The moon's horizon was breathtaking, a perfectly calm ocean without a single gust of wind to create waves. Above me, the sky was a velvet blackness filled with a vast sea of stars, and floating above the ocean, casting a perfect reflection of itself, was the green and blue gem I originated from. It was so much more vibrant than any photograph, a spinning marble of life against the empty, silent void.

Regardless, everything around me was something I never could’ve expected. Of course, there was the ocean that stretched out into the horizon, and there was also a forest of peach trees looming over me. But most importantly of all, was what stood before me when I fully turned around. It was the massive, reinforced gates of an enclosed city that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi novel. Everything looked like it was constructed for maximum efficiency, with not a single abnormality in sight. No wind blew, and no sound dares disturb that unmatched purity of this place.

Of course, my arrival had not gone unnoticed. Two figures stood beneath the gates, as if they were waiting for my arrival. Both woman were wearing regal outfits with a presence so immense it felt like a physical pressure in a nonexistent atmosphere.

The first to move was the one with long, flowing hair the color of a sandy beach and eyes like molten gold. She wore a beautiful dark violet dress with a single strap over her left shoulder, layered over a white long-sleeved blouse. At her waist was a loose belt with a gold, mirror-shaped buckle, and topping her head was a white, widebrimmed bonnet tied with a cheerful red ribbon. Her expression wasn’t one of alarm, but of pure, childlike curiosity.

Her sister stood alongside her, her posture rigid with authority. Her light purple hair was tied into a ponytail with a yellow ribbon, and her brown eyes were sharp, analytical, and devoid of her sister’s warmth. She wore a matching dark red dress, but with the strap on the right, over the white short-sleeved blouse. Her belt was identical, but the buckle was a gold, sword-shaped ornament. Her hand rested on the hilt of a katana that gleamed in the moonlight.

“A visitor.” Toyohime announced, her voice light and musical. “How incredibly novel. And yet… not impure? Very clever.”

“You are trespassing on the sovereign territory of the Lunar Capital.” Yorihime stated, her voice as cold and sharp as her katana. “State your identity and method of travel immediately. Your existence here is an anomaly that will be purged if not adequately explained.”

I raised my hands, hoping the universal gesture of peace would be recognized here. “My name is Alex, and ordinary human from Gensokyo. I mean no harm, and my arrival… well, it’s a long story.

But basically, Eirin gave me a pill that allowed me to reach this

place. She wanted to send a message stating she’s still doing well, and that she sends her fondest regards.”

The name hit them like a physical blow. Yorihime’s stern mask cracked, revealing a flash of genuine shock. While Toyohime’s teasing smile vanished, replaced by a sudden, breathless softness.

“Lady Yagokoro?” Yorihime breathed, her grip on her sword tightening, though the hostility had drained from her posture. “We haven’t hear that name in years. She still… thinks about us?”

“Correct.” I assured her. “She still misses you two to this day, even if she can no longer see you in person.”

The two sisters looked conflicted about the whole situation, before Yorihime spoke up again. “I see. In that case, perhaps it wouldn’t be an issue to grant you temporary access to the Lunar Capital so we can discuss things further. Please come with us.”

They turned around and led me into the capital, where we walked along an open pathway overlooking fields where rabbits could be seen working or doing drills. The open pathway quickly turned into enclosed corridors that became quieter and more personal the further we walked, until we reached a round room with a low table at its center, surrounded by cushions arranged in a loose circle. The walls here were softer in tone, decorated in paintings of landscapes of the Lunar Capital.

Toyohime settled into one of the cushions with the practiced grace of someone perfectly at home, gesturing for me to take a seat across from her, while Yorihime settled in one of the cushions to the left of us. Her posture still alert even in what was clearly meant to be a relaxed setting.

“Now.” Toyohime said, folding her hands in her lap. Her golden eyes losing none of the sharpness despite the warmth in her expression. “Tell us everything. Start with Eirin, and don’t leave anything out.”

And so, I told them. I relayed Eirin’s message as faithfully as I could remember it: She was well, that she hadn’t forgotten a single lesson she’d given either of them, and that she thought of them more often than she ever admitted out loud. I watched as Yorihime’s composed expression cracked, just slightly, at that last part, her eyes shining with something she was clearly fighting to keep contained, and watched Toyohime press a hand to her mouth, blinking rapidly for several seconds before recovering her usual bright demeanor.

“That woman.” Toyohime finally said, voice losing its playful edge for a moment. “She betrayed the very capital she helped create, and yet she was willing to send an ordinary human to the moon to relay her message.”

“She mentioned the exile.” I said carefully, not wanting to accidentally provoke them. “That she can’t return because of it. She does a good job of hiding her emotions, but I could tell she was feeling remorseful about the whole thing.

Yorihime’s jaw tightened. “It was a harsh judgment. Harsher than the circumstances warranted, in my opinion, though I won’t pretend the law wasn’t broken. The Lunar Capital does not forgive easily, and it forgives even less when pride is involved.” She let out a slow breath, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “But that is a long and complicated story, and one I’m not certain it’s wise to drag a visiting dreamer into.”

“I understand.” I said with a solemn expression. “I just wanted you to know she’s doing okay, and that she still misses you two.”

That seemed to brighten both sister’s moods, even if Yorihime’s expression remained stoic. “You have a kind heart, human.” Toyohime said with a grateful sparkle in her eyes. “It takes a lot of bravery to willingly visit a where impure being are strictly prohibited, even if you managed to find a loophole.”

“Technically Eirin found the loophole.”

“You know what I mean.” We both shared a hearty laugh after that. “But enough melancholy! Why don’t you tell us about yourself? We haven’t seen a human here in… well, ever!” Toyohime leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity and hospitality.

I pondered her question for a moment, realizing that I never stood out until this moment, and even then, I'm still out of my comfort zone. “I was a human in the village with an… ordinary life.

Admittedly, I’m not all that interesting.” I said with a slight frown. “I ended up becoming a student of Eirin when I approached her with an interest in medicine.”

“Surely you’ve done more than that.” Yorihime said with an air of curiosity. “Why did you pursue medicine with Eirin?”

I scratch the back of my head, feeling self-conscious about my interests. “I always enjoyed the feeling of accomplishing something I worked hard on, whether it be cooking or creating new medicine with the help of Eirin.”

Toyohime seems delighted by this prospect. She closed her fan with a soft “clack” and leaned in even closer. “Oh! You’re a chef! How wonderful!” Her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “You must tell me everything. What sort of dishes do you make? The peaches are divine, but I often find myself wondering what other flavors are out there.” She glances sideways at her sister, who is watching her with a slightly exasperated expression. “Don't give me that look, Yorihime. Curiosity is not a sin.”

Yorihime sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose, although she does seem to respect the idea of cooking. “Must you always think with your stomach, sister? I’ve already warned you multiple times about your sugar intake.” She turns to me with a flicker of professional interest crossing her face. “Although, I must admit that culinary arts is a disciplined craft. It requires precision, knowledge of ingredients, and control over one’s environment. Medicine production is a natural evolution, although the consequences would be severe if you make as much as a single mistake.”

Toyohime bursts into a fit of melodic giggling. “Oh, sister, you worry too much! It’s okay to relax sometimes and have faith in the professionals!” She gives me a playful wink, which causes my face to heat up. I’m not that good of a chef, so why is she hyping me up so much…? “So, master chef,” Toyohime begins, resting her head on her hands with an ear-to-ear grin, her fan momentarily discarded. “What kind of dishes do you make?”

Admittedly, I was starting to feel nervous. It’s only natural that two authority figures would have high expectations for anything I created. “U-Um… I usually helped with making desserts for the local school and occasional festivals. Although I mostly experimented in my free time to figure out what works.”

Yorihime crosses her arms, the gold studs of her katana’s hilt catching the pale light of the room. “Experimentation without proper foundation is frivolous. One must master the basics before attempting innovation. The moon rabbits’ training schedule follows the same principle.” Her tone is matter-of-fact, but there’s a subtle undercurrent of interest in her voice.

Toyohime, however, is practically vibrating with excitement. She opens her fan again, gently fluttering it in front of her face, although it does little to hide the sparkle in her golden eyes. “Desserts! The very pinnacle of culinary joy! Sister, you’re missing the point entirely. Innovation is the joy of creation!” She turns her full, radiant attention back to me. “Would you be so kind as to give us a demonstration? We could consider it a… cultural exchange.” She gives her sister a sly glance, who responds with a sigh.

“I… suppose I could, if that’s alright with you two. Are you feeling hungry?” Admittedly a dumb question on my part, especially when Toyohime starts giggling again.

Yorihime lets out a defeated huff, her hand finally leaving her katana to rest at her side. “Hunger is an unnecessary impulse. We are sustained by protein blocks, as they are the most efficient method of providing nutrients. However…” She pauses, the internal conflict within her causing a slight crack in her demeanor. “I will admit that they have grown stale as of late, and my sister will likely convince me regardless.”

Toyohime nudges her sister’s arm with a playful grin. “Sister, could you say that again? It’s hard to understand you when your voice becomes gargled like that. I can literally hear you salivating at the mere thought of it!”

Yorihime glares at her sister, her cheeks gaining a rosy tint. “My voice is completely normal. Your ears are deceiving you-“ A loud growl from Yorihime’s stomach shatters her composure in an instant. Her hand flies to cover it up while her face turns a deep crimson, and for once, she looks completely flustered, much to Toyohimes amusement.

“Oh my, your stomach betrays you, Yorihime! Just admit it, you’re craving something other than peaches and protein blocks for once!” Toyohime continues to tease the flustered Yorihime. She then turns to me and pats her stomach. “Now, let’s find you a suitable kitchen. My stomach won't be quiet about it’s hunger for much longer! So what do you have in mind?”

I fidget with my hands, a nervous habit of mine, especially when I feel like I’m in way over my head. Which is fitting for someone who went from delivering a message to being the personal chef for two princesses of the moon. “I-I could make something rich and filling, or nice and sweet. Which would you prefer?”

Yorihime’s gaze turns contemplative, her fingers drumming once against the buckle of her belt. The redness in her face is mostly gone, but she’s still slightly flustered. “Rich and filling. A dish with substance reflects discipline in preparation and purpose. Sweetness alone can be… fleeting.”

Toyohime pouts, a theatrical downturn of her lips as she taps her fan against her chin. “Oh, but sister, sweetness is the very essence of joy! A moment of pure delight that lingers on the tongue…” She sighs dramatically, then turns her bright eyes back to me, her smile unwavering. “But I suppose I can appreciate a more substantial creation as well. Something that warms the spirit and settles in the soul.” She tilts her head, her blonde hair shifting underneath her bonnet. Then her eyes light up with an idea. “Oh! I know! Why don’t you make both? Something filling for Yorihime, and something sweet for me!”

“Sure! I could do that!” I say, even though I don’t fully believe my own words. “…Once you show me where the closest kitchen is. I’m still not familiar with this place.”

Toyohime beams, already standing up and linking her arm with mine. “It would be my absolute pleasure! Follow me, it’s a relatively short walk from here, and I’m sure you’ll find the devices in our kitchen to be… exciting.” She begins to walk alongside me with a light, airy skip in her step, her long blonde hair swaying behind her.

Yorihime follows behind us at a brisk pace, her eyes scanning the perimeter with habitual vigilance. As she passes me, she speaks in her characteristic serious tone, though it lacks her earlier sharpness. “I shall accompany you to oversee the use of our facilities. While my sister is… generous with her hospitality, she is often careless with the details.” She casts a side-eyed glance at Toyohime, who laughs off her concern. “Do not let her distract you from the precision of your work. I expect the ‘rich and filling’ portion of your meal to be executed with absolute mastery. Also… please don’t overdo it with Toyohime’s portions. She needs to monitor her sugar intake.

“It’ll be fine! Besides, you’re a girl too, Yorihime. A few extra curves wouldn’t hurt you any!”

Yorihime gives her sister a sharp glare, although her composure is clearly starting to break. “Unlike some people, I do not wish to indulge in excessive culinary overuse when there is work to be done.”

“Right.” Toyohime said with a wide grin. “And that wasn’t your stomach growling earlier.”

Yorihime’s face flushes again, but even she can’t deny her excitement. Luckily, we arrive at a large, pristine kitchen with a dining room attached, which gives her the perfect escape from this conversation. “We’re here. The two of us will leave you to your own devices in the kitchen. Please do not disappoint us.”

With that ominous message out of the way, I’m left to figure out something that the two of them might like. My arms are shaking from the stress, but I can’t give up here. Not after everything I’ve promised. And so, I start pondering what their interests could be. Toyohime is easy, a peach cobbler would probably be more than enough to satisfy her. But Yorihime is a bit trickier. Hmm… well, she does have a bit of a fiery personality, so maybe something spicy?

With my plans in motion, I get to work. The cobbler was easy to create, I just needed to cut up the (surprisingly large) peaches, creating the dough, and cooking the entire thing. The next dish I worked on was was something simple, yet fiery. It was a medium steak that was garnished and infused with chili peppers, giving it a spicy edge that complimented Yorihime’s sharp personality. When I emerge from the kitchen with my two dishes, both sisters have two different reactions.

“It’s beautiful…” Toyohime says when she lays eyes on the cobbler. I don’t think her standard were very high to begin with, but it still fills me with joy to see her so happy about my work. To my surprise, she starts devouring it like it’s her last meal.

Yorihime takes a much more measured bite, but her eyes widen when the spice hits her all at once. “Oh my, this is… potent!”

That’s when I start to get worried. Is she unable to handle spice? Did I mess up? “Oh dear, are you okay? Do you not like the spice?”

“No, no,” Yorihime begins, although her face is flushed slightly from the heat. “It’s… amazing! The spice compliments the heat so well. This… this is worth a full mark!”

Toyohime had already finished her meal, and was giggling at Yorihime. “I think you broke her, Alex. She’s actually smiling!”

Yorihime gives her sister a weak glare while she finishes her steak, but her composure is clearly cracking. “Hush. You know I’m capable of giving full marks to someone who’s earned it.” She turns to me with a ghost of a smile on her face. “You have my thanks for the meal. You have proven yourself a worthy chef.”

Toyohime’s eyes are still glittering. “Can you make more? Please?”

“Absolutely not. I’m not rolling you back to your quarters because you got carried away.” Yorihime interjects, although she’s fighting a smile just by thinking of it. Which only causes Toyohime’s grin to widen further.

“Sister, are you alright? You’re looking a little red. Like you’re being reminded of that time Reysen accidentally shot a peach crate and splashed peach juice all over herself.”

Yorihime’s mouth twitches upward, and she fights to keep her composure. “S-Sister, stop it! This is highly unprofessional! I… haha… I had to scold Reysen… mph, about… hehe… hahaha…”

Toyohime is already laughing. “I knew I could get you! Watch this, Alex, she’s about to blow!”

“HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Yorihime leans back in her chair and bursts out laughing, clutching hed stomach as she wheezes with genuine, unrestrained laughter. “Ha… ha… Okay, fine. I admit that was a little humorous. Goodness, I don’t think I’ve had a laugh like that in months.”

“You should really learn to ease up a little, Yorihime.” Toyohime says with a gentler smile. “It’s okay to treat yourself on occasion.”

“Someone needs to provide the discipline the capital needs, and that someone just so happens to be me. Although, I can’t help but ask,” Yorihime turns her attention to me. “How did you know of our interests? We had only met today, yet you managed to create something you knew we would both enjoy.”

“Well, Eirin had fold me about Toyohime’s love for peaches. But as for you… I didn’t know. If I’m being honest, I just guessed based on what I knew.”

“You… guessed?” Yorihime’s eyes widened in genuine shock. “I… I don’t understand. I expected discipline and grace, and what I got was… intuition?”

Yorihime stands up from her cushion, and makes her way to the door. “I… need some time to ponder this new discovery. I’d ask Toyohime to keep an eye on you, but I know it’s fruitless. So all I ask is that you don’t let her convince you to indulge in her gluttony.”

And with that, Yorihime gracefully exits the room, leaving me alone with Toyohime, who’s still grinning after our interaction tonight. Despite feeling accomplished, I feel a sense of melancholy wash over me, which Toyohime notices. “Is something on your mind, Alex? You look sad.”

“I-I’m fine. It’s just… I’ll wake up soon, and I kinda… don’t want to leave this place. It’s so gorgeous, and you and your sister are both amazing people.”

“Aww, you’re so kind!” Toyohime twirls her fan, and the air around me seems to warp and twist. The next thing I know, I’ve been moved in front of her with her arms wrapped around me in a hug. When she releases me, I sit down in the cushion next to her, and we gaze out at the stars through a nearby window. “I understand the desire to stay. Especially after the positive experience you’ve had. But unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. However, the memories are eternal. When you awaken, Eirin will likely be impressed by what you tell her. Perhaps you’ll even be given another one of those pills?”

I give her a genuine, grateful smile. “Thank you, Toyohime. But if I return, will you two be willing to welcome me again? I wouldn’t want to be seen as a bother…”

Toyohime lets out another giggle, tapping her closed fan to her chin. “Alex, if it were possible, I’d have your own personal room ready for you by now. We’re friends, and you even managed to make Yorihime smile. That alone is worth treasuring. So listen close, the next time you ever feel helpless or alone in the chaotic world of Gensokyo, look up to the moon. I’ll always be there to wave down at you, and we’ll always be here to welcome you if you return through your dreams.”

As cheesy as it sounds, I can feel tears welling up in my eyes. I embrace Toyohime in one last hug as the world around me begins to fade.

“Thank you for letting me stay, Toyohime. And I hope we can meet again…”

The world around me dissolves into nothingness, and I awaken in the sterile room where all of this began. Eirin had moved me to a nearby futon, and was monitoring me closely. When she notices the lingering tears in my eyes, she immediately kneels down to comfort me, sensing that something is wrong.

“Oh dear, you look like you’ve been through a lot. What did my students do to you?”

“No, no,” I reassure her. “These are tears of happiness. The two sisters received your message well, and let’s just say… dinner was a success.”

“Dinner?” Eirin raises an eyebrow. “Is that why the operation took longer than expected? Alex, you know you can’t eat in a dream. It won’t satisfy you.”

“I meant dinner for them. They asked about my interests, and I think my interests made me two new friends.”

“Friends…?” Eirin looked genuinely surprised with the results. She wrote something down on her clipboard before looking up at me. “You managed to befriend the Watatsuki Sisters through nothing more than a home cooked meal?”

“What more were you expecting?” I asked with a smile, which causes Eirin to think for a moment before letting out a light chuckle.

“I don’t believe I expected anything else. Thank you, Alex. You brought an old soul a great deal of kindness tonight, and you proved more capable than I gave you credit for. Now come along. Kaguya’s been stuck on the final boss all night, so we should probably help her before she starts raging.”

Eirin helps me to my feet, and the two of us leave the room to start walking through the bamboo halls towards Kaguya’s room.

“That reminds me, Miss Eirin?”

“Yes, Alex?”

“Is there any chance I could have more of those pills? I think I have some… unfinished business with the capital.”

“Have I turned you into a drug addict?” Eirin said bluntly. “If you need help, I could-“

“No, I meant like, occasionally visiting them. We are friends now, after all.”

“It was a joke, Alex.” Eirin said before handing me a small bottle of those same pills. To most, it’s an ordinary prescription, but to me, it’s a grand adventure someone could only dream of having.

“Careful now, if someone sees that look in your eyes, they might actually think you’re an addict.”

“Right, of course. Oh, and one last thing.”

“Yes?” Eirin sounded slightly exasperated at this point.

“Thank you.”

Eirin’s gaze softened into almost affectionate warmth. “Anytime, Alex.”

The two of us would then join Kaguya in her room, where we played games together on comfortable cushions for what felt like an eternity. When it was daytime again and I returned to the Human Village, I never told anyone about my secret. They would see me as crazy and likely exile me. Perhaps they’re right, as to anyone who isn’t properly informed…

Visiting the moon without a spacesuit would be an act of pure lunacy.