Quoted By:
>...Only to be accosted by a rather exotic-looking foreigner.
Stepping into the veranda, you slide shut the paper door behind you. As you take a seat on the wooden floor, legs hanging over the steps, a shiver runs down your spine. This early in the day, the sun has yet to fully warm the air–summer or not, Gensoukyo is far from tropical.
You stare blankly into the garden beyond, gaze passing over and through the vibrant blossoms that Tsubaki so lovingly cares for.
Ah… To think of "something to care for" leaves you feeling terribly melancholic.
For today, you have found yourself out of a job.
You shut your eyes and take a breath, preparing to compose some haikus in an attempt to stir up some degree of motivation. Maybe you'll feel ready to face the day after an hour or two.
Then someone flicks your forehead.
You jerk away with a yelp, hands flying up to cover your face. As you topple backwards, a familiar, hearty laugh reaches your ears. Peering through squinted eyes, you look up to see the groundskeeper herself grinning down at you. With a sharp-toothed smile and a stalk of grass between her lips, Tsubaki - your self-styled older sister figure - cuts a domineering figure, her face shielded from the sun by a wide-brimmed hat.
A disgruntled "Ow" leaves you, but there's no real heat to your complaint. You were more surprised than anything.
Well aware of your thoughts, Tsubaki snorts, then pulls you to your feet and dusts you off. "Was going to see if you'd be of any help today, but in a mood like that, you'll just make the flowers wilt."
In lieu of a response, you gaze mournfully at the hydrangeas. Tsubaki shakes her head at the sight.
"Honestly. You'd think <span class="mu-i">you</span> were the one that gave birth to her."
You stroke your chin in mock thought. "Hm. Perhaps I <span class="mu-i">did</span>..."
Your longtime friend and fellow coworker stares at you in disbelief, then smacks you on the back. "Alright. Off with you. Go take a walk and clear your head. I can't keep listening to this nonsense."
It <span class="mu-i">has</span> been a while since you went out to your spot in the village square. Though Akyuu's health isn't the worst it could be, spending hours outdoors is a bit much to ask of someone not yet even six months old.
It's certainly better than sitting around and moping.
To brace yourself, you clap your cheeks and rise to your feet, aided in part by Tsubaki's strong grip. "Yes, yes. I suppose you have a point there. We'll only be apart for a day, after all…"
With that, you trot towards the compound gate, pausing only when Tsubaki calls after you. "Keep an eye out for any phantoms, alright? You're in no condition to handle them."
Without turning back, you raise a hand and wave in acknowledgement.
[1/5]
