/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>45781346
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Without the 'tainted symbol' on her back, Keine looks nice clad in a black cloak. It makes her much more imposing than the soft woman in blue, which is essential for what's to come.

Keine expects violence—rightfully so—but also that people will hear the things she has to say, hers and our babies' stories. That they'll understand. I… love—so surreal to ponder such a heavy word…—I love her for motives like those, but I feel here they're misplaced. Gensokyo, before turning into this paradise land, was a pit of snakes and continues to be so, though hidden underneath a lot of stars and bright colors. A land of petty wars and depressing bloodshed, where 'disgraced' fathers would force their young to slash open their stomachs…

I won't blame Keine; she wasn't there to see any of that. Despite being a living Atlas, she prefers to seek the positives of our world, admirable change…

… But I was there. For a thousand years, I was there. And I don't want any of it near my family.

That's why, when the day comes, I'll make them hear with these accursed flames and immortal body. Keine will use her heartfelt and beautiful words, and I'll stomp people to gory pulps so they fucking hear her.

I'll play this game so she doesn't have to.

… Still, what after?

What will she think of me? Will these bloody hands snuff the flame of our love, or will she accept my actions as necessary…?

The question is devouring…

I open my conflicted eyes to the sight of her talking to a rat woman—she looks familiar—two kids clung to her back and a look of tiredness lacing her rat face. We're inside Mystia's house, and, whatever I look at, a weak youkai can be seen, most of them droning around my bride-to-be, the flowing cloak setting her apart amidst a sea of wings, tails, and silly hats. Mystia had amassed a lot of youkai—which Keine quickly and warmly integrated into our movement, with Mystia representing night sparrows, that rat woman rat youkai, and so on—food just as abundant as brainy conversation, topics of change, Keine's struggles and derivatives popping within her circle and out of it. Gossip, too.

I tried integrating, but it all felt just so… Overwhelming.

It made me feel sick being surrounded by people, so Keine lent me Aki and Mochi and told me to take a breather in the baby area…

Aki sleeps in my arms; Mochi plays with the other babies and I sulk, though the sheer variety of cute babies brings a smile to my face—oh, no, no! Mochi, bad Mochi! Don't pull the rat's tail!

Keine and the rat lady saw me desperately trying to take Mochi's hand off the crying little rat hybrid, other babies watching with either confusion or plain enjoyment—one was even clapping, the devil!—and Keine's apologies were heard as the mother rushed and, gently, took her child away from mine. Heart pounding, I looked at her, the size difference making her look like a preschooler, though I felt tiny with the crushing feelings of shame swimming inside. “I-I'm so sorry, I did—”

“No, no, it's okay. They're just kids!” She giggled, cuddling her baby; the newborns clung to her back, sleeping despite the loud noises. Keine looked at us, tense, but the woman just waved her hand and a sigh left my bride-to-be before she began talking to Mystia—her three children with her—and two other night sparrows. “Though, my~color me surprised when I saw your children. So cute~” Another giggle escaped her and I couldn't help but frown, stopping Mochi from reaching for the rat lady's recovering daughter.

Then I gave her a better look; sparks popping inside my brain and…! Realization was swift as an overweight cat. “It’s you!”

“Me!” She giggled louder, walking to one of the empty sofas and taking a seat. I juggled my two children before following after her: That woman back at the baby store I and Keine visited during the first stages of her fake pregnancy… Memories of that time are bittersweet, so I staunchly ignore them and focus on the now. “Such a weird outcome—I give some advice to what I think is a fellow expectant mother. Next thing I know, the rumors about her abortion are lies; she has adopted two little night sparrows; and is fighting to make Gensokyo a better place for everyone. Crazy world we live in.”

“Heh, that's my woman for you~!” My words and posture are full of pride, though the rat lady simply nods, cuddling her kids with a smile. I watch the technique with some awe; she juggles three like a master while I struggle for dear life with two.

I look back at Keine managing a bunch of questions and people at the same time and can't help but recall that day in her classroom, lifting her from the ground, yelling about a better life, shaking with sheer happiness…

Things have come a long way. I'm happy…

… Then, I'm not.

This feeling in the air…

I’m terrified.

“Can you, please, hold onto my children? I’ll take a breather outside.” I don’t wait for her stuttered input before giving her my babies. Keine’s worried eyes on me.

Smiling at her, I leave.

>>18193350
>>18193369
Ah I see. Thanks

>HAHAHAHAHA
What's so funny, huh? What's so damn funny!?