/jp/ - Otaku Culture

"Yes, I suppose I understand." Patchouli murmured, watching Marisa's every slight reaction. The shame and guilt was still overbearing. There wasn't anything that indicated a ruse. She twitched her fingers again, activating the same spell she'd used with Meiling. Marisa's energy was blue like rolling waves. It was very befitting of someone so suited to the water aspect. And...She wasn't wrong. Marisa's energies were calm. They flowed smoothly and gently, like she'd gotten a great measure of peace. But at the same time, they hummed with energy. She was ready to grow up. She wanted to receive Patchouli's forgiveness, and not just because she wanted a clean slate. No, she genuinely needed to know that Patchouli had forgiven her for the thievery she'd partook in. She needed...Absolution. Hmm. "Tell me, Marisa. Why did you steal from me?"

"Why?" Marisa repeated blankly. "Er... Because - I mean, because I wanted to get stronger and learn more, and you've got the biggest library around. Why else?"

"Why didn't you simply...Ask?" Patchouli tilted her head slightly. "If you'd worked to ingratiate yourself with me, it is likely that I would have offered you my books freely. I would have helped you. I may seem cold, but I am a magician. I enjoy seeing others progress." She had a feeling that she knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it from the witch directly. "Tell me this, and perhaps I shall finally, after all the years we have known each other, understand you. Perhaps I shall be able to offer you the absolution you seek." Marisa hesitated, and it wasn't hard for Patchouli to see why. Admitting some faults was easy. Admitting others? That was harder. "Take your time. But if you leave this room without answering me, I will consider you a failure for the rest of my days."

Marisa bit her lip and thought for a few minutes. Finally, she squared her shoulders. "I was selfish. I wanted to do it all myself and do it better than anyone else. I wanted the spotlight. I didn't want your help. I wanted your books, and I wanted to unlock their mysteries. The ones that even you couldn't solve. The ideas that you'd considered unworkable. I didn't think I needed help because... Because I thought that I wouldn't need to rely on anyone else."

"You are with child, Marisa. Will your children be able to rely on you, should they wish to pursue magic as you have?" Patchouli found that she was rather enjoying this. It was a funny feeling. She considered dealing with emotion tiresome, but when it was Marisa Kirisame, there was a catharsis that couldn't be matched. To see someone who'd been a thorn in her side for so long admit to her all of the faults that she'd seethed about privately...Perhaps Patchouli would have to do this more often.

Marisa swallowed and nodded seriously. "I'll always be there for them. It's never going to happen again. My father wasn't there for me. I wasn't there for Hana until the damage had already been done. Anon might not be there, but...He deserves freedom, and if he comes to hate me, then...Well, he has every right." Marisa raised her head and stared Patchouli in the eyes. "But I'll never abandon them. And I want them to have every opportunity they can. Patchouli... I apologise. I apologise for stealing your books. I apologise for treating you poorly. I apologise for trying to do it all myself, regardless of the pain it caused. I apologise... For everything." And Patchouli found herself rather surprised in how pleased she was to hear the witch's words. Even a thorn in one's side could become somewhat sentimental, it seemed.

And...Yes, it was exactly as she'd thought. Marisa wasn't lying, either. She was genuine, and Patchouli half wondered if she should go and shake Reimu Hakurei's hand. Marisa's head dropped to the side as she waited for Patchouli's verdict. Scarcely believing that she was saying it, Patchouli spoke. "I forgive you, Marisa. You've admitted your mistakes and you've apologised as best you could." Marisa looked up and took in a sharp breath. "Don't think that means I suddenly like you, though. That, I believe, will take some more time. This forgiveness is... A token of my trust. Do not betray it." Marisa nodded, looking like all the weight had dropped from her shoulders.

"I'll do my best. Thank you, Patchouli Knowledge." It was like they were meeting anew.

Patchouli could only hope that Marisa would hold true to her word. Still, she extended her hand across the table. One more token of trust couldn't hurt. After a second, Marisa took it. "You're welcome, Marisa Kirisame."

>>38251681
Kant will be remembered for 10000 years. We need more celibates.