Menu
Home
Characters
Story Cards
Character Tags
Lorepedia
Menu
Home
Characters
Story Cards
Features
Character Tags
God Crystal Price Calculator
Tables
Characters
Attributes
Barrier Status
Attacks
Effects
Lorepedia
Glossary
Ch. 3: Hakugyoku Arena
Index
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 1
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 2
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 3
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 4
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 5
Stage of Death Pt. 1
Stage of Death Pt. 2
Stage of Death Pt. 3
Stage of Death Pt. 4
Stage of Death Pt. 5
Stage of Death Pt. 6
The Hour Struck Pt. 1
The Hour Struck Pt. 2
The Hour Struck Pt. 3
The Hour Struck Pt. 4
The Hour Struck Pt. 5
The Hour Struck Pt. 6
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 1
???
It will bloom.
???
Flowers that should never open will blossom once again.
???
I have to go...
Mysterious Voice
"Where to?"
???
Is that you? There is only one place I can go. As I'm sure you are aware.
Mysterious Voice
"Oh. Well, I don't mind as long as you don't do something you shouldn't once again."
???
Are you serious? Why bring that up now? It was such a long time ago.
Mysterious Voice
"Let's talk about the past another time. Focus on the task at hand for now."
???
No need to remind me.
Mysterious Voice
"I'm glad to hear that. Then, I have another request."
???
After all of this, you're still scheming? I can't take it anymore...
Mysterious Voice
"At times, you have to lie and conspire in order to protect those who are dear to you."
Mysterious Voice
"Take a look at yourself. You also mix your medicine with honey and read novels during lectures."
Mysterious Voice
"You are no different."
???
...
???
So what's your request?
Mysterious Voice
"I will tell you next time. I'm busy today."
???
*sigh* I wonder how many times it has been already.
???
But something's different this time. I can feel it.
???
The Saigyou Ayakashi. How peculiar that I'm praying to a youkai like you...
???
But please, let this be the last.
???
Don't let this repeat...
???
...ever again.
Was that... a dream?
It felt so real...
Reimu
Oh! PLAYER. I thought you were asleep.
Marisa
Hey, PLAYER. We've never met at this hour before, eh?!
I had a strange dream... and it woke me up.
So why are you here, Marisa? Do you need any help?
Marisa
Yeah, you could say that. There's a meeting going on.
Marisa
I say "meeting," but it's our usual nightly get-together!
???
Heeey! You must be that famous newcomer staying at Reimu's place. The name's Suika Ibuki. Don't forget it!
I'm PLAYER! Pleased to meet you!
(Right, this is our first time meeting in this world!)
Suika
We're out of drinks, but there's some snacks left. Did you wake up 'cause you were hungry? I'll fetch you something!
Reimu
L-Listen, PLAYER. I know she's an oni, but it's not like... Um...
Reimu
I mean, don't worry! This isn't some inauspicious shrine where youkai come to hang out!
Marisa
Oh? But it is, no? There's still no need for you to worry though.
Reimu
Nobody asked for your opinion! I, um... I do care about the impression ordinary folk might get about this shrine.
Marisa
Did I seriously just hear that from the laziest shrine maiden in the history of Gensokyo?
Reimu
Ugh... You got me there...
D-Don't worry! I'm not scared at all!
But there's a lot of people here!
Reimu
Um... I was waiting for the right time to show this to you. But I guess there's nothing I can do about it now.
Reimu
So yeah. We gather like this almost every night to chat and exchange information.
Reimu
That's why everybody already knows about you. The news has spread across Gensokyo thanks to our get-togethers.
Marisa
At least you won't have to waste your time on introductions!
Remilia
Oh, PLAYER. It's unusual to see you awake so early.
Sakuya
Unfortunately, we've run out of drinks, but I'm sure we still have some snacks. I'll go get something for you.
Oh, Miss Suika went to get some already!
Sakuya
Hm? Suika did?
Remilia
How nice of her. I suppose parties bring out the best in us.
Reimu
I'm not so sure. I think Suika's just so wasted that she doesn't know what she's doing anymore.
???
Hi there. Looks like everyone's having a good time. Oh? And who you might be?
Hello! I'm PLAYER!
???
I see. You're that rumored newcomer―the center of everyone's attention. My name's Rinnosuke Morichika.
Rinnosuke
I run an antique shop near the forest. You should come by sometime.
Marisa
But you can forget about buying anything there. Kourin just doesn't let go of any of his wares!
Reimu
Mister Rinnosuke! It's rare to see you here. Did something happen?
Rinnosuke
Something did, actually. Look at this.
It's a Seal Crystal!
Marisa
So you found one too! When and where did you come across it?
Rinnosuke
This morning, in front of my shop. And it wasn't there yesterday evening. It appeared like mushrooms after the rain.
Reimu
They just keep popping up randomly, huh? It's a real pain, but they might be dangerous, so we better keep close watch―
Reimu
Wait... If you have it, then you've already checked it, right?
What do you mean, Reimu?
Marisa
Kourin has the ability to determine the name and purpose of any tool. So he might've learned something about the crystal.
Rinnosuke
That's true. I can read the memories of utensils. That's how I learn their name and purpose.
Reimu
So?! What did you get out of it?!
Rinnosuke
Whoa, settle down. I'll tell you, but I want you to stay calm, OK?
Reimu & Marisa
O-OK!
Rinnosuke
I determined the name of this Seal Crystal, as you call it. And it is... well, a Seal Crystal.
Reimu & Marisa
Whaaat?!
Reimu & Marisa
...
Reimu & Marisa
Seriously?
Reimu
Sorry, Mister Rinnosuke, but that was an awful joke even for you.
Marisa
So you couldn't figure anything out? No name, no purpose?
Rinnosuke
No, that's not what I'm saying at all! I did determine its name―it's a Seal Crystal.
Rinnosuke
Which means that the name given by Yukari Yakumo is perfectly accurate.
That is quite strange...
Rinnosuke
Oh, you understand? I'm glad.
Reimu
So what you're saying is that's what it was called even before Yukari named it?
Marisa
Does Yukari know about this?
Rinnosuke
It would be better to ask her. Isn't she here tonight?
Reimu
Surprisingly, she isn't. But her friend Yuyuko is here.
Rinnosuke
Yuyuko Saigyouji... Oh, right. There's one more thing I had to tell you.
Marisa
Oh, what now?
Rinnosuke
Did you read this morning's Bunbunmaru Newspaper?
Reimu
Of course not.
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 2
Rinnosuke
Of course, it's not like the object itself gained the name "Seal Crystal" because Yukari Yakumo propagated that term.
Rinnosuke
We simply can't assume that it's the proper term for this utensil just because we use this name among ourselves.
Rinnosuke
We don't know how, but Seal Crystals just appear on their own, so many people in Gensokyo must know about them.
Rinnosuke
Youkai dwelling in the mountains, phantoms, the countless tiny fairies, and humans living around the village...
Rinnosuke
...at least some of them must have already seen a Seal Crystal in some manner.
Rinnosuke
But they might not know the name "Seal Crystal" or have their own ways of referring to them.
Marisa
Get to the point! Are you saying that we are the only ones who use the name "Seal Crystal"?
Rinnosuke
Yes. And that is why it's puzzling that the Seal Crystal's name is actually "Seal Crystal."
Reimu
Wait a sec! If there are so many Seal Crystals scattered all over the place, wouldn't that be super dangerous?!
Rinnosuke
No, I don't think so.
Reimu
Really?
Rinnosuke
If the crystals blew up so easily, why aren't we hearing news of accidents involving explosions?
Rinnosuke
There've been no reports of any mishaps like that in the tengu's paper. That's proof enough that nothing's happened.
Rinnosuke
I doubt an average youkai can open a Seal Crystal by force. Much less an ordinary human.
Rinnosuke
In other words, to open a crystal, you'd probably need the power of a greater youkai or advanced magic...
Rinnosuke
...or maybe the secret techniques of celestials and hermits, the power of prospering gods, tengu or kappa technology...
Rinnosuke
...or the transcendental knowledge of the Lunarians. I'm sure there's plenty of other ways too.
Marisa
That's just a list of all the usual suspects...
Reimu
So it should be fine if we keep an eye on them, right? Heh. Sure it's bothersome, but it's nothing out of the ordinary.
Rinnosuke
Setting that aside for now, I think it would be wise to find out more about the name "Seal Crystal."
Rinnosuke
Apparently, a red one has appeared in Hakugyokurou. Maybe folks other than Yukari Yakumo have gone there as well.
Marisa
I see. A red Seal Crystal in Hakugyokurou, huh?
Reimu
It's Yuyuko's turf, so other major parties will need to make a move...
Reimu & Marisa
Hmmmm.
Reimu & Marisa
WHAT?! A RED CRYSTAL?!
Rinnosuke
According to the headline of today's Bunbunmaru Newspaper―yes. You really haven't read it, have you?
Reimu
Hey, Yuyuko! Youmu! This is no time for you two to be living it up!
Marisa
Hold on, Reimu! It's no surprise we can't see them! They're a ghost and a phantom, after all!
Rinnosuke
Actually... they took their leave just a moment ago.
Reimu & Marisa
Why didn't you tell us?!
Yukari
Oh... I don't know.
Reimu
Look, I don't want this to become any more complicated. So just spit it out already.
Yukari
You can accuse me all you want, but I don't know anything.
Yukari
There's nothing I could possibly gain from lying to you. And why would I ever do so in the first place?
Yukari
You're saying that I gave a thing a name that happened to match the actual one. Even if I did, what would be the point?
Reimu
To scare people and further some underhanded scheme, for instance!
Yukari
But what's scary about any of this?
Marisa
Reimu, we've got no leg to stand on. What Yukari's saying is correct.
Reimu
Hmph. So why is the name that Yukari thought of and the Seal Crystal's real name the same?
Yukari
The name I gave it is nothing fancy. My guess is that it was just a coincidence.
Yukari
What's more important...
Yukari
...is the discovery that Seal Crystals have been known by this name in the past.
Marisa
I see. So this is what Kourin meant by reading this name from the crystal's memories.
Reimu
He meant what? Explain it more simply.
Yukari
It isn't that difficult. It's possible that Seal Crystals were called as such by people who knew about them in the past...
Yukari
Or maybe, even now, there are people somewhere who still call them "Seal Crystals."
Yukari
Basically, we are not the first to discover them. And we know this because they already had a name.
Yukari
I do not yet know who they are, these people who knew about Seal Crystals before we did.
Yukari
Nor do I know how they handled them. But my assumptions regarding the crystals have changed drastically.
Yukari
Ran, Chen.
??? & ???
At your service.
Ran
Lady PLAYER. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Ran Yakumo―Lady Yukari's shikigami.
Chen
Hey there! I'm Chen!
Ran
Come now, Chen. Mind your manners.
Chen
I-I'm sorry! My name is Chen. I am Lady Ran's shikigami, so I'm Lady Yukari's shikigami's shikigami! Pleased to meet you!
Ran
Very good.
Chen
Hehe.
I'm PLAYER. The pleasure is mine!
Miss Shikigami and Miss Shikigami of a Shikigami.
Reimu
Oh, Ran and Chen. You look busy.
Ran
We are. You took so long to arrive that we went ahead and finished your part of the investigation on our own.
Reimu
Huh, really?! Well, I'm sorry... Wait, no. You could've called for us if you needed us!
Ran
Well, I didn't think you'd ever come if we did call for you.
Marisa
Haha! You've got a point!
Reimu
Oh, come on. If I knew you'd found a red Seal Crystal, I'd have dropped prepping for the party and hurried over here.
Yukari
That's very commendable. But this time, I wanted to avoid just such an occurrence.
Reimu
Huh? The last time I checked, WE were in charge of this research, at YOUR request.
Yukari
Well yes... But you've already failed to secure a red Seal Crystal twice.
Yukari
At the shrine, and then at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. So this is the first time I've actually seen one.
Marisa
I'd say I'm sorry, but I have no memory of why or how the crystals disappeared.
Reimu
Right. We don't know what happened to them, so it isn't our fault.
Yukari
*sigh* Look, I'm just taking all the necessary precautions.
Yukari
Ran, Chen. Call Okina and Kasen back into the room. They should be out checking the surroundings somewhere.
Ran & Chen
Understood!
Marisa
They're here too? Yukari really is going all out.
Reimu
I'm a bit offended that they went about this behind my back, but there's no point complaining to them.
They are all Sages of Gensokyo, aren't they?
(This must be pretty unusual...)
Reimu
Yeah. Only a few people in Gensokyo are called sages. Yukari Yakumo, Kasen Ibaraki, and Okina Matara are among them.
Reimu
But I'm not exactly sure what they do.
Marisa
Whoa. The sages are the ones always breaking their backs to maintain stuff in Gensokyo. You should know that.
Reimu
Are they? Because to me, it seems like I'm the one who actually protects this land.
??? & ???
Oh, no. I'm the one protecting Gensokyo. No, it's me who protects Gensokyo!
Marisa
I may as well ask... Who are you?!
Satono
I'm the cute Satono Nishida of the Back Door! One of my master's two servants! And this is myoga ginger, not chives!
Mai
I'm the cool Mai Teireida of the Back Door! One of my master's two servants! And this isn't a spear, but a bamboo pole!
Satono & Mai
Sorry for dropping in!
???
What are you two doing?
Satono & Mai
Just making our usual introductions!
???
Yukari has summoned us to the room in the back. Let us go.
???
I came in such a hurry. I must be the first to arrive.
???
No, you are the last.
???
What?!
???
Be that as it may, everyone has already come. We shall forthwith settle the outstanding matter in the other room.
E-Excuse me!
??? & ???
...!
???
Where are my manners? You must be the young lady of whom everyone speaks. I am Okina Matara, a Sage of Gensokyo.
Okina
Never fear, for I am much kinder than Yukari.
???
I won't lose if it's a contest of kindness. I'm Kasen Ibaraki―a hermit. Still in training, though.
Kasen
It's a hermit's duty to guide humans. So don't hesitate to turn to me whenever you find yourself in trouble.
Kasen & Okina
Leave Yukari and put your trust in me! You would be better off relying on me than Yukari!
(So this is what―)
(―Miss Okina and Miss Kasen of this world are like!)
Reimu
I thought you were here on serious business. You shouldn't be wasting time trying to recruit followers.
Marisa
Yeah, you're confusing PLAYER. Be nice to her, OK?
Okina
Oh, my apologies.
Kasen
Right. I'm sorry.
Yukari
Are you done? Can we start already?
Reimu
She's calling you.
Okina
All right, fine! We are on our way!
Kasen
She's always so impatient...
Okina
We will have an opportunity to converse again, PLAYER. About the past events as well.
Kasen
Yes. Let's have a talk some other time so that we can figure out what happened back then.
Reimu
Oh. Do you already know the two of them? I was sure you hadn't met yet.
Marisa
As with Yukari, it's best to stay on guard. Getting entangled with them could lead to trouble... Although that could be fun.
(Do they know what happened in the parallel world?)
(Maybe they remember the same way as Miss Yukari.)
???
Hold on just a minute! You really expect me to be OK with this?!
Reimu & Marisa
...!
Yuyuko
That red thing appeared in MY Hakugyokurou! Why are you kicking me out of MY room?!
Yuyuko
It's MY BEDROOM, you know?!
Youmu
Now, now, Lady Yuyuko. Let's give up on that shiny red thing. Since they're all here, it seems like a serious issue.
Youmu
Your bedroom is large and located in the deepest part of the mansion. They chose it so that no one will overhear them.
Yuyuko
Youmu! How can you be so understanding?! I don't remember ever raising you to be such a good girl!
Youmu
The party only just ended, so you're still tipsy!
Marisa
If you'd called for us first thing in the morning, we wouldn't be in this mess now.
Youmu
I'm not so sure... That could've made it even worse.
Youmu
At any rate, I'll make some tea. Let's wait until the sages finish their meeting.
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 3
(This place is really impressive!)
Yuyuko
How do you like Hakugyokurou?
Thank you for showing me around.
The interior, the garden, it's all so stunning.
Yuyuko
You're always welcome to take a look. Perhaps you might find something that will trigger your memories.
Yuyuko
*yawn* Ah, I'm so terribly sleepy now that I've sobered up. Aren't they done yet?
Youmu
They weren't when I last checked. They were discussing something difficult.
Youmu
It doesn't look like they'll finish anytime soon.
Yuyuko
*sigh*
Marisa
They're examining the red Seal Crystal to find out how to use it, right? Then it'll be over in no time.
Reimu
How did you find the crystal? Did it just appear in your bedroom?
Yuyuko
No. I believe it was Youmu who found it.
Youmu
Yes. Today at the break of dawn, I was cleaning the garden when I saw something sparkling in the shadow of a tree.
Youmu
It caught my eye because it had a different color than the crystal we found before, and I couldn't help but touch it.
Youmu
Only later did I learn from Lady Yukari that it's dangerous to do so without precautions. I'm lucky nothing happened.
Reimu
So Aya must've caught wind and put it in the morning paper. But it's odd how the crystal didn't vanish when you touched it.
Yuyuko
I was curious and touched it too, but nothing happened then either.
Marisa
I see. So that's how you managed to take it to your bedroom without any problems.
Reimu
Speaking of which, what actually happened when we touched the crystal at the Scarlet Devil Mansion?
Marisa
How could you forget? You and PLAYER got teleported somewhere, and we later found you unconscious.
Reimu
Oh, right. My memory of that time is pretty vague―it just doesn't feel real.
Marisa
I get you... I feel kinda the same about what happened that time behind the shrine.
Marisa
Looks like the four of us, including Sanae and PLAYER, passed out back then.
Reimu
Yeah, I don't know what's going on with them. According to PLAYER's journal, they're an "entrance."
Reimu
They give me the creeps... The red crystals might've drained something from us without us even realizing it.
(Are the sages talking about...)
(the Lost Word incidents and the need for cooperation?)
???
I was wondering why you had neglected to clean up after the party... Yet here I find you securing a red Seal Crystal for me.
Remilia
You came all this way to return it to its rightful owner. Most praiseworthy. Don't you agree, Sakuya?
Sakuya
It is as you say, milady.
Reimu & Marisa
Why are you here?! What're you doing here?!
Remilia
The two of you ruined my Seal Crystal. So, it stands to reason that you give me the next one you find as compensation.
Sakuya
Exactly.
Reimu & Marisa
(They listened in on us talking earlier!) (They were eavesdropping!)
Yuyuko
The crystal appeared on Hakugyokurou grounds―it's mine. And you shouldn't barge in here without permission.
Youmu
Lady Yuyuko is right. This is trespassing. A lady such as you should know to knock on the door first.
Remilia
I thought it was unnecessary since we landed in the garden. But you're probably right―it was impolite.
Remilia
I apologize for my indiscretion.
Sakuya
Please accept my apologies as well.
Remilia
All right, Sakuya. Let's go to the front door and reenter properly.
Sakuya
Yes, milady.
Reimu
Heh, look at them.
Remilia
Excuse me, could you let us in?
Yuyuko
And who might you be?
Remilia
Remilia Scarlet and her servant Sakuya.
Yuyuko
Please come on in.
Remilia
Thank you!
Marisa
Just out of curiosity... is it true that vampires are unable to enter a house uninvited?
Remilia
Think back to what happened in the past, and you will have your answer.
Marisa
Really?! OK, I'll think about it later.
Youmu
Now then, back to the red gem. You're still not getting it even though you entered properly this time.
Remilia
Oh no... Whatever shall we do, Sakuya?
Sakuya
Please do not worry, milady.
Sakuya
The red Seal Crystal that appeared here will be yours, as planned. They will receive the next crystal to be found.
Sakuya
Problem solved!
Remilia
That's genius!
Youmu & Yuyuko
Oh, I see!
Reimu
Don't "I see" me here! There's no way I'm letting you handle a thing we know nothing about.
Reimu
At least try to use your heads.
Reimu
If the next one appears in, for example, Eientei, are you just going to waltz in there and claim it?
Reimu
You'll cause a huge ruckus. You're not thinking this through!
Yuyuko
Well, you're right, we can't do that. They won't give me their delicious bamboo shoots ever again if we do.
Youmu
I'm sorry, Lady Yuyuko. I didn't consider the consequences either.
Yuyuko
Don't mention it, Youmu. You just need to gain more experience and grow.
Youmu
Do you think so?
Yuyuko
I know so. I can't wait for you to teach me your sword techniques when you've grown up.
Youmu
There's still a lot for me to learn. Will I ever become like my master―my grandfather...
Youmu
I think... I need to go for a bit of a walk...
Ah, Youmu!
Yuyuko
Youmu... What's gotten into her all of a sudden?
Marisa
Was Reimu too harsh? Getting scolded by a shrine maiden who's famous for never thinking things over can't be fun.
Reimu
What?! I wasn't―
Reimu
No... Maybe I did overdo it.
Marisa
Oh, why so humble? Is the world going to end?
Sakuya
Just as masters have their problems, so do servants have their own. Youmu must have something on her mind.
Remilia
We also got carried away at someone else's home. We should have just taken the crystal and left immediately.
Reimu
Didn't you hear what I said?! You can't take the crystal with you even after the sages finish examining it!
Remilia
Oh? But the red Seal Crystal is right over there.
Reimu
What are you talking about? The sages are still―What? No way!
Marisa
Why is the red Seal Crystal here?! Shouldn't it be in Yuyuko's bedroom?!
Be careful, it's dangerous!
Reimu
It may be another Seal Crystal! Yuyuko, you stay alert too―
Reimu
...
Marisa
...
Remilia & Sakuya
...
Yuyuko
...
(Huh?!)
(I-I can't move!)
(My hand... is reaching out to the crystal on its own!)
(I can't control my own body!)
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 4
Huh? This isn't a parallel world!
Wh-What should I do?!
??? & ???
.-.. . .- ...- . / -. --- .--
I don't have time to summon anyone from the journal!
They're shooting... I'm done for!
Are you two from Gensokyo?!
Daiyousei? & Koakuma?
-.-- --- ..- / ... .... --- ..- .-.. -.. / -. --- - / -... . / .... . .-. .
(It's no use... I can't understand them!)
(I can't dodge their attacks anymore―)
???
Duck!
???
I was wondering who might've wandered here, but of course it was you. What are you doing here?
R-Reimu?
Reimu?
There's no time for this now. Shadows will keep coming if we stay here.
Shadows? They aren't real?
They looked just like the two from Gensokyo...
Reimu?
Huh? Shadows are phantoms with a physical form.
Reimu?
They're like shikigami without their own will. Fragments broken off from worlds that are dying due to the incident.
Reimu?
But this is what YOU told me.
(Did she mistake me for someone else?)
(She's... not the Reimu from the red Marisa's world.)
Reimu?
Don't sweat the small stuff now! We should be able to handle this many shadows.
Reimu?
I'll watch your back. You just continue forward.
Reimu?
Ready? Let's go!
Reimu?
They may be shadows, but they're about as strong as the real deal. You remember that much, right?
Reimu?
Just do what we always do!
Reimu?
Phew. That's them dealt with. By the way, what was that "target" you were talking about before I left?
Reimu?
Huh? She's gone.
Nighttime Meetings Pt. 5
Reimu
PLAYER! PLAYER!
Marisa
Shoot! Why isn't she waking up?!
Sakuya
Calm down. She has a pulse, and she's breathing. So we need to keep our cool.
Huh? I was just in some strange space...
Reimu
You must've been dreaming while you were unconscious. Anyway, I'm glad you're OK.
Marisa
It looks like it just took you a little longer to come to. Are you hurt anywhere?
Sakuya
It might be better to check closely. And...
Sakuya
We have to find out where we are.
Such a big cherry blossom tree in full bloom...
I think I've seen it somewhere before...
Reimu
We were surprised too. But yeah... There's only one cherry blossom tree this big.
Marisa
Still, I've never seen it flowering this much.
Sakuya
The Saigyou Ayakashi. An ancient cherry blossom tree in the precincts of Hakugyokurou. But it never blooms.
What? Then what are we looking at?
Reimu
Yes. Without a doubt, the Saigyou Ayakashi is in bloom.
Marisa
Then, the Yuyuko of this world...
Sakuya
Don't jump to conclusions. First, let's head to this world's Hakugyokurou.
Reimu
Right. We've got to find out what's going on here. See what incident, if any, is taking place.
Marisa
Yeah, it's time to explore.
Um, do you know about the Lost Word incidents?
Sakuya
Yes. Those two filled me in while you were unconscious. Although it certainly is hard to believe...
Sakuya
...I'm not new to outrageous situations. And there's no time for me to fully understand it anyway.
Sakuya
In this case, I just have to cut my way through any problems that arise with my dear knives. I can think about it later.
(She's so cool!)
Sakuya
Still, PLAYER. You, Reimu, Marisa, and Sanae did well in resolving the previous incidents.
Sakuya
Simply thinking about it all gives me a headache.
A lot of people helped us when we were in a pinch.
Sakuya
I see. Honestly, I'm surprised.
Sakuya
But with me here, you won't have to worry about needing help from others.
Sakuya
I heard that you're the key to resolving the Lost Word incidents. I'll protect you as I would my mistress.
Thank you! That's... very reassuring!
(She's so considerate. It's making me blush!)
Sakuya
Oh? You've only just departed, and you're back already? You really need to settle down.
Reimu & Marisa
No! Something came up!
???
Hey! I'm just asking where we are! Reimu, Marisa, why won't you tell us?!
???
This tree looks even bigger from close up. And it's not just beautiful... but mysterious, too!
???
A land of eternal spring... Is this heaven?! I can hardly believe my eyes!
Sakuya
You've certainly found a noisy bunch. But they don't seem to be the fairies from this world.
???
Oh, Sakuya! You're here too?! And... And you! I've never seen you before!
Cirno
Name's Cirno! I'm the STRONGEST, so you better remember my name.
???
I'm Daiyousei. We're not sure what's going on, and we're in a bit of trouble!
Daiyousei
I hope we can return to where we came from...
???
I'm Lily White! I'm the herald of spring, so I love it here!
Lily White
If this place is safe, I could settle down for good. It's just THAT wonderful!
Nice to meet you, fairies!
(This is my second introduction to Cirno...)
Reimu
Anyway, it looks like they came from a different world. But we can't be sure if they came from the same one we did.
Marisa
Can I trust your gut feeling? Actually, there's no way to be certain which world they came from.
Reimu
What? You're scaring me.
Marisa
Just think about it. Can you see any difference between them and the fairies we know?
Marisa
Granted, it's not like we need to worry about all that.
Cirno
Whatcha talking about? You better answer my question. Where are we?
Reimu
Actually, we just arrived here ourselves. So your guess is as good as ours.
Cirno
Seriously? You sure look like you're used to the place, though. You ain't lying to me, are you?
Daiyousei
Stop that, Cirno!
Marisa
(True. It's not the first time we've found ourselves in another world. She's surprisingly sharp.)
Cirno
OK. Let's settle it in a battle. Whoever loses has to listen to the winner's orders!
Reimu
Good idea. Talking won't get us anywhere.
Lily White
A battle?! I love battles!
Marisa
Now we're talking! It's time for a battle of bullets!
Fairies
"Bullets"?
Cirno
What's a bullet? No, wait, I know.
Cirno
It's when you cut too much of your hair at the front and forget to cut the back!
Daiyousei
You know so much, Cirno! But that's a "mullet," not a "bullet"!
Lily White
Bullet... I've never heard of such a thing. Have you, Daiyousei?
Daiyousei
Aren't they those things the tengu sometimes attach to their newspapers?
Cirno
Oh, yeah. That's a bullet... No, wait, Dai. That's a "pullout"!
Daiyousei
Oh, I see!
Marisa
What gives? How can you not know what bullets are?!
Sakuya
At least it's now crystal clear that these fairies are from a different world than us.
Sakuya
Has something like this happened before?
Reimu
No... Wait. I think the person who took Marisa's name at the Scarlet Devil Tower was from another world.
Sakuya
I see.
Marisa
We'd better figure things out, including whether or not they know bullets―
Marisa
―in a battle!
Cirno
Dai! Lily! Watch and learn! Copy their every move!
Daiyousei
Whaaat?! Is that really going to be enough?!
Lily White
We fairies are professional copycats. This is child's play for us!
Marisa
They didn't use any Spell Cards. They did send some awkward shots our way, though.
Sakuya
I don't think they were holding anything back. Apparently, they weren't lying about not knowing bullets.
Reimu
That sure is surprising.
Cirno
We fought well, seeing as we got the short end of the stick. That makes this our win. I'm still the best as always.
Daiyousei & Lily White
Hooray!
Cirno
That last scuffle proves it. Sure we're in unknown territory. But we can handle it!
Cirno
I name this place the GREAT CIRNO EMPIRE!
Daiyousei & Lily White
YAY!
Marisa
What should we do with them? I think they should be fine on their own. Fairies have more lives than cats.
Reimu
We can't do that. Let's take them with us for now. We'll be in trouble if they start building an empire here.
Reimu
We sure are starting off big this time... *sigh*
Sakuya
It seems like the Saigyou Ayakashi is in pretty much the same spot in relation to the rest of Hakugyokurou as in our world.
Sakuya
I can see something over there that looks like a mansion. Let's head there first.
Stage of Death Pt. 1
This is huge!
Is it a stage?
Sakuya
Why is such a thing in Hakugyokurou? It's almost as big as the mansion.
Reimu
I wonder what they use it for. Does Yuyuko host dance performances here or something?
Marisa
Isn't it too big even for that?
Sakuya
If this world has been affected by the Lost Word incident, then this stage is suspicious―there's nothing like it in our world.
Sakuya
But first, we should talk to someone from the mansion. We can't drag these fairies around with us forever, after all.
Reimu
True. I'm getting sick of babysitting. I'd love to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Marisa
You do know that straightforward attitude of yours will only make the fairies more clingy, right?
Marisa
Kids instinctively feel safer with honest emotion than they do with fake smiles. Isn't that right, PLAYER?
Definitely!
Marisa
That's exactly why PLAYER is so attached to you, Reimu.
Reimu
No, it's not. It's because I'm a reputable and friendly person.
Well, Reimu's honesty does put me at ease!
Reimu
See?!
Sakuya
So you're always like this... That explains quite a lot.
Cirno
Hey, ain't this stage or whatchamacallit perfect for THAT?
Cirno
Yeah... It looks like a place made for battles!
Daiyousei
That must be what it's for! The size is just right!
Lily White
I've never seen such a fantastic battle arena.
???
It's impressive, isn't it?
???
This stage of death is my pride and joy. It brings out the spirits of all who do battle upon it.
Yuyuko?
It is called... the Hakugyoku Arena!
Yuyuko?
Nice to meet you all!
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
S-So small?!
Yuyuko?
"Small"...? Whatever do you mean?
???
I think they're talking about you, Lady Yuyuko. You probably look different from the Lady Yuyuko they know.
Marisa
Whoa! Someone here actually gets it! That's good news!
Youmu?
I don't know the details... Just that all of our visitors react in more or less the same way.
Youmu?
And that their next line is―
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
Wh-Why are you black?!
Youmu?
Yes, precisely.
Sakuya
Now I have even more questions...
Yuyuko?
I, too, think we have much to talk about. But before that...
Yuyuko?
Are you hungry, perchance?
Yuyuko?
Please, eat to your heart's content! Everything you see before you is a delicacy!
Yuyuko?
Only the best ingredients were selected from among the phantom animals and plants that have gathered here.
Yuyuko?
So don't be shy! Eat up!
Reimu
Talk about pressure!
Marisa
You cooked phantoms?! I've never heard of such a thing...
Sakuya
And it's all made from high-quality products. In fact...
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
(It looks delicious!)
Yuyuko?
This is water shield broth...
Yuyuko?
...and here we have sliced sea bass!
Yuyuko?
I poured my soul into their preparation! And I also made plenty of rice, so there's more than enough for everyone!
Yuyuko?
Go ahead and eat your fill!
Fairies
YAY!
Fairies
This is sooo good!
Sakuya
This is delicious! How peculiar that eating the spirits of the dead would make me feel so alive.
Marisa
Yeah... It's so good that it brings back memories... and puts my heart at ease!
Reimu
Is all this food really made from phantoms?! Then shouldn't it be more... I dunno... "flimsy" than this?
Can you even eat a phantom?!
By the way, are phantoms different from ghosts?
Marisa
Well, they're both souls of the dead. But it's normal for a soul to become a phantom. Ghosts are special.
Marisa
A soul becomes a ghost when some lingering feelings or a strong will keeps them in the mortal world.
Marisa
While phantoms are intangible and cold, ghosts resemble the living in some aspects.
Marisa
Phantoms are like a mass of qi. You could say that they're made of spirit energy.
Marisa
I heard that one source can produce multiple phantoms, which makes sense for things with a complex nature.
Marisa
It's said that only humans can become ghosts, while every living thing becomes a phantom after death.
Wow! Marisa, you're so knowledgeable!
Marisa
Nah, I've just read a few books!
Reimu
That still doesn't explain why the food isn't soft and wobbly!
Sakuya
Hey, don't act like you've got all the answers.
Yuyuko?
Is there some problem with the food?
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
Quite the opposite! The only problem is that it's so tasty we don't know what to make of it!
Yuyuko?
Oh, I see.
Marisa
This must mean some phantoms keep their shape. I heard that the plants in the Netherworld are actually phantoms.
Marisa
This makes sense for plants since their spirits are likely to be simple, but I wonder if we can say the same about fish...
Sakuya
Anyway, if this broth really is made from phantoms, it must've been difficult to heat up.
Sakuya
It'd be better if it were hotter, but I suppose she did well to get it even this warm since it's made from cold spirit-matter.
Reimu
Yeah, great. So you didn't figure out anything after all! Well, there's no knowing how she did it, so let's just dig in!
Sakuya
You didn't even give it a single thought.
Reimu
So what? No use in dwelling on it. But what I do know for sure is that the food will get cold if we don't eat it now.
Marisa
Can't argue with that!
Sakuya
You do have a point.
Yuyuko?
Pardon the interruption. Let me introduce myself once again. I'm Yuyuko Saigyouji, the head and chef of Hakugyoku Arena.
Youmu?
And, um... I guess I'm kind of her bodyguard. My name's Youmu Konpaku.
Reimu
...?!
Reimu
(Marisa, Sakuya, PLAYER, it's...)
Marisa
(Yeah, it's completely different from the last time!)
Sakuya
(Hush! Something's about to happen!)
Yuyuko
You see... we provide this explanation each time we have guests from another world.
Yuyuko
We keep the explanation the same in order to avoid any misunderstandings or trouble.
Yuyuko
Isn't that right, Youmu?
Youmu
Yes. It's just as you said, Lady Yuyuko.
(They must have a lot of visitors...)
Reimu
(Maybe they're used to meeting people like us.)
Cirno
So this place really ain't our world. No wonder it's so strange. *munch* *munch*
Marisa
(Even Cirno gets it! I've gotta get a firm grasp on what's going on!)
Yuyuko
"Oh dear! I've found myself in a strange world! How am I ever going to get home?! What should I do?!"
Sakuya
(What in the world?! Is this a play?)
Yuyuko
"Oh, there's a mansion with a huge stage over there!" "I should take a look!"
Yuyuko
"This food's so delicious!"
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
(That's us now!)
Yuyuko
"The cute lady of the house makes such tasty food! And I can eat all I want every day!"
Yuyuko
"Is this heaven? I feel so happy!"
Yuyuko
"More phantoms keep coming here. Is it perhaps due to the power of the Saigyou Ayakashi standing near the mansion?"
Marisa
(Uh-oh, do I detect a change of tone?)
Yuyuko
"It would be such an agreeable place of respite if not for these bothersome souls."
Yuyuko
"Forsooth, maybe I, too, am but another lost shade beckoned hither."
Sakuya
(Isn't this part of the script a bit outdated?)
Yuyuko
"I shall depart forthwith to stave off yon nasties, methinks!"
Youmu
DONG! DONG!
Yuyuko
"Oh my! What sound is this?!"
Youmu
DONG! DONG! DOOOOONG!
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
(Does she even realize how cute she is right now?!)
Yuyuko
"A sound much like the bells on New Year's Eve! Whatever could be happening?!"
Youmu
"Ahem. Dear visitor. This is the 'Hour'―a natural phenomenon that has existed in this Netherworld since ancient times."
Daiyousei
The "Hour"?! What could it be?! This is getting exciting!
Lily White
I'm dying of curiosity! *munch* *munch* *munch*
Youmu
The Hour is―
Youmu
―the signal to fight.
Fairies
What?!
Stage of Death Pt. 2
Reimu
Hakugyoku Arena and the Hour, eh...
Reimu
Looks like we've gotten ourselves tangled up in something terrible. I know this in my gut because...
Sakuya
...the Saigyou Ayakashi is blooming.
Marisa
Yeah. The Saigyou Ayakashi in bloom doesn't bode well. I have no idea how much spring it's sucked in by now.
Marisa
I'm worried about the state of places far from here and outside the Netherworld.
Why is it bad if that tree blooms?
Does it have something to do with a past incident?
Reimu
Oh, right. We haven't filled you in on all the details yet.
Reimu
Yuyuko caused real trouble once before. She tried to break the seal on the Saigyou Ayakashi by gathering spring essence.
Reimu
In short, she wanted to force it to bloom. She stole spring from Gensokyo―plunging it into a never-ending winter.
The winter wouldn't end?!
So what happens if the tree blooms?!
Marisa
That's the question. Back then, we came here―with this exact same squad―to reclaim spring.
Reimu
Stop right there. Didn't you try to feed "just a little bit" of spring to the tree to see what would happen?
Marisa
Oh? Did I? I don't remember that at all. But it does sound interesting enough that I wouldn't be able to resist.
Reimu
You really are as thoughtless as they come.
Marisa
Oh, come on. I was focused on regaining spring. And we succeeded―spring came back, and everything worked out.
Sakuya
So the question is: what would've happened if the Saigyou Ayakashi kept gathering spring and reached full bloom?
Reimu
The Saigyou Ayakashi is a youkai of considerable power. If its seal comes undone...
Sakuya
Even the Hakurei shrine maiden may not be able to handle it. And another problem is the one who placed the seal.
Reimu
Speaking of which, I think Yuyuko mentioned someone coming back to life along with the Saigyou Ayakashi...
Reimu
But who could've been strong enough to put the seal upon it?
Marisa
Well, whoever it is, even assuming that they aren't our enemy...
Marisa
...if someone of such power comes back to life along with the Saigyou Ayakashi, the balance is bound to be disrupted.
Sakuya
Which means the next question is whether or not such a terrible incident is occurring in this world.
I wonder if the seal has been broken here...
It doesn't seem like the world has ended, though...
Reimu
We would've noticed if someone with youkai power on par with the Saigyou Ayakashi was running around!
Marisa
Really, Reimu? You got a power detector attached to your head or something?
Sakuya
We don't have to sense youkai power. Just take a look at those two―the black Youmu and small Yuyuko.
Sakuya
Different appearances aside, their behavior doesn't indicate the involvement of a powerful third party, not at all.
(A powerful third party?)
(I feel like I've forgotten something important...)
Reimu
So does that mean the Saigyou Ayakashi hasn't reached full bloom yet?
Sakuya
I would assume not. Think back to the rest of their play.
Reimu
(What's a "signal to fight"? It sounds disturbing. Does it mean we have to get rid of the phantoms flowing in?)
Marisa
(I don't think so. They talk about getting rid of phantoms like it's something done on a daily basis.)
Reimu
(Then who in the world fights whom?)
Sakuya
(Hush! They're about to explain!)
Youmu
"The Hour is the clarion call of the Saigyou Ayakashi. Only the gods know when it will strike."
Yuyuko
"There was talk of battle. Am I to fight? Name my foe."
Youmu
"Yes, your opponent is right here..."
Youmu
"W-Wait a minute, you're that other person who arrived here at the same time..."
Youmu
"I never would have imagined that you would be my opponent..."
Yuyuko
"Good grief! What a surprise! I never thought I'd have to fight thee!"
Youmu
...This is a tradition from times of old.
Youmu
When the Hour strikes, a battle must take place in the Arena immediately. The fight has to be settled without delay.
Youmu
It doesn't matter who the competitors are. Visitors to this land shall be split into two groups and fight each other.
Youmu
However, if the match isn't held or goes unfinished before the Hour strikes again...
Youmu
...the world will end.
Cirno
Wh-What?!
Daiyousei
What do you mean?
Lily White
If we don't split up into two teams and have a match... the world will end?
Marisa
Hold up a sec! You honestly expect us to believe this? Seriously, now. A battle for the fate of the world?
Marisa
Who's gonna take a story like that at face value?
Reimu
Yeah, I know I'm not convinced yet.
Sakuya
Same here. My hope is that this was nothing more than a comedic skit.
Sakuya
But... I don't detect any punchline letting us know this was all in fun.
Yuyuko
Youmu. Please take everyone to their rooms. We should let them get some rest.
Youmu
Certainly. I will take the competitors to their waiting rooms.
Marisa
I still have questions. What happens after that match or whatever is settled?
Marisa
Or more precisely... what happens to the losers?
Youmu
Let me show you to your rooms.
Marisa
A-All right... Lead the way.
Marisa
Huh? They didn't skip explaining what happens to the losers because I interrupted their act, did they?
Marisa
If so, I'm sorry!
Sakuya
I doubt they'd omit something so important because of that.
Sakuya
My guess is that they have their reasons for not telling us.
Reimu
Like what? A curse that doesn't let them talk about it?
Sakuya
That's a possibility, but my hunch is that it's something that will make us lose the will to fight if we knew.
Marisa
Like, the losing team gets wiped from existence? Something along those lines?
Sakuya
Oh, how funny. That is precisely what I assumed might happen in the worst-case scenario.
Reimu
They must've had plenty of other visitors like us and the fairies... but I don't see anyone else here.
Because they lost the match and vanished?
Reimu
It's looking more and more that way.
Marisa
Hold on! In that case, what about the winners? There's no one else here. Isn't that weird?
Sakuya
What are you talking about? One team IS still here.
Sakuya
A team of two―Yuyuko and Youmu. They're probably either highly seeded or the defending champions.
Sakuya
Based on what they said, I think they maintain the mansion and its surroundings. But it doesn't seem to be a privilege.
Reimu
So they're emergency staff in case the Hour strikes, but there's no opponent, like devotees protecting the sacred rules.
Marisa
True. They seem more keen on obeying the rules than desperate about keeping themselves alive.
Marisa
We got here before the Hour struck, which is why they treated us to a meal and offered lodging.
Sakuya
Maybe they're preventing the Saigyou Ayakashi from fully reviving by safeguarding the rules.
Reimu
They DID say the world will end if the rules are broken... So if all this is what binds the tree, it makes sense.
Sakuya
In other words, though the Saigyou Ayakashi seems to be in full bloom, it's probably at about ninety-nine percent.
Marisa
I heard somewhere that you say a tree is at full bloom when at least eighty percent of it has flowered.
Sakuya
It felt overwhelming to see the tree flowering to this degree. But I think it's safe to say it's not truly at full bloom yet.
Reimu
So basically, the seal is on the verge of breaking. This is starting to make sense...
Marisa
It's a relief that it's not the worst-case scenario. And I guess it's fine to assume that Yuyuko and Youmu are our allies.
Sakuya
But it still doesn't resolve anything... We haven't the slightest idea how to return to our world.
Reimu
And we're still not even sure if what's going on here is a Lost Word incident or not.
The red Seal Crystal brought us here.
So I think it probably IS a Lost Word incident.
Reimu
Right. The Seal Crystals must be related to Lost Word incidents somehow. We've never had one without the other.
Reimu
Huh? But did I even touch the red Seal Crystal?
Marisa
I did... No, wait. I WANTED to touch it, but I'm not sure if I actually did.
Sakuya
I didn't. I only saw what happened after Reimu and PLAYER touched it.
Reimu
So we got sucked in even though we didn't touch it?
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
???
(Only I touched it? And why did my hand move?)
Marisa
Well, I dunno.
Marisa
If the Saigyou Ayakashi isn't in full bloom, there's still hope that this place and the Gensokyo of this world are intact.
Marisa
Maybe someone who knows something is hiding somewhere? Or perhaps we can get information in some other way.
Marisa
Let's have a look around tomorrow when we get up. We need clues to determine whether or not it's a Lost Word incident.
Sakuya
Good idea. And we need to keep the wild phantoms in check.
Reimu
Are you serious? Can't we just let them be?
Sakuya
Can we? I think we can only rest right now because the phantoms aren't flowing in at the moment.
Sakuya
Don't come crying to me if a cold phantom crawls into your bed.
Reimu
Even thinking about it gives me the shivers!
Shall we take the fairies with us to look around?
We could split into three search parties.
Sakuya
With the fairies?!
I-It's just an idea...
Sakuya
You're a genius. I vote we do as PLAYER proposes.
Marisa
Agreed!
Reimu
Me too!
Sakuya
Now then, let's get a good rest and recharge ourselves.
Stage of Death Pt. 3
Reimu
The light is back to normal now that we're away from the Saigyou Ayakashi. Or more like, it's way too dark over by it.
Lily White
You said it'd get colder the further away we got, but it hasn't at all!
Yeah, there isn't much temperature difference.
Reimu
Hm. That's odd. If spring is being pulled into the Saigyou Ayakashi, it should be winter everywhere else.
Lily White
Maybe it'll get colder when we go even farther away?
Reimu
Maybe. It was also quite warm around here the last time this happened. Let's try moving out a bit more.
Youmu
U-Um, excuse me!
Reimu
Yes? What is it, Youmu? I was surprised when you said you'd come with us, but now that you're here, do cooperate.
Youmu
Of course, I will. But it may be... dangerous if you stray too far from the Arena.
Lily White
What do you mean?
Reimu
I thought you knew this place well. If so, then why all the fumbling for words?
Youmu
To be honest... I know I should be, but I'm not all that well acquainted with this place, either.
Reimu
You aren't? And why is that?
Youmu
Because it changes literally every hour. It wasn't until recently that the Saigyou Ayakashi became shrouded in darkness.
Youmu
So, for your own safety... I don't think it's a good idea to wander away from here.
Reimu
Hm. So you came to watch over us. In that case, you should've gone with Marisa.
Youmu
I intend to go check on her in a while.
Reimu
I see you're taking this seriously.
Lily White
Why do you think it's dangerous? Please tell me.
Youmu
That's... Ah! Get down, everyone!
Reimu
Hey, what gives?!
Lily White
What happened?!
Youmu
This is what I was going to tell you about―the very reason why it's dangerous here!
???
.-.. . .- ...- .
Reimu
What are they?
Lily White
I think I recognize them. But their presence and aura are different.
Youmu
They're shadows of those who haven't been paid any respects after passing. We call them "shadows."
Youmu
They all resemble certain people, but that's only because they leech off memories to use their form as an anchor.
Youmu
That's also why their powers are almost the same. Still, they're only imitations with no connection to the originals.
(Are these the shadows I saw in my dream?!)
Reimu
Are they different from shikigami and phantoms?
Youmu
They are drawn here alongside the phantoms... So yes, their properties may be similar.
Youmu
But their essence is different. That's all I know...
Reimu
Well, at least now I know we can just go ahead and clear them out of our way. Thanks for explaining.
Reimu
Come on, PLAYER, you know the drill.
OK! I got―
Reimu
Huh?! What now?!
Lily White
This is our standard battle style!
Lily... Is that hand-to-hand combat?!
Reimu
They don't have bullets, so they use martial arts instead?! That's absolutely crazy!
Youmu
It's not crazy at all! In fact, almost all the visitors to the Arena up until now―
Youmu
―have used martial arts or specialized weapons in battle.
Reimu
I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't seeing it firsthand!
Lily White
Spring is the season of new life and growth! Fairies' bodies are small and fragile―
Lily White
―but if we rapidly increase the growth of the contact area at the moment of impact, we can produce explosive power!
Lily White
There! Did you see that?!
Reimu
Maybe being avatars of life actually makes fairies the most suited for close combat...
Lily White
They went your way! Be careful!
Youmu
More are heading toward you! Be on your guard!
Reimu
As if they stood a chance! PLAYER, let's do this!
Reimu
Martial arts... I've seen people fighting like that a number of times due to incidents.
Reimu
Anyway, let's just clean up here for now.
Lily White
So with this much distance between you, it's more effective to use throwing weapons, huh?
Lily White
That was a good lesson!
Youmu
It was indeed.
Lily White
―And that's how we spent our day!
Yuyuko
Oh my, you must be exhausted. Please eat a big meal and rest well.
Marisa
Hand-to-hand combat using magic and youkai power? That's more extreme than anything I know of.
Sakuya
Because the only hand-to-hand combat we know is a combination of brawling or martial arts with bullets.
Reimu
Honestly, it was quite a sight to behold. This Lily White here was like a master of fighting techniques.
Sakuya
A master of fighting techniques... Interesting.
Cirno
It's normal 'round our parts! We gotta show you when there's a chance!
Daiyousei
But these shadows are a bit scary... We just don't know what they are...
Lily White
I thought so too. That's why I fought like there's no tomorrow.
Cirno
Don't you worry! I'll protect the both of you! No one stands a chance against my hand-to-hand ice techniques!
Yuyuko
Now, now, we're in the middle of a meal. Please calm down.
Marisa
Fairy martial arts, eh. I'd love to have a look-see tomorrow.
Sakuya
Indeed. We should watch carefully―it may prove useful in the future.
Marisa
Huh? Oh, yeah, right!
Reimu
By the way, today's meal is just as delicious as yesterday's! What's this huge fish?
Youmu
That's a carp phantom simmered in soy sauce. Lady Yuyuko's specialty.
Sakuya
It's so delicate on the palate...
Marisa
And you can feel the flavor explode in your mouth!
Reimu
Totally!
Fairies
This is sooo good!
Stage of Death Pt. 4
Marisa
Were the shadows the only thing you and Reimu found yesterday?
If you mean clues, we didn't find any.
Did you turn up anything?
Marisa
Nope! Nothing at all! But today will be different...
Marisa
Haha. OK. Now we're at the spot where you and Reimu were yesterday.
???
-... . --. --- -. . / ..-. .-. --- -- / .... . .-. .
Shadows?!
They appeared when we got away from the Arena!
Youmu
Marisa, stay back! You're too close to them!
Marisa
You don't say! Love Sign!
Marisa
Master Spark!
Marisa
Dang! They're too close!
???
- .... .- - / .-- .. .-.. .-.. / -. --- - / .-- --- .-. -.-
???
- .- -.- . / - .... .. ...
Marisa
Whoa! They're shooting at me!
Youmu
Shadows are projections of thoughts that change depending on their opponent. And you use bullets!
Marisa
Well, I certainly didn't expect that! PLAYER, stay behind me!
OK!
Marisa
After that sucker punch, I'm not sure how to buy the time you need to prepare!
???
Looks like that's my cue! Time for ME to show you all how it's done!
Marisa
It's Cirno! She said she was going to investigate and went ahead by herself! But now she's back!
Cirno
Don't spoil the surprise!
Cirno
Hyaa!
Marisa
What was that?! Did you just blow the ground up?! Why is an ice fairy using explosions?!
A-Amazing!
Cirno
I dunno how it works, but when I throw a powerful punch, the target goes BOOM!
Cirno
I call it... the Cirno Punch!
Cirno
Or was it Ice Punch? Hm? Or maybe Frozen Punch...
Cirno
Anyway! No one can beat me as long as my fists are frosty! I'm the coldest, boldest, and EXPLODE-IEST!
Cirno
You're way, way, way too slow! Your attacks ain't ever gonna hit me!
Marisa
Cirno's fast! What kind of cheat move is that?!
Marisa
She drew the shadows away from us, though. Now we're at an effective range! Let's go, PLAYER!
Right!
Cirno
The shadows went your way! Watch out!
Youmu
More incoming! Be careful!
Marisa
They won't do anything if I blow them away before they can reach us!
Marisa
And that takes care of that!
Cirno
You ain't half bad! You really beat 'em before they could get close!
Youmu
Incredible! There's a lot I'd like to learn from you!
Marisa
Oh, come on, now. You're making me blush.
Marisa
So we came all the way here for this? Doesn't seem like there's anything up ahead.
Youmu
Everywhere we go, it's just flat, barren land populated by nothing but phantoms.
Youmu
I can't even imagine that anyone would be living in hiding out here...
Cirno
That ain't the problem! We came here 'cause it was supposed to be winter away from the tree!
Cirno
But there ain't a single snowflake, let alone a cold breeze! What's the meaning of this?
Marisa
Cirno's got a point. This isn't what I expected.
Marisa
Anyway, there's no use in standing around here. Let's call it a day.
Youmu
Let's. I don't feel like straying too far from the Arena, in any case...
Cirno
Huh? Why?
Youmu
Um... Shouldn't that be obvious?
Marisa
You're right. Yuyuko's cooking is great. I wanna go back too.
Youmu
No, that's not what I meant...
Youmu
It's because there's no knowing when the Hour will strike.
Stage of Death Pt. 5
Sakuya
What's wrong? Dinner is over. Why aren't you going back to your room?
I was wondering about the future...
We need to resolve this incident and return.
Sakuya
I see. Usually, I'm the one serving, so now, when I'm treated like this, I have some time to spare.
Sakuya
So I was thinking, too.
Sakuya
About the Scarlet Devil Mansion. You've been there before and even explored a similar place in another world.
Sakuya
So I'm sure you understand. I must go back, no matter what it takes.
Sakuya
To Lady Remilia, Lady Flandre, Lady Patchouli... Meiling... Koakuma, and the fairy maids...
Sakuya
All those dear to me are in the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
I'm sure they are waiting for you.
Sakuya
Yes. The Scarlet Devil Mansion may be where I serve, but it's also my home.
Sakuya
Even though I am just a maid, this is how I genuinely feel. I want to protect the place where my heart lies.
Sakuya
And yet... I've been away for three nights now! What's happening at the mansion? Especially in the kitchen!
Huh? Reimu and Marisa didn't tell you?
Once we're back, time will have barely passed.
Sakuya
Really?! And here I was agonizing that stopping the time in this world wouldn't solve anything. What a relief!
Sakuya
So all we need to do is find a way back. And to do that... we have to find the Lost Word.
Sakuya
The Saigyou Ayakashi, Hakugyokurou, Yuyuko Saigyouji, Youmu Konpaku, and the Netherworld. Though changed―
Sakuya
―none of their names are lost. I suppose it won't be easy to puzzle out the Lost Word in this situation.
But we can start by finding some clues!
Sakuya
Yes. Daiyousei and I will accompany you tomorrow. Let's do our best.
Yes, let's!
Everything will be all right with you here!
Sakuya
Heehee... You're awfully optimistic, aren't you?
Sakuya
You'd probably do well as a maid at the Scarlet Devil Mansion.
M-Me?! A maid?!
As your subordinate?!
Sakuya
Heehee. Just kidding.
Sakuya
I jest, PLAYER, but...
Sakuya
If it so happens that, try as you might, your wish to return to the place you call home goes unfulfilled...
Sakuya
...maybe the Scarlet Devil Mansion can become your home.
Wh-What do you mean?
Sakuya
Exactly what I said. My mistress seemed to be thinking about it as well. That said, don't worry about it too much.
Sakuya
It's just a what-if scenario. No need to dwell on it.
Sakuya
Our focus now needs to be on returning to our own Gensokyo.
Sakuya
Well then. I'm going to return to my room. What about you, PLAYER?
I'll take a walk to burn off dinner!
The garden is pretty. I'd love to see more of it.
Sakuya
The lights will go out soon, so don't take too long.
(This zen garden will never cease to amaze me!)
(It really calms me down...)
???
Oh, Miss PLAYER, fancy seeing you here.
Daiyousei
The beauty of this garden puts the mind at ease, doesn't it? That's why we decided to take a stroll.
Cirno
That dinner sure hit the spot. I wouldn't mind staying here forever.
Lily White
We can't. Eternal spring is nice and all, but we have to go back to our world, or there will be trouble!
Hello, everyone!
(They're also trying their best to get back home...)
Daiyousei
Miss Yuyuko taught me some tasty recipes. Once we're back, I'll make you something, Cirno!
Cirno
For real?! You're the best, Dai! I'll help!
Daiyousei
Hm... You might be good at cutting sashimi!
Cirno
Sure! Leave it to me!
Lily White
I also learned a recipe! For a sardine pie!
Lily White
But it seems that sardines are pretty hard to get...
Cirno
Alright, then we can start by looking together! We'll find one in no time.
Lily White
I have no doubt about that!
Cirno
*yawn* I'm tired.
Lily White
Me too.
Cirno
Dai, you can stay here longer if you want, but we're gonna head to bed.
Lily White
Good night.
Daiyousei
Ah, sure! I'll join you soon! Night-night!
Daiyousei
...
Daiyousei
Miss PLAYER, can we talk a little?
S-Sure! I wanted to talk to you too!
(I'm oddly nervous!)
Daiyousei
Phew. That's good to hear!
Daiyousei
Both Cirno and Lily are my dear friends. The same goes for the many other fairies back in our world...
Daiyousei
But I bet you know that already! It probably isn't so different from your own world! Hehe.
No, it isn't...
However, I think each world is special in its own way.
Daiyousei
Yes... You're probably right.
Daiyousei
Miss Reimu, Miss Marisa, and Miss Sakuya are pretty much the same in our world.
Daiyousei
Still, all the people back in my own world mean so much to me...
Daiyousei
We've resolved an incident too. Although barely anyone knows about it...
Daiyousei
I treasure those memories! That's why we absolutely have to get back.
Daiyousei
And that's why...
Daiyousei...
Daiyousei
That's why... I'm sorry.
Daiyousei
When the Hour strikes... we will have to fight each other.
Daiyousei
We have an idea of what might happen to the losing team. That's probably... no, that's exactly why―
Daiyousei
―we must win.
Yeah...
When the time comes, we'll fight for real.
Daiyousei
Yes... We will!
Stage of Death Pt. 6
Sakuya
There!
???
.-- .... .- - / .. ... / .-- .. - .... / - .... .- - / .- - - .- -.-. -.- ..--..
Daiyousei
Hyah!
Sakuya
I'll draw them to you, Daiyousei!
Daiyousei
G-G-Got it! Ha!
Youmu
I didn't have to intervene even once!
Both Miss Sakuya and Daiyousei are incredible!
Youmu
I didn't know Daiyousei could use her power in such a way. I never would've imagined it. I must say it's quite inspiring.
Sakuya
I'm used to close-combat myself, but teaming up with you made things much easier.
Daiyousei
You backed me up and led my movements! It felt like dancing!
Youmu
A dance?! Seriously, you're much tougher than I first thought!
Sakuya
While I'm glad we could team up, our problem remains unsolved―we haven't found what we're looking for.
Daiyousei
The sun has already set, and there's no sign of this "Netherworld threshold" you told us about.
Sakuya
In our world, we need to fly over the Barrier of Life and Death to reach the Netherworld.
Sakuya
So if we follow the same route, we should be able to go down to Gensokyo.
Sakuya
At least... that's how I hoped it would work.
Youmu
Well, we haven't found anything like that yet.
Daiyousei
We even retraced our steps a few times to make sure we didn't miss anything...
Daiyousei, Sakuya, & Youmu
*sigh*
Shall we go back for Miss Yuyuko's dinner?
Youmu
Yes, the meal should be ready any time now. Let's head back.
Sakuya
There's nothing more we can do now. We'd better call it a day and try again when it's bright...
Daiyousei
Aaaah!
Sakuya & Youmu
What?!
Daiyousei
Look here! I think I found a cave!
Sakuya
What?! Youmu, PLAYER, let's go!
Youmu
...!
Daiyousei
What do you make of this cave? Do you think it's a clue?
Sakuya
This place is...!
Daiyousei
*gulp*
Sakuya
This is big, Daiyousei. It's different from how it looks in our world, but this may be the way to Gensokyo.
Youmu
...!
Sakuya
Can you feel the wind? This cave leads somewhere. That's more than enough cause to explore it.
Daiyousei
Yay! We did it!
Youmu
Everyone, watch out! Something's hiding here!
???
--. --- / -... .- -.-. -.- -... . --. --- -. .
Shadows here too?!
Daiyousei
And lots of phantoms!
Sakuya
How annoying. We have to deal with them if we want to proceed.
Sakuya
Youmu, Daiyousei! You take the phantoms in back. PLAYER and I will handle those at the front!
Daiyousei & Youmu
Got it! Roger!
Sakuya
Let's get this over with quickly and continue our search.
Sakuya
We've got no time to lose.
Sakuya
Let's hurry onwards. We've lingered here too long.
Sakuya
Are you done as well?
Daiyousei
Yes! I can't see any more enemies!
Sakuya
That's a relief. It took us three days to find this cave...
Sakuya
Let's explore it thoroughly, gather clues, and head back.
Daiyousei
If Gensokyo does lie beyond this cave... There will be many places I'm familiar with!
Daiyousei
Not only me! Cirno and Lily are familiar, too! It's where we've had our adventures, so we remember it all very well.
Daiyousei
It'll be easy for us to notice if something's off, which will bring us one step closer to going home!
Daiyousei
We'll give it our best!
Sakuya
I'm delighted to hear that. We'll be counting on you, so...
Daiyousei, Sakuya, & Youmu
What?!
What was that sound?
Sakuya
It sounds like a massive bell... Could it be?!
Daiyousei
No... No!
Daiyousei & Youmu
The time has come.
Daiyousei & Sakuya
...!
Youmu
This is the striking―
Youmu
―of the Hour.
The Hour Struck Pt. 1
(Huh? The Hour struck while we were out...)
(When did it get so dark? And why can't I speak?)
???
Oh. You are...
Yukari
PLAYER. Is that you?
(Miss Yukari!)
(Help me!)
Yukari
Calm down. Everything's all right. It seems you are in a state of sleep similar to unconsciousness.
Yukari
You'll wake up soon.
Yukari
Don't worry about trying to talk. I can read your mind.
Yukari
Hm... So that's what happened. I understand everything now.
Yukari
What? You thought this was a world where I had been forgotten because no one relies on me here?
Yukari
Or... was that a joke? You are getting cleverer by the day, PLAYER.
Yukari
The name of Yukari Yakumo isn't that easily erased. I have taken you under my wing, and I will protect you―
Yukari
―until I return you to your world. That is my duty.
(It is?)
(That's reassuring.)
Yukari
It took some time, but finally, I have made contact with the Yukari of the world you're in.
Yukari
That's why we're able to have this conversation now. Though in a somewhat limited manner.
Yukari
I'll do my best to try and talk to you in person next time.
(You had to use telecommunication last time.)
(So this is a great improvement, Miss Yukari!)
Yukari
...
Yukari
No, there is still more to be done. It is frustrating that I cannot help you as much as I would like.
Yukari
However, I will do everything in my power to overcome this situation.
Yukari
So... just wait a bit longer until I do.
Yukari
It is time for you to wake up.
Yukari
The next time we meet will be in the flesh.
???
Oh, Miss PLAYER, you're awake.
Ran?
That may have been a little dangerous. However, I'm relieved you're "back," so to speak.
Ran?
I'm the shikigami of the gap youkai, Ran Yakumo. The Hour struck, so I rushed here to the Arena with Chen.
Ran
When we arrived, we were told that you had fallen unconscious...
Ran
So I used my shikigami techniques to help you recover.
Chen?
I'm Chen! And I pitched in too!
Chen
You're in my VIP seat. I let you lie there, so be grateful!
(Chen's VIP seat?)
(Well, it sure is soft and comfortable!)
Ran
You can rest here until you feel better. If you don't mind resting your head on my lap, that is.
What?!
I-I'm so sorry!
Chen
Hey, no need to bolt like a wet cat! I can do without it!
Ran
She's right. You have only just recovered.
Ran
Here. Just lie down.
Th-There's no need! I feel better now! Thank you!
(I would if I could, but I shouldn't waste any time!)
Ran
There's no need to be so reserved. But I'm glad you're feeling better.
Chen
It's my turn then!
Ran
Chen, we're out in public. Wait until we're home.
Chen
All riiiiight.
Where have you been? We never ran into you.
We explored the place quite thoroughly, too.
Ran
I understand your confusion. We shikigami, are responsible for managing the matches held here in the Arena.
Chen
It's been an awfully long time since we were first tasked with this.
Ran
But we have also been entrusted with another task that we must fulfill at the same time.
Ran
We must find a way for those brought to the Arena to survive and not have to fight.
Ran
Something has changed since you arrived. We discovered a way out that we weren't able to find before.
Ran
Yes, I'm referring to the cave you found. It was closed with a multi-layered seal. We broke it.
Ran
Then we went on to search the cave. But before long, the Hour struck.
Miss Yuyuko didn't mention you at all...
Wait... "survive"?! What happens to the defeated?!
Ran
One question at a time. First, about Lady Yuyuko's little play...
Chen
You mean that weird skit!
Ran
Ch-Chen! Watch your mouth! That was rude!
Ran
But well... To be frank, Chen has the right of it.
Ran
Lady Yuyuko and Youmu's play isn't exactly a masterpiece.
Ran
That said, it's difficult to give a brief explanation of what happens here, so they aren't entirely to blame.
Ran
Perhaps, our role was incorporated into one of Lady Yuyuko's or Youmu's parts.
There was a scene about the Hour and the match.
Chen
They probably thought that was enough of an explanation.
Ran
Neither of them is skilled enough to demonstrate it well.
Ran
Pardon. They're both wonderful people. It breaks Lady Yuyuko's heart to hold matches at the Hakugyoku Arena―
???
It's all right, Ran.
Yuyuko
Due to inexperience, my entertainment skills leave much to be desired. That's all there is to it.
Ran
Oh, no! That isn't what I meant!
Yuyuko
Youmu and I will practice with greater diligence!
Ran
But I didn't mean that!
Chen
Wow, this is some misunderstanding...
Ran
I was away due to an urgent investigation. But from now on, please let me do the explanation.
Yuyuko
What?! But I want to do it...
Ran
You don't have to. I'll take care of it for you.
Yuyuko
Oh well. If you want to do it so badly, I won't stop you.
Yuyuko
Sorry, the talk got derailed. About those who lose the match...
???
Lady Yuyuko. It's time.
Youmu
When the Hour strikes, a match must be held immediately. Let's begin. Please vacate the Arena, Lady Yuyuko.
Wait! Just a moment longer!
Youmu
Though it pains me to say this as you've only just recovered―
Youmu
―there can be no waiting. If the next Hour strikes and the match isn't settled...
Youmu
...everything will be for naught.
...
Youmu
...
The Hour Struck Pt. 2
Reimu
In the end, we didn't learn anything before being forced to fight each other.
Reimu
There's no knowing when the Hour strikes. I don't like it at all. It's like someone's got us on puppet strings.
Reimu
Though I'm glad you recovered. We were about to start the match without you.
I'm sorry! I must've been tired.
(I'll talk about that dream when it's over...)
Marisa
It's 'cause you went out exploring so many days in a row. That takes a lot of stamina, so we should've been more careful.
Sakuya
My apologies. It seems that I wasn't quite as careful as I thought.
N-No, it was my fault!
(That's odd... I feel all right physically...)
Reimu
It's about to begin.
???
Both teams are present, so let us begin the match!
???
Live coverage of this event will be provided by me, Aya Shameimaru!
???
And I, Nitori Kawashiro, will be in charge of the commentary.
What? This isn't a sporting event!
(Is that... a tengu and a kappa?)
Sakuya
Indeed, this isn't some kind of sport. And those two are well aware of that.
Marisa
We've just talked to them. Unlike us, they aren't competitors. Their position is more similar to Ran and Chen's.
Marisa
They said they were looking for a way to stop these matches, just like the shikigami.
Marisa
So we share more or less the same goal. Which makes this even weirder. I mean... Why have any commentary at all?
Reimu
Either way, it doesn't change what we have to do.
Aya
If you're all ready, we'd like to brief you on the rules. Is everyone present?
Reimu
Yes, we're all here.
Cirno
We're ready whenever!
Aya
Very well. The rules are simple: split into two teams and fight each other.
Aya
How you fight is up to you, but we'll decide the loser. In principle, whoever surrenders or can't fight anymore loses.
Aya
A team is deemed defeated, and the match is set when all its members are unable to fight.
Aya
You can suggest additional rules. They'll be implemented if both teams agree to them.
Aya
Note that intentionally destroying any of the surrounding buildings or facilities, including the Arena, is strictly prohibited.
Aya
For example, you aren't allowed to pull up the paving to use as weapons or make holes in the ground to set traps.
Aya
The rules aren't violated if the act was unintentional, like if your attack is dodged and hits something.
Aya
And that's all from me. Do you have any questions or suggestions? Time's ticking, so please be brief if you do.
Marisa
There is one thing I want to confirm. Can each team not pick a single member to fight on behalf of their whole team?
Aya
So that there's only one loser? Well, regarding that...
Aya
...I hate to say it, but the more individuals who lose, the better it is for the winners.
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
What?!
Why is it better to have more victims?!
Aya
There's no time to explain at the moment. Now, are there any more questions?
Daiyousei
Well... I have a suggestion.
Daiyousei
How about dividing the match into two rounds to separate hand-to-hand and bullet fights?
Nitori
Oh? That's an interesting idea. Your ways of fighting are different, right? One team specialized in close combat―
Nitori
―and the other in fighting at a distance. This could result in a cat-and-mouse game, with the match going unsettled.
Nitori
Martial arts rules will apply in one round and the Spell Card Rules in the other.
Nitori
We'll decide the order in which the rounds will be held with this lot drawing machine. Is that all right with you all?
Sakuya
We don't mind. Anything to get this over and done with more quickly.
Daiyousei
W-We agree too!
Cirno
Wow, Dai. When did you come up with this idea?
Lily White
If we all just fought together, we short-ranged fighters would be at a disadvantage! But now we stand a chance!
Ran
We accept these additional rules. And we'll see to it that they aren't violated.
Chen
I'll sniff out any cheats!
Aya
Very well. It's time. There will be no further questions or suggestions.
But I still have so much to ask!
(Everything will have been for nothing...)
Aya
Miss PLAYER. I'll hear you out if you survive.
Aya
Nitori, draw the first round.
Nitori
OK.
Nitori
...
Nitori
Here it is! The first round is martial arts!
Ran
The Hour is upon us!
Ran
Start the fight!
Reimu
*groan* Martial arts all of a sudden?! Marisa! Sakuya!
Marisa
We need to spread out!
Sakuya
Right. They'll beat us easily if we're bunched up!
Reimu
PLAYER! Stay between the three of us!
Reimu
You'll be the safest there!
OK!
???
Oh, I see! A formation to protect Miss PLAYER.
???
Because you need her in the battle of bullets. But in the martial arts round, she's your weak link!
Lily White
Just as Daiyousei predicted!
Reimu
Lily White! Ugh... How can a fairy be this strong?!
Lily White
You still don't get it? I am this strong precisely BECAUSE I'm a fairy!
Lily White
I convert the great power of nature into my combat force. It's what all fairies do, at least in my world.
Lily White
It's eternal spring in this world, and I'm the herald of spring. This season gives me power!
Lily White
No one's gonna stop me now!
Aya
Whoa! Look at Lily White! She keeps charging at Reimu relentlessly!
Nitori
She puts the vitality of spring into her fists when she lands a punch, combining speed with fierce power.
Aya
Reimu is being pushed back! I would never have expected this!
Nitori
It must be her temperament.
Aya
What?!
Nitori
Everything―including inanimate objects―has a spiritual tendency, in other words, a temperament.
Nitori
When a creature dies, a phantom is produced based on it. And a phantom is something like a mass of spirit or qi.
Nitori
Anyway, Lily White excels at manipulating the temperament of spring. She IS an embodiment of it, after all!
Nitori
Furthermore, Reimu's temperament also has a strong spring tendency. In other words, this is a bad match-up for her.
Reimu
Urgh!
Nitori
Lily White has the upper hand over Reimu in every regard―physical ability, condition, and intellect!
Reimu!
Reimu
Why so worried, PLAYER? This is nothing!
Lily White
Trying to create a barrier, are you? I won't let you do that!
Lily White
Do you think the only heralds of spring are petals and a gentle breeze?!
Lily White
I'll prove you wrong!
Reimu
Ugh! I can barely see her moves! Why is she so fast?!
Lily White
Time for my ultimate technique. The Fist of the White Lily: Spring Thunder! This will keep you from creating a barrier!
Reimu
I can't match her speed... There's no way I can dodge it!
Lily White
Just surrender already! If you don't...
Lily White
...I'll just keep on attacking you!
Reimu
Here she comes!
Lily White
There's no point in keeping your guard up! The Fist of the White Lily: Swallow!
Reimu
Ngh!
Aya
What's this?!
Aya
Lily White started off attacking with incredible speed, and now she's throwing punches like a barrage of bombs!
Aya
What exactly are we seeing?!
Nitori
"Spring Thunder" changes the qi of spring into the qi of thunder in order to bolster her explosive force.
Nitori
Both spring and thunder are of the wood element. It's an advanced art requiring total awareness of one's own body.
Nitori
"Swallow" concentrates the wood element in her fist and transfers it to the opponent's body upon impact.
Nitori
Then, the thunder qi ignites the wood, so it blows up! It's like a succession of tiny thunderbolts causing explosions!
Aya
What an attack!
Lily White
Hah! Hyah! What's it gonna be?! You can't dodge it, so just give up already!
Reimu
Hehe.
Reimu
I can't dodge that? Since when? You need to get with the times.
Lily White
What?!
Reimu
That trick of yours is old news. Things have changed.
Reimu
Because now, I can see everything.
Aya
Whoa! What's this?! Reimu counterattacks! What was that technique?!
Nitori
It was just a kick!
Aya
What?
Nitori
It was an ordinary kick!
Aya
Ayayaya...
Lily White
Ugh! You were just lucky! That didn't even hurt!
Lily White
I'll bounce onto the attack again!
Lily White
I can't... hit her!
Reimu
Of course, you can't. Because until now, I was letting you hit me on purpose.
Reimu
All so that I could get a read on your movements!
Lily White
Y-You're lying! I have the power of the spring thunder! No human can keep up with me!
Lily White
Human eyes are simply unable to... Huh?!
Reimu
I'm no ordinary human. I'm a shrine maiden with enough experience to be able to manipulate spirits.
Reimu
I'm Reimu Hakurei! And I can read your spirit like a book!
Aya
What's going on?!
Nitori
For Reimu, the fairy's manipulation of qi must be nothing but a form of spiritual movement.
Nitori
Even if Lily White's movements are super fast, Reimu can read them if she solely focuses on the transference of qi.
Nitori
What's more, Lily White's attacks are almost entirely supported by the power of qi.
Nitori
So Reimu must be able to see through all her attacks after being hit a few times.
Aya
Amazing, Reimu! You're a true master of spirits!
Lily White
No way... So my blows won't connect anymore?!
Reimu
Well, yeah, because I really don't want to get hit again!
Reimu
It was really nerve-racking taking that beating from you before I could see through your attacks!
Aya
Oh! It's the end of the martial arts round! Proceed to the battle of bullets!
Lily White
It seems I have no choice... It's time to use the secret art Daiyousei taught me!
Aya
Look at Lily White! She's instantly summoned a swarm of fairies!
Nitori
She must have divided her own life force and created fairies from the pieces!
Reimu
Now then, I've got you just where I want you. Shall we settle this?
Lily White
This battle is just getting started! I have a strategy ready for the bullet round too!
Lily White
I declare my Spell Cards!
Reimu
Your Spell Cards were pretty nice for a beginner. Well done.
Lily White
*moan*
Reimu
Now, just stay down until the match is over.
The Hour Struck Pt. 3
Marisa
So who's my opponent―Oh, yeah. Of course it would be you.
Cirno
...
Marisa
Why aren't you saying anything? Got a stomachache?
Cirno
No. I was just thinking that you're exactly like the Marisa from our world.
Marisa
Oh. So what is the me of your world like?
Cirno
What's the point in telling you? Let's skip the chit-chat and get to tussling.
Marisa
Back in my world, you're a lot more talkative. But whatever.
Cirno
Why're you packing so much power?! You're just a human! Is this your magic?
Marisa
I copied this magic off of a certain Buddhist priest! I haven't had much chance to test it, but it seems to work pretty well!
Marisa
Now, how about you tell me why you're so fast!
Cirno
Who knows? I've got no idea why. And I don't care anyway... 'cause I'm the STRONGEST!
Marisa
Whoa, whoa! Slow down there! No need to speed up! Or wait... Is it me who's getting slower?
Cirno
It's because you foolishly chose to fight me up close! I'm an ice fairy. I freeze things. Did you forget?
Marisa
Ugh! No way!
Marisa
My knees and elbows are cold... It almost feels like frostbite!
Aya
Marisa's joints are nearly frozen solid!
Nitori
Your joints are crucial in martial arts. Cirno cooled down Marisa's to hinder her movements.
Nitori
Even Cirno knows that if she lowers the temperature all at once or tries to freeze a wide area, she'll leave herself open.
Nitori
To avoid that, she cools things bit by bit. It's a unique technique born from her experience in battle.
Aya
The combat instincts of the empty-headed are the most frightening of all!
Marisa
Gah, I'm freezing... I warmed myself up with my hakkero, but I still can't move properly!
Cirno
You can't heat your body up fast enough. You'd have to apply temperature so high it'd burn you.
Cirno
How 'bout it?! If you wanna give up, just say so.
Marisa
Haha, are you kidding me? There's no way I'd do that.
Marisa
(Still, I can't fend off the cold when I don't know where it's coming from. I'm in trouble.)
Cirno
If you ain't giving up, I'll just have to keep attacking till you do!
Marisa
An explosion?! I've seen this technique before!
Cirno
Freezing Explosion Fist! I dunno how it works, but it blows things up good!
Marisa
(Wasn't it the "Cirno Punch" before?)
Cirno
I hope you're ready!
Cirno
Quit dodging!
Marisa
Oh, I'm dodging! I've set the reinforcing magic I got from the priest to buff evasion! So I'm gonna dodge all I want!
Marisa
(If one of those connects, I'm dead meat!)
Aya
Cirno's punches are right up there with Marisa's Master Spark in terms of firepower!
Aya
Shame that those magnificent attacks can't hit the mark. But that isn't stopping her from putting deadly force in each blow!
Nitori
The technique may look rough, but it's quite advanced.
Nitori
Producing cold also generates heat. She then converts this heat into fuel for detonating her frozen target.
Nitori
Nothing goes to waste―just like in a perpetual motion machine. This one's got me interested!
Aya
Wow, are Cirno's punches the secret to perpetual motion?!
Marisa
Shoot... I need to find a way to get on the offensive! I'm going nowhere at this rate!
Marisa
(Maybe if I make clever use of my mini hakkero, I can throw a Marisa Flame Punch! That's the ticket!)
Marisa
Take this! Marisa PUUUUUNCH!
Marisa
Huh? That's odd. Marisa Punch! Marisa Puuuuunch!
Cirno
You're wasting your time. Did you think I wouldn't prepare for a fight against someone who uses fire?
Cirno
The inside of your mini hakkero is already frozen.
Marisa
WHAAAT?! I'm done for!
Cirno
Hahaha! I pretty much had to freeze the whole place to do it, but I reckon this match is over!
Marisa
You got one over on me―
Cirno
I know, right? That's 'cause I'm the STRONGEST fist-fighting fairy there is!
Marisa
―But I'm still gonna win.
Cirno
Huh? What are you talking about?
Cirno
What's flying gonna do? You've gotta be slicker than that if you wanna pull a fast one on me―
Cirno
Huh? My arms and legs won't move... Wh-Wh-Wh-WHAAAT?!
Aya
What's this?! Cirno suddenly stopped moving!
Aya
No! She's been forced to stop!
Nitori
Hands of ice have hold of her ankles and wrists! It's one of the most basic of spells!
Marisa
Narumi's golem techniques gave me these ice hands, which I then manipulated with the magic Alice uses for her dolls!
Cirno
I'll just smash them―
Marisa
Too late!
Marisa
That was my true Marisa Punch. My mini hakkero is made of hihi'irokane, mythical scarlet steel. It's pretty heavy, y'know?
Cirno
N-Not bad...!
Aya
Oh! That signals the end of the martial arts round! Proceed to the battle of bullets!
Cirno
I get it now... That's why Dai taught us this trick.
Aya
Oh my! First, Lily White, and now Cirno! She's summoned a bunch of fairies!
Nitori
Cirno used the cold from her surroundings as a catalyst to produce new fairies.
Marisa
What's it gonna be, Cirno? You can still fight, can't you?
Cirno
Of course I can. We ain't done yet. Rest assured, I prepared my own bullets too.
Cirno
I declare my Spell Cards!
Marisa
You really are something. I didn't expect you to fight so well.
Cirno
The Marisa of my world is just like you... I always respected her.
Marisa
You should tell her then, eh?
The Hour Struck Pt. 4
Daiyousei
*pant* *pant*
Sakuya
You're much better than I thought! Your movements are incredible.
Sakuya
I had no idea dwellers of other worlds were this strong. Thank you. This has been a valuable lesson.
Daiyousei
Ahaha... Don't mention it... But are you really a human?
Daiyousei
And remember... the match isn't over yet.
Sakuya
I like your spirit.
Marisa
Sakuya! How're you doing?!
Reimu
We just barely managed to pull through!
Sakuya
I'm almost done here.
Daiyousei
If Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa are here... then what about Cirno and Lily?
Marisa
Yeah... They didn't want to give up, so we gave them a bit of a time-out.
Reimu
I know this may sound arrogant coming from the victor, but it was a good match. It could've gone either way.
Sakuya
I don't doubt it. In fact, I'm in the middle of a surprisingly close match myself.
Sakuya
But you probably didn't even want to imagine such an outcome...
Daiyousei
No. It's just as I expected.
Daiyousei
I predicted everything up to this point.
Sakuya, Reimu, & Marisa
What?!
Daiyousei
I knew that Cirno and Lily couldn't defeat Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa. The best they could hope for was a draw.
Daiyousei
That's because you have some close combat experience, and you can enhance your fighting power using your abilities.
Daiyousei
So the martial arts round was hardly to our advantage. And we had no chance from the start in the battle of bullets...
Daiyousei
So, we needed a plan.
Daiyousei
I suggested that rule to fight in separate rounds. If the close combat came first, we could tire you all out.
Daiyousei
Wear you down as much as possible.
Marisa
Wow... Talk about a gamble! What would you have done if we didn't agree to the rule?!
Reimu
And I can't see how the current situation is good for you. You're all alone with Cirno and Lily, both out of commission.
Daiyousei
If you rejected the rule, or the order was different, I'd have thought of something else, I'm sure of it.
Daiyousei
But thankfully, it all went just as I thought it would.
Daiyousei
I'm sorry. But I... we...
Daiyousei
...are going to win.
Aya
Whoa, what's going on?! Is Daiyousei hiding some kind of trick up her sleeve?!
Aya
What does my co-commentator Nitori have to say about this?
Nitori
I'm as clueless as you. Let's watch.
Aya
Oho, that does it for the martial arts round! Now it's time for the bullets. What will the two teams do next?
Daiyousei
I may be a nobody, just a greater fairy...
Daiyousei
But that is precisely why I am able to do this!
Daiyousei
Everyone! REVIVE!
Reimu
Wha?! Is that a recovery barrier?! Can fairies even do that? Wait, no, this is something different...
Marisa
It's not healing magic! Healing so many, so fast, all at once should be beyond her abilities!
Sakuya
What in the world is happening?!
Cirno
Nice one, Dai! Now we can win!
Lily White
I'm glad we did as you said!
Reimu
They're fully recovered!
Daiyousei
Even if fairies are beaten, a short rest is all we need to recover. That's the way we are.
Daiyousei
We fairies are the natural world given form. Meaning the process of our recovery is also a part of nature.
Daiyousei
So I manipulated that nature to make them recover instantly. It cost me a lot of energy, though...
Sakuya
Wow... What a bold plan!
Marisa
But it looks like that boldness paid off!
Reimu
We've nearly used up all our stamina and spirit power, but they're...
Reimu
...they're as fresh as a pair of daisies. There's no guarantee we can take them in a battle of bullets now.
Marisa
If we had to fight them in close combat once again, they'd wreck us for sure...
Marisa
Sakuya, can't you do something? You're good at buying time.
Sakuya
...
Sakuya
To stop time is, simply speaking, to move at incredible speed.
Sakuya
It's not that easy to directly manipulate time that belongs to someone else.
Marisa
Are you serious? In that case, you shouldn't be able to expand your mistress's mansion or speed up wine fermentation.
Sakuya
*sigh* Why do you know about things you shouldn't?
Reimu
So can you do it or not?
Sakuya
I don't want to sound pretentious... but any ability has its conditions and limitations. You do know this, don't you?
Sakuya
The more elaborate the manipulation, the wider the range, or the stronger the effect and autonomy, the bigger the risk.
Marisa
You mean an equivalent exchange? That's a fundamental principle of magic, too.
Sakuya
Also, by no means will I disclose everything about my ability. It would expose me to danger.
Sakuya
But... these are extenuating circumstances.
Sakuya
At the very least, I don't have the resources to manipulate time to such an extent that would prolong the bullet round.
Reimu
That's the longest way of saying "I can't do it" I've ever heard. But it's not like simply extending the round would help us.
Sakuya
What an irritating way of putting it. Perhaps you have some bright ideas?
Marisa
If she did, we wouldn't be in this fix. Our opponents aren't gonna wait any longer either.
Cirno
I can move freely again. All right, time to take 'em all down!
Lily White
Cirno! We have to fight together to protect Daiyousei! We must join forces!
...
(Daiyousei sacrificed her power to heal them...)
Sakuya
PLAYER. You haven't been quite yourself since we came to this world. Are you all right?
Ah! Y-Yes, I'm sorry!
(Come to think of it, I do feel unsteady...)
Sakuya
Even the slightest distraction can cost us this fight. You're crucial for our strategy, so pull yourself together.
Sakuya
Forget about everything else. Clear your mind and focus on what we have to do right now.
Yes... Hm? Miss Sakuya, I think...
I think I've got a plan.
Sakuya
You have? Can you explain it to me?
Reimu
Did you come up with something?!
Marisa
Hurry! They're gonna be coming for us any moment now!
Sakuya
OK... I see... Mhm...
Sakuya
...
Sakuya
Got it.
Sakuya
Reimu, Marisa. Can you hold them off for a while?
Reimu
Considering the difference in power, I'm guessing you'll need a long while... You're saying your plan will work if we do this?
Sakuya
Yes. This plan will turn the tables.
Marisa
Are you sure?
Sakuya
Can you stop? The maid of the Scarlet Devil Mansion always keeps her word.
Reimu
OK. Then I'll hold you to it.
Marisa
Yeah. I'm fine with that, too.
Reimu & Marisa
Let's show 'em what we've got!
Sakuya
I still need some time to prepare. Hold on just a little longer.
Reimu
Well, you better hurry it up before we take them out all by ourselves.
Marisa
She's a maid. I'm sure she'll be on time as promised.
Reimu
*pant* *pant* We're at the end of our rope here... I mean, I can still fight, but Marisa can't take it any longer...
Marisa
Hey... Reimu, you're the one who's worn out... I can keep going...
Sakuya
The two of you did well. I'm ready.
Reimu
Huh? What's this?! My strength's coming back... All my weariness and pain are gone too!
Marisa
And my magic's recharged! It's almost like I'm fully recovered!
Reimu & Marisa
Now, we're ready to rumble!
The Hour Struck Pt. 5
Aya
Wh-What a match!
Nitori
It doesn't look like there'll be another turning of the tables now. Reimu's team is victorious.
Reimu
That was a fierce struggle to the bitter end... Who would've thought fairies were such powerhouses in other worlds?
Marisa
We underestimated them... But still, Sakuya, what kind of magic did you use there at the end?
Sakuya
Nothing too unusual. It simply required some precise manipulation.
Sakuya
That's why I had to focus and use more energy than I usually do.
Sakuya
I sped up your resting behaviors, such as your body metabolism and magical power recharge cycle.
Sakuya
That's... all.
Miss Sakuya?!
Reimu
Hey, are you all right?
Marisa
Did you completely drain yourself?!
Sakuya
I'm just terribly sleepy. No need to worry. I wouldn't be able to face the mistress if I dozed off in front of others.
Sakuya
Still... I do need to rest.
Youmu
...
Youmu
The match is settled. I will now proceed to deal with the defeated.
Deal with? What are you going to do?
Youmu
The vanquished...
Youmu
...shall be cut.
Reimu, Sakuya, & Marisa
What?!
Youmu
If done before the next Hour strikes, their spirits will become power for the seal suppressing the Saigyou Ayakashi.
Youmu
This is the only way we currently know of that will keep the Saigyou Ayakashi bound.
Reimu
But... But this is too much...
Marisa
Are you sure there's no other way?
Daiyousei
I... can...
Daiyousei
I can still fight!
Reimu
Daiyousei?! How are you even standing?!
Marisa
She's so determined... Dogged, even!
Daiyousei
I-I don't know what I can do to win... But I can still stand, so...
Daiyousei
We... We have to go back to our Gensokyo! We must!
Daiyousei
That's why we have to win! Win... But how?
Daiyousei
I have to do it... But I'm not able to... Or am I? What strategy do I have? How? With what?
Daiyousei
No... Nothing comes to mind. I can't do this.
Daiyousei
I... can't win.
Daiyousei
Ah―
Youmu
I'm sorry.
Reimu & Marisa
Daiyousei!
Miss... Youmu...
Marisa
Youmu, I get the situation. I understand our lives hang in the balance as well.
Marisa
But this is just too cruel.
Youmu
Detest me if you wish. I've already cut the other two.
Reimu
Marisa! Look closely! There's not a mark on Daiyousei, and she's still breathing.
Marisa
What the... Did she hit her with the back of her sword?
Youmu
No. What I've cut is only a part of her spirit. And I didn't simply bisect it.
Youmu
Just as a cut in meat changes texture and flavor, the properties of spirits can be altered depending on the cut.
Youmu
Spiritual power can't be used efficiently if it is merely cut away. The spirit disappears, and its shape soon expires.
Youmu
But a "cosmetic" cut enhances the efficiency of the power and extends the time until the spirit vanishes.
Youmu
Maybe we can find a way to save them before they disappear... There's hope now that you're here.
So you're trying to save them!
Marisa
Sorry, Youmu. I had it all wrong...
Youmu
You didn't... Nothing changes the fact I simply take people's lives.
Youmu
Their spirits are slowly wasting away. It is not a pleasant thing to see.
Youmu
That is why I understand if you detest me.
Youmu
Please look after them from tomorrow onward. I'll be on my way now.
Aya
Good morning! Hardly any time's passed since yesterday's fierce battle, and yet you're all bursting with energy!
Reimu & Marisa
Look who's talking!
Reimu
*sigh* What is it? We don't have the time to keep you entertained.
Aya
Oh, no, that's not it at all. We just wanted to help with the investigation before the next Hour strikes.
Nitori
We heard that you found a mysterious cave. Our guess is that it's worth exploring in full force.
Marisa
Oh right! I totally forgot!
Sakuya
Only you could forget something of such importance. Now that that's settled let's hurry and eat breakfast.
Yuyuko
I thought you might say that, so I made phantom rice balls for you! There's umeboshi, bonito flakes, kelp...
Reimu
For phantoms, these are all incredibly delicious. Thank you.
Yuyuko
You can take some with you while you're out exploring too! They're phantoms, so they'll last all day!
Marisa
Phantom food holds up well? I'm not sure if I needed to know that...
Ran
I'll go with you. We have to find a way to stop the Hour from striking as soon as possible.
Yuyuko
Ran, Chen. If you're going, please take some rice balls with you too.
Chen
Is there bonito and salmon?!
Yuyuko
Yes, I made both!
Ran
What about deep-fried tofu?!
Yuyuko
Sadly, no...
Ran
Aw...
Yuyuko
Good morning, fairies. We've got plenty of rice balls! Please take any you want!
They look pretty well!
Yuyuko
They do. But they shouldn't go with you to explore. Let them rest.
Marisa
Morning, Cirno! Which one do you want?
Marisa
Hm? OK, I'll take this one, then.
Marisa
Hey, Cirno, what's with the silent treatment?
Marisa
Cirno! C'mon!
Reimu
What happened, Marisa?
Sakuya
Is something wrong?
Marisa
Cirno... She's not speaking.
What?!
Marisa
Cirno! Daiyousei! Lily White! Say something! Anything! Just speak!
Marisa
It's a new day! At least give us a "good morning"!
Sakuya
Wh-What is...
Reimu
What's going on?
Yuyuko
This is the fate of those who lose their match...
Marisa, Reimu, & Sakuya
What?!
Yuyuko
Youmu's cut does slow the leak of the spirit... But conversely, it also means that something must flow out first.
Yuyuko
Speech. For some reason, of all the elements making up the spirit, speech is the first to leave.
Yuyuko
Those bereft of it can speak neither with voice nor with writing. This is the first stage.
Reimu
The first stage?
So as more time passes...
Yuyuko
More parts of their spirits will flow out by the day... Eventually, those who have bodies will die. Those who don't―vanish.
Yuyuko
This is why...
Yuyuko
...we have to do something.
The Hour Struck Pt. 6
???
The cherry blossom tree isn't at fault.
???
Whether or not it blooms depends on our own deeds.
???
If you really are a cherry blossom tree, you must want your flowers to bloom proudly and then fall with grace.
Youmu
I am truly sorry, Saigyou Ayakashi...
Mysterious Voice
"My, my. You've become quite the romanticist. I cannot imagine your old self speaking to a tree."
Youmu
I'd rather you stopped eavesdropping. And I've already forgotten about the past.
Mysterious Voice
"Oh? But it is still strange. You remind me of an old lady talking to her bonsai tree."
Youmu
I wasn't talking to it. I was just thinking aloud.
Youmu
And to be precise, the Saigyou Ayakashi is no tree―it's a greater youkai in the shape of a tree.
Youmu
Also, If I speak my thoughts out loud, I may one day get an answer.
Mysterious Voice
"What's all the more interesting is that you aren't joking. Perhaps I owe this greater youkai more respect too."
Youmu
That would be wise.
Youmu
So what have you come here for? Because you wouldn't have come if you hadn't wanted something.
Mysterious Voice
"It's about the request I mentioned earlier. But I will have someone who directly examined the case speak in my stead."
Mysterious Voice
"Come forth, Reimu."
Reimu
Hello.
Youmu
Are you... yet another Reimu?!
Reimu
Does that surprise you? Judging by the state of this world, it can't be your first time meeting another me.
Youmu
This is the first time I've seen two versions of the same person here at once.
Youmu
So... What is the request? Be brief.
Reimu
Well, to be honest, I'd like to ask some questions too. This is already beyond my understanding.
Reimu
But never mind.
Reimu
On the outer edge of this world, there's a gap between this world and another. I was patrolling it, as instructed.
Reimu
While there, I came across an irregularity. It was so peculiar that I didn't recognize her as my target.
Reimu
Fortunately, my mistake had little influence on her. It seems that she thinks it was just a dream.
Youmu
I fail to see the point. Isn't that something you should report to your boss?
Reimu
The interesting part starts now.
Reimu
The target is PLAYER.
Youmu
What? Oh... I see...
Youmu
I've met Reimu, Marisa, and Sakuya countless times now...
Youmu
But this is the first time I've ever met PLAYER.
Youmu
Was that the reason?
Youmu
Do you mean that in all the different worlds, among all the various reflections of the same people...
Youmu
...there's only one PLAYER?
Reimu
Only one! Hehe. Yes, you're not wrong.
Youmu
And so? What is the request? Does it have something to do with PLAYER?
Reimu
First, I want to make sure our little secret doesn't come to light. They're getting closer, so we need to be careful.
Reimu
As for PLAYER...
Reimu
Take her life.
Lorepedia Home