#issue_18

Showdown at the gate

The sounds of fighting are nothing new to Gensokyo.  However, an especially noisy fight last night awoke much of Gensokyo as two titans of battle clashed outside the scarlet devil mansion.  First reports indicated that it may have been the younger of the two vampires residing in the mansion, but this was quickly shown to be false.

For reasons that are yet unknown, Yuuka Kazami and Meiling engaged in battle.  The reasons the two choose to disregard the spell card rules and who the ultimate victor was is also unknown.

Area infront of SDM charred hellscape

The state of the area immediately in front of the scarlet devil mansion stands as a testament to the level of violence brought by the two combatants.  Several small fires still burn among what little vegetation is left and the ground is littered with small craters and scorch marks.

The brutality of the combat did prove helpful in preventing the spared of the fire as much of the grass that otherwise could have caught fire is covered in dirt thrown up by the force of combat.

Still no word of Hakurei involvement

The Hakurei shrine has remained quiet thus far, avoiding commenting on this blatant disregard for the spell card system.  Some have speculated on if this might signal a new approach from Reimu Hakurei and a listening of the rules around physical combat.

Yakumo run catfighting ring?

Rumors persists around the idea of an underground catfighting ring ran by youkai sage of Gensokyo Yukari Yakumo.  When asked for comment Yukari would only say “No, nope, no, there is no cat fighting ring.”

However, despite her denial, several anonymous sources have come forward and contacted the Bunbunmaru.  While these sources were unwilling to provide an exact location, they did provide a photo used to promote the fights and draw in bets.

As the promotional photo is no doubt of Yukari’s own Chen, we decided to ask Chen herself for comment.  Chen seemed somewhat confused by the whole ordeal and only saying “It’s…Very unusual… …But hey, no holding back…”

Possible violation of the spell card rules?

It remains unclear as to why Yukari would hide the existence of this catfighting ring.  Some have speculated that the existence of the ring may be in technical violation of the spell card rules set out and enforced by Reimu Hakurei.  Yukari may be trying to avoid drawing the ire of the Hakurei shrine.

Living in Reimu’s shadow:

What better way to start off interviewing important humans than to start with Reimu’s very own backup shrine maiden?  You may, dearest reader, know of Sanae Kochiya of the Moryia shrine for her staunch anti-youkai pro-extermination reputation.  However it would seem that such beliefs may just be a front for her insecurity from living in Reimu’s shadow.

Bunbunmaru:  What's it like being the back up shrine maiden to Reimu? Is it alot of responsibility?

Sanae Kochiya: Being a shrine maiden is huuuge responsibility!  I’m no back up shrine maiden.

BBM:  How often do you try and solve incidents without Reimu?

SK:  Oh, we have plenty of minor incidents around here!  Once, we had a kappa who was stealing from the bags of travelers

BBM:  What about rumors that you’re secretly trying to replace her?

SK:  Why would I do that, anyway?  She’s so fun!

BBM:  What do you mean by Reimu being fun?

SK:  She can be lazy, but her heart is in the right place.  She’s shown up for every big incident and well, she’s more merciful than I could ever be.

BBM:  More merciful? That's interesting to hear! She has a reputation for being somewhat moody and temperamental among youkai.

SK:   It’s hard to describe, really.  But people tend to be different in different circumstances.  She does sit down with perpetrators after incidents, too.  Working with her did allow me to see her at her best!  I regularly stop by her shrine after doing incident patrols!  

BBM:  What are your thoughts on Youkai eating humans?

SK:  It’s gross, disgusting!  Can’t they eat something else?  I mean… well.. that didn’t happen where I was from!  I can’t get used to that!

BBM:  Do you worry your reputation for being pro extermination might hurt your popularity?

SK:  …yeah.  I’m kinda scared people see me as a monster…

BBM:  Are you worried about the other religions cutting into your faith share?

SK:  Of course I worry, but Buddhism has existed alongside Shinto for centuries.  Gensokyo’s kind of a weird situation, but I’m still, the same rules could apply!  But Taoism might keep me up at night

Human immigrant’s story

Yukari is known for bringing a wide variety of humans into Gensokyo   Most end up dead within a week from various causes.  However, one managed to not only survive but thrive.  Even finding employment under the youkai sage herself.  Yours truly sat down to hear this anomaly’s story nearly a year ago, but the demands of current events pushed this story back until now.  What follows is story in his own words:

I didn’t come here of my own free will. No, I didn’t fall through one of Yukari’s gaps. Why would she abduct a soldier from a battlefield five centuries in the Future? The event that sent me and other things from my time 5 centuries from the future to this one also sent me here.  I’ve survived for as long as I have, it’s because I’m employed by Yukari. Currently my duties are conducting Border patrols, confiscating Technologies from my time, combat any alien forces from my time that may show up here. Mind you that’s happened a couple of times already. Lastly…. well… I’m not really allowed to tell you what my last duty is… All I can tell you is that Rule Breakers will be dealt with accordingly.