Hecatia Interview

Aya: Today we're here to talk with Miss Hecatia Lapislazuli about immigration issues and other problems. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.

Hecatia: You're welcome.

A: So, Miss Lapislazuli. Do you currently live in Hell?

H: I do. Well, there and a bunch of other places at the same time.

A: I see. I don't want to go too deep into this topic, but what sort of place is Hell?

H: People have a strong image of hell as this place where people who've done bad things go when they die, but it's not really any kind of prison-like rehabilitation facility.

A: How do you mean?

H: People unaccustomed to living virtuously, people with hearts of pure evil, and valorous people who seek true freedom... A bunch of people like that got together and created a world that would be favorable to their own circumstances. There was no place for virtue in such a world, so naturally no ever even considered rehabilitating human criminals.

A: How terrifying.

H: People would roast as much meat as they like at the sea of fire, or drink all they wanted of the lake of blood. There was no concept of being a nuisance to other people, so it's's the perfect place for shameless people to do whatever they want. A world designed to make that sort of behavior easy to get away with.

A: I'd certainly be afraid of someone from a world like that moving to Gensokyo.

H: That said, lately some people have been panicked at the thought that "if we just leave things like this and let all these people just do whatever they want, Hell will become a shadow of its former self". So they established a new order.

A: And who were these people?

H: They're called the Yamas and the Kishin. They took over, claiming that they'd restore Hell to its original glory. And so, for the first time, Hell had things like "organizations" and "order". Kinda felt like they were telling the residents of Hell to be themselves.

A: And did the residents of Hell just accept this?

H: Hmm. Some people are bothered by it, and others aren't. I'm with the latter group, by the way. But because the people of Hell are truly free, no one really "accepts" it or "doesn't accept it". Among the people who were bothered by it, there are those who simply never moved to the New Hell, choosing to stay in the Underworld known as Old Hell, others who are eager to create their own New Hell, and others who are just watching from the sidelines and think that none of this has anything to do with them. Another feature of Hell is that the darkness is too deep to see the whole picture at once.

A: So, recently a fairy from Hell has moved here, along with people like you. Why?

H: Hmm, good question. I guess it's because I find Gensokyo... charming?

A: Gensokyo has reached its current prosperity by remaining insular. It's believed that it's precisely because we don't let in people who do whatever they want, like they do in Hell, that we manage to be "charming".

H: Oh, are you saying that my being here is a bother?

A: No, I'm just saying that many people share that belief. Although I don't think it's so strange to believe that our wealth, resources, and society are our own, and to be bothered by the thought of people from other worlds snatching that away from us.

H: True, compared to Hell, Gensokyo has a lot of resources and is fairly well-off, and if their safety could be guaranteed the people's hearts would be satisfied too. However, those things aren't why I consider the place charming. It's because, compared to the new order of Hell, you're free here. Free to enter, and free to leave. Free to do and think as you like, and tolerant of others doing the same.

A: ...

H: You seem to be under the impression that visitors from other worlds will see Gensokyo as nothing but fodder.

A: No, I'm just saying that lots of people think that.

H: Have you ever considered that visitors bringing new ideas is what preserves the stability of Gensokyo?

A: What do you mean, specifically?

H: A cage, like for a bird or an insect, can't function if it's completely sealed off. You need at least the air to pass through. Without the sun, the flowers wouldn't bloom. Similarly, without new wind and sun constantly entering Gensokyo, the place would simply die off. Closing off Gensokyo means no longer accepting things. Do you really think Gensokyo could survive without visitors bringing in new ideas?

A: But regarding visitors from Hell specifically, if they become a menace to public order then it could have long-lasting effects on-

H: Okay, try to think of it like this: say Gensokyo decides that Hell is the enemy and completely blocks off all ideas from Hell. Do you really think that would preserve the public order?

A: You've just told me that Hell is made up of people who do whatever they want with no regard for others.

H: We follow a doctrine of true freedom... but fine, close enough. People who don't mind bothering others, or rather have no concept of it. Naturally, when they're bothered themselves they wouldn't expect anyone to help them out either.

A: ...If those are the ideas from Hell, then yes, I think we'd be better off without them.

H: But surely there are people like that in Gensokyo too? By excluding these sorts of people, driving them back to Hell, all you're doing is gradually angering them. By creating the world you want in Gensokyo, you're starting a war with Hell. Where, need I remind you, they believe in true freedom. Such a war would be disastrous for Gensokyo. You beloved "public order" would turn out to be nothing but an optical illusion. But more to the point, excluding others just isn't Gensokyo's style, is it? That's why you don't fight wars here. And that's what I find charming.

A: I don't think we'd lose in a war with Hell... but fine. At least I understand that you have no desire to start a conflict with Gensokyo.

H: Of course, there are also people in Gensokyo who are the exact opposite, completely against accepting anyone. If you mismanage those people, the results could be terrible.

A: And... who would those people be?

H: That group of super-exclusive, elitist people, the Lunarians.

A: Ah, I see. Yes, we do have a few of them here, deep in the bamboo forest living away from humans. They've been rather uncooperative with my articles.

H: I'm very familiar with the Lunarians. Of all the people in all the different worlds I've met, they're among the worst. Super-exclusive, anti-freedom, and they've constructed a false paradise for themselves. Their specialty is looking down on others, but they have the thinnest skin of anyone. They think of people from other worlds as no better than microorganisms.

A: They can't get along with either the isolated Gensokyo, or the new order of Hell. Is that what you mean?

H: The biggest problem is that they regard Gensokyo as an enemy.

A: They... they do?

H: If it would help the Lunarians, they don't give a damn what happens to Gensokyo. For example, um... (pauses to think)

A: Is something the matter?

H: Not sure if I should tell you this... Um, there's a possibility that you're being used by the Lunarians.

A: What do you mean?

H: Among the Lunarians, there's someone with the power to change reality by twisting the truth. It appears they've been trying to take over Gensokyo with that power, and even now they're infiltrating you directly.

A: What? This is news to me.

H: So someone like you who twists the truth by writing exaggerated articles would make an attractive target for being manipulated by them.

A: I do nothing but expose the truth.

H: Truth? Have you EVER done that? All you do is choose the truth that's most beneficial for you and try to dye the world in that color. Heck, that way of thinking would make you a perfect match for the Lunarians. No wait, this magazine of yours is already chock full of prejudice. Seriously, you should go back over every article in here and ask yourself if it's really the truth.

A: ...It's the truth.

H: Well, I guess with the Lunarian's power, anything you write WOULD end up true anyway. I guess that would make newspaper reporters the best profession for anyone looking to take over Gensokyo. Or maybe they've already gotten their venomous fangs into you. Oh well, all I can do is hope that we aren't seeing the reflection of the moon in your articles.

A: ...Changing the subject, I've recently confirmed that a fairy from Hell has come to Gensokyo. Thoughts?

H: Ah, Clownpiece. She recently finished a big job for me, so I guess it's something like a reward for her? I figured she'd like it here better than Hell.

A: What was this "big job"?

H: It's mixed up with the Lunarians. Just a bit of vengeance.

A: You say it's a reward, but is that really true? Are you sure she's not taking action to prepare for some kind of invasion from Hell?

H: I'll admit that I've got more reasons than just that, but as I said earlier, my only enemies are the Lunarians. I'd like to get along with Gensokyo, so don't mind her.

A: Does Clownpiece being here have anything to do with the Lunarians living here?

H: If that's what you want to take away from it, then go ahead.

A: But still, I can't believe there are fairies in Hell.

H: Yup, sure are. Fairies and ghosts are just about everywhere. Less than there are up here though.

A: On the surface, fairies are practically background noise. How is it in Hell?

H: In Hell, we don't care what race you are as you have the strength to back it up. As long as you get the job done, you're the perfect fit for it. A super-meritocracy. Even some of the Kishin are "background noise", while a good enough fairy can make a name for themselves. Clownpiece is strong, and not just "for a fairy", so I value her highly.

A: A meritocracy, huh? Sound nice. Tengu society is strictly hierarchical, so no matter how hard us underlings work we'll never be appreciated.

H: If you're jealous, then why not just fall to Hell? But you know, a hierarchical society has its perks too. If success doesn't matter, then neither does failure. You can gradually make your worth known over a long period of time. But you can't do that in a pure meritocracy. Screw up once and you're beyond help, in some cases you'll just vanish entirely. And those without strength in the first place probably wish they were dead. It's that kind of world. Honestly, I have no idea why the idea is at all popular outside of Hell.

A: I see. Well, I still think I'd prefer to be appreciated for my abilities.

A: Lastly, I'd like to ask you to discuss not only the relationship between Gensokyo and Hell, but also the outside world and the Netherworld and other worlds like that.

H: For better or worse, Hell is a world of pure freedom. Personally I'd like to have friendly relations with Gensokyo, but I definitely can't speak for anyone else in Hell. Some might want to conquer Gensokyo, while there are also people who want to destroy the entire universe. And some of those might already be putting those plans into action.

A: Uh... there are?

H: Yup. It's Hell, after all. But as long as I'm attaching myself to Gensokyo, that should act as a deterrent.

A: Speaking of which, you were a Goddess of Hell, right? What is your position exactly?

H: Currently, Hell is being managed by the Kishin and the rest, but I was never a part of that society. I guess you'd call me an outlaw. The more confident you are in your strength, the more you can secure your independence. In other words, I'm super-strong.

A: I'm not sure I'm following, but you're saying that you're called a Goddess simply because you're strong? Okay then.

H: As for the relationship between Gensokyo and other worlds, I think it's not really practical for each world to maintain their complete independence. That's because each world is fundamentally interconnected. If you build a giant wall somewhere, that wall is definitely coming down someday, and if you exclude people you consider "unnecessary", then you're definitely setting up your own downfall. Other worlds aren't "different" worlds, they're just your neighbors. Take this as advice from a Goddess who's done a lot of traveling between worlds.

A: Okay, thank you for your time.