Not another story. But not exactly a one-shot.

====

“Oh, Myouren? What are you practicing now?”

Byakuren peeks over her brother’s shoulder, hunched over his own hands.

“Byakuren? I’m practicing some new magic for the upcoming journey. Some of the monks have been wondering what to do if some of the men in the village get lost.”

Stretching his prayer beads over his two forefingers for Byakuren to see, he wraps the beads over his ring finger and pinky. Then, he lets go of the beads with his other hand. The beads seem to jump from the first two fingers to the others.

Byakuren laughs. “That’s just a silly trick, isn’t it?”

Her brother does, too. “That might be. But this isn’t.”

Clenching his hand as though grasping something, a light begins to form.

“Blessing of the sun take form,” Myouren chants, “and blessing of the land guide the light to its followers.”

Byakuren’s eyes glow just as bright. She laughs again.

“I don’t think anyone will ever be as good at this as you.”

“I’m sure you can.” Myouren scratches his head, chuckling with his sister. “I just happened to find it first.”

Securing his clothes tight around his body, he stands.

“Well. I’m sure you’ll show me something even more amazing by the time I get back. I might have taught you in the beginning, but you’re pretty good at learning on your own.”

“Only if you’re around, Myouren.”

With that, her brother laughs once before hugging his sister.

----

However, this time, her brother would not return.

“I’m sorry, Lady Hijiri. Your brother, Myouren….has passed away. My sincerest condolences.”

----

In the palm of her hand, the prayer beads shake and knock together. Byakuren’s prayer hums throughout the room. Shou, several youkai, and many more humans chant the prayer in unison with the head nun.

Byakuren’s heart thumps. Clearing the mind. Clearing the spirit. Clearing the heart’s desires and the body’s need for the material. Opening her eyelids, the nun breathes once.

“That is the will of our prayers.”

“That is the will of our prayers.”

Nodding, youkai and humans alike stand to end the session.

“Phew.”

A hand pats Byakuren’s shoulder.

“Thank you for all of your work, Hijiri.”

A comforting hand. Shou’s hand. Byakuren lifts her subordinate’s hand from her shoulder. It is hard work, but nothing too stressful for three hours of sitting down. Is that not natural for someone like them?

“Now then, Shou.” Byakuren leads the way forward. “Let us check on everyone, shall we?”

As the words leave her mouth, the nun stops in her steps to avoid running into a black figure. Nue nearly spins to avoid her.

“Oh, Nue. Is something the matter?”

“No.” The nue grumbles, eyes shifting as though something is going to appear around the corner.

“Nue!!!”

Byakuren, Shou, and Nue (hanging her head down) watch as Ichirin rounds the corner, Unzan following behind.

“Return my ring now!”

“Don’thaveyourstupidringcarryingit….”

Byakuren steps between the bitter Nue and the angry Ichirin. She smiles apologetically at Unzan. It is somewhat amusing, but this matter still should be resolved. The nun lifts her hand in front of Ichirin’s chest.

“Why, if you’re looking for your ring, it’s right here.”

“Hijiri? Ah!”

As though it had appeared from nowhere, everyone but Nue and Byakuren spot the ring that’s hanging by a thread around Ichirin’s neck.

“I told you I didn’t have it.” Nue steps out by Byakuren’s side. However, Byakuren turns and smiles at the nue.

“I believe an apology is in order.”

“What for? I didn’t do anything.”

“I believe an apology is in order.”

“I said I didn’t….”

Only Nue could see the expression on Byakuren’s face, who is turned away from the rest.

“I believe an apology is in order.”

“…”

Byakuren chuckles under her breath as she motions for Shou to follow. The nun listens in to make sure the nue apologizes before walking away.

“Ah,” Shou groans, “that person is quite the troublesome one. Why can’t she just play nicely?”

“It’s her nature.” Byakuren’s smile doesn’t fade. “Pranks are normal to her. However, because of that, it is up to us to correct her. Otherwise, the problem will only become worse.”

Byakuren gazes at the open ground of the temple. Seeing everyone hard at work is a nice sight to see. Oh, what’s this?

“Minamitsu? Nazrin? What are you two doing?”

The mentioned two jump, before turning to the nun from beyond the shrubbery. Minamitsu wipes the sweat from her forehead.

“We’re looking for my anchor. It disappeared somewhere.”

“Was it Nue?”

A shiver runs down everyone but Byakuren’s spine.

“No…I think I just lost it while doing some work outside of the temple.”

“You can’t locate it?” Shou says to Nazrin. The mouse shakes her head, sighing.

“I’ve called everyone I could to find it.” Nazrin nods to one of her mice. “But we can’t seem to pinpoint where it could be.”

“Should I assist you?”

“Oh, no!” Minamitsu raises her hands to Byakuren, then jumps as she realizes what she’s doing. “Hijiri, don’t push yourselves for my sake. Nazrin and I should be able to find it. It has to be in the temple somewhere.”

“Okay then. But don’t hurt yourselves trying to find it. If it comes to it, we shall have everyone in the temple search with you.”

Minamitsu blushes. “O-Oh, okay. Thank you, Hijiri.”

“It is a dear keepsake of yours. It would not do for you to lose it.”

Nodding to Shou, Byakuren heads toward the temple entrance where many of the temple monks and youkai are cleaning the grounds. Among the many familiar faces, two in particular catch the nun’s eye.

“Hmm hmm. Remember, try not to force it.”

“Okay. Like…this?”

Byakuren suppresses a laugh. How long has it been since seeing such an exchange? The nun approaches the two odd youkai.

“Practicing expressions, I see?”

“Yeah.” Mamizou crosses her arms, turning to Byakuren. “She’s learning slowly, but it’s progress.”

In front of the tanuki, Kokoro stretches the corners of her mouth with her fingers.

“Ah can’t sheem,” Kokoro pulls twice, “to ghet da movemens right.”

Crouching down for the menreiki, Byakuren rubs her hands against the smaller girl’s cheeks. With eyes blank, Kokoro’s cheeks bulge in and out as the nun massages her face. Byakuren finishes by patting her head.

“You will learn eventually. Good results will come with good work.”

Byakuren smiles at Kokoro’s nod. Though this child cannot quite place the expressions on her face, it is warming to the heart to know she is trying her hardest. Much like a child to her parents, she is learning from those around her.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Don’t mention it.” Mamizou waves her hand, rubbing her nose with a finger. “It’s the least I can do since you’re letting me stay here. Even if I’m not here all the time.”

Byakuren leads the way forward once more as Mamizou and Kokoro walk off. The nun continues greeting those who pass by, sometimes listening and responding to the problems of others. Shou speaks.

“We have gathered quite the number of followers, haven’t we?”

“It is only right. We are here to teach the proper way of living and learning the way of life itself.”

“True.” Shou looks toward the sky. ”Perhaps it helps that our lives in turn are long and prosperous.”

“A long life in itself is prosperous for the experiences witnessed. That is why the Myouren Temple allows the cohabitation of human and youkai. To know both the good and bad of both is in of itself proper. For that reason, I protect youkai scorned by humans, and punish those who endanger the peace between them.”

“If only all youkai could agree on that peace.”

“The same for humans, who tend to let their thoughts wander toward aggression.”

Shou’s eyes shift toward Byakuren.

“Hijiri.”

“Yes?”

“Are they both truly equal? Are we,” Shou’s voice lowers. ”equal, in your eyes?”

Byakuren’s eyes close as she thinks. Youkai and humans. While true that it is a youkai’s nature to terrorize humans, humans in turn are known to have the ability to terrorize all. However, the nature of Gensokyo itself is a society built on the former, where youkai strike fear into humans. There are countless factors that go into Shou’s question. But if equality is not sought after, what will remain? One side will inevitably devour the other. So is it not more righteous to build peace between the two? That which is harmonious with equality? If it were not possible, then youkai who desire peace would not live in the temple. Humans would not be willing to live in the temple with youkai. But even if that is the case….

“Shou.”

“Yes, Hijiri?”

“I do not believe it needs to be said. However, are we not close enough to know the answer for ourselves?”

“…I’m sorry. I suppose I got caught up in the conversation.”

“I understand. To reflect on one’s own is also a way to grow.”

“Still, to question our relationship….”

“Shou.”

Without another word, Byakuren leans her head against the other woman’s shoulders.

“H-Hijiri?!”

“Fufu,” Byakuren leans her body toward Shou, “I am but a person as well. Though others call me a saint, I will always be known as `Byakuren Hijiri` to all of you. Is that not right?”

Coughing, Shou slides away. “Y-Yes. That’s right.”

Byakuren stares at the sky in front of her.

“Oh? Who is that?”

“It seems like it’s the shrine maiden.”

Wondering why Reimu would fly out to the temple, Byakuren prepares to greet the shrine maiden. However, Reimu speaks before landing.

“There’s been an incident, and I think you need to know.”

----

Flying through the air, sweat drops from Byakuren’s forehead. The wind whips across the nun’s face, furious as it is from her enhanced speed.

”I didn’t know if you knew, but that lazy shinigami came asking around looking for someone.”

No. It isn’t possible. But who else would fit that description?

”It seems like someone’s been messing around with the souls of the dead.”

Byakuren’s heart races against her chest. Who could do such a thing? Who would know about such a thing?

”I don’t know how it happened, but Yukari came to complain about it, too. Since it had to do with the outside world.”

Can everyone at the temple forgive such a hasty answer? Even Shou seemed to be stuck wondering what was happening. After all, leaving without saying anything….

Ignoring everyone along the way, Byakuren has been flying for some time. How long, the nun does not know.

Time is not important, though. How could something like this happen? No. It’s not possible. Not unless it’s seen with one’s own eyes. If someone had done such an atrocious act, then they needed to be punished. There is no question about it.

Just as Byakuren finishes her thoughts, she senses the presence. Indeed, it is nothing like one would normally feel in Gensokyo, but not strange enough that Reimu would know where to look.

No. Only Byakuren could have found it before anyone else could.

Landing in front of a wooden shack on the road, the nun takes a step forward. Here. They’re here. What should be done? Punishment is a necessity, but is that something for someone else to judge? Deciding that action is better than no action, Byakuren enters.

The shack itself is large to store the supplies of the human village nearby. However, it is secluded to avoid rampant youkai from destroying it, who are more likely to attack a village. As such, Byakuren stares at the back of a man whose back is turned to her. Had the man been crouched over the supply vases, then the nun might have thought he was blameless. But the way the man stood, as though staring at the wall, tells Byakuren otherwise.

What stops the nun, however, is not his posture. It is his appearance.

Byakuren’s body refuses to move. Even his back is enough to send a tremor through her legs. With her mind blank from the shock, the nun gathers the only reason within her to resolve the situation to form words.

“Who are you?”

The question holds none of the authority that should come from the head nun of the Myouren Temple.

“You don’t recognize me?”

As soon as she hears the man speak, the courage to face the person in front of Byakuren returns.

“You…are not him. I ask again, who are you?”

“Hehehe…Ha ha ha ha.”

As the man turns, something lurches in Byakuren’s throat. No. This is not him. This is an imposter in his form. Taking a confident breath, Byakuren speaks again.

“Who are you? Answer me!”

“Well, no point trying to fool you. It seems I already messed up. It would have been great for a laugh, though.”

As the man turns, Byakuren pauses for a moment. His likeness is too much. But it isn’t him.

“You want to know who I am?” The man turns a hand up in the air. “I don’t think it really matters. You’ve probably forgotten about all the humans you’ve met up until now anyway.”

“You think…adopting my brother’s appearance will unnerve me?” Byakuren takes a step forward. “I do not think you understand what it is you’ve done.”

At this, the man barks out his laughter.

“Me? Not understand what I’ve done? It’s you who should have been asking that question a thousand times over.”

The muscles in Byakuren’s arms tense. This man is truly a lunatic. For what other reason would he have dared do such a thing? Oh, Bishamonten, have mercy on this poor fool who has lost his way so!

“I do not know of what you speak. But I know now that you are unaware of your mistakes.”

“Again, something you should say to yourself.” The man shakes his head. “But maybe you’re too blind in your emotions to understand what I’m saying. Should I make it clear? The reason I’m here?”

Byakuren doesn’t move. Although the quickest way to resolve this matter is to incapacitate him now, it would not do to not listen to his reasoning. If not to completely understand the incident and act accordingly, then because listening to youkai and humans—no matter how lost they may be—is the right thing to do.

“Then speak. But if you resist in any way, I will not let you go easily.”

The grin falls from the man’s face. He places a hand on his chest.

“Do you know what it is you’ve done so far?” He clenches his hand, clawing into the skin. “I don’t think it needs to be said. But Myouren…he was—” He stops for a moment. “…is, a great monk. One many would dream of being if they were given the chance.”

Byakuren stares. If this is a ploy to lower one’s guard, then one cannot respond. Even if the man’s words are true.

“So I don’t think it needs to be said that what you’ve done is an atrocity to the name Hijiri.”

“How dare you.”

The words spilled from her lips. The nun’s fists shook against her sides.

“What?” The man laughs once. “Did I touch a nerve? But I’m right, aren’t I? You think your brother would approve of what you did back then?”

“You have no right to say that!” Byakuren’s anger pours from her breath. “My brother…Myouren was a righteous man who had his life stolen from him!”

“So you should know how absurd it is that his older sister turned to youkai magic out of fear she would follow him one day!”

“You cannot speak for him and you hold no credit to what you say. You cannot possibly understand.”

“Don’t avoid the obvious! Your weak mind is what caused you to become what you are today!”

The words stung her chest. But this man cannot be allowed his satisfaction in knowing that. If not, confirming what effects he thinks his words have.

“So what of it?” Byakuren’s eyes narrow. “What point is there in speaking of the past? Regardless of my mistakes and blessings, what purpose do you have here?”

The man does not relent in his gaze. He stares at his hand.

No, he stares at the hand of someone he is not.

“You seem to be doing well in your absurd quest for peace between youkai and humans. But I’m not interested in that.”

The man looks at Byakuren again.

“No. What I’m interested in is what you choose to do with me. It’s why I worked so hard to be where I am now.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll have to take me for my word.” The man goes on. “What I’ve done to take your brother’s appearance….No. To become him. It was no easy task. In fact, because of it, you can say I am him, now.”

“You are not him. You will never be who he was.”

“No?” The man laughs. “I say otherwise. You see, I’ve looked a bit into the so-called magic you desperately love. And after a lifetime of studying, I’ve done something I would have never dreamed I could. I called forth and have infused your brother’s soul within me.”

Anger and shock run through Byakuren’s body. Absurd. That’s what it is. How and why would this man ever do such a thing? Unforgivable.

“In short, I am Myouren. I have all of his strengths and powers. I have his appearance, as I’m sure you’re able to tell. And with it, I can do whatever I please.”

“You will do no such thing.”

“I would, but to be honest, I can’t. As the fusion has not completely finished yet, I can’t quite do everything he did. Not yet.”

“And so what will you do once you have my brother’s strengths? What possible use could you have?”

“Simple. Kill youkai.”

A cold sensation like water flows through Byakuren’s blood. If he had all of Myouren’s powers…no, even just his appearance. Numerous possibilities spring to mind. Whether in Gensokyo or the outside world, the re-appearance of Myouren Hijiri, even if he is a fake, would cause no end of trouble.

“What, is that surprising?” The man shrugs. “Is that not what your brother did when he was alive?”

“You speak with a much more malicious intent. You are not saving humans as he did, but simply planning to murder youkai. Is that not your meaning?”

“Ha ha! You caught on quick, didn’t you?”

How repulsive. This man cannot be allowed to do as he pleases. Especially not with Myouren’s appearance.

“Then do you understand? What you have to do to save the youkai you love so much?”

“…No. I do not claim to understand a fool’s words.”

“Then you will, since it’s your duty to.” The man grins. “You think I’ll just be let off by that shrine maiden who’s looking for me? You’re probably right. I’ll either be captured and held prisoner, or if they’re really nice, they’ll send me back to the outside world. But you know what will happen? Sooner or later, I’ll kill someone. It might not even have to be youkai.”

“Hijiri!”

Byakuren turns toward the voice behind her. But just as she does, the man’s arm shoots past.

“Shou!”

Grabbing the man’s arm, she punches the man in the stomach.

“Grgh!”

Vases clatter and break as the man’s body smashes into them.

Now, the anger burns inside of Byakuren’s chest. This man truly attacked with the intent to kill. She strides toward the man, who is rising to his feet.

“Do you understand?” The man makes out. “This is what will happen—”


“Hijiri, what’s going on?”

The man’s body goes flying again as Byakuren kicks him toward the side wall. The wood crunches, and the man’s fallen body kicks up dirt as he falls once again.

“Stop right there, you crazy nun.”

“Do not speak to me, Reimu.” Byakuren whispers to the shrine maiden, who had landed behind Shou. “I will resolve this matter myself.”

“Yes. Resolve this matter.” The man coughs blood as he laughs. He stands again. “It’s what you want to do, isn’t it? No, it’s what you NEED to do—”

Byakuren’s fist follows through the man’s face. He crashes into several vases, but laughs as he struggles to stand.

”You could give a care less about humans, because from the beginning, humans did nothing for you. It’s the youkai who give you your power. It’s the youkai you’ve come to love. It’s the youkai you’re FIGHTING for!”

The nun thrusts her arm on the man’s throat, pinning him against the wall. Byakuren raises her fist at the man’s face.

“You will return what you’ve wrongfully stolen.”

“You think that’ll work? I’ll kill everyone you love. You have a temple here, don’t you? I see you’ve got some youkai following you.” His eyes track Shou for a moment before returning to Byakuren. “You think I mind dying if I fail to kill her instead?”

“You will touch no one.”

“Then you’ll turn me in to the shrine maiden? You could end it right now if you kill me. Your brother’s soul will return to beyond in the outside world. It’s how this works.”

“Don’t do it.” Byakuren can hear Reimu come closer. “We’ll take care of it.”

“Will they?” The man answers. “The life that is infused with one who is a human becomes trapped until forcibly removed. Seeing as you’re his sister, you’ll have no problem separating his soul from me because of your close relation. I’m sure you know how this works?”

Byakuren’s hand lowers, now wavering toward the man’s heart. It is a forbidden magic. There is no use for it for one who seeks the life of a saint. Much less, to dishonor Myouren’s soul if there had been a use after his death. But for this man to sully Myouren’s name…it would not do.

“Hijiri….”

Shou’s voice echos in Byakuren’s mind. It would be more just to hand this man to Reimu. But what then? Even if there was a way to separate Myouren’s soul from this man, could Reimu be trusted to make the right decision? Or thoughts forbid, Yukari to be in charge of their fate?

“You might live forever,” The man gasps out a laugh, as though answering the nun’s thoughts, “but you’ll never find the peace you’re looking for if you let me go. But it’s what you should do, isn’t it? Spilling unnecessary blood isn’t good for peace between humans and your beloved youkai. It’ll make people wonder if you’re really impartial to youkai and humans. You might not think so, but someone will.”

One of the main flaws of the soul infusion is indeed the confrontation of one who is closely related to the person. Because the person is not recognized as the one the soul belongs to, the soul’s identity rejects the body it is infused to. Theoretically, had it been infused with Myouren’s remains, Myouren would be revived. However, that is not the purpose of this magic. So to release Myouren’s soul would require someone close to separate it. Death is a separation. So it would only follow that Myouren’s sister, Byakuren, would be the most appropriate to do so.

Yes. Ending this man’s life would be honorable to Myouren. A brother who was, and will always be, loved. Byakuren’s fist turns into an open hand, fingers trained at the man’s heart.

“Hijiri!”

“Those youkai you’re so fond of will never understand.” The man’s voice grows weaker. Accepting. “They don’t understand a human’s pain. They don’t really understand what family means.”

The man winces in pain as Byakuren crushes the man’s throat.

“Here. Take it. It’s yours, after all…Haha. Ha ha ha ha!!!”

A shadow casts over the nun’s eyes. Byakuren grabs the man by his shirt.

[] Kill him
[] Let him live