/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>48339553
Today was not Hana’s day.

First, she woke up late. Then, she scalded herself on the tea kettle. Finally, a box left at her doorstep sprayed out a pink gas that knocked her out. She should’ve escaped through the space between each molecule of the noxious fumes, but her mind was swimming by the time she thought of that. Could anyone really blame her? A sneak attack like that would catch anyone off guard!

Waking up to the sight of her mom tied-up immediately set off alarms in her head. This had to be some plot by Yukari to take out both of the Hakureis before the Solstice. But the sight of her dad was too much: She was ecstatic to see him again, but the scrapes covering his body and torn robes infuriated her. Every lie and deception Yukari told her boiled in her mind at once. He was so close, but this was probably just another sick, perverted play of hers.

Then the Aki sisters showed up.

“… There was nothing else strong enough to dig through the barrier! We couldn’t afford enough fertilizer after you blew our money on sake!” Listening to the two goddesses of autumn talk so casually about kidnapping Father and Mother was baffling. Yuuka, Marisa, Sanae and even Mima couldn’t figure out a way to save him, but these two idiots did it on a budget? Worst of all, they didn’t even seem to care that two out of their three captives were totally knocked out!

“Hey! Fighting after you just kidnapped me is just— do you mind telling me why you did any of this? This place looks like a family feast without the family.” If Father trusted Aya — even if she was unreliable every time she saw her — all she could do was give her information.

Minoriko, the one being berated, answered first. “Oh, my bad! So, we heard about Yukari throwing a festival in the winter. That’s fun and all, but everyone’s looking forward to it: There’s so much hype that people are forgetting to give us offerings! The timing of her festival is just too close to the end of our season, when we’re supposed to receive thanks for the final harvest.” Hana didn’t really care about the goddess’ issues, but it was a little concerning. The effects of Yukari’s control over the village was starting to affect even the neutral deities.

“It’s bullshit! While everyone has the time of their life in Yukari’s little funhouse, we have to make sure their food still grows and the trees tell them when it’s time to get back to the fields!” Shizuha was much less restrained with her frustration. Like a reflex, she was about to kick the leg of the grand table before stopping herself short. “So, since Yukari is monopolizing our faith, it’s only fair that we get something in return, right? That hag won’t get Anon back unless she pays out the big bucks; enough to last us for the next century of winters!” With only one captive awake, the goddesses took their own seats at the table, serving themselves from the small feast under the platters. The smell of seasoned turkey and roasted vegetables made Hana’s stomach growl under her bindings.

Aya still hadn’t made a move. Geez, how much longer was she going to make her wait? From the corner of her eye, Hana noticed Shizuha try to follow her gaze. The shrine maiden quickly turned to face her and tried another distraction. “Well, you already have Father. Why do you need Mother too? A-Are you going to sell us as a full set?!”

Minoriko giggled at the growing panic in Hana’s voice. “No, silly! We needed the two of you for the ransom picture! Once Yukari sees Anon having the time of his life with his family, she’ll be willing to pay any price we set! Oh, and feel free to eat what you want. We really just need the platters in the shot when the photographer gets here.”

Hana had regained a little bit of hope. These two goddesses seemed like complete idiots! Aya was probably waiting for everyone else to get her before jumping them all at once and saving Father! Hana had to hold herself back from laughing: Of all the tengu they could have hired, they chose the one that liked Father the most! Looks like she really was good for something!

As if on cue, a strong gust kicked up the tablecloth and fallen leaves. A swirl of gold and crimson revealed Aya Shameimaru, walking into view with a very nervous grin on her face. A very confused Hana turned towards the sky where the tallest tengu she’d ever seen dropped down in front of the reporter.

This couldn’t be good.

(Part 3)