Yuuka Kazami's Nice, Pleasant, Only Mildly Deadly Teatime

The subtlety of power was colored by its usage.

The difference between a god and a monster wasn’t the amount of power that could be brought to bear, but how that power was used. A god of fire warmed and protected. A monster of fire burnt and killed.

Perhaps that was a bit of an oversimplification for Gods were well known for their violent whimsy and even monsters had that which they protected, but then again, Yuuka Kazami was a simple woman. She enjoyed her flowers, destroyed those that would needlessly break the cycle of blossoms, and held lovely tea times for herself and her guests.

One of the strongest Youkai, Yuuka’s domain was of flowers ,and in her, admittedly wrathful, defense of flowers from human greed, Yuuka would freely admit that she was monstrous. But to those who cherished flowers, who cared for and took in moderation while remembering to return in payment, well then! Yuuka was quite happy to have teatime.

As of right now, Yuuka was tending to her Garden, clipping broken flowers, soothing broken stems, patting broken ground back to rights, simple maintenance for the aftermath of the day’s events.  The cats had rampaged through long ago, eating and chewing and destroying many of the smaller flowers, especially those that bloomed silvervine, but… well, that was cats for you. Always biting and chewing on the pretty things.

Yuuka couldn’t help but enjoy such honest and free creatures. While it hurt to have the flowers destroyed, it was not… well, it was senseless destruction, but not that of the human variety. The flowers, while nibbled on, would easily recover with some care. Not like how humans destroyed things. Oh no.

Cats destroyed whimsically. Humans destroyed decisively. Thus, Yuuka had the neat little failsafe of preemptively scaring humans away to protect her gardens.

Constant, large, senseless destruction of flowers was the surest way to rouse Yuuka’s wrath, but people always forget that sensible youkai ike Yuuka had rules to their wrath. No one simply bothered to learn Yuuka’s and Yuuka Kazami didn’t care to educate them.

Sidenote, Yuuka was fine with people visiting and even picking flowers from her Gardens. All she asked was proper love, care, and respect given to flowers.

Some wondered how a mere Youkai of flowers had grown to be so powerful. Yuuka didn’t know nor did she care to find out. She guarded and cared for the flowers and the flowers knew and loved her in return. Tit for tat, tat for tit, that was things simple enough.

For all the usefulness that her fearsome reputation gave her, Yuuka did wish she had more visitors for teatime. But…

Ah, it would be rude to lament the rarity of guests for tea when a guest for tea was coming in.

Standing up from where she had been tending a patch of unbloomed foxglove, Yuuka twirled her parasol as she teased, “You do know most people fear me?”

The man, one of the few men who dared in Gensokyo, paused, taking a hand out of his sleeve to scratch at his head, “Uh, sorry? ...Would you like me… to scream or something?”

Ah, Renku always knew to play along with her little jokes. Though Yuuka wondered if it was more polite to call him by his new epithet. Something to be discussed over tea then.

“No,” Yuuka shook her head with a small smile, “You’re terrible at feigning horror, Renku,” motioning with her hand, she bid the Sunflowers to open a path to her usual tea area, “Come, you’ve become many more things since last we met, but I hope what matters has stayed the same. Join me for teatime and share your new stories..”

“It’s evening.” Renku raised an eyebrow, following her regardless and taking a seat.

Gesturing to the table’s layout, Yuuka declared decisively, “And I have brewed a spot of tea and even prepared some cookies to go with them. We will be having tea at this time and will it not then be teatime?”

“...Can’t argue with that,” Renku said, lifting a cup in a pantomime of a cheer.

Yuuka returned it. Renku truly was one of the better guests. None of that silly fear most had. The customary idle talk began. A how-do-you-do, how were you holding up, small, meaningless talk like that.

Elly and Kurumi had peeked in on the teatime, and while Yuuka had waved at them to join, the scythe-weilding watcher and the little demonic guardian had silently shook their heads before returning to maintaining the Garden. Ah, how Yuuka wished she could help them move past their fear, but minds were much harder to tend to then flowers.

Renku may have been one of the thumans, but he was a nicer sort and had a temper tamed by time unlike the Black-White Witch and the Red-White Miko. Yuuka hoped that interacting with him would raise her two little servants’ spirits back to before the Lotus Land Incident. Strange business filled with misunderstanding, but it all worked out for the better. Mugenkan, Yuuka’s former domain, had successfully been claimed by Gensokyo, and things were much more stable all around.

…Hm, perhaps Yuuka could call in that favor? Have Renku play a bout of Danmaku with Elly and Kurumi to get them used to the new rules?

…Perhaps not, what with the new aside that Renku had dropped about his most recent Danmaku with a young bakaneko.

“My goodness, you used that technique!?” Yuuka placed a hand on her throat, shocked and appalled, “That one could drive gods to tears, and you used it on such a little thing?”

Frantically waving her hands, Renku sputtered, “I thought it would help deescalate things!”

Yuuka had the misfortune of being targeted by that spellcard once. She won, of course, but that was a horrid experience. Trust a Fool to weaponize grief. Sipping her tea, Yuuka chided, “Just stab her in the chest next time then! She’s a youkai; she’d recover! Blooming blossoms, it’d be less traumatic for the poor dear!”

“It hurts getting stabbed!” the Fool protested, taking a nibble of a cookie. Snickerdoodles, naturally. Her cinnamon had just been dried and was perfect for that small kick at the end.

Taking a cookie for herself, Yuuka refuted, “You wouldn’t know that!”

“How’d our first meeting go again?” Renku growled, tapping his chin thoughtfully, “I seem to remember a parasol in the chest.”

Well, that was a tad awkward, but Yuuka did remember a bit of an incident with a parasol in their first meeting. In her defense, she thought the Fool was fast enough to dodge, “Oh, you got better. How are your fairies?”

“Oh, just changing the topic now, eh?” Renku crossed his arms with a huff.

“I don’t see why we need to retread what has already been addressed, I stabbed you, you survived, I apologized, and now we have made amends,” Yuuka waved her hand in the air, dispelling past concerns, “What you did to the poor kitten, while horrid, is no different. I trust you have already made reparations and helped the dear?”

Renku was a Fool, but a kind one, Yuuka thought. If there were a few things one could trust, one could trust in the fact that fools made mistakes and that those fools were stubborn enough to try and fix those mistakes, regardless of whether or not they could be fixed.

Traumatizing a small kitten seemed to be one of the more fixable ones thankfully.

“...Yeah,” Renku sighed, slumping in his chair most crassly. Yuuka forgave it. He had had a rough day after all, “Got the Ni-Yousei to help Chen with her cat problem. It’s pretty much solved now. Though, last I checked, the Mansion has a bunch more cats now.”

What was a Ni-You-- Oh. The Moon Fairy had gone to the library, leaving only Two Fairies. San to Ni. Ni-Yousei. Clever.

Solving that question as soon as it had appeared, Yuuka proceeded to focus her thoughts on the Fool’s worries,“Then I see no point in fussing over this. You committed a mistake, you took steps to rectify it, now we only await to see what springs forth.”

“Lots of flowery words and puns from you, eh?”

“I am the Flower Master of Four Seasons for a reason, Renku,” Yuuka giggled. Oh, the casualness and daring of this fool. So much fun, “Now, tell me! How are your fairies!? I do so adore the little things.”

“...Not the best,” Renku sighed, leaning his head back over the rim of his headrest.

Yuuka sighed, “Normally, one would simply share cheerful anecdotes when asked about their children. Or so I believe. That is how the human custom goes when one asks about the small things, correct?”

“First off, they’re not my kids,” Renku refuted, holding up a finger as he sipped his tea “They just like to hang around this dusty old depressive.”--Another finger joined the first-- “Second off, I love that you refer to children as little things.”--Another beat and the duo of digits became a trio--”Finally, and third off, I believe in being honest. If you want a cute story, ask for it next time. I gave you a straight answer to a question. Be more specific with what you want.”

“Point to you,” Yuuka nodded, “ do love how blunt you are.”

“As do I to your… bluntness,” Renku tried for cleverness before sighing at his failure, “Wow, I am bad at words right now. Funny seeing how my hobby is running a radio show,” Renku sipped his tea, “Why can’t everybody be as straightforward as us?”

“Things would be much simpler, wouldn’t it?” Yuuka sighed, twirling her parasol idly as she sipped, “Well, if I can’t have a cute story, I shall settle for drama then. What’s wrong with your fairies?”

“Once again, not mine. But sure,” Renku muttered. Taking a deep breath, he set his tea down to steeple his fingers in though. Yuuka set her tea down also. This was evidently going to be a longer rant than usual.

One beat. Two beat. Then the Fool began to dump the entirety of his worries, “There’s a lot of anger between the San-Yousei and Daiyousei. Conflict about bossiness? I’m sure there’s something deeper, but I was never good at mending those sort of things, only exacerbating them. I’m worried I’ve placed a… I don’t know how to phrase it. Role? Expectation? Goal? I don’t know, but Daiyousei is trying to be a leader and it’s causing friction with the others. CIrno doesn’t care, thankfully, and she acts as a counterweight to Dai’s more controlling tendencies. Unfortunately, Luna’s off working at the library a lot of the time, and she’s typically the one that tempers the San-Yousei impulsiveness. I’m proud that she’s doing what she loves, but I wish she was there to be the voice of reason too.”

Just a tad overwhelmed, Yuuka languidly blinked at the verbal onslaught. “Seems like quite a bit to ponder and wonder over, hm?”

“It really is,” Renku sighed, sliding his face down his arm to lay his cheek on the table, “...I can’t bring myself to regret their company though. Just… Am I doing things right?”--Rolling from his cheek to his face, Renku mumbled into the table, “Is there even a right way to do things? I’m an outsider. Do I have a right to make all these changes?”

“You truly are a marvel, Renku,” Yuuka murmured to the surprise of the Fool A marvel in how the intersection of cleverness and stupidity was less two circles slightly overlapping and simply one very large circle. “A marvel just as much as you are a fool. Lowercase fool to be precise, not that silly epithet you’ve claimed.” Lifting her teacup for a sip and then placing it back down, Yuuka explained the obvious, “Gensokyo has claimed you already. You are as much an outsider as the wind and water that cycles in and out of the Hakurei Barrier.. Less even, for you stay to live with the results of your actions.”

“Oh please,” Renku denied like an idiot, “I’m just an idiot with strange abilities and memories and an even stranger desire that I can barely voice properly.” Leaning back on his chair, he spread his arms out in exaggeration, “And claimed? How can I be claimed when most residents barely know me! I just broke a tengu’s camera earlier today because it had a picture of my face! I’m a coward, Yuuka. Just… hiding.” He slumped, “Look at me, forcing all of Gensokyo to play along to my whims while I try to act out my dream to figure out what exactly it is I want from Gensokyo.”

…Flowers were easy. Minds and spirits were not.

Deciding to try a different tact, Yuuka held out a hand, “It’s a kinder dream than most.”

With only a bit of hesitation, Renku place his hand into hers, whispering, “Do you really think so?”

Squeezing softly, Yuuka nodded, “I’ve seen many flowers picked, many lives crushed, many meanings and justifications given by those who pursue dreams, especially the crueler ones.” Yuuka smiled, “And while dreams may lie in the realm of the Baku, flowers are my domain no matter the season.” Using her other hand to pat Renku’s hand, “I know yours is a kinder one than most.”

“...I don’t get what flowers have to do with dreams.”

More than one would think. Back when Mugenkan had not been claimed by Gensokyo, back when Yuuka Kazami was… more, well… the realm of the Baku often intersected with the Mansion of Fantasies. Dreams and fantasy and flowers all intertwined, and still do.

She did not say that. Instead, Yuuka decided to steer Renku to other lines of thought, gesturing to the garden, “Many flowers bloom here in my garden, and I’m sure you’ve always found some you lean towards.”

“I’ve always liked lotus flowers,” Renku murmured before scratching the back of his head with a rueful laugh, “But maybe I just like food. Lotus mooncakes are always good.”

The fool’s self-deprecation was mildly entertaining, but Yuuka had long grown tired of it. Treating his seemingly whimsical answer with the utmost seriousness, Yuuka recited the meaning of the lotus flower, “A search for enlightenment, healing, and reincarnation. Its flower blooms from muddy water and its beauty is because of where it comes, not in spite of it.”

“Okay, so that’s what we’re doing,” Renku muttered, “You’re doing the obtuse wisdom thing, zen koans. Gotcha.”

Yuuka raised an eyebrow. The Fool truly didn’t think such a weak deflection would deter her focus.

“...Okay, can’t deflect with shitty jokes. Fine,” Renku surrendered. A deep breath, a fortifying sip, he tried to respond, “...Logically, I understand that, but…”

“There is no need for logic here,” Yuuka cut off. If she let the fool talk too much, he may yet escape this self-reflection, “Lotus flowers may only bloom in muddy waters, but they are all that much more beautiful for it,l and all that helped it bloom has that beauty reflected. No. The lotus flower reflects and condenses the beauty of its surroundings.”

“Are you calling me beautiful then?” Renku tried to deflect once more.

“Absolutely,” Yuuka smiled, laying her chin on interwoven fingers, “Simply a wonder to behold.”

The blush on the fool’s cheeks was so wonderfully scarlet. Roses were a bit cliche to compare such a lovely shade of red, but it could be forgiven, right?

“Oh?” Yuuka tittered, “Have I truly silenced the Fool with a Voice with nothing but a compliment?”

Looking away and hiding his face with the sleeve of his happi coat, Renku mumbled, “I liked it better when you tried to kill me for trespassing way back when.”

“It was never with any real effort, Renku<” Yuuka dismissed, reminiscing of that first meeting. She never seeked out fights, but she always enjoyed them. For all the fool’s strange tricks and incessant escape attempts, Yuuka had enjoyed herself that day,  It’s simply a warning to those weak and a test for those strong enough to see if they’re worth passing the time with tea together.”

“Did I pass?”

Raising an eyebrow, Yuuka poured herself a new cup of tea and sipped, “Well, you’re having a lovely teatime with me now, aren’t you?”

“...Fair enough.”

The Fool heard her, but he wasn’t truly listening. How annoying.

“I say that all that came before has helped you bloom, and I stand by that, but you should also remember that you have been replanted in new soil. Take your time in this new landscape you live in now, no longer ash and dust.”

“I get that you’re the Mistress of Flowers, but really? Flowery, literally flowery, metaphors?” Renku chided, tucking his arms into his sleeves once more.

Yuuka liked Renku, but even she grew tired of his obtuse stubbornness and refusal to see the good in himself. Sending a playful flick to the forehead, Yuuka refilled Renku’s teacup amidst the resounding snap, “Mm. I enjoy what I enjoy.”

Neck crackling back into place, Renku rubbed it as he rolled it around, “I think I died from that head flick, Yuuka.”

“You survived,” Yuuka waved a hand dismissively, “so it was merely a playful flick. Besides, you were being stupid.” She took a sip “Still are. You told me once that Gensokyo was nothing but a story for you, but that you planned to live. Yet here I see you treating yourself as nothing but a distant reader, a voyeur. Continue this little lie to yourself and you may find yourself dead.”

“Death’s a suggestion for me, you know you know!”

Yuuka raised an eyebrow, “Does it mean it hurts any less to yourself and those around you?”

It was gratifying to see the Fool think over this line, truly think. Even more gratifying to hear him acquiesce, “...Fine, not the point. Gah, you’re right. I’ll try and do better.”

Yuuka supposed that would be the closest she had to victory for the day. Ah, if she helped a friend have just that bit more of an urge to live, so be it. That would be enough to call this teatime a success.

“For a Fool so honest with his words, you lie to yourself quite often. I grow tired now, so I”ll leave you with my take on what to do next with the fairies.” Holding out a hand, she waited for Renku to place his in it again and then squeezed softly, “Let it be. Handle each conflict as it arises, but until it arises, simply leave it be.”

“That seems contrary to what I thought you’d say,” Renku murmured.

“What’d you think I’d say?”

“To do prepwork? Tackle problems before they arise? Nip it in the bud?”

She couldn’t help herself and giggled. Was that truly what she sounded like? Goodness, so many silly flower puns. Yuuka decided she’d have to do more, “That’s for initially growing the lovelies; prepping the ground, tilling the soil, watering and feeding. The rest is simply a matter of time. You know there is a problem, but attempting to address it without fully understanding the root causes will simply worsen it.”

“...Thanks, Yuuka,” Renku squeezed and stood up.

“You’re welcome. Now go,” Yuuka emphasized with her hand, “I really am exhausted with you.”

“Fair enough,” Renku chuckled, sliding his chair in politely, “I’ll take my leave then. Thanks for the tea. Jasmine, eh?”

“It seemed to be your favored blend. Personally, I love all teas though, no matter the flower.”

“You would, you sap.”

Yuuka laughed. He wasn’t wrong. Standing up and waving a hand to open up the way,  Yuuka curtsied even as she left her final opinions for the Fool, “Just remember that Gensokyo has claimed you. For good or for ill, you are as much a part of her and she is of you now.”

“...Logically, that makes sense, but… here? Here, I still feel as if I’m waiting to…”

While annoying that the worries hadn’t simply disappeared despite her hard work, Yuuka understood that some wounds simply took… more to heal. Sighing softly, Yuuka corrected herself, “Earlier, I said that all that came before has helped you bloom, but that was… a bit too simple. There is a part of you hurt and raw and poisoned from that time, but… you bloomed in spite of it.”

“...Thanks, Yuuka,” Renku bowed, evidently done with this little teatime. Stepping forward with two arms open, he said, “It was lovely having tea with you again. TIll next time then.”

Stepping into the embrace, Yuuka hugged Renku tightly. It was so very nice to meet somebody so free with touch, “Bring your fairies next time. I would like to meet them.”

Stepping out of the hug, Renku turned to leave, “They’re still scared of you, but… I’ll try. Ciao for now.”

“Before you go,” Yuuka said, deciding to make sure that the Fool had really understood what she said. Seeing Renku stopped, she intoned, “Remember Gensokyo has claimed you.”

Eyebrow raised, face just a tad annoyed, Renku grumbled, “You literally just said that. What does that even mean?”

“Three times repeated helps even a fool to begin remembering a thought.” Yuuka opened up her parasol and began to walk away, “And I think you already know, silly Fool. You begin and end your transmission with her loving greed after all.”

“...Till next we dream, then,” Renku bowed his head, stepping through the path.

Allowing the curtain of sunflowers to close behind the Fool, Yuuka returned, “Till next we dream.”

Having bid her guest a proper farewell, Yuuka returned to her tea table to sip at her tea. Teatime was over, but dinner would be soon. When Elly and Kurumi finished with their duties, this would be where the three of them would reconvene. For now, the Flower Master simply waited.

What a sad world that Fool escaped from. One where no flowers bloomed. She hoped that such a world never came to be, but…

Ah well, it wouldn’t do to worry about that final winter when a much more imminent one was soon here. Fall’s flowers would soon fall, and while that was sad, Yuuka always loved seeing the flowers of winter’s struggles to bloom.

Yes, Yuuka thought as she felt the presence of  the Fool with a Voice waver out of her Garden, they always were more beautiful for the struggle.