Tengu of Sky and Earth [Cancelled]

by mattchilly

Taking flight pt 1

It was the perfect kind of summer day. No clouds in the sky, a gentle breeze blowing in from the ocean. It was the kind of day where many people went to either the beach or a pool. Me? I was in my room marathoning the Project Touhou games. I was currently wearing an olive-green shirt with the image of a brown tree with the word Yggdrasil under it, and blue jeans. Currently I was on Mountain of Faith, which is the tenth main game in the Project Touhou series. I had just finished fighting the final boss, and when I stood up to stretch I heard an odd sound behind me. Turning I saw a tall woman in a pink and purple dress. She has long blond hair and two red bows tied in her hair. “Yukari? How! Why?” I gasped.

Yukari simply smiled as a tear in space opened underneath me as Yukari said in a sing song voice as I fell, “I found you.”

Being inside one of Yukari’s portals was… interesting. Everywhere I looked I saw purple and giant red eyes and even though I was falling I had no idea which way I was falling. Not to mention all the eyes that seemed to be looking at me even. Being the fearless person I was I did the only obvious thing to do, scream. “AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Eventually I had to stop to take a breath and when I did a hand was placed over my mouth. “I’d forgotten how fun it was to see someone’s first reaction to being in the Gaps, but this screaming is really getting annoying. I mean seriously it’s not like your falling to your death or anything.” Standing right in front of me was Yukari who was rolling her eyes.

“Huh?” I asked.

“Your mind simply said, you were falling because the Gaps are so different from the world you know and the way you entered it, you stopped falling the moment you entered. Now then we have lot of work to do.” Yukari said.

“What kind of work? And why were you looking for me?” I asked.

“I was looking for someone to help me with something and you just happened to be the first person I found to matched the criteria I was looking for.” Yukari said as she sat down on nothing.

“What kind of criteria are you talking about?” I asked curious.

“Sorry that's classified. For now I think I’ll teach you the basics of the traditional Gensokyen greeting.” Yukari said as a wide smile spread across her face.

“You don’t mean…” I said as I went pale and a feeling of dread appeared in the pit of my gut.

Yukari’s parasol appeared in her hand and pointed it at me with a large smile on her face. “Yup! We’re going to have a Danmaku battle.” Yukari said.

“NO! and not just no, but HELL NO! I already have a phobia of things flying at me, especially if they can cause me pain! This is just going to make it worse!” I said taking a few steps back.

“And now you don’t” Yukari said snapping her fingers. “Lesson one, DODGE!” With this a purple kunai, shaped energy bolt flew out of the tip of her parasol and hit be in the face sending me flying.

“YOU’RE NOT PICCOLO!” I yelled before time seemed to speed up, and before I knew what happened Yukari had finished teaching me the basics. After a moment, I asked. “What just happened?”

“Oh, I just changed your perception of time so it seems as if you sped through the training. That way we can get to the good part of this story faster, don’t you agree?” Yukari asked.

“Does this mean my theory that your power over Boundaries lets you control whatever you want was correct… I’m never going to get an answer to that question, am I?” I asked. Yukari didn’t answer me and just gave a knowing smile. I sighed before asking. “So, what do you need me to do?”

Yukari’s expression became serious. “I’m going to send you to a certain world. For now, your job is to simply find all the residents of Gensokyo that I sent there when Porky’s invasion caused Gensokyo to become unstable, but you should know that many evils will rise while you're there. Some that were meant to appear and others that aren't. I'm trusting you to not only help me, but also help those you meet.”

Hearing this rage filled me. “I'll do my best and are you telling me that the events of the fan game Touhou Mother really happened and Raimu, Marisa, Yuuka and Mima couldn’t stop him in time?” I asked barely keeping a lid on my rage.

Yukari nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“How many people did you save?” I asked.

“Less than a hundred. I estimate around seventy people were saved.” Yukari said sadly, and in an instant my rage became sorrow.

“Only seventy out of the thousands of people? What about the different realms connected to Gensokyo? What about the 'out side world'?” I asked.

“Gone.”

“That hast to be at least a few million people dead.” I said as tears began forming in my eyes as I thought about all the lives Porky ruined.

“They’re not dead, what happened to them is far worse. When Gensokyo’s fabric of reality became unstable enough they were erased from existence.” As Yukari spoke she also began to cry. “When I created Gensokyo, the thought of what would happen if Gensokyo was destroyed like this never crossed my mind. Porky made Gensokyo to much like earth. I made Gensokyo so it’s non-human residents would have a place to live when people on earth stopped believing in them. Their deaths are my fault as much as Porky’s.” When Yukari said this, she placed her head in her hands and began to weep. “I don’t even know where Ran and Chen are. I think they’re alive, but my connection to them was destroyed, when we were separated as Gensokyo was collapsing in on its self. You have to find them! They're the only family I have!”

Unsure what to I walked over to Yukari, even though there didn’t seem to be any solid ground between us, and place and arm around her. “Don’t worry Yukari-sama, I’ll do my best to find them! I promise.”

“Thank…thank you.” Yukari said as she opened another Gap and reached through, bringing her hand back I saw she had grabbed a tissue box. “Heh, this is not how I wanted this to go at all.” Yukari said as she dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

“Well…we all have days when we need to sit down a cry.” I said trying to comfort Yukari.

“Ture. Anyways if you’re going to do the job I require of you, you’re going to need something more…” Yukari said as she placed a finger on her chin.

“As far as I’m concerned, just teaching me Danmaku is more than enough,” I said.

Yukari suddenly snapped her fingers and said. “I’ve got it!” Before the top of my head, ears, and back began to burn. A full-length mirror appeared before me so I could see the large black feathery wings burst out of my back, ripping holes in my shirt, as a white fluffy tail did the same to my jeans. Reaching up I felt my where my ears were only to find smooth skin and instead were two wolf like ears on the top of my head. They had pitch black fur, the same color as my hair.

“I’m… I’m a Tengu, but I thought Tengu were either crow or wolf like. I’ve never heard of one with aspects of both.” I said after the burning sensation ended, “and did you have to make it burn?”

“That burning sensation was a small side effect of your DNA being altered, trust me when I say it could have be a lot worse. I don’t alter DNA often but when I do there are always a few side effects. Besides you can think of that burning as some growing pains. Hmmm since you’re no longer a human you need a new name. I got it! From now on you are Arashi.” Yukari said with a clap of her hands when she chose my new name. “So, with that out of the way it’s time for you to get to work. If you find anyone from Gensokyo just let them know I sent you and you should be juuuuust fine.” Yukari smiled before she pushed me through another Gap and I began falling again. “Oh, before I forgot you also know how to use your new wings! Have fun.” Yukari called before closing the Gap. “Hmm I can’t help but feel I forgot something” Yukari mused to herself. “Oh well It’ll come to me eventually.”

“DAMN YOU YUKARI!” I shouted before crashing into a lake and try as I might I couldn’t stop myself from sinking. My wings were waterlogged and too heavy for me to swim to the surface and my vision was beginning to fade when I felt a hand grab my arm and dragged me to the surface. Once we were in the air I began coughing.

When I was done coughing the water out of my lungs, I heard someone say, “That was close, you’re lucky I was nearby and saw you fall into the lake. What were you doing anyways?” When I looked up I saw a woman with blue hair tied into two pig tails one on each side of her head, a green hat, and a blue dress with many pouches near the hem with a key attached to black bands that kept a large and heavy looking backpack from falling off.

“Thank you Nitori. I owe you one.” I said between gasps for air.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before, so how do you know my name?” Nitori asked.

“I’m the one Yukari chose to find everyone from Gensokyo, it would be weird if I didn’t know everyone’s name.” I said with a small smile. “I’m Arashi.”

“It’s a bit weird that you do know everyone’s name but I guess it makes sense if Yukari sent you. I don’t really know her but she always did seem liked she always had some kind of plan.” Nitori said before nodding to herself. “Come on, lets head to town. You’ll need something to warm you up after that dip in the lake and I know just the place.”

“That’s going to be a bit difficult. My wings are still water logged and too heavy for me to move.” I said before frowning. “Getting use to them is going to be a giant pain.”

“Why do you say… wait you have a wolf’s ears and tail AND a crow’s wings? What kind of Tengu are you?” Nitori asked before she used her power’s over water to move most of the water that was in my wings to flow back to the lake.

“If I had to guess, one of a kind thanks to Yukari. I was just a normal human playing games based on Gensokyo not too long ago.” I said as I got to my feet.

Nitori looked annoyed at that. “So, she just turned up, opened a Gap to take you away from your home. and changed your species just so you can do a job for her?”

“That about sums it up.” I said.

“URG! First she uses her powers to steal sake and other items from people and now she is freaking kidnapped people.” Nitori fumed before motioning me to follow. “I’m going to give her a piece of my mind next time I see her!”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea but I won’t try to stop you.” I said as I walked behind her. “I’m sorry I didn’t say this before but thank you for saving me and It’s nice to meet you.”

“You’re welcome Arashi. I’m sorry this happened to you.” Nitori said.

“You don’t need to apologies Nitori.” I said as we walked into the town. “So, what’s this town called and where are we going?”

“Ponyville, personally I find the pun kinda annoying but what can you do?” Nitori said as we walked through the colorful town. “I’m taking you to the Carousel Boutique. It’s ran by a unicorn named Rarity.”

‘The world I’m in is Equestria huh? Wonder why Yukari sent everyone here.’ I thought, ‘I wonder how long it’s going to take for me to find more of Gensokyo’s residents.’

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard, “Ayayayaya. Who’s that you’re with Nitori?” when I looked up I saw a woman with a white shirt with a gold cloth around her left arm, a red octagon hat, black tie, black skirt, black socks, and red shoes with a single piece of wood in the middle so it was the only part of the shoe to contact the floor.

“Hello Aya.” Nitori said obviously annoyed to see the reporter. “This is Arashi, he’s the one Yukari chose to find everyone.”

As soon as Nitori said this Aya was in my face holding a pencil and paper. “So, you’re the one she picked? Think I can ask you a few dozen questions?”

I gave Aya an amused look before replying, “You can ask two question, not a few dozen Aya. Make them count.”

Instead of being annoyed like I thought she was going to be Aya returned my amused look, “You heard, that did you? Not surprising given your wolf ears. So here are my questions, first where did Yukari find you and second why did she pick you?”

“She found me playing games based on Gensokyo and the reason she picked me was I ‘matched the criteria’ she was looking for. Well that’s your two questions, I’ll see you later Aya.” I said before turning back to Nitori.

After we Left Aya had a smirk on her face before she took to the sky’s murmuring. “Don’t think you’re going to get off that easily Arashi, I am going to get that interview. I just need to figure out how, time to come up with a plan.”

A shiver went down my spine. “I’m going to have to be careful around Aya aren’t I?” I asked.

“Yup. You caught her interest and now she’s not going to rest until she interviews you, but your safe for now. Ah, here we are this is the Carousel Boutique.” Nitori said before walking in, “Hey Rarity it’s Nitori. I bought someone who could use your help with something!”

“Bring them into my work area Nitori, we’re almost finished on this latest project.” Was the response.

I looked at Nitori, “Any ideas who she’s working with?”

“Probably Momiji. I never expected her to have sewing as a hobby.” Nitori said with a shrug.

“First you save me, then we meet Aya and now Momiji is working with Rarity. Is there anyone else from Gensokyo here in town I should know about and where are you guy’s living anyways?” I asked crossing my arms slightly annoyed.

“Well I live with a unicorn named Twilight in the town’s library, Aya lives with one of Twilight’s friends a Pegasus named Rainbow Dash in her cloud home and there are a few others living with Twilight’s other friends. Momiji lives here with Rarity who’s a unicorn. Kasen Ibara lives with the Pegasus Fluttershy outside of town. Shizuha Aki and her sister Minoriko Aki live with an earth pony named Applejack on her farm and Daiyousei lives with an earth pony named Pinkie Pie.” Nitori said as she led me to Rarity’s work room.

As we walked into the room I said. “Well that’s seven I don’t have to worry about finding but why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“You didn’t ask if there was anyone else from Gensokyo here.” Nitori replied causing me to face palm.

“Hello Nitori, who’s this and what…OH! You looked like you’ve fallen in a lake!” a white unicorn with a purple mane and tail said as she turned to look at us. Sitting on a chair next to her was a woman with curly silver hair, white wolf ears, a red hat identical to Aya’s, a white shirt with detached sleeves and two fluffy balls on the front of her shirt. She also wore a long black skirt with red trim this is the wolf tengu Momiji.

“That’s exactly what happened after Yukari pushed me out of a Gap.” I said.

“Why would she do that?” Momiji asked without turning to look because she was focused on whatever project she and Rarity were doing.

“Because I’m the one she chose to find everyone from Gensokyo, and she’s you know, Yukari? Even though that was the first time I ever met her I should have known I was going to leave the Gap in a similar way I entered.” I said.

“Well before we continue talking, YOU need to get out of those damp clothes before you catch a cold! Here is a robe I made after I met Momiji. I hope it fits but it’s better than nothing.” Rarity said as gave me a white bath robe and pushed me towards a small changing room stall.

“Alright! You didn’t need to push. Nitori can you fill them in on how I got here?” I said as I walked into the stall. Once I was inside I realized I didn’t know how to take my shirt off without ripping it so I began searching through the new information Yukari had given me.

“Just concentrate on your wings disappearing and you’re be fine.” Yukari said from a Gap that opened right in front of me causing me to yell in surprise and stumble backwards before falling on my ass.

“GAH! Yukari?!”

“Hello Arashi, I see you’ve learned that some of the residents of Gensokyo already. Good job! Seven down at least sixty-three more to go!” Yukari replied with a smile as she leaned on the edge of the Gap.

“Yukari! I have a few things I want to talk to you about!” Nitori said as she glared at the Yo-kai of Boundaries.

“Hello Nitori, Momiji it’s nice to see you again.” Yukari replied.

“Forget the pleasantries! How dare you kidnap someone just so they can find everyone! Did you even think about everyone he left behind?!” Nitori said furious that Yukari was acting like nothing was wrong.

“Of course, I did.” Yukari said rolling her eyes. “Which is why I left a perfect duplicate of him there. This way he can help us and no one gets hurt.”

“No one… NO ONE GETS HURT?! WHAT ABOUT HIM?!” Nitori yelled pointing at me. “WHILE THERE MAYBE A DUPLICATE THERE, ARASHI IS HERE! DID YOU EVEN GIVE HIM A CHOICE?! CAN HE EVEN GO BACK NOW?!”

What Nitori said made me realize how hasty I was when I promised to help, I was so deep in thought I didn’t even hear Yukari’s reply. “Nitori.”

“HOW CAN YOU BE SO THOUGHTLESS!”

“Nitori!” I said more firmly as I got to my feet.

“WHY NOT JUST SEND…”

“NITORI!” That got everyone attention. Rarity and Momiji had decide to stay out of the argument but even they were shocked when I yelled. Even Yukari and Nitori looked surprised. Taking a deep breath, I said “I already promised I’d help and I won’t go back on that! It’s true, I didn’t think about the consequences it was still my choice, but I’m going to have to live with that, and if you were about to asked about Reimu, Marisa, Ran, or Chen then I suggest you stop because we don’t know where they are. You didn’t see Yukari break down in tears as she told me what happened! Do you even know how many people got out of Gensokyo? If not I’ll tell you. Less than a hundred, and everyone who didn’t get out is gone. Not dead. Gone. Erased. We don’t even know WHO made it out. Yes, Yukari made a mistake but then again so did I. Don’t forget that Yukari is the one who MADE Gensokyo so Yo-kai wouldn’t disappear when the people of earth stopped believing in them. How do you think she feels not that everything she worked for is gone? That almost every single person she tried to protect is now erased from existence?”

That shocked both Nitori and Momiji and all the rage in Nitori’s face disappeared the moment I finished speaking. “I… I didn’t know.” Tears started flowing from her eyes. “I… I…”

Moving quickly, I embraced Nitori in a hug. “Don’t blame yourself for bringing this up. You didn’t know. How could you? I think the only other people who know are Ran and Chen, but even though I didn’t think things through properly I still thank you Nitori. Thank you for being concerned about someone you barely know.”

“How touching! I have tears in my eyes.” Yukari said as she wiped away a single tear from her right eye. “Anyways I forgot a few things before. First are these.” With that Yukari passed me two white wrist bands with maple leaves on them. “Put them on, and no matter how you turn them the pattern will always be pointed in the same direction, so it’s easy to identify which one’s which.”

Shrugging I put them on, once they were on Yukari said. “Good now here’s a question you should be able to answer easily. What kind of weapon does Momiji use?”

“A large sword that looks a little like a scimitar, and a large white shield with a red maple leaf on it.” I replied, and as I spoke I pictured the two items in my head and when I did the two wrist bands glowed white and turned into the exact items I had just describe, with the sword in my right hand and shield in my left.

“If you’re going to do this job I’m not going to send you out there empty handed, now focus on their wrist band forms to change them back. And they’ll only turn into the sword and shield when you WANT them to so no worries there. Next are your new tengu geta shoes and tabi socks, and before you ask I’m not making it that you can wear them without falling. You’re going to have to learn that on your own. I’m not going to hold your hand the entire time.” Yukari said as she reached below her and pulled a small cup out of the Gap. While a pair wooden T-shaped shoes and white socks fell out of a gap and landed next to my feet.

“Ok first you get rid of my fear of things flying at me which I’ve had since I was a kid, next you teach me Danmaku, then you turn me into a Tengu, then you give me a sword and shield and now the traditional Tengu foot wear. Is there anything else you’re going to give me? Because if this was a video game, I’m pretty sure this would count as an over powered start.” I said after returning my new sword and shield to their wrist band form.

“Depending on the game you’re talking about, it would undoubtedly be an over powered start. But considering the job ahead of you, all of this means you have what you need to start your journey, and the geta are mostly to complete your new look as a Tengu. So, in terms of power you’re near the bottom of the list. Besides do you know how many filler chapters it would take for you to learn how to use Danmaku, getting your weapons, and learning how to use your new wings would be? Yukari asked.

“Well this all but confirms my thought that I’m in a story and you stop trying to break the fourth wall? I don’t know how much more it can take!” I said crossing my arms.

“Oh, its fine, I’m the Yo-kai of Boundaries remember? Besides the ‘author’ who’s writing all this down is merely chronicling your adventure. No more, no less.” Yukari replied as she refilled her cup from a bottle that I was sure contained sake that she pulled from a second Gap. “Now that’s everything I planned to give you to start your journey. There are a few more things I want to tell you, but they can wait until you’re more use to your new abilities. I’ll just summon you when I think you’re ready. In the meantime, I’m going to go back to trying to fix Gensokyo. Ta-ta.” With that Yukari ducked back into the Gap and disappeared.