/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>45009988
Brandishing a spell card out of habit rather than fear, Aya swept her house for any hint of tampering. All clear. No new manuscripts, either! She only had 8 pills left after her visit to the HSE: It was still on schedule, but she was disappointed Ran never gave the pill meant for Anon back. The alternative was asking to have the pill back, but that would be too embarrassing, especially now that the kitsune knew how much she loved him. Wait, would she even give it back, since she-

You’re thinking too much Aya! Okina owns your back now, so you gotta keep your head clear of too many thoughts! Heading off to bed, she wondered if somebody would walk out of her back while she slept. Feeling a little vulnerable, Aya tucked a spellcard over her headboard. Goddess or otherwise, if they wanted to come into her house, they’d have to learn to use her front door! Blowing up her bed was a small sacrifice to make.

Leaving her bed was a test of will that she barely passed. The constant reverberation of energy through her spine was the only reminder that she had responsibilities. Showering with the constant feeling that she was being watched, she got out of her house as soon as possible. The only issue with being monitored by two blonde perverts was not knowing which one was watching.

With all of her manuscripts finished for the next few seasons, she decided to hang out with her own kind. The rest of the day was filled with images of the Youkai Mountain in the majesty of autumn. The goddess did her work well. Maybe she the reporter could pull a few strings with her ally to create a collage of the mountain in every season without having to wait a full year. It would certainly be faster than convincing the reclusive Letty, depressed Shizuha, or gods forbid Yuuka to do it for her. Of course, no album of the tengu’s home would be complete without pictures of the White Wolves’ base of operations, multiple patrol routes (with annotations!) and hiding spots such as waterfalls and copses to mount an ambush from. Everything a visitor would need!

After a few uptight hounds told her off for disrupting their training, Aya went off to the Human Village to snoop around for the evening. A complaint to the daitengu was the last thing she needed. It’s not like she cared about Megumu berating her for an hour, she’s lived through thousands of those. An investigation into her home, especially by those pups with their incredible sense of smell, would expose too many secrets to Yukari. A visit to the businesses near the HSE might look good for posterity, since she’s been practically branded their favorite reporter.

Singling out the shops run by youkai was easy. They all had weird smells trying to mask their natural scent, while humans didn’t bother. What they did have was business sense: Butter up the critic of the biggest brothel around and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a special mention in the next issue of Bunbunmaru. However, there was limited space for advertisements, so only the very best dango stall would make it in. Aya was proud of herself for being a great reporter and a great mother by keeping her children fed. After stuffing herself nearly full, her fourth night with Anon came around. The tengu felt around her bag for the pills. Two. Perfect.

Walking into the HSE, the attending kitsune gave her a smile without any of the hatred that was once present. “Welcome, Aya. Your session will begin shortly.” There was still a slight hint of suspicion, but maybe the tengu was just reading the fatigue on her face the wrong way. So, she strode up to the counter and presented a pill in her hand.

“Oh, before I forget, I wanted you to have this! Since you visit Anon between his… uh… sessions… I thought you’d like one. Think of it as an apology for the whole mix-up!”
The smile on her face brightened just a little. “That’s very sweet of you, but that won’t be of any use to me. I have full access to the censers, so I’m never in any danger of being exposed to the lunar incense.” She took Aya’s hand and closed her fingers, gently pushing it back towards her.

Embarrassed at yet another confusion from this stupid, convoluted incense, Aya’s frustration dyed her face red. “Oh okay! Well, uh, just keep the other pill just in case you ever need it. You know, for an emergency or something.” She stopped her stammering by popping the pill into her mouth and waiting for her turn. Damnit, this girl was so close to Anon and she was just giving her more ground! How long did Okina really need to teleport behind Yukari, sock her in the face and tear down the barrier? Then she’d be able to… Ah crap, the backdoor! Calm down and wait your turn!

After another half hour, a tall, hooded girl wearing a mask walked out with a controlled stride. She could make out two hair-buns underneath the hood, but not the color. After another hour, Aya’s turn came.

(Part 29)

Momiji soon