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In the midst of the autumn scenery of Youkai Mountain, two gods could be seen conversing to one another over tea and sweets; the god of the unowned, as the host, and the god of idols, as the guest. The two had planned to meet ever since Keiki Haniyasushin expressed her interest in her, and Chimata Tenkyuu wanted to learn more about other gods. Thus, a mutual relationship had been forged. Or atleast, it was on its way.
“So, god of the unowned, was it?” the sculptor took a sip of her tea. “Also known as the god of marketplaces, and trade, yes. More specifically, the special event marketplaces,” the market god nodded. “In the past, there were customs of holding markets when there's a rainbow. The boundary between the human world and the world of Gods is beneath rainbows, so holding a market during a rainbow would please us, because we temporarily received everything that was being sold there,” she explained.
“I see… That’s a pretty interesting origin. Though since you’re in Gensokyo now, I assume the Outside World hadn’t been kind to you?” Keiki listened in sympathy. “Unfortunately, yes. With the rapid improvement of modernization, traditional marketplaces went into decline. Of course, that meant belief in ichigami also declined. If I had stayed like that, I probably wouldn’t even be able to stand here like this,” Chimata chuckled, looking around the place, her eyes fond.
“Gensokyo is a wonderful place. It’s a beautiful realm bustling with life from youkai, gods, and other beings that went forgotten. There were hermits who went to sleep and became forgotten, and as it turned out, even the mountaintop gods took refuge here after suffering from declining faith in the Outside World as well,” her smile was sincere as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, taking in the breeze.
“Now I wish I hadn’t missed the lunar rainbow when it was out,” Haniyasushin giggled. “I do wish you could’ve seen it for yourself as well! It spanned across Gensokyo, gracing this world with colors so breath-taking it almost put me to tears,” Tenkyuu grinned and spread her arms to emphasize. “The grand opening of the bustling marketplace was a success in my book. I retrieved my powers, my existence was solidified, and nearly everyone participated in the trade! It was the first time I’ve seen people so engrossed in trade, and I have the ability cards to thank for it.”
“I see. That’s quite the story, I must say,” the sculptor chuckled, enthralled by the account. “What about you? I’d heard you’re a god of idols and sculptors, but I’m interested in hearing it from you,” the colorful god smiled, taking a sip of her tea. “Ah, me? Well, it all began long ago, in the Animal Realm, where the strongest reigns and the weaklings subjugated,” Keiki placed a finger on her chin as she recalled the memories. “The poor human spirits couldn't compete with the strength of the beast spirits. They lived as slaves at the mercy of beasts, especially after the beast organizations were created,” she crossed her arms, her voice taking a dramatic deep tone.
Invested, Chimata listened intently. She had never heard a tale with such a unique premise, so she got curious. “Three factions were and are still dominating. The Keiga Family; known for their strength and brute force, Kiketsu Family; known for their underhanded attacks from the shadows, and the Gouyoku Alliance; known for their aerial warfare. These three were the leading gangs in the Animal Realm. In short, survival practically necessitates working for one of them,” the sculptor continued.
“That certainly sounds unpleasant,” the market god nodded in understanding. “It really was. The beast spirits erected a place for the human spirits to live. That place, was the Primate Spirit Garden; a large park resembling a burial mound. Once, it was a lush, natural location, treated as a recreation spot by the resident animal spirits,” Keiki sighed. “Atleast they were generous enough to give them a dwelling,” Chimata sighed in sympathy.
“Now this is where things start picking up. The human spirits, sick of being pawns, looked for a way to break out of the beasts’ control. That way… was asking and praying for a savior. And those prayers were answered, as I got summoned into this world with their hopes and dreams for liberation,” Haniyasushin smiled proudly, taking another sip. “Being a god of idols, I created vessels for them to place their faith in. As faith powered the idols, they, under my command, became the true governors of the garden. We remodeled one of the main buildings into a high-tech fortress for our base of operations before launching our conquest,” she smirked.
“Ah, it finally began!” Tenkyuu’s eyes grew fiercer, clearly enjoying the recount. “It did indeed. My idols know nothing of exhaustion nor sickness. They could only be hurt by physical attacks; as such, they were the perfect warriors suited to the job, whom the beast spirits couldn’t touch. And everything went according to plan! No matter what they did, we prevailed in the end. I had almost shed a tear at the fact that nobody was left to fight against us,” she laughed.
“You must have been unstoppable against those spirits,” Chimata laughed along in amusement. “Precisely. The key word here, however, is spirits. Those beasts did not sit still with their arms crossed. They discussed ways on taking back their realm, and eventually organized a plan in which they would bring an invasion of the surface to attract a human with flesh and a body who will fight the idols for them. Quite the clever strategy from the cunning Kiketsu Family. Never could I have expected them to take advantage of Hell's political turmoil at the time to sneak out to Gensokyo and enlist help under false pretenses,” Keiki crossed her arms, smiling to herself.
As the sculptor told the story behind the wily beast incident, subtle bush rustlings could be seen at a somewhat nearby place; though not enough to get the attention of the two actively conversing to one another. Behind them… was the chief of the crow tengus and her kitsune assistant. “Looks like everything’s going well… that’s good,” Megumu Iizunamaru smiled to herself. “Weather’s clear, there shouldn’t be anything to ruin their day,” Tsukasa Kudamaki giggled.
“Chimata looks so interested in her. This is going flawlessly, don’t you think?” the tengu smiled. “Of course. She’s completely letting her guard down,” the fox nodded. “Can you hear what they’re talking about?” Iizunamaru asked. “I’m afraid I cannot. This isn’t really a suitable location to eavesdrop,” Kudamaki shook her head. “Well, we didn’t exactly come here to eavesdrop, after all.”
Suddenly, a figure could be seen emerging from behind. “Hey! Who do you think you are, spying on my lady?” a stern voice startled the two as they turned around. There, they found a blonde-haired girl in yellow lamellar armor, pointing her scabbard towards them. “Why, hello there. And you are…?” Megumu asked courteously.
“My name is Mayumi Joutouguu, and my duty is to protect Lady Keiki from suspicious people like you. Now speak, or I shall strike you down for this immoral act,” the corps head’s eyes sharpened. “Now, now, let’s not jump to conclusions,” Tsukasa smiled and raised her hands, trying to de-escalate the situation. “Right. I am Megumu Iizunamaru, a great tengu of this mountain, and this is Tsukasa. We’re both friends of Chimata Tenkyuu, the one your lady is talking to at the moment. We mean no harm, really,” said Iizunamaru politely.
“…go on. Your reason for being here?” Mayumi asked again. “My, you still don’t trust us? We simply wanted to help our dear friend,” the kitsune chuckled. “Precisely. We have no plans to lay a finger on them. We’re simply ensuring our setup goes smoothly,” Megumu smiled. “’Setup’…?” the haniwa thought to herself, placing her finger on her chin before letting out a gasp of realization. “Are you two planning to set both of them up on a trap!? What kind of ‘friends’ are you?” she took out her scabbard again, preparing to unsheathe it.
“Don’t be hasty, we never said anything of the like,” said the tengu, looking back to ensure the two didn’t take notice. “My, you don’t want to blow our cover and disturb those two now, do you? I imagine your mistress wouldn’t appreciate getting alarmed while she’s so delighted. I’d suggest you lower your voice and weapon,” the fox kept her smile, though her voice took a tone of slyness. Unable to argue, the corps head simply sighed. “I suppose…”
“Good. Now, what are you doing here, Miss Joutouguu?” the chief took a relieved breath and asked. “Well, Lady Keiki said she wanted to meet with the market god, so she asked me to take a break. But I couldn’t help but worry, so I was on my way back before noticing you two,” Mayumi explained. “Quite the loyal one, are you?” the kitsune chuckled, before a brief period of silence filled the air.
“In any case,” Tsukasa changed the topic. “That market god was pretty excited when she told us someone outside the mountain who are not the ones we fought wanted to meet her personally to have a conversation. Of course, this intrigued Master Iizunamaru,” she shrugged. “…I guess I can’t deny it. It piqued my interest on what kind of person would catch her interest like this… and turns out it’s the recently surfaced sculptor god. Haniwasushin, was it?” Megumu nodded. “Lady Keiki Haniyasushin,” corrected the haniwa.
“Yes, yes. Since we were here anyway, I thought I’d observe for a little while in case anything happens. That was, before you arrived,” the tengu continued. “I see. I suppose I misjudged you. Although the chief of the crow tengu prying over others’ personal matters is a questionable action for someone your status, I shall overlook it,” Mayumi nodded, getting a subtle chuckle from Tsukasa. “Now, since it also concerns your lady, come join us,” she smirked, before the two turned back to continue their observation.
“I… Lady Keiki, forgive me,” the soldier hesitated, before joining them. There, she saw how bright her mistress’ expression was. As the two conversed, it seemed like they were getting engrossed in the conversation. Clinking their cups together, two cheerful laughter could be heard. “Interesting! It’s the first time I’ve listened to such exciting tale. I have to hand it to the matriarchs, their wits and intelligence were also impressive, as unfortunate as it is,” Chimata nodded as she listened to Keiki’s perspective.
“Well, it’s not like those humans knew better. They were manipulated to come and defeat me. Under normal circumstances, I’d reckon they would understand,” the sculptor chuckled. “Though, I’m not bitter in the slightest. I experienced thrill never before seen, and now I get to learn more about the surface world,” she smiled, recollecting the events. “As a matter of fact, I had visited the Hakurei Shrine and the Netherworld some weeks ago, and the shrine maiden, as well as the half-human, was much more accepting and kinder.”
“Half-phantom gardener of the Netherworld, was it? I have heard of her, though I’ve never met her personally. The only ones I’ve encountered are the shrine maiden, the maid from the Scarlet Devil Mansion, as well as the mountaintop shrine’s wind priestess,” the market god nodded, piquing her curiosity. “Now those are two new names. I’d assume they’re just as powerful?” Keiki laughed, before a memory surfaced.
“Ah, and how could I forget the black and white magician… She came by to my place, checking out all the works I’ve built with sharp eyes, as if she was about to take them,” she shrugged and chuckled. “Ah, the magician. I’ve met her as well. She’s… quite the character, I must say,” Chimata smiled wryly. “Let’s just say she’s a robber who can’t even engage in basic commerce, to the point where I got bedridden because of it,” she sighed.
“That must be rough,” the sculptor smiled reassuringly. “But in any case, you mentioned the ability cards before. Mayumi even told me one of my own was circulating around?” she asked, intrigued; the question immediately lifting the market god’s mood. “Ah, I’m glad you asked!” she grinned, pulling out a card with the picture of an idol on it. “The ‘Idol Defense Corps’, able to erase bullets,” she handed it to her.
“This feels like the real thing, despite it being a simple card,” Keiki’s eyes widened as she realized just how accurate its ability was. “Doesn’t it?” Chimata nodded, clearly happy to talk about the ability cards. “More than anything, it brings me joy to think that my creations’ existence has been made aware through the spreading of this card. I suppose I have you to thank, Chimata,” she giggled. “You can have it if you’d like, I’m happy you approve of it.”
“Ah, I almost forgot. During the creation process of these cards, your idols had a design I’ve never seen before. The shape, as well as hollowness of the eyes and mouth made it stand out,” the market god pondered. “Ah, you mean these?” Haniyasushin smiled and brought out a common haniwa. “I like to think of the rounded, pot-like shape with two featureless arms on opposite sides of the pot to represent its simple purpose; bearing two deep eyes and a wide mouth, these haniwas are simply ghostlike, malevolent creature with no emotional remorse to complete its task,” she grinned and handed it to the white-caped god, who observed it with curiosity. “Fascinating… these truly are the perfect soldiers to fight off the spirits.”
“Putting faith in them allowed them to gain sentience and move according to my will. It’s pretty endearing, if I do say so myself,” the sculptor was joyous watching someone get so interested in her creation. “I imagine so, but are you saying you have control over every one of these soldiers? Surely you must have thousands, if not more?” Chimata pondered curiously. “Good question! While I do have control over those in my possession or near the vicinity, most of the army is led by Mayumi; my trusted subordinate and confidant. Nobody is more suited to take charge of the Haniwa Army Corps than her,” Keiki’s eyes sparkled.
“You mentioned her once, but what is she really?” asked the god of the unowned. “Well, she’s everything you could ever want in a servant. Loyal, strong, skilled, she’s a very talented haniwa; my greatest and proudest work yet,” the sculptor smiled fondly. “Must be nice to have such a servant, I assume?” Tenkyuu chuckled. “Yes, though I never really see her as just a servant to me. She’s so much more to me than you could ever imagine. I ensured she was sculpted in a way that pushed perfection to its limits, and it put me to tears! It felt like giving birth to a new, special life with my own hands,” Keiki grinned cheerfully.
“Lady Keiki…” Mayumi’s lips curved into a soft smile as she watched. “She really cherishes you, doesn’t she?” Tsukasa chuckled. “How heartwarming…” Megumu smirked, before frowning. “However, this wasn’t what I bargained for. I expected heart-pounding romance, drama, intimacy, yet it’s been an hour and a half without any of them happening,” she scoffed, displeased by the turn of events. “Er… Master Iizunamaru?” the kitsune tried gaining her attention sheepishly.
“This was supposed to be a date, there’s supposed to be love and affection in the air as the two get closer overtime…” the tengu sighed. “Master Iizunamaru…” the fox said, all while the haniwa simply watched her rant in confusion. “Alright then. Tsukasa, we’re going back. Maybe we’ll have better luck next time,” Iizunamaru stood up and started flying away. “W-wait! Master Iizunamaru!” Tsukasa called out, flying after her.
“…What just happened?” Mayumi stood up and watched them off. She didn’t get what the crow tengu was so disappointed about, but she paid it no mind. Instead, she looked back… and smiled. Her mistress was livelier and more talkative than ever as the two gods continued getting to know each other better and better, and it put her heart at ease. Sure, she’d find her humming and grinning whenever she’d get engrossed in the creative process, but to see her find so much joy from simply talking to someone else… that, is an entirely separate case.