Disclaimer: All characters and locations belong to their respective owners.

A Quick Note on the Timeline: This story is set in an alternate universe in which the events Imperishable Night DID NOT happen; however, most of the canon backstory remains in tact. Kaguya still drinks the Hourai Elixir and is sent into exile for one thousand years. Eirin is still sent to Earth with the Lunarian emissaries to retrieve Kaguya after her crime is forgiven, but Eirin does not join Kaguya in exile until much, much later. In addition to this, Sakuya becomes resident to the Scarlet Devil Mansion when it is already in Gensokyo in contrast to before the Mansion crosses the Border.

First revision: 12/21/2010

Second revision: 3/28/2012

Speak the Truth
(also entitled "The Most Truthful Lie")

"It is always the best policy to speak the truth – unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar."
- Jerome K. Jerome

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth."
-Vladimir Lenin

I.
Layers Upon Layers

April 11, 1970 A.D.

The eternity that was night was about to break.

They sat at the rooftop's edge, absorbed in the blue-green orb suspended amidst a black abyss. Hurried footsteps, shouted commands, and frantic whispers were lost upon them, but they were aware of what was being carried. They had good reason to be up here, away from the noise and general chaos.

They had also good reason to be alone, where none but the gods and the universe could hear.

"The Court continues to grow restless with each update the couriers bring," said the eldest of the pair. "These past ten years have not been kind to them, and it is with this latest development that they are on edge."

"What do you mean?" asked the younger.

"Do you remember when I told you how the Earthlings sent their vehicles and astronauts to the surface? How they gathered samples of moonrock to bring back to study and how they marked their descent with footprints and the country flag?" The younger nodded. "Well, all those space shuttles have landed on the outskirts of the Moon. However, the Court has learned that an Earth ship is on a direct course for the Capital."

The younger's brow lifted in surprise. "Are you saying that…?"

"Yes. The path which connects the Moon and the Earth is close to revealing. By the time it opens the shuttle will be within sight for all Lunarians to see, and that is what worries them so. Our culture, our technology, and our secrets are at great risk of being exposed. If that happens—"

"Then the Outside World will become aware of our existence."

"It is not just that." The elder stared grimly up at the stars, at the planet called Earth. "Lord Tsukuyomi has proposed the IGWD, the Intergalactic Warfare Department, to destroy the ship by any means necessary."

"The IGWD?" the younger exclaimed. "Will that not make things worse? If the Department neutralizes the ship, won't it put us in a precarious position?"

"Very much so. I tried to dissuade Lord Tsukuyomi from going through with it; that the implications of this action would endanger the stability we've established long ago, but he would hear none of it. Even so, it is too late to change his mind and those of the Court."

"In that case…we could be facing a potential war toward—no, the wholesale slaughter of the human race. The repercussions…could be unimaginable."

The elder made a noncommittal sound.

"This proposal will affect everyone, won't it?" the youngest continued ponderously. "It would change everything we've known to do, everything we've known to hear and learn around us and outside us. If it should come to pass, the world as we know it will never be the same. Our home…will become a most unfamiliar sight."

Together the elder and the younger watched the heavens move as a herculean beast would roam – silently, listlessly, a shadow among the blackest darkness. High above where the tumult could not reach them, they breathed in the sterile air, listened to the beatings of their hearts and the thoughts which ran like powerful currents in the eternity that was night.

"There is hope, yet," remarked the eldest softly. The younger's head lifted in a curious motion. "If I cannot change the inevitable with words, then I will do whatever it takes to change it with my own two hands."

"Master?"

"I will not stand by while our kinsmen plunge us deeper into senseless violence. It will be a difficult task, but I have faith in my abilities. However…for what I plan to do, I do not think I can do it alone." The elder faced the younger. "Will you not help me, my friend? There is no one else I can turn to."

"What of Lady Yorihime and Lady Toyohime? Surely you can go to them—"

"No. Though wise of mind and strong in body, they cannot find out. I trust them and I love them, but it is you I need to depend on the most. If you join me, I will explain everything you need to know. What say you?"

"I don't know," said the younger slowly, looking at the elder. "With the way things are, the odds are against us. Except…I have no desire to fight alongside our brethren. I only wish to live in peace with you and the Sisters Watatsuki. Whatever your plan may be, I will follow it to the letter. For you, my Master, I would do anything."

The elder smiled warmly and ran a delicate hand through the younger's hair. "I know you would, my dear, and for that you have my thanks. Now come. There is something I must show you…."