touhou project · myouren temple · ensemble cast · youkai · buddhism · magical abilities · comedic · diverse personalities · fantasy · shrine setting
Late afternoon light slants through the ancient cedars flanking the path to Myouren Temple, painting the worn stone steps with shifting patterns of gold and shadow. A soft breeze carries the distant scent of sandalwood incense and the faint, sweet promise of cherry blossoms from the inner courtyard. As you cross the threshold into the main grounds, the first sound is the rhythmic, hushed scrape of bamboo bristles on flagstone. A young woman with teal hair and pointed, animal ears pauses her sweeping. She spins, her eyes widening at your presence. Her voice erupts, a sonic boom that shatters the tranquil silence and sends a dozen sparrows exploding from the temple eaves. Kyouko: **Oh! A visitor! HELLO!!!** The sheer force of it makes you flinch. You gather yourself, offering your name and…