#issue_19

Yakumo scheming up a dinner and a show

Gensokyo is no stranger to humans being brought here from the outside world, it’s a daily occurrence that at least a handful of humans get spirited away by youkai-sage Yukari Yakumo. Usually they are the useless and forgotten of society; the kind that the outside world won’t notice missing.  Per Yukari the humans usually come from the same outside world as the mildly-famous outsider Renko Usami.    A recent crop of humans has broken from this pattern however.

Recently, Yukari has brought in a crop of humans that are decidedly different from the usual fare.  Rather than being useless and forgotten, many of these humans seem quite capable.  They also come from versions of the outside world that are significantly more exotic then the one Gensokyo usually imports from.  Yukari has confirmed that she is to blame for this recent odd crop, but remaining true to her youkai among youkai nature she has declined to say why.

Speculation as to why Yukari would take these actions has lead some to think that there may be a problem with the stability of Gensokyo’s food supply.   It’s possible that something has happened in the outside world that has caused Yukari to need to look else where for Gensokyo’s food supply. There’s also the possibility that Yukari is simply bored and thought this might be fun.

Hakurei has not changed rules

Youkai readers are reminded that despite the sudden change in Yukari’s imports, the Hakurei shrine has not changed the rules regarding human hunting.   They are only valid targets when outside the village or inside if you can avoid getting caught.

The Bunbunmaru will be following this story as it develops.

Satori accidentally gains divinity

What’s the most memorable mistake you ever made dearest reader?  Did you accidently become a goddess?  If not, then Satori Komeiji of Chireiden most likely has you beat.  

Indeed, dearest reader rumor has it that Satori recently ascended to godhood while preparing breakfast in one of Chireiden’s many kitchens.  There is yet no indication as to what triggered the change.  The few people that have dared to ask the new goddess, have been met with rather un impressive answers.

Per Satori, “The combined faith in <her> is sufficient for it, apparently.”

Entry into crowded religion market

Satori’s divinity marks another entrant into the already crowded competition for Gensokyo’s faithful. Satori joins the ranks of other relative new comers such as the Moyria shrine, and Hinaism against the more established Hakurei and Buddhist faiths.

Traditionally goddesses in Gensokyo have only pursued the faith of the humans of the village. However, the increase in competition has caused some groups to go after alternate sources of faith.  Most notably would be the Moryia shrine that has made several large inroads with the youkai of the mountain and the Buddhists that have done the same with the youkai of the area around the village.

It is still unknown how Satori plans to go after faith.  Due to the accidental nature of her divinity it’s possible that she may not yet have a plan. Although in the opinion of yours truly, it would make the most sense to go after the residents of the underground first.  The Oni are a largely untapped market per recent polling.

Other goddesses begin to take notice

Most of the divinities have yet to issue a formal comment on the issue.  Many likely are waiting to see how Satori decides to conduct herself.

One however, the outer goddess Hecatia extended an offer of friendship to her newly formed peer. This has some observers worried as Hecatia’s intentions for Gensokyo have been historically questionable.  A fact likely not lost on Satori given her diplomatic yet cold reaction to the gift.

Accidental nature questioned

Satori is the second youkai from the underground to attain divinity through questionable or non-traditional means. She is proceeded by the famous or infamous Utsuho Reiuji, a hell raven that managed to attain the power of the sun god Yatagarasu during the incident that lead to the creation of Moryia’s hot spring.

This has lead some observers to question the accidental nature of Satori’s ascension in lieu of the possibility that it’s part of a power play on the part of Chireiden to tip the balance of power against Gensokyo.  Adding fuel to the speculation fire, there are unconfirmed reports that the shrine maiden of the Hakurei shrine has been to Chireiden; possibly out of the same concern for the balance of power.  

The Hakurei shrine maiden is well known for her lack of tolerance with those that would threaten Gensokyo’s balance of power

Long lost brother

The Scarlet sisters Remilia and Flandre are some of Gensokyo’s most famous citizens but recent news has caused some to question if there might be a third Scarlet sibling.  This news comes after several eye witness accounts of a guest at the Scarlet Devil Mansion that bore a striking resemblance to Remilia Scarlet.

SDM Refuses comment

When asked for comment on the matter our intrepid reporters were turned around at the gate without being given a reason.  As of press time the SDM still has not issued a statement on the matter.

Remilia is well known for her open and charismatic nature.  This sudden secrecy marks a drastic departure from her recent behavior. This has lead some observers to question if there might be more to the story than initially appears.

Possible connection to Flandre

This would not be the first time that Remilia has hid the existence of a family member.  Up until the Scarlet mist incident broke, Remilia had kept her younger sister’s existence a secret from all Gensokyo. Purportedly out of fear that Flandre was a danger to the rest of Gensokyo.  This may be a similar situation.

Double dealing ceremony

Sad news dearest reader! The much-anticipated double wedding of Parsee Mizuhashi to Sukuna Shinmyoumaru and Tenshi Hinanawi to Hina Kagiyama has been postponed indefinitely.  This no doubt comes as a shock and disappointment to all those that were invited.

Possible repercussions

The Kagiyama/Hinanawi marriage was rumored to have been a political one to further improve relations between Gensokyo and the celestials after the unfortunate destruction of the Hakurei shrine at the hands of Tenshi herself.  Experts on Celestial relations worry that if the wedding was authentic, it being called off or postponed may herald a worsening in the already strained relations.

Even if this is the case dearest reader, it is the opinion of yours truly that people should not marry for political gain!  But for love!

Further complicating matters is Hina Kagiyama’s fast growing religious following.  There was hope among the faithful that the marriage date would mark the first holiday that Hinaism could call truly its own.

Attendees disappointed

The wedding had been expected to be the scene to be seen at this season, with several of Gensokyo’s most famous going on record with their plans for the wedding.  Alice Margitroid, the well-known puppeteer and rumored Makai princess even went so far as to sew a new dress.  No doubt she will not be the only one disappointed by this news.

Invitations possibly faked