Ch. 3: Hakugyoku Arena 2
Index
- More Visitors... Pt. 1
- More Visitors... Pt. 2
- More Visitors... Pt. 3
- More Visitors... Pt. 4
- More Visitors... Pt. 5
- Guardian of the Door Pt. 1
- Guardian of the Door Pt. 2
- Guardian of the Door Pt. 3
- Guardian of the Door Pt. 4
- Guardian of the Door Pt. 5
- Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 1
- Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 2
- Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 3
- Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 4
- Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 5
More Visitors... Pt. 1
Reimu
As for PLAYER... Take her life.
Youmu
What?!
Youmu
That... isn't a peaceful solution.
Reimu
Don't get me wrong. All we want is PLAYER's life.
Reimu
Nothing more, nothing less.
Mysterious Voice
That is my request, Youmu Konpaku.
???
Or rather, "the Youmu Konpaku of this world."
???
Protect what you hold dear.
???
Put your whole body and soul into resolving this incident.
Was I dreaming again?
Sakuya
Are you still tired, PLAYER? A lot did happen yesterday.
No, I should be fine. Physically, at least.
Sakuya
Reimu and the rest went on ahead since they were worried that the Hour would strike again.
Sakuya
I'll see to it that you never overexert yourself. That being said, we won't make it without you...
Sakuya
...So there's only one thing I can do.
You're going to carry me again?! I-I'm sorry!
Sakuya
Again? Has this happened before? In any case, it's no trouble at all.
Sakuya
Now then, let's catch up to the others.
Reimu
Oh, PLAYER! Are you feeling better?
Marisa
That didn't look like an ordinary post-meal nap. Don't push yourself too hard, OK?
I'm fine... Or at least I hope I am.
Reimu
You haven't been quite yourself ever since we came to this world. That really worries me.
Sakuya
I'll take care of her if anything happens. She won't slow you down.
Marisa
Well, there's nothing to worry about on that front then. But we're simply thinking of PLAYER's health.
Marisa
...Just this once, I'll lend you something special. Here, hold out your hand.
What is this? It looks... sinister!
Marisa
It's a charm against terrors of the night. To be specific, it uses higher-class demons to chase other fiends away.
Marisa
It should work on those that bring sleep upon you, too.
Marisa
Remember though. I'm just letting you borrow it! This isn't for keeps!
Reimu
YOU lending something out? What's the occasion? Are you trying to be PLAYER's big sister or something?
Marisa
I'm a pragmatist. That item is sure to be more beneficial than a talisman with the Hakurei Seal.
Reimu
What? Is this a competition now? OK fine, I'll make a talisman for PLAYER later as well.
Thank you all!
Youmu
I'm sorry I can't be of any help...
Oh, no! Don't say that!
(Didn't she say something a bit eerie in my dream?)
(Hm... What was it again?)
Sakuya
Reimu, Marisa, Youmu. We have more urgent matters to attend to. Can you explain what these three are doing here?
Reimu
Oh, right. They were collapsed here when we arrived.
Marisa
Yeah, I forgot to mention. Youmu found them right after we got here.
Sakuya
Huh?! Does that mean they're―?
Youmu
Yes. They are your next opponents.
More Visitors... Pt. 2
Sunny Milk
OK. I think I get the gist.
Reimu
Huh? You do? You're pretty sharp for a fairy.
Marisa
That actually makes me feel more anxious than reassured.
Luna Child
Hey. There's no need to be rude. I don't know what fairies are like in your world...
Luna Child
...but in ours, fairies both cause and resolve most incidents.
Star Sapphire
Humans, youkai, and gods aren't that strong. They're more like endangered species that we fairies protect.
Star Sapphire
Some small youkai and young gods occasionally help resolve incidents too, though!
Sakuya
This is quite a surprise! It's clear from the way you speak that you're all far more powerful than any of the fairies we know.
Sunny Milk
Other species don't expend vital energy efficiently. They're too bulky in both mind and body. Isn't that right, Luna?
Luna Child
Yes. I read in a book that a whole species went extinct a long time ago due to a similar reason.
Star Sapphire
Only we fairies can efficiently use the land's abundant vitality. Aside from us, phantoms with nearly-exposed etheric forms...
Star Sapphire
...and tsukumogami do well, too. However, their body being a tool is a handicap, as it requires the existence of humans.
This is quite a complex discussion for fairies...
Reimu
No, PLAYER. Fairies aren't like this in our world. They are pranksters who love to goof around!
Marisa
Especially these three!
Reimu
I'll introduce them to you properly when we get back. And in a less chaotic setting, so you can see what they're really like!
(Are they really so different?!)
Sakuya
Perhaps something changed in their world during the social upheaval incident or the purification incident I heard about...
Marisa
But none of this explains why the last fairies we encountered here never talked about any of this.
Sunny Milk
Oh, you mean Cirno, Lily, and Daiyousei. That's because they possess neither our intelligence nor our strength.
Luna Child
That's right. Though humans are weak, folks like you have still resolved about twenty to thirty incidents or affairs.
Star Sapphire
Cirno's group had about the same score. However, WE have resolved over ten times as many!
Reimu
What?!
Marisa
As if fairies being able to cause and resolve incidents wasn't horrifying enough!
Sakuya
So in your world, strange things happen much more often?
Reimu
That sounds too far-fetched! Right, Youmu? Have you ever heard of something like this?
Youmu
I have, actually! I've heard of a world where fairies obtained power by purification...
Youmu
...and a world where fairies became the dominant species due to a mysterious inversion phenomenon...
Youmu
...and even of a world populated only by fairies. Some of the visitors said as much when they told me about their homes.
Youmu
Regardless of their point of origin, all the fairies that have come here have been exceptionally powerful.
Marisa
Yikes, there are some really strange worlds out there! It gives me the chills.
Sunny Milk
If you find it that hard to believe, how about we show you what we're capable of? We don't mind!
Luna Child
We need to catch up with the youkai ahead of us anyway, right?
Star Sapphire
It's a perfect opportunity!
Sakuya
Well, they do say seeing is believing, so...
Sakuya
Show us what you've got!
Luna Child
Luna Child―traps set.
Star Sapphire
Star Sapphire―enemy positions confirmed.
Sunny Milk
Good... Now we won't lose even if we fight by the rules of your world.
Sunny Milk
This "battle of the bullets" or whatever will be a great warm-up!
Sunny Milk
Fighting using projectiles wasn't as bad as I thought!
Star Sapphire
It was almost too easy!
Luna Child
Your use of "bullets" was most illuminating. Though it seems I was right in assuming that we're capable of the same.
Marisa
Wait, hold up a sec. Are you saying that was your first time ever using bullets?!
More Visitors... Pt. 3
Why is there a cabin inside the cave?
Sunny Milk
One of the youkai ahead of us must've built it to rest here and then left it for us to use!
Star Sapphire
Do you have any idea who might've been able to do such a thing?
My guess is... Miss Ran!
Luna Child
The shikigami of the gap youkai, huh? She certainly seems capable of bringing forth a house from some unknown space.
Sunny Milk
Well, moving house wouldn't be all that difficult for us, either!
Sunny Milk
Now then. Let's get some rest while Reimu and the others keep watch.
Star Sapphire
My legs are killing me from all that walking. If only the twisting passages weren't too narrow to fly...
E-Excuse me, Fairies of Light...
Luna Child
Call me Luna.
Sunny Milk
Just Sunny is fine!
Star Sapphire
And I'm Star.
Sunny, Luna, and Star, then!
Aren't you three scared of the fight?
Sunny Milk
Ah... You mean that "match" Youmu told us about, right?
Luna Child
I heard that after Cirno, Lily, and Daiyousei were defeated, they lost the ability to speak and communicate.
Star Sapphire
Truth be told, after hearing that, we are afraid. We've never encountered an incident like this...
Sunny Milk
Yeah...
Sunny Milk
The best thing would be to find a way to avoid fighting. So we'll back you up during the search in any way we can.
Luna Child
But if we still end up having the match, we'll also do everything in our power to win.
Star Sapphire
Since the losers don't simply vanish on the spot, we may be able to find a way to return them back to normal!
Sunny Milk
Yes. It's definitely within our power!
Of course...
(Actually, this is all we can really hope for.)
Sunny Milk
Just so you know, we're incredibly strong. Don't hold it against us if you lose!
Oh, s-sure! We won't!
Luna Child
Our world may perish from unresolved incidents if we don't make it back home.
Star Sapphire
We're the top incident resolvers of our realm. We have to return as soon as possible!
(So far, they're almost the same as Daiyousei's group!)
(We can't let history repeat itself!)
Sunny Milk
Now that everything's clear, we're going to get some sleep!
Luna Child & Star Sapphire
Night! Sweet dreams!
Youmu
I'm sorry, everyone! A swarm of fairies and phantoms is coming this way!
Youmu
Please help!
Three Fairies of Light
Just as we were about to rest!
Youmu
The others will handle the phantoms coming from other directions!
Youmu
Miss PLAYER, please stay there and support me with your advice!
Youmu
We managed to drive them away. The others seem to be fine too.
Youmu
Ah! Watch out!
Youmu
Tsk!
Youmu
Looks like a phantom slipped through and tried to attack you from behind.
Youmu
Sorry, I cut off a bit of your hair when I stopped it. Please accept my apologies...
Youmu
Huh? You're just glad I saved you? O-Oh, no, I was simply doing what came naturally!
More Visitors... Pt. 4
Reimu
How long have we been wandering in these winding caverns? ...At last, there's an open space!
Marisa
We've been moving pretty quickly, so it seems like we should be catching up to Ran's group soon.
Ran
Hello! You all arrived much earlier than I thought.
Chen
We only just got here!
Sakuya
Well, we could hardly get lost with Reimu on our team. And I used my ability to shorten the time a bit too.
Marisa
My detection items were also a big help!
Ran
I see... It seems your experience in resolving incidents comes in handy.
Chen
Lady Ran, I think it's better to tell them about the you-know-what!
Ran
Indeed, Chen. Everyone, take a close look at the lake.
Ran
These thick roots descending from the ceiling to deep down below the surface of the lake...
Ran
...most likely belong to the Saigyou Ayakashi.
They do?!
That means we're right underneath the tree.
Ran
Yes. It's hard to tell because of the twisting path, but this spot is located directly beneath the Saigyou Ayakashi.
Reimu
No way! We're so deep underground! It took us nearly a day to get here!
Marisa
I get that the tree is huge, but I still don't see how its roots could reach this far down.
Ran
So one would think. But the youkai power I sense here, beyond any doubt, belongs to the Saigyou Ayakashi.
Chen
Oh! Aya and Nitori are back!
Ran
Perfect timing. I asked them to examine the state of the roots.
Aya
Hey, there. You're here early.
Nitori
Good timing. There's something we need to report.
Three Fairies of Light
Um...
Sakuya
Oh, my apologies. We forgot to introduce everyone! Do you mind if we go first?
Aya
So you fairies are pro incident-resolvers?! Ayayaya, now that's a first!
Nitori
Wow! But given the circumstances, they might be just the help we need!
Aya & Nitori
Nice to meet you!
Three Fairies of Light
Same here!
Youmu
...
Youmu
So? What did you find during your investigation?
Aya
Oh right. About that...
Aya
Judging by the youkai power, these roots extending from the ceiling down into the lake do belong to the Saigyou Ayakashi...
Nitori
...but they don't seem to be tangible. If I had to describe it, I'd say they're spiritual. You could call them "spirit roots."
Reimu
Huh? Spirit roots? Why would that youkai tree grow something like that?
Nitori
We don't know yet. But being incorporeal probably has its uses.
Aya
They're definitely not for sucking up water, as they continue much farther underground.
Marisa
It's almost like they're telling us that something's down there.
Sakuya
Perhaps these spirit roots are growing toward our destination―beyond the Netherworld.
Sunny Milk
Then we may find a way further down if we follow one of them!
Luna Child
I'd say that's very likely.
Star Sapphire
All right, let's have a look around! But first...
Three Fairies of Light
We've got to get rid of the phantoms who wandered in here!
Reimu
I feel like the fairy trio's stealing our thunder... Marisa, we should put our backs into this a bit more.
Marisa
Sure. Just a little!
More Visitors... Pt. 5
This lake...
...is enormous!
Ran
I know for certain that we were right under the Saigyou Ayakashi earlier, but I had no idea the roots reached this far.
Chen
Was this cave always so big? Or did the roots make it bigger?
Aya
We'll likely never know.
Sunny Milk
Not only is it huge, it's basically a labyrinth. At this rate, we'll never find a way down...
Star Sapphire
Ah! Maybe the exit is underwater!
Luna Child
I hope not, Star. But you may be right... We never considered that!
Youmu
So... are any of us capable of exploring underwater?
Nitori
Huh?! No! Absolutely not! Forget it! I can't do it alone!
Reimu
This lake is deep... in the worst-case scenario, it may turn out that there's more space to explore underwater than above.
Sakuya
So it's sink or swim... Marisa, can you blast us an opening with your Master Spark?
(Was Miss Sakuya always this direct?)
Marisa
I'm flattered you think so highly of my firepower, but we don't know where all the Saigyou Ayakashi's roots are.
Youmu
If we act carelessly, we may trigger the tree into reaching full bloom... Then everything will be over!
Aya & Nitori
Hmmmm!
Three Fairies of Light
HMMMMMMMM!
Ran
There may be a way... if Chen and I use our abilities.
Chen
You and me...? Oh! By measuring the shape of the space with a simulated calculation of the area!
Reimu
Is that what you used that one time when we were searching for vengeful spirits? That... "big data" or whatever you call it?
Ran
Yes. It's fundamentally the same. In this case, however, the technique has a serious drawback.
Chen
It takes a long time. Like, I'm guessing... a whole day.
Marisa
Are you kidding me?! Still... given the size of the lake, it'll be faster than all of us searching manually!
Youmu
But the next Hour is sure to strike before another day is up.
Youmu
So let's get back to the Hakugyokurou for now. We should rethink our strategy.
Sakuya
While I am sure you're right, isn't it worth at least giving this a try before the Hour strikes?
Reimu
Yeah. There's no harm in us continuing the search while Ran and Chen implement their technique.
Marisa
And there's a chance we may just stumble upon something since Reimu's with us!
Reimu
*sigh* That IS true, but you've got to look too.
Marisa
Oh, I will. A little bit.
Youmu
No, this won't do. We should go back right now.
Youmu?
Marisa
Hey, Youmu. You're acting a little strange...
Reimu
If there's something on your mind, just spit it out. I know we just met, but we're all in the same boat here.
Sakuya
Our positions may be different, but our goal is the same. If there's something you fear, please tell us.
Youmu
I... I have always been like this.
Ran
Don't lie, Youmu. We've known each other for a long time, so you cannot fool me. You ARE behaving oddly.
Youmu
With all due respect, Lady Ran, this is my opinion as the ultimate authority of the Arena.
Youmu
I cannot allow anyone to undermine it... not even a sage such as yourself.
Ran
Ugh...
Ran
Very well. Let us withdraw for now.
Ran
Don't worry. I'll connect this place with Hakugyokurou using my powers. We'll be able to return here in an instant.
Youmu
I need to calm down a little. Call me when you're ready.
Ran
I am so sorry that you all had to witness that.
Chen
Really sorry...
Reimu
What in the world's up with Youmu? When did she get all high and mighty?
Marisa
I thought she was a more awkward version of the Youmu we know, but I never expected her to behave like this.
Sakuya
She must have her reasons. She wouldn't have acted like that otherwise.
Reimu
Hm, right. That's probably it. (That just really ticked me off for some reason.)
Ran
Thank you for understanding. She has never behaved in such a manner before...
Ran
...so I'm a little puzzled.
Ran
Also, maybe you've already noticed, but Youmu performs a role unlike any other at the Arena.
Ran
If she didn't cut the souls of the defeated with her swords, the Saigyou Ayakashi could come back to life at any moment.
Ran
And she's the only one capable of doing so. For this reason, Youmu has the ultimate authority in this land.
Ran
I had hoped to avoid speaking of this since it's not the most pleasant of topics...
Sakuya
Someone who has shouldered a heavy mission and power for quite some time... That's the Youmu of this world.
Marisa
And what's more, this was the first time she ever said anything somewhat selfish?
Reimu
Wouldn't that make her... an incredibly good person?
Guardian of the Door Pt. 1
(Oh... It's a dream.)
(Is that Miss Yukari's shadow?)
Yukari?
...
Yukari?
Say, are you...?
(Hm?)
Yukari?
It's nothing. I promised that this time we'd meet in the flesh.
Yukari?
I thought it would be difficult, but I accomplished it. Accidentally, you could say.
Yukari?
No, "accidentally" isn't quite the right word. Today, I was only planning on sneaking a peek at the situation...
Yukari?
I wonder if humans can comprehend what's going on... No, this doesn't concern you.
(Miss... Yukari?)
Yukari?
There's no need to worry. I'll get out of your dream. Just give me a moment.
Yukari?
Ha!
Huh? When did I take this out?
I can't afford to lose it. I'd better put it away.
But... did I fall asleep without realizing again?
Yukari
So it seems. But now that I've adopted this form, you won't be dropping off to sleep out of the blue again.
Yukari
Because now I can protect you.
Miss Yukari!
Yukari
I borrowed the space-time position of the me of this world to materialize, but I've yet to successfully connect with her.
Space-time position?
Yukari
For now, it would be best if I don't interact with anyone else. I don't want to be accused of something I haven't done.
Yukari
Can you keep my presence a secret for the time being?
From Reimu, Marisa, and Sakuya? And Youmu too?
Yukari
Yes. In fact, that girl is somewhat like an agent of mine.
Yukari
And it seems she's doing exactly as instructed, so everything should go well.
What...?
Yukari
There's no need for you to worry. Everything is under control.
Yukari
You know, when I look at you from this close...
Yukari
No, never mind.
(She seems somewhat different from usual...)
Yukari
Now then. I'll go ahead and do some investigating of my own and try to find a solution to the incident happening here.
Yukari
We will meet again soon.
Knowing Miss Yukari, she probably has a hidden agenda.
Sakuya
Oh my. I turn away for a moment, and now you're awake. I'm glad you woke up so quickly, though.
Oh, Miss Sakuya.
(If she says so, it must really have been just a moment.)
Sakuya
OK, let me take a look at your face.
(Her pretty face is... too close!)
Sakuya
Nothing out of the ordinary. That's a relief.
Sakuya
...
Sakuya
This must be so very difficult for you. You came to Gensokyo knowing nothing and then ended up in this mess.
Sakuya
I LIVE in Gensokyo, and even I can't help but be confused by what's happening here.
Sakuya
Terrible things keep happening one after the other. Even camping on the Youkai Mountain would be safer than this.
Well, I AM scared...
...but having you all here makes me feel better!
Sakuya
Hehehe. Hahaha! Actually, I'm not that frightened either―on the contrary, I'm excited.
Sakuya
I was worried that you were terrified, but it seems my concern was misplaced. Perhaps we have a thing or two in common.
That's true. Maybe I do have an adventurous side.
Sakuya
We're going to get home. And we're going to do it together.
Yes! We'll all return together!
Marisa
Sakuya. How's PLAYER feeling?
Marisa
Oh, I see she's well! That's a relief.
Sakuya
Since you're here, does that mean there was some progress?
Marisa
Yeah. We explained everything to the tiny Yuyuko, and she gave us a piece of advice worthy of the Arena's host.
Marisa
Can you come to the sitting room? Everyone else is already there.
Sakuya
In that case... PLAYER, do you need me to carry you?
T-Thank you! But no, I can walk on my own!
Sakuya
All right. Let's go, then.
...
Marisa
What's the matter? Still feeling rough? I don't think I'm the best choice to carry you, though...
No... It's the charm you lent me. It's broken.
I'm sorry... I don't know when it happened.
Marisa
Oh! That means it worked its magic! It's that kind of item.
Does that mean I won't suddenly drift off again?
Marisa
You should be fine―at least for now. Anyway...
Marisa
I'm amazed that talisman actually worked!
Guardian of the Door Pt. 2
Yuyuko
Three Fairies of Light! All we need to do is borrow your power!
Three Fairies of Light
U-Um, OK?!
Three Fairies of Light
...What do you mean?
Yuyuko
I've seen a lot of other versions of you up to this point. Many, many versions.
Sunny Milk
Yeah, we figured as much.
Luna Child
You're talking about parallel worlds, right? Sounds like a setup for a cheap novel, so I'm surprised they actually exist.
Star Sapphire
So lots of other versions of us have come here before... But why are you bringing this up now?
Yuyuko
To talk about the intrinsic uses of your abilities. How do you usually use them?
Sunny Milk
Well... My ability allows me to refract light. It's quite convenient as I can freely change the trajectory of light.
Sunny Milk
I can throw light punches and make light-reflecting barriers, so it comes in handy for both attack and defense.
Luna Child
I am capable of muting sounds around me. I can entirely cancel out any sound-based attacks coming my way.
Luna Child
Muting sound is all about creating the same sound but with an inverted waveform.
Luna Child
And since sound is basically vibration, I can also use those kinds of attacks. Like my Ultra-Vibration Kick!
Star Sapphire
My ability to detect movement is the essence of information warfare. The identity of any presence is information, you see!
Star Sapphire
Everything leaves traces as they moveーin other words, information. It gets scattered about, but it doesn't vanish.
Star Sapphire
The stars of the night sky collect this information and pass it on to me. With it, I can predict my foe's actions in combat!
Sunny Milk
So as you can see, our abilities are all quite useful. The other versions of us must have used them in a similar way, right?
Yuyuko
Your abilities are certainly incredible. But the variations of you I've met until now...
Yuyuko
...all used theirs in a different manner.
Three Fairies of Light
What?!
Luna Child
There are other ways to use them?
Star Sapphire
I was convinced they were best applied directly in combat.
Yuyuko
You should ask Reimu and her friends about that!
Yuyuko
They came from another parallel world, so I'm sure they know all too well about the other ways your powers can be utilized!
Reimu
I can't believe you've never used your abilities to play pranks.
Sakuya
Doesn't that fly in the face of your identity as fairies?
Marisa
Though having fairies both cause and resolve incidents is a pretty huge prank if you think about it!
I guess fairies are both carefree and hardy!
Reimu
That sounds about right to me.
Sunny Milk
This whole underground lake is in my sights! I'll gather the faint refracted light and scan its structure in an instant!
Luna Child
I'll mute the noise in here so that only sounds from outside can be heard. Follow them, and we'll easily find the exit.
Star Sapphire
The air is barely moving... but I can sense a breeze flowing! That must be the spot connected to the exit!
Sunny Milk
Well done, Star! My analysis gives the same conclusion!
Luna Child
The source of the sound matches as well. That was surprisingly easy.
Star Sapphire
Maybe using our skills for pranks wouldn't be so bad, either!
Sunny Milk
I could use my ability to become invisible!
Luna Child
Mine would be great for sneaking around.
Star Sapphire
And my power is perfect for quick escapes!
Three Fairies of Light
We can try out different things as we continue toward the exit!
Reimu
They found the way out already?! Talk about fast!
Marisa
Like ducks to water. They're specialists, but they learn even quicker than shikigami. Maybe because they're so into it.
Sakuya
We should hurry too!
Youmu
...
Youmu... Are you coming?
Youmu
Oh!
Youmu
Right. If you're all going, I need to see you out.
Youmu
Let's go.
Wait, Youmu!
Youmu
What's wrong? Are you all right?!
Um... Well... I can't fly!
Youmu
Oh, right. I'm sorry, I completely forgot.
Youmu
I'll carry you.
Thank you!
Guardian of the Door Pt. 3
Sunny Milk
The exit's near!
Luna Child
We're almost there! Keep it up!
Star Sapphire
Let's go!
Marisa
Wow... We actually escaped the Netherworld.
Sakuya
This air... We're almost in Gensokyo.
What's this huge door?
Maybe it's the midpoint between the two worlds?
Reimu
It's the Barrier of Life and Death! An honorary barrier that most normally pass without even noticing...
Reimu
It's functioning properly here?!
???
Yes! This Barrier of Life and Death serves its original purpose―
???
―to firmly separate the upper and lower worlds!
This world's Miss Satono and Miss Mai?!
Ran
Wh-What's the meaning of this?!
Chen
Why are you two here?!
Reimu
The upper and lower worlds? I thought the Barrier of Life and Death separates the Netherworld from Gensokyo.
Marisa
Yeah, and it's a barrier in name only. It's a cinch to bypass if you can fly.
Sakuya
I'm fairly certain that we could only fly over it because it was weakened during the incident caused by Yuyuko.
Reimu
Either way, how could sages sit silent when there's this weird upper world, lower world border? Quit being so irresponsible!
Satono
I think you have the wrong idea...
Mai
We aren't doing this just for the fun of it.
Satono & Mai
We've been following a sage's orders from the get-go!
Youmu
*sigh* I knew it...
Is this why you tried to stop us, Youmu?
Youmu
Yes, that's r―I mean, no! I knew nothing about any unsuitable gatekeepers, and... Uh, well, it's not what you think!
What...?
Youmu
Forget all of what I just said!
???
So this day has finally arrived. I sure have waited long enough.
Okina
But no matter.
Reimu
Huh? And why are YOU here?
Marisa
What? You're popping up even in places like this now? For a secret god, you're quite the attention-seeker.
Sunny Milk
I've seen this god before! We even fought once!
Luna Child
I remember! She was pretty annoying for a god!
Star Sapphire
And I bet she'll be just as annoying this time, too!
Satono
How dare you speak about our master in that manner!
Mai
As if it wasn't disrespectful enough for you to come here with a corporeal form!
Okina
Now, now. I want you both to remain silent.
Ran & Chen
...
Okina
You are the gap's... Well, no wonder you are confused.
Okina
Were I not otherwise occupied, I would offer you tea and an exchange of information.
Okina
Unfortunately, I have no intention of wasting my time on such frivolities. I shall test your skills immediately.
Okina
I trust you do not specialize in any fighting styles so pathetic as martial arts?
Three Fairies of Light
...!
Okina
How foolish of me. I will see for myself soon enough in battle.
Okina
Satono, Mai. Each of you will take on two of them.
Satono & Mai
Understood!
Satono
You two will be up against me. Don't be too rough.
Mai
I'll be fighting you two. Come at me.
Okina
And I shall be your adversary.
Ran & Chen
...
Okina
Shikigami of the gap. If my actions displease you, join them in fighting me.
Miss Okina must know something important!
Reimu
She clearly does. She holds the information we want. We've got to win and make her cough it up!
Ran & Chen
...
Okina
Are you not going to fight? *sigh* How cowardly of you, shikigami.
Guardian of the Door Pt. 4
Star Sapphire
Ugh, she's too strong!
Marisa
Come on! Where's your backbone?! You were so confident just a while ago!
Satono
It's no surprise that you can't beat me. Not with Mai dancing behind me.
Satono
See, I only position myself right to the rear of where she dances!
Satono
Mai has the ability to draw out people's vitality by dancing behind them.
Satono
So I'm always brimming with vigor. More than even a fairy, an embodiment of life energy, can muster!
Luna Child
That's odd... I should have more vitality than her.
Sakuya
It's like she's reading our every move... or rather, making us dance to her own tune.
Mai
Not exactly. I'm simply disrupting you every time you try to do something.
Mai
I only fight directly behind where Satono dances!
Mai
Satono's ability draws out the mental energy of people by dancing behind them.
Mai
Which keeps my thoughts in perfect order! There's no way I can lose to your sluggish minds!
Okina
Your attempt to pass this gate with such paltry skills is laughable. I have nothing to tell you. Turn back.
Reimu
You mean to let this world perish? Regardless of the past, the Saigyou Ayakashi is going to bloom soon.
Okina
You are weak. Nothing will change even if you were to pass through this gate.
Okina
You are not worthy of any information I may have to share. You should leave at once.
Reimu
Grr... Now I wish she kept her mouth shut!
Sunny Milk
And even if someone in the lower world knows something, we'll never meet them if we can't get through here!
But if we can't win Miss Okina's approval...
Aya
I was hoping to stay on the sidelines snapping pictures of the battle, but it looks like I've got to help after all!
Nitori
I only wanted to provide support, but I can't just stand by with things as they are.
Okina
Oho. The tengu and the kappa... The two of you usually refuse to even hint at your abilities.
Okina
You are their last resort, so I do hope you still remember how to fight.
Okina
Moreover, beings like you, who have deviated from your original place and role, have no chance against me.
Ran
Just now... they called you a sage.
Okina
Oh, you noticed? Quite commendable for a kitsune.
Ran
If I defeat you, will you answer our questions?
Chen
Lady Ran?
(What happened between these two?!)
Okina
Hehehe.
Okina
You have all gone astray. But very well!
Okina
Show me what you are capable of.
Chen
Lady Ran... What happened?
Ran
I'm sorry, Chen. Even I do not know if I can pull this off. But... a shikigami and a sage... There must be something...
Okina
Good. Very good. That doubt of yours is something genuine that you must embrace as a youkai.
Okina
This has gone on for long enough. The test is over. Let us be gone, Mai, Satono.
Satono & Mai
Understood!
Ran
...
Youmu
The Hour hasn't struck yet, but we should withdraw for now.
Reimu
We have to think of a way to defeat that stubborn sage.
Guardian of the Door Pt. 5
Reimu
Well, now we're in real trouble.
Sakuya
Just when we thought we'd found a way home, we encountered another fresh set of unknowns.
Marisa
Is it really the Lost Word that's causing this incident? Nothing adds up.
Reimu
Maybe we've had it too easy up until now. We did get a lot of help from the people in the other parallel worlds, after all.
Sakuya
In that case... perhaps we should ask around openly this time too.
Marisa
Now that you mention it, we haven't tried that yet. We've hardly had time to think, what with all the strange goings-on.
Reimu
And whom do you plan to ask? That secret god has the shikigami, tengu, and kappa as confused as us.
Reimu
They're browsing Hakugyokurou's books for information right now. I'll ask them what they've found once they're done.
Marisa
They should take a rest and get some dinner, at least. Anyhoo, if they're not an option, that leaves only one person.
Youmu
Oh, you haven't finished your meal yet. I thought you might already be done.
Marisa
Haha, no, come and join us. In fact, we've been waiting for you.
Youmu
...
Reimu
You're pursuing your own goals, which are different from ours. We've figured that much out already.
Youmu
...!
Sakuya
You knew about the barrier and Okina, and that's why you were so unwilling to explore the bottom of the lake, right?
Sakuya
What's more, you didn't want us to find out about them because it would inconvenience you in some way.
Sakuya
Am I wrong?
(Everyone...)
Youmu
Yes, you are.
Youmu
I didn't withhold that information for my sake, but because it would put YOU in danger.
Marisa
So you're saying it was all to protect us? I guess the Arena would be in trouble if something were to happen to us.
Reimu
But what's the danger in us meeting Okina? It didn't seem like she meant to take our lives.
Youmu
Well...
I... don't think Youmu has any bad intentions.
Youmu
Miss PLAYER...
Reimu
We know that, PLAYER. But if she keeps hiding things from us...
Reimu
...in the worst-case scenario, it could spell our end. We have to recognize this as a genuine possibility.
Marisa
Reimu's right. If the situation weren't grave, we wouldn't have had to beat Cirno, Lily, and Daiyousei.
Youmu
...
Sakuya
How about we change the question? Make it direct and to the point.
Youmu... do you know of the Lost Word?
When something loses its name, its nature changes...
Youmu
The Lost Word?! Miss PLAYER, how did you hear of this?!
Marisa
So you do know! This sure makes things easier.
Sakuya
We're traveling through worlds stricken by Lost Word incidents. Though this is my first time.
Youmu
You travel through parallel worlds?
Reimu
I guess I should've said something earlier, but we might be a bit different from the other travelers you've encountered.
Youmu
It's all becoming clear to me. I get it now.
Marisa
Oh, you do?! Great. So, about the Lost Wordー
Youmu
You really had me fooled.
Marisa
What...?
Youmu
I don't expect you to tell me whether you're the masterminds behind it all or merely collaborators...
Youmu
...but now I know that what they told me was true.
Youmu!
Youmu
Excuse me.
Marisa
What's wrong with her?
Sakuya
Well, this is awkward. It seems we brought up a delicate subject...
Reimu
We're in a pickle, that's for sure... And with more questions to boot.
(Who's this "they" she mentioned?)
(I only came to the garden to clear my head...)
(...but I'd better not disturb them.)
???
Cirno! Daiyousei! Lily!
Sunny Milk
You really can't talk at all...
Sunny Milk
Say something... Just a word!
Luna Child
Stop that, Sunny!
Sunny Milk
Tell me this isn't real...
Luna Child
Sunny. There's surely a way to bring them back to normal. Reimu's group is also looking for a solution.
Star Sapphire
But first, we need to do something about that god Okina. She seems incredibly powerful though...
Star Sapphire
Oh sorry! That must have been a bit much to take in! Say, isn't it time to head to bed?
Star Sapphire
Ah... I guess you can't understand what I'm saying.
Luna Child
Oh. Apparently, they can.
Sunny Milk
Seems like they still comprehend simple things. As in... the kinds of things that children would understand.
Sunny Milk
It's probably just a matter of time until even that is beyond them, though...
Star Sapphire
We really have to do something about that god.
Star Sapphire
What do you think, PLAYER?
You knew I was here?!
Star Sapphire
There's no hiding from my ability.
Luna Child
PLAYER, if you know anything, please tell us. We're trying to think of a way to beat that strange god.
Sunny Milk
And don't forget that combo of boosting physical and mental energy. We won't get anywhere unless we deal with that first.
How exactly did those two do that?
Luna Child
Through the transmission of invisible energy. It's somewhat similar to light waves.
Sunny Milk
What are you saying? Light IS visible.
Luna Child
Not necessarily. There are various kinds of light. What we can see is merely part of the whole spectrum.
Star Sapphire
Oh, I think I understand! It's just like the presences I can sense! It must be!
Luna Child
I read in a book that, in the outside world, various things are transmitted using invisible light waves and artificial stars.
Luna Child
I've also read about "biorhythms," where one's physical and mental state may be altered by invisible waves.
Sunny Milk
I see! So it sounds like we just need to disrupt the waves they're using!
Sunny Milk
But how do we do that?
Luna Child
If we knew, we wouldn't be brainstorming right now.
Were there any opponents you found troublesome?
Sunny Milk
In our world? Hm... Let me think.
Star Sapphire
We had trouble fighting a rabbit called Reisen! During that incident when the moon was weird!
Luna Child
Oh, right. It was because Miss Reisen could tamper with wavelengths.
Sunny Milk
She was able to shut down our attacks based on light, sound, or presence. That skill would sure come in handy now...
Three Fairies of Light
But Miss Reisen isn't here!
Sunny Milk
Well, there's no use in dwelling on it. We need to come up with a more readily available solution.
Luna Child & Star Sapphire
All right!
Sunny Milk
Thanks, Miss PLAYER! I think we've got a good starting point for a strategy.
Oh no, I didn't do anything.
Sunny Milk
Someone from Cirno's group might've told you the same thing...
Sunny Milk
...but we're going to defeat you.
I heard those very words from Daiyousei.
Sunny Milk
I'm sure you did. She's really something else.
Sunny Milk
I have to protect Luna and Star. And save Cirno, Daiyousei, and Lily.
Sunny Milk
Also, we've got to get back to our world. Daiyousei had the same goal and even told you the same thing...
Sunny Milk
...and then she lost to you all.
...
Sunny Milk
I-I don't want you to think that what I'm about to say is a declaration of defeat, but―!
Yes?
Sunny Milk
If we lose...
Sunny Milk
...our fate rests in your hands.
Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 1
Sleeping Reimu
*zzz*... *snore*... Hehehe, offerings...
Sleeping Marisa
No, I've had enough tea... I said I don't want it...
Sleeping Sakuya
*zzz*... *zzz*...
(They're sound asleep.)
(Flying around so much must've tired them out.)
Yukari
You can't sleep? That's no surprise. It would be strange if you could, given the circumstances.
Shouldn't you be sleeping too?
Yukari
I usually sleep all the time, so I'm fine.
Yukari
More importantly, have you learned anything new?
(That's what I wanted to ask!)
We found Miss Okina, but nothing on the Lost Word.
And we caused a misunderstanding with Youmu...
But it's likely that she's acting on someone's orders...
Yukari
Hmm...
Yukari
I did some research on my end too. This Okina you mentioned is a sage of this world.
Yukari
Simply speaking, she's a part of its maintenance system. She's neither friend nor foe... just an entity that serves a purpose.
Part of a system? But she spoke and acted like normal.
Yukari
Yes. In a broad sense, she's something like a shikigami. I call it a "substitute shikigami."
Yukari
In a world, or a part of it like Gensokyo or the Netherworld... or well, anywhere for that matter...
Yukari
...beings like her exist to maintain the order and rules of specific regions and correct them so that they function properly.
Huh? What?
Yukari
Oh, I suppose that was a lot to dump on you all at once. Let me explain again. So... let's say, for example...
Yukari
...the scarlet Marisa.
The Marisa we met in that parallel world!
Yukari
That's right. In her case...
Yukari
...she was the Lost Word―the cause of that world's end. Yet she was also the substitute shikigami slowing down that end.
Yukari
In this world, besides Okina, Ran and Chen are also substitute shikigami. Aya and Nitori play a similar, albeit more minor, role.
Does that mean there's a Lost Word causing all this?
Yukari
Yes. The substitute shikigami are like a bandage for a wound― the Lost Word. But sometimes, a broken bone is set wrong.
Will investigating this world help us identify its wound?
Yukari
Yes, I would assume so. Though it won't be easy.
Yukari
...
Yukari
PLAYER, I want to ask you something.
Sure, what is it?
Yukari
There's no deeper meaning behind this question. I just want to hear your answer.
Yukari
What will you do when you find the Lost Word of this world?
I'll recover it and return this world to normal.
Yukari
I see. I'm glad to hear that.
Yukari
I think I know what Youmu misunderstood.
What?
Yukari
Oh, it doesn't concern you.
Yukari
All right. I think it is time.
Time?
Yukari
Yes.
This is...!
Sakuya, Reimu & Marisa
Ah!
Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 2
Aya
The first round, martial arts, has already begun!
Nitori
It's Marisa and Sakuya vs. Star Sapphire and Luna Child. And over on the other side, we have Reimu taking on Sunny Milk.
Aya
Reimu's team is using the same tactic as last time! They're taking defensive positions around PLAYER!
Nitori
The result of the drawing was the same as well―the match has started with martial arts.
Aya
We'll be keeping a very close eye on the action!
(Miss Yukari said their coverage has a meaning.)
(But what could it possibly be?)
Marisa
Hey, Sakuya. How many times have we failed now?
Sakuya
Judging from the number of my knives―well over a hundred.
Marisa
Figures.
Sakuya
But how can I still not hit them even when stopping time?
Sakuya
No... I'll give it another try!
Sakuya
It's not working.
Aya
Even though Sakuya is throwing her knives while stopping time, she just can't seem to hit her opponent!
Aya
What's happening?!
Nitori
Hm... Even if we assume Star Sapphire is using her ability to predict Sakuya's movements...
Nitori
...the duration of Sakuya's time stops is fairly long. Reading muscle movements alone isn't enough to explain this!
Star Sapphire
Huh? I never said anything about reading the movements of someone's muscles.
Star Sapphire
My ability lets me detect the presence of things that are moving.
Star Sapphire
In other words, I can detect the movements inside one's head.
Marisa
What?! Wouldn't that make her a satori youkai?!
Sakuya
How incredibly cunning!
Aya
What a shocking revelation! Star Sapphire has declared that she can read minds!
Nitori
Get this. According to a book I once read, there's a great amount of a certain substance wriggling inside the brain.
Aya
Yikes! That's disgusting!
Nitori
Detecting its presence seems absurd, but maybe narrowing the target and range allows her to read thoughts?
Star Sapphire
Of course. I've narrowed the range down to their thoughts regarding where they'll target us. And once I have a bearing...
Luna Child
I forcefully interpret the fluctuations of our own presences that Star has read into sounds, which I then mute with my ability!
Sakuya & Marisa
Sh-Shoot!
Marisa
Urk... And here we are, absolutely unable to read THEIR movements at all!
Sakuya
This battle is completely one-sided!
Aya
After checking with the referees, it seems Sakuya's knife-throwing just barely qualifies as martial arts!
Nitori
There have previously been competitors who used weapons, including ranged weapons, after all.
Marisa
Hey! What about beams?! Can I use my lasers?
Aya
The referees say it's fine if the range is half of the arena! Otherwise, you'll be disqualified for violating the rules!
Nitori
Guess that means your usual Master Spark is clearly off the table.
Marisa
Ugh... Master Spark is the definition of a long-distance attack. If I fire it from close up...
Sakuya
It'll be too imprecise to hit anything.
Marisa
Oh yeah? Well, it'd still be way more effective even as just a warning shot than you're haphazardly scattered knives!
Sakuya
Whatever. We both know my knives far outclass those overblown laser blasts of yours.
Th-This is no time to be arguing!
Sakuya
(PLAYER, it's fine.)
(Oh!)
Aya
Uh-oh, Sakuya and Marisa are having a falling-out mid-match!
Luna Child
Well, of course they are. They can't land a single blow on us.
Star Sapphire
Our attacks may be light, but every single one has connected. It's only natural they'd give up.
Luna Child & Star Sapphire
Hehehe. Looks like we win!
Marisa
Thanks for letting your guard down right here at the finish line! You jinxed yourselves with that last bit!
Marisa
Love Sign: Master Spark!
Luna Child
What?! She fired from barely within the permitted range! Star, couldn't you read it?!
Star Sapphire
I couldn't... Which means―
Star Sapphire
―that you can relax because she wasn't aiming for us!
Luna Child
She must have fired it off at random so that you couldn't read her thoughts! It would have missed even if we didn't dodge!
Sakuya
Don't worry. These also aren't aimed at you!
Star Sapphire
Huh?! She's scattering her shiny knives all over the place...
Luna Child
Shiny...? O-Oh no!
Marisa
Too late! I made my Master Spark miss on purpose...
Sakuya
...so that it would reflect off the mirrored surfaces of my knives!
Luna Child & Star Sapphire
Th-They got us!
Aya
Whoa! Now this is what I would call "proximity magic"! Marisa and Sakuya wiled their way through their opponents' abilities!
Aya
Stop fighting! Proceed to the battle of bullets!
Luna Child
And just like that, the battle of bullets has begun! Let's use the technique Daiyousei taught us!
Star Sapphire
Let's!
Marisa
Hm. My Master Spark lacked power because I held back so as to not destroy your knives.
Sakuya
Good, because I intend to collect the knives and use them again. Now, let's finish them off with bullets.
Marisa
Phew... We just barely eked out a win there. You two, be nice and sit tight!
Sakuya
It's lucky we learned not to underestimate fairies from our last match. I wonder how Reimu is faring...
Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 3
Marisa
Reimu! How are things at your end?!
Sakuya
Wh-What?! They're even... No, wait. It looks like only Reimu's taken damage.
Reimu
Ack! Why are you here so early?!
Reimu
Sunny Milk. Are you really a fairy? Actually, not just you. I'm asking about all of the fairies that have come from your world.
Reimu
For starters, are fairies generally this knowledgeable about their abilities? That doesn't sound possible to me.
Reimu
Anyway, you can refract light... In other words, you can freely bend the transmission of light.
Reimu
This allows you to make yourself invisible or create illusions. That much I get.
Reimu
But how in the world are you diverting not only my ofuda and needles but even my punches and kicks? What's your trick?
Sunny Milk
Hm, I'm not sure you would understand even if I did explain it. Have you heard of radiation pressure?
Reimu
What?
Sunny Milk
I thought so! Anyway, I can move objects by hitting them with light.
Sunny Milk
That's why your attacks can't reach me and why my attacks always head straight for the openings you leave.
Sunny Milk
Not even Miss Marisa and Miss Sakuya can change that. Maybe it's time to give up?
Reimu
Don't make me laugh. You're alone...
Reimu
...against the three of us! You can't handle us all by yourself!
Marisa
That's a shrewd bet, Reimu. You feel luck's on your side?
Sakuya
It's good that we settled our own match so quickly.
But we don't know what she's got up her sleeve!
I think you'd better be careful!
Sunny Milk
PLAYER's right. If you think you've got me in a corner, you couldn't be more wrong.
Sakuya
I don't think she's bluffing... She's got something planned.
Marisa
What are you up to?!
Sunny Milk
Unlike the fairies of your world, we haven't used our abilities for playing pranks.
Sunny Milk
The way we use them, and in fact, we ourselves, are much more advanced.
Marisa
What?! Luna Child and Star Sapphire! But we just knocked them out!
Sakuya
Yes, we did. Look, they're still lying over there behind them.
Reimu
Then what's going on?! Is it some kind of shadow clone technique?
Sunny Milk
I knew you were sharp, Miss Reimu. This is very similar to the shadow clone technique.
Sunny Milk
My ability refracts light. And I used it on Luna and Star, who are, in fact, fairies of light!
Sunny Milk
Since we embody light, I refracted their very beings and then reconstituted them again into the fairies you see here!
Sunny Milk
So, this is no empty threat. They have physical forms and can actually fight in the upcoming battle of bullets!
Marisa
Are they clones or doppelgangers? Or maybe they're more like enshrined spirits. How can fairies be capable of all this?
Sakuya
These fairies know their nature and abilities almost too well. I can't help but be curious about their world.
Reimu
She brought back her fallen comrades. They're like... zombies! Sunny Milk, are you really OK with using such a technique?!
Sunny Milk
Don't be ridiculous! Of course I'm not!
Sunny Milk
Even so...
Sunny Milk
...we have to win!
Sunny Milk
It's about the fight with that strange god. I'm certain the three of us can win as long as we stay together.
Sunny Milk
If we survive this match, we can break through that huge door. There's still hope.
Sunny Milk
But we won't be able to coordinate with each other if we lose this fight and our ability to speak.
Sunny Milk
That's why we have to win no matter what it takes!
Marisa
True. If Sunny Milk supports Luna Child and Star Sapphire in their combo attack, then it's feasible.
Sakuya
Whereas even if we win, we have no strategy in place against Okina.
(They must've...)
(...thought up a strategy after our talk!)
Sunny Milk
So you should just give up now. There's no use in continuing this match when it's already decided.
Sunny Milk
Please.
Sakuya & Marisa
...
Reimu
No. We'll fight to the bitter end.
Marisa
Reimu... Does that mean you have a plan for beating Okina?
Reimu
Of course not. But as a professional incident resolver, I can't simply give up here.
Sakuya
Heehee. I thought as much.
Reimu
I also want you to look closely at Sunny Milk's face.
Reimu
Sure, the things she's saying are what she believes to be true. But that doesn't mean that it IS the truth.
Reimu
Hey, Sunny Milk. You're telling us how you really feel, right?
Sunny Milk's true feelings... Her wish to return home.
Sunny Milk
...
Reimu
*sigh* These fairies are so high-maintenance...
Reimu
If you want us to believe your declaration of victory even though you're bluffing...
Reimu
...you've got to say it with a smile on your face!
Nitori
I really want to know how this plays out, but we're at the end of the round! We'll have to see the rest in the battle of bullets!
Marisa
Hey, Reimu! Is it really OK to go charging in there without a plan?!
Reimu
And here I thought you were all about brute-forcing things. But to answer your question―Yes, we don't need a plan.
Sakuya
Clones they may have been, but they don't have the originals' skills and Spell Cards.
Marisa
So Sunny Milk's final plan was to hide the fact that she never had one to begin with, eh?
Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 4
Sunny Milk
I must say I'm impressed. Even the likes of you can prove capable when it comes down to it.
Reimu
Your strategy is for the three of you to work in tandem. Do you really think it will work on Okina?
Sunny Milk
...
Sunny Milk
Our opponents can tamper with vitality and mental energy. Even if we work as a unit, they can make us all run amok...
Sunny Milk
...and when our movements grow dull, they will predict them with their sharp mental acuity. So... we will probably lose.
Reimu
Right... Especially since you fairies are practically masses of pure life energy.
Sakuya
Oh? Did you already know that?
Reimu
It was just a hunch. But now she's confirmed it.
Marisa
So whichever of us wins, we would still be clueless about how to beat Okina, anyways.
What if... there's a third option? Then maybe...
Reimu
PLAYER's right.
Sakuya
An option where not just a single team remains. Which means...
Marisa
We gotta break the rules?! Go to challenge Okina again without settling the match...
Marisa
...so that the fairies can conduct their sabotage while we protect them by shouldering the brunt of the fighting.
Sakuya
If we clearly assign roles and cooperate, we may pull it off. We also got a good grasp of each other's skills just now!
Sunny Milk
Was that your intention all along?
Reimu
Sakuya, can you speed up their recovery a bit? Please do it on the way.
Marisa
Now all we need is for Ran to open a gap for us. Let's hurry up and beat Okina before the next Hour strikes!
Sakuya
If that's settled, let's be off immediately. Sunny Milk, come with us.
Sunny Milk
OK! Sure!
???
I can't let you do that.
Sunny Milk
Huh?!
Youmu
It is as clear as day that Miss Sunny Milk's team has lost.
Youmu
Thus, I have to cut her before the next Hour strikes. That's all there is to it.
Sunny Milk
Butー
Youmu
I apologize, Miss Sunny Milk. But you should've been prepared for this.
Youmu
Or has your heart wavered after seeing that false light?
Sunny Milk
No. It's just as you say.
Sunny Milk
This is our loss. We are the ones who must be cut.
Youmu
I applaud your attitude.
Marisa
Hold on, Youmu! You don't have to do this! We will make it in time! Just let us go! Can't you do it just this once?!
Youmu
I cannot!
Youmu
If the Hour strikes and the losers have yet to be cut, all is lost.
Youmu
Or what?! Are you saying that you can guarantee that the price will be paid?!
Youmu
No matter what happens, before the next Hour strikes...
Youmu
...a sacrifice must be made to the Saigyou Ayakashi!
Marisa
Fine.
Marisa
Then cut ME.
Marisa
I guess the next match may come earlier since it's a little less than usual. But it's still better than nothing, right?
Youmu
Wh-What did you say?!
Marisa
Oh? Don't tell me you can't cut me?
Youmu
...!
Marisa
Or do you need something more to declare me the loser? If so, just name it. What can I do to satisfy that condition?
Reimu
Marisa! What are you―?
Sakuya
Reimu, calm down. You know that Marisa won't vanish on the spot even if she is declared the loser.
Marisa
The fairies are crucial to the plan. And if you two cooperate, the team's attack and defense will be rock solid.
Marisa
A speedy resolution is what we need here, so your combo of skill and luck will be key to getting things done quickly.
Marisa
So, I'm leaving it up to you guys. That includes you too, PLAYER.
Marisa...
Marisa
Youmu. Do it.
Youmu
Miss Marisa... All of you, what are you...? Uh...
Marisa
Chop-chop! There's no time!
Youmu
...!
???
Youmu. Do not hesitate. Nothing good comes of it. Only Hours will pass.
Yuyuko
Your faith shan't be forgotten. Follow your path, horrifying though it may be.
Youmu
Lady Yuyuko...
Yuyuko
Did you think me unaware of the "problems" you hold back from me?
Yuyuko
Do you think Yuyuko Saigyouji so unobservant?
Youmu
No... such a thought has never crossed my mind.
Yuyuko
You always have been honest, Youmu. I trust what you believe is right. Now then, do as your heart bids.
Youmu
I shall!
Marisa
Are you ready?
Youmu
Yes. Now, I will...
Youmu
...test your resolve!
Marisa
Guess that means we're fighting then? Good!
Marisa
Let's get this over with!
Youmu
Show me your resolve, Miss Marisa!
Marisa
*huff* *huff*
Marisa
How about it, Youmu?! I think you got a pretty good taste of how determined I am!
Youmu
I most certainly did. Your resolve is unyielding.
Youmu
Now then―I'm sorry!
Youmu
Your determination, Miss Marisa, is strong beyond a doubt. You never once gave up.
Youmu
It is most becoming of the winner of this match.
Youmu
Excuse me.
Marisa
...!
Youkai Lurk in the Dark Pt. 5
???
In a distant western country, fairies are perceived as spirits of mizuko―miscarried or stillborn babies.
???
No, maybe they're children who aren't fully cognizant yet? Or those who died before undergoing some ritual?
???
In any case, they are souls who got lost on the way to the Land of the Dead. Just like ghosts. Isn't that fascinating?
Youmu
What are you talking about?
???
Oh, nothing important. Pay it no mind.
???
You did well this time, once again.
???
You struck the Hour impeccably.
Youmu
...
???
Thanks to that, everyone must stay within a fixed radius of the Arena.
???
That which you hold dear remains unharmed, and the Saigyou Ayakashi is kept fed. Your wish will soon be fulfilled.
???
Although Ran and the other sages have become aware of Okina, they can do nothing in the little time that's left.
???
At this rate, your wish will come true the next time. This is our goal... which is synonymous with resolving the incident.
Reimu
This is my first time in this world, so it'd be nice if you gave me some more details.
Reimu
But it's too late anyway. You can just tell me once it's all over.
Reimu
How about you reveal yourself to Youmu? It's hard to talk like this. Not to mention, you can in fact finally show yourself now.
???
Perhaps you're right.
Yukari?
I'm sorry to have kept you in suspense.
Youmu
Y-You―!
Youmu
Urgh!
Yukari?
I appreciate your effort in remembering, but I'm not THAT. Or rather, I'm not ONLY that.
Yukari?
Though this is inconvenient, so just think of me as Yukari Yakumo. The one beside this Reimu. Yukarin is fine too.
Youmu
Lady... Yukari? Right, you're Lady Yukari! But wait... you aren't?
Yukari
Oh, we're beings of another world, so there's no need for you to know anything about us.
Yukari
Nevertheless, I was able to take this form thanks to you. Take this meeting and conversation as a token of my gratitude.
Yukari
The life you took from PLAYER proved its usefulness quite quickly.
Youmu
PLAYER's life... Yes, you said you would need it, so I did my best to take it.
Youmu
...That one strand of hair.
Yukari
Much like a tsukumogami dwelling inside a tool, a single hair has life as long as one sees it as part of themselves.
Yukari
I analyzed it, and it was just as I predicted. This is her essence... No, her ability.
Youmu
And with that, you could regain that form? I fail to understand how!
Yukari
Oh, is that so? That's a shame. I've been working with you for such a long time, too...
Yukari
But now I know for certain that she is involved with the Lost Word.
Youmu
You do?!
Yukari
As I told you before, this world here―your world―is in this state because of the Lost Word.
Yukari
And now, at last, we have found the suspect most likely to be the mastermind.
Reimu
We haven't found such a clue in all the worlds we've visited. We are finally one step closer to the core of the incident.
Reimu
Youmu... You've been waiting here all the time, which I imagine came with its own hardships.
Reimu
So while our positions and origins are different, we are still comrades. I hope we can remain so.
Youmu
No, please wait a moment.
Reimu & Yukari
What?
Youmu
Miss PLAYER's party... Are they really behind the Lost Word incident?
Youmu
I find it hard to believe...
Yukari
But you said yourself that they knew about the Lost Word, didn't you?
Youmu
Well... that's true.
Reimu
Youmu, I don't know what PLAYER and her companions told you, or how they approached you...
Reimu
...but you can't let yourself be fooled so easily.
Youmu
I-I know! It's just... if everything is as you say...
Youmu
...it also would make sense if you were the masterminds and PLAYER's group was trying to resolve the incident!
Youmu
No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I don't mean to suspect you now after all you've done...
Yukari
Apology accepted. I'm impressed with your emotional restraint and ability to avoid deception.
Youmu
A-Aren't you going to say something like "death to the traitor"?
Reimu
Are you trying to upset us? We aren't villains. Why would we say such a thing?!
Reimu
That reasoning makes sense from your point of view. And we don't have the evidence to convince you otherwise yet.
Reimu
This is why I want to ask you...
Yukari
No, it's all right. Just do what you think you should... What you believe you should.
Yukari
It's not like there's anything we can do once you've started suspecting us anyway, is there?
Youmu
R-Right...
Yukari
Go back to Hakugyokurou, then. And... do not forget about what you hold dear.
Yukari
Off you go now.
Youmu
OK!
Reimu
Are you sure it was OK to tell her all that? Though, it's very much like you to do so...
Yukari
Of course it's fine. After all...
Yukari
...we did not tell her a single lie.
