Those in between the Boundaries of Human and Youkai

Youkai are alien, Youkai are mysterious, and most importantly, Youkai are the majority in this land.

Even within the confines of the Human Village, one has the privilege to see all sorts of Youkai given enough time.

The Zashiki-Warashi that inhabits a household, fairies that dance on the skies, their childish whims, choosing a fun destination.

Many youkai could be seen in the perimeter of the village so long as the opportunity arises, yet how is it that the worlds of both human and youkai are so far apart despite how close they are?

***

The omnipresent Sun preparing to rest has marked the coming of the stars.

As the blazing equines that pull the blazing chariot prepare their descent, the time for the cold embrace of night has begun once more as the people go inside and the Human Village begin to light small yet numerous sparks to combat the dark.

Walking along the soon-to-empty road, I can't help but notice as the chilling breeze whisper ever so closely my ears.

While people could still be seen out and about at this time, it might as well be considered deserted when compared to the bustling marketplace just this morning.

The fear of the dark is most prevalent in this place where technology has yet to drag everything into the light.

Where the predators born from humanity's irrational fear and plight roam every corner of the land untouched by artificial lights.

Even so, there are those unafraid of the obvious dangers before them. Just like a certain apathetic man.

As I thread along the silent now silent path, wondering how to get back to Hakurei Shrine without being chased by some feral youkai, a wonderful encounter soon presented itself unto me.

Some distance away is a young girl with short silver hair to contrast her black ribbon and soft blue eyes, donning an elegant aquamarine vest and skirt on top of a white undershirt that had a black bow tie in front.

Carrying two katanas of different sizes, one long and one short. She was eye-catching, to say the least.

However, the most notable part about her is the ghastly, semi-transparent blob that nearly hugged her form, a phantom.

Without a doubt , the one in front of me is Konpaku Youmu, the Half-Human Half-Phantom Gardener of the Netherworld.

I wonder what she's here for even though it's getting quite late?

"Out on some errands, Youmu-san?"

"Kyaah!" *WHOOSH*

Her long katana slashed at my direction, clearly startled when I attempted to talk when she wasn't paying attention.

"Stop! It's just me, Youmu-san!" Why the hell is a half-youkai so easy to scare? Is it the human side or the youkai side influencing her mind?

"Masashi-san!? I-I thought you were a gh-ghost." Shivering at the thought of a ghost despite being half of one really is astounding. Even her phantom half is following along.

"Shouldn't I be the one that's afraid of ghost? Are you the helpless outsider or me?"

"Don't joke about that stuff! You know I'm not good with scary things!" Even so, someone afraid of their own kind is an odd sight.

"If anything, you should be the scary one, Youmu-san. That phantom-half of yours isn't something a normal person has."

"Ghosts are totally different from Phantoms! Don't get them mixed up so easily!" The swaying phantom besides her bopped its head, seemingly agreeing with her as it sent a cool air towards me.

"If you say so..." Of course, I've long known of the differences between spirits, yet I can't help but mess with Youmu.

Perhaps my emotions aren't so suppressed after all.

"Hnnn, Lady Yuyuko asked me to get some snacks for the party at Hakurei Shrine. Do you mind lending a hand?"

Youmu's master huh, Reimu told me that she's well acquainted with that woman I made a deal with. Is that why her figure appeared at that time?

"That's fine with me, so long as you protect from any youkai on the way back."

"Don't worry, with my Roukanken, the things I can not cut are next to none!" The almost fearful look she previously showed dropped, her eyes now full of diligence and a sharpness that could match the swords she carries.

"No need to get so carried away Youmu-san, you didn't even notice the ghost right behind you."

"Muuu, that trick won't work me!"

Youmu waved her hands in a fist up high, irritated of the constant teasing.

"Oh well, let's get going then. We don't want to be late after all." Especially when it cornered the Mistress of the Netherworld and her food, how is it that a ghost turned into such a gluttonous being?

The wonders of Youkai are beyond my understanding even now. Even asking them directly only leads to more and more questions that leave me dissatisfied with my shallow understanding of them.

However, there are much more pressing matters to attend to. A party held at the Hakurei Shrine means that a few youkai might be there.

***

Thus began the little late night shopping trip of the youkai-obsessed outsider and the half-youkai Gardener.

A man from the mundane wishing to understand the fantastical and illusory, pairing along with one whose nature comes from both mortal and inhuman.

Both thread in-between the boundaries of what many may consider normal or within the bounds of common sense, but what use do those have in the Land of Fantasy?