Ch. 0

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From the logs of a nameless Gensokyo surveyor,

If one were to travel around Gensokyo and ask "What is your favorite season of the year?", he or she would receive a large variety of responses. Many humans would cite spring for its beauty or fall for the food. The celestials would comment that it didn't matter, the weather was the same all year around, while the Underworlders would reply that it didn't matter, there were no seasons underground. The fairies would merely cry out that every day was play day, and the youkai would roll their eyes at the question, answer haughtily and obscurely, or look at you like you're clueless food. Because, quite frankly, it was a human-ish question only meant for humans to consider.

Yet, as one may eventually find, some of the most interesting responses would be from those who often danced the line between human and not-human. For example, Reimu Hakurei, the Shrine Maiden of Paradise who was known for her relentless beating of youkai, may or may not have provided a non-committal and youkai-like answer. Her friend, Marisa Kirisame, a human burglar witch, would answer that some of the ingredients or components that she needed were only available during a certain season. And Sanae Kochiya, a living human/goddess, would say that she enjoyed the warmness of autumn as it reminded her of home.

In the case of one Sakuya Izayoi, though, a human maid that can manipulate time, it seemed that she never considered this question before. All seasons had their merits and their downsides, but she really didn't think much of the differences. Her master's mood varied day to day, and she accommodated the scarlet vampire's needs and wants first before her own. But if she were gently pushed for an answer, one would notice a rare yet fond smile appear as she thought for a few moments and then gave her reply.

"Spring."

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