/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>45615303
Leaving the HSE for the first time in months was undercut by the bitter coldness seeping through Anon’s juban. Flying at a high altitude made the air even harsher. Despite being pressed against her plush body, Yuyuko gave him no body heat. She was a ghost, after all: The second ghost to show Anon how horrible his actions were.

“Anon, my duty is to show you just how horribly the people of Gensokyo are living compared to you right now. Since we’re here, why don’t we check around the village?”

Believing in the little trust he had for Yuyuko, Anon allowed the ghost to fly him around the Human Village. The plaza around the HSE was brightly lit, filled with busy market stalls and cheerful carolers. Geidontei was bustling with the mirth of drunken men, joined by the camaraderie of booze. The Motoori home was warmed by a log fire as the children slept cozily in their beds and Kosuzu snuggled next to her husband.

Anon wasn’t quite sure why Yuyuko was showing him this. “They all seem pretty happy. Enjoying the holiday with their friends and family, not a care in the world…”

Yuyuko was wracking her head for a way to fulfill her duty as a ghost chosen by the spirit of winter. “The economy has been doing a lot better since the HSE popped up, so there’s less poverty and conflict… How about we try the Magic Forest! And if that doesn’t work, we’ll try the mountain!”

Location after location, Anon and Yuyuko saw mirth and holiday cheer infesting Gensokyo. Hana and Aunn had joined Marisa and Alice in a ritual to guarantee they’d get more presents. The tengu were still enjoying their revelry with no signs of stopping. The White Wolves and Karasu took turns in cleaning duties, ensuring everyone had a chance to enjoy themselves while leaving maintaining their cleanliness. The oni underground did the same, each person making sure not to leave even a crumb behind. Everyone had a good, clean Christmas Eve.

“Awww, I was supposed to show you how bad everyone else has it today. Well, I guess we should head back now.” As the ghost turned back towards the HSE, Anon realized that her blow might have knocked Mizuchi out of Yukari, giving her enough time to set the barriers back up. He’d be right back in his cage if Yuyuko took him back.

“Wait, how about Reimu? She must be having a pretty crummy Christmas right now! Show me the Hakurei Shrine, then you can complete your job and go back home.” It was fool-proof. Anon could finally go back home and escape the hell that awaited him with Yukari. It even seemed to brighten up Yuyuko’s mood!

Floating through the shrine grounds, it felt surreal to be back home. There was a certain air to the hilltop that Yukari couldn’t replicate. Anon braced himself to see the disrepair the shrine had fallen into… Only to see that the shrine was still in a livable condition. Nodding to each other, Yuyuko and Anon floated through his home, finding signs of a healthy life and cleaning habits. His heart thumping in his chest, Anon finally came to his room: Reimu’s room.

Reimu was sleeping comfortably in their bed, covered by a knitted blanket. There were symbols of cats and spiders adorning it, along with yin-yang symbols and simpler patterns. It was a product of love and personal labor, keeping the miko warm through the night. There was a single bottle of spirits sitting on a nightstand nearby: It came from the tengu, courtesy of Aya. A Christmas present enjoyed early. As she stirred in her sleep, Anon saw conflict in his wife’s face. Conflict, and then resolution. She returned to the land of dreams, none the wiser to world around her.

Outside of the shrine, Yuyuko came back to meet Anon. “Sorry about this. You’re supposed to feel guilty about your actions, but I think I just made you feel bad about your situation. Do you want to go back now?”

Anon quickly stammered, trying to avoid his fate. “Nononono, you did fine! Great! I’m honestly just happy that everyone’s enjoying themselves tonight. It’s nice to know that everyone got a night to enjoy themselves and relax. Thank you for showing me how everyone’s doing. I appreciate it, really. I finally got a chance to leave the HSE.”

“Oh, you’re still in there. I just brought your soul outside to see everything. Besides, that would make it harder for M- the third spirit to find you. Now, back we go!”

Utterly defeated, Anon followed Yuyuko back into the megabrothel. Walking past the plain reception desk and cheap attractions, Anon returned to the ruined replica of the Hakurei Shrine, having a greater appreciation for the magnitude of its filth.

Back in his body, Anon felt a tap on his shoulder. “Alright, let’s get this over with. You don’t want to be here and neither do I.” Turning around, Anon was faced with billowing blue robes, green hair, and a conical hat. It was the spitting image of the spirit that Reimu was supposed to keep sealed away. MIMA.