Nobody dreams of Gensokyo (誰も幻想郷の夢を見ない)

A story of a young man being left for dead, who finds himself in the world of Touhou, rescued and taken care of by a kitsune.

Visiting the Hieda mansion ~ Gensokyo Chronicle Arc

It's been three months or so since I've been living with the Yakumo family. And it wasn't long after that that I acquired a new skill, which still doesn't have a name. I still train with Ran and her shikigami in my free time, as usual.

Naturally, Lady Yukari called me again, I wonder what it was for...


[Yukari] “Since you've been here for a while, I thought you could go to the Hieda mansion, where Akyuu lives, to introduce yourself.” “I was probably going to go there anyway, so we could go together, don't you think?”

[Izuru] “I don't see why not, my lady” “I'm going to save the questions for later.”

[Yukari] “Ran has already gone to the Gensokyo border, Chen is probably in Mayohiga right now” “So, shall we go?”


And so in the blink of an eye, Lady Yukari and I arrived at the entrance of the Hieda mansion. Or rather, inside the mansion


[Izuru] “We are already here?”

[Yukari] “That's right, Izuru” “Akyuu must be around here”


The butler of the mansion found us and decided to ask us what we were doing here.


[Izuru] “Good morning”

[Yukari] “Good morning, is Akyuu here?”

[Hieda mansion's butler] “Oh, do you have any business with Miss Akyuu?” “In that case, follow me”


The butler guided us to Akyuu's location and then left.


[Akyuu] “Oh, it's Yukari” “Good morning” “And you?”

[Izuru] “My name is Izuru, I work for Lady Yukari”

[Yukari] “Izuru, she is the author of the Gensokyo Chronicle, Hieda no Akyuu”

[Izuru] “Nice to meet you, Miss Akyuu”

[Akyuu] “Likewise, Izuru” “Miss Yukari, I never saw him here”

[Yukari] “He has been living with us for three months now.” “He can sometimes be found at the Hakurei Shrine”

[Akyuu] “Knowing that, you want me to write about him, Miss Yukari?”

[Yukari] “Indeed, Akyuu” “Izuru, can you stay here for a moment?” “I'll be outside, in the yard”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady!”


Lady Yukari went outside as she only knows how, and left me with Akyuu.


[Akyuu] “You really look like a pretty young youkai.”

[Izuru] “I wasn't always one, though”

[Akyuu] “What do you mean?”

[Izuru] “Although it may not seem like it, I used to be an ordinary human being...” “On the day I arrived, three months ago”

[Akyuu] “Interesting” “What made you live with them?”

[Izuru] “From being practically lifeless... until being rescued by Ran” “Fortunately, Lady Yukari didn't take it the wrong way”

[Akyuu] “Miss Yukari was very generous to you, wasn't she?” “But how did you become a youkai?”

[Izuru] “How strange, I thought you had found out” “In short, it was a plan that I organized with Lady Yukari, which I executed at the Hakurei Shrine.” “When that was over, I swore to Lady Yukari that I would serve her forever.”

[Akyuu] “So, for you, being a shikigami is an occupation?”

[Izuru] “To put it that way, yeah” “That doesn't stop me from behaving like one at all times.”

[Akyuu] ”...” “While we were talking I was writing a new entry for the chronicle, do you want to see it?”

[Izuru] “With your permission, Miss Akyuu”


Youkai with a fervent devotion
Izuru Yakumo
—————————————————————-
Ability: Unknown
Threat level: Unknown
Human friendship level: Unknown
Main place of activity: Yakumo Residence
—————————————————————-
Nothing is known about this youkai yet,
what is known is that he was an ordinary
human being who had been rescued by Ran
who is Yukari Yakumo's kitsune shikigami
about three months ago.
Since then, he has been working for the
Yakumo family.
—————————————————————-
His appearance is that of a young man of
around 20 years old, with violet eyes and
completely black spiky hair.

[Akyuu] “This is still an incomplete description, but if you want, you can take it without any problem to correct it if you wish, and when it is finished, you can return it to me for inclusion in the chronicle.” “It's not urgent so take your time”

[Izuru] “Oh, thanks” “As soon as I can I will bring it back”


I decided to put the incomplete article inside my pocket, however, Lady Yukari returned


[Yukari] “I heard Akyuu has written something about you, can I see it?”

[Izuru] “No problem”

[Yukari] “...” “Akyuu, this doesn't look bad at all” “It's settled then.” “Izuru, take this back”

[Akyuu] “My pleasure, Miss Yukari” “Since I know very little about him, that's why I gave it to him”

[Yukari] “Okay, now we'll go back home” “See you, Akyuu”

[Izuru] “See you, Miss Akyuu!”


We said goodbye to Akyuu and together with Lady Yukari, I returned home It seems that now I have a task to do, at least I can entertain myself with this

To be continued

Reviewing the draft article for the Gensokyo Chronicle ~ Gensokyo Chronicle Arc

I'm in my room now, seeing what I can modify from this draft, meanwhile, Chen came back from Mayohiga, with scratches everywhere, but Ran is still at the border of Gensokyo.

...

For now, I decided to leave that aside, and went out to the yard. The weather is pleasant and Lady Yukari is sitting on a gap with her parasol open.

This time, she is wearing her typical purple dress, instead of her work dress. For my part, I am always dressed as if I were working, even in my free time, kind of like Ran.


[Izuru] “Lady Yukari!”

[Yukari] “Oh, it's you” “Did you do anything with the draft?”

[Izuru] “No, not for now” “There's nothing to do at home either...”

[Yukari] “Haven't you named your skill yet?”

[Izuru] “All the possible names I have don't fit it...” “One of them being 'Manipulation of Opposites'”

[Yukari] “That's what you described to me the other time, don't think I forgot” “That being said, the name you mentioned is the right one”

[Izuru] “You're right, Lady Yukari” “If I can counter snow with fire, light with darkness, and anything else that is equivalent and thus opposite, it must have something to do with boundaries, right?”

[Yukari] “There you have it, although your theory is very simplified from what it actually is, it is not necessarily incorrect.” “It's quite a complex topic for you to understand completely”

[Izuru] “Now I have more reasons to update the draft” “Lady Yukari, do you want me to do something else?”

[Yukari] “No, it's alright”

[Izuru] “On my way to update the draft!”


I ran back inside and went to update the draft just like Lady Yukari said.

...


Eternally devoted Youkai
Izuru Yakumo
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Ability: Manipulation of Opposites, Flight, Shikigami Mode
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Threat level: Unknown
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Human friendship level: Normal
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Main place of activity: Yakumo Residence
————————————————————————————————————————————————
While almost nothing is known about this particular youkai, what is known is that he will obey
any order from none other than the youkai of boundaries herself, Yukari Yakumo.
Ran Yakumo, a shikigami of Yukari, saved him from dying under his own wounds.
————————————————————————————————————————————————
His appearance does not seem any different from any other human being,
except that he has violet eyes and his skin is practically pale, almost white.
Also, his wings are like those of an angel, and he can hide them at will.
————————————————————————————————————————————————
He is active throughout the day, but even though he could also be active at night,
he decides to sleep instead.
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Abilities
Manipulation of Opposites
———————————————————————————————————————————-
This ability physically manifests as a white flame on either of the wielder's hands.
As its name implies, the wielder can counter any element with its immediate weakness.
For example: fire against ice, water against fire; to name some basic cases.
Apparently, it can be enhanced by the weather.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Flight
———————————————————————————————————————————-
He acquired this ability the same night he became a youkai.
Although he still doesn't have much experience with that art.
———————————————————————————————————————————-
Shikigami Mode
———————————————————————————————————————————-
This mode activates automatically when he receives orders from Yukari,
and can last indefinitely.
Allows him to act as a shikigami almost on Ran's level.
However, he can become tired after constant exposure, leaving him helpless.
It also subject to the same limitations as with proper shikigami
———————————————————————————————————————————-

I went back out to the yard, and she was still there, as if nothing had happened. If that means living for the pleasure of life, I wouldn't change it for anything.


[Izuru] “Lady Yukari, look!”

[Yukari] “It took you a while” “Let's see...” ”...” “It looks much more elaborate”

[Izuru] “I didn't want to include daily life because it's not relevant to anyone.”

[Yukari] “Ran should be coming home now” “It's late...”

[Izuru] “Oh, that's right, I forgot”


Ran finally came home, Lady Yukari and I are in the dining room. I feel more bored than usual, today was a pretty hectic day, but at least I finished writing the page for the Gensokyo Chronicle... As soon as Ran entered, Chen ran towards her.


[Chen] “Lady Ran! Lady Ran!”

[Ran] “Have you had problems again in Mayohiga?” “Okay, what am I going to do...”

[Chen] “Cats don't want to listen to me, no matter what I try”

[Izuru] “Oh, you've arrived” “How are you doing, Ran?”

[Ran] “I'm good” “What about you, Izuru?”

[Izuru] “I have been writing to include myself in the Gensokyo Chronicle” “I was with Lady Yukari at the Hieda mansion”

[Ran] “That's interesting”

[Yukari] ”(yawn)” “I want to sleep” “Good night” ”(gaps away)”

[Izuru] “I'm going to sleep too, good night, Ran”

[Ran] “Good night” “At least I won't have to cook now” “Chen, go to your room, it's time to sleep”

[Chen] “Good night, Lady Ran!”


In the end we all went to sleep, who doesn't get tired of being active all the time, right?

To be continued

Paying another visit to the Hieda mansion ~ Gensokyo Chronicle Arc

Yesterday I finished writing my page, which is now located on my desktop, however, I woke up very late, around ten in the morning... Fortunately, Ran is still at home, or rather, in the living room.

I made myself a cup of green tea, and decided not to eat anything, because I wasn't hungry.

...

Later, I went back to my room to change my clothes, this time I'm going out with my original uniform, I put the page in my pocket, and headed to the living room. It turns out that Lady Yukari was there too, much to my surprise.


[Izuru] “Good morning, Lady Yukari and Ran!”

[Yukari] “Good morning, you woke up late”

[Ran] “Good morning, Izuru”

[Yukari] “Are you going to the Hieda mansion today?”

[Izuru] “Oh, yeah” “While I'm at it, is there anything else to do before I return, Lady Yukari?”

[Yukari] “You could do the shopping” “Ran goes to the Human Village sometimes”

[Izuru] “Ran, are you coming with me?” “Please, Lady Yukari”

[Yukari] “Very good” “I shall concede”

[Ran] “I could go to the mansion with you, Izuru, don't you think?”

[Izuru] “I don't mind”

[Izuru and Ran] “Lady Yukari, we are leaving”

[Yukari] “Take your time, I'll wait for you here at home”

[Izuru] “See you, my lady”

[Ran] “See you later, Lady Yukari”


And so, Ran and I left, first to the border of Gensokyo, and from there, to the village. For a moment I thought about flying towards the mansion, instead, I continued walking next to Ran.


[Ran] “Manipulation of the equivalent and opposite... it sounds strange to me how you named your ability” “Even I, being a shikigami, can't understand it”

[Izuru] “It's like the yin and yang”

[Ran] “Oh?” “I knew that sounded like something in particular!” “How could I not notice?”

[Izuru] “Aw, please” “I hadn't even noticed before, it doesn't help that that was very recently.” “Apart from the flight, didn't you see anything else on the page?”

[Ran] “The 'Shikigami Mode'?” “Seems more limited in comparison” “To being a shikigami, that is”

[Izuru] “Yeah, I know that” “It's still too early for me to handle it” “Oh, Ran, look!”

[Ran] “We arrived at the mansion” “I'll knock the door”


A little later...


[Voice behind the door] “Can I know who you are?”

[Ran] “Ran Yakumo and Izuru Yakumo, servants of Yukari Yakumo”

[Voice behind the door] “Oh, it's you, you can come in”


It turns out that the voice that answered us was one of Akyuu's maids, and she invited us in From there we headed to where Akyuu is located.


[Akyuu] “Hello, Miss Ran and Izuru”

[Izuru] “Hi, Miss Akyuu”

[Ran] “Hello, Akyuu”

[Akyuu] “Have you finished reviewing the draft I gave you?” “It will be included in the Gensokyo Chronicle later today”

[Izuru] “It's all yours, Miss Akyuu” “I've mostly rewritten it, on a new sheet”

[Ran] “Izuru and I were talking about it while walking here.”

[Akyuu] “Miss Ran, what is Izuru to you?” “I mean, you two are Miss Yukari's servants”

[Ran] “My coworker, but he's almost like a brother to me”

[Izuru] “I owe my life to Ran”

[Akyuu] “You are like family”


Meanwhile, at the Yakumo residence...


[Yukari] “I'm bored” “I guess I'll go bother Reimu, hehehe”


Lady Yukari went to the Hakurei Shrine on a gap, I'm not going to elaborate what happened here. Now, back to the Hieda mansion...


[Akyuu] “My apologies, I had you here for a long time, I'm almost done including the article.”

[Izuru] “Oh, it doesn't matter”

[Ran] “Izuru, we should go, right?”

[Izuru] “Yeah, that's right” “See you, Miss Akyuu”

[Ran] “See you”

[Akyuu] “See you!”


We left the mansion to shop in the village, mostly to replace the missing items at the residence, but we still had a lot of fun being in company of each other. Naturally the shrine maiden was annoyed (by Lady Yukari) and our master went back home without a warning.


[Ran] “We're back home!”

[Yukari] “Hm?” “Oh, welcome back”

[Izuru] “I finished what I had to do” “I also helped Ran with shopping”

[Ran] “In fact, we had fun doing it.”

[Yukari] “Well done” “We could have dinner now, don't you think?”

[Chen] “Lady Ran!”

[Ran] “It's you, did something happen to you?”

[Chen] “Same as always”

[Yukari] “Do you want something to eat?” “I invite this time”

[Izuru] “Oh?” “A pizza, please!”

[Ran] “Sushi and fried tofu!”

[Chen] “Sardines!”

[Yukari] “Very well”


Obviously, she's not one for cooking, so she brought everything from the outside world in the blink of an eye. The art of boundary manipulation, right?

...

After that I just don't remember anything else, but eventually I went to sleep, knowing that I accomplished my mission.

To be continued

Visiting the Netherworld ~ Netherworld Arc

After the Gensokyo chronicle event, Lady Yukari decided that we could have some free time, including me. Having known that, after having breakfast with the others, I informed Lady Yukari that I was going to the netherworld, in particular, Hakugyokurou.


[Yukari] “Be careful” “On another note, you could ask Youmu about how to be a swordsman, hehe”

[Izuru] “Understood” “See you later, my lady”


It feels strange to travel to other worlds, but since this residence is a world in itself, I wouldn't see why not. There must be a lot of ghosts or something over there.

...

Now I'm halfway there, more or less close to Youkai Mountain I would have asked Lady Yukari where that place is located but I forgot.

...

Looks like I found the gate, thank goodness I was flying all this time, so it should be easy to get in. After crossing the Barrier of Life and Death, I was finally able to reach the netherworld. It took me a while to find Hakugyokurou, so I eventually landed near there.


[Izuru] “I wonder if there is anyone in this place”

[???] “Who's there!?”

[Izuru] “Oh, finally” “Show yourself” “I have no intentions of harm here, I just came to visit”

[Youmu] “Aren't you Yukari's new servant?” “Lady Yuyuko must have heard something from you, I don't know.” “Oh, I almost forgot, hello!” “I am the gardener and guardian of the netherworld, Youmu Konpaku, and you?”

[Izuru] “Hello, I am a youkai in Lady Yukari's service.” “My name is Izuru Yakumo”

[Youmu] “Nice to meet you”

[Yuyuko] “Youmu, what's this fuss, isn't it unusual?”

[Youmu] “Lady Yuyuko, yes it is unusual, besides, there is a new visitor here and now!”

[Yuyuko] “Oh?” “Let's see!” “Yukari must have told you about me, I am Yuyuko Saigyouji, her best friend.”

[Youmu] “Lady Yuyuko, he is Izuru, Yukari's servant”

[Izuru] “Indeed, Miss Yuyuko” “I've been living with her for three months now”

[Yuyuko] “Are you a swordsman like Youmu, by any chance?”

[Izuru] “Unfortunately no, I never used them either.” “However, Lady Yukari suggested that I ask Youmu about it.”

[Youmu] “Oh really?” “Lady Yuyuko, would it be okay if I can teach Izuru?”

[Yuyuko] “I don't see why not, Youmu” “If you want, you can start now”

[Youmu] “I understand, Lady Yuyuko!” “Izuru, get ready!”

[Izuru] “OK!”


What a surprise I got, finally being able to learn fencing with Youmu. During all this time I always had the two swords as part of my uniform. Maybe I'll have the chance to see what their true power is.

To be continued

Swordsmanship lessons with Youmu ~ Netherworld Arc

Before starting, Youmu wanted to ask me what the origin of my two katanas is, however, when I told her, she simply couldn't believe it, so she insisted with the same question.


[Youmu] “I can't believe it” “Are you serious about what you said?”

[Izuru] “When I became who I am now, I didn't know what happened to that silver knife either” “I never knew my transformation would affect it too.”

[Youmu] “And to think that my Roukanken was forged by youkai, but this is beyond me” “But you never used either of them?”

[Izuru] “Apart from not knowing how to use them, I also had no use for them” “That's why Lady Yukari recommended me to you”

[Youmu] “Your desire to find out is as strong as mine” “Can you draw one of your katanas, then?”

[Izuru] “Understood”


I did as she told me, I for one did not expect anything out the ordinary to happen. To our surprise, the katana emitted a glow that illuminated all of Hakugyokurou and then instantly went out. But this was just the beginning.


[Youmu] “Whoa” “Roukanken, unwind!” “You should have an advantage considering that you can fly.”

[Izuru] “Shall we start?”

[Youmu] “On guard!”

[Izuru] “Angelical wings, materialize!”


First round, Youmu went on the offensive, I went on the defensive; without even realizing it I was blocking all the impacts from Youmu's Rounkanken, ending up in a stalemate, after a while.


[Youmu] “I didn't see it coming at all” “Your katana has a life of its own” “Although you did well, it being your first time”

[Izuru] “...A youkai katana?” “Now I want to know what my second katana is”

[Youmu] “It would be more of a tsukumogami, but is one of a kind” “Let me explain, tsukumogami are youkai that originate from any object”

[Izuru] “I knew that these are not ordinary katanas, but now knowing this leaves me even more perplexed” “That said, I'll sheathe this katana for now.” “Let's see my second katana, don't you think, Youmu?”

[Youmu] “I don't see why not, come on!”


After sheathing the first katana, I unsheathed the second, now knowing what happened to the first, I expected some result from this one... Both katanas have the same length, more or less 70 centimeters in length in total. Compared to the first, this katana, although while it did not shine, caused a slight tremor on the ground instead.


[Youmu] “I do not know what to say anymore...” “Are you ready for a second round?”

[Izuru] “Alright, I'm ready”


Second round, this time we both went both offensive and defensive; but this time I was pretty close, however, I got careless, Youmu recovered, and she beat me I got too confident, I shouldn't underestimate my teacher after all.


[Izuru] “That was awesome, Youmu” “I must admit that Lady Yukari was right here”

[Youmu] “If it had been a regular katana it would already be destroyed”

[Izuru] “What a shame I can't stay here longer”


I sheathed my second katana back; Meanwhile I was about to leave, until Yuyuko appeared I feel like Lady Yukari must be around, after all what are friends for, huh?


[Yuyuko] “Youmu and Izuru, would you like to come inside?”

[Youmu] “Immediately, Lady Yuyuko!”

[Izuru] “It's okay, Ms. Yuyuko”


The two of us went to the Hakugyokurou palace's door, which has an incredibly long staircase to even walk on. It wouldn't be a problem for me to get in, but I didn't want to leave Youmu alone, so I offered her my hand. So hand in hand, we went straight to the door.


[Youmu] “Thank you very much, Izuru” “You're a gentleman”

[Izuru] “You are welcome, shall we enter?”

[Youmu] “OK”


We reached Ms. Yuyuko, who was talking to none other than Lady Yukari herself.


[Izuru] “Greetings, my lady”

[Yukari] “Greetings, Izuru” “Yuyuko told me that you were sparring with Youmu, right?”

[Izuru] “Indeed, my lady”

[Youmu] “Greetings, Ms. Yukari” “That's right, we discovered that Izuru's swords are extraordinary, so to speak” “I think they are tsukumogami, because they seem to have a life and/or will of their own.”

[Yukari] “But Izuru is too young...” “Although it may not seem like it, Youmu, Izuru has only recently become a youkai.” “I'm excited that you're growing, Izuru”

[Izuru] “It is an honor, my lady”


Suddenly, I felt something completely out of the ordinary (for me, at least); my two katanas reacted to Lady Yukari's presence, and we all got scared.

...

I decided to draw the two katanas immediately and left them on the floor; Instantly, both of them emitted a blinding glow. It was exactly as Youmu said, shortly after the glow, two girls, each carrying their corresponding katana appeared kneeling in front of Lady Yukari.

The two girls were practically wearing a dress similar to Lady Yukari's, I don't know why. Their height also appear to be twice the length of the two katanas, like Youmu. Additionally, both appear to be teenagers of at least 15 years of age.


[???] “Greetings, Lady Yukari” “Greetings, my lord”

[Izuru] “And you are?”

[???] “Your two katanas, or rather, living manifestations of them, my lord” “Neither of us have a name” “When you felt Lady Yukari's presence, we began reacting too”

[Yukari] “Izuru, do you have a name for them?”

[Izuru] “Unfortunately, I have no idea, my lady” “However, can you do the honors, please?”

[Yukari] “It's okay, if you can't do it, I will” “You two! The katanas of my servant, Izuru!”

[???] “Yes, Lady Yukari!”

[Yukari] “Your names will be: Ayane to the first, and Madoka to the second” “You are going to live with us in our house, with Ran and Chen”

[Ayane and Madoka] “Thank you very much, Lady Yukari!” “My lord, does that mean we are going to live with you?”

[Izuru] “Just as you have been doing until now, Ayane and Madoka” “Please, can you return to your original shapes?”

[Ayane and Madoka] “Yes, my lord!”


Although they are both tsukumogami, they can alternate between their humanoid form and their original form, which makes them different from everyone else. Neither of them has the last name Yakumo, in the same way as Chen; Who knows, maybe I'll end up refining my shikigami mode in a way that affects them too. Ayane and Madoka returned to their original forms, and I sheathed them back.


[Yuyuko] “Youmu, can you make tea for the four of us?”

[Youmu] “Right away, Lady Yuyuko!”

[Yuyuko] “You can sit if you want, Izuru”

[Izuru] “Alright, Ms. Yuyuko” “I am indebted to you, my lady”

[Yukari] “It's okay, no need, Izuru” “None of us saw it coming, I can assure you.”

[Youmu] “Everyone, the tea is ready!” “Izuru, Ms. Yukari, Lady Yuyuko”

[Izuru] “Thanks, Youmu”

[Yuyuko] “Thank you”

[Yukari] “Thank you Youmu”


Meanwhile after Youmu made the tea, the four of us drank almost as if nothing had happened, despite our initial confusion. I lost track of time during my stay in Hakugyokurou, but eventually I got used to it and let it go. Also, I think this is the fifth place I visited so far (Hakurei Shrine, Garden of the Sun, Kourindou, Hieda Mansion, Hakugyokurou)


[Yukari] “I'm going to go home, in the meantime, Izuru, you can come back whenever you want.” “See you later, Yuyuko and Youmu”

[Yuyuko] “Goodbye, Yukari”

[Youmu] “See you again, Ms. Yukari!”

[Izuru] “Understood, my lady, I will see you later”


Lady Yukari returned home as she always would do, with a gap.


[Izuru] “Youmu, would you mind a third round?”

[Youmu] “Eh? No, thanks. Maybe next time”

[Izuru] “Oh, okay”

[Yuyuko] “Izuru, you must be careful with them” “I don't think you want them to hate you”

[Izuru] “It is the responsibility that I now have to assume” “Ms. Yuyuko and Youmu, I need to go home, see you again”

[Yuyuko] “See you, Izuru” “It was a pleasure to meet you”

[Youmu] “See you next!”


I left Hakugyokurou, and took a direct flight home. Being here was fun to tell the truth, I would like to come again

To be continued

The six members of the Yakumo family ~ Netherworld Arc

I've been feeling very strange after Ayane and Madoka showed up, partly because they are now going to live with us in the Yakumo residence, and partly because Ran is going to be jealous of me, if she realizes...

They both refer to me in the same way that Chen does to Ran, and by extension, to Lady Yukari. I think my visit to the netherworld gave them a life of their own, because until then, both katanas seemed to be completely normal, since I became a youkai.

It seems ironic that this happens in a place where the spirits of the dead are, and also someone whose ability is to kill.

...

From that night on, everything happened very suddenly; awakening my own ability, and now a duo of tsukumogami, practically all of that in a month or so. Could that be a side effect from the eternal devotion I swore to my master? Does she have such an strong influence over it? I have to relax if I don't want to explode.

...

Huh? Does Ayane want to try to contact me?


[Ayane] “My lord, what is it that has you so nervous?”

[Izuru] “A myriad of things run through my mind...” “Although I have already gotten used to Gensokyo, this caught me by surprise, Ayane” “You are practically the same age as me, not counting my past life, which I'm unable to remember, and left behind”

[Ayane] “Maybe you have grown stronger, to the point of Madoka and I appearing” “However, you are the only one who should know the answer, my lord.”

[Izuru] “Who knows...” “Ayane, we're about to get home” “Let's surprise Ran and Chen”

[Ayane] “Sounds good”


I finally got (or should I say, we got) home, and it's already night...


[Izuru] “Lady Yukari, I'm back”

[Yukari] “Welcome back, Izuru” “Please come here, Ran and Chen”

[Ran] “Right away!”

[Chen] “On the way!”

[Yukari] “Izuru, call them, please”

[Izuru] “Alright, my lady” “Spirits inhabiting my katanas, I summon you!”


As soon as I said that, they appeared; Ayane to my left, and Madoka to my right.


[Ran] “Izuru, who are they?”

[Izuru] “Ran, these are Ayane and Madoka, the spirits inhabiting my katanas”

[Ran] “H-How?” “Welcome, I am Izuru's co-worker, Ran Yakumo” “And this is Chen, my shikigami”

[Chen] “Hi!”

[Ran] “Lady Yukari, did you... already know them?”

[Yukari] “That's right, I gave them their names myself.”

[Izuru] “It was at Hakugyokurou, on the Netherworld”

[Ayane and Madoka] “We're pleased to meet you”

[Madoka] “We will live here with you” “I hope we are not a problem”

[Ayane] “We will be in the same room as Izuru-sama”

[Yukari] “It better be that way, I wouldn't want to scold Izuru”

[Ayane] “Understood, Lady Yukari!”

[Izuru] “Ayane, Madoka, please go to my room”

[Ayane] “Yes, my lord”

[Madoka] “Yes, Izuru-sama”

[Yukari] “Izuru, let's go to my room”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady”


I immediately followed Lady Yukari to her room, and for some reason, I'm already feeling chills.


[Yukari] “Izuru, remember the silver knife you used that night?”

[Izuru] “The one that gave rise to the two swords?” “Yes, why?”

[Yukari] “That particular knife was about to become a tsukumogami anyway, because it was already a hundred years old.” “However, when you used it, you delayed its process for some time”

[Izuru] “So Youmu's theory is true, huh” “...”

[Yukari] “Although I didn't expect two tsukumogami to come out instead of just one.” “Or even their first appearance in the Netherworld”

[Izuru] “There is something I don't understand, why then do they have loyalty towards me?” “I mean, I don't question their loyalty to you.”

[Yukari] “Maybe because until now, you've been the only one who had them all this time.” “You just have to get used to it”

[Izuru] “When you left Hakygyokurou, Ms. Yuyuko told me something similar” “And I am willing to accept it, just as I did the day you let me live with you.”

[Yukari] “Izuru, I will count on you”

[Izuru] “Thank you very much, my lady” “...” “Lady Yukari?”

[Yukari] “You want to tell me something?” “Go ahead”

[Izuru] “I don't know why, but sometimes I feel like this is all too good to be true...” “Like being in heaven” “These thoughts torment me from time to time”

[Yukari] “It seems that you still remember what happened to you in the outside world” “Unfortunately, there's not much I can do about it, Izuru.”

[Izuru] “That doesn't matter anymore, Lady Yukari” “Why should I even complain about my past?” “Life and more importantly, you, gave me a new opportunity”

[Yukari] “For some things you are like a child” “Don't you think?”

[Izuru] “That's right, my lady” “In the outside world, it would be too much to ask for” “The human beings over there love to make their own lives difficult.”

[Yukari] “Another thing, Izuru”

[Izuru] “Do you need something, my lady?”

[Yukari] “It would be a good idea if you can make uniforms for Ayane and Madoka, don't you think?”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady!” “I will do it right now!”


Just as I was about to get up and go to my room, Lady Yukari held one of my hands with hers. My mistress's hands are warm, as if expressing sincerity.


[Yukari] “Keep giving it your all as always”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady”


I slowly left the room, and headed to make the uniforms for the tsukumogami.


[Ayane] “Izuru-sama, you have taken your time”

[Madoka] “What are you going to do, Izuru-sama?”

[Izuru] “Your uniforms” “It won't take long, if you cooperate” “Do you want a particular emblem?”

[Ayane] “A crack in the earth”

[Izuru] “And you, Madoka?”

[Madoka] “A flower on fire”

[Izuru] “Very good, although a little eccentric”


Immediately, I got to work on the uniforms, which were largely inspired by the one Youmu wears. Thank goodness neither of them refused to cooperate with myself on the task.

...

It's done...


[Izuru] “Very good, you can change now” “I'll leave the room now, you can find me in the living room when you're done.”

[Ayane and Madoka] “We understood, my lord!”


They really don't look like being a hundred years old, as Lady Yukari stated. Meanwhile, I'm having a conversation with Ran in the living room.


[Ran] “I must admit that I'm a little jealous” “And also too fast...”

[Izuru] “I understand you, Ran” “I didn't even expect it, either”

[Ran] “Their personalities almost resemble yours”

[Izuru] “It must have been a product of contact with my own blood back then, who knows...” “As long as they don't cause any disasters in the house, it should be fine.” “Otherwise, Lady Yukari will be angry with me...”

[Ran] “Like getting hit with her parasol?” “It's happened to me a couple times, for disobeying her”

[Izuru] “That must have hurt” “I am only a shikigami in name, in comparison” “But that doesn't invalidate the fact that I'm a servant”

[Ran] “It's true, Izuru” “But what about your 'Shikigami Mode' ability?”

[Izuru] “It's much more limited than you think.” “However...” “Now I have more reasons to train myself in this matter” “Particularly the part where I would feel exhausted after prolonged exposure”

[Ran] “Ah, that kind of limitation...” “I guess you would need Lady Yukari for that”

[Izuru] “Speak of the devil”


Our mistress appeared in the living room, another example of what boredom can do to someone.


[Yukari] “I heard what you were talking about” “Izuru, you know that Ran can also use shikigami, right?”

[Izuru] “I know, my lady” “Oh, look who's coming”


Ayane and Madoka came to the living room, just as I thought.


[Ayane and Madoka] “We are ready!”

[Yukari] “What a choice you made, Izuru” “They don't look bad at all, though”

[Ayane] “We chose our own emblems, too”

[Madoka] “Indeed”

[Ran] “Wow, you learned fast”

[Yukari] “That's called dedication” “He really took it to heart” “Don't get me wrong, Ran”

[Ran] “I get it, Lady Yukari”

[Izuru] “I just do my job, my lady”

[Ran] “The colors of the uniforms are the ones that Reimu uses, right?”

[Izuru] “In Madoka's case, yes” “On the other hand, Ayane's is orange”

[Yukari] “I'm hungry, after all this time I feel a little tired...” “Do you want something, Izuru?”

[Izuru] “It would be enough for me to drink sake today”

[Ayane] “Miso katsu, please!”

[Madoka] “Hey Ayane, don't keep it to yourself!”

[Izuru] “You two, don't make trouble”

[Ayane] “Y-Yes!”

[Yukari] “I think I'm going to grab something from the outside world, like last time” ”...” “Three bottles of sake, and miso katsu!” “Enjoy yourselves!”


In my life I will have had moments that I can treasure like this; I mean, in my previous life, I had very few of them, and some time later they were just gray moments at best until my presumed death in the outside world

Although it may not seem like it, now I am able to remember, but there is no point now, I have never been as happy as these last three months, and I want them to last forever


[Yukari] “It's too late now, it's time to sleep!” “But today we are all going to my room!”

[Everyone else] “Wait, Lady Yukari!”


The six of us all went to sleep together, like the family we are.

To be continued

The arrival of the new full moon in Gensokyo

Some time has passed since my rebirth in the shrine, although nothing special is happening today right now. However, I decided to do housework with my tsukumogami, while Lady Yukari, Ran and Chen are away.


[Ayane] “What a way to be bored, my lord.”

[Madoka] “Likewise”

[Izuru] “Well, someone has to take care of the house we live in, right?” “That's our job”

[Madoka] “Luckily we have the rest of the day to do whatever we want.”

[Ayane] “On second thought, we could go outside, right?”

[Izuru] “It's okay, I'll stay in here” “Oh, I almost forgot, the Hakurei shrine maiden hasn't met you yet.” “No one else knows you apart from the people of the netherworld, and obviously Lady Yukari and the others”

[Ayane] “I want to go meet her”

[Madoka] “She won't be angry if she finds out?”

[Izuru] “A part of me thinks the same as Madoka” “Something tells me the balance is at risk again” “Although, that started when I arrived here in the first place” “However, since I met Reimu that time, she had no intention of getting me out of the way, because I work for Lady Yukari after all.”

[Ayane] “My lord, it seems that Lady Yukari is outside”

[Izuru] “Is she already here?” “Let's go outside then”


A few moments later...


[Izuru] “Welcome back, Lady Yukari!”

[Yukari] “Oh, hello” “The day went by pretty quickly today”

[Ayane] “Oh, Lady Yukari!” “Can we tell you something?”

[Yukari] “Very well”

[Ayane] “Can we go to Hakurei Shrine tonight together?”

[Madoka] “And also meet the shrine maiden?”

[Yukari] “Huh, wow” “Coincidentally I just came from there” “But she still doesn't know anything about you” “I wouldn't see why not, besides, today the full moon is coming”

[Ayane] “Thank you very much, Lady Yukari!”

[Izuru] “I see their cheerful faces, my lady.” “By the way, do you know where Ran is?”

[Yukari] “Doing the usual, why?”

[Izuru] “Oh, nothing in particular, my lady”

[Yukari] “Maybe we'll meet her and Chen on the way to the shrine”

[Izuru] “Sounds good, my lady”


It's seven in the afternoon, and it's getting dark The sun sets, and the moon appears I am sitting next to Lady Yukari, looking at the tsukumogami, and contemplating the dusk. Sometimes I think about visiting other places in Gensokyo in my free time, although this sounds too out of context

...

Ah well, it's late enough to go to the shrine.


[Yukari] “Are you three going to Hakurei Shrine?”

[Izuru] “I have forgotten” “Yes, let's go there, my lady”


Each went inside their own gap, all created by Lady Yukari, straight to the shrine. Little did Ran know about this happening, we instantly emerged from the gaps right near her.


[Ran] “Lady Yukari, Izuru, it's you!” “You scared me”

[Izuru] “Hello again, Ran” “The girls wanted to go to the Hakurei Shrine”

[Ran] “What do you mean?”

[Ayane and Madoka] “Behind you!”

[Ran] “Waaah!” “Not again!”

[Yukari] ”(laughs)” “You look silly, Ran” “Don't you want to go with us?”

[Ran] ”(sigh)” “Alright”

[Chen] “Lady Ran!”

[Ran] ”(falls)”

[Izuru] “(joins his mistress's laughter)” “There are no two without tree”

[Yukari] ”(regains her composure)” “It's enough!”


We got out of hand laughing at Ran, a little later we arrived at the shrine.


[Reimu] “Yukari, are you back so soon?”

[Yukari] “But this time I'm not alone”

[Reimu] “Oh, I see” “Welcome back, Izuru, Ran and Chen!” “Somehow I can't explain my sudden change of mood”

[Izuru] “Greetings, Reimu” “But you're forgetting someone else” “Tsukumogami, reveal yourselves!”

[Ayane] ”(releases a blast of light)”

[Madoka] ”(causes a short-lasted tremor)”

[Reimu] “What's going on?”

[Izuru] “Reimu, they are the spirits possessing my swords, Ayane and Madoka” “Ayane and Madoka, she's the current Hakurei shrine maiden, Reimu Hakurei”

[Ayane] “Greetings!”

[Madoka] “Hi!”

[Reimu] “I figured they were, having seen how you summoned them” ”(sigh)” “There goes my good mood” “Hi, you two”

[Izuru] “My apologies, Reimu”

[Marisa] “Whoa, whoa, what happened?” “Wow, Yukari and the others, huh?” “But who are the other two?”

[Izuru] “Greetings, Marisa” “Where did your manners go?”

[Marisa] “Izuru, it's been so long!”

[Izuru] “I know, right”

[Reimu] “These two are tsukumogami, Marisa” “Both coming from Izuru's swords”

[Ayane] “That's right”

[Madoka] “In any case, pleased to meet you”

[Yukari] “If I tell you how they appeared you would be surprised”

[Reimu] “Those swords were never ordinary in the first place?”

[Yukari] “That's one way to put it” “Certainly my servant can explain it better”

[Izuru] “That's right” “It happened during my visit to Hakugyokurou” “In particular, when I was sparring with Youmu”

[Reimu] “You did what?”

[Izuru] “Just like I said” “They appeared as soon as I felt Lady Yukari's presence.”

[Yukari] “Reimu, I'm surprised you don't remember where those swords come from.”

[Reimu] “Actually no, I didn't pay attention” “But I do remember the silver knife, was there something special about that?”

[Yukari] “The same knife turned a century old that night” “It was only a matter of time”

[Reimu] “That's surprising”

[Yukari] “That aside, we didn't come here for nothing”

[Izuru] “It's the full moon...” “Isn't it beautiful, my lady?”

[Yukari] “That's right, indeed”

[Izuru] “It is as much as you are” “Forgive me if that sounded out of place, my lady.”

[Yukari] “It wasn't necessary, Izuru...” “You flatter me when I least expect it”

[Izuru] “Ran, is something wrong?”

[Ran] “I don't know, I'm a little tired”

[Izuru] “Too bad we are not in the right season” “Anyway, should we go inside?”

[Reimu] “I suppose so”


Lady Yukari did her thing, that being, bringing bottles of sake from who knows where Neither of Marisa and Reimu were naturally surprised by that, of course.

Meanwhile, who wouldn't get hungry after working during the day? That is the case of Ran and the others, including me.


[Marisa] “Oh boy!” “I'll be helping myself!”

[Izuru] “Quite the work day today” “I'll do the same”

[Ayane] “Madoka and I, too!”

[Madoka] ”(nods)”

[Ran] “Don't forget about me!”

[Yukari] “For an out of season celebration, this doesn't sound so bad”

[Reimu] “If you say so, Yukari”


Who would say that one could live only drinking alcohol from time to time, no? I poured myself another round of sake and then continued until exhaustion. The tsukumogami were able to hold it for longer, but they also got tired.

Lady Yukari on the other hand is visibly drunk


[Izuru] “Geez, I won't be waking up well tomorrow”

[Reimu] “You better take a day off” “It's not like you do anything else over there, right?”

[Izuru] “At least I am not lazy, Reimu”

[Marisa] “Hahaha, take that!”


I'm hungry so I thought I could make food by myself.


[Izuru] “Reimu, do you mind me being on the kitchen?”

[Reimu] “Eh okay” “I wasn't going to do anything anyway”


Some time later, I went for something different, for a change of pace. Making omelettes was what I had in mind for today

...

Well, I'm done, I've got to serve now


[Izuru] “The meal's ready!”

[Reimu] “Whoa, already?” “What did you do?”

[Izuru] “Omelettes” “And there are enough for everyone”

[Marisa] “That looks tasty!”

[Ran] “You surprise me yet again, Izuru”

[Izuru] “I don't feel it would be right for a Yakumo to not be able to cook” “In my opinion, at least”

[Yukari] “It's delicious!”

[Ayane] “My lord doesn't disappoint anyone”

[Madoka] “It's pleasant”

[Chen] “I like this”


What a way to celebrate this event, I never expected this result. Could it be that happiness really is being with the ones you want? I may never find the answer, but I don't care. Gensokyo gave me everything, and naturally, I give it back.

To be continued.

The aftermath to the off-season celebration

Last night, we ended up wasted at Hakurei Shrine, my head's still spinning from the drinking. Meanwhile, everyone including my mistress is still asleep.

It turns out that not only was it still quite late, but it was also about three or four in the morning. And for some reason, we're sleeping together inside a gap.

Without going any further I decided to continue sleeping, knowing that I couldn't go out anyway.

...

It must be about ten in the morning right now, I hear my mistress on the other side, certainly at the Hakurei Shrine. Ran and the others woke up before and now they're gone, looks like I was the last to wake up.


[Yukari] “Izuru, are you going out or what?” “Today may be your day off but you still have to get out of my gap”

[Izuru] “Good morning, my lady” “I'll be coming out”


I still feel dizzy, but I went outside nonetheless, it seems that I emerged towards the Hakurei Shrine. I wonder why now...


[Yukari] “It took you long enough” “Good morning”

[Reimu] “Morning, Izuru” “You should have breakfast”

[Izuru] “Good morning, Reimu” “A tea will just do, thank you”

[Yukari] “Are you going to do something in particular?” “Or are you going to travel like the other time?”

[Izuru] “So it seems, my lady”

[Yukari] “While you were sleeping, I was talking to Reimu”

[Reimu] “Izuru, help yourself!”

[Izuru] “I got you”


I went to get the cup of tea and then went back to Lady Yukari and Reimu.


[Izuru] “Did I miss something?”

[Reimu] “Pretty much” “Yukari insists that you can serve as a gatekeeper here”

[Izuru] “I wonder what the situation of Ayane and Madoka will be”

[Yukari] “In that case, they will take your place there”

[Izuru] “I would have to acquire a new sword, though” “Well, I don't see why not, my lady”

[Yukari] “It's settled then” “You can return home anytime, whenever you desire”

[Izuru] “That was a great tea” “I don't feel dizzy now”

[Reimu] “I'm glad, Izuru”

[Yukari] “Reimu, you should tell Izuru about the youkai blacksmith”

[Reimu] “But you could have... ugh, it's fine” “She is usually found in the Myouren Temple, her name is Kogasa Tatara” “I'm still in debt to her for my needles”

[Izuru] “I'll do just that then, maybe I will go to Eientei later, I think”

[Reimu] “Did you say what?” “In any case, be careful”

[Yukari] “So, we'll see you later, understood?”

[Izuru] “I understood perfectly, my lady” “I'm going to go now” “See you, my lady and Reimu!”


I left the Hakurei Shrine straight to the Myouren Temple, to meet that youkai. However, I was just flying over the village now and found company.


[???] “I found an angel, I found an angel!”

[Izuru] “Did you need to do so much hubbub?” “I'm hearing your screams from afar” “Anyway, my name is Izuru, if you are so desperate”

[???] “I am the reporter of the Bunbunmaru Newspaper, Aya Shameimaru!” “Are you by any chance the servant of Yukari?”

[Izuru] “In fact, yes, I am” “I've been living in Gensokyo for some time now”

[Aya] “Are you in the mood for a report?”

[Izuru] “Unfortunately not, maybe another time” “I'm on my way to the temple for work reasons, even though today is my day off”

[Aya] “Aww, that sucks” “I better go then, see you!”


I'm supposed to have seen her before, but I have most likely ignored her if anything. Oh well, I'm already arriving at the temple now.


[Izuru] “I might have to find the monk if I want to have some information first”

[???] “Who is that?”

[Izuru] “I assume you are the one who I'm looking for, right?” “Let me introduce myself, my name is Izuru”

[???] “That's right, my name is Byakuren Hijiri” “May I know why you came to interrupt us?”

[Izuru] “Hello, Ms. Byakuren” “I'm looking for a youkai blacksmith” “I was told she is around here”

[Byakuren] “Kogasa you mean?” “She is on the graveyard”

[Izuru] “That's all I need to know” “Thank you and sorry for my interruption”

[Byakuren] “Wait a moment, now that you mention it...” “You seem familiar, do you have something to do with that youkai of boundaries?”

[Izuru] “Yes, why?” “I have the honor to work for her”

[Byakuren] “And only now do I find out about that?”

[Izuru] “My lady doesn't have to say it if she doesn't want to” “I'm going to have to leave the topic”

[Byakuren] “At least let me guide you to the graveyard”


She decided to guide me to the place where Kogasa apparently is.


[Byakuren] “She must be around” “Pretend to be surprised by her at least”

[Izuru] “I understood”


Byakuren promptly left the place, back to her activities.


[???] “Surprise!”

[Izuru] “Huh?!”

[???] “Name's Kogasa!”

[Izuru] “Oh, there you are” “I come from Reimu's part, she told me about you” “My name is...” “Izuru Yakumo”

[Kogasa] “That frightens me even more than it should” “I can guess, do you come for my services?”

[Izuru] “Indeed” “I wonder if maybe, you could forge a katana for me” “Don't worry about the payment or the time, it's not an emergency”

[Kogasa] “Oh really?” “It would be a pleasure!”

[Izuru] “I will be more often at the Hakurei Shrine, so you can find me there, once you're done”

[Kogasa] “A week will do!” “I do much better work than any human being, you can count on that”

[Izuru] “You should meet my tsukumogami someday” “They're with Ran Yakumo right now”

[Kogasa] “How are they yours?”

[Izuru] “Well, the reason I came here, it's because of them” “I used to have two swords, until they gained a life and will of their own” “They seem to have loyalty towards me, and my mistress”

[Kogasa] “Well, ain't that something”

[Izuru] “I will be leaving now, I already interrupted Ms. Byakuren by being here” “See you sometime, Kogasa!”

[Kogasa] “See you!”


Eventually I left the temple, and went to Eientei.


[Izuru] “I think I'm seeing a youkai there in the forest...” “Guess I'll land first”

[???] “I'm seeing a youkai that I'm not familiar with.”

[Izuru] “You mean me?” “Servant of one of the sages of Gensokyo, Izuru Yakumo, pleased to meet you”

[???] “I am the guide of the Bamboo Forest of The Lost, Fujiwara no Mokou” “Also, I am not youkai, I am an immortal”

[Izuru] “I came here because I want to meet Dr. Yagokoro” “In other words, Eientei”

[Mokou] “How curious, I was just going to go there...” “You could join me, you look interesting”

[Izuru] “I really doubt you'd be interested about how I got to Gensokyo.”

[Mokou] “Oh, go ahead!”


Apparently she was also about to go to Eientei, but I don't know why, nor am I necessarily interested at the moment. So I joined her and we were talking until we arrived at the mansion where the doctor lives.


[Mokou] “We're here, Izuru”

[Izuru] “So this is Eientei...”

[Mokou] “I'm going to stay here for now, you can go on.”

[Izuru] “See you later, then”


A few moments later...


[???] “Stop right there!”

[Izuru] “Held at gunpoint, already...” “I'm only looking for the doctor”

[???] “My master?” “You wait here, I'll go right away”

[Izuru] “Alright...”


Apparently the youkai who targeted me also has the same occupation as me, and even Youmu. After all, I never came here until now...


[???] “Master, this youkai was looking for you!”

[???] “You must be Yukari's servant, am I right?”

[Izuru] “That's right”

[???] “Yukari told me that you were coming here” “I am Eirin Yagokoro, this is Reisen Udongein Inaba”

[Izuru] “My name's Izuru” “I had the thought of coming here some day” “Pleased to meet you, Dr. Yagokoro” “And you, Reisen, I guess...”

[Reisen] “A servant!?” “But how!?”

[Izuru] “Day off, and besides, I'm Ran's coworker” “Compared to her, who is usually around the border of Gensokyo and the village, I am in the residence, and I work all the time, every day” “And to be honest, I like this job, I never get tired of it”

[Reisen] “Your willpower is incredible” “Especially when it comes to none other than Yukari.”

[Eirin] “Have you come for something in particular?”

[Izuru] “Not necessarily”

[???] “Hehehehe”

[Izuru] “Reflective Barrier!”

[???] ”(thud)” “Trying to take someone by surprise, I was the one who was surprised instead...!”

[Izuru] “Excuse me, Dr. Yagokoro” “It was not my intention, it was just self-defense”

[Eirin] “Tewi, what a way to receive our guest!”

[Izuru] “Wait a minute, is she who I think she is?” “The White Hare of Inaba!?”

[Tewi] “There you have it” “All the rabbits around Eientei are under my command... except for Reisen (laughs)”

[Reisen] “Damn it, Tewi!”

[Eirin] “Stay still you two!” “Reisen, go make tea for our guest”

[Reisen] “Immediately, Master!”

[Eirin] “Please, can you come with me?”

[Izuru] “Very well, Dr. Yagokoro”


The doctor took me to who knows where in the mansion, and told me to wait there, then she left. Later, Reisen returned, and it seems that the owner of the mansion (and by extension Eientei), also found out about my visit.


[???] “Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

[Reisen] “Princess, he is Yukari Yakumo's servant, or so I think he is.”

[Izuru] “Izuru Yakumo, eternally devoted servant of Yukari Yakumo, pleasure to meet you”

[???] “My name is Kaguya Houraisan, a long time ago I was a princess of the Moon”

[Izuru] “I take it that you're an immortal as well?”

[Kaguya] “Precisely” “Eirin is also an immortal”

[Izuru] “And to think that meeting Fujiwara no Mokou before was having seen it all...” “Only to be proven wrong” “The little she told me about you is that you are enemies”

[Kaguya] “In effect, we have been murdering each other constantly, every day for just over three centuries.” “And in fact, we still do” “Since we can't die anyway, this is how we entertain ourselves”

[Eirin] “Princess!”

[Kaguya] “Oh, Eirin” “I found Reisen running in a hurry”

[Izuru] “I enjoyed this tea” “It was an honor to be here, but now I have to go”

[Kaguya] “Reisen, can you guide him outside?”

[Izuru] “Excuse me if I caused any fuss.” “See you sometime, Doctor Yagokoro, Princess Kaguya”

[Eirin] “If you have any health problem, you can always come here”

[Kaguya] “Oh, see you”


After once again losing track of time, I left Eientei and returned to Hakurei Shrine.

To be continued

Late evening

I think I've had enough sightseeing in the region for now, since I'm going to be at Hakurei Shrine more often, that's not something I'm going to be worried about. So I decided to land slowly in the middle of the shrine.


[Izuru] “Good evening” “I have returned”

[Reimu] “Welcome back!” “How was your walk?”

[Izuru] “I had to deal with people who got upset with me for no reason.” “Of all of them, my problem was with two rabbit youkai in Eientei”

[Reimu] “Let me guess, Reisen and Tewi”

[Izuru] “Indeed, the first one pointed at me as if she were holding a firearm, until I told her my intentions.” “Eventually I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Yagokoro” “However, Tewi had to ruin it, but I stopped her in time”

[Reimu] “So you had the misfortune of finding Tewi” “Which seems a little ironic”

[Izuru] “The little I could do in self-defense was to use a spell card” “I'm not one to fight”

[Reimu] “I should have seen danmaku from here, but I didn't see anything...”

[Izuru] “I only caused a shock wave strong enough to push Tewi at least 20 meters away from me.” “As I already mentioned, it is only useful for self-defense”

[Reimu] “I'm interested but it's also... boring” “Even Marisa would be bored”

[Izuru] “Still, I was also talking to Mokou on my way to Eientei, and even Kaguya later as well.” “At least I could order from Kogasa too” “I'm fine and I'm alive to tell the tale”

[Yukari] “What's taking you so long...?”

[Izuru] “Oh, my lady” “Good evening”

[Yukari] “Good evening” “Did something happen with the request at the temple?”

[Izuru] “My lady, no, no problem, on the contrary, it is already underway” “The only completely strange thing was that not only did time pass quickly, but at the same time, it never passed.” “It took me a while to recover my composure after I left Eientei”

[Yukari] “You have done a good job, Izuru” “We should go home now”

[Izuru] “I understood, my lady” “I still haven't gotten tired of soaring the skies today” “What do you think, my lady?”

[Yukari] “That seems fine to me”

[Izuru] “After you”

[Yukari] “We'll be seeing you later, Reimu”

[Reimu] “See you”


Lady Yukari took off and I did the same after, almost anyone can fly in this region on their own, something I didn't realize until today. When I first learned to fly, I had offered to carry Lady Yukari, Ran, and Chen on my back. That was some time ago...


[Izuru] “My lady, I am seeing something unusual flying near us”

[Yukari] “Hmm? We're going over there”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady!”


We approach it, a relatively long dragon and someone is riding it on its back. I wonder who it is...


[???] “Oh, it's Yukari...”

[Yukari] “What are you doing near the barrier?”

[???] “I was just roaming around, nothing else” “But who is the one going by your side?”

[Izuru] “I'm wondering the exact same thing about you”

[Yukari] “Izuru, she's Kasen Ibara” “Kasen, he's my servant, Izuru”

[Kasen] “A servant?” “Since when?”

[Izuru] “For some time now” “Pleased to meet you”

[Yukari] “He arrived from the outside world due to strange circumstances”

[Izuru] “I was on the verge of death, I couldn't move, I couldn't remember anything at all...” “If it hadn't been for Ran and Lady Yukari...” “I could have ended where the dead without relatives are buried”

[Kasen] “The way you say it, you were forgotten by the outside world.”

[Izuru] “Indeed, Ms. Kasen” “Also, I feel very comfortable here in Gensokyo” “I have no intention of going back there, this is my home now”

[Kasen] “I'm heading to Hakurei Shrine now, is Reimu there?”

[Yukari] “Yes, she is there” “See you, Kasen”

[Kasen] “See you, I guess” “You too, Izuru”

[Izuru] “Likewise, Ms. Kasen” “I'll be there more often from now on”


Kasen Ibara... seems to be an acquaintance of Lady Yukari I don't think it concerns me for now, as soon as that person said goodbye to us she went directly to the shrine. Lady Yukari, on the other hand, opened a gap, and I followed her.

...

We're back home now


[Ran] “Lady Yukari, welcome back!” “Izuru, you too!”

[Ayane] “Izuru-sama! Yukari-sama!” “Madoka, look!”

[Madoka] “Lady Yukari! My lord!”

[Izuru] “Good evening, Ran, Madoka and Ayane”

[Yukari] “Good evening” “You should go inside right now”


Today was a very long day for me, the events in Eientei left me tired So when I just got in, I went to my room to prepare my uniform for the next day, and then I told everyone that I was going to sleep.


[Yukari] “Ayane and Madoka, you will take Izuru's place starting tomorrow” “He will be at the Hakurei Shrine with Reimu.”

[Ayane and Madoka] “We understood, Lady Yukari”

[Yukari] “With that said...” “Good night, Izuru”

[Izuru] “Good night, my lady” “Same for you, Ran”

[Ran] “Good night, Izuru”


To be continued

The Yakumo Family Sword ~ Finale

It's been a week since I've been a gatekeeper at Hakurei Shrine, the tsukumogami are doing well with their work at the residence, but something else was missing... However, just as I expected, I saw Kogasa in the Torii gate of the shrine.


[Kogasa] “Phew” “This was one hell of a job”

[Reimu] “Hey, Kogasa!” “Izuru, come here!”

[Izuru] “I'm on my way!” “...” “Good morning, Kogasa!”

[Kogasa] “Oh, good morning!” “I was able to complete your order, here it is”

[Izuru] “You did it well” “How much is it?”

[Kogasa] “Eh? Are you serious?” “In that case, 1000 yen would be more than enough”

[Izuru] “Alright, here you go.” “I appreciate your work”

[Reimu] “Izuru, since when do you get paid?”

[Izuru] “Lady Yukari gives me money in exchange for my work from time to time” “But I don't need that to prove my devotion to her”

[Reimu] “Huh, and you hardly ever spend it, even” “Could you make me a favor?”

[Izuru] “If it has anything to do with your sealing needles, I have no problem”

[Reimu] “I'd be glad!”

[Kogasa] “Hey, I'm still here” “That will be 1500 yen” “I had myself forgotten about your tab, Reimu”

[Izuru] “Very well, here” “Thank you, Kogasa”

[Kogasa] “You're welcome!” “Now if you will excuse me, I've got to surprise people!” “See you!”

[Reimu] “I'm still in debt...”

[Izuru] “Oh, don't worry” “What are friends for, anyway?”

[Reimu] “Thanks, Izuru!”

[Izuru] “Now I'll have to tell Lady Yukari and the others” “If I find them in the first place, that is...”

[Reimu] “I think she must be asleep right now” “Or is she?”

[Izuru] “There's only one way to find out” “I'll be right back!”

[Reimu] “See you!”


With the order already delivered, I went home to tell Lady Yukari about it.


[Ayane] “Good morning, my lord” “Lady Yukari is still asleep on her room” “Huh, what is that?”

[Izuru] “Good morning” “It's something that Lady Yukari told me to do the past week”


Without further dialogue, I rushed to Lady Yukari's room


[Izuru] “Lady Yukari, Lady Yukari!”

[Yukari] ”(yawn)” “Who dares to wake me up at this hour...” “Is it you, Izuru?”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady!” “The order from the youkai blacksmith has arrived today, and I have it right now” “Oh, good morning, by the way”

[Yukari] “Now I'm interested” “Let me see it”


Immediately after telling Lady Yukari, I handed her the sword


[Yukari] “It looks like Youmu's, but at the same time, it's different” “She did a good job” “You can have it back, Izuru”

[Izuru] “I'm going back to Hakurei Shrine now, please excuse my interruption.” “See you later, my lady”

[Yukari] “I don't mind, coming from you” “See you, Izuru”


Even though I hadn't asked for it, Lady Yukari warped me to the Hakurei Shrine with a gap, then she continued sleeping.


[Izuru] “Huh? A letter from Lady Yukari?”


You should return home tonight This is due to an event that concerns only us All of us have to be there, including Ran and Chen. ~Yukari Yakumo


[Izuru] “What did she try to mean with that...?” “Well, her wishes are orders, I'll go find Ran then”


Fortunately, Ran was located near the shrine, and bumped into her


[Ran] “Oh, hi!”

[Izuru] “Greetings, Ran” “It's a letter from Lady Yukari” “I have yet to understand what she means by that”

[Ran] “Have you been at home recently?”

[Izuru] “Indeed, I was” “Too bad that I had to interrupt Lady Yukari's sleep” “Brushing that aside, how have you been doing?”

[Ran] “Looking after the barrier, as usual” “And you?”

[Izuru] “On the shrine grounds, doing what Reimu doesn't want to do, mostly” “Sometimes it baffles me, as in who is the laziest”

[Ran] “Maybe because Gensokyo has been relatively peaceful, who knows” “No incidents besides what you did on the shrine, to put it that way” “One had happened long before your arrival, and I was the only one who actually did something”

[Izuru] “The yama will get mad at me, for sure” “Eh, whatever” “I'll be returning to the shrine now, then”

[Ran] “We could return together home”

[Izuru] “Maybe, either that, or Lady Yukari pulling us into her gaps” “See you, Ran”

[Ran] “Later, Izuru”


It's nearly afternoon now, I already returned to the Hakurei Shrine, meanwhile, Reimu drinking tea for the nth time...


[Izuru] “Are you slacking off again, Reimu?”

[Reimu] “Geez, first Yukari and now you, what the hell” “It took you a while to return”

[Izuru] “Well, I had to wake up Lady Yukari, she was asleep as usual” “She might be awake by now, the tsukumogami are at home, too”

[Reimu] “Do you mean the sword spirits?” “Who would have thought, that they ended up taking your place over there...”

[Izuru] “Unlike my coworkers and myself, neither are bound by a contract” “However, their loyalty to Lady Yukari is only natural”

[Reimu] “How so?”

[Izuru] “She was the original owner of the knife I used, in the first place” “Their loyalty to me is likely due to my own blood”

[Reimu] “It really is about as weird as it sounds” “A-Anyway, would you mind helping me with lunch?”

[Izuru] “I don't mind” “I've been kind of bored of flying to the gate and back to the roof”


To my own amusement (and Reimu's dismay), no one other than Lady Yukari appeared on the shrine. As expected from her, she came with the usual work dress.


[Yukari] “Hello again, Izuru” “And you, Reimu”

[Izuru] “Good afternoon, my lady” “How have you been doing?”

[Yukari] “I only woke up some time ago, but fine otherwise” “And you, Izuru?”

[Izuru] “I was just going to help Reimu with lunch”

[Reimu] “Yeah... (sigh)”

[Yukari] “I have a better idea, I'll summon Ran instead” “Izuru, do you plan to give the sword a name?”

[Izuru] “I thought of naming it the 'Heavenly Yakumo Family Sword'”

[Yukari] “Sounds like a too long name for it, in my opinion”


Leaving that aside, Lady Yukari brought Ran, meanwhile, I'm thinking of other names for the sword.


[Ran] “Lady Yukari, is something amiss?”

[Yukari] “We're going to have lunch soon, you will take Izuru's place and go with Reimu”

[Ran] “Understood!”

[Izuru] “I have to admit that I didn't expect this to happen, my lady” “However, I have a name for it now”

[Yukari] “Do you?”

[Izuru] “'Sword of Illusion'”

[Yukari] “I like that name”

[Izuru] “That being said, I don't want to be its only wielder”

[Yukari] “What do you mean by that?”

[Izuru] “That nobody else other than us, that is, Ran, Chen, you and myself, shall use it, my lady”

[Yukari] “An interesting idea of yours”

[Izuru] “As for Ayane and Madoka, well, they're swords themselves” “For them it would be pointless”

[Yukari] “That will just do”


I wonder why Lady Yukari just accepted the name I proposed, instead of having a problem with it, I stayed to wait for lunch with my lady Looks like she fell asleep from boredom, though I had to wake her up when Reimu arrived to look for us


[Izuru] “My lady, please wake up”

[Yukari] ”(yawn)”

[Reimu] “Lunch is ready, and you're already sleeping...?”

[Yukari] “What can I do, I was just bored.” “Izuru, we should go in, don't you think?”

[Izuru] “Sounds good, my lady”


It turns out that for today, we had ramen for lunch, and Chen was sleeping (I don't know how) among Ran's nine tails After that, we decided to just spend the afternoon at the shrine, with practically nothing to do

For my part, I lay down to sunbathe on the roof, while the others did whatever they wanted.

...

A few hours later...


[Izuru] “What a thing, I ended up falling asleep” “It was worth it though”

[Yukari] “Izuru, we must go home, as planned.” “Goodbye, Reimu”

[Ran] “Please wait, Lady Yukari”

[Yukari] “There you are”


Immediately after saying goodbye to Reimu, we all returned home with Lady Yukari.


[Yukari] “Ran, wake up Chen” “Izuru, the sword”

[Izuru] “Sure thing, my lady”

[Chen] ”(yawns)” “What is it, Lady Ran?”

[Ran] “It is an order from Lady Yukari”

[Yukari] “Are you ready?”

[Izuru] “Yes, my lady!”

[Ran] “I'm ready!”

[Chen] “Oh.. yes!”


Suddenly we all emanate an aura of our respective color (purple, indigo, orange and white)


[Everyone holding the sword] “Yakumo Family – Illusionary Sword!”


To that effect, the sword engraved its own name as all of us were holding it upon itself The process was relatively quick, even though Chen was not very happy with it, so to speak. As soon as it was over, our auras faded and we returned to normal.


[Izuru] “What now...?”

[Yukari] “It depends on what you're going to do with the sword now...”


Later, we decided to end the day as we always do since I arrived. Without even knowing it, a new era has begun for Gensokyo.

...

The Age of Eternal Devotion