Meiling and Kogasa

The day was as serene as always, a slight breeze brushed against me as I let out a big yawn.

As usual the mistress was resting during the day so I was going to repel any unwanted guests post haste.

Unlike usual however, there had been no guests all day. So the boredom was starting to get the better of me.

"Wonder what Sakuya has made for dinner today. Guarding against nothing is almost as hard as dealing with the ice fairy or that magician, I think I deserve a reward for doing such a good job today"

I start muttering to myself so I don't start falling asleep again.

"Maybe I could sneak in a small exercise routine to keep myself active. I know Sakuya told me that the gate guard should always be dignified and doing jumping jacks in front of the gate is not allowed, but surely she won't mind."

Thinking like this I almost miss the small Qi signature that has been approaching me for a short while now, it's coming from the nearby bushes so it's probably another fairy. Taking a deep breath I steel myself for another childish prank.

Suddenly it sprints forward and I take a fighting stance, ready to repel any pranks or hostile-intent.

"BERO BERO BAA!"

A big purple umbrella greets me as I look into it's big red eye dumbfounded.

"Huh?"

"Oh come on, I totally had you! Why aren't you more surprised!" As the umbrella is lifted from my field of view I can see that it's Kogasa who is looking at me with an angry expression on her face.

"Sorry about that I guess. You know it's not really possible to sneak up on me right?" I let my stance relax as I turn to face the fuming umbrella ranting at me.

"It's not fair I tell you, I totally had you! I practiced that expression for hours you know, it's hard to pull expressions with just one eye. Are you sure you weren't just asleep again?" The angry umbrella turns an accusing gaze at me with that last comment.

"I can assure you that was not the case, I simply felt your presence. Are you here just to practice your scares then or did you have something you needed?" I get ready to try and turn her away before she makes more of a ruckus that might wake the mistress.

"Yeah yeah, presence schemence. I bet you were just asleep again because that scare was totally a success." With that comment Kogasa puts her other hand on her hip and puffs her chest out a bit before she continues.

"But enough about that, I came here for another reason. You left me some tools a little while back and I'm coming to return them" With this she takes off a small back bag she was carrying and sets it down in front of me.
"Some real quality tools these and well taken care of too. Never seen anything like them, they had many a tale to tell about your homeland. Apparently you can grow something called a QiƩzi that looks like me."

I take the back bag and open it up. Inside are the gardening tools I left with Kogasa not more than a week ago, all in pristine condition.
"That was pretty fast, you sure work fast. And the work is excellent as well, I can't thank you enough."
I place the bag down next to me and offer my thanks with a bow to Kogasa.

"There is no need to be so formal, just keep taking good care of them and bring them to me once in a while. I would like to hear more of their stories."

"You said something like that when I left them with you as well, are these tools sentient then? Should I take any extra measures when using them?"

"Oh they are not interested in becoming like me, apparently they like you too much. Just keep using them and taking care of them like you have until now, they said nothing would make them happier than being held in your skilled hands"

I'm shocked to hear such comments from my own tools and steal another glance at the bag.

Before I can retort Kogasa continues with a smile.
"Hehe, they said that would work! Thank you for your payment miss gate keeper and have a nice evening." With that Kogasa spins around and leaves humming a tune to herself.

And just like that, I was bested by the karakasa-obake.

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Pub: 17 Dec 2021 15:20 UTC
Views: 135