with a bit of disgust.

Renko nodded grimly, “They said they'd try to help, but....”

“It won't be much,” Huian sighed. “In that case I'm afraid we'll have to go on the defense too.” She smiled a bit. “Fortunately, I think we've managed to draw their attention. I think we'll get our fair share of attackers.”

“Huh?” Renko looked at Chen, who seemed just as confused as she did.

Huian turned towards the front door. “It will be easier to explain after I show you. Besides, I believe Marisa wanted to speak to you about something, Renko.”

“Really?” Renko wondered what that was.

The three headed to the main dining hall. All the residents of the mansion seemed to be there, as well as a new girl. Small with black hair and a bandage on her head. Currently it looked like Juri was giving her instructions on how to polish silverware under Flandre's supervision.

The rest of the mansion, however, looked like they were preparing for battle. Alice was inspecting a full contingent of armed dolls, checking every weapon. Dinah and Koakuma were labeling potions and and other trinkets, and Marisa had acquired an ancient straight bladed sword, and a passel of wands. Patchouli was just reading, but Renko recognized the book as one of the magician's more powerful grimoires.

Juri of course was focused purely on the silverware.

“Yes. That's it, Flopsy. Now, please demonstrate how to set a place properly.”

The girl winced and reached towards the bandage on her head, but Koakuma lightly slapped her hand away. “Don't scratch it or we won't be able to regenerate your ears later.”

“Sorry Miss Koakuma,” the girl said returning to the silverware. “But could you not call me that name?”

“I'm your master now, so your name is Flopsy,” Flandre said from the opposite side of the table. “If you wanted a different name you should have asked your previous owner for one.”

Flopsy groaned but continued trying to place all the forks and spoons in their correct order. Koakuma shrugged and said, “It could have been worse.” Patchouli gave the little devil a look, but Marisa snickered.

“Wait, so is that a moon rabbit?” Chen asked.

Dinah nodded. “They sent her here to demand our surrender, because they thought she was expendable. We offered her a change of employers.”

Renko wondered how voluntary that change was, especially given the missing ears, and the rabbit girls obvious fear. Still, she wasn't going to question a vampire in their own house. She liked her blood to stay inside her. And she trusted Huian and Marisa to keep people from being too hard on the girl.

Looking up from her book towards Renko and Chen, Patchouli asked, “I take it the tengu remained stubbornly isolationist?”

Chen sighed. “Yeah. I guess no one's gonna be surprised.”

“No, but I was hoping they'd be more reasonable,” Alice said.

“Still, we'll do our part,” Flandre said cheerfully. “If there aren't enough of them fighting here, we'll go hunting outside for sure.” She looked over at the magicians. “Unless you people will change your minds and let us attack the capitol while they're out....”

“We've been over that. That only works on opponents who have good communications. It'd just be a waste for us,” Patchouli said. “Besides I don't have a rocket ready.”

“Any word on the kappa?” Marisa asked.

Chen shook her head. “They're in lockdown. I bet Nitori's probably cooking something up, but she's pretty brave for a kappa. The rest will probably just leave weapons out for the tengu.”

That drew a smile from Marisa. “Well Nitori's sure to surprise someone. Ah, speaking of surprises.”

The black white magician walked up to Renko. Renko saw something pass over Marisa's face, before the woman reached into her hat and pulled out an octagonal box. “I was gonna wait until you'd gotten a little better to give this to you, but, well....” The woman looked away. “A lot of things might happen soon. So here you go, an early graduation present.” Marisa dropped the little box into Renko's hands.

Renko stared down at the small box, easily recognizing the symbols carved into the metal. Chen took in a deep breath beside her. “That's...”

“A mini-hakkero,” Renko said in wonder.

“Marisa...”

“Mother.”

The magicians all seemed to be stunned by the item. Even Flandre had stood and was looking over Renko's shoulder. Marisa laughed weakly. “It's not the original of course. That's the one I made when I was figuring out how to repair mine, after Kourin passed away. Still it'll add a whole lotta kick to your magic. It's how I managed to fight people like Flandre when I was still a human.”

“That and being good at dodging,” Flandre said with a smile.

“I, I can't just take this,” Renko said. “Isn't this an artifact? I mean, it holds the undying flame. It had to have taken years to make.”

Renko winced as Marisa rapped her on the head. “Hey, didn't you learn anything from me? Borrowing is an important skill for being a magician.”

“You're mistaking magicians for thieves again Marisa dear,” Alice said.

Marisa waved the comment off. “Anyway if you're worried about it, you can give it back to me after you die.” Marisa closed Renko's hand around the magical reactor. “... and I don't want this back for a long time. Okay?”

Renko looked at the faces around her, and for the first time she actually realized this was probably the last time they'd all be there. This might be goodbye for all of them. Tears started to sting her eyes. She sniffed and brought the Hakkero up to her chest. “Be sure,” she wiped her eyes quickly, “be sure that you're around to get it back it okay. Make sure you're all here.”

There was a tinkling of crystals, and Renko felt two tiny arms fall on her shoulders. “Don't worry about us, fate is on our side. This time, anyway. You just focus on taking care of yourself. You're fun to have around.” Flandre turned to Chen. “And you should try to stay alive too little cat. Ran would be no fun to taunt without you.”

Chen laughed as she wiped away some tears. “Don't worry about me. I've still got nine lives left.”

---

Suika'd appropriated a skyscraper for her drinking tonight. The view was nice, if you didn't look down, and the concrete didn't really bother her much. It would have been nice to see the city when it was all lit up though. Maybe she could draw enough of the surviving humans in the area to pull that off. She wasn't really sure how they generated the electricity however.

As the thoughts passed through her mind she took a long pull on her gourd. She'd gotten into another fight with Yuugi.

She wondered which one of them was more messed up. Yuugi for underestimating the Lunarians, or Suika for constantly fighting for other people's causes.

“'We'll fight when they attack our city, and not before. We gave up on the surface world remember?' Then what's the point of our strength?” Suika sighed. “Seriously, just because they can't beat us now doesn't mean it won't change in a couple generations.”

Her thoughts were interrupted as a girl flew out of the sky and landed next to her.

She looked over at her guest. “Hey, is it alright for someone like you to be here? After all heaven isn't supposed to interfere with mortal affairs unless it's 'necessary'.”

Tenshi shrugged. “We're in charge of heaven, so if we do it, it was necessary. That's why we're celestials.” The girl sat down on the broken concrete of the roof. “Besides it's not like anyone would notice and complain. Heaven doesn't need so many celestials for so few humans, so the hunting shinigami are doing overtime. Everyone's busy worrying about their own skin right now.”

“Hm?” Suika laid back and stared up at the starry sky. “So why are you out here? I thought you liked the fighting?”

“Eh they're only allowed to attack me once a week, so most of them show up, swear, and then go somewhere else. It's boring, so I decided to hide out for a bit.”

Suika chuckled. “More like you don't want angry death gods around your family.”

Tenshi was silent.

Suika looked up at the moon. She remembered the last time she'd gone there. The event that had caused her to leave Gensoukyo for a time. “So are you going to wander around and beat people up?”

Tenshi shrugged. “Eh, I thought I'd hang around you. I shouldn't be picking on weaklings. And I'm not gonna mess around with the final conflict. That'd piss off the Yama, and then I might get in real trouble. I hear she got a new ferryman and a strong hunter shinigami just for this mess.”

Suika took another long pull from her gourd. “You can do that if you want, but only if you promise me something.”

“Huh? Promise you what?”

Suika closed her eyes. “If I tell you to stay out of a fight, you stay out of it. Understand?”

The celestial loomed over her, “Hm, why so serious all the sudden?”

Suika ignored the girl's confusion. “Not gonna explain. That's for them to do. If they want to.”

Suika started as Tenshi grabbed the Oni's gourd and took a drink out of it. “Fine,” Tenshi said, “but if I get bored I'll go play somewhere else.”

“Fine with me,” Suika said with a grin, causing Tenshi to bristle in annoyance. The oni laughed. She occasionally worried that Tenshi might be growing up, but obviously that wasn't the case.

----

As soon as Maribel entered the room Yuyuko moved to hug her. She allowed herself to droop in the ghost's chilly but supportive arms. “I'm sorry for your loss,” Yuyuko whispered. “I wish I could have spoken to you earlier, but it seems you're very busy.”

“Yes,” Maribel managed to choke out. There were no tears. She was too tired for that. But she let herself relax for a while.

Finally she sighed and pulled herself upright. “Busy is one word for it.”

“I suppose you've heard?” Ran asked.

“Yes. We're already starting to get some souls in already,” Youmi replied.

Maribel's gut twisted. She wanted to ask but....

Yuyuko apparently saw her look. “I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that. The judges have become more strict now. And to tell the truth, I don't think it would do anything but hurt you more.”

Maribel nodded. She hoped her parents were here in the netherworld now, but Yuyuko was right. Knowing that wouldn't make her feel better.

Right now she had to focus on her own survival. And vengeance.

“They aren't going to leave Gensoukyo in peace either,” Ran said. “We could use any help we could get. I know your power Yuyuko....”

Yuyuko frowned and the chill around her increased. “That power is best left dormant.” Maribel was surprised. She'd never seen the ghost look that agitated. It passed quickly though. “Besides the yama are all cracking down on rules. Heaven isn't happy that the number of celestials is being reduced. Thus any infractions from the lands of the dead will be judged harshly, to avoid people claiming favoritism.”

Maribel sighed. “So you're saying you can't help either?”

“I'll help!”

The three all turned to Youmi who was starting to blush. “I'm alive, well sort of. At least I'm allowed in the world of the living. So if I fight it's alright! Um, if you'll let me Lady Yuyuko.”

Yuyuko pulled out her fan and pouted. “But Youmi, I've arranged an omiai with a nice young man that day. It would be so difficult to reschedule.”

Maribel's eyebrow twitched at the Yuyuko's hurt expression, and the half ghost's confusion. Then she chuckled. “Is being mean to your bodyguards a tradition?”

“Of course not,” Yuyuko replied.

“Probably,” sighed Youmi.

“Yes,” stated Ran.

Yuyuko folded her fan. “You're no fun.” Her expression turned serious again. “But you have my permission to do as you see fit Youmi. However you have to wait until the attack begins before venturing out. I don't want Heaven knowing about our actions until it's over. That way it will stay legal.”

Youmi nodded. “As you demand Lady Yuyuko.” She smiled at Ran and Maribel. “Don't worry about that. With my speed I'll be in the fray as soon as the battle starts.”

Maribel sighed in relief. Another person who was actually on their side. And probably for the right reasons. “Thank you, Youmi. And thank you, Yuyuko.”

“Thank me after the battle,” Yuyuko said softly.

Sefam:
The suspense! It burns! :ohdear:

I wonder what Renko will pull off with the mini-hakkero, and I wonder if we are going to see any of the Hakureis before/during the battle. And I assume Reimu just died and let the succession go to the next Hakurei? Right?

And I still wonder what was Yukari's original scheme.

Iced Fairy:
As Lord Tenshou spoke Jiyuwan looked around the assembled nobles of the moon. He tried to get a sense of what they all were thinking. His lord was lacking tenure, and Jiyuwan imagined there were several people in the crowd who might want to kill the man to take the throne.

However, it seemed those people were willing to wait to achieve that goal. Most of the faces in the crowed were servile, bored, or eager. There were but three exceptions.

Sareseno sat quietly in the upper seats writing his story. His eyes were filled with grief and anger, but his focus was only on his writing. He was no threat physically, and Jiyuwan was willing to ignore his threat politically. He'd promised after all.

His lord's sister, Shoutoku, was far more more difficult to read. She'd alternated between fiery rage at the earth and rage at her brother for no real good reason. Jiyuwan was inclined to believe she was insane in fact, but this was a fairly recent occurrence. The swordsman wondered if Lord Tenshou had revealed something that had set the woman off, but it was not his place to ask. And he wouldn't get an answer anyway. Strangely today she seemed to be looking at everyone with an expression of disgust. Herself included. Still, her posture was passive which meant she wasn't going to act now. Jiyuwan kept an eye on her in case that changed.

Finally in the back his own son, Akiyoshi, stood presenting an impressive aura of confidence, but Jiyuwan could see from the boy's stance that he was uncertain. However, it was not the uncertainty of an assassin, but the stance that the young man had when he was afraid he was going to disappoint someone. It worried Jiyuwan, but he could not deal with that problem publicly.

Lord Tenshou finished his speech and most of the nobles applauded. Jiyuwan hadn't listened to the speech closely, but he started paying attention now.

Now was when the plan was going to be discussed.

?I know you all would like to simply end this matter in one fell swoop, but I fear Eirin's sabotage has taken away our most potent weapons,? Lord Tenshou sighed. ?Thus we must plan for a multi stage attack on the youkai of Gensoukyo.? He pointed at a crude map of the new environs of Gensoukyo. ?Our first attack will focus on making sure that a barrier can't be raised against us. Lord Shimeri will lay siege to Eientei with most of the rabbits, preventing Eirin from sealing off the moon. Meanwhile our main force will be deployed to remove the Yakumo and their lackeys. I will lead that force personally.?

?However we need to make sure Gensoukyo's other forces don't interfere. Thus I've assigned you drop points that best match with your abilities. And I have a few special orders.?

There was some muttering at that, but everyone waited to see what those orders were before complaining too loudly. After all, Lord Tenshou's power was well known.

Lord Tenshou pointed at the Youkai mountain. ?First my personal bodyguard, Jiyuwan, will interfere with the Tengu. He shall keep their army locked in place.?

The murmuring increased though it was more impressed now. Jiyuwan had to admit he was slightly impressed as well. Sacrificing your most loyal piece early in the game required courage. It would make the rest of the demands more palatable.

Admittedly his Lord probably believed that he would simply strike the tengu and retreat after dealing some serious damage. But Jiyuwan wasn't planning on retreating. Unless he was ordered to of course.

His Lord continued ?Chamaka, I need you to keep the fairies from running rampant.?

The man frowned. ?I can understand how I'd be good at that but shouldn't that be a job for everyone??

?The youkai already outnumber us 40 to 1. Adding the annoyance of a group of undying cannon fodder will only make the situation worse.? Lord Tenshou explained. ?However you might be able to get the mindless creatures to actually understand fear. That will take the pressure off of everyone.?

Chamaka sighed and shrugged. ?Very well. With luck my actions will draw the attention of a worthier foe.?

Lord Tenshou nodded. ?Akiyoshi, I want you to...?

?Forgive me, but I will be acting on my own,? Akiyoshi said. ?I disagree with your actions.?

Lord Tenshou started as if struck, but Jiyuwan had to fight to keep a smile from forming.

Akiyoshi straightened his posture and continued. ?While I seek to find the traitors who murdered the Watatsuki sisters, I have no interest in this war against the youkai. However I understand that it will, for better or worse, decide the fate of the lunar empire. So I shall stand at the gate of the netherworld and guard it from both sides. The honorable dead should not be leaving, and there will be no enemies attempting to hide there. Anyone that attempts to pass the gate will face my blade.?

The boy then turned and left as the crowd called out after him. Lord Tenshou looked over at Jiyuwan sternly, but all he could do was shrug. He'd always told the boy to follow his own path.

Perhaps Akiyoshi would succeed where he had failed.

Lord Tenshou closed his eyes and rubbed them. Obviously he was trying to replan things. After a moment he nodded. ?Very well then. Taruma, Takiko. I need you to guard this path here. Lord Roun, I need you to take your forces and attack the Scarlet Devil Mansion. After 15 minutes have passed. One of our other attacks will likely cause the mansion to split its forces. You will find them to be easier prey when split.?

The three people he named all looked confused, but it was Roun who spoke. ?My Lord, I have 4 warriors. Does a simple band of youkai really need 7 Lunarians to kill them all??

Jiyuwan decided it was time for him to speak. ?These youkai are feared even by their peers. The other youkai tried and failed to eliminate them. While the attack was mostly by lesser youkai, they certainly have planned to fight off powerful invaders, and have practice in executing those plans. You should consider them almost as dangerous as Eirin Yagokoro.?

Lord Tenshou waited for the three Lunarians to nod their understanding before continuing. ?I have a few more select targets for some of you, and I want the rest of the army to drop where I indicate. Remember your goal is to kill as many youkai as possible. Do not worry about collateral damage either. The Earth is tainted. None of it's creatures are worth your life.

?Brother.?

Everyone turned to Shoutoku. Jiyuwan once again noticed a fire in her eyes. Finally he could place it. It was the fires of revenge.

?Will I be placed near the oni?? she asked.

Lord Tenshou smiled. ?Yes sister. You will attack here.? He stabbed at a location in the ruined city outside of Gensoukyo. ?And here, you will kill Suika Ibuki.?

---

The shrine was bustling when Aya dropped onto the well swept grounds. She shouldn't really be surprised, she supposed. After all there was going to be a war. And with the Great Tengu's proclamation....

She shook her head. She could worry about that later. First she cleaned her hands and mouth, then got in line for the offertory box. Most of the tengu moved quickly, so she didn't really need to wait long.

Aya tossed the coins into the donation box then clapped twice and bowed her head. She wasn't really sure if this was the best shrine for her prayer, but the gods here were a little better at service then most other shrines.

?You will find it more likely that your prayer will be answered if you don't think of us like a quick mart,? came a regal voice to her left.

Aya stepped to the side and bowed to the goddess. ?Sorry, but it worked right??

The war goddess had obviously pulled out her old regalia. Gone was the snake rope. In its place was some solid looking chest armor, and the goddess was carrying the daisho as well. Aya also guessed the large fan opposite the paired swords was a tessen. Aya privately admitted she was a little impressed.

Kanako sighed. ?Only because you have slightly more faith then the average supplicant. And because I wish to change the outcome of this battle.?

?So will you give me an idea where I can help out most?? Aya asked the war goddess.

?Given that your army will not march at my command, normal tactics will be useless.? The goddess pointed towards the forest of magic. ?There is someone you know there who can answer your question better then I can. The one you never wrote a story on. Her prophecy holds your answers.?

Aya raised an eyebrow at that. ?How did you...??

Kanako smiled. ?Goddess.?

Aya doubted that was the truth, but she couldn't really argue, especially not in the god's own shrine. So she simply bowed. ?Well then I'd better get on it. It might take her a while to remember the spell.? She waved and took flight.

She took her time moving down the mountain. The place seemed oddly quiet for a future battlefield. Only the occasional kappa sealing their homes up or grouped tengu patrol showed how close war was.

Soon Aya was out of the mountains, into the forest beneath. After a few moments she sighed and stopped. ?Come out, Hatate.?

?Tch, you're getting too good at this.?

Her 'rival' reporter walked casually out of the shadows she was hiding in, cellphone camera out as always. ?Don't bother asking me to go back, I'm getting a piece of this story no matter what.?

Aya considered pulling out her fan and making the other tengu mind her own business. ?Aren't you more interested in the duels? I mean, it's not every day that the Great Tengu proclaims he's going to fight an entire invasion force one on one. And if he loses, he's offering his title to the tengu that beats his killer. That'll be news for some time right??

?Exactly!? Hatate pointed at Aya. ?There's no way a reporter like you would ditch that unless there was something bigger going on!?

?Something bigger?? Aya looked at Hatate, then laughed bitterly. ?Something bigger? Of course there's something bigger going on! All Gensoukyo is under attack! This war will decide the fate of everyone left on earth, and we Tengu have chosen to be a very small part of that.?

Aya took a breath before barreling on. ?So yes, there's something bigger going on. Something so big I can't just sit it out and be a reporter. The 'great tengu army' will be a diversion at best. Ran is going to be the one on the front lines, and I'm going to find a way to help her and the rest of Gensoukyo out!? Aya turned around and started stalking through the forest. ?So there's no scoop here. It's just another random youkai getting into a fight. Nothing the tengu should care about.?

?Aya!?

Aya continued through the underbrush for a few minutes, Hatate doggedly pursuing her. Finally she stopped and looked behind her.

The younger tengu stood their fidgeting. ?Aya, I don't know why the Great Tengu is doing what he's doing. And, well even if I'm not as close to the rest of Gensoukyo as you, I don't want to see them hurt. But... I'm not good at fighting. All I have is this camera and the ability to dodge danmaku. That won't work long in a real fight.? She started flipping her camera open and closed. ?But I want to try to do something....?

Aya paused. Hatate was right. The younger tengu couldn't stand up to any foe who was capable of fighting, say, Momiji. The kappa's camera could protect her from magical assaults, but not a sword between the ribs.

Aya turned around and sighed. ?Fine. Let's find out where I'm going first. Then I'll see if I want you tagging along.?

The two were silent for the rest of the journey. Finally Aya reached her destination. A small house in a clearing, with smoke rising from the chimney. That was a good sign. It indicated that it's owner hadn't forgotten where she lived again.

?I don't remember ever seeing this place,? Hatate said as Aya knocked on the door.

?The magician here doesn't make a lot of waves,? Aya replied.

After a few moments the door opened. The short magician there wore an outfit similar to Marisa's, but in red and white instead of black. On her shoulder was a white cat, and instead of a witches hat she had a red ribbon tied in the rabbit ear style. ?Oh hello! Who are you two and what brings you here?? she asked. ?Oh, and do you remember my name??

Aya ignored Hatate's snicker and simply replied. ?We've met before, Ellen. I'm Aya. The girl behind me is Hatate. And I'm here to get a fortune. A real fortune.?

?Oh thanks!? Ellen replied. ?Come in, come in. I'll get some tea.? Ellen waved them into the cluttered sitting room and cleaned off three chairs.

?Who is she?? Hatate whispered to Aya as the magician cleaned.

Aya smirked. ?The best fortune teller in Gensoukyo.?

When the sudden cleaning was finally done and a pot of tea was acquired, the three women sat down, while the cat inspected them. After it determined that Hatate was the most likely to be annoyed by cats, it jumped up on her lap and started purring.

?So you wanted a fortune from me? How do you feel about tarot cards?? Ellen asked as she poured tea for her guests.

Aya picked up her cup and took a sip, smirking as Hatate found the cat was keeping her cup just out of reach. ?Sorry Ellen, but like I said, I wanted a real reading.?

Ellen frowned. ?Are you sure? No one's ever happy when I give one of those.? She smiled brightly again. ?I could do tea leaves perhaps? Everyone likes tea leaves.?

?No. I need a real fortune,? Aya repeated. ?Lives are at stake.?

Ellen sighed. ?Well, I'll do it. But only because you paid me.?

?Uh, we haven't paid you yet,? Hatate said.

Aya quickly put a bag of coins down, ?But we really need the fortune.?

Ellen nodded then stood up. ?All right. I hope it's worth it.?

The magician pulled out a grimoire from one of the many bookshelves around and started flipping though pages. Hatate tried to shoo the cat off her lap a few times, then gave up and turned to Aya. ?Shouldn't we tell her what we want answered??

?Hm... The best fortune tellers answer the question you should have asked,? Aya replied. ?Not the one you wanted to ask.?

Ellen began reciting the spell. The soft words began to blend together in the air, forming an almost palatable flow of magic in the room.

?Hmph, you'd think that it would be able to at least tell us who the great tengu will be,? Hatate muttered.

?It doesn't matter to you, for you cannot change it tengu.?

Aya and Hatate both stared at Ellen. The small magician's eyes glowed with blue energy, and her posture had completely changed.

?The future has been decided. Your foes' plans are inescapable. When the war ends only the house of eternity, the shrine and the temple will remain in Gensoukyo. This is unavoidable. The rest of the great houses will be swept from the Earth.?

?What?! Your answer is we can't do anything?? Hatate asked her mouth agape.

Aya shushed her. ?What of our futures??

?There is only one future you two can change. You two who know the power of truth and legend shall battle for the fate of a race, while twin moons look on. There you and your allies will either shatter a moon, or the spirit of nature will die.?

Ellen's eyes shifted back to their normal color, and her shoulders slumped slightly. ?So, do you regret it??

Aya shook her head. ?I didn't like what I heard, but now I know where we need to go.? She frowned. ?I just hope Ran and Momiji can take care of themselves.?

Hatate looked over at Aya. ?She said that only those Lunarians, the Hakurei shrine and the Myouren temple were going to survive this mess! Then she told us to go fighting... somewhere! How is that helpful? Shouldn't we be trying to save our homes? ?

?No, the fortune was that those buildings would be standing. Not that they'd survive, or that anyone else would die.? Aya's eye's narrowed. ?And I know where we need to go and what we need to do.?

Hatate sighed. ?Well would you mind explaining it to me? Since apparently I'm going there too.?

Ellen nodded. ?I'd kind of like to know as well. I never get to see these fortunes myself.?

?It's actually very simple. There's only two places in Gensoukyo where there would be twin moons....?

-----

Hitomi checked the wards around the shrine again. She wished she could do more, but her enchantments were more use against generic youkai, not whatever the Lunarians were. The best she could hope for was that the wards against evil and bad fortune would turn eyes away from the shrine. Honestly she was just checking in order to pass the time now. She had done everything she could to prepare.

She wished she could do more.

She wanted to be out there fighting for Gensoukyo's future. Even if there wasn't a barrier anymore, even if the Hakurei shrine didn't mean anything, she still felt a sense of duty to the land. It was her home after all.

?I finished warding the shrine, mom.?

But Hitomi had someone to look after that was just as important as her home. Maybe even more so.

Hitomi looked up and smiled at Kanon. ?Good job. Now we wait.?

Kanon looked up at her with a frown. ?Um, mommy, why can't we fight like everyone else? I can use the yin yang orbs, just like in practice! I promise I won't slow you down any.?

Hitomi's heart twisted within her chest, but she managed to keep a straight face. She carefully took Kanon by the shoulders and looked the young girl in the eye. ?Kanon, I know you want to help me, but you haven't finished your training yet. I want you to stay out of all the fighting, alright? If people come to the shrine you're to stay inside. If they enter the shrine you're to run to our safe place, okay??

Kanon bit her lip, but eventually relented under Hitomi's stare. ?Alright mommy. I promise to stay out of your way.?

Hitomi pulled her daughter close. ?Understand, this is for both of our sakes. If someone does attack, I won't be able to fight properly if I'm worried about you. I know you want to be strong, but now isn't the time.?

?Now let's go inside. The moon won't rise for a few hours yet.? Hitomi held her daughters hand as they entered the godless shrine.

----

Mystia checked one last time to make sure all of her stall's stuff was packed away before pulling down the shutters and locking them. She enjoyed her business, and she wasn't about to lose it just because she needed to move.

?So, you're taking off are you??

Mystia turned at the familiar voice. ?Hm? Of course I'm going! That Keine woman is going to be banishing the village right?? Mystia turned back to her cart and started checking the ties. ?I'm a youkai. If I'm still here I'll be out in the open. I'd be better off in the forest.?

Mokou sighed. ?Mystia, even if you are a youkai the villagers consider you one of their own. You don't need to run and hide in the forest.?

Mystia's wings twitched. ?I don't care what the villagers think, I'm not one of their own. I'm a youkai! I eat humans.? She finished tying things up and turned back to the immortal. ?I kinda like some of you humans, and I'm glad you helped me when my wing was broken. But I'm not going to become everyone's pet.?

They stood there glaring at at each other for a few long moments. Then Monou closed her eyes and shrugged. ?Fine whatever. Do things your own way. If you change your mind the village will be here.?

Mystia opened her mouth to reply, then turned around and moved to grab the eel cart. She still had her pride.

She wouldn't admit that she liked the village enough, that being sent away with it would bind her to the village forever.

And while Mystia had changed a lot, she was unwilling to be bound to anything. It was a pretty cage. A large cage. But a bird had to be free, to fly and sing as she wanted to. Even if that meant danger.

-----

The interminable meeting finally done, Jiyuwan headed home.

He found Akiyoshi in the dojo, meditating. The young man's eyes opened and he bowed to his father. ?I'm sorry for causing you to lose face over my selfish actions.?

He bowed in return. A bow for equals. ?No. I apologize for my position forcing you to chose between filial piety and the path of righteousness.? He walked forward and placed a hand on the young man's shoulder. ?I am proud of you my son.?

Akiyoshi was still young enough to blush with pride at that. Or perhaps Jiyuwan was wrong, and blushing was the correct response, superior to the stoicism he'd developed.

?Thank you father,? Akiyoshi replied. ?I only hope it doesn't come back to hurt you later.?

?It will not,? Jiyuwan said. ?You should worry about yourself more my son. You will probably have to find a new place to live soon, and while I am certain you will do well on your own, I would not wish this to be a surprise to you.?

Akiyoshi nodded. ?I understand father. I have a temporary house planned out. And... as for after the war, we shall see how the war progresses.?

?Indeed.? Jiyuwan turned and headed to the dining hall. ?But for now we should eat and rest. The battle will not be for another three days.?

Iced Fairy:
Renko and Chen flew down and waved to Murasa. ?Hey,? the ghost sailor called out. ?Your friends just dropped in a couple of minutes ago. They're in the garden talking to Shou.?

?Thanks,? Chen said as she shot off, Renko slowly following after. The cat Shikigami always moved in dashes when she was excited.

When Renko caught up, Ran was scratching behind Chen's ears, while Maribel, Nazrin and Shou were watching with varying levels of amusement.

An idea worked its way into Renko's mind and she flew down. ?Hello Mary,? she said before petting the blond girl's head.

Maribel squirmed, ?Hey, I'm not a cat!?

?But you like it anyway right?? Renko asked with a grin.

?Seriously Renko you're embarrassing me...? Maribel blushed but didn't move away. Renko was glad to see an happy expression on her face again.

Renko's teasing was sadly interrupted by a cough. ?We probably should get through all the details so you lot can go off and find rooms,? Nazrin said.

?Hey!? Maribel and Ran both glared at the mouse youkai, while Renko stifled a chuckle. Shou just dropped her hand on Nazrin's shoulder.

She then turned to Ran. ?So is there anything specific you need our help with? I have some plans, but I'm willing to work together with the rest of Gensoukyo if you need us.?

Maribel looked up at the fox youkai as well. ?What is our plan anyway??

?If we'd gotten more people willing to stay with us I'd have asked you to join us, but now...? Ran thought for a moment.

Renko sighed. ?I hate trying to plan based on our enemies making mistakes.?

Ran nodded. ?Yes it is annoying. Shou, when the invasion comes could you try to link up with us??

Shou nodded. ?Simply call for Bishamonten's aid and I shall come. I haven't learned to appear in multiple places yet, so I'll have to fly there though.?

?We're trying to force the Lunarians to spread out right?? Chen said. ?So that should actually help us more.?

?And the ones that run into you aren't likely to realize they're fighting a youkai god,? Nazrin said cheerily.

Shou smiled at that, then bowed to the group. ?Alright. Well if you change your mind, or if you need sanctuary, come here. Our doors are open to all who desire peace between youkai and humans after all.?

As Shou and Nazrin walked away Maribel looked over at Ran. ?You know, if they just decide to kill us they'll have a much easier time of things. Help won't arrive in time. Is that really your plan??

Ran closed her eyes. ?That is my plan. Even if all our friends and allies stood with us, against the combined might of the Lunarians we'd be destroyed. If we had the tengu it would be different but...? She sighed then opened her eyes. ?We're doomed if they do this right. In fact if they do this wrong we still might die. We're their primary target. If they overestimate on anyone it's likely to be us.?

Maribel's eyes narrowed and Renko took her hand. ?I see.?

Ran smiled wryly. ?Sorry this isn't like how wars are supposed to go. I'm afraid that the old maxim, 'Victory goes to the side that, at a crucial moment doesn't make a mistake,' is far closer to the truth. This is going to be a series of blunders and missed opportunities. We can only hope they miss a big opportunity and we don't.?

?Which is why, even though I know you're going to complain about this Chen, I need you to try to organize the other youkai during the battle,? Ran said.

Chen looked shocked, her tails bristling in agitation. ?But Miss Ran! I'm a stong shikigami, even if I'm not borrowing your power! You know I can fight by your side,? she cried.

Ran leaned down and hugged her Shikigami. ?And I'll need your strength finding people who can support us in battle. You can find me instantly. Someone like Medicine can't, and once they realize the scope of the invasion you might be able to finally get them to help us.?

Chen's face fell. ?I get it, but....?

?I understand Chen,? Ran said giving the Shikigami another squeeze.

Maribel turned to Renko but she held up her hand. ?Not a chance Mary. You aren't leaving me behind. Besides, I'm a better fighter then you are.?

Maribel looked down at the ground. ?But... I don't want to lose you too.?

?What about my feelings you dummy?? Renko ruffled Maribel's hair again to take the sting out of the words. ?I'm not going to abandon you.? Renko gave Ran a look, and the fox youkai nodded and stepped away.

Renko leaned forward. ?Hey Maribel. Do you remember when you first dreamed of Gensoukyo??

Maribel looked confused but nodded. ?Yes.?

?When you brought those treasures back, when I realized you'd found Gensoukyo, I thought there were only two choices for me. To throw them away and keep you with me in my world, or to let you realize that you were actually a part of this world and to lose you forever.? Renko felt embarrassed admitting it, but she pressed on, ?I worried about it all night. I didn't want to let you go. I wanted to go myself. Would I let you go to this world that you seemed to love, or would I hold you back to stay by my side??

Maribel's mouth opened in surprise. ?You never told me Renko...?

?Yeah, I didn't really like myself back then. I honestly didn't know what I would choose,? Renko looked up. ?But do you remember what I did say, when I met you the next day??

Maribel smiled slowly. ?You said, 'Let's wake up! Change the world of dream to that of reality!'? Her smile faded though. ?But I don't have a dream anymore Renko. Or maybe I have a dream, but it's not what I want to base my life around.?

Renko pulled Maribel's chin up. ?Then let's search for my dream Maribel. A dream where the village is peaceful, where the children still smile, and where we can meet with all of our friends.?

?I believe we can find that dream Maribel. Maybe the scenery will be different then we expected, and maybe some old friends won't be there, and some new ones will. But I believe we can find that dream together. Just like we did before.?

?Renko!? Renko fell backwards as Maribel threw her arms around her. She could see Mary was crying again, and maybe she was crying herself. But these weren't tears of sorrow.

They lay on the ground for a while. Finally Maribel said, ?Let's go find your dream, Renko.?

Renko smiled. ?Well, we've got all the Sealing Club members, so I guess we should start.?

Mary smiled in return. ?I suppose if you're with me, I won't have to be worried about you being late this time.?

Renko chuckled. They stood up and walked hand in hand to where Ran and Chen were standing. Ran tried to pretend she hadn't seen the whole thing, and Renko tried to pretend she didn't notice Chen staring at them.

?So where should we go next?? Maribel asked.

?I think Mayohiga would be the best place to wait.? Ran said. ?We should have two days before the assault, but we've been surprised before. Consider tonight the last safe night. After that? War could begin at any time.?

----

-Epilogue-
I can see all the players now. So many souls, each unique, each searching for their own place. It both dissociates me from their realities, and binds me closer to them then anyone has a right to be.

I see Lord Tenshou sitting in his throne room. Still convinced he's doing the right thing for his people, as he continues to seek vengeance against a woman he killed three hundred years before.

I see the man who murdered my wife sitting in meditation. He dreams of death, knowing it to be the result of his path, yet he still follows his duty to the end.

I see another soul down below, shining brighter then all the ones left here in our once pristine capitol. She dreams of death as well, but it is neither a goal nor a fear. Simply another obstacle to overcome.

I see two lovers, each wondering if this will be their last night on earth, holding each other tightly. Their thoughts are perfect mirrors, each putting the other before themselves.

I try to pull back, to see the broader picture, but that is a meaningless sea of emotions. I know that we Lunarians are the villains of this story, but I see the same thing when I look at both sides from afar. There is love and hate, sorrow and eagerness, fear and courage, and a desire for justice, or at least vengeance.

I wonder what someone would think, if they knew they were going to be the villain of a story? Perhaps they would want to be seen as sympathetic? A tragic figure. Or perhaps they would wish the mistakes and flaws that led them to the role buried. Let history show them to be a monster, so that their goals will not be tarnished by their reputation.

I no longer believe in our quest for purity. I no longer wish to hide from death. For it is in death that I began to understand the value of life. Win or lose, when the war is over, I will leave this city. Forever.

But out of respect to those who try to follow that dream. Who fled the Earth so long ago, and who fled the moon when it too was tainted by blood. Out of respect for my brother, and my beautiful wife, who fought for the dream of a perfect world, I shall make our society the villains of this story. With no excuses, no understanding.

I make an exception for Jiyuwan. This is my revenge you see. I will show his flaws and his virtues, so that he can be judged for who he truly is. That is all the punishment my heart can stand.

I shall now sleep. For when I wake again, the war will begin.

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