/jp/ - Otaku Culture

>>44833004
(2/5)
—
Preparing two tea cups, I looked at my master from across the living room table, Yukari looking as neutral as ever. Such an illusion might have worked on others, but I know her best: in her eyes, I saw paranoia.

Of what? Hm...

"You and Chen have made a new friend."

I didn't expect it; I knew it'd be the case: Yukari watches all.

She knew Chen was visiting Anon, their friendship, but probably paid no more attention. Then I started to visit too, and that might have raised an eyebrow. Since the moment I left that room, holding Chen and talking about pastéis, I've been preparing myself.

"Yes, Yukari-sama. Anon is a good influence on Chen." He transformed a math problem into a fun quiz, and Chen got it right. That's enough for me.

"Only on Chen?" She raised an eyebrow. "You two seem to enjoy the company of each other—although the staff has discounts, the entry fees are still there, my precious Shikigami."

"Yukari-sama, there's more to a man than just sexual pleasure," I answered with a trained smile. "And keeping the product happy can only improve the service." Yukari's eyes merely narrowed. Wrong answer, it seems.

"Don't get lost in the facade, Ran. The financial side of this is unimportant—this is his punishment," like many times she reiterated, and, like in all those, guilt and empathy conjoined to create an ugly feeling in my heart... Feeling that'd normally have been crushed and hidden.

Yet... I remembered Chen's determined voice, Anon swinging the nightmare out of her with care and fondness, and—

"Then why do you seem to enjoy it, Yukari-sama?" It came out before I could think better, and the look I got from her could've killed by itself. This won't be a nice night. "How many times have you participated in Anon's... services? Weren't you the first to claim him al—"

"Ran," her voice stopped me. She wasn't happy. "Think carefully: what do you gain by questioning me? You know I have a plan."

I'll probably get nothing...

... Fuck.

"I wouldn't be questioning if the opposite was true, Yukari-sama," Her frown creased, and I felt my hands cold sweating. No turning back now. "Do you think your plan will change something?"

Her face developed a smug; "Reimu is starving, you know? Emotionally and literally: donations are as scarce as ever, and public humiliation will soon crack her up. Sure, I won't let her die of starvation, but I will let her go as far as possible. That's her punishment: wither alone in the dark with nothing but regrets," Yukari sipped her tea. "Anon broke his promise. He never had much confidence and, therefore, couldn't impose on Reimu properly and let the monster develop. It's his fault she went so far. Then he ran away. Not only will he never run away again after this place has done its job, but he also won't want to run away: Marisa betrayed his trust; Alice isn't resisting for very long; Aya was never worthy of confidence; and, sooner or later, the ladies at Moriya Shrine will give in to their desires."

Her words were timed and thought about, all culminating in two tangents: Reimu will redeem herself, and Anon is swiftly losing confidence in everyone around him.

"So, my dear Shikigami, how long do you think it'll take before they fall in love again after this is said and done?"

I had to sip my tea to hide my trembling hands; the silence was thick as fog.

I will be the first to say I've done terrible things in my life, but everything I did was done with conscience and many regrets. Does Yukari think this sick plan will miraculously work perfectly? I knew it from the beginning, yet now that I have a better understanding of Anon's situation, this seems like unjust and horrific torture...

If it's a punishment, why does Yukari enjoy her rounds so much? She goes there at least once every day. And for how much longer does this have to go on? These and many other questions swam on the surface of my head, tails tensing up and getting bushy as I—

"You seem stressed, Ran," she said, bringing my attention back to her. "Perhaps you need someone to help you with that?"

What—

"With the staff discount, you could easily pay for yourself and Ch—"

"Excuse me, Yukari-sama." I almost yelled, getting up and knocking my knee on the table. I didn't react; my expression rock solid. "I have to return to my duties." I walked towards the exit, stepping loudly and my body shaking; the door almost ripped off its joints as I left. My flight was punctuated by a mini-crater and the obnoxious sound of the wind barrier exploding.

I could feel tears accumulating at the edges of my eyes. I know Yukari; I know she said that only to get me off her...

... But to think she'd bring my precious Chen to this conversation...

I felt queasy.

I recalled Anon's look at Chen and how tender it was: nothing more there, no hidden motive, only happiness and fondness...

... Do I know Yukari as well as I think I do? I didn't get my answers either.

Empty-handed and sad. Ah, fuck my life.