Shizuha Aki
Shizuha Aki's Fantasy Rebirth Story
Hmm.
I wonder where Miss Shizuha is.
Shizuha
Hello.
Shizuha
Isn't the back door god or the greater youkai with you today?
(That's her voice!)
They said they'll talk to you about art some other day.
Shizuha
...
Shizuha
I see... That's a bit of a shame.
Miss Shizuha!
I was looking for you!
Shizuha
Calm yourself. You are in the presence of a god.
Huh?!
Miss Shizuha?!
Shizuha
Urgh...
Shizuha
S-Sorry!
Shizuha
I'm not trying to force you to worship me or anything, it's just...
Shizuha
Well, I am one of the Yaoyorozu no Kami, and given the situation...
Shizuha
The Lost Word Incident is drawing near.
So... as a god, you're bringing out your serious side?!
Shizuha
I suppose. But it's hard to say what that really means.
Shizuha
Besides, taking things seriously isn't seen as particularly elegant here in Gensokyo.
Shizuha
I guess you could say... I'm attempting to unleash my full potential.
(That sounds way more powerful.)
Shizuha
I am Shizuha Aki, the goddess of autumn leaves, and I control the death-bringing aspects of autumn.
Shizuha
I may not have as many followers as my sister, but I believe I have more than most gods in Gensokyo.
Shizuha
I've never worried about making myself look beautiful, but this should lift my spirits and restore my dignity.
Shizuha
After all, everyone celebrates the changing leaves in autumn, just as they do cherry blossoms in spring.
You've been trying to recruit more followers lately, right?
Shizuha
I have indeed.
Is it true you paint every leaf by hand?
Shizuha
Yes. I take great pride in my work.
Shizuha
The leaves flutter and fall in a dance that signifies death, but also celebrates the life that was lived.
I heard you kick each tree to shake off its leaves.
Shizuha
Y-You know an awful lot.
Since we met, I've been trying to learn all about you!
Shizuha
Hehe, you're full of faith.
Shizuha
But these days, I'm starting to feel I shouldn't put so much effort into recruiting followers.
Why's that?
Shizuha
If faith gathers around Minoriko, more and more crops will grow, providing food for the villagers.
Shizuha
With plenty to eat, they'll seek other ways to enrich their lives, and they'll come to love art and the splendor of nature.
Shizuha
Before long, faith in me will grow. In a way, a love of beauty shows a culture's maturity.
Shizuha
In the end, autumn's arrival will begin playing a role in the villagers' lives.
Shizuha
It will no longer be a timid village, struggling desperately to survive...
Shizuha
...but one that creates and leaves a record of itself behind. It will have entered a new stage entirely.
But... wouldn't that be a good thing for you?
Shizuha
It would. And it would fill me with joy.
Shizuha
But recently...
Shizuha
...children in the village have started calling me the Drawing Lady!
Shizuha
They ask me to teach them art and poetry in exchange for their faith!
Wow...
They must really like you!
Shizuha
I adore children.
Shizuha
But what they feel for me isn't faith...
N-Now I see why you were acting like that before.
Shizuha
Yes.
Shizuha
A threat is lurking below the surface.
Shizuha
I need to maintain my dignity as a goddess, or else people won't turn to me in their time of need.
Shizuha
I don't know what to do...
That's why you asked about Miss Okina and Miss Yukari.
Shizuha
With all their knowledge and experience, I was hoping they'd be able to give me some advice.
Maybe this will help...
Here, this is for you.
Shizuha
I'd heard rumors about the Youkai Sage giving out costumes...
Shizuha
May I open it?
Of course.
Shizuha
Wow...
Shizuha
What a wonderful dress!
Shizuha
I see... So the sage wants me to unleash my power as a goddess and protect those who follow me.
Oh, before I forget. Miss Yukari said...
...you're not to wear it until the time comes.
Till then, you'll have to dress as you normally do.
Shizuha
What?!
Shizuha
*sob* *sob*
Shizuha
...
Shizuha
Wait...!
Shizuha
Could it be you gave me this costume because you knew I was struggling?
I-I don't know what you're talking about.
After all, you're a goddess, and I'm only human.
Shizuha
...I see.
Shizuha
Either way, I suppose now's not the time for questions like that.
Shizuha
I am a mountain god, and I bless the village with autumn.
Shizuha
...With my sister's help, that is!
Shizuha
I reside on the mountain, and with all my power, I am the subject of a great many rituals and prayers.
Shizuha
But not only that...
Shizuha
I also walk among the people and work to protect them.
Shizuha
Gods take many forms. They come and go, giving strength to the people. I am no different.
Miss Shizuha...
That was wonderful!
Shizuha
Thank you, PLAYER! I can see things more clearly now.
Shizuha
When the time comes, I'll fulfill my role as a goddess...
Shizuha
...so that I might protect the children in the village.
Costume Presentation
Shizuha Aki
Unlike spring, autumn is cold, so hardly anyone climbs the mountain to see the autumn foliage. Your faith in trekking up here deserves a reward. Enjoy the leaves dancing silently on the wind. They're much more elegant than cherry blossoms.
