|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 7:34 pm
Author's Note: Greetings! Welcome to a pet project of yours truly, and our lovely guildmaster, HellRaven Aura. Our goal was to create the saddest story possible between two of our OCs, Lumine Mayflower and Maemi Kenkaku, who, despite only appearing in one RP together, has had their relationship blossom beautifully off-screen. As such, this particular RP is closed, and is basically going to be our medium in which we write our sad story. I hope we can get a few tears shed here! Read on and enjoy~
________
______
____
__
Til Death Do Us Part...
I once dreamed a dream where the world as I knew it came to an end,
Where you didn't keep your promise,
Where there was no one left to stand by my side.
I miss you.
______________________________________________________________________
Maemi,
To be honest, I don't really know why I'm writing this letter. I doubt you'll ever read it. It's been a long time since you've seen me. My hair has turned a bit darker. If you saw me now, I bet you'd laugh at me, and I'd laugh back. I wish I could hear your laughter again, and see you smile.
I've drawn maps for most of Gensokyo now. It takes a little longer for me to get around, but I have the time. It was a lot easier when you would fly me everywhere, though. I wish I could show you my maps and sketches. I bet you'd like them! I even snuck into the Scarlet Devil Mansion a few times; you would have liked it, but it got kind of confusing inside.
This is really hard for me, you know? You would think after a few centuries, the pain would go away... But I don't think it's moved an inch. I haven't even visited the Youkai Mountain in the last few decades. I don't feel like I'm strong enough to go anymore, but I still come to visit you on your birthday, and I even leave flowers for you. I always pick the prettiest ones, the ones with the most vibrant color. And I always make sure to pay my respects to Master Kazuko, too. I don't know if you know, but she was buried near you.
I've decided why I'm writing this letter to you. You told me before about the Sanzu River, the Courts, reincarnation, and all those things. I didn't really understand it, but you thought it was important for me to know because being a Celestial meant I was in direct defiance of those rules. But if it's really true, then maybe I'll get to see you again someday! And then, when I find you, I can give this letter to you. Maybe it'll remind you of who you once were, and what we used to be. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I really just want to see you again. I'd give anything in the world for it, even my life.
I guess if I'm going to remind you of who you were, then I should start near the beginning...
~ ~ ~
Lumine stretched her arms out widely, arching her back, earning a series of small pops as her spinal discs realigned. "Whew...I'm exhausted!"
The Celestial was following close beside her partner, Maemi Kenkaku. The two youngsters had just returned to the Tengu's home after another 'adventure', which, like all others, began with Lumine getting into trouble.
"What a bust! Who'd've thought that treasure map was fake..?" Lumine said, acting annoyed to hide her embarrassment from Maemi. "U..Uhm....sorry I spent so much money on it... I thought for sure we were gonna find something cool there! ..." Her arms returned to her sides now, Lumine stared down at the ground as they walked, feeling guilty over the day and money wasted.
"...Maemi? You're not...mad, are you?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 7:50 pm
The tengu was opening the door as Lumine stretche a bit from her," Yeah. Tell me 'bout it." Maemi sighed as she pushed the door open and stepped into her home. "Yeah. That map totally looked legit." She scoffs a bit as she moves to the side to let Lumine come inside. Like usual, a bit sarcastic, since the map did look real.
Lumine Mayflower was a cartographer herself, and Maemi was skillful at readying them; no doubt the faux was well made. Maybe, had they been quicker to think, they could have stopped the scam. Pity, no use going over boring details.
"Mh?" the tengu guard blinked,"Oh no. I am not mad at you. Rather mad at the dishonorable piece of garbage that lives off others gullibility. Don't worry. It wasn't your fault." She smiles a bit to prove she means it, before proceding to close the door, and finally to light a few of the light a few of the lamps in the house. "Seriously, people that are this dishones deserve a grand punishment."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:18 pm
Lumine smiled a bit in return, reassured by Maemi's smile. She took off her hat as she entered Maemi's home; after all, it was only polite.
She blamed herself for getting tricked by the peddler, especially since the fake map had cost so much money. She had to borrow from Maemi what she couldn't afford; had it just been her money, she wouldn't have felt as bad. In retrospect, the directions to 'turn left at the bus stop' should have raised a red flag...
Moving to the side of the room, Lumine flexed her shoulders again, this time allowing her backpack to slide carelessly to the floor near the door, landing with a small thunk as the contents inside rattled upon impact. "I guess so... We could go look for the sorry sod tomorrow! But...I don't think it'd be very good for your reputation to be goin' and beating up some petty merchant..." She continued by untying her capelet, red bow and all, and laying it across the backpack, and finished by placing her hat on top. When all was said and done, it was a nice and neat pile.
"It's kinda late, huh? What do you wanna do now?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:33 pm
On the opposite side, Maemi is doing a similar thing. She removes the shoulder guard placing it on a small side table. She removes the glove guard as well as unravelling the protective gauze under neat as she speaks,"Where I to pick a fight, it'd be my reputation that would be damaged." She nods in agreement, as she undoes the nodachi's belt and the metal belt that was at her waist. She neatly puts it next to the guard, as well as the book she used for news and the camera.
With light armor was in the small table, she turns to slip off the heavy metal boots,"Yeah. Going after him would be useless. I am surprised we got swindled like that. Seriously. We are better than that."
The Tengu rolled her shoulders,"Don't know about you, but what I want to do is sleep. Because I really need it." The boots are off and under the table, she moves towards her room. "There is food in the kitchen if you are hungry. And try not to get in trouble, it'd be a drag to get all in the armor again."
She seemed to stand at the door frame of her room. The reporter had a feeling of... dread. Not wanting to leave it there, the Kenkaku Warrior turned to Lumine,"Better yet, try not to leave for one of your night walks....." The way she said it made it cleared that there was a reason to her words. "Well, sleep well Lumine, see ya in the morning." With that Maemi went into her room, slowly closing the door behind her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 9:39 pm
"Ah--! Oh... okay. I won't leave then, I promise. Goodnight, Maemi..." Lumine wondered if something was wrong with Maemi. She seemed...off. It worried the Celestial, as she continued to remove own boots and gloves. Maybe she was mad after all?
Lumine spent some time in the kitchen, staring at the food. Her worry made her hunger vanish, though she managed to nibble on a piece of bread to stave off exhaustion. It wasn't much, but it would last her until morning, when hopefully hunger would return. As Maemi requested, Lumine didn't leave the house at all after that, instead deciding to turn in to her own room. She liked to walk outside to calm her nerves - her dreams often made her antsy, whether they were premonitions or nightmares. But one night's absence wouldn't hurt.
After closing the door to the guest room, preparation for bed was easy; unstrap her belt, and her loose, roomy pants fell to the floor, and she unbuttoned her shirt to give more comfort and freedom of movement. After stripping down to her underwear and shirt, Lumine slid under the covers of the futon, and waited for sleep to come.
Two hours passed, and the worried Celestial was still awake, though not for lack of effort. She sat up and rubbed her eyes before leaving the futon altogether, walking carefully and quietly to her door. She opened a small gap between the door and its frame, just enough for her thin body to slip through, and shut it behind her. Approaching Maemi's room, Lumine placed her hand on the door, hesitating.
She said she was tired... Maybe I shouldn't disturb her.
But...
Lumine slowly opened Maemi's bedroom door, peeking inside with an icy-blue eye. The room was dark and silent, save for the moonlight that bathed the scene in a beautiful blue glow, and the small whispers of Maemi's breath as she slept. Lumine slid inside the room with ease, just as she had moments before, pulling her otherwise open shirt closed with one hand.
"M...Maemi?"
She tip-toed to Maemi's bed, kneeling down beside it. Gently, she placed her hand on Maemi's shoulder, shaking her ever so lightly. "Maemi...I can't sleep..." Lumine paused for a moment, a small grin appearing on her face. "Can I sleep with you tonight? Pleeease?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 9:50 pm
Maemi was indeed fast asleep and on her side facing the door. Like Lumine she had struggled to find sleep, but unlike her unlucky friend, the tired Tengu passed out sooner or later.
She didn't jump when Lumine's hand fell on her shoulder, rather she gave a small grunt and rolled over to put her face in her pillow with her arms crossed over around it. After a second, she lifted her face, eyes falling on the celestial bathed by the light that entered her room. "Oh.." Maemi blinked drowsily. Too sleepy to even diminished her usual demeanor she grumbled,"What are you? Five years old..?"
Still, the grouchy tengu scooted over opposite of where she had been, mummbling a couple,"Sure's" as she did. "Try to sleep, Lumine..." The guardswoman said,one eye closed and once more on her side.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 11:06 pm
Lumine sunk back a bit at Maemi's comment. "S-..Sorry... I just wanna be near you..." But as the Tengu moved to the side of the bed, Lumine's smile returned, full of a childish delight. "Hehe, thanks~!" With all due haste, Lumine peeled back the covers near Maemi, though careful not to disturb those covering her, and slid in beside her. It wasn't long before Lumine positioned herself comfortably in the warm spot made from Maemi's body heat, finding herself nuzzled quite closely to the Tengu. She watched Maemi for a moment, letting her head sink into the pillow. "Hey, Maemi...? Tomorrow... lets take the day off. No adventures... no work... Please?" She curled in tighter to the guardswoman, feeling a comfort from being near her. The Celestial soon found herself drifting to sleep, and would not wake until the morning after... ~ ~ ~ Your name is Kenkaku Maemi. You were born into a lineage of proud Tengu swordsmen and women. You used to train hard every day to make your family happy, even though you didn't want to be a guard. You always wanted to be a reporter, and you always carried a camera around, hidden in your uniform. You were trained by a wolf Tengu named Kazuko Seijin. She was a wise woman, and very young looking despite her age. She always took time out for us, and would watch over us like we were her children. I miss her a lot, too.
One day, I met you during an adventure. I don't know what drew me to you at first, but even then I thought you looked so cute, pretending to be interested in whatever was in that notebook of yours. Something about the way you tried to avoid me, made me want to pull you out of your shell. Maybe it wasn't the right thing to do. Maybe if I hadn't, you But I guess it's too late to change that now, huh? But either way, we left that cave together, hand in hand, and we never let go.
We had a lot of adventures together. I don't really remember when it happened, but I knew I never wanted to be away from you. I know sometimes I must have annoyed you, and gotten on your nerves, but it was only because I cared so much about you. I even made you promise one day, promise that you'd never leave me. I guess we can't always keep our promises, huh?
~ ~ ~ Morning came as it always does, creeping over the tall trees and buildings of the Tengu Village. Much to the dismay of the Celestial, the sun peaked through the window and straight into her face, waking her up rather annoyingly. Lumine cracked an eye to greet the offending light, only to shut it quickly once more, making an audible groan in half-hearted protest. She rolled over to face the opposite direction, allowing herself a few more moments of undisturbed rest...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 11:26 pm
Maemi was facing Lumine, not out of anything other than the fact she wasn't going to trust her wings in Lumi's flail zone. The tengu moved so her wings could hang off the bed side without being in pain.
She felt Lumine up to her, and sighed only slightly," Sounds marvelous. I could use a break. Let's do that tomorrow." She nodded into her pillow, knowing she wasn't going to sleep much.
With her wings hanging off the way they did, it didn't really make it too comfortable, and with how Lumine seemed to want to rob her of her warmth, the tengu figured she'd make the best of it and rest her eyes at least. It'd be like when she would rest after training... Except much less sweating and tired.
"Rest well, Lumine."
~~~
She did manage to fall asleep at some point, but she was woken by the groan of complaint from her side. At first she was confused as to who was next to her in bed, but cracking an eye open, Maemi spotted Lumine's blue haired head. She relaxed, her wings making small fluttering noises.
The tengu stretched without wanting to get up, involuntarily moving her wings too. The moment itself blocked most of the sunlight coming from the window, she muttered something under her breath before saying,"Given this is our free day... Are we gonna spend it sleeping, or are we going to do something?" Though her eyes were closed and her arms crossed, the guardswoman was still on her side, smiling, and with her black wings blocking most of the sunnthat had so rudely woken up Lumine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 12:45 am
Lumine rolled back over, now that the sunlight had been blocked out, happy to hear Maemi in a much better mood. She sat up on her elbows, a much wider grin on her face. "Well, I have a couple idea--" Before she could finish her sentence, her stomach decided to voice its own opinion, having been rid of last night's worry. "...Ideas...erm, how about breakfast?"
Lumine sat up, yawning as she did, and brushed away some loose hair that fell into her face while sleeping. Already she was full of energy and vigor, probably due to her Celestian nature, as she soon demonstrated by swinging her legs out of Maemi's bed and taking a full stand in one motion, taking a moment to stretch her body fully. She turned around to look at Maemi, proudly placing her hands on her hips. "C'mon, lazy! Let's get some food!" With that declaration, she spun on her heel, headed for the doorway, and left Maemi's room.
After gathering her pants from the guest room, Lumine made her way back into the kitchen to look for something to eat or prepare, all the while waiting for Maemi to join her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:17 am
Maemi chuckled sligthly as Lumine's stomach rumbled, opening one eye to watch her get up and head out her room after telling her to get up. The tengu waited till she heard the guest room's door open before rolling over to put her face in the pillow. Well, at least Lumine had slept. The celestial always had energy to spare. But today, it just didn't feel right, or rather it felt like Karma's day.
It felt like it wasn't going to be the reporter's day.
After a minute or so, Maemi pushed onto her knees and crawled out of bed, tucking her black wings against her back as usual. She too stretched herself and went out the door after Lumine, knowing breakfast would most likely greet her. After leaving her room she went to the kitchen, still a bit drowsy,"What'cha going to cook?... Uuu Remind me to get some more coffee we are out... Need help?"
Maemi was always awkward around the kitchen, but Lumine was always nice to her about it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 5:51 pm
"Mphf?" Lumine quizzically mumbled as Maemi appeared, a piece of bread half-stuffed into her mouth. She quickly tore away the excess and swallowed the rest. "Um! -ahem- Coffee, huh? Okay, I'll remember that." Oddly enough, despite already preparing a breakfast of fresh fruit, bread and other basic essentials, the Celestial had neglected to actually wear the pants she had retrieved not long before coming to the kitchen - instead, they lay across the counter on the far side.
The food was finished before long, prepared quickly and efficiently. Lumine had a knack for cooking, even though she doesn't remember ever being taught. Perhaps it was something carried over from before becoming a Celestial? Either way, she placed their breakfast on the table, along with two cups of tea. Sitting down at the table (and finally buttoning up her shirt), Lumine began to pick at the fruit first. "So, what do you wanna do today? Oooh! Let's go to the hot springs! That's always very relaxing, and the water feels amazing~" She offered, before taking a bite of melon. "Hey, Maemi? Are you okay? You seem kind of...down?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 6:14 pm
"Don't choke," Maemi said with a small smile and a raised brow. She nodded as Lumine moved to set the things down. She was drinking water, and noticed the celestial's pants when she moved to put the things on the table. Her sleepy brain looked at them, wondering what a pair of pants where doing on the counter. Finally, she realised they were Lumi's, taking a quick glance over to the celestial to make sure.
Yup. They were.
Maemi swallowed her water and scooped the baggy shorts in a hand, holding them for her scatterbrained roommate to take. "Here. Eating at the table in your undergarments is a tad rude you know?" She says with a sheepish yet sly smile. The tengu moved to seat infront of her plate,"Oh looks good..." She tried to jab her fork into some of her food and missed miserably. Boy, she was more than distracted today.
Still prideful, she tried again and made a perfect hit, quickly eating her forkful. "The hotsprings sound nice," The guard could relax then,"Specially with this weather." Maemi looked up, as Lumine mentioned her being off,"Oh? It's nothing. I think it's just one of those days, you know, when it feels things just ain't going to go your way?... But that is silly supersticion." She chuckled as she said that. "I will be fine when I am more awake, no worries."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 6:36 am
"Oh..uh?" Lumine looked down to her lower half, earning a blush for her efforts. "Ha-..Haha! Well...s-since we slept together, I thought you wouldn't mind!" The Celestial really had forgotten about the shorts altogether once she made it into the kitchen, though it was conceivable that her quick lie may have been worse than the truth. She quickly hopped up from her seat at the table to take her shorts from Maemi's grasp, slipping them on one leg at a time and fastening the large belt at her waist to keep them put - otherwise they'd just fall down again. "There! No more peep-show for you!" Lumine said with a cheeky smile, returning to her chair.
"If you say so... But that's great! I'm sure the hot springs will relax you enough for your brain to work again! Let's leave as soon as we're done eating!" She took her cup of tea, downing a part of its warm contents and washing away whatever foodstuff remained in her mouth. She set the cup down and remained still for a few moments, thinking some things over.
"Hey... Maemi? ...You work too hard. It's not good for your health, y'know? You need to relax more often." Lumine stared at her plate of food, barely half way through its entirety. She had a genuinely worried look on her face, and was thinking of things that had long meant to be spoken. "I know you wanna make your family proud and be some great big Tengu warrior-lady, but what will that matter if you lose sight of yourself? You shouldn't have to live a lie for someone else..." She took another smaller, thoughtful sip from her tea, her eyes still fixed on her plate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 4:48 pm
Maemi shook her head with a small chuckle,"Just admit you forgot 'em, probably better than saying I'd be content with you without them." She looked from her seat, with a teasing smile,"Oh poor me,No more Celestial Exhibition..."
She was nibbling at some bread when Lumine spoke up after her thoughtful sip. She looked up at the celestial, who looked worried about her, it made Maemi give a soft smile. "I know, Lumine, living a lie isn't something I like." She put her fork down,"But I have no real option. I am no Coward, I will not run from the duty I am meant to fulfill as a Daughter of the Kenkaku. I can't say no , that'd dishonor my family. If I do anything other than do as proper, it'd either dishonor them or me... I have learned to live with that..." Maemi leaned an elbow on the table, and her face in her hand with a smile,"But, it's okay. Because of that path I chose of doing as told rather than as I pleased, I met Master Kazuko and grew to know her like no one else did. It also meant I met you while on guard duty." She smiled once more,"So it's okay! My lie has become my life, and I won't lose my way so long as I have you two and my camera."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 7:00 pm
"Are me and Master Kazuko really worth not being what you want to be..? I want you to be happy, too..."
Lumine quietly returned to poking at her food with her fork, though not eating much more afterwards. Decided she was finished, the Celestial stood up from her chair suddenly, almost knocking it over backwards, and put her hands on the table. "So! If you're finished, why don't we get going then, huh? The sooner we get to the hot springs, the sooner your head will unfog!"
Before making another move, however, Lumine paused. She thought she heard something... someone shouting? Heavy footsteps... She turned to look outside the kitchen window, wondering what the commotion was. "Hey, Maemi...you hear that?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
