Chapter Text
Perched on the roof of the Myouren Temple were Byakuren and Kanako, the gloaming time of day bathing Gensokyo's skyline with shades of purple and blue, the stars above beginning to glimmer.
The cool spring breeze was comfortable enough, not to mention that the two were sat close with Kanako's arm around Byakuren's shoulders.
She knew what the priestess was ruminating on when her eyes strayed to where the cave to Makai used to be, where the one culpable still resided.
The landmark served as a reminder as to what had happened and the sheer scale of Shinki's invasion, along with the damage she had left in her wake.
For Byakuren, the betrayal ran deep considering her involvement Shinki.
And it was because of Shinki that Yukari was gone and so many others had perished.
"I often wonder if it would have been possible to change the course of what happened last year, if there could have been a way to stop Shinki before she invaded".
Byakuren's soft voice floated around them as the goddess held her closer, "Who can say, Byakuren. What Shinki did was something she had been planning for too long. So if you are shouldering onto the guilt for her actions..".
Kanako's other hand slipped under Byakuren's chin to get the woman to look at her, those hazel eyes focused on her rather than the cave.
"Are you?".
"Perhaps there is a part of me that should have known" Byakuren sighed, her hand over Kanako's knee, "But I understand that the only one responsible for this is Shinki. Still, I cannot help but wonder".
Especially when she looks at Alice, Reimu and Eri.
A family that was almost torn apart because of Shinki's misguided actions.
And then there was Yukari's missing presence.
Kanako understood as she gently skimmed her thumb over Byakuren's cheek, "It is inevitable, so long as you know the truth of the matter. This will take time to move on from, Byakuren, so don't rush it. More so, talk to me".
The priestess smiled, grateful for Kanako's unwavering support, "I believe this goes without saying. I don't think I would have managed to remain as composed if not for you".
Kanako grinned, "You give me too much credit. If there is somebody who is the embodiment of resilience, it is you" she then added, expression softening, "That being said, you are never without me to help you".
The earnestness in Kanako's tone, the way those crimson eyes were looking at her; Byakuren felt her wandering thoughts become stationary.
She moved closer to the goddess, tipping her head up as the hand around her shoulders and the one still on her face centred her.
With a lull in the vicinity, it was a peaceful moment which added to the tenderness of their kiss.
Nothing more was needed other than the delicate skim of their lips as they held each other, the softness of the exchange melding into the tranquillity.
Another stark awakening as to what Gensokyo had offered them, a home.
Its almost demise was something neither women could allow and did everything in their power to hinder it.
Just so that this precious land which homed all walks of life could exist, even if its creator couldn't see the fruition of her sacrifice.