Ch. 2: Scarlet Devil Tower 2
Sleeping Dragon Pt. 1
Reimu
...Are we there yet? Just where IS this elevating machine?!
Sakuya
We still have a long way to go.
Sakuya
Design-wise, Lady Patchouli had to place it at the very top of the Forest Zone.
Reimu
*sigh* Oh well... There's no point in exhausting ourselves by blindly rushing there.
Reimu
We still don't know what the Lost Word is, after all. Right, PLAYER?
I think it's the witch's real name...
But we still don't know who the witch is!
Sakuya
In this world, she only goes by the Witch of Scarlet Dreams.
Sakuya
That's what we've called her ever since she came into being, and we don't recognize her in any other way.
Patchouli
If there's someone who exists in your world but doesn't in this one, then...
They're probably the one expelling blazing heat.
...The one who became the Witch of Scarlet Dreams.
Patchouli
A thousand years have passed, but we have yet to find the Lost Word. You two from another world are our only hope.
Still, we don't have any clues...
Reimu
We probably won't have time to look for hints after facing the witch, and the journal didn't respond to my guesses...
Patchouli
Hold on. What do you mean by "the journal didn't respond"?
Reimu
Oh, right. We haven't told you about it. So, PLAYER has a journal.
Reimu
It automatically records everything she's experienced. What's written down is never lost.
Reimu
And when we find the missing word, the journal rings like a bell. Pretty convenient, isn't it?
Patchouli
You can check the word in an automatic journal...? This isn't just any magic book! It must've been made in Makai!
Reimu
Well, I haven't sensed any demonic energy from the journal. And only PLAYER can use it.
Patchouli
It's as if it was made for the very purpose of handling the Lost Word Incident... You are rather suspicious.
I don't know why I can do this either...
Patchouli
Well, there's no point in interrogating you when you've lost your memory. I'll look into it some other time.
Flandre
I want to hear the journal ring! Hey, PLAYER! Can I borrow your journal for a sec?
Patchouli
Flan, don't bother her with your absurd requests.
Flandre
*sulk* Aw...
Sakuya
Lady Flan, we're in a hurry now. You can take a look at it later, OK?
Flandre
All right, if you say so... We should meet the Witch of Scarlet Dreams first anyway!
Flandre
PLAYER, will you show me later?
Sure!
Flandre
Yay! I'll hold you to that!
Reimu
So, the journal. It won't respond if you just say random words.
Patchouli
Hm... Tell me what happened last time.
Reimu
Huh?
Patchouli
Last time. You were able to regain the Lost Word and resolve the incident in another world, weren't you?
Patchouli
How did you determine what word was missing then?
Reimu
Er... Well...
Reimu
...As I explained earlier, we had to investigate the incident to figure out what we were looking for.
Reimu
We searched for something that existed in our world but didn't in the parallel one in order to find a difference.
Reimu
We found it and looked for the word in the journal. Then I said the word aloud and the journal rang. That's it.
Patchouli
I see. So the word was cited in the journal. Did it not come to mind until you looked it up?
Reimu
Exactly. The Lost Word was erased from our memory the moment we got to the world where the incident occurred.
Reimu
That's why these incidents are so complicated and annoying!
Patchouli
I see. Now... answer my question. How did you find the Lost Word?
Reimu
Huh? I've just explained it! We investigated the case and...
Patchouli
That's not what I'm asking about. I want to know what happened from the journal's perspective, not yours.
Reimu
What? I'm a human! How should I know what a book is thinking?!
Wait... Does the journal know when to ring?
Patchouli
Yes. In other words... The moment it rings, the journal already knows what the Lost Word is.
Patchouli
As you were investigating the incident, the records in the journal were changing.
Patchouli
That is, new information was being added at some point.
Patchouli
And what was added is clear.
Reimu
I don't know anything about that. What's so clear about―
Patchouli
Everything PLAYER experienced since she set foot in the parallel world was being recorded.
Reimu
(Is she even listening to me?!)
Patchouli
For example, the entry about the Lost Word Incident must've been added already.
You're right. The info on the previous case is here!
Everything's described exactly as I perceived it!
Patchouli
You have to try to see from the journal's perspective. If you do that...
Patchouli
...then you'll understand that it cannot recognize the word if you just guess it. It's a journal―not an oracle.
Patchouli
It's like using a dictionary or searching for a book in a library. You won't read every entry or browse through all the books.
Patchouli
This is why books are provided with indices and sorted into categories in libraries.
Reimu
Huh? You're saying that we won't find the book we're looking for if we don't categorize everything first?
Reimu
...I guess you've got a point. It'd be hard to find a specific book if they were all just thrown in a pile.
Reimu
PLAYER, I wonder if your journal sorts everything out.
Well, it looks like everything is in alphabetical order.
Patchouli
So the journal sorts the content as it records it. Very reasonable. Now, we can finally get onto the main subject.
Patchouli
Apparently, the journal requires two pieces of information to determine whether or not a specific word is the lost one.
Two pieces of information...
One word...
Reimu
I don't get it either. Care to explain?
Patchouli
To put it simply... Let's use a library as an example.
Reimu
(It's always a library with Patchouli...)
Patchouli
Let's say you want to find a book with a title that starts with N. The books are sorted alphabetically. What would you do?
Reimu
Ah, I see. Well, you could go from A and then―no, that'd be too slow.
Patchouli
Exactly. N is more or less in the middle of the alphabet, so it's reasonable to begin your search from the middle shelf.
Patchouli
You use A and Z as reference points and look between them to find N.
A and Z... Two pieces of information!
Patchouli
Precisely.
Patchouli
So, you start looking from the middle and see a row of books starting from P, for instance.
Patchouli
Then you know you have to check two letters toward A... but this is merely an example.
Patchouli
You need at least two pieces of information to narrow down your area of interest if you want to search effectively.
Patchouli
The journal determines the Lost Word using a similar method.
Reimu
Huh? But in the previous case, I didn't try to look for those two pieces of information.
Patchouli
You might've satisfied that condition by accident. It's only an assumption on my part, but...
Patchouli
I think you uncovered the "how" and "why" of the Lost Word Incident unintentionally.
Reimu
"How" and "why"...? It's not a mystery novel, Patchouli.
Patchouli
Even if it isn't, you can't say that it doesn't make a good reference. We are basically acting as detectives.
Patchouli
"How" is the truth about the incident. Existential information on what happened due to the Lost Word.
We heard many stories about the folding...
Reimu
Well, Yukari and the others told us a lot about the fallout of the incident. We saw those merged urban legends too.
Patchouli
Next, "why" is insightful information about the object affected by the Lost Word when it got out of hand.
Patchouli
Now, I'll tell you about my assumptions. However, these are merely guesses, so tell me if I'm mistaken.
Patchouli
I'll describe the affected object getting out of control as "lost" to keep things concise.
Patchouli
Tell me, were the characteristics of the lost entity similar to those it originally had?
Reimu
Let me think for a sec... I need to remember...
Reimu
Previously, the Lost Word was "Hakurei." It caused the Great Hakurei Barrier to change into the Great Lost Barrier.
Reimu
The Great Hakurei Barrier is supposed to only allow things and forces rejected by the outside world to come in.
Reimu
Without the word Hakurei, the Great Lost Barrier sucked in everything regardless of common sense or absurdity.
Reimu
Right, PLAYER?
Yes. The journal says that too!
Reimu
Good. If that's what the journal says, then it should be right.
Reimu
But even after getting lost, the essence of the barrier to meddle with things and forces remained unchanged.
Reimu
Or should I say, the Great Hakurei Barrier changed into a rampant version of itself.
Reimu
It sucked in and trapped everything. I noticed this might be a clue...
Reimu
...when we came across the merged urban legends.
Then you came to check the word in my journal.
Reimu
At that time, I looked it up under "Gensokyo." What I found out was that...
Reimu
...the barrier that only allows rejected things and forces to come in was in fact the Great Hakurei Barrier.
Reimu
It didn't have to be that entry though. I only checked there as I was still aware that such a barrier existed in Gensokyo.
Patchouli
Interesting. The Great Hakurei Barrier became lost in a parallel world. Tell me more about it when we have time.
Patchouli
...Now let's get back to the "how" and "why." Two forms of the Lost Word were recorded in the journal.
Patchouli
This in itself is information on "who" or "what." With that, the journal should be able to determine the Lost Word.
Patchouli
"Why" refers to the form before the word got lost, while "how" refers to the one after.
Patchouli
Look between those two pieces of information and you can identify the Lost Word. This is how the journal works.
Patchouli
...Though that is just my hypothesis.
Reimu
Well, to be honest... It's incredible you were able to deduce this much.
Patchouli
There's nothing to be so surprised about.
Patchouli
It's all part of the mechanism I devised in my attempts to find the Lost Word.
Patchouli
However, as with everyone else in this world, I am unable to name the Lost Word.
Patchouli
This idea is merely speculation. A draft to be disposed of.
But it really makes things much easier for us.
Thank you!
Patchouli
Hehe, there's nothing to thank me for. I hope you can make good use of this knowledge.
Patchouli
Still, this only explains the characteristics of the journal and why it won't respond if you just try to guess the word.
Patchouli
Actually, it's not just that the journal won't respond. The Lost Word Incident itself can't be solved with a mere guess.
Patchouli
This is because it has either exactly the same characteristics as the journal... or the complete opposite.
Patchouli
Nevertheless, we won't get our answers right away, so there's no point in worrying about it now.
Patchouli
(Don't tell me this journal is able to resolve the incident directly...?)
Patchouli
(If so, the owner of the journal, PLAYER, is a key figure, just as Reimu said.)
Reimu
Hm?
Sakuya
If your conversation is over... I'll carry Miss PLAYER from now on.
Sakuya
You might not have noticed since you were talking, but we've walked quite a distance... Pardon me.
I'm being carried like a princess...!
Why is my heart beating so fast?!
Sakuya
I'll try not to sway too much, but please hold on tight.
O-OK!
Patchouli
...Fine, I guess I'll help too. Just this once though.
Patchouli
Open your mouth, PLAYER.
Huh?!
Patchouli
Now, chew.
Hwat ish dith?
It's sweet and cool...
Patchouli
That was mint that I grew with my magic. I pickled it in syrup and let it dry.
Patchouli
It regulates blood circulation and the flow of qi in your body. The smell of mint should also refresh you.
Reimu
What?! You've been hiding that this whole time?! ...I want some too!
Patchouli
You can't have any! It's for my personal use only!
Reimu
Is that so? Still, you gave some to PLAYER. Maybe you're not so bad after all.
Patchouli
H-Hmph! I just wanted to avoid any potential trouble!
Flandre
You're trying to hide it but you're reeeeally bad at it... You're just worried for PLAYER, aren't you?
Patchouli
Sh-Shush!
Sakuya
Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but more fairies are coming this way.
Patchouli
L-Look! We have to handle them first!
Reimu
Sure, sure. As you command.
Patchouli
Let's settle this quickly and proceed... Oof. Isn't it rather hot here?
Sakuya
PLAYER, please wait a moment. I'll come back to get you once we're done cleaning this up.
Patchouli
We taught them a lesson, but my face is burning like Agni Shine...
Sakuya
Oh, that's quite an unusual remark for you, Lady Patchouli... Heehee, the circumstances must be quite embarrassing.
Sleeping Dragon Pt. 2
Patchouli
We're here. This is the elevating machine.
Thank you so much!
You can let me down now...
Sakuya
Please watch your step.
Reimu
Wait... Isn't this the Underground Geyser Center?!
Patchouli
Moriya Shrine shared their technology to help us build this area after the incident occurred.
Sakuya
The elevating machine is constructed so as to be activated with my ability.
Flandre
Hey, let me help too!
Patchouli
Thank you, but it won't be necessary. I need to check if the barrier is all right, so sit tight until I'm done.
Sakuya & Flandre
Understood. Okie dokie!
Reimu
Do you really need a barrier just to go up?
Patchouli
Yes. Various measures need to be taken beforehand because the characteristics of air change with altitude.
Do you mean the atmosphere?
The air around us changes?
Patchouli
Not exactly.
Patchouli
Normally, the higher you go, the lower the barometric pressure is. It causes the temperature to drop.
Patchouli
But this time, the higher we go, the closer we get to the Witch of Scarlet Dreams. Which means it will get hotter instead.
Reimu
Huh? What's barometric pressure?!
Patchouli
The air density. The thinner the air, the harder it is to breathe.
Patchouli
Well, you have the ability to fly, so it shouldn't be a serious problem in your case.
Reimu
Hmm... Did you take that into account during the Sumiyoshi project too?
Patchouli
Sumiyoshi? Did you call on the three Sumiyoshi gods in your world?
Reimu
Yeah. And you used their power to construct something called a "rocket."
Flandre
Wow, what's that?! Sounds fun! Did I get to play with you too?!
Reimu
No... Sorry. You weren't with us at the time.
Flandre
Aww...
Flandre
It's fine! We're together now and that's what counts!
Patchouli
A rocket... Hmm. I see!
Patchouli
That was an option too. That "rocket" must've been comfortable if I was the one who constructed it.
Sakuya
Lady Patchouli, I'm sorry to interrupt your preparations, but fairies are approaching.
Patchouli
Ah, they're just everywhere, aren't they? Keep them away while I'm checking the machine.
Flandre
You need me to play with the fairies so they don't bother you?
Patchouli
Yes. Could you do that for me?
Flandre
Kyahahaha! Leave it to me! I looooove playing!
Patchouli
This won't end well for the fairies... But I can't have them interrupt me now.
Patchouli
I cannot assure our safety if they tamper with the machine and cause it to malfunction.
Sakuya
Keep your eyes open. They may come from any direction. We can't let them interrupt Lady Patchouli.
Sakuya
Mission completed. I will return to my regular duties.
Patchouli
Good work, Sakuya. Your knife work was outstanding as always. Thank you for your help too, Flan.
Flandre
It's over already? *groan* I wanted to play some more...
Sleeping Dragon Pt. 3
Patchouli
All right. I haven't detected any problems in particular. I think it's safe to use.
Reimu
Can we go then?
Patchouli
Just a moment. I'm a little bit concerned about the magic power supply... But this can be solved in a matter of seconds.
Flandre
There's not enough magic power? Is it because I left my room?
Patchouli
Yes, but it's fine. You're here with us now.
Patchouli
Could you lend me some of your power, Flan?
Flandre
Sure! Leave it to me!
Patchouli
The magic power supply has been secured. I'm going to open the barrier.
Patchouli
Oof...
Patchouli
With this, the elevating machine will be both temperature and pressure-resistant.
Patchouli
I'm going to start it. Sakuya, it's your turn.
Sakuya
Certainly. Elevating machine, activate! ...Ascend!
Sakuya
...We've arrived.
Reimu
Already?!
I can feel the heat.
Is it leaking through the barrier?
Sakuya
Yes... Which means the power of the Witch of Scarlet Dreams is growing.
Sakuya
Lady Patchouli's protective barrier is incredibly strong. We'd be unable to withstand the heat without it.
Patchouli
This is serious. I will envelop each one of you in a separate barrier and scatter heat-dispersing magic around the area.
Patchouli
We wouldn't even be able to leave the elevating machine without such measures.
Reimu
I can help you with the barrier!
Patchouli
There's no need.
Reimu
Huh? Why?!
Patchouli
Leave it to me and focus on defeating the witch instead. You have no time to occupy yourself with needless matters.
Reimu
Defeat? We don't even know for sure whether we'll have to fight her or not.
Patchouli
What a kind thought. I wish our Reimu had had the same mindset when she came here a thousand years ago.
Reimu
Are you saying it's not like me? If you're trying to start an argument or something, I'll fire right back at you.
Patchouli
How rude of you to say such things in my machine... Never mind. It's better to clear the air now before it gets dangerous.
Patchouli
Remember that the witch managed to defeat Remi. And she'll be shooting at you regardless of whether you want to battle.
Patchouli
You'll have to uncover the "why" and "how" in such circumstances.
Patchouli
I also don't think you'll be able to determine the "why" without facing the witch.
Patchouli
Previously, it was a mindless barrier that was lost. This time, it's a person with her own mind and will.
Reimu
*sigh* Which means I'll have to talk to her while fighting. I'm not sure if I can pull that off.
Reimu
This seems even more like a mystery novel now.
Patchouli
No, a detective interrogating someone while fighting would never make an appearance even in the cheapest of novels.
Patchouli
Telling you this is like teaching a fish how to swim, but since this insane heat is the witch's distinguishing feature...
Patchouli
...there are many suspects in Gensokyo. Kasha, Hell ravens, the fairies of the sunlight... And me, as I can use sun magic.
Patchouli
Even Cirno could have become the Witch of Scarlet Dreams, since she can reverse vaporization.
Reimu
I'm not sure I follow. Are you saying that we can't figure out the "why" based on the witch's power?
Patchouli
Heh, this is where it becomes like a true mystery novel.
Patchouli
First, we need a motive―that is, a sequence of events leading to the crime. That will be the "why."
Reimu
I see. Is this also your deduction?
Reimu
I like it. The "motive" sounds much better than "why." Makes it easier to understand!
Patchouli
And so, it all comes down to whether you can get the answers during the fight. That is why I will help protect you.
Reimu
Just who do you think I am? I can help maintain the barrier, shoot bullets back, and get all our answers just fine.
Patchouli
I know you are skilled, but you're not THAT skilled. That's why...
Patchouli
Wh-What?
Flandre
Nothing! Right, PLAYER?
This world's Miss Patchouli is also very kind.
Patchouli
...Ahem. Are you making fun of me?
Patchouli
I'll remind you once again. There's no turning back now.
Reimu
I don't mind. I'm ready. At this point, more caution isn't going to get us anywhere.
Reimu
I knew I'd have to do it from the start. There was never going to be any other choice!
Flandre
Don't worry, Patchouli.
Flandre
No matter what happens, I'll bring PLAYER and Reimu to the Witch of Scarlet Dreams!
Flandre
Soon, they'll be able to keep the promise!
Reimu
I wonder if I'll understand what the promise is when I meet the witch.
Sakuya
IF you meet the witch. The last door is guarded by Meiling.
Reimu
Guarded from the inside? That's unusual.
She's been alone here protecting the door?!
Flandre
It's because Meiling is kind too. She wants to protect us.
Patchouli
Phew. That should do for the barriers. We're getting off the elevating machine.
Patchouli
This is the top of the Scarlet Devil Tower―also called Scarlet Devil Mansion, but all that remains is Moriya's technology...
Moriya? Sanae said it was a shrine...
I didn't expect something like this!
Reimu
Oh, right. You've never been there. It isn't something you'd expect, huh?
Reimu
But it really looks like the Underground Geyser Center. It makes sense, considering how heated this place is.
Meiling
Lady Patchouli, Lady Flan, and Miss Sakuya... Why are you here?
Sakuya
...Let me try this first. Meiling, I'm ordering you as the head maid. Let us through.
Meiling
I cannot obey your command unless it comes from the mistress. It's dangerous. Please head back.
Flandre
Meiling, please... There's a promise we have to keep with the Witch of Scarlet Dreams...
Meiling
No, Lady Flan. No one can pass.
Reimu
It's not like we want to fight, you know? We just want to find the missing word and make everything go back to normal.
Meiling
Whatever the reason, I cannot let... HUH?! Reimu?! Is that reallyyou?!
Hello, Miss Meiling.
It's the first time we've met in this world!
Meiling
Oh, hello... Huh?! Aren't you just a human?!
Patchouli
I understand your confusion. This is a Reimu from a parallel world, and it's the first time you're meeting her.
Patchouli
And this is PLAYER. She came here together with Reimu.
Meiling
Huh...? What?
Patchouli
They've come from a world that is still a thousand years in the past relative to ours. That's why she still looks like this.
Meiling
I see!
Meiling
...So what does this all mean?
Patchouli
Oh, that was a bit too complicated... In other words―
Meiling
Yes?
Patchouli
...
Patchouli
Reimu came here to resolve the incident!
Reimu
That's it?!
Meiling
Ah! I get it now!
Reimu
Er...
Sakuya
I'm impressed she could understand just from that...
Flandre
So we'll just pass through and―
Meiling
Hey! I said I get the situation, but I never said I'd let you through!
Patchouli & Flandre
Uh...
Meiling
You cannot pass!
Sakuya
Meiling...
Reimu
All right. Looks like talking's getting us nowhere.
Meiling
If you won't back off, you leave me no choice. This is my duty as a guard.
Sakuya
I'll take care of this. You should save your power for the battle with the witch, Reimu.
Meiling
If this is what you want, I'll stop you with a battle of bullets! Just know that I'm going to give you all I've got!
Sakuya
Meiling is strong when she has something to protect. We must be careful.
Sakuya
Ugh, I shouldn't have underestimated Meiling... She's more stubborn than I expected!
Meiling
Ha! It's not over yet!
Sleeping Dragon Pt. 4
Meiling
You must be joking! You call this putting your heart into the battle?!
Reimu
Whoa! She's super strong! What's going on?!
Sakuya
I told you. Meiling's power increases when she has something to protect.
Reimu
Hey, Meiling! Why are you so protective of the Witch of Scarlet Dreams?!
...No, I don't think that's it.
She's probably trying to protect...
Patchouli
PLAYER is right. We are the ones who are being protected.
Patchouli
I believe Meiling knows full well what awaits us on the other side of this door.
Meiling
Oh, so you know...? Then why are you trying so hard to get past me?!
Flandre
Meeeeiliiiiing! Please! You have to understand!
Meiling
Lady Flan. The bullets that the Witch of Scarlet Dreams shoots... I'm sure you know how powerful they are.
Meiling
She overpowered Lady Remilia... As her younger sister, you should understand what that means.
Meiling
No one who has faced her has ever come back in one piece!
Meiling
I'm following Lady Remilia's orders! You should know this, Lady Patchouli!
Meiling
Lady Remilia took the direct impact of all the witch's heat and didn't let me interfere―
Meiling
"I hereby order you to protect my Gensokyo and its people," she said. "This mansion shall be the gate to this land."
Meiling
I've stood here for all these years with only those words in my heart! And I haven't let anyone pass!
Meiling
I proved myself unworthy of being her servant by not protecting her. At least let me execute her order to the end!
Patchouli
...And? You think I don't know that already?
Patchouli
You were there when Remi spoke to me too, so you should know what she requested of me already.
Patchouli
She said, "Patchy, take over as the head of the mansion while I'm gone."
Patchouli
And it wasn't just you and me.
Patchouli
She asked Sakuya to take care of household management. She told Flan to keep herself safe until the end.
Patchouli
Even Koakuma was asked to protect the library.
Patchouli
Remi didn't just give us orders. We were entrusted with the Scarlet Devil Mansion's―no, with Remi's own soul.
Reimu
(Is that also the "how" of the incident Patchouli was talking about?)
(Hearing the story from those involved seems key...)
Meiling
Of course I know that! But please... Please just wait for a little bit longer!
Sakuya
Why is it so important that we wait now, after we have already been waiting for so long?
Meiling
It's the witch's qi, Miss Sakuya.
Sakuya
Her qi?
Meiling
The waves of fire and heat will hit you as soon as you enter. After all this time, I know her qi better than anyone.
Meiling
After the first hundred years, I noticed that it changes... It goes up and down over and over, like a pulse.
Meiling
It was very slow and slight. No one but me would've noticed. But over the years, the changes got more intense.
Meiling
A little while ago, her energy was at the maximum. Now it's gradually getting weaker.
Flandre
Could it mean that the witch's magic will soon vanish...?
The cycle is getting shorter?
Patchouli
Don't tell me she is running out of magic power...?
Patchouli
Perhaps because she has been releasing this much heat for such a long time... Hm, it's plausible.
Meiling
Her power is decreasing rapidly, so she may be less dangerous currently.
Meiling
The sheer amount hasn't actually decreased that much, but it's the first time the change has been so drastic.
Meiling
That's why I think you should stay put for a while rather than blindly rushing in.
Sakuya
Wait.
Sakuya
Do we have any guarantee that the Lost Word can still be regained after the witch disappears?
Meiling
Oh, the missing word that the shady youkai sage mentioned before? I don't know.
Patchouli
You're telling us to sit back here and watch? I refuse.
Meiling
But Lady Patchouli...! Why?!
Patchouli
Are you really asking me something so obvious?
Patchouli
If I am to watch, I will watch from the other side of this door. I will observe the witch's sudden change in condition myself.
Patchouli
For the sake of protecting my comrades, I must do this, even if there are risks. Remi would do the same.
Meiling
But Lady Patchouli... As the mistress's substitute, you should stay somewhere safe and have the others protect you...
Meiling
...But on second thought, I don't think the mistress ever did anything like that.
Flandre
That's right, Meiling! My sister would protect her comrades and find the truth herself!
Flandre
She would say, "This is an obvious thing to do for the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion." Ah, I can still hear her voice!
Meiling
Lady Flan...!
Sakuya
Heh... It looks like your resolve is wavering, Meiling. As a guard, your will should be stronger than the gate you protect.
Meiling
N-No, that's not...! And how can your resolve be so strong anyway, Miss Sakuya?!
Sakuya
...Let me show my resolve to you once again through a battle of bullets.
Meiling
Miss Sakuya!
Sakuya
Actions speak louder than words. Especially in your case.
Sakuya
Feel the heart that I've put into my silver knives!
Meiling
Miss Sakuya...! OK, give me everything you've got!
Sakuya
*pant* *pant* How was it...? Do you understand now?
Meiling
...Yes. This is my loss, in every single way...
Sleeping Dragon Pt. 5
Meiling
I acknowledge my defeat.
Patchouli
Thank you, Meiling. We'll be going through the door then.
Meiling
Ah! Wait!
Reimu
Hey, I'm pretty sure we won. It would be nice if you followed the rules...
Meiling
I get that, but the witch's qi just changed again! It's dangerous!
An explosion?!
Sakuya
The door has turned white! Is it melting from the heat?
It's gotten much hotter!
Patchouli
I'm concentrating all of my heat-protection magic toward the door!
Patchouli
Everyone, get behind me.
Sakuya
...No. It's my duty as the head maid to protect the mistress. Right now, you are the mistress, Lady Patchouli.
Meiling
As the gatekeeper, I must guard the gate and everything the gate was meant to protect, just as the mistress desired.
Patchouli
...Such fools you all are.
Patchouli
Very well. But be careful not to step outside the range of my spell.
Sakuya & Meiling
All right. Understood!
Patchouli
Flan.
Flandre
Yeaaaah?
Patchouli
On my signal, hit the door with your Laevateinn, no holds barred. You can do that for me, right?
Flandre
Of course!
Reimu...
Reimu
No need to worry.
Patchouli
She's right. Trust us.
Of course I trust you!
After all, we came all the way here together!
Patchouli
All of you, to the very back. Now. Reimu, protect PLAYER.
Reimu
You don't have to tell me. PLAYER, stay behind me.
OK...!
Patchouli
Flan! Now!
Flandre
YEAH! Taboo: Laevateinn!!!
Meiling
Ugh... What horrific heat...! It's unbearable!
Sakuya
Is this the witch's power?! It's much stronger than before!
Patchouli
The target is nowhere to be seen! Don't tell me... She caused this much damage using long-distance bullets?!
Reimu
Agh...! PLAYER, are you all right?!
Just barely...
Thanks to everyone protecting me!
Reimu
I didn't get hit either... I would have been toast without everyone else protecting me.
Flandre
Reimu, PLAYER...
Reimu
Flan...!
Flandre
Keep the promise...
Flandre
I want to go with you... But I don't think I can... What a bummer.
Reimu
...
Reimu
Let's go, PLAYER.
Is it OK to leave them here like this?
Reimu
It's not that we're leaving them... It's that we need to get away from here as soon as possible.
Reimu
If we stay, more bullets will come this way. We can't let the others get hurt more than they already are.
Reimu
We've got to draw all of the witch's attention to ourselves!
Nameless Witch Pt. 1
Reimu
...NO WAY! It's the far side of the moon!
Reimu
I expected to find ourselves in some strange and outlandish place, but this...
Is this the place you mentioned previously?
It's kind of like Gensokyo, but kind of not...
Reimu
Hey, PLAYER. You can see the Scarlet Devil Tower if you squint!
It's extending up from the earth.
Like a string connecting the earth to the moon.
Reimu
In our world, we were able to reach the far side of the moon with the rocket protected by the three Sumiyoshi gods.
So the Scarlet Devil Tower has divine protection too.
It must be really powerful to cover a tower so tall!
Reimu
It might well be the Scarlet Devil's magic... You never know.
Reimu
But the moon isn't meant to be this hot! I wonder if any of the Lunarians and moon rabbits are still alive.
Reimu
Anyhow, let's get moving toward the source of the heat. The Witch of Scarlet Dreams must be there!
Reimu
Why are there so many fairies here? This is strange. It can't be Junko's doing...
Reimu
Maybe this is all because of the witch?
What do you mean?
Reimu
The moon is practically free from impurities, so earthly life and death don't exist here... That's what I've heard, anyway.
Maybe the fairies came through the tower...
They might've followed the witch.
Reimu
Perhaps they were attracted to the witch's power so much that their whole habitat was brought here.
Reimu
But there's no time for that now! We have to break through this swarm first. We can ask questions later!
Reimu
I hate when people disturb me even at the best of times, so I'm really not up for it now. Let's go, PLAYER!
Reimu
Oh, and do NOT step outside of my shadow! These fairies aren't just weaklings that followed the witch.
Reimu
They've probably been created from her very life force. They're dangerous, so we need to―huh?! What's that?!
Nameless Witch Pt. 2
It's so hot even with the barrier?!
Reimu! There's someone over there!
Reimu
Yeah, that must be the Witch of Scarlet Dreams!
Reimu
Darn! I was hoping that we'd recognize her once we saw her―
Reimu
But we can't even directly look at her because of all this light! It's way too bright!
I don't think we'd know her name even if we saw her...
...because we still don't know the "why"!
Reimu
Right. According to Patchouli's theory, the "why" should be something like her motive...
Reimu
We heard a lot about "how" from the residents of the Scarlet Devil Tower. All we have to do now is to ask the witch "why"!
???
Oh? How interesting. An actual human being has come to meet me at a time like this.
Reimu
Are you the Witch of Scarlet Dreams?
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Indeed... That is what they call me.
Reimu
...Huh? That's it? Aren't you supposed to be more like, "Mwahaha! I was behind everything!"?
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I'm sorry, but none of what happened was planned. Wait... Hey! Are you Reimu? Reimu Hakurei?
Reimu
Do you know me?
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Reimu... No, you can't be.
Reimu
But I am. Reimu Hakurei, at your service. Though not the Reimu you know. I'm not from this world.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
A Reimu from another world? ...Hm, that would make sense.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
That said, even if the Reimu I know had come here, it wouldn't change anything.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I've lost my name. And I've sealed my past.
Reimu
You've sealed your past?! But we're here to ask you about it!
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Sorry, but I neither know where I sealed it nor how to release it. I've sealed that information too.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Listen to me, human who claims to be Reimu. I know why you're here.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I know you want to stop me from shooting the bullets, but just know that I've never wanted to shoot any of these.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
That said, I'm aware that my bullets are damaging everything in this world...
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Go back. Find a way to return to your world. I don't want there to be any more victims.
Reimu
Thanks for the advice... But I can't follow it.
Reimu
Not until I find your name!
Reimu
Besides, your bullets are somewhat strange... Your power dropped a while ago, but now it's rising again.
Reimu
I heard that it's been fluctuating, but what's with this sudden increase in power...?
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Ah. Now I understand what you're concerned about. You want to understand what's happening to me, don't you?
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
...Well, there's no reason for me to hide it from you.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
At the moment, my magic power is increasing rapidly. This will end... with my dying explosion.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
When my power reaches its peak, it will be released all at once from my body in the form of scorching heat.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
The explosion will engulf this body along with everything around me, burning it to the ground in seconds.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
In other words, this world will come to an end.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
The flames and heat could blast out of my body any moment now.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I sensed that the bullets I shot earlier hurt people in the tower.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
It was against my will, but it was still my fault. That's why all I can do is ask you once more―
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Go back.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Find a way to return to your world. And take the injured with you, if it's possible.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
If you can't do that... Then choose a place to die. Somewhere other than here.
Reimu
...Again, thanks for the advice. But that's a weird thing to hear from someone who claims to know me.
Reimu
There's no way I'll back off just because you tell me to. Wasn't the Reimu you remember like that too?
(If we go back, we won't find the Lost Word...)
(We have to find out the witch's past―the "why"!)
Reimu
(Only we can do this. I'll fight her and wait for the right moment. Then, PLAYER... You know what to do.)
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Hmm, I wonder what the Reimu I knew was like... But fine. If you want to observe me so bad, go ahead.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
But you had better watch out for my bullets... Unless you have a death wish?
Reimu
*sigh* Stop trying to warn me. That's the third time already.
Reimu
(I'll show you... I'll find out the witch's missing name!)
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
My magic light is proof of my existence.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Here on this moon, the fairies are attracted to my light like moths to a flame.
Reimu
It's like she's shooting fairies instead of bullets! We have to defeat them first!
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
...What's the matter? You can't even approach me?
Reimu
Ouch! It's way too hot! I can't get any closer...!
Nameless Witch Pt. 3
Reimu
This is bad... There are too many fairies!
And it's really hot...!
I think we should back off!
Reimu
Yeah... You're right.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Done already? I thought you were trying to find out something about me through the battle.
Reimu
Oh, you noticed? Then thanks for playing along.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Well, why else would you even try to stand up against me?
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
So? Did you find out anything about me? As if simply touching my bullets would ever give anything away.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
It's not too late to change your mind and ask the youkai sage for help. She ought to be around somewhere.
Reimu! The journal! Look here...!
Reimu
Yeah, I felt it during the battle too. We've gotten some solid proof.
Reimu
I'll share it with you.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Oh? I'm all ears.
Reimu
As a professional in youkai extermination and incident-resolving, I've witnessed all kinds of battles of bullets.
Reimu
Bullets' characteristics change depending on who uses them. The heat that yours put out had me stumped until now...
Reimu
But I finally realized they were related to stars after observing them up close!
Reimu
The essence of your bullets is star magic. And I've been told quite a lot about stars.
Reimu
A star pulsates all its life. The smaller it is, the hotter it gets. The hotter it gets, the bigger it grows.
Reimu
Once it gets large, it cools down and shrinks. And when it dies, it explodes, releasing massive amounts of heat.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Hm... Whoever taught you all this must have really liked stars.
Reimu
That's not all. I've been told all kinds of stories about stars for a long, long time.
Reimu
I was rather indifferent to them though. I didn't think they'd ever come in handy.
Reimu
It's recorded in PLAYER's journal too. Some star geek must've been raving about them to everyone they met.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
...I see. The life of a star does resemble mine.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
But unfortunately, I can't say if you're correct. I've sealed all my memories about myself and I don't even know why.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
There is, perhaps, one thing I could tell you...
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I had no idea that this kind of power had been dwelling inside me.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
All I know is... I had a wish and couldn't die until it came true. That's why I've lived until now.
Reimu
Well, I don't know much about magic, but isn't magic basically always like that?
Reimu
Depending on the power of the wish, it becomes stronger, drawing out what was hidden inside.
Reimu
This is all knowledge somebody else shared with me though.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Pfft... Hahahahaha! You're an interesting one. Maybe you could become a witch too.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Over the years, I've sealed even that wish of mine. Or rather, I concealed it somewhere safe since it meant so much.
Reimu
No way...! If you don't tell us what it is, we won't be able to save you or your world!
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I used to think that everything would be all right once the wish came true, but I've only idled these years away.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
In fact, as I kept growing stronger, the heat built up inside me and I sensed that it would only lead to destruction.
Reimu
(The witch has sealed the past we want to ask about. And she doesn't even remember how she did it.)
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
It's been hard for me to live so long waiting for the wish to come true, but I knew it would never be fulfilled if I gave up.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
So I sealed the wish away and brazenly lived on until today. Alas, it never came true, and now this world is doomed.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Can you understand my despair, even just a little?
(Her wish is sealed, but how, and with what?)
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I'll delay the inevitable for as long as I can, even if for only a moment more. It'll be my atonement―
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
―for what I've done and haven't been able to undo. Now, hurry up and leave.
Reimu! Is it possible that the wish is sealed...
...in the Seal Crystal?!
Reimu
What? Where could we find something like―wait, maybe that thing Flan had?!
???
You would cast your wish―your important memories―to the moon. Every time you did so, they fell down on me.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
Wait, you're...!
Flan?! Are you OK?!
Did you recover from your injuries already...?
Flandre
A thousand years ago, before you went to meet my sister... You came to my room and gave me the Seal Crystal.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
I did? I don't remember doing anything like that...
Flandre
You probably sealed that memory along with the other ones. But don't worry. You left a key that can break the seal.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
How do you know this?
Flandre
Because I'm the key. I can break the seal even if you've forgotten everything.
Flandre
I bathed in moon magic and made its power my own. That's how I became the key.
Flandre
You confined yourself at the top of the tower knowing that you could reach me with magic if you used the moon.
Flandre
And you knew that you could seal your memories in the Seal Crystal through me.
Flandre
And so, you sealed your memories and poured all the info about the world that you could into me using heat waves.
Flandre
"In order to know when she ever came back."
Flandre
I promised you I'd bring Reimu to you when she appeared. That wish―your prayer―is the key to the crystal.
Flandre
But there was one more prayer within the crystal, and that one brought Reimu here from another world.
Flandre
...Although she wasn't the Reimu you knew, the prayer was strong enough to bring her here anyway.
Flandre
I kept the promise and brought her to you. Now, with that same prayer... I'll unseal the crystal.
Who'd want to meet you so badly...?
They must be someone important to you too!
Reimu
Important to me? ...This is making me feel a little shy.
Reimu
But... if you read about me in the journal, you should be able to find the name of the Witch of Scarlet Dreams.
Reimu
When Flan unseals the crystal, we'll know the "why." All right! Let's find this Lost Word already.
Flandre
I've already released the seal. Look.
Reimu
Already?!
Reimu
Nothing personal, but coming from you... I expected some flashy explosions.
Reimu
That was surprisingly uneventful.
Flandre
That's because I did a proper prayer. Her memories should return to her any moment now.
Flandre
...Shouldn't you hurry up? Go and tell the witch the Lost Word.
Reimu
I-I will!
Reimu
PLAYER, come with me. And don't step outside of my shadow!
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
...
Reimu
It's gotten so quiet all of a sudden. I hope nothing weird happens...
Flandre
She's been swept up in the flow of her memories from a thousand years ago. She'll pass out any moment now.
Reimu
Pass out?! But what if she falls?!
Flandre
That's why I told you to hurry up!
Reimu
I've almost got her...! Just a bit more!
Flandre
I can feel the memories flowing out of her body. Maybe because she's so close.
Flandre
Reimu, you should be able to see the memories now.
Reimu
...These are the memories of the Witch of Scarlet Dreams?
Flandre
Yes. Somewhere among them, we'll find the important one forming the prayer that brought you here.
Reimu
So these memories really happened here in the past...
Flandre
Let's hurry. We don't want the witch to fall head-first into the ground.
Reimu
I know! I'm on it!
Reimu
I won't let you fall... Marisa Kirisame!
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
...Ah!
Reimu
Marisa!
Flandre
The light got dimmer when you found the Lost Word! But still not enough for me to get any closer...
Reimu
Oh, right. You're a vampire.
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
...
Reimu
Hey... Marisa! Why are you shooting at me?!
Flandre
It's not her. The Witch of Scarlet Dreams has passed out.
Reimu
Huh? You're telling me that Marisa is flying and shooting bullets while unconscious?
Flandre
Well, yes. But not exactly―it's magic. Autonomic aggressive defensive magic is protecting her precious memories.
Flandre
The spell she had cast just in case slipped into her memories and possessed her.
Flandre
Like somebody who's embarrassed and angry about their precious diary being read.
Reimu
Why are you being so cool and collected?! Explaining things like you're Patchouli...
Flandre
Probably because Patchouli taught me this? But you must be feeling pretty confident if you have time to worry about that.
Reimu
Oh, right! I finally found the Lost Word, but at this rate, the world's going to be burned to ashes!
Flandre
I've got a plan, but I need time to prepare. Can you protect me until I'm ready?
Reimu
If you're telling me to be your shield, then no thanks. But I'm willing to serve as your parasol!
Flandre
Hehehe, I'm counting on you.
Reimu
Great!
Reimu
Flan! You're still not done?!
Flandre
Just a little bit more!
Reimu
What exactly are you planning to do?!
Flandre
Come on! I'm trying to focus. So just cover me...
Flandre
Patchouli often uses this kind of autonomic magic. It's like how shikigami work.
Flandre
If there's a sudden drop in magic power, it detects the abnormality and stops.
Reimu
There's a way to make it suddenly drop?!
Flandre
Of course. We've got a really powerful magic catalyst right here!
Flandre
Just one sweep, then―
Reimu
What? N-No way! PLAYER, hold my hand and don't let go!
What?!
Flandre
BOOM!
Nameless Witch Pt. 4
Reimu
Yay! I win again!
???
Argh! Darn it! I was sure I'd win this time... Whyyyy?!
Reimu
Come on! You usually win every other time. I just happened to beat you twice in a row.
???
I know, but it just feels like... Meh. Hang on! Don't tell me you've created some new bullets?!
???
I knew it! Tell me that beforehand! This loss doesn't count!
Reimu
Eh, you're so annoying. Look, the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion is here.
Reimu
As we promised, I'm going first since I won. You don't mind, do you?
???
Ugh... Fine, but only because we agreed on it!
Remilia
So, which one of you will be battling me?
Reimu
I'm first. And probably the last.
Remilia
Is that so...? Very well, go on up. Sakuya, you can wait over there since you lost.
Sakuya
...Understood.
???
Tsk. I should've been the one going first.
???
This is all because I got lost in the underground library and ended up wandering into some room in the back...
Sakuya
You entered the young mistress's room...?! You're lucky to be alive.
???
Really?! Is she that dangerous? She seemed so happy when I gave her a nice blue stone I found in the forest.
Sakuya
A blue stone...? Now that you mention it, I found one myself when I was sweeping the garden.
???
You're the maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, aren't you? You look like a normal human, unlike the other folks here.
Sakuya
...That's because I am a normal human. In every aspect except for my skills.
???
Oh... Guess that's why that vampire likes you?
???
You're way stronger than even the average youkai, let alone your average human.
Sakuya
It seems you're misunderstanding something. It's true that I am a human and a servant to a vampire...
Sakuya
But I never said that I'm weaker than my mistress.
???
What do you mean? Are you thinking of overthrowing your boss? Is a maid plotting against her master?
Sakuya
I never said that. What I'm telling you is that the ones who follow the strong are not necessarily weak.
???
...O-Oh yeah? So does that mean you're... I don't know... close friends?
Sakuya
...Hehe.
???
Hey, where do you think you're going?!
Sakuya
I won't be able to see well if I don't move closer. That's all.
Sakuya
Are you fine staying where you are?
???
...
Reimu
Spirit Sign: Fantasy Seal!
Remilia
Heehee... You're going to need to do better than that to defeat me! Scarlet Gensokyo!
???
...Hmph. Why did she ask me that?
Mysterious Voice
"Did you know that vampires are one of the strongest youkai in the Western world?"
Mysterious Voice
"The greater youkai of the West. They are extremely tough opponents... but your friend will soon win against one."
???
Who are you?! Show yourself!
Mysterious Voice
"Shall I...? Very well. I will appear before you as your future self."
Mysterious Voice
How is this? Is it easier to talk to me now?
???
...No, I can't see you well. Are you a new type of youkai or something?
Mysterious Voice
Forget about me. You should be more concerned about your friend Reimu Hakurei...
Mysterious Voice
She will continue to defeat all kinds of youkai, spirits and demons, and even gods of heaven and earth.
Mysterious Voice
And each time she does, her friends will increase in number.
???
...Heh. Is that a prophecy? Some kind of foretelling magic? And what would be the problem with that anyway?
???
Reimu doesn't have that many people she can call friends right now.
Mysterious Voice
Amazing. A paragon of friendship. Good things happening to a friend bring you as much joy as if they happened to you.
???
...Isn't that natural?
Mysterious Voice
I see. If that is true, then you do not need help.
???
What are you talking about? Do I look as if I need help to you?
Mysterious Voice
Oh yes, you do. You are afraid of being separated from your friend.
???
Oh, so you like poking your nose into other people's business. Anyway, I'm fine. I improve my bullets every day.
???
When she overtakes me, I overtake her, only to trade places again... We've always been like this.
Mysterious Voice
However, Reimu will gain more friends with every win from now on. No matter how hard you wish for her not to.
Mysterious Voice
Thus, if you truly treasure your friend... You need to obtain a new power.
???
What do you mean? I study hard every day and―
Mysterious Voice
But today, you lost again.
???
Are you my future self...?
Mysterious Voice
The form you see is the shape of your heart and reason. If you desire, the Greater Magic will awaken your hidden power.
???
The greater what? What kind of magic is that?
Mysterious Voice
It is magic that comes from a missing word. You will lose your name, but gain tremendous power in return.
???
Haha, sounds dangerous. But don't give me that. There's no point if it's not my real power.
Mysterious Voice
But it is. The more power dwells inside you, the bigger the change will be.
???
What would losing my name feel like anyway? It sounds seriously lonely to me.
Mysterious Voice
It is the price for fulfilling your wish. You will become accustomed to it eventually.
???
The price, you say...? And is there anything else I'll have to pay?
Mysterious Voice
Hm...
Mysterious Voice
What you wish for is power that will allow you to stay by your friend's side. It will grant what you desire for most.
Mysterious Voice
As such, I will need to take just one more thing you treasure in exchange.
Mysterious Voice
With this, you will be able to stay with your friend forever. It is quite a good deal, don't you agree?
Mysterious Voice
As for me, I am traveling around looking for "materials." This deal will bring me one step closer to achieving my goal.
???
(Is there anything more important to me than staying by Reimu's side...?)
???
I made a promise with Reimu.
???
I half-forced Reimu to make it, but she smiled when she accepted. It's an important promise to me.
???
We promised to keep fighting to overcome each other so that one day we could have an equal battle!
Mysterious Voice
Are you willing to lose your name for what you desire?
???
Yeah!
Mysterious Voice
"Then it is decided."
???
...Huh?! What was that?! A dream? An illusion...? I was watching Reimu battle...
Reimu
Ahh!
???
Reimu!
Mysterious Voice
As we agreed, I have taken an important thing from you. And thus, I will also take the missing word.
Remilia
Sh-She vanished...!
???
WHAT?!
???
Reimu wasn't shot in the battle... But she's nowhere to be seen...
???
Hey, you! Vampire lady! Did you look away during the fight?
Remilia
Of course not! I could have lost if I did!
???
Then where's Reimu?!
Sakuya
I stopped time and checked our surroundings... But I couldn't find her anywhere.
Remilia
How could that be...? It's like she's been spirited away!
Sakuya
Yes, as if someone stole her away...
???
What? That's the price I paid...? The thing I treasure most...
???
Reimu's gone now...? Then what's the meaning of obtaining this power―AAAGH!
Remilia
What now?! You're shining like the sun!
???
It's so hot! My body... It's burning!
???
AaaAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Sakuya
Milady... Please leave this place immediately.
Remilia
No. You go, Sakuya. Go to the Scarlet Devil Mansion and bring everyone here.
Sakuya
B-But...!
Remilia
We need to handle this immediately. Please understand what I need you to do.
Sakuya
Understood, milady! I will make preparations for all of us to handle it together!
Remilia
No, Sakuya. That's not what I meant... But for now, just hurry up and do as I say.
Remilia
And since you're a human... Take this with you.
Sakuya
Is this... your fang?!
Remilia
It's just a magical replica. It's up to you how you use it. Now go.
Sakuya
...Very well, Lady Remilia.
???
AAAAAH!!!
Remilia
Just what do you think you're doing to my mansion? And what's this? You seem to be in pain.
Remilia
The Eternally Young Scarlet Moon, Remilia Scarlet, will be your opponent.
Remilia
For as long... as I can hold out...
Return of the Shrine Maiden Pt. 1
Reimu
Phew. That was close! I felt the blood freeze in my veins!
Reimu, you saved me!
What did Flan just do?
Reimu
I was confused too, but it seems Flan noticed that the Witch of Scarlet Dreams―
Reimu
―that is, Marisa was using the moon to amplify her power... So Flan destroyed the moon. It's mad, I know.
Right, the moon reflects light from a star―the sun!
A bit... unconventional, but it looks like it worked!
Reimu
Assuming that the witch made full use of the reflected light, her magic should be only half as powerful now.
Reimu
But as a result, Flan and Marisa were thrown into space...
I wonder what happened to them...?
Reimu
...!
Reimu
Oh no! We have to rescue them! And FAST!
Koakuma
Phew! I made it!
Koakuma
I almost broke my back carrying them both at the same time. Reimu, you should've helped me!
Flandre
*groan*
Reimu
Koakuma?! Weren't you supposed to stay in the library?!
Koakuma
Hehe, no problem there! I left the work to another little devil!
Koakuma
I was worried sick, so I followed you! I barely made it in time!
Koakuma
I need to check on Lady Patchouli too!
Reimu
Perhaps Flan knew that you were here. Sorry, but can we leave the others to you?
Reimu
Well then...
Reimu
Phew. Seems like both Marisa and Flan just fell asleep due to the sudden decrease in magic power.
Reimu
Those terrifying bullets Marisa was shooting from her body have also stopped. This world's incident has been resolved.
What a relief...!
Reimu
Yeah. We did it. The Yukari from our world should be able to contact us soon.
Reimu
Marisa. I just can't believe it...
Reimu
You were on a rampage for a thousand years as the Witch of Scarlet Dreams because of the promise you made with me.
Reimu
I can't even imagine what a thousand years feels like. Let alone how horrible it is to lose your name...
Reimu
I'll try to come to grips with your feelings... Just don't expect too much. I'm not the Reimu you've been waiting for, after all.
Reimu
But even so, you're still my―
Marisa
Oh...? For real? Then I have a favor to ask of you.
Reimu
You're awake? ...You should've said something.
Reimu
The incident's been resolved, so where's your usual black and white outfit?
Reimu
Or maybe the change is gradual?
Marisa
Who knows! Anyhow, I'm going to sport this style for a while!
Reimu
Am I the only one who was feeling a bit worked up about this? Seems like I was worried over nothing.
Marisa
Hey, you didn't finish your sentence. I'm still your... what?
Reimu
You're still... Just someone who keeps getting in my way, obviously!
Reimu & Marisa
Hehehe! Hahaha!
Marisa
Looking at you now, after regaining my memories and name...
Marisa
You really are exactly as Reimu was back then. But I guess...
Marisa
That's just a coincidence, since you're from another world. I shouldn't cause you any more trouble.
Reimu
Stop it. That doesn't sound like you at all.
Reimu
Someone has spirited the me of this world away. They may well have taken her to another parallel world.
Reimu
I'll bring her back.
Marisa
Can you?
Reimu
I don't mind.
Marisa
...Can I ask you for one more thing? The one I was about to ask when I woke up.
Marisa
I've been lost for a thousand years, but I'm finally back. I want you to have a proper battle with me.
Reimu
Sure. Let's have a battle of bullets. Come at me, Marisa!
Marisa
Bring it on! I'm gonna crush you! Ahh... this feels great!
Reimu
Yeah, it's really refreshing!
Marisa
Whoa now, you beat me? Shouldn't you have let me win in this situation?
Reimu
Oh? I thought we were fighting for real though? But you don't have to worry. I'll duel you again someday.
Return of the Shrine Maiden Pt. 2
Yukari
Ah! It finally connected!
Reimu
I feel strangely exhausted seeing your face now that everything's settled down.
Yukari
Hm, I expected a slightly warmer welcome. It isn't easy to establish telecommunication between worlds, you know?
Reimu
Tele... what? Is that the feature you put into the Yin-Yang orbs way back? I thought you removed that?
Yukari
Exactly! It's the same function we used when you went to the Underworld. I modified them after your last adventure.
Yukari
I expected something like that to happen again, so I modified these to make it possible for you to see me.
Reimu
That so...
Miss Yukari...!
I feel strangely relieved now!
Yukari
Aw, PLAYER, it's nice having an honest and good girl like you around.
Reimu
So, the Yukari I'm seeing is some kind of mirage? What is this exactly?
Yukari
Don't play with it.
Patchouli
What a terrific technique! I need to direct my research to this field as well!
Yukari
Heehee... I believe a powerful magician like you won't have any problem creating a three-dimensional image of yourself.
Patchouli
Oh no, I meant the inter-world telecommunication.
Patchouli
Ahem. So... You were finally able to establish the connection because the incident has been resolved?
Yukari
Oh, I was actually making preparations to contact you even before you found the missing word.
Yukari
But since the me of your world has been in hibernation, it took me a long time to create a base station there...
Did you pick this up from the Yukari on the island?
I feel like she did something similar...
Yukari
Yes. That Yukari was aware of different Lost Word Incidents before you resolved the one in her world.
Yukari
She's been giving me feedback on this means of communication, so I managed to create this fairly well.
Patchouli
...Yukari Yakumo is clever no matter what world she's from. Still, I never thought I would meet the youkai sage again.
Yukari
The Yukari from your world should wake up soon, and I'm sure she'll help you with the reconstruction.
Marisa
Oh, right. Everyone who ran away because of the heat―
Marisa
―especially the moon folk... We have to call them back.
Yukari
The dwellers of the Lunar Capital must've escaped to the Dream World. That happened before in our world.
Marisa
They ran away as soon as they noticed something was off, which kept them from being caught in the mess.
Yukari
Will you now devote yourself to rebuilding this world?
Marisa
Yeah, or I'd never hear the end of it from the Reimu and vampire mistress of this world when they get back.
Flandre
I'll help out too, Marisa!
Flandre
There's lots of stuff to do before my sister comes back, so I won't get bored!
Sakuya
What are we going to do with this insanely tall tower? I think it would be better to disconnect it from the moon...
Meiling
Hm... But it's been here for such a long time. I've kind of gotten used to it.
Yukari
If that's the case, get your Yukari to think about it. She'll find a way to effectively use the Scarlet Devil Tower!
Patchouli
Hmmm...
Patchouli
You haven't aged at all...! Was your body maintained in the state it was in before the incident occurred?
Patchouli
I've never seen anything like this before!
Patchouli
All right―I'll study you for a while.
Marisa
Fine, but back off a bit!
Koakuma
L-Lady Patchouli! You're getting too close!
We should return to our world soon, right?
Yukari
Indeed. I know you had fun fighting, but it's about time you wrapped up your business there and come back home.
Reimu
We're leaving this world in your hands. Especially you, Marisa. Get everyone back together.
Marisa
I know, OK? I'll do anything I can until Reimu comes back!
Reimu
I'll bring back the me of this world. Just you wait.
Flandre
Awwww!
Flandre
Reimu, PLAYER! Why don't you stay longer so we can play some more?
Sakuya
Don't bother our guests, Lady Flan. Your sister would've said the same thing.
Flandre
My sister would?! Oh. Right, I can't be so selfish! I'm sure she'll come back soon too!
Sakuya
Exactly, Lady Flan. Your sister will be impressed with you when she returns.
Sakuya
Reimu, and Miss PLAYER...
Sakuya
I thank you on behalf of the mistress.
Meiling
I'll make you some of my Chinese tea the next time we meet!
Flandre
Come and play with me again! I'll get lots of toys ready!
Patchouli
Flan, you've left your room for the first time in a thousand years. You need to learn about society first.
Koakuma
I will teach you!
Flandre
You mean stuff like proper manners for a lady?
Flandre
If so, I want to know now! I need to learn all that stuff before my sister comes back!
Patchouli
Flan... you've grown so much.
Koakuma
I'm so moved!
Yukari
The gap will open soon. Are you done with your goodbyes?
Marisa
Reimu... Thank you.
Reimu
What's wrong with you, Marisa? This is no big deal.
Goodbye, Marisa and everyone at the mansion.
Let's meet again...!
Marisa
Yeah! Thanks, PLAYER! See you next time!
Flandre
Come play again soon!
Sakuya
I'm looking forward to the next time we meet.
Meiling
Same here!
Koakuma
Bye-bye! See you next time!
Patchouli
Farewell... Until we meet again.
Marisa
Reimu! PLAYER!
Marisa
Hey, are you OK?! Wake up!
Reimu
Huh? We're... What happened to the red Seal Crystal?
Marisa
Whoa! You're awake! ...Hm? You don't remember?
Marisa
You were sucked into the red crystal. We thought you might've been teleported, so we searched the mansion―
Marisa
―and we found you here in Flan's room, fast asleep, just a few minutes ago.
Marisa
Phew... You got me so worried! Are you hurt anywhere?
Reimu
I'm fine.
Marisa
That's a relief! Everyone in the mansion got all worked up. They let you sleep here in Flan's room.
Marisa
Sakuya just rushed out at full speed to fetch Eirin, but it looks like we won't need her help.
Reimu
But the crystal... I only remember up to the point we were about to be sucked in.
(Like I thought, she doesn't remember anything...!)
Marisa
And you look fine too, PLAYER! I'm glad!
Reimu
That aside, what happened to the red Seal Crystal?!
Marisa
You're worried about that now? Well, it just disappeared when it was done sucking you in.
Reimu
It did...?
Marisa
Yeah, but never mind.
Reimu
WHAT?! How come?!
Marisa
How come...? Because nobody got hurt, obviously.
Reimu
What if it's lying around somewhere?! It's dangerous! We need to find it and dispose of it properly!
Marisa
Hey! Hold on! Waaaiiit!!!
Yukari
Welcome back, PLAYER. Thank you for taking care of yet another incident.
Miss Yukari!
Yukari
You must be exhausted. Make sure you rest properly tonight.
Yukari
Even more travels to parallel worlds await you.
Yukari
Pardon the brief visit, but I must be on my way.
Please wait just a moment!
Yukari
Eep.
That mysterious voice in the witch's memories...
Who did it belong to?
Yukari
Hm...
Yukari
There's no point in keeping it a secret from you. The truth is―
Yukari
I don't know yet.
Yukari
Someone who can change a word into a Lost Word, with the ability to spirit people away to another world.
Yukari
The only thing I know for sure is that someone capable of doing such things is very dangerous.
Yukari
There may even be multiple culprits. In any case, they pose a great threat.
Yukari
I have yet to gather enough information. I can't even suspect anyone based on what I know now.
Are they behind what's happened to me?
Yukari
They could very well be. However.... I have no proof.
Yukari
We need to investigate other Lost Word Incidents and gather more information.
Yukari
Alternatively... we must find a way to face the culprit. Either option is risky, so we can't act recklessly.
So I guess my adventure will continue...
Yukari
Why the long face?
Yukari
It's all right. You can count on me to protect you. And with that said, there's something important you must do.
Yukari
Rest well and regain your spirits.
