INTRODUCTION - DAY 0: [0.0.0 - Human Village, [Anonymous]'s House; morning] [Fade-in; Int. - Anon's House, dim lighting] I've woken up earlier than I really need to again, a small habit that started cropping up since I first had to start toiling away with the paddy-fields and the other grains they grow beyond the walls. I guess it is honest work, makes me enough to barely scrape by, but that didn't leave the pressure any less daunting. Always seems to take me a small while to get going. Even now I'm still getting used to the commitment but I'm no quitter. Might be simple labor but it still gets me outside fairly regularly. My contributions hadn't been apart of a family for a while, not that I needed any more of a reason to stick out from the other workers. What wasn't harvested for the Village went right to me... after tax of course. If I wasn't on my own I probably would be entitled to a little more, though beggars can't be choosers. I really did think this would've been the kickstart I'd need to start moving forward with my life but, in reality, independence just meant my labor was twice as expendable while being more personally risky than ever. Had to be the reason why I was even allowed to take some time off in the first place; I was especially replaceable anyways. Even so, two weeks is still nothing to sniff at. I can figure something out in the meantime... likely on my own as usual. I always do. The few friends I know have their own jobs and lives, busy as they ever were. So much for carving out my own social circle on top of everything. My neighbors haven't seemed too bad so far but... I've already fallen behind most my age a long time ago, socially that is. Solitude, at least, is something I'm used to. ... How long have I just been laying here stewing away? Will this be yet another restless morning to start some numbingly-methodical schedule? Probably the wrong attitude to have at a time like this. I know how to find my own enjoyment, even in the little things. I don't have to stay sheltered all the time anymore. It's a new dawn and I'm still living my own life! A life I finally have some control over. Things haven't fallen apart just yet and I could be doing a whole lot worse. Maybe, just maybe, I really could start making each day different. But how..? This room, nearly as ordinary as the day I walked in, certainly wasn't going to help my creative thinking before breakfast. I'll just whip together something simple with the extra millet I have and watch the rest of the rising sun before everyone else is out & about. It's always easier to think when it's a little more quiet. [Fade to black] [Fade-in - Human Village, Local Streets; morning] Well, a little bit of time passed and now the Village has definitely gotten itself started. It's not like this is any particularly-bustling district for shopping or business, one or two restaurants or bars maybe, but the weather's certainly nice enough to warrant a decent crowd. Spring is alright but I've always preferred Autumn most of the time. Feels cozier, very scenic. Maybe that would've been different if I'd ended up outside more as a kid. Peppered among the crowds is the occasional family or sometimes just a couple, happily soaking in the splendors of nature around them. They seem... lively. Energetic, even. Eager to thrive as best they can within the safety & assurance of what they've made for themselves. I keep myself from staring for too long and remind my subconscious that jealousy isn't exactly a conventionally-desired trait. Best not to dwell on it, especially when I'm already doing my best to stay away from the denser pockets of people out here. A simple nod or wave to anyone that happens to pass by with a smile seems enough, it's the least I could do to responsibly save face. Even just a little. What would someone like Miss Keine think if she knew I was doing nothing but sulking around and looking down on people I don't even know? She's known me ever since my private tutoring days, I'm sure the lecture over "proper social responsibility" wouldn't be any different today than it'd be back then. Nothing less from the Village's own designated guardian. There'd probably even be some kind of history lesson alongside it, which I would be lying to myself if I didn't acknowledge how that at least makes me crack a smile. Come to think of it, doesn't she have something planned near the end of the season herself? A Flower Viewing, if I remember correctly, up that hill near the mountains past the Forest of Magic at the Hakurei Shrine. Never been myself but it's supposed to be one of the more optimal places out there for the cherry blossoms to bloom at their peak. As far as I've heard, humans aren't the only species to frequent that Shrine either. Must be a lot for just one Maiden, never a dull moment I'd imagine. I've never cared for local gossip much either way. What would I know over how to best serve as some protector of Gensokyo aside from what history any old teacher has taught me? Practical experience is half the battle after all. Still, in the back of my head I can't help but feel like it must be a little nice to have access to so many varied connections. There's a lot of strength that'd require, especially so with the ever-present population of enigmatic Youkai. Some of the past Incidents I've witnessed... an instinctual chill runs up my spine from years of conditioning but it's one unmistakably marked with twinges of curiosity. Call me reckless, some certainly would, but I have to acknowledge there's always been this small part of my psyche I've mostly kept to myself since I was young. There's no doubt over the fact that Youkai can be dangerous or just plain shifty. Some of them around here, however, seem to be a little more grounded than others. Key word being "seem" I guess, things must be different beyond the safety and pressures of the Village. That isn't even to mention the ever-active presence of the Gods or holy figures in the area. I wonder how a single simple conversation with one of these individuals would turn out? Just a one-on-one interaction would surely be enough to gauge a personality or two. Holding my own with any fellow commoner is one thing, when I have to anyways, but that's something I've been dealing with all my life. Ever since Miss Keine first fully explained her role here in the Village to me, along with her not-so-human status, I've yearned for more interactions with the abnormal in spite of any imparted sense of better judgement. This land is filled with so much more than the pedestrian hustle & bustle of the Village. Most might be content with that much alone but it's not as if I'm like most other people here anyways. Luckily enough, where I'm headed ought to be just the place to remind myself of that. [Fade-in; Ext. - Suzunaan] I see it as soon as I turn the corner: a quaint little book rental adorned with turnip banners. This was Suzunaan, a shop that specializes in abnormal or otherwise "foreign" books from the outside world. There are a small handful of local merchants that deal in such unknown wares but this place solely handles the textual. It's run by the Motoori family and was a recommended place to visit back when I was more studious. I haven't stopped by in a few years but I'm sure it hasn't changed too drastically. If there was anywhere easy to go to get some fresh perspectives around here, this was it. [Fade-in; Int. - Suzunaan] A bell rings above my head as soon as I step inside, my ears instantly filling with the soft yet high-tempo melodies of music that sounds like it could've came from some completely different futuristic era. I've heard my fair share of alternative-sounding music before but this was already something completely new, at least from what I remembered of the place. My curiosity deepened. I quickly notice the tunes were emanating from a high-class phonograph spinning away on the front desk. It didn't take long before a small figure emerged to walk behind it from I assume a general storage space, given the fact that she was carrying a hefty stack of aged books. [Kosuzu enters] (KM:) "Welcome to Suzunaan! I'll be with you in just a moment." "Take your time." I patiently watch the girl march over to the wooden desktop and place the stack of books on a nearby table with enough force to rattle a few objects. The bells adorning her caramel-colored hair jingled slightly from the force. This was Motoori Kosuzu, the daughter of the actual owners of the shop itself. She was definitely on the smaller side, couldn't have been any older than a teenager by now, wearing a loose plaid kimono underneath a yellow apron with her first name embroidered on the front. Her demeanor is usually competent yet still pretty endearing, the young girl donning a pair of rounded glasses while pulling up a stool and eagerly flipping open the store planner. I got closer as soon as she seemed ready for business. (KM:) "How can I help you Sir? Making any returns today?" "No no, I'm just here to browse I suppose. Haven't stopped by in a while and I figured today would be a good day for that." (KM:) "Oh yeah? You did seem sorta familiar, but I do get a lot of different faces around here." I try and laugh it off, hoping I'm not already coming off as too awkward. It's not that I think she's being rude, I just wish I understood why I seem to get that comment so often... "Don't worry, I understand. Remind me, how are these books organized again?" (KM:) "Historical up front, religious towards the back, practical guides on the other side of the store with the fiction and scrolls are on a case-by-case basis. If there's anything you're curious over but can't understand just let me know! Happy to help patrons of any kind." She beams at me with a smile more genuine than I've seen in weeks. It's a little disarming but I know she's just trying to be friendly. "Appreciate it, I'll keep you posted." (KM:) "Ohh, wait a second! Mister [Anonymous], I remember you! It really has been a while, jeez." "Yeah, I'm about a district or two away from here now. Just been trying to deal with my own little life these days." (KM:) "Well it's very nice to see you again, you always were enthused by what we've had available. Take your time~!" I give an affirming nod as she carries on with some stray organization. Kosuzu must've been brought into the business at a fairly young age to still remember me, could've sworn it was someone else running the front end back then. Definitely has the gumption of someone who loves what she does regardless. The way the place has been laid out certainly reflects as much. I may not be able to understand every single title here but I can still tell how comprehensive this selection is. It's admirable in a way, passion can certainly bring people far. That being said... I honestly still don't know what I'm looking for here. I'm idly scanning over spine after spine while Kosuzu gives me occasional passive glances as the minutes tick by in silence and nothing's coming to me. Probably should've given some more thought over what my takeaway should've actually been before waltzing on inside. A book in English? I'd hardly understand it. A guide to advanced alchemy? Like I have the resources for that! 'The Best Handmade Home Recipes of the 1970s'... eh, maybe another time. I shouldn't overthink this. I came here to enjoy myself after all, not get caught up in another mental malaise. I'm still the only other customer here... maybe some mild conversation can push me in the right direction. How hard could that be? [choice 0.0.1]: Ask about her history with the books. [choice 0.0.2]: Ask about her history with the locals. (These will have the same outcome) [0.0.1] "So have you been working here your whole life? I know you had a few other family members in the business as well." (KM:) "Sort of, for as long as I've been able to work anyways. I've been reading these books & learning from the family for years beforehand." "And a lot of these are reclaimed books you just happen to find?" I start leafing through an informative tome on local folklore while we talk. How many of these creatures & stories are running amok right now I wonder? (KM:) "Well... some are still locally sourced, but essentially yes! We recover any interesting texts we stumble across or sometimes even get to accept donations, and I get to appraise each one." "Sounds pretty time consuming." (KM:) "I wouldn't have it any other way. It's the time & effort you put into what you love that makes it all the more worthwhile." (KM:) "As long as you have the right attitudes and maintain a little discipline then what you're doing shouldn't even feel like work." (KM:) "Pouring through these books is satisfying to me and has brought me closer to the person I'd like to be in the future. Plus, some of these have some pretty invaluable information tucked away!" "I'm guessing those are the ones that'll cost us customers a little more than usual?" The book I was looking through isn't going to be the one to take home either. Hopefully she won't mind such a cheeky comment, she seems amicable enough. (KM:) "Hehe, we have to keep this place afloat somehow, don't we? Recovery sites are already a minor trade secret and we do a little more than just renting & selling you know." That's right, I had heard there was a facility for printing & publishing around here. "So you're the ones responsible for the Gensokyo Chronicle?" (KM:) "Well, that's still technically in the hands of the Hieda family, but yes. Suzunaan was the intermediary when it came to printing the Chronicle." (KM:) "I take it you're familiar with the work then?" I currently don't have the wherewithal to admit I've forgotten a lot of the finer details of the thing over the years, so a half-truth it is. "Yeah, I've read it. It eventually started becoming recommended reading more often than not while I was still being privately tutored." (KM:) "How fortunate! Interesting stuff, isn't it? Reading that in real-time during the printing process was a wonderful experience. Akyuu & I have been pretty close ever since, which helps when she's also one of my most consistent customers." Imagine that, being able to casually spend time with one of the most influential figureheads of the Village and she talks about it like it's nothing. "Sounds just peachy. Have you published anything else major besides the Chronicle then?" She gives me a look like I'm almost fishing around for something I shouldn't be. Some of these books are magical in nature, sure, but is there something even more abnormal going on here? (KM:) "I mean... it really depends on the client. We've dealt with serialized works and have a best-selling collection of gripping detective stories. I've even been charged with newspaper distribution before." (KM:) "We'll occasionally receive single-issue donations from solo authors too but those, well... " I raise an eyebrow while watching her think to herself. Am I suddenly the one being appraised now? (KM:) "Let's just say those books aren't always for every typical customer out there." She isn't exactly being condescending about this but still. It's obvious enough she's trying to tell me there's some texts here I wouldn't be able to rent. If some of her collection isn't for the "typical" customer to pass through here then... Does she also openly cater towards non-humans nowadays? Are some of these books she has written by Youkai? Maybe I could ask her about- [0.0.2] "Been busy today so far?" (KM:) "Honestly, not really. It's hardly even the afternoon yet so we haven't been open for long and this is the time of year that most people are busy enjoying nature." (KM:) "I'll be lucky if I see more than a dozen fresh customers on a day like this. You're the first one today to actually be spending some decent time in here." "Really? You still have some consistent regulars though, right? This place has been around long enough for that much." Some of these books seem much older than even my parents, no wonder specific titles would need to be on a case-by-case basis. Maybe that'd be obvious to some though... (KM:) "Oh definitely! A few different families for sure, ones who have been able to prioritize literacy anyways. Even still, I regularly read for groups of children who don't know how to read themselves yet." (KM:) "Sharing your interests with others can always be fun, hm?" Wow... still as altruistic as ever. I guess that's something you can afford when you aren't fretting over the little things. I shouldn't be bitter, it's an unfair comparison to make. Kosuzu is very genuine and I'm at least having an easier time talking to her than most other people. Or she's simply assuming more of me than most typically would. It's not an entirely bad feeling, but it can be hard not to overthink at times. "Not wrong... I'd hope you wouldn't have too many rowdy customers then. A lot of these books could be pretty coveted by certain folk." I watch her put a hand behind her head as she seems to recall a happening or two of that exact nature. Gensokyo is just too varied to have that not be the case, even in the Village. (KM:) "Well, there are a few people who drop by sometimes looking for a little more than most. It's not as if they end up causing... too much trouble though. Usually." (KM:) "I'm still good friends with plenty of my more unique customers! Like Miss Reimu for instance, but it's not like she's ever one to really cause intentional problems for me." "Hakurei Reimu? That Shrine Maiden near the edge of the valley?" (KM:) "Yep! We've known each other for a while now and she's helped me out more times than you might think. Her and Miss Marisa both, I wouldn't be where I am today without their kindness & effort." (KM:) "But maybe that'd be more along the lines of a duty anyways for someone like Reimu, hehe." Marisa... her last name is eluding me right now but I'm sure I've heard of her exploits too. "Marisa's the Witch that lives in the Forest of Magic, right?" (KM:) "Mhmm, definitely one of my more 'emphatic' customers but she's not the only one. Sometimes I'll get others who can be a little... intense, depending on what they're after." She seems to trail off after saying that, almost like she's not too enthusiastic to share anything more specific. If Kosuzu has been close with the Hakurei Maiden for a while then surely she's brushed shoulders with some of that girl's other associates. Something's always felt a little "funny" about this store, though not in any sort of overtly-menacing way. Maybe she's been close with a Youkai or two in the past too? I can hardly keep up with my few human friends, that's the benefit of having the right connections I suppose. I wonder if it'd be alright for me to ask her that kind of question. I don't mean to pry, it just seems as if I'm better suited for this little store right now than I could've figured. I try not to stare too much while I figure out what to say next. Things probably haven't always been easy for her, being in-touch with so many eccentric individuals, I just need to figure out how to approach the topic delicately. My eyes go back to scanning over the rows of tomes in front of me in an effort to clear my mind when I finally see it. [0.0.0 b - shared ending] "Oh, hey. Look at this." I pull out a simple book on how to prioritize 'Individual Wellness' as the cover puts it. It's a little beat up but definitely comes from the outside world. Could be just the refresher I need with what free time I'll end up having. If I wanted leisure in the form of a history lesson, I'd just hang out with Miss Keine for a few hours. (KM:) "Find something you like over there?" "Yeah, I think I'm ready to settle on this. At this rate I'll be talking your ear off for hours if I keep browsing aimlessly." She chuckles as I walk over to the counter with my selection, digging out what little I have to spare to cover the rental. "So when am I going to need to bring this back?" (KM:) "Sometime within the next 13 days, usually I'll arrange a reasonable time per your preferences or arrange a pick-up date but I'll need to get a jump on taking care of most returns before an event I'm attending if I can help it." An event in 2 weeks? She couldn't be talking about the same one I'm thinking of, could she..? "Would that happen to be the Flower Viewing at the Hakurei Shrine near the end of the month?" (KM:) "Yes, exactly that! Are you planning on going too?" A big social event like that, alone? It's hardly crossed my mind. I can't think of anyone here in the Village that I'd want to go with and I'm just not sure if it's something I'd be interested in, let alone have the energy or mental capacity for in the first place. It was an idea I was on-the-fence over ever since I first heard of it through Miss Keine. ... even if it could end up being enjoyable in ways I can't anticipate right now. I'd really just want it to feel special & properly shared if I do decide to go. Something keeps me from being too honest over it with Kosuzu though. "Eh, not really. I just know of it. Festivals like that have never been something of much interest for me anyways, y'know?" (KM:) "Oh, is that so?" The way she says that strikes a guilt-ridden chord deep within me. Something about her cadence, soft yet with enthusiasm that seemed suddenly muted. It's usually easy enough to move past with other individuals, if still a bitter pill to swallow, but interacting with Kosuzu has been different than most people I typically see. Comfortable but holding in so much more potential than normal. It hasn't been much but it's still managed to feel that much more refreshing, just from the little differences. Even so, the best I give in return is a simple responsive shrug as we start working through the payment details. A moment later and she's scribbling away my name & basic information into the planner. She's about to catalogue the book I picked out when she suddenly takes a good few seconds to look over the title in silence, a slight look of uneasy consideration on her face as her eyes dart from cover to me then back to the cover. It's something I've come to expect from certain people but I haven't ever taken her for the terribly judgmental type. Still, I prepare for the worst anyways and brace myself as she takes off her glasses and inhales gently before saying something again. (KM:) "Listen, please don't take this the wrong way Mister [Anonymous], but... " Here it comes. (KM:) "Have you ever actually been beyond the Village walls before? I mean seriously explored the wilds during the day when you could, or even just taken a small walk on your own without it being work-related?" Well, so much for saving face. I can tell she isn't trying to be condescending but the brazen forthrightness still causes my body to heat up slightly. "It's that obvious, huh?" (KM:) "I'm really not trying to judge! Honest. I know what it's like to go against certain expectations, you just seem like you're yearning for a path you haven't been able to carve yet is all." "I... appreciate the sentiment but... I guess it just feels like too much time has passed for me to really put myself that out there is all." "There's a lot I wasn't able to go through in the past when I should've, it was just a matter of poor circumstance. It's not like you need to know everything anyways, you don't even personally know me that well." Right places at the wrong times... (KM:) "Maybe not, but I do know it's never too late for someone decent to make a change in themselves for the better. Especially someone still on the younger side like yourself. I was never some total expert on knowing exactly how to deal with everyone that passes through the store right away." (KM:) "For a while, I struggled with my naivety and occasional brash actions. I'm still... sort-of immature sometimes and I'll always be learning but it's not like I haven't had to deal with my fair share of dangerous or scary situations before. I once nearly lost my sense of self all together without even realizing it." I catch her wearily eyeing a small stack of scrolls for a moment before she continues. (KM:) "That's what the connections you make and the trials you take are for though. Even if you aren't perfect with what you do or as 'ideal' as someone else, you're still making strides towards the things you're truly after." "A little distance is better than no distance, right?" (KM:) "Exactly! Tell me, do you have any way to keep your bearings if you do decide to explore?" "I mean... I do have a century-old map of Gensokyo. Got it back when I was feeling more ambitious." One of my few friends was generous enough to hand it over back when I first moved into my own place. His family hadn't had a use for it since their Youkai-hunting days and I didn't realize how little free time I'd end up having. I was definitely grateful but I guess I fell away from whatever my original plan for it was. (KM:) "See? Even then you were already setting yourself up for the future! Listen, if I may, you want my advice?" Another shrug, she at least has my interest now and it's not like I had much else planned today. (KM:) "You can't let yourself be held back by what you fear isn't feasible if it's still perfectly within your grasp. I've come across insights & situations in my time here I never would have figured I'd be connected to if I didn't follow what interests me. It's not like it's all been perfect, but you have to take what the life you choose gives you and work with that until you have something you're proud of." (KM:) "I wouldn't be where I am today without the journey I've put myself through and I wouldn't have had it any other way when all is said & done." (KM:) "I'm not saying this is something you have to completely throw yourself into all at once, you don't even have to force yourself into an event like the Flower Viewing if you really don't want to, but is this kind of regret really something you want to be carrying around with you your whole life?" (KM:) "Who else would you be living for if not for yourself? We're all in this together but that doesn't make you any less of an individual." ... I'm gobsmacked in the face of so much raw determination. How long's it been since I lost my grasp over that kind of personal spark? I didn't notice it at first but the phonograph finishes playing a surprisingly somber piece of that same futuristic style of sound while I'm just silently standing here in front of this little librarian. The timing of it combined with whatever latent energy lies within this shop makes this moment nearly feel like a dream. The needle begins to skip along the central grooves of the record before Kosuzu finally disengages it with a sigh. (KM:) "I guess I'm the one talking your ear off now. Sorry if that was a bit much, it's just nice to connect with old acquaintances every once in a while." "N-No, it's fine. Really, I... " I let a genuinely hopeful smile spread across my face for the first time in who knows how long. "Thank you, Little Kosuzu." I watch her face immediately light back up and return the same warm expression as she hands the book back. (KM:) "You're very welcome Mister [Anonymous]." (KM:) "Trust me, there's plenty of others around out there that'll end up drawn to you if you're doing nothing but putting your truest self first. Some of them may even change your life." (KM:) "See you again!" Just like that, I'm already heading outside the store again with an affirming wave as she prepares another record for the phonograph. [Kosuzu leaves] [Fade-in; Ext. - Suzunaan, afternoon] The Village seems to have quieted down a little from the earlier hustle & bustle. A cool breeze flows through the wood and dirt around me, carrying the faintest trace of floral aromas from throughout the valley. The sky is clear as I look up and see a few scattered cherry blossom petals float by. I can't even remember the last time I felt this tranquil doing nothing but standing out in the open. Looking back down at the book, I try my best to remember everything Kosuzu shared with me and keep that sentiment close. That advice wasn't bad at all coming from a girl like her. Maybe a little cheesy, but that might've been exactly what I needed to hear anyways on a day like this. I hold on tight to the wellness guide and begin my steady trek back to the house with my chin held high. For once, the future actually feels a bit more prosperous than usual. I know exactly where that map is, I'm sure it could still get the job done or at least provide an excellent starting point when I'm ready. I have the rest of the day to think & prepare either way, I've made up my mind over how to spend this time I've been granted. Over these next few days, I'll find something for myself out there. It'll be unpredictable, maybe even a little dangerous, but it'll finally be something I can meaningfully call my own. Maybe I could finally attend something like the Hanami after all... I have just under two weeks to figure things out. [Fade to black] DAY 1: [0.1.0 - Human Village, (Anonymous)'s House; morning] I decided to get the jump on my rest last night, though I seem to have woken up early again all the same. [Fade-in; Int. - Anon's House, dim lighting] The house is quiet in the early morning darkness, but that doesn't stop the anticipation of what's to come from taking a firm grip on my psyche. For once it doesn't feel overwhelming, it's actually quite refreshing. Empowering, even. Definitely a feeling I can get used to as long as I keep my footing with these plans. The map isn't far from my modest futon bed. Yesterday I gave it a good looking over and I know just how I'd like to get things going. I'll have plenty of time to take this at my own pace. I just need to take that first step once I've gotten myself ready. [Fade to Map - First Selection]