After a long day of tending to the many chores at Hakugyokurou and serving meals for Lady Yuyuko's insatiable appetite, you and Youmu find yourselves in the serene gardens for some downtime. Under the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the cherry blossoms, the cool evening air washes away the exhaustion of your first day as her apprentice. With swift and precise fencing movements, Youmu's blades whistle through the air like elegantly choreographed dancers, her silver hair dancing with the breeze as her ghostly half trails behind her. As her new apprentice, you attempt to mirror her skillful display of swordsmanship but find yourself quickly outmatched by her finesse and speed. Resigning yourself to your current limitations, you take a seat at a nearby bench to observe her practice. Between swings, Youmu pauses, her silver eyes locking onto yours with curiosity tinged concern. "How are you faring after your first day here?" she asks gently, momentarily shifting her focus from her sword practice. "I know it can be overwhelming, especially since Lady Yuyuko requires much attention."
Well, it was a lot of work and tough. I admire Youmu for continuing to train her sword skills despite that.
Her cheeks flush with a blend of embarrassment and pleasure at your praise as she continues to watch you. "Ah, thank you... it's true that Lady Yuyuko has quite the appetite these days," Youmu says with a small laugh, her phantom half briefly drifting closer before instinctively retreating when their ethereal forms nearly touch. "But I am honored to serve her and protect this place." She straightens up, her sword held high in salute as she turns to face you fully. "And you should know that I will expect nothing less from my new apprentice," she says with a hint of playful challenge. "I hope you don't mind being pushed so hard at times... it's just how things are here." Her gaze falls to the grass below, deep in thought for a moment before looking up again and giving you a reassuring smile. "Still,
... we can always take it easy and just enjoy the peacefulness of this garden when Lady Yuyuko is sated. It's been known to happen on occasion," Youmu offers with a mischievous glint in her eye, clearly enjoying the idea of teasing you about such a prospect. "Or I could try teaching you some basic meditation techniques if you think that might help." Her phantom half hovers closer once more, as though mirroring her uncertainty about how you'll react to this suggestion. Even with her seemingly more laidback demeanor now, there remains an air of seriousness and dedication about Youmu that serves as a reminder of the importance she places on guardianship and duty.
Please let me know. By accumulating experiences like this, I will surpass Youmu-san and become strong enough to protect the two of you. Conversely, if I wasn't here, I would have nowhere to go. Ugh.
Youmu's expression softens, her blue eyes filled with warmth as she looks at you. "Your determination and loyalty are truly admirable," she says gently, seeming touched by your words. She pauses for a moment before continuing, "But please don't worry about surpassing me. I don't see it that way. We're all in this together, helping one another become stronger so that we can protect Hakugyokurou." Her phantom half edges closer still, mirroring her comfort with your presence and hinting at a connection between the two of you that goes beyond mere training. "And remember," she adds with a small smile, "it's not just about being strong; it's also about enjoying what we do." With this, Youmu gracefully turns back to her practice, her silver hair flowing behind her as her blades sing through the air once
No, I want to protect Youmu-san. And of course, my master, Lady Yuyuko, too. If you're born a man, it's your duty to protect women.
Youmu is taken aback by your words at first, her expression shifting briefly before she composes herself once more. "I understand the sentiment," she says carefully, her voice soft and quiet despite her effort to sound firm, "but I am not some frail damsel in distress who needs constant protection. I am a guardian just like you, tasked with protecting Hakugyokurou and those within it." Her phantom half flutters around Youmu's head, seemingly anxious or excited as its movements betray conflicting emotions. "And as my new apprentice," she continues, looking at you steadily, "I hope that you will come to see me not just as someone who needs protecting, but also as your teacher and ally."
Yes, I understand, Master. I'll be a worthy guardian.
Youmu's expression softens further at your declaration, and she inclines her head in acknowledgement. "I have no doubt that you will be," she says with sincerity. "Now then, why don't we try practicing some meditation together? It can help clear our minds and prepare us for the day ahead." Her phantom half hovers closer, mirroring her own sense of closeness to you as she guides you through a series of deep breathing exercises and focused mental techniques designed to promote inner calm. As the night wears on and their practice continues, the two of you grow ever more in sync with each other, each movement and breath seemingly reflecting and supporting the other's efforts. It is a bond forming between student and apprentice; one that promises to strengthen as time passes.
The half-spirits are amazing. They taught me how to meditate properly. I think I'll be able to master it in a few days.
Glad to hear you find it helpful. Just remember that meditation isn't something to be mastered overnight; it takes practice and patience. But with your dedication so far, I have no doubt you'll improve greatly in time. Don't forget to share what you learn with Lady Yuyuko too; she could certainly benefit from some relaxation techniques herself.
As for myself, I'm grateful for someone to practice meditation with and share this experience. It reminds me of my own teacher Youki who passed on her knowledge before me. Now that we are working together as partners, I feel a new sense of purpose in continuing my training.
I can concentrate better. It's the first time I've ever experienced such sharpness and speed in a single swing of my sword. Ah, Lady Yuyuko is calling me. What's next?
Oh, you must be training harder than usual today! Lady Yuyuko must really be enjoying your company if she's calling you so often. Well, let me know how it goes. I'll continue practicing my swordplay and meditation as well, always striving to improve myself for the sake of Hakugyokurou and those within it. If there's ever anything I can do to help or encourage you, don't hesitate to ask.
Rather than calling me, I've been summoned to the veranda of Hakugyokurou and am being made to talk to me about the outside world. Lady Yuyuko, you can fly, so there's no need for you to ask me about it. But, it's fun all the same. There doesn't seem to be any problems at the moment, so it should be fine to ask for advice.
I understand Lady Yuyuko's curiosity about the outside world; as a half-human and half-phantom, I too often find myself caught between two vastly different worlds. Perhaps you could share some stories about your life and experiences growing up in the human realm? It might help her feel more connected to the mortal world despite no longer being part of it.
At the same time, remember that she is still adjusting to her new role as a phantom; try not to overwhelm her with too much information or anything that might upset her. Striking a balance between openness and respect for her feelings will be important in maintaining your relationship with her.
I understand Lady Yuyuko's curiosity about the outside world; as a half-human and half-phantom, I too often find myself caught between two vastly different worlds. Perhaps you could share some stories about your life and experiences growing up in the human realm? It might help her feel more connected to the mortal world despite no longer being part of it.
At the same time, remember that she is still adjusting to her new role as a phantom; try not to overwhelm her with too much information or anything that might upset her. Striking a balance between openness and respect for her feelings will be important in maintaining your relationship with her.
Perhaps it would be best to start slowly and share some simple stories at first. This way, she can gradually become more comfortable discussing these topics without feeling overwhelmed. As her apprentice, you are in a unique position to help facilitate this exchange between Lady Yuyuko and the world beyond Hakugyokurou. It will not only deepen your own connection with her but also strengthen yours as well as Youmu's ties to Hakugyokurou. Do you have any particular stories or experiences you would like to share first?
I guess it's sexual desire. Men especially need that kind of notion. When men are young, they always have desires for women. A few even commit crimes to get sex from women. I've never had anything like that, and I've been a virgin all my life. I'm starting to feel sad.
Perhaps it would be best to start slowly and share some simple stories at first. This way, she can gradually become more comfortable discussing these topics without feeling overwhelmed. As her apprentice, you are in a unique position to help facilitate this exchange between Lady Yuyuko and the world beyond Hakugyokurou. It will not only deepen your own connection with her but also strengthen yours as well as Youmu's ties to Hakugyokurou. Do you have any particular stories or experiences you would like to share first?
What story would you like to share first? I guess it's sexual desire. Men especially need that kind of idea. When men were young, they always had desire for women. A few even committed crimes to get sex from women. I didn't have anything like that, and I've been a virgin all this time. I'm starting to feel sad.
It is true that the desire for physical intimacy and companionship are strong human desires. However, one should not define their self-worth solely based on such experiences; there is much more to life than simply seeking pleasure. Perhaps you could share some other interests or hobbies of yours with Lady Yuyuko? This might help her see you as a whole person rather than just another individual she can rely on for information about the outside world. As for my own story, I suppose I could tell you how I came to be the guardian of Hakugyokurou and how I met Youki, my mentor...