Lossy's Journal

???

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.

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.

(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!)

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.

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.

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?!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

(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

...

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.

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?

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!

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 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.

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Ch. 3: Hakugyoku Arena