FOREST OF MAGIC - SELECTION 3:

[Post-Selection map screen Blurb 3]

Would I run into Marisa again if I came back for a third time? Only time will tell, as long as she doesn't bring me over for chores again. This time, it'd be nice just to spend any more time with her at all.

[Fade to black]


[1.3.0 - Forest of Magic, Forest's Edge, morning]

It certainly isn't strange to find the occasional villager meandering beyond the walls, within reason anyways. The paddy-fields would be inaccessible otherwise and there are a few scenic communal walkways that can be quite popular on days like this, but I seem to have gotten an earlier start to this today than anyone else with the same idea.

The only other sounds to compliment my steady pace are the chirping of the birds nearby. If I look behind me I can still see the walls of the Village off in the distance from where I'm standing but I guess I haven't been travelling for all that long now that I think about it.


The bordering trees of the Forest stretch across nearly the entirety of this end of the valley, some portions even spilling into the mountain range that keeps us all walled in. I can just barely see it taper off slightly where the meadows begin up North but even getting there would take up nearly two-thirds of my day at best. Maybe half if I was in a hurry.

Rumor has it that, if one were to look hard enough throughout the Forest itself, there would be plenty of abandoned settlements from years gone by that have been mostly left to be reclaimed by the whims of nature by their now-estranged owners. From spirit-infested homes to entire estates with rather gruesome backstories, but I'm not feeling nearly ambitious enough to have that be today's focus.


I'd be lying to myself if I tried to claim that Marisa Kirisame hasn't been on my mind as of late but, with the way events have been panning out nearly every time I step foot in these woods, I don't consider it something that can be necessarily helped.

It's not as if she's the only one taking up residence here but she has to be one of the few reasonable humans around by quite the margin. Not counting the Hakurei Shrine of course.

Well... 'reasonable' might be a word I'm using rather charitably there, at least from the perspectives of others who may or may not have been on the opposing end of Marisa's various past shenanigans.


I seem to have been dealing with a girl who's just as comfortable framing herself as an agent of action in times of crisis as she is being the source of the crisis in the first place.

Maybe not on a Gensokyo-wide level per-say, but she can't always be the most welcoming face to see if you specialize in handling the kind of items she loves getting her hands on. Unless you're on her good side somehow.

I wonder if it's always been like this with her? The only other people that'd know would likely be the Hakurei Maiden and... well, whatever family she originated from I suppose. That surname still feels so familiar, if only I could recall why... 


Eh, I should be giving her more credit for what she's done for the valley either way. If she was completely reprehensible, that'd be a different story, but she's shown herself to be someone that cares over what she sets her mind to in plenty of unselfish ways before.

A clever, hardworking girl who isn't afraid to get her hands a little dirty to get the job done. Or at least her gloves when she's using them.

A woman with wit, dedication, bravado and all the charm you could ask for when luck isn't always on your side otherwise.

Someone you could just... be yourself around as much as she does the same for herself. Share a day together and you'd both end up smiling by the end of it.


... 

I need to make sure I never verbalize most of this if I do end up seeing her again today. If I could be any more of a dork than that then it'd practically be quantifiable... 

We can have a simple, pleasant day together without overcomplicating things either at her place again or somewhere more neutral and mutual. What would the harm be in that?

I haven't even made it to the inner part of the Forest yet, all I need to worry about right now is taking it easy.


[Fade-in; Ext. - Kourindou, morning]

Well, at least I'm getting close to heading beyond the trees now.

Here's that curio shop I've been passing by each time I decide to head up this way. If I remember correctly, the owner of this is a... half-youkai? Something about having an ability related to the items he collects, most of which originate from beyond the valley.

Between Kosuzu, Marisa and now this place, foreign item reclamation seems like quite the lucrative business model for those that know how to get ahold of them first.

Better than such wares going to waste otherwise anyways.


The assortment of various items piled up in front does remind me of the Kirisame Magic Shop as well, though I don't seem to recall Marisa having as many of these... windowed boxes..? Are they supposed to show you something inside of them, like a display case?

There was a time years ago where older family members of mine dabbled in a bit of bartering but I've never gotten that chance to do some haggling myself. Not that I have many items of my own to use in that regard but that could easily change for me down the line.

Optimistically speaking anyways. Would it be so bad if I just stopped by for a second or two? Took a look around? It might be a little awkward, sure, but it's not like I have anything specifically pre-arranged with Marisa today. If I see her then I see her, if I don't then I don't.


I'll probably be the only one passing through the place this early in the day anyways. Shouldn't take long, then it's into the Forest.

[Marisa enters]

Whelp. Guess I spoke too soon on both accounts... 

Out comes Marisa before I can even take more than a few steps towards the shop, looking like she just came out of a lengthy debate she didn't exactly end up winning.

I should've figured she'd have history in a place like this, can't be that hard for her to make regular trips over here whenever she feels like it.


It doesn't take long before she spots me standing around like a horse in the middle of an empty field. At least it makes the tension ease away from her expression a bit.

(MK:) "Oh, [Anonymous]. Fancy seein' ya 'round here, how's it goin'?"

"Oh I'm alright, was actually on my way to see if I'd end up running into you again if you could believe it."

(MK:) "Goin' outta yer way once again just t'see a gal like me, huh? Somethin' particular on yer mind then~?"

I nearly try and stammer out an immediate retort but her carefree laugh soothes my nerves faster than any self-justification would.


"Yeah yeah, very funny. Wanted to maybe try stopping by this place first before heading over to your house but it looks like you beat me to the punch there."

(MK:) "Eh, decided t'try gettin' the jump on Kourin today since he's always got somethin' new t'sell but the guy wasn't budgin'. All I wanted was a lousy tea set!"

"Something ceremonial I presume?"

(MK:) "Nah, it's a foreign set. Somethin' about it bein' from the Dutch, whoever those guys really were anyways... "

(MK:) "Guess it's a couple centuries old at this point and he thought he could give it a better home than me. So much for bringin' anythin' that fancy t'the Flower Viewin'... "


"Shopkeep's a tough customer, huh?"

(MK:) "When he wants t'be anyways, just don't let him ramble on for too long. He's got a decent head on those shoulders but ain't always usin' it keenly."

(MK:) "Never been here yourself either then?"

"Nope. Never made the time for it and I don't even know what I'd bring to exchange anyways."

(MK:) "Maybe we could make a day outta it sometime then. Better not make it today though, think the guy needs a little time t'himself right now... "


(MK:) "We'll just bother him together sometime later, heh."

"Well, I was sort of hoping we could do something together today at least. Nothing too major, just hanging out and engaging with something we could both enjoy."

(MK:) "Ya wouldn't've already had any ideas 'a yer own then perchance, didjya?"

"I might've thought of something by the time I got to your place but meeting you out here was... unexpected. A nice surprise, but definitely not part of the plan."

(MK:) "Right, well as long as we're both free I s'pose. Was actually hopin' today could be pretty casual on my end too."

(MK:) "Let's see, what's somethin' that'd be good for the both 'a us... "


It only takes less than half a minute for Marisa to get that mischievous glint in her eye I've started getting used to whenever we're together. The kind of look that tells me it couldn't be a better time to set a previously-dormant plan of hers into motion.

(MK:) "Say, I think I have just the thing for us! It's the perfect way t'kill two birds with one stone too."

"This wouldn't happen to be another round of chores you're hoping to take care of, would it..?"

(MK:) "No, no, it's much simpler than that. Just a small walk over t'another place like this where we can hopefully both find somethin' we're after."

"If you say so, just wanted today to be more easy-going for the both of us is all. Not trying to necessarily doubt you."


(MK:) "Don't sweat it. Honestly, I couldn't've asked for a better tag-along for this. Cool with meeting me near where I dropped ya off last time in about an hour or so? Just gotta run back t'the house 'n pick up a few things."

"W-Well... alright. I don't have to bring much for myself for this, do I?"

(MK:) "Nah, just be yerself and it'll all pan out smoothly. I won't keep ya waitin' for long!"

"See you in a little while then."


The big, toothy grin she gives me as we both temporarily head our separate ways gives me enough reassurance over whatever she's neglecting to tell me for now to ease my psyche over this new plan. Her stride seems a little cocky but, knowing what I've come to know over her now, that really isn't too surprising.

[Marisa leaves]

It does seem a little funny that she's the only one in need of some form of supplies for this but I probably shouldn't overthink things here. She was just trying to get her hands on an entire tea set for the Flower Viewing after all, maybe she's just the kind of girl that likes to come prepared in moments like these.


If the Village is going to be our ideal place to spend some time together today then things shouldn't end up too crazy between us anyways. I'll just have to bide my time and see her when I see her.

This could end up more auspicious for the both of us than I might figure right now. With trust comes confidence and Marisa is already someone with plenty of confidence to spare.

I'm sure this'll end up as simple as we're both hoping for.

[Fade to black]


[Fade-in - Human Village, Local Streets; morning]

[Marisa enters]

When I saw Marisa finally pop up over the skyline and fly back down into the Village corner I'd been loitering around, I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to whatever she was bringing but a hefty multi-pocket backpack fit for climbing Youkai Mountain in the dead of Winter certainly wasn't one of my first ideas.

The weight of whatever she's been carrying these past few minutes hasn't seemed to slow her down much or really even bother her, only adding to the charm of a rough & tumble tomboy who doesn't hesitate to work hard for what she wants.

I've kept myself from questioning her directly over it's contents for now and managed to make some decent conversation with her in the meantime.


"So you were planning on making some tea to share with people at the Flower Viewing?"

(MK:) "Yeah, it wouldn't've been the most farfetched thing in the world for me t'do. Reimu usually has tea of her own at the Shrine if ya /really/ need some but she's probably gonna have her hands full with all the micro-managin' she'll need t'take care of when things get busy."

(MK:) "Just thought it'd be a nice 'lil gesture, simple enough since I usually only ever worry about bringin' nothin' but myself t'these events but my shabby home set just wouldn't've given the right impression y'know?"

(MK:) "The set from this mornin' had class /and/ elegance. I was offerin' a good trade for it too!"


"What'd you have to offer over there then?"

(MK:) "Some stuffed animals I found over at Muenzuka once, apparently worth quite a bit 'a money if a certain teenage outsider is t'be believed... "

(MK:) "Plus some 'a the finest starlight spells this side 'a the Sanzu. Parchment based... but, in hindsight, maybe it woulda helped if I'd actually brought all that stuff with me in the first place."

I can't help but laugh at how candidly Marisa painted that scenario. I almost would've felt bad over it had we not shared the same sentiment and ended up laughing together. It really is nice seeing how she acts when she feels more in her element.


"You could've brought some books over to sweeten the deal too y'know. We organized all those back at your place, why not set aside any extras?"

(MK:) "I have my reasons. Funny ya mention that though, take 'a wild guess at what I had t'grab from the Shop."

"No kidding?"

A proud couple of slaps against the side of the backpack serves as the only other gesture to compliment her nod of affirmation before going back to holding both shoulder straps with satisfaction, broom slung between her back and the bag. Guess the answer ended up being a little more obvious than I was giving her credit for.


Actually, come to think of it, I've walked down this street a few times before. Marisa's been leading the way this whole time so I figured I'd just walk alongside her and see where we'd eventually end up.

As soon as we start passing over one of the wooden bridges branching over the stream that divides the walkways, I finally connect the dots and where we've been heading towards hits me.

It only becomes increasingly obvious as we start to hone in on a very specific establishment at the end of this row of buildings.


(MK:) "A fella like yerself has surely heard 'a this place before, right? There's some pretty interesting things here if ya know what you're lookin' for."

[Fade-in; Ext. - Suzunaan]

"You can say that again... "

Figures Marisa would be trying to get her returns in too before the inevitable closure during the Flower Viewing. But how long does she expect us to stay in a store like Suzunaan if all she's doing is bringing back some books at their due date..?

Not to mention the fines some of what she has back at the Magic Shop might incur... is this really how she wanted to spend some time together today? She leans in just a bit closer while I hope for a little more elaboration now that we're here.


(MK:) "Just make sure t'get anythin' ya need to done here by the end of it. We ain't stayin' for long and I don't got any better ideas right now."

"Do we really need to be whispering over this? I know Kosuzu and you are already pretty well-acquainted, right?"

(MK:) "I'm just tryin' t'stay subtle is all, the last thing I need right now is t'make a scene at Suzunaan."

I open my mouth to try asking a few more questions but decide against it once I realize we've already reached the front of the store, Marisa remaining as casual as ever while be both stride on inside. I'll have my chance to get back to this with her... 


[Fade-in; Int. - Suzunaan]

There's no music playing on the phonograph to greet us this time but the bell rings above our heads as we pass through the curtains all the same.

[Kosuzu enters]

Marisa & I spot Kosuzu almost immediately, the young girl sitting behind the front desk while idly flipping through some kind of thin, softcover booklet written in English. Marisa wastes very little time before propping her broom up next to the entrance and slinging the backpack over one arm.

(MK:) "Yo, Kosuzu! How's business been goin' for ya lately?"

(KM:) "Oh, Miss Marisa~! What a nice surprise, things are a little slow right now but that's been pretty normal as of late."

(MK:) "Been a little while since the last visit, hasn't it?"


(KM:) "Maybe for both you and Miss Reimu, but I knew you'd at least have to show up eventually. Don't think I've forgotten about the 'extended rentals' we arranged last I saw you!"

(MK:) "Whaddya think I'm here for? Can't wait too much longer before returnin' some 'a this."

The backpack is swung onto Kosuzu's desk with a heavy thud before Marisa starts digging around for what books she seems to be returning, the little shopkeep finally turning her attention towards me as well after adjusting her glasses.

(KM:) "It's good to see you again too, Mister [Anonymous]. I didn't know you'd ended up acquainted with Marisa as well."

"Thanks, and yeah, this whole trip ended up being a nice surprise for me too actually."


(MK:) "Hah! You're the surprised one? I'm the one who's been bombarded with yer presence as of late, but he's alright."

I scoff while Kosuzu stifles a giggle behind one hand, knowing this is just another facet to the many ways Marisa earnestly jests over the people she knows. She seems to finally set her last book down atop a small stack she's readied for return, Kosuzu quickly pulling out the store ledger & registry to ensure everything ends up accounted for.

(KM:) "That's everything then? What about those few books you still have in the bag there?"

(MK:) "Those are just personal tomes, nothin' I got from here. Just couldn't be bothered t'take 'em outta the pack before bringin' em over, heh."

(KM:) "If you say so, I'm just happy to be taking care of this now. Need anything else today, Miss Marisa?"


(MK:) "Nah, today ain't exactly that serious for us. We should be outta here soon as this is taken care of."

(KM:) "Alrighty then. Feel free to idly browse in the meantime, I'll let you know if I need to double check anything."

(KM:) "Or if there's something you've neglected to bring back today."

(MK:) "Eheheheh, right, of course... "

[Marisa leaves]

(KM:) "And what about you Mister [Anonymous]? Seems a little early for you to be coming back for returns already."


"Well... "

[choice 1.3.1]: Strike up your own conversation with Kosuzu.
[choice 1.3.2]: See what Marisa's getting up to while Kosuzu's working.


[1.3.1]

"You're right about that much. Definitely haven't gotten all the way through that wellness guide yet, I'm mostly here for her."

I try gesturing back towards Marisa but find she's already grabbed her backpack again and taken to combing through some of the shelves near the back of the store. Guess she really wasn't planning on wasting much time here after all.

(KM:) "I understand. Let me guess: it was her idea to come in the first place, wasn't it?"

"I really wasn't even sure where exactly we were headed in the Village until it became painfully obvious!"

(KM:) "Hehehe, just like a Magician to act on the accord of nobody else besides herself."


Kosuzu begins to casually set the re-registered books underneath her desk on the other side while Marisa continues bouncing between various shelves, mostly keeping to herself. For someone that has as much of a penchant for otherwise obscure literature as she does, I really shouldn't be too surprised she'd want to knock something like this out today.

"So, what were you reading before we showed up?"

(KM:) "Oh, just this little magazine talking about world events over recent history. Something about a 'stock market crash' from decades ago."

"The crash of an entire stock market? Sounds pretty catastrophic for its workers."

(KM:) "Definitely seems like it. Maybe some nearby horse-drawn carriages or carts went out of control and caused the crash. I just hope the other livestock involved ended up alright... "


"That book is another foreign import of yours though, isn't it? Pretty impressive to already be bilingual at your age."

(KM:) "You'd think so but I can't exactly chalk that up to learned comprehension alone. Between you and me, writing in English is a completely different story!"

(KM:) "It's more so an innate ability of mine that awoke one day after I started more formally working here. As long as the text is in a script that's legible, I can understand it."

"Oh wow, that's pretty handy actually! This really is the perfect place for you to have ended up, huh?"

(KM:) "My family has been running this store for years for a reason after all, it only felt natural for me to eventually start doing what I could to help."


I look back over my shoulder as Kosuzu continues cataloguing the returned books only to find Marisa keeping an eye on the both of us from halfway behind a bookcase. She gives me a smirk before turning back to read through whatever fresh book she's gotten ahold of. That girl better be ready to answer some questions once her business here is done... 

Maybe now would be the time to ask Kosuzu what I couldn't last time I was here too, before we inevitably have to depart from Suzunaan once again.

"So this ability of yours extends to all forms of text you come across?"

(KM:) "It's a little more dynamic than that as well, but you're essentially correct. If it was written with a very specific meaning behind it then that meaning can be transferred over to my comprehension from little more than touch alone."


"Would it... well, erm... "

She sets her pen back down in the store ledger and gives me a curious look as I try my best to articulate what I'd like to say here.

"Would that also apply to any books you've come across written by... non-humans, as well?"

Kosuzu's glasses almost seem to glimmer for a moment. I nearly fear I've stepped over a line of inquiry I should've kept to myself but the girl draws in a breath with an enthusiastic smile before I can even start verbally retracting myself.

(KM:) "Oh, absolutely~! Those are by far some of the most interesting pieces of this entire collection!"


(KM:) "Youma books often contain information related to or even by Youkai that have long since been absent from Gensokyo as a whole. I have some select favorites I keep for myself but, well... "

"Well?"

(KM:) "It's just... I guess my relationship with those books has changed a little bit since I first started collecting. I still consider them pretty invaluable but I used to be a lot more... private with how I handled them."

(KM): "It definitely hasn't always been this way but those are the main kinds of books I tend to rent out on a case-by-case basis. There /are/ Youkai that like to frequent here, but we try not to make it that big of a deal."


She almost seems to taper off as she finishes speaking, but it's hard to tell if the recollection she's stuck within is mostly positive or negative.

"Hey, I get it. It's not like they're always the best at keeping themselves completely hidden around here. But you'd say you're used to them then by now, right?"

(KM:) "Eheh... not exactly, or at least I wouldn't go that far?"

(KM:) "The few I've been around the most have been okay, I guess, but they've usually wanted something from me in the end either way. Those are the ones that Miss Reimu tends to be more familiar with too. However, there are still others who have been quite dangerous and even put me in harms way before."


(KM:) "They can be plenty fascinating! With rich histories and unique insights... "

(KM:) "Being seriously involved with them in-person is just a much different story, to say the least. You know?"

"Actually, yeah. I think I'm sort of starting to. Exciting, isn't it?"

(KM:) "It can be! In a way... but, you really aren't hesitant over the thought? Or afraid?"

She stops going through one of the last of Marisa's books for a moment to give me a look that seems to be mostly bewilderment with just a hint of concern underneath.


"It's a little complicated to explain. I guess you can say lately I've... started living a little more for myself?"

Her eyes go slightly wide and I almost expect her to start taking off her glasses in surprise, but instead she clears her throat and pens down the last of what she needs to from the final return.

(KM:) "Uh, Miss Marisa? I've gotten what I need from you for now, you're free to go!"

[Marisa enters]

It doesn't take long before I see the tip of Marisa's hat pop up from around a completely different corner from the last time I saw her. She's still got her backpack hanging over one of her arms but she quickly flips it around to her back again before walking back over to her broom.


(MK:) "Great! Perfect timin' there Kosuzu. [Anonymous], ya comin'?"

If only there had been a few more books to check back in, I probably could've explained myself better and not seemed like I'm deliberately trying to be as reckless as possible.

"Yeah, just a second! Kosuzu, look, it really hasn't been anything too bad yet and I'm being as careful as I can. I- "

(KM:) "Hey, [Anonymous], I understand. Don't get yourself worked up over me, you're pretty safe if you've been sticking with a girl like Miss Marisa anyways."

(KM:) "Just... watch yourself while you're out there, okay?"


There has to be something more I can add to the situation, but it's no use. I can't keep Marisa waiting and Kosuzu may have just made up her mind over the state of things anyways.

I simply purse my lips and nod before walking back towards the entrance to depart alongside Marisa. I wave back while she tips her hat to Kosuzu before we're back out under the late-morning sun once again.

[Kosuzu leaves]


[Fade-in - Human Village, Local Streets]

My eyes take a moment to readjust to the sunlight but it's pretty clear to see Marisa's come out of this as satisfied as she must've been hoping from the outset. Now that we're out in the light again as well, it's easy for me to notice how her backpack doesn't look all that emptier compared to when we first went in.

(MK:) "Sweet girl that Kosuzu, ain't she? A little funny 'round the edges but she's the kinda kid t'grow on ya."

We keep on walking together for a short time, Marisa proudly swinging her broom back & forth by her side until she notices my staring.

(MK:) "Hey, somethin' the matter over there [Anonymous]? Ya didn't leave anythin' behind back there, right?"

"No, but I do have something to bring up related to why you even brought me over there in the first place."


We don't end up slowing our pace to talk, but I do watch as Marisa checks over her shoulder to see how far we've walked before continuing on with our conversation.

(MK:) "Yeah, figures as much. Before ya get t'claimin' anythin' too lofty though, just take a look at this!"

The backpack is flipped around to her front again and unzipped before a medium-sized book is plucked from its depths.

It's a first-edition text detailing what looks to be centuries-old magical techniques relating to Eastern astrology and astronomy alike. I can practically see the stars in Marisa's eyes as she gleefully clutches the book with both hands.


"You used me as a distraction just so you could commit some petty theft behind Kosuzu's back..?"

(MK:) "I told ya I'm used t'takin' what I can get, didn't I? Plus, these are just duplicates. What's the harm in takin' a version of some books she already has?"

"Haven't you ever been held accountable for this sort of thing? What if Kosuzu comes knocking on your door one day looking for those? Or you end up stealing from the wrong people, huh?"

(MK:) "... "

(MK:) "[Anonymous], take my advice here: "


It's only then that Marisa finally stops walking to talk more directly, turning to face me and reaching up to place a gloved finger on the tip of my nose of all places.

(MK:) "Ya worry too much, and it ain't the best look."

I have to nearly hold back a scoff of disbelief while she turns back to continue our stroll.

(MK:) "First of all, Kosuzu ain't gonna be tallyin' up every single one 'a those books 'til after the Flower Viewin' at the earliest. Secondly, I've had plenty 'a other books taken in 'n outta that shop in rotation before an' these ain't gonna hurt her livelihood any more than those others. And, last but not least, what's it to ya? I never saw /yer/ grubby hands reachin' for anythin' they shouldn't."


"You're the one that decided to implicitly include me in the act in the first place! Next time you could at least find any other shmuck that'd be more willing for something like this."

(MK:) "Hey, easy there! You're actin' like we just hid a body together. And besides, it really... couldn't've been anyone else besides you."

"Wait, me? Why me specifically..?"

(MK:) "Well... none 'a my other friends woulda really taken a plan like that seriously. They all have their own thoughts over what I do but... "

(MK:) "Ya never really took yer chance t'make light 'a the subject when ya could've the other day. Ya just seem... different. I-In a good way... "


I... don't think I've ever seen her blush like this in front of me before. I wasn't expecting Marisa to get so bashful all of a sudden, almost makes me feel a little bad over wanting to drill into her for this.

"You really think so, huh?"

(MK:) "Ugh, I don't usually... I-I've never... look, I... "

(MK:) "I'm just really happy t'have finally gotten a chance to snag these and I swear I'll bring 'em back eventually! Sorry I couldn't be more transparent about that with ya from the outset... I guess."

"Marisa... "


"Some of what you get up to just worries me sometimes is all. I'd hate to see what respect someone like Kosuzu would have towards you get sullied over something so minor in the grand scheme of things."

(MK:) "I get it, I know. Look, I can make it up to ya. I promise."

"Are you saying we have somewhere else we can go together now?"

(MK:) "I'm sayin' that today ain't gonna cut it for us while we're discussin' this sorta thing in the middle 'a the Village. Next time I see ya 'round the Forest, I... think I'd like t'talk about somethin' important. Or just... eventually, I dunno."

(MK:) "Jeez, didjya really have t'go 'n get me this flustered over somethin' like this?"


Maybe it's just a result of loosened tension, but I can't help let out a small chuckle over this sudden shift in Marisa's tone. Maybe I really have been leaving a bigger impression on her than I figured... 

"I swear that wasn't my intention here, there's no need for too many theatrics between us. I will hold you to that promise though if you're really planning on just heading home, but next time I just want some good, honest talk between us."

"I want you to feel okay with that when you're around me, is that alright?"

It seems a little uncharacteristically difficult for Marisa to look me straight in the face for very long, but she manages to stretch out her free hand to shake on our little arrangement.


(MK:) "Hmmph, ya really are one lucky fella y'know."

Now may not be the best time to say as much, but it certainly does feel like it every now & again.

"So, I'll just be seeing you sometime later?"

(MK:) "Whatever time works best for ya, it ain't like it seems t'be that hard for ya t'find me when ya need to."

"Just take care of yourself tonight then, alright?"


With a nod and a two-finger salute as a sendoff, Marisa and I head our separate ways down the Village streets. I may not see her take off right away but I do look behind me after a moment and catch her running a hand through her messy hair in an attempt to reground herself.

This may not be the kind of girl a man like me could change overnight, but it couldn't be more obvious now that she really does have a more considerate side to herself she's prone to leaving unacknowledged more often than otherwise.

[Marisa leaves]

The morning breeze feels crisp against my skin, my heart considerably less heavy than it was when we left Kosuzu none the wiser. Whatever future I may have with Marisa might not be certain in the end, though it's a no less of a relief to see we finally seem to be forming some kind of solid foundation for the better.


Even if she does seem to be getting me to step foot in some shaky waters from time to time on top of everything.

As long as I can keep what we seem to have formed between us together, our next visit may not turn out so badly after all... 

Or it'll at least end less abruptly than things did today. I'll only be able to find out when the time is right once again.

[Fade to black]


[1.3.2]

"It's not like you're wrong there. Guess I'm just here to browse alongside Marisa in the meantime while you take care of business."

(KM:) "Gotchya. Well, if you need anything in particular while you're both here, you know where to find me."

"Good to know, much appreciated."

Her smile seems so innocent as she goes back to tallying through all of Marisa's returns. I'd honestly be pretty happy with myself too if I was in a position like hers.

[Kosuzu leaves]

But now isn't the time to be bothering something while they're trying to work. I ought to stick with Marisa and make sure nothing funny is going on behind the scenes here.


[Marisa enters]

I quickly find Marisa scanning her way through a section halfway between practical application and magical theology. She seems pretty focused but is still able to spare a glance in my direction once I get close enough.

She almost seems confused for a second after I walk up to her but that could just be my imagination at play. 

(MK:) "Hey, ya need somethin' or what?"

"No, not really. Just trying to stick close and bide my time until we're out of here. Didn't feel like talking to Kosuzu while she was taking care of what you brought."

(MK:) "Ah, eheh... is that so... "


I take to searching through the shelves alongside her while mostly leaving her to her own business for now. After around a minute or so of semi-awkward silence, I pull out a book that seems like it could be right up her alley... 

[Marisa leaves]

Only to find that she's no longer at my side. Is she avoiding me..? I thought this was something that we were supposed to do together, even if the plan still smelled a little fishy.

I scan the room and see her standing at the opposite side of the building handling some scrolls. Maybe the time for questioning some of what's apparently going on here should come sooner than I thought... 


[Marisa enters]

I shimmy my way over to her again only to be greeted with the same confused stoicism as before. She's got her backpack open in front of her and  seems to be looking for something specific among all these books.

Pulling one out, quickly skimming through its pages and putting it back is a simple enough routine when you're passively browsing, but Marisa seems to be acting with a very specific amount of intent behind her actions. The procedure nearly feels rushed with how she's going about it, almost as if she's trying to find what she needs within a very specific amount of time.

"Uh, everything going okay over here..?"

(MK:) "Hmm? Oh, uh, yeah. Mhm."


That was unusually strained for a girl like Marisa. If this was one of my lower days, I'd almost take her tone as a mask for some greater annoyance more than anything else.

I've been giving her the benefit of the doubt as best as I can for these past few minutes but obviously an indirect approach to things isn't going to give me any answers here.

I peek my head around the corner of the bookshelf we're at to see how Kosuzu is doing, and to take a look at some of the artwork she has hanging around her desk if I'm being completely honest.

Her dragon scroll looks quite striking in the dim morning light of the store, it could be interesting to ask her about that eventually, though I can't help but notice she's already nearly all the way through re-cataloguing the returned books.


Guess it's either now or never to confront Marisa over whatever's going on here... 

[Marisa leaves]

... or it would be if I hadn't leaned back over to find myself left to my own devices once again. This is just getting ridiculous, does she really think this isn't as suspicious as she's making it out to be?

Now where in the world did that little Witch scurry off to this time, I swear... 

There she is! Towards the back of the store again looking even more shifty-eyed than before. She better not be pulling the obvious here... 


[Marisa enters]

"Hey! Excuse me?"

(MK:) "Shh! Keep yer voice down, we don't got much time left here."

"I'm aware. What I don't understand is why you've dragged me all the way to Suzunaan just so you could bounce around all these books for a few minutes."

(MK:) "It's important I take care of what I'm tryin' t'do here now! You were supposed... I-I didn't think ya... I'm just... Ughhh."

I cross my arms and watch as she brings both hands to her face in unanticipated frustration, patiently waiting for her to be ready to explain. This is exactly why you shouldn't leave an accomplice in the dark if you're apparently planning on pulling some scheme!


However, Marisa's expression quickly changes after looking through her fingers as she seems to come across exactly what she's been looking for.

Her face lights up as soon as she plucks the medium-sized tome away from its peers, eagerly scanning over the cover while clutching the thing with excitement.

(MK:) "Aha, gotchya~!"

She stretches open the main flap of the backpack before I reach a hand out to stop the illegitimate deposit. Marisa stands appalled, though it doesn't take long for her to start questioning me back.


(MK:) "[Anonymous], what do ya think yer doin'?"

"Are you serious? This is what you brought me over for?? What, am I just supposed to be your cover while you get away with swiping whatever you please?"

(MK:) "Ya don't even know how long I've had my sights set on this thing, this would've happened eventually with or without ya!"

"Then why even implicate me in the first place!"

(MK:) "What, are ya part 'a the Village Police Force now? Get yer hand outta my bag and mind yer own business!"


"This /is/ my business now! You made it my business!"

(MK:) "I said keep yer voice down..! At this rate yer gonna make a scene we'll both end up regrettin'."

She tugs at my hand to no avail. I have half-a-mind to snatch that book right out of her grubby little fingers but I'm almost afraid that'll really be all she needs to be pushed to pounce over me.

(MK:) "Are we seriously doin' this right now??"

"I can ask you the same thing! Don't you already have plenty of other ill-gotten books at your disposal? Why steal from a girl like Kosuzu?"


(MK:) "It ain't stealin' if I bring it back before she notices! Now quit yer complainin' an' just- "

[Kosuzu enters]

(MK:) "Oh boy."

(KM:) "Making some last-minute check-outs before you go, Miss Marisa?"

(MK:) "U-Uhh, well... "


The disappointment behind Kosuzu's eyes is practically palpable, though isn't necessarily highlighted with surprise over Marisa's actions either. Does everyone she's acquainted with understand moments like this aren't exactly below her..?

(KM:) "I'll be taking that book back, thank you."

I've never seen Marisa act as sheepishly as she is now but the display nearly gives me a fatal dose of secondhand embarrassment. We're quite fortunate that there's nobody else in the store to see this at the moment... 

(KM:) "Mister [Anonymous], how could you..? You weren't aware that this is what she wanted to try getting away with today, were you?"


"She didn't tell me anything before we walked up to the place, I swear. I was trying to get to the bottom of whatever /was/ going on! But I guess I... did have a hunch of some sort."

(KM:) "*sigh*... This isn't easy for me on both accounts, but I can't say I'm all that surprised to see this either."

(KM:) "Miss Marisa, I'm sorry to say I'm banning you from Suzunaan for the next month and will be tallying together a small fine for your transgressions."

(MK:) "What?! You're kiddin' me! I can't just... c-c'mon, ya know I'm good for it. I-If ya just let me- "

A single raised hand is the only rebuttal Kosuzu seems willing to offer, Marisa seeming practically deflated from the shock of the situation.


(KM:) "Mister [Anonymous], I won't be holding this against you since I know this behavior isn't normally like you but I can't just overlook what's going on here either. I will be expecting a return of your own rental within your allotted timeframe or your fines will be doubled without a chance for appeal."

"Understood. I'm sorry to have been apart of such a disturbance... "

(KM:) "It's alright, you aren't the one that ought to be apologizing in the first place anyways."

Marisa can't even bring herself to look at either of us from under the brim of her hat.


(KM:) "Now would the both of you kindly leave my store at once, please? I wouldn't want to get anyone else involved here that doesn't need to be."

Marisa and I give each other a brief side-glance before following Kosuzu's outstretched arm back towards the front entrance. Marisa takes the lead by storming out in a huff without much delay, leaving me to simply stroll back out to the streets with nothing more to say to Kosuzu.

[Marisa leaves]

I wave goodbye to Kosuzu as she looks on from where she'd been standing, holding the book that was apparently so desperately coveted by Marisa. Thankfully, she waves back, though can't help but do so from behind a pained smile.

Guess this morning didn't exactly go according to plan on each of our ends... 

[Kosuzu leaves]


[Fade-in - Human Village, Local Streets]

The skies above the Village happen to be partially cloudy this morning, though it still takes me a moment to fully adjust to the light levels outside once again. It really didn't feel like we were in there for that long but the air still feels as heavy as it was inside all the same.

[Marisa enters]

I have to scan the sparse crowds nearby before I spot Marisa stomping her way back down the Village path with her head down and her broom & bag held tightly with each respective hand. I almost decide to let her be after what happened, but the lack of any proper closure would likely just create even more problems for us down the line.

"Hey, Marisa! Wait a second!"

She stops without turning around, back suddenly going straight.


"Listen, I really didn't mean t- "

(MK:) "Oh? Oh what's that? Ya really didn't mean t'what, get me kicked out 'a one of the best public repositories for magic books in the Valley for somethin' I've gotten away with hundreds of times before?"

"Do you really consider that a brag..?"

(MK:) "Do ya really consider what ya did t'have been the best course 'a action t'take, Mister Man of Justice??"

"Marisa, please, I just- "


(MK:) "Don't 'Marisa please' me after that display! I just needed t'borrow that book for some notetaking for a while, she had another spare copy of it in there for cryin' out loud!"

"Well maybe you could just keep me a little more in the loop with your plans next time and this might not happen again!"

(MK:) "Ya don't understand, it's just... I thought ya would've been different... "

"Wait, 'different'? Different how exactly?"

(MK:) "I don't know, whatever, it hardly even matters now... "


(MK:) "I-I'll just... next time we see each other I think we oughta talk. I need t'share some things with ya... over us."

"Really? I mean, we still have plenty of day left, don't we? Maybe we could- "

(MK:) "No! I mean... no, not out in public like this. Ugh, why can't this ever be easy for me t'think about... "

(MK:) "I need t'head back t'my house, recollect myself a little. Do some thinkin'."

(MK:) "Don't follow me, I'll just see ya when I see ya... "

[Marisa leaves]


"Marisa... "

That... got unexpectedly complicated faster than I would've figured. I'd imagine if she was so used to pulling stunts like this then getting caught in the act every once in a while wouldn't be that hard to deal with.

Maybe she would've been more 'in-your-face' about it had I not been there to intervene but, then again, would she have even tried this today had I not been involved from the start?

Would I have really felt better over this if she /had/ been more open about the plan? I get that a girl like her tends to operate under some flexible morals from time to time but... 


Maybe things wouldn't have been so bad after all if I just gave her some space. Nobody else would know exactly why she needed that book besides her, could've been for something important after all.

Well, like she said anyways, I'll just have to see her again when I see her. She may not be the busiest human around but I know an open invitation when I see one, even when it's draped under layers of frustration.

I can only hope that whatever we hash out in the future will make this morning seem like water under the bridge in the end, and that she at least gets herself home safely.

She apparently knows how to handle herself just fine after all.

[Fade to black]


NIGHT 3:

[Fade-in; Int. - Anon's House, night w/ light of the irori]

Well, I wanted to finally start getting through this book and I'll be damned if I let what I've been through so far distract me from reading while I still can.

This 'wellness guide' might not have been written in the usual contexts I'm used to but the information within has still been able to put much of what I've experienced into perspective, if even just a little.

It seems like the people from beyond the Valley have taken to prioritizing individuality and empathy alike more so than a lot of common folk from around the Village would be willing to consider, though maybe that isn't so surprising to those who would be aware of how much change has taken place beyond Gensokyo over the past few decades.


The sentiment of looking out for yourself first & foremost still seems to be plenty evident within many 'modern' attitudes but there is a clear emphasis on maintaining a certain amount of balance when it comes to making time to take care of yourself within those responsibilities as well.

It's not about keeping yourself lazy per-say, much to the dismay of the many workaholics I've grown used to around here, but treating yourself more realistically by listening to your own needs as your body & mind naturally calls for them. Getting enough sleep is one thing but letting yourself acknowledge that it's okay when you do need that self-care is a completely different story.

It's good to worry over those you might care about but who's going to end up worrying over yourself in the end if you aren't already? Maybe I didn't exactly need a book to tell me that but the sentiment behind it is still a kind I've hoped to see reflected in those I've been around before more often.


When I was younger, I never gave much thought over the more emotional contents of what my various tutors may or may not have been trying to instill within me. Life seemed a lot smaller than it actually was back then but it's not as if I had many other perspectives to work with besides ones rooted in the attitudes of my superiors.

Learning what I could, helping my parents around the house... that seemed like enough mostly due to the fact that that's all my life had become.

Could I really claim that I was 'listening to my own needs' back then when I couldn't even fully understand what needs needed to be met? I was worried over the conditions of others more before I finally started worrying more for myself, albeit maybe a bit selfishly in hindsight... 


Sometimes you have to be a little selfish for your own sake in the long-term though, and that's alright. Wouldn't it have been nice if I could've had the chance to tell myself that back then. Maybe my eventual exodus wouldn't have ended up so... 

Raucous. 

Here I am in the now either way however, and in the end that might be all that really matters. Maybe looking back and questioning how it all really played out isn't exactly the healthiest habit to keep yourself within, according to some of the contents of this book at least, but... 

Was the sacrifice of my under-developed social life really worth it compared to everything I was taught? History, the arts, literature - what good has it been if I haven't even been able to fully apply myself with all my coevals?


The embers of my irori flicker on ever-steadily, shadows being cast over the words on the pages and the bags that are no doubt under my eyes alike.

At least I'm finally making some efforts to stretch beyond my comfort zone now I suppose. Even if that hasn't always been within ways I would've been totally okay considering just a few years prior.

I can feel my comprehension slowly starting to give way to the irresistible pull of drowsiness more & more, how long have I even been at this for now..?

Eh, I'm close enough to the halfway point of this book to feel comfortable stopping for now. I don't need to be in any sort of rush quite yet.


Tomorrow is a new day, and with it will surely come new chances to make my past self proud.

Maybe even my future self as well if all goes well enough... 

[Fade to black]


DAY 4:

[0.4.0 - Human Village, [Anonymous]'s House; morning]

[Fade-in; Int. - Anon's House, dim lighting]

The best part of getting an early-enough start to your day while having enough energy to do so has to be the freedom you get from taking things at your own pace. Even with what I'm inevitably going to have planned today, the lack of an immediate pressure shoving me out the door can't be understated when it comes to how liberating it feels.

Clean-up and food can come naturally rather than being part of the obligation, leaving plenty of room for each decision to play out just as it needs to without outside influence.

Until that outside influence must inevitably start being incorporated into the bigger picture, but the point still stands. Right now, there really isn't anything standing in my way to stop me from taking the day by the horns.


..? Was that the front door?

At least, there wasn't anything in my way a second ago? Who could be knocking on my door this early in the morning? It's not like I have some completely unfinished urgent business with anyone.

... or I'm pretty sure I don't anyways. Maybe it's a neighbor looking for a quick favor?

"Who's there?"

(??:) "[Anonymous], it's just me. Who else would it be?"

"Oh! Fair enough I guess."


[Keine enters]

"Morning again Miss Keine, is there something I can help you with or..?"

(KK:) "Actually, I was hoping to ask the same of you. Would you mind if I came in for a minute?"

"Oh, uh, sure I suppose... "

I close the door gently behind her but can't help but notice she doesn't seem to be carrying anything related to the Temple School today, meaning she likely came straight over from the place to see me specifically.

What could the issue even be here? There might not be one at all really, I just need to talk with her like I always do and things ought to turn out fine.


(KK:) "So, how's the week been treating you so far? Still making time to get yourself 'out there' in ways you haven't before?"

"The week's been fine enough, if maybe even a little eventful because of the fact that I am still making time each day to find something new or talk to different people."

(KK:) "Right, and you've been keeping yourself safe during each of these outings?"

"Relatively speaking. I'm still standing, aren't I?"

I let out a slight chuckle though am not greeted with the same light-hearted hospitality from Miss Keine. Guess this must be something serious... has she found out the truth of what I've ended up setting myself to after all?


(KK:) "Well you see [Anonymous], normally that would all be well & good for my own sake since I know you're the kind of guy that knows how to hold himself fairly upright. We've known each other for long enough and I've trusted the decisions you've made in the past, even with the inherent risk involved when applicable."

(KK:) "However, as of late I seem to have picked up a few... rumors floating around."

"Rumors? You mean the usual town gossip, right? Or maybe it's just another case of baseless information from rampant Tsukumogami?"

(KK:) "No, this happens to extend a little beyond simple rumor-spreading but does partially have to do with a certain level of potential Youkai involvement all the same."


(KK:) "There have been several parents of my students from around this district that claim to have repeatedly witnessed a young man willfully engage with certain... non-Village residents."

(KK:) "This hasn't been some isolated incident to a couple of nosy busy-bodies either. Even in passing I've caught wind of an aloof man, largely known for being left to his own devices, that seems to have started concerning himself with some rather strange priorities. Sometimes beyond the Village walls even."

(KK:) "You wouldn't happen to know anything in particular about these goings-on now, would you? Anything that only you would know that you might want to share with me?"

Guess I spoke to soon when it came to being able to seize the day. What is this, an interrogation?


"Listen, if you must know then I guess I /have/ been taking the liberty of poking my head around in areas or situations that most other Villagers wouldn't."

(KK:) "Oh really? And why is that, do you think?"

"I don't know, everyone has their own reasons for everything... anything can be justifiable."

(KK:) "Come now [Anonymous], you know that's no excuse for reckless behavior."

"Well sure, but what I've been getting up to really hasn't been as reckless as these people are apparently making it out to be!"


For the most part anyways.

(KK:) "I can understand that much, it's how this kind of Village-centric gossip goes. That's why I decided to come here myself, to find out the real truth. I know you aren't some agent of destructive influence but I also know you're the only one around with the kind of background that would lead you into those sorts of interactions."

"Can you really blame me for being just a little curious over the broader scope of things after remaining ignorant for so long?"

(KK:) "I wouldn't go so far as to call you 'ignorant' in any broader sense of the term, but you know what they say about curiosity."

"I'm just a human Miss Keine, not some unrestrained alley cat."


Guess that one didn't exactly land quite right either judging by her expression. She knows I'm not just trying to be some smart ass, right?

(KK:) "[Anonymous], please. I have a right to be worried when I feel warranted in being as such. It's not every day you hear of some lone agent going out of his way to get involved in as many abnormal situations as possible."

"But I've at least had good company with each of those interactions so far too, honest! The kinds of people I'm finding haven't done me dirty yet, some may not even be thinking that far ahead."

(KK:) "You really think so, huh?"


"I know how to watch my own back, but I also know I can't always surround myself with the predictable comforts of everyday normality. Life here in Gensokyo is just too exciting for that sometimes!"

"Wouldn't someone with your background at least agree with that much?"

She seems to almost stare right through the floor for a fairly long time considering how well spoken she usually is. The memories of decades or even centuries-worth of experience all flashing behind her glossy, deep hazel eyes. She finally closes them after another moment and draws in a slow breath to continue speaking.

(KK:) "I suppose I can see where you'd be coming from there. And you really are finding decent company through what you're doing?"

I nod as convincingly as I can manage.


(KK:) "Very well then [Anonymous], I didn't come here to stand completely in your way and I believe I've gotten a clear enough picture over your current predicaments."

(KK:) "But know this: "

(KK:) "It might be easy enough to disregard a single rose of its thorns in the moment, even after a minor scrape or two, but willingly surround yourself in a bushel of them and it suddenly becomes a much different story. I hope you can look back on that as critically as you've shown me with other subjects before."

(KK:) "Apologies for the sudden intrusion, make sure you know what you're doing out there today, alright?"


"You can count on it if you'd like to Miss Keine, and it's no real trouble at all. I still appreciate the concern."

With that and a single "See you later!", I close the door behind my old tutor as she calmly walks back out into the public eye.

[Keine leaves]

I guess I haven't been blending into the background as much as I usually tend to because of these little trips of mine. Am I really coming off as that concerning to other commoners? It's not like I've been threatened with serious harm from the people I've been running into... at least not yet.

Of course I understand that Gensokyo isn't a place of pure innocence and sunshine, that's something that was drilled into me from an extremely early age, but that doesn't just mean it's various components are painted in strict shades of black & white either.


I'll know when a situation gets too much for me to handle, why wouldn't I? But it wouldn't be healthy of me to be strictly anticipating that as the only ultimate outcome here.

Today might just end up far differently than I could even picture right now, and I won't know until I try.

Maybe I'll try catching up with Miss Keine over that after a few more days of this, should I get the ideal chance to anyways.


[Fade to Map - Fourth Selection]