Youmu's POV

...

"Now then, are you ready?" I feel confident enough to begin. This challenge... it's a sign of trust. I won't let this go to waste. Sakuya is testing me, challenging me! As a good swordsman I can't turn this challenge down, I mustn't turn a challenge down unless it's pointless. However, this isn't a battle of swords, it's a battle of the mind. Most of her 'games' are. All things considered, the best course of action...

"Let's use the dices. Three dices, highest total number wins." Sakuya seems to consider it for a moment, then she nods approvingly. This is probably what she figured. She has a clear advantage in skill-based games. While I could hold my own against most people when it comes to throwing, I doubt anyone could lead Sakuya on in that category. Most of the other games have rules I'm not too familiar with, so this is my best chance. Equal chances of success and failure are an advantage, under these circumstances.

"A wise choice. However, people used to say that I have the devil's luck. Do you really wish to continue?" I half expected that. However, I didn't enter this contest because I thought it would be an easy victory. Besides, the battle has already started. Sakuya has a perfect poker face, but it's obvious that she's trying to play mind games with me. If I lose my composure I'm going to lose, in the grand scheme of things. I bet we're on the same page, so far.

"That's fine. Luck is a fickle thing, even for a devil. Besides, I think this is rather a matter of fate than one of luck." She smiles, ever so slightly.

"That's fine. Fate might not be in my hands or in my favour, but the dices tend to be. Each one will throw for themselves, I'd imagine?" How else would one do this?

"Obviously. I will let you go first, unless you want to roll the dice about that as well? Then again, I don't really care about the order." She takes the dices and looks at them closely. I already tested them before, they aren't biased, from what I can tell. I didn't ask for that, but Sakuya insisted. I trust her, she wouldn't make an offer like this if she didn't mean it. She is being honest about this, I'm completely sure of that.

"Very well. We get to claim our prize after winning right away, so we won't have to worry about the order either way." She nonchalantly tosses the dices, 5, 3 and 1. That makes 9 in total, 9 out of 18 possible 'points'. Slightly below a medium outcome, so my chances to get an equal or better result aren't too bad.

"So much for your luck. Then again, your 'luck' might just be your opponent's misfortune?" I take the dices myself. There isn't really much else I can do, so I just throw them. 1, 1 and 2?!

"Well, that is a shame. You figured out my secret already, by the looks of it~" Damn it! I'm absolutely certain that she didn't cheat, I was looking intently at her. Even if she had stopped time, there's no way she could have moved the dices and returned to her position without changing her own posture in the slightest. Somehow I don't think she would, not this time. "Now, to collect my price..."

"Go ahead." She's certainly intimidating, as she slowly walks up to me, a knife in her hand. It will hurt, I bet. I think that Sakuya is good at hurting others, she seems to have experience with that. She gets behind me, I don't turn around. She doesn't want me to be prepared for it, she wants to take me by surprise. That's the feeling I get. And it's working, I'm getting nervous... I bet that's part of her mind games.

"Where would be best, I wonder? We should start with something lenient, I wouldn't want to scare you away before I had some fun..." I notice a sudden pain on my cheek, that's... it seems to be a normal slash, much like the one she received from me. Way back then, when we first met. Well, it's only been a couple days. But she remembers...

"I'm glad for your kindness, Sakuya. However, tonight... I don't want you to hold back. This fight isn't arranged by our mistresses, it's ours. That's why... give it your all as well. Anything else would be like an insult." If it's physical pain, I can deal with it. This is nothing, compared to all of the slashes, bruises and broken bones I got while training with my grandfather. He wouldn't stop an attack unless it would have left me crippled or dead. That's the only way to get strong, after all.

"I can only tell you the same thing I did back then, Youmu. Don't thank me ahead of time. These games have only just begun, and I intend to enjoy them." I'm glad that I'm not the only one who remembers that day. I've been thinking about it a lot. Sakuya gets back to her side of the table, slowly licking the broadside of her knife. That's, um...

"You aren't one of those... right? I mean, you're human?" I'm not really too sure, tonight. She was warm to the touch before, but... tonight she only touched me with her blade. Maybe her mistress bit her?! That might explain their clash back then. If that's the case... what are we supposed to do? I mean, is there a cure for something like that? Should we hunt Sakuya's mistress down? Killing humans is forbidden... and from what I understand of vampires you die when you're turned, so...?

"I was just... interested in how it would be. Quite rich, I would say. A lot of spiritual energy, my mistress would love it. You don't have to be a vampire to enjoy blood. Blood is a hunter's reward. And tonight you are my prey, by the looks of it~" That's... not really what I had in mind. Besides, this is not a hunt, it's a battle. Not one of swords, but a battle nonetheless. It's all about my endurance, I won't lose until I give up!

"Too bad, Sakuya. You seem to be so sure of yourself, but you've made yourself vulnerable. You can hurt me as much as you want, I can bear it all! However, your luck will run out, sooner or later. I can endure it for the whole night, if I have to! Can your luck keep up with that?!" Her grin just broadens at my boast, I take the dices back and throw them. 5, 3 and 4!

"You underestimate me, little half-ghost. Sticks and stones, you know? Besides, do you think it will stay like this? It won't. I merely repaid you for back then. I'm quite experienced at torturing humans. And your body seems to be human enough." She isn't exactly wrong, but the joke's on her. We can endure pain far better than humans. I can't help giggling as she throws the dices. 6, 3 and 1. 12 against 10. That means...

"My victory! I won't even have to win or ask questions, if you keep telling me so much, all on your own. As for my question... where did you learn these things?" I wonder how she will answer, now that the tides have turned. I can endure the pain, but she has to answer, whether she likes it or not! Granted, she could just lie... but I will trust her. She said it was on her gambler's honour, that has to count for something, right?

"Where did I learn such things? Now that is a difficult question... practical experience, I suppose? I have done a lot of unsavoury things, after all. Also from books and sharing stories, from my mistress and other humans. A lot of places, really. However, that would hardly be enough of an answer, I suppose?" She is being surprisingly fair about it, though she doesn't seem pleased. I would have expected her to dodge the question, in some way... but I'm glad. She strokes some silver hair out of her face, she looks so beautiful...

"It wouldn't. I want more details. Why did you do that?" She honestly seems to try to think back, or maybe she's just contemplating how she should avoid that question...? Well, just spending time with her is nice already.

"For two reasons. Sometimes, I thought of it as necessary or was ordered to do it. The other one... I enjoyed it. It's fun, isn't it?" Sakuya seems to have a slightly different view on fun things, huh? Well, that's something we can't decide. Still...

"You still didn't answer my original question." Now she smirks a little bit.

"Well, you were the one to change the question, before I got to that part. Besides, going into the details would probably take many, many hours." I guess I can't really argue with that. She would have answered two questions, had she continued. It still feels a little bit like she cheated, but it was my fault for asking another question, I guess. She just tosses the dices again, 6, 5 and 3... this doesn't look good. "Now, your turn."

"There you go!" I just take the dices and throw them in a quick motion, there's no room for hesitation. That would just stress me out. 5, 3 and 5?! Come on, one point!

"What a shame. 'A valiant effort' is what I'd like to call it, but it's just luck. Now then, shall we try something else?" I just nod as she stands up and walks over to me, this time right next to me. She just takes my left arm, I let her. Slowly dragging the blade over it... "How deep, I wonder? I can't just plunge it in, I'm afraid. We wouldn't want any lasting damage, after all. No nerves either..."

"I can take it. Whatever it is you have in mind." I grit my teeth and prepare for it. The pain itself isn't really that bad, it's rather... the anticipation, I think. If it was just pain on its own, it wouldn't be nearly as bad. She takes my hand into her own, it feels warm, almost comforting... then I feel something cold and pointy go under the fingernail of my left pinky!

"I wonder, would this count? It would grow back, right? That wouldn't really be against the rules, would it...?" That would hurt a ton! She carefully lifts her blade, increasing the pressure. However, if this is what it takes...!

"Didn't you hear me?! You can do whatever you feel the need to...!" I can't help wincing, she... she takes her knife back? I wait for a second, two, expecting a sudden surge of pain... nothing. Then I feel her knife on my left forearm.

"So you say... well, it's your call, after all. Besides, I rather save the best for last." She slowly pushes her knife in, very slowly... it starts breaking through the skin, pushing into the flesh...! Still, it isn't that bad. "My, my, wincing already? I've seen humans who endured far worse." This is just part of her game plan. If I can't focus, I can't suppress the pain as well. I'd feel more pain, lose more concentration and so on. It would be a vicious cycle. She finally pulls it out, with a taunting grin distorting her fair features. It isn't a very deep cut. I could endure much worse. Then again, it would be a bother if there was too much blood.

"You don't get it, do you? I can take much more than this. Even if I wince or scream, that doesn't mean I can't take any more." It feels as if she wasn't even being serious about this, as if it was just a game to her. However, I'm determined. I will win! This is a personal matter and I definitely won't back down! She just shrugs.

"Yes, you're probably right. However, it's more fun if we start off slowly. You wouldn't mind if I collect the blood, would you? There's always use for that and I rather don't let things go to waste." Um... the way she casually mentions this is somewhat worrying.

"Fine by me." She already has a jar ready, her posture changed a little bit... she stopped time. So I can tell, if I don't let her distract me. It's as I expected. She just hands it over and I put it down on the table, letting my blood drip down to my elbow, into it. Well, better than having to clean afterwards, I guess. I take the dices and throw them once more, I mustn't let her get under my skin. Um, mentally, that is. 3, 2 and 1...

"Your luck seems to be quite bad tonight, if I might say so. Maybe you should rather give up?" I can already tell that she'll win this round... I'd best prepare myself right away. 4, 4 and 3, not even close. "The dices seem to agree, Youmu. It might be best to step down, after I collect my due." I'm a little bit startled as she vanishes and her knife suddenly traces down my back. She must have stopped time...!

"I can take it, I can..." And she drags it up again, not even piercing the skin. It sends a shiver down my spine. The next moment it's getting pushed into my left forearm again, slowly... she must've stopped time again! "Gyah!" Damn it, that actually hurts! It doesn't feel as if she'd end up doing any real damage, but still... she knows where to push that knife to make it hurt. This time it was much worse, if it continues to increase like this...!

"Why do you continue to try? Wouldn't it be better to give up? There's no reason for you to continue, there's nothing to be gained." No, that's wrong! There's a lot to be gained. And there's nothing to lose!

"Because... I don't really need a reason, do I? But, I do care for you. And I think that I can do some good, by doing this." I get the feeling that Sakuya's life... has been very unpleasant for her. And, no matter what she says, she isn't above it or free from it. It's still holding her down, in some way. If I could find a way to cut her free... that alone would be more than enough. One more throw! 3, 1 and 5, 9 in total.

"If you care for me, maybe it would be better if you stopped. I don't necessarily enjoy this. While it's better than nothing, it just isn't the same..." 4, 4 and 1... also 9. Phew, that was a close one. She just throws again. 6, 2 and 2. I have a good feeling about this round. Alright, let's do this!

"Sorry, Sakuya... but that's not something I can do. I'm stubborn, especially when it comes to challenges." My turn. 5, 2 and 6. Nice! However... what should I ask? I'm getting the feeling that my previous question didn't really get me anywhere. Then, what else is there? "It's not really difficult to understand why I'm doing this. But, what I don't get... why are you doing this? You didn't have to make a game out of it, you could have just punished me. I would have taken responsibility for my actions."

"Why I'm doing this...? For various reasons, I suppose. For entertainment, partly. However, this is also... training. I'm trying to condition you. I want you to make a mental connection between myself and pain. If there was such a connection, you would stop your nonsense." I get the feeling that this isn't all there is to it. I think she's trying to open up, in her own twisted way. But... I'll let it slide, for now. Maybe she doesn't even realise it herself.

"Is that even how it works with humans? I mean, you can try it with me, but I don't think you'll have much success. I'm not even really human to begin with. Besides, that rather sounds like something you'd do with... dogs. Um, not that I'm implying anything about you and... never mind!" That banter is somehow contagious! And I think her poker face just slipped a little bit, for a second...

"Is that so. Well, go ahead. It's your turn." I pick up the dices and throw them. 3, 3 and 1. *Sigh* I hoped for a better result. Sakuya picks them up and throws them again, they seem to fall very slowly, almost painfully so... 2, 2 and 2. That means I get to ask another question! However, I'm starting to think that I'm taking the wrong approach to this. I could use this to learn about her past, but that would feel like cheating. I do think that there are things to be talked about when it comes to that, yes... but it's just not the right time. I have to understand what's wrong before trying to fix it. That's why...

"What are you afraid of?" It's a simple question, really. One I wasn't even expecting to do anything. But Sakuya's face changes a little bit, her eyes become somewhat narrow... I think I hit a nerve, somehow...

"Care to elaborate your little theory? I can't say I feel afraid." She takes a rather aggressive looking pull on her bottle, bringing it down on the table with some force. Her behaviour is changing, ever so slightly. I'm not sure if she's aware of this, maybe she's trying to intimidate me? Not that it matters. I won't let this one go.

"Do you think so? You put a lot of effort into hiding your past, for someone who has nothing to be afraid of. Let me change the question, since you didn't answer that one properly. Why don't you answer such questions, if you aren't afraid?" Now she's... relaxing, all of a sudden? Her poker face starts to fade, until it's completely replaced by... a grin? Um, I can tell that this isn't a good sign. I don't know what's going on, but I can tell this is no longer alcohol or intimidation at work. She seems to be getting serious about this, finally.

"Ah, well played. Well played indeed. I didn't think you had what it takes to catch me off guard. Yet, here we are. You want to know why I'd hide it? It's not because it was unpleasant, it's not because I hate it. It makes me angry, a lot of it. However, that's not the point. You want to know the answer? Very well. To put it into simple terms, such stories have no place in Gensokyo. Such desires don't belong here. I'm a terrible person, the real me. Can't you see that?" Is that what she really thinks? I mean, so far she hasn't been that terrible.

"I think you're a good person, Sakuya. You can be cold and cruel, sometimes. I won't deny that. However, you can also be very nice and warm. All those sides of you that I got to see... I don't think it was all acting. And I think you want me to know more about you. That's why you gave me all of these opportunities to get closer to you." I don't think she's ready to admit it, not yet. However, it's definitely there. I'm not just imagining all of this. I want to walk over to her and just... I don't know. But I stay. This situation is... dangerous, I can feel it.

"Your theories really are out there. If you believe any of that, you really have no idea about me. The things I did, the things we did and enjoyed... you couldn't imagine it. That's probably for the best. This place, childish as it is... it's better off like this. Even if it's just an illusion." I wonder what she means by that? She takes the dices once more. 5, 5 and 5...

"Out there as they may be... I think I'm right. And I will get to the bottom of this." I throw the dices, though my mind has left the game. 3, 2 and 1. At least no luck wasted on this throw, right? I'll just stay positive.

"We'll see. Or rather, I will. I don't think you'll ever see this 'bottom'." She takes a somewhat aggressive pull from the bottle without swallowing, then she walks up to me again. She just kneels down next to me and takes my wounded arm, replacing the jar. What is she...

"GAAAAAAH! Wh-, what are you...?!" Sakuya slowly lets the strong liquor drip into my wound, this is...! It hurts! This is worse than when she inflicted the wounds!

"Why, I'm just... disinfecting it." She briefly looks up at me, with those big blue eyes of hers... then she...

"You... you're...? What are you-?!" I can't see it, but it feels as if she's... licking it?! Guh! She continues, all the way down...! I clench my fist, straining my muscles. It burns, yet... what is this...? When she finally lets go of my arm it burns even more!

"That should do the trick. There, no dirt left~" She just smirks at me, slowly licking her lips. It doesn't hurt so much that I couldn't go on, but...

"I give up." This was... really confusing. Sakuya also looks slightly confused by my sudden submission as well, but I just continue. "I give up, for today. We can continue some other time, right?" It's not the pain that's putting me off, it's not her strange behaviour either. It's rather... I'm scared. As cold and strong as Sakuya always seems... I get the feeling that I hurt her, not the other way around. And hurting someone who seems so strong... that makes me feel afraid. It would be better to stop, for tonight.

"I don't really mind, though it is a bit sudden. Especially after all the bragging you did earlier. And here I was, thinking of another way to dissuade you..." Um, does she mean...?

"That wouldn't work either way."

"Wouldn't it? Well, probably not. Though I do recall my mistress saying that I should repay you, threefold even. But that would probably just encourage you, wouldn't it?" It's somewhat off-putting, doing something that strange all of a sudden, but not exactly discouraging... and it is a bit of an issue. Yuyuko-sama wasn't exactly wrong, before. What I did, that was very...

"I... I'm not really sure. I mean, I don't really mind, but... I'd rather wait until we'd be... um, married, you know? Not that I'm saying we should get married or anything, it's just...!" I just don't know how to say it. It's not that I don't like Sakuya that way, I could definitely see it. If I were to look for a partner, I'd look for someone who could keep up with me, physically and mentally. Sakuya is even stronger than I am, she's beautiful, she's simply incredible! And she sure knows a lot more than I do. It'd be a great honour to marry her, without any doubt. But that would be an honour I have yet to earn.

"You can be pretty cute, you know that? Especially when you're stumbling over your own words. Fine, I'll admit it... you won." Uh... huh?

...

Sakuya's POV

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"What do you mean...? I... I was the one who gave up." True enough... but this just isn't any fun. She's fairly resistant to pain and I have no intention of trying any of the truly damaging methods. Even if it didn't leave any lasting damage to her body, it might break her. She could physically endure it, I don't doubt that... but it would probably end up damaging her mind. *Sigh* Or I'm just getting really soft? Then again, it is pretty silly, getting so worked up over the past.

"You did, but I clearly lost." I was starting to lose my composure, even if it was just a little bit. For a moment I felt as though I'd fall back into old patterns. I could blame the alcohol, I did have my fair share of that... but it's not just that. She wasn't entirely wrong.

"I don't really get it..." She's just too innocent. That's probably the problem, or at least a part of it. I wanted to punish her for all the chaos that she caused, but at the end of the day... little of that was really her fault. Hurting innocent people, that just doesn't have the same effects as proper punishment of irredeemable sinners. I'm still a little bit upset about what happened before, but it's not enough to make me want to hurt her, I'm afraid. *Sigh*

"You don't have to. Would you give me your arm, for a moment? I will take care of your wounds." It really was silly, all of this. I should probably go and apologise to my mistress as well. Hurting her pride like that... it wasn't just about Youmu. Both of us bottled up a lot of things, over the centuries. It was probably about time to let it all out, huh?

"Well, alright..." She's a little bit hesitant, but does so. Her arm looks pretty delicate, considering just how strong she is. She has a few scars, but that was to be expected. I should get the bandages... there should be a first aid kit in here, if I remember it right. I look under a poker table, sure enough, there we have it. A necessary precaution. When there were more people around, it wasn't that uncommon for brawls to break out in here, those often resulted in misuse of the equipment. Not when guests were around, obviously, but still...

"Now this will hurt a bit..." I just take some proper disinfectant and apply it to her wounds. They aren't very deep, nor are they bleeding very much, but it's probably for the best. Infections have killed some great warriors, after all. Of course it isn't as much of a problem in Gensokyo, there are people who know healing magic and medicine, but it would still be fairly unpleasant for her.

"Special service is over, huh?" Youmu's face seems to be caught somewhere between grinning and wincing as I bandage her arm.

"Well, if you'd rather have me use the alcohol again..." Now that I get a closer look at her, she does look rather... um, cute? Her dress is fairly simple, but crafted with some skill. It's probably also for her training, though I think this one is more elegant than her other dress. This one still seems to be a lot more hardwearing than mine. My outfit is less practical than I would like it, but I've grown used to it. Besides, if there was any real reason for it, I could always get my old gear. Come to think of it... well, why not?

"I was just joking around. Thanks for taking care of me..." I can't help laughing. I finally use my power to speed up her recovery rate. The bandage turns a bit red, but the wound is already closed. Though I can't use that too often, excessive use of this type of 'healing' can cause body parts to die a little bit sooner than the actual body... at least for other people, it doesn't seem to do me any harm.

"You thank me for patching you up, after I was the one who did this to you?" She really is too innocent for her own good. Well, maybe I should reward her a little bit, she was quite brave. Maybe she even taught me a thing about myself.

"Well, you didn't have to do it, right? So, it's rather nice of you." That word again... I still don't think it really suits me. I guess I just... make a few exceptions, for Youmu. She isn't exactly in the guest category, the way things are now, at least not in the category that would get special treatment. But... I might really have a bit of a soft spot, for her.

"Perhaps. Anyway, what would you like to do? If you'd like to do anything together..." Surprisingly, it doesn't seem to take Youmu much time to make her decision. It doesn't seem as though I discouraged her in the slightest... *Sigh* What a useless effort. I didn't go far enough, after all. But otherwise I might end up... feeling guilty? That would be rather unusual, I can't even remember the last time I did that. Usually I just don't do things I'd come to regret.

"Sure! Um, if you don't mind, that is. I mean, I wouldn't want to keep you from your obligations..." It should be fine, I still have time. If it's not enough, I'll just make some extra time. And I managed to persuade someone else to take care of the dishes tomorrow... not that I expect them to be of much use.

"Very well. Come along, I will show you something." Thinking of my old gear... that might be something she'd be interested in. It's been a while since I did anything with it, other than maintenance. Not even that in a lot of years, since I keep it frozen in time.

"Alright, lead the way!" She seems to be excited enough, without even knowing what it is. I could be leading her right into a trap... she really is careless. I opt against telling her that, I simply lead her through the dark corridors, to the next exit. Now then, to the clock tower. It feels much less imposing than it once did. For me, it's become home.

...

"Um, what is it you wanted to show me?" It's just another storage room, at least that's what it looks like. However...

"I will take you there while time is stopped. Don't be startled, you will find yourself in a different room. You should probably close your eyes, otherwise it will be quite the unpleasant experience for you." Few things are more disorienting than suddenly being in completely different surroundings.

"Alright, I'm ready!" She just closes her eyes... she's a little bit too trusting, isn't she? Well, I'm not going to harm her, but it's still not wise. I stop time and open up the passage to my old equipment room, temporarily disabling the barrier. I have no real need for the things stored in there, not in this place, but I feel much more comfortable with them around. Now, to get Youmu in there... well, she's not that heavy.

The problem will rather be her spirit half. Come to think of it, I know relatively little about it. I'm a bit curious, maybe I should just ask her? I touch it, though pushing it probably won't work. My hands just go into it. It feels rather fluffy, a little bit like sheep's wool. And fairly... warm? How curious. I pull my hands out and concentrate a little bit, I don't think I can push it without some magic. With it... that seems to work. Good, I don't know how else I could have taken her there without her noticing, assuming that part of her is somewhat aware of its surroundings.

I don't think she would use this knowledge against me, but I'd rather stay on the safe side. While I'm fairly sure that I know enough about her, I can't let my guard down. Even my mistress doesn't know where exactly this room is. It's a labyrinth of small hallways behind the walls, perfect for servants. There are a few of these in the mansion itself as well, but this one is more difficult to find, if you don't know what to look for. And it's frozen in time, no one can enter, unless I allow it. I light some torches and let time move again, Youmu seems to be somewhat disoriented...

"Are you alright? You can open your eyes again." Usually being moved during stopped time doesn't have this effect, on normal humans or vampires. Only if they keep their eyes open. Or if I change their stance... though I'm fairly sure I didn't.

"Um, sorry... it just feels as if I'd suddenly... ugh. My spirit half suddenly jumped to a completely different place, that's probably why..." Hm, their connection seems to tell her the relative position of it. I wonder...

"Do you share your sense of balance with it?"

"It? That's still me, it's just... well, I guess? My spirit half helps me with orientation and balance. Both my body and my spirit half exist in relation to each other. Suddenly being moved like that..." I guess I should keep that in mind, for the way back. And it's good to know, another weakness I could use against her. Not that I didn't know enough of those, by now. "Wait, this place...?"

"Do you like it? It's my old equipment room." I don't think it would do me much harm, showing her this. Not unless she finds a way to move during stopped time and that'd be a first. With this ability... I could probably relax a little bit more, couldn't I? Then again, being careless is the fastest way to the grave.

"That's amazing... what are all of those things?!" Her eyes almost seem to sparkle... she seems to like it, after all.

"Is there anything in particular you'd like to know more about? These are various weapons, tools and armours, whatever I might need for various tasks." She points to an ornate silver armour, that's...

"It looks pretty interesting. It has a red cross on it, right? There, on the chest? Does that mean that its wielder passed away?" Huh...? Where does she get...

"Oh, because of the cemetery? No, the wielder is standing in front of you. This is an armour I used to wear, at a time." Though I haven't used it in centuries... it's impractical, after all.

"So, were you a follower of that religion, back then?" Well, not really...

"It's a little bit... complicated. You see, in the outside world, most people followed that religion were I lived and... well, if you didn't, you had to pretend. To be honest, I think there were more people pretending than true believers, but still... you didn't have much of a choice." I'm starting to think bringing Youmu here wasn't the best of ideas... I guess I had a bit too much alcohol, to forget about these things.

"Can you... put it on?" I wonder... it's a bit of effort, putting on a full plate armour.

"I suppose so." I'm not sure if I even remember how to do it. It's not something I'd wear to battle, if I had a choice. I could compensate for the losses in speed and mobility with my ability, but not getting hit in the first place is still the best defence. I stop time and get to work, I think I can still guess how to fasten all of the cords.

...

"There, do you like it?" It took me around 15 minutes, I believe. 5 more minutes to catch my breath, drinking and exercising don't go well with each other. Another reason not to use this plate armour, especially not in Gensokyo. Then again, this type of armour wouldn't be useful in the outside world either, with guns and explosives. It's completely outdated... somehow that feels a bit depressing.

"It looks good on you. Can we try it out~?" Try it out?

"You mean a sparring match? I rather doubt I'd be a very challenging opponent, like this." This kind of armour was not developed for opponents like Youmu. She is far too fast and I doubt it could withstand her blades and strength. It's not something very durable, just some sort of steel, coated with some silver. A silver armour would be fairly pointless, considering how soft silver is... though the silver works pretty well, against certain enemies.

"What's the point of having it, then?" I don't really know why I kept it either. It would be nice as decoration, but it's... well, it's one of the few things that belong to me, not my mistress. And we have a bit of a history, this plate armour and I.

"It was more for show than anything else. And it did me quite a bit of good, back then. Someone with your strength and equipment could probably cut through it, but with human weapons and skill that would be a lot more difficult, if at all possible. And there were quite a few... youkai that were weak to it." She seems to ponder it for a bit, these things appear to fascinate her. Well, she doesn't seem to have too many hobbies, other than gardening and swordsmanship.

"We can use training swords, right? I want to see how your armour and weapons are used, together. It might help me with my training." I doubt it, the sword I have is just a normal longsword. A rather fancy one, also coated in silver, but still just a longsword.

"If you insist... very well." I grab another long sword and offer it to Youmu. She lifts it with ease and inspects it.

"This is fairly light, when compared to my swords. A little bit too light, maybe."

"You can take a two-handed sword, if you'd prefer it. Though that probably wouldn't help either." These weapons were made and optimised for humans, after all.

"No, this is fine. I used to train with wooden swords, those were even lighter. How do you use these? Is there any trick to this kind of blade?" These are probably as simple and basic as swords get.

"Well, you'd usually have a straight posture." Youmu seems to crouch a bit, I think her technique is a lot more aggressive than what is usually done with swords. She just follows my instructions and straightens her posture. "Good... I don't really know what to tell you, I never received proper training with swords. I know the basics, those are slightly different from your blades, I guess. Attack me."

"Well, if you say so..." She goes for a straight cut from above, I simply block it... though it strains my muscles quite a bit. She has a lot more strength behind her attacks. I let her push my sword back and put my gloved hand against the flat of blade of mine. Still, the difference in strength is rather noticeable. A fair fight will always be out of the question. It's the same against most supernatural beings, after all.

"Straight cuts are fine, but you... you left yourself open!" That would have worked better with a longer blade, like hers. I change the angle of my sword, letting hers slide down the blade... and kick her.

"Hey, that's not fair! I thought you were going to show me how to fight with that equipment." Well, that's what I'm doing. I'm somewhat surprised that she got hit by that, I wasn't even manipulating time. It doesn't significantly stagger her, but she does move back.

"First rule, a one-handed sword is not a weapon you should use on its own. Your whole body is a weapon, so make use of it. You'd usually use a shield with a weapon like this, but your hands and feet are always useful as well. Especially if you're wearing heavy armour." She prepares to charge again... she would know all of the normal attacks, I'd imagine that those are the same with her blades. However, those only have one edge, not two.

This time I decide to take the initiative, going for a simple thrust. As expected, she's also much faster. I wouldn't have been fast enough to block it with such ease, not without my ability. She moves closer to me, the handle... I see. I move forward, colliding with her before she can built any momentum. Now, to put in some more force... I just put my whole body into it and she finally stumbles backwards. I fall on top of her, pinning her down. *Huff*

"This really isn't a swordfight, is it?" Well, not exactly. However, it's a valid strategy, with armour like this. If there's only one opponent, that is. Getting up again is a bit of a pain.

"You asked me to show you how you can use it. This would be one application, though not exactly an ordinary one." Youmu just rolls her eyes and smiles. She moves under the weight of the armour, then she finally gets up, an arm around my waist, pulling me up as well... just how strong is she?!

"Well, looks like... that backfired, huh?" She seems to be a bit out of breath as well, with this armour the total weight should be close to 200 pounds...

"Not exactly. I could still try to stab you, if I wanted to. Though I'd rather not let it come to that." I grin down at her, Youmu seems to be just a little bit intimidated.

"Well, since you're asking..." She puts me down again, I'm surprised that she could hold me up for that long, with just one arm. Then again, I really shouldn't underestimate her.

"Next would be... spin the blade a little bit, would you? Here, like this." In spite of the gauntlet, it's still a rather fluid movement. I guess I'm not that out of it.

"Hm, it's a bit easier to move than my katana, I think." Her weapons seem to be a little bit less versatile, from what I can tell. Only one side is bladed and they aren't that good for thrusts either. Both have some similarities, but other techniques don't work so well with them. For a true master those differences would probably be much more apparent. I haven't trained with a sword or this armour in forever.

"I think that's... enough, for me. I'm not exactly... in the best condition for a fight, right now." My breathing is a bit faster than it should be. I feel tired...

"Well, alright... how about showing me around some more? After you get out of that armour." There's also getting out of this thing... *Sigh* Well, it's easier and faster than getting it on, that's for sure.

"Just tell me what you'd like to know more about. I'll take it off later, it's a bit of a bother." I should take a bath, that should help me calm down... and sleep afterwards. Alcohol tends to make me rather sleepy, at least when it's... how much was that? Um... well, no matter.

"Alright, what about... that table? With the flasks and the weird equipment?" That would be...

"I use it for alchemy. Or chemistry? Um... regardless of what it's called, I use it to make explosives or poisons, sometimes other mixtures. Depends on the opponent, really." Youmu seems to be less excited about this.

"What do you need those for? I mean, you're plenty strong on your own." That might be true, but it's a very naive view.

"For various reasons. There are things that can't be defeated by strength or speed alone. It's not something I'd usually need in Gensokyo, but in the outside world my powers were significantly weaker. I often found myself at odds with enemies I couldn't have defeated without such tools." I was always faster than the average human, but at that time... there were certain remnants of the old world, the world of magic. They would have been even stronger in Gensokyo, but they were still far stronger than humans...

"Then you shouldn't have challenged those enemies and trained more, instead." ... Principled as Youmu may be, she's also foolish. Maybe foolish isn't the right word, but rather ignorant?

"Did you ever have to fight for your life? It's not some clean and noble thing. If you fight for a life, there's no room for honour, principles or other rules. It's a dirty business." She wouldn't have made it far, in my place. Or maybe she'd be a different person, had she been raised out there. Principles are for those who can afford them, after all.

"What exactly was your business?" That's... *Sigh* I lower myself into a chair, it's creaking under the weight of the armour.

"I was a demon hunter, of sorts? Well, pretty much anything supernatural in the outside world counted as demons, few really knew anything about such things. It was more trouble than it was worth, most of the time. The payment was fine, but it was risky. There wasn't much else for me to do, I had to earn my living and it made people look up to me. All of a sudden I wasn't the dirty orphan on the street, I was a hero." Heh, at least that's what I felt like. Doing odd jobs for the church, travelling to many different places... it wasn't the worst time I had. At least when I did it on my own. But it was bloody, dirty and very dangerous. Heh, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't miss that part~

"So, like a shrine maiden?" That comparison is more fitting than I'd like it to be...

"I suppose. The church gave me my targets, I went and took care of it." This is getting a little bit uncomfortable, I rather wouldn't get into this.

"You worked for the church? I thought you..."

"I never really liked them or believed in their religion, but they were reputable. I was working for them, so other humans left me alone. It was more of a business relationship, in the beginning. And I don't care to elaborate, before you ask." Those are some of the worst memories I have. My time with the church... I shouldn't have gotten involved with it, after all. Just a business relationship would've been better. Then again, I didn't have much of a choice.

"Alright, thank you. I think I'm getting closer to understanding you." I still don't really get her, this is beyond simple curiosity. "Would you tell me about your work, then? For example, what creatures did you fight? How did you even get into that business?"

"It just sort of happened. I helped some villagers against a group of fairies that made fun of them and they decided that I was blessed, 'sent by the Lord to vanquish the forces of evil and that my arrival was meant to be', or something... then they took me to church and I was offered a decent job. The payment was good and I didn't have to worry about humans attacking me for being different." I was free to do whatever I felt like, so long as I took care of some creatures and didn't break the law. It was a decent arrangement, like that.

"Humans... attacked you?"

"Well, before I came to the church, I was considered part of the 'demon' group, because of my looks. When I started working for the church, I was left alone and didn't have to worry about getting food. What more could I ask for? It seemed like a great opportunity." I wasn't really aware of the risks, in the beginning. Most of my enemies were weak, often it was just some fairies and offended spirits playing pranks, or other harmless things average humans can't seem to perceive.

"But that wasn't all, was it? I mean, there have to be some special encounters, right?" I suppose so, though I far preferred the harmless ones.

"Well, I doubt you'd be interested in most of those. I was more of a hunter, not a warrior. I gathered information on the creature, if possible. Tried to learn of its weaknesses and strengths, whether it could be reasoned with, what to exploit. If possible, I avoided fights and looked for a different solution, though I never told anyone. Otherwise I chased it down and killed it." Most creatures were reasonable enough, if handled correctly.

"I'm still interested, if you don't mind..." *Sigh*

"Well, there was Dando, used to be a priest and huntsman. Quite the sinful man, or so I was told. They asked me to chase him to hell, so I did." Ah, that's probably one of my favourite hunts~ Old man Dando and his hounds, I can't help grinning. That's why I didn't care to punish Youmu as much, I suppose. Repaying the 'sinful' is certainly much more fun, no?

"You chased him to hell? I mean, that's... figuratively speaking?"

"Well, I can't claim that I chased him straight to hell, but I ended his life in flames and there was no other place he could have ended up, assuming hell exists. Though the tale has become increasingly filigreed, if I'm not mistaken." It wasn't supernatural, though I felt bad for the dogs who jumped after their master. The villagers couldn't tell, so my job was done and I got paid. A really nice sum, probably shush money.

"I see. I wondered to which hell you chased him or how you did it..." Which hell...? Oh, I suppose hell isn't quite the same here. I can't say that I know the entrance to any hell, disregarding the demon world. Though that isn't really a hell, from my understanding...

"That religion preached hell to be like a fiery lake where sinners are tortured for all eternity, or something along those lines." I personally preferred Dante's inferno, at least that was more creative. Though the ending a bit of a downer, as my mistress puts it.

"Strange, I was taught... well, that doesn't really matter, right now. But you were hunting humans as well?" Hm, there isn't that much of a difference, is there?

"Humans, youkai, animals, I'd hunt it, for an appropriate sum. I was more of a mercenary than a shrine maiden, I'd say." Youmu seems to be a little bit shocked. Maybe murder isn't that common for her kin?

"Ah, well, I see... how about some other creatures you fought? For example, what were the strongest enemies you faced?" She'll exhaust my hunting stories before long, if she wants to hear all of the best ones first...

"In terms of danger, there were revenants. Walking corpses, or something like that. I faced one of those and was enough lucky to carry a silver dagger with me. Never left for hunting without silver weapons again, after my first encounter with those. Seriously, most undead are a real pain to deal with... um, no offence." What exactly is Youmu, anyways? Something in between, apparently? Maybe I should ask Patchouli.

"I don't mind. Go on..."

...

"Very well, I think that will be all, for tonight." It has gotten rather late. I told Youmu about all sorts of 'adventures' I had, when I was still on my own. There are a many things I won't tell her about, but sharing the amusing or suspenseful ones won't hurt, will it? I finally stop time and change back into my uniform. Unpractical as it might seem, it has become a lot more practical for me than actual armour.

"Thank you very much! I didn't know that creatures like that existed in your world." Well, they don't, for the most part. Not any longer. I probably contributed to that... well, the hunters weren't the problem. It was fine when the creatures were feared and fought against, according to my mistress. It's rather humanity's disbelief, from what I understand.

"Most of them left, much like my mistress." At least they tried. Fairies and other nature spirits often don't have such luxuries. "Well, regardless of that, I think it's about time to sleep. I will show you out, if you don't mind."

"Um, alright..." She doesn't seem to like the idea very much. Probably because of earlier...

"Position your spirit half in front of you and close your eyes, I'll try to move it without making it uncomfortable." I'm really starting to feel tired, moving Youmu and her spirit half while time is stopped has become much more tiresome than I remember it. I take her out of the clock tower, into the garden. The sun will go up soon, my mistress is probably already asleep. I will have to talk to her tomorrow, by the looks of it. "Here we are."

"Thanks, that was much better than before." And now...

"I will go ahead and take a bath, you can return to your room. Or should I guide you?" The fairies usually sleep at this time, I will just have to do it myself.

"Maybe you could show me the bath instead? Um, on second thought, maybe I'll go tomorrow, or later today..." Oh my, someone seems to have inappropriate thoughts~

"I don't mind. We're both servants, after all. Shall we go?" Youmu seems to be left speechless, for a moment. It's too dark to tell what her face looks like, but I have a pretty good idea. Not that I intend for anything to happen. Or do I~?

"Um, well... I mean, if... if you insist..."

…

Author's note:

Guess what, time for the annual update! Annual?! D: Sorry, it's been a really bad year, for both of us. While I doubt many of you want to hear excuses, we're very sorry for leaving everyone hanging like that. We feel like we owe you an explanation, at the very least.

Daniel: What it boils down to is that I had to leave my home and had to find a flat, struggling to keep up with university, my computer also broke down and I had a bunch of trouble getting it repaired. Fun times...

Nyria: The company I'm working for almost went bankrupt and I had to do overtime for quite a while, just to get things under control. My livelihood depends on my job and I really rather wouldn't have to search for a new job, maybe having to move and all that.

In short, all of this year didn't go so good and the downsides of working together on a project really showed. Whenever one of us had some free time and felt like writing, the other didn't have time, for the most part. Lately things are finally looking up again for both of us, so we'll do our best to get back on schedule. We're really sorry for any readers that might still be interested in this story and had to wait for this much time! To a better year.