/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>46689976
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Not even the pocky can clean the awful taste that takes over my tongue, eyes turning away from the saint and towards those people that follow my words and ideals, believing them best for the Human Village, for Gensokyo.

Yet, will those hold after whatever happens today? The inner thought is frighteningly ambiguous: so many people came together in such a short amount of time, each with their own visions that, for the moment, matched mine—however, history shows the downfall of a rebellion lies in its capacity to rebuild what it shatters. I expected mine to succeed because…

… Because…

“Your eyes are nostalgic~” Miko hums, and the kindness in her eyes has turned to pity. “I've been watching you, Keine. I wouldn't approach without knowing the type of person you are—you're good. For your friends, family, the children you used to teach.” The small smile she bears doesn't hold. “And you're letting yourself seep into the way you lead people. That's how you get yourself and those around you killed.”

“What do you mean…?” I ask, heart frantic, an idea of terrible implications forming inside—calm down, calm down; why are such words affecting you so much?

… Mokou never questioned me like that—with intentions beyond the livelihood of our family—; Suzu too, nor did Mystia…

Sweat drips down, knees feel weak.

“You have ambition and ideals, but no strategy, resources, or connections. You’re surrounded by friends and family, but have no chain of command. Knowledge and dexterity on how to talk to people, but no malice to utterly convince them that no one can do what you do better than you.” The hermit talks as if looking in a mirror, though my attention is solely focused on keeping it together. “Keine, you might have a revolution now, but when it’s over, all you’ll have is a mess that you cannot fix alone.”

“Y-You don't kno—”

“—I do know. I truly do, Keine.” I nearly bit my tongue. “This country didn't modernize by itself; a lot had to be fought over, much was lost along the way and the results could've come way smoother if led by more experienced minds… Oh well,” she shrugs casually, taking her third pocky out of the now empty bag. “That's one of the many motives I desire to have a part in your revolution and make it stand the test of time: There's lots of potential here… and you've already got the legwork done~” She jokes, storing the bag inside the pocket she took it out of. “If you need more, know that my opinion about balance is not black or white.” Her gaze follows a cheerful human man guiding a confused Youkai lady who's almost double his height around by the hand. “Balance depends on who's behind the big seat and if they can convince people below them to cooperate. Want a pro-tip? Lower taxes by 82%. That always makes them easier to manipulate~”

I cannot laugh at the small joke, staring solemnly at my own feet, stomach rumbling as its contents threaten to rise. Was I really spearheading myself towards doom like that? Not only me, but all those around me who believed in my words, my actions…?

… Because I thought I was entitled to it, isn't it? That it was only my responsibility to bring hope, to do things right, and to transform Gensokyo for the sake of my children's futures—yet, even that is beginning to lose meaning. I've been using my powers non-stop and am more than willing to keep on using them to bring forward everything I dream of, even after promising to use them with integrity…

Knitted in the inky cloak against my back, the erased, crooked swastika burns like molten iron.

A symbol which once meant benevolence…

I turn to the hermit clad in purple, the world feeling as if made of glass. “How are you… intending to help?”

Miko's smile is soft, almost mother-like. “At the moment? Nothing. You're the rebellion's head and what these people need for now is a teacher's guidance…” Abruptly, she steps closer, her face inches away from mine. “But when the time comes: I'll teach you politics, form, dos and no-nos; I'll fill the role none of your friends could ever fill; I'll go to hell for you if necessary; and I'll get you out of whatever corner you might find yourself in. I'll be your shadow… And we'll create a new status quo for Gensokyo that'll perpetuate even after you return to the dirt,” she firmly grasps my shoulder. “I'll be your best friend, Keine Kamishirasawa.”

I blink; she does not.

My breath is caught up in my throat and I'm struggling to keep it together; Miko looks placid and casual.

I wonder how she'd have dealt with Mr. Hieda that night…

… I cannot imagine he'd be armed to the teeth right now if she were there. “Okay,” I say, and she…

Fist pumps the air.

“Hell yeah!” Miko exclaims, stepping back with a gleam in her eyes before turning and striding away. H-Huh? “Buh-bye for now, Keine~”

“W-Wait—”

“I’m not leaving, just gonna enjoy the festival~who knows when you're gonna need an extra pair of hands?” And, just like that, Toyosatomimi no Miko soon disappears in the crowd.