Firey-5

“Grrr, where is it?” Shou muttered as she searched along the temple grounds. It wasn’t in her room and it seemed like it was nowhere outside either. “Looking for something, Master? I hope it’s not the pagoda again.” Shou turned around to see Nazrin standing behind her. Shou grinned and tried to look calm. “No, but it’s still something important. A…gift for someone.” “A gift?” Nazrin thought for a moment. “I can’t think of any upcoming special events.” “It would have been an after-date gift.” The tiger groaned. “I had the date all planned out, too.” “Who are you going to ask out?” Nazrin inquired nervously. Shou looked away awkwardly. “I can’t tell you that.” “It’s Hijiri, isn’t it? Or the Captain? Or maybe – “ “It’s you, OK?!” Nazrin covered her mouth and blushed. Shou sighed. “I wanted to go to your house and ask you there.” To the tiger’s relief, Nazrin replied, “I’d accept. What’d happen next, Master?” Shou smiled confidently. “Then I’d tell you to call me

Chapter 1: Faith “Hey Gramps, what do you think of my new outfit?” Reimu asked as she walked to the shrine’s back pond with open arms. It was a hot summer day, but the heat was much more bearable in her detached sleeves and skirt than the stuffy standard miko outfit she usually wore. Genjii slowly swam towards the shore. “My lady, I think you look quite nice. In fact, from far away, you looked like your mother.” “Really?” Reimu replied contemplatively. It’s true that she based her outfit’s design on her mother’s old clothes. And, in recent months, her hair was growing out black rather than the usual purple. Her mother’s black hair was one of the few things she could remember about her. “Are there any other ways I’m like her?” “Hmm, let’s see…” Genjii continued drifting near the shore. After a while, Reimu thought the turtle had dozed off and was about to leave when he spoke, “She was also a shrine maiden who knew how to use the power of the Hakurei. And now, you can fly by

“A New Youkai Musician?” On multiple nights near the Human Village, one could hear a strange new type of music being played by a sole violinist. Witnesses describe this music as energetic and upbeat, but also the source of sudden melancholy and depression. Few have seen this musician, but those who have describe him as an old, long-bearded man wearing ragged clothing. One person said he called himself “The Fiddler.” These nighttime events have become a cause for concern as local residents are unsure how hearing “The Fiddler’s” music will affect them in the long term. Some are even asking the Hakurei Shrine Maiden to capture the musician and put a stop to his performances. Violin expert Lunasa Prismriver was contacted but declined to comment. If you have further information about “The Fiddler”, please contact your friendly neighborhood reporter Shameimaru Aya! *** “Hey Sis, what have you been doing for the past few nights?” Lyrica asked as she lowered the newspaper. She and her

Chapter 1 It was a beautiful view from the Waterfall of Nine Heavens. The waves of green treetops along with the sounds of the waterfall gave Momiji peace of mind during her patrols. The clear blue skies were the cherry on top. However, such moments didn’t last forever. Soon, the wind picked up and Momiji could tell she was no longer alone. She turned around to see a familiar crow tengu. “Happy anniversary, Momiji!” she greeted. Momiji stared at her with confusion before sighing and turning back to the forest below. “Aya, it’s been three months since we broke up.” “You mean, since we took a break.” Aya tried to get closer, but the white wolf tengu kept moving away. “We’ll never get back together, not after that article you wrote.” “You’re still angry about that? No one got hurt.” Momiji glared at Aya. “You’re lucky Commander Kansatsu believed my story more than yours. Otherwise, you would have been one of them.” “Oh yes, because everyone thinks you’re ‘a model tengu.’ But the

Chapter 1 The courtyard of the Myouren Temple was filled with Buddhist and Taoist disciples. “To everlasting friendship!” Miko toasted. The audience cheered, except for Seiga. When the crowd dispersed into smaller groups, she walked over to Futo, Ichirin, and Unzan. “Futo, I wonder if this party was Lady Toyosatomimi’s idea, or if it was really yours.” Futo gave a puzzled look. “’Twas the Crown Prince’s. Thou should not assume she is incapable of independent thought.” “Of course not. I just thought the Futo who tried so often to burn this temple down would have objected to the idea rather than support it.” “Well, unlike thee, I have been involved in resolving recent incidents. And that has caused Ichirin and I to become quite close. The same has happened with Byakuren and the Crown Prince. This party is the natural outcome to such events.” Seiga glanced at Ichirin before laughing at Futo. “Ah, what a clever plan you have! It’s true what they say: ‘Keep your friends close and your

Hello, human! Oh, you’ve heard of me? Yep, I’m Komano Aunn, guardian of the Hakurei Shrine! You’d like to know more about Reimu and me? Hmm, where to begin… Well, life with Reimu was great! Every morning I helped her clean the path to the shrine. Then I’d go play and explore around Gensokyo while she did her shrine maiden duties. At night, she’d make me dinner. It wasn’t a lot of food, but I was grateful that she’d share with me. Once a year, there’d be a big incident and Reimu would have to go and resolve it. Before she’d leave, I always promised her that I’d guard the Hakurei Shrine until she returned. And when she did come back, she told me great stories about who she fought. The last time I talked to her, she told me she’d have to travel to another world. Those types of incidents gave her the best stories. When she flew away, I waved goodbye and sat next to the torii. Eventually, it got dark, but Reimu still hadn’t returned. I felt a little worried but thought that she was

Mystia walked through the hallways of the Myouren Temple, electric guitar in hand. As she passed by the residents, she gave them a quick greeting. They all knew she was there to see Kyouko. When Mystia slid open the door to Kyouko’s room, she saw the yamabiko writing on a scroll with an ink brush. “Kyouko! We gotta practice for our concert tonight.” Kyouko smiled at her visitor. “Oh, hi Mystia! Miss Hijiri wants me to write the Heart sutra in hiragana.” She glanced at the other scroll, which was filled with kanji. “Um, it might take a while.” She dipped her brush in the ink pot, read some characters, and wrote a few more words. “That’s fine. I can wait,” Mystia replied as she leaned her guitar against the wall. She sat down as Kyouko continued her transcription. Her friend’s handwriting wasn’t as elegant as other people’s, but it was still much cleaner than her own. Suddenly, Kyouko stopped. “Hey, I got an idea!” She gave the kanji-filled scroll to the night sparrow. “You can read

Merry, run away! Yukari sat up on her bed and felt her chest. She wiped the sweat off her face and waited until her heart rate went back to normal. Then she got up and left her room. It was cold in the hallway and Yukari could see the snow piled up outside. She quickly made her way to the kitchen. When she opened the kitchen door, she saw Ran washing the dishes. Ran turned around and asked, “Lady Yukari, would you like some warm water again?” “No, give me some tea this time.” Yukari sat down next to the kotatsu. “I had that same dream again. I’m going to talk to Doremy. She’s not doing her job properly.” As Ran poured tea for Yukari, she asked, “Do you want to talk about your nightmare?” “No, once I meet with Doremy, this problem should be over.” “You know, when Chen has nightmares– “ “Ran! No.” Ran nodded and went back to washing the dishes. After Yukari finished her cup of tea, she opened a gap to the Dream World and went through. She almost never left her house in her

Chapter 1 The mouse scurried through the field. Soon, two black paws pounced on it. The twin-tailed cat examined her caught prey before she began to eat it. She was quickly interrupted by the sight of a mouse youkai running towards her. The youkai threw one of her dowsing rods at the cat, who quickly dodged it. The cat swallowed the rest of the mouse before transforming into her human form. “Hiya, Nazrin,” she said with a smile and a wave. “Damn you, Rin!” Nazrin picked up her dowsing rod and pointed it at Rin. “Didn’t your master tell you not to eat any more mice?!” Rin shrugged. “Yeah, and I’m a cat. When do cats ever listen to their masters? Besides, your friends are so delicious and nutritious. Why should I stop?” “Because the mice have thoughts and feelings! I’m sure your master told you that. They don’t deserve to die this cruelly!” Nazrin pulled out a spell card. “I challenge you to a fight, Rin!” Rin took out a spell card in response. “Alright, play time!” The two flew