Lossy's Journal

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

...!

Marisa

Whoa?!

Reimu

Marisa! You finally came to!

A-Are you OK?

Marisa

Didn't Youmu... cut me down...?

Reimu

Calm down, Marisa. Take a good look at yourself.

Marisa

Th-There's no wound...

Reimu

You got hit by Youmu's qi when she swung her sword. That type of energy would knock anyone out at close range.

Marisa

Hold on. If she didn't cut me down, then...

Reimu

Yes, that's right.

Reimu

She cut Sunny Milk instead. As well as Luna Child and Star Sapphire right after.

According to the rules, the loser has to be cut...

Sunny acknowledged her defeat...

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.

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.

Marisa

Yeah... Youmu just did what she said she was going to do, that's all.

Marisa

But still... What should I have done?

Reimu

Marisa...

Marisa

I lacked both wisdom and power. I know that dwelling on it won't change anything, but I feel so pathetic.

Marisa

And while I'm stuck thinking about how pathetic I am, the situation changes each and every hour.

Marisa

What...

Marisa

...the heck should I have done?!

Marisa...

Reimu

I always thought you could keep your cool even at a time like this... No, I guess it's more than understandable.

Reimu

But I think I've got good news for you.

Marisa

Good news?! What is it?

Reimu

Youmu said she wanted to speak with us.

Reimu

She's in the sitting room.

Sakuya

I don't see Yuyuko anywhere. Is there a reason for that?

Youmu

There is.

Youmu

I can't have Lady Yuyuko hear any of what I'm about to tell you.

Youmu

It would only make her worry. And that's in the best-case scenario...

Youmu

I'm certain that nothing good will come from it.

Reimu

Fair enough. I guess we'll understand when we hear you out.

Reimu

So that's why you called us so early, when Yuyuko and the fairies are still asleep. Good thing that Marisa woke up.

Marisa

Whatever. Let's get to the point. You're going to tell us everything you know, right?

Marisa

We know that you're hiding something. And we're having a hard time piecing together the information we DO have.

Marisa

You'll regret it if you lie to us. We're literally putting our lives on the line here.

Youmu

I will apologize for everything once I'm finished talking. Now, I shall take an oath.

Youmu

I swear that all I'm about to tell is the truth as I see it!

Marisa

Just in case―Can you vouch for it?

Youmu

I can't!

Marisa

Did you hear that?!

Reimu

Youmu's always been like that. It doesn't mean she won't lie or try to fool us...

Reimu

She just isn't the type to come up with complicated schemes unless someone first plants the idea in her mind.

Marisa

Maybe you're right...

Marisa

Anyway, let's begin.

Youmu

Of course. But first things first―

Youmu

―please take a look at this.

Ran

That's... a Dazzle!

Chen

Wow! It really is a Dazzle, Lady Ran!

Aya

Well, a Dazzle IS a rare item... But why did you bring one here?

Nitori

Does it have something to do with what's happening?

Sakuya, Reimu & Marisa

(They call it a "Dazzle"!)

(That's actually cute...)

Reimu

In our world, we call them Seal Crystals. They're pretty tricky items to deal with.

Youmu

This Dazzle is special.

Youmu

Because I brought it here from the world I call home.

Marisa

Huh?! You mean, you aren't from this world?

Youmu

I am not. That much is certain.

Youmu

And this Dazzle records everything that happens around me as long as I carry it with me.

Youmu

I must've thought that with it, I'd be able to handle the Lost Word. At least, I assume that's why I brought it with me.

Sakuya

I can't help but notice that you speak vaguely. You add expressions like "that much" or "I assume"...

Youmu

That's correct. It's because...

Youmu

...this is the oldest memory I can recall.

Youmu

I brought this Dazzle with me as a recording tool when I came to this world... That is the earliest thing I remember.

Youmu

I don't have any memories from before.

Reimu

So you came from a parallel world. I guess you're just like us, then?

Sakuya

Not necessarily. Although, there certainly are similarities.

Youmu

I also don't remember how I traveled from one world to another.

Marisa

Does that mean you didn't choose to come here?

Youmu

I don't know. I wish I could remember...

She lost her memory and woke up in another world...

Reimu

Yes. It may just be a coincidence, but this IS similar to what happened to you, PLAYER.

Sakuya

We need to know more details.

Marisa

So, when did you come here to this world, Youmu?

Youmu

Well... I can't really say.

Marisa

Hey! Don't give me that now! Spit it out!

Youmu

It's not that I don't want to. But because I came here before the calendar was invented.

Youmu

I found myself here in the Age of the Gods.

Youmu

Wh-Where am I...?

Youmu

The Saigyou Ayakashi?

Youmu

Right... I took this recording Dazzle...

Youmu

...and came to another world? But... why?

Youmu

I can't remember anything! Only...

Youmu

I know that my name is Youmu Konpaku. All right... What else?

Youmu

My mission? My wish?

Youmu

...My prayer?

Youmu

Are these really my memories? Why does this feel so unfamiliar?

Youmu

I have to find out where and at what point in time this is! I can't tell just by seeing the Saigyou Ayakashi alone!

Youmu

It isn't here.

Youmu

Hakugyokurou isn't here.

Youmu

...

Youmu

And that's not all...

Youmu

There's no Netherworld, no Hell, no Gensokyo... Nothing. Only primal nature...?

Youmu

...

Youmu

The Age of the Gods?

Youmu

That's what it's called in the memories that do not belong to me.

Youmu

...

Youmu

...Even if all that's true, something's off.

Youmu

The Saigyou Ayakashi... No, this is the ancient cherry blossom before it became a youkai! Has it been there for that long?

Youmu

...

Youmu

I wonder how much time has passed.

Youmu

Half-human half-phantoms are mortal. I may live longer than a human, but I'm not undying.

Youmu

...

Youmu

But...

Youmu

I DID live through the Age of the Gods.

Youmu

Then, people were born, and ancient times began. Clans were formed, and the Country came into being.

Youmu

The capital moved, and it grew... And even after all that time...

Youmu

I've remained unchanged. I blended in with people and lived a nomad life. Day by day, month by month, year by year...

Youmu

Eventually...

Youmu

The Saigyouji Clan, a clan of warriors...

Youmu

...recognized my otherworldly skill with swords and offered me a position as their fencing instructor.

Youmu

For some reason, the Konpaku Clan doesn't exist here. Not as half-humans half-phantoms, humans, or any other race.

Youmu

But I know it existed in my world. I remember this as it is related to my name.

Youmu

In this world, I am the only one with the name Konpaku. My grandfather and his predecessors... are not here.

Youmu

So I lived my life as an unaging swordswoman...

Youmu

...and then the day finally arrived.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko was born.

Youmu

A fair lady of a sweet disposition. A princess who loved flowers, their scent, and music.

Youmu

And above all, after her father, the Great Poet, gave away his life under the cherry tree, she became a wonderful mistress.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko was strong, kind, and beautiful.

Youmu

Then...

Youmu

...as if following in her father's footsteps, she passed away under the cherry blossom tree.

Youmu

So that people who adored the Great Poet stopped following him to the grave. So that such tragic incidents do not repeat.

Youmu

So that those who were left could live a normal life.

Youmu

For the sake of all that, Lady Yuyuko took her own life beneath the blossoms.

The Poet's Daughter

"Flowers adorn the mountains as far as the eye can see. This is so beautiful."

The Poet's Daughter

"Let us enjoy them together."

The Poet's Daughter

"Even though I do not know who you are."

Youmu

The moment Lady Yuyuko became a ghost, she lost all memory of her earthly life...

Youmu

Later, her qualities were recognized by the Yama of Hell, and Lady Yuyuko became a manager of the Netherworld.

Youmu

Her mansion turned into Hakugyokurou and was moved here. I became a sword instructor once again.

Youmu

The sages gathered next... Shikigami of the Gap Youkai―the sage of the Clear Spirit, Ran Yakumo.

Youmu

Shikigami of the Shikigami of the Gap Youkai―the assistant to the sage of the Clear Spirit, Chen.

Youmu

Youkai of the Death-Foretelling Star of Ill Omen―the sage of the Secret Essence, Aya Shameimaru.

Youmu

Youkai of the Abyss of Death and Rebirth―the sage of the Brilliant Light, Nitori Kawashiro.

Youmu

Then, the Netherworld was separated from the mortal world with a barrier―and a border with Gensokyo was established.

Youmu

This is the origin of the present-day Gensokyo.

???

H-Hold on a minute!

Youmu

Is something wrong?

Reimu

This is different from the history I know!

Marisa

Well, I'm not sure if we can trust this lazybones when it comes to history. But jokes aside. I agree―Something's off.

Reimu

Huh? I'm the Hakurei shrine maiden! Managing the history of Gensokyo is pretty much my job!

Sakuya

What? Our shrine maiden must be out of her mind.

Marisa

At any rate, this is a bit different from what I read in books or heard from Keine and Akyuu. Much different, actually.

Sakuya

What did the past and history look like in the last world you visited? The world of the Scarlet Devil Tower?

Reimu

Yeah, now that you mention it, the history there differed from ours since around the time of Remilia's Scarlet Mist Incident...

Reimu

Plus, it was about a thousand years in the future when we arrived.

Miss Patchouli said that it was important to know―

―what happened before and after a word goes missing.

Reimu

Oh, right. She spoke about the "why" and "how," like it was some kind of crime in a mystery novel.

Reimu

Yeah, she was such a know-it-all!

Marisa

In that case, it's important to listen to those who know the past of the world we're currently in.

Reimu

I more or less get that logic. I mean, not really, didn't you hear that last bit where the most important element is...?!

Sakuya

Even I understand what you mean. But for now, it would be best to simply watch the record to the end.

Reimu

Right... OK. I'll save it until later.

Youmu

I'll continue, then.

Youmu

Time passed as I lived in Hakugyokurou with Lady Yuyuko, who was now a ghost.

Youmu

But our days of peace were numbered.

Yuyuko

"Youmu."

Yuyuko

"Is there something..."

Yuyuko

"...buried under that cherry blossom tree?"

Youmu

It shook me to the core.

Youmu

The tree was a greater youkai that fed off the death of the poet and kept absorbing human lives―the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko sealed its power by leaving her mortal remains under that giant cherry blossom tree.

Youmu

The seal prevented the Saigyou Ayakashi from blooming, even in spring. It couldn't achieve its long-cherished desire...

Youmu

...which was to enrapture people with its beauty. Thanks to this, its power remained sealed. I knew that.

Youmu

But that was exactly why...

Youmu

...only Lady Yuyuko's heart and no one else's longed for the Saigyou Ayakashi. I was horrified to discover this truth.

Youmu

I suggested that she immediately abandon her plans. I was aware that the tree was calling her, and I knew the outcome.

Youmu

However...

Yuyuko

"This isn't enough."

Yuyuko

"It needs more spring."

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko's intentions didn't change. For some reason, spring kept gathering there despite my efforts.

Youmu

Eventually...

Reimu

This ominous feeling... Is this the world beyond? Tell me, dark samurai.

Youmu

Reimu!

Reimu

Oh? My name is well-known even here. Good, that saves some time. It's not bad being the Hakurei shrine maiden.

Reimu

But it's dangerous if humans can just enter this place so easily. The barrier was easily broken.

Youmu

...

Reimu

Hm?

Reimu

I thought you'd say some remark about how I'm like a kid who climbs a tower with a "Don't Climb" sign on it.

Reimu

Aren't you a servant here? Your master is causing an incident up there behind you, right?

Youmu

Reimu. Come with me...

Youmu

Can you please stop Lady Yuyuko?

Reimu

If she's the culprit, then yes. That's why I came here, after all.

Reimu

I'm fine as long as the incident is resolved, but is this all right with you?

Youmu

I've been prepared for this since the beginning.

Reimu

Have you? Good. I'm going, then. Looks like there's no time to waste.

Youmu

Marisa. Come with me...

Marisa

I was half-planning on making that youkai tree bloom. But this seems pretty interesting too, so I'll hear you out.

Marisa

But is this really OK with you? We haven't even had a battle of bullets.

Marisa

Oh, well. You look troubled. So I guess it doesn't matter.

Marisa

I don't wanna miss out on the fun either, so lead the way.

Youmu

Sakuya. Come with me...

Sakuya

I came here to take back our spring. But you show up on your own, acting all apologetic. I expected something more.

Sakuya

Anyway, I've traveled all this way through the cold, so I'm glad we can settle this quickly.

Sakuya

But judging from your appearance, you're a servant here, aren't you? Do you really want to betray your master?

Youmu

Stopping Lady Yuyuko is what's best for her.

Sakuya

You mean you're doing this out of loyalty? All right. It's worth giving this a try... even if it is a trap.

Sakuya

I hope you'll make me appreciate that the dead do, in fact, tell tales. Now hurry and take me to your mistress.

Youmu

Please come with me, all of you...

Reimu

And here I was wondering what kind of monster would come out of such a mansion. What a let-down.

Marisa

Being able to proceed without having a battle first is nice, but this is the first time I've seen someone like you.

Sakuya

It's weird you don't want to fight at all. I would win even if we dueled, but passing without a battle is odd...

Youmu

Never mind me! We have to reach Lady Yuyuko before it's too late!

Youmu

I know it's pathetic... but I can't stop her on my own!

Reimu

A-All right, fine! No need to get so worked up.

Marisa

Just tell us what's happening on the way. Then, I dunno, maybe we can do something.

Sakuya

Our chances of winning with the four of us are better than fighting alone. If it's as serious as you say, we will help you.

Youmu

...

Yuyuko

"Soon, Youmu."

Yuyuko

"Soon, the Saigyou Ayakashi will reach full bloom."

Yuyuko

"...Ahh."

Yuyuko

"It's so beautiful!"

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko has been a ghost for a long time. When her body is released from the seal, she will come back to life...

Youmu

...and all the time that has passed will catch up to her at once. She will decay in a matter of seconds.

Youmu

She'll disappear as both a human and a ghost.

Youmu

Along with this very moment.

Youmu

Like petals taken by the wind.

???

"Youmu Konpaku."

???

"Cut through time."

Youmu

I heard a voice in my head.

Youmu

Someone's voice... the memories that do not belong to me!

Youmu

Who are you?!

???

"Cut through time."

???

"I know you remember how."

Youmu

I do. But how many more times must I do this?

Youmu

...No, there's no time for that. This is the only way.

Youmu

Cutting through time―It's the same as cutting everything but myself.

Youmu

There's a trick to this kind of cutting. But it's there in someone's memory, inside my head...

Youmu

...I can remember it vividly―Unnaturally so.

Youmu

If time is cut properly, it proceeds to try and restore itself according to certain rules.

Youmu

This means I can return myself to the past. But how far back I can go is limited.

Youmu

The "memory" allows me this much. I can go back to a point in time I choose... But I doubt I can bring anyone else.

Youmu

This may seem convenient, but it definitely isn't. Although this ability is of an unknown origin, it's all I have.

Youmu

Don't hesitate... Focus...

Youmu

Ah!

Reimu

Can't you just tell Yuyuko what happens when the tree blooms?

Yuyuko

"Heehee. What are you talking about, Youmu? How can my body be there? What an awful joke."

Marisa

You said she read about the story of the dead body in an old book. Why don't you just get rid of it?

Yuyuko

"Look, Youmu. The phantoms found this old book for me. It says that under that cherry blossom tree, there's actually..."

Sakuya

Try to convince her. If you talk to her seriously, she'll surely listen.

Yuyuko

"I'm sorry, Youmu. I was so curious... I couldn't help myself."

Reimu

Can't you do something about that dead body under the tree before any of this happens? You should check.

Youmu

There's nothing! But Lady Yuyuko's body should be buried right here...

Marisa

We're not gonna find the perfect solution. Just cut her off from any source of information, no matter what!

Yuyuko

"Youmu? I can't see any phantoms. Where did they go?"

Youmu

"I made them go away. I had to do it..."

Yuyuko

"What? But... why?!"

Youmu

"To protect you, Lady Yuyuko."

Youmu

"Ugh...!"

Yuyuko

"Youmu. It is not that I don't understand that you did this for my sake."

Yuyuko

"I cannot blame you. But now I am a ghost who has abandoned her duty..."

Yuyuko

"...the Yama will not forgive me."

Eiki

Honestly, I find this hard to believe. But if I were to judge whether such a complicated occurrence was possible or not...

Eiki

...I'd say it is. A world in stagnation, detached from logic... It's like time-space changed into a vengeful spirit.

Youmu

"I-In that case...!"

Eiki

No. The fact that I alone understand does not mean anything.

Eiki

I'm not the only one in the Ministry of Right and Wrong. I could act if this was only affecting Gensokyo...

Eiki

...but it concerns the Netherworld and Hell too. The manager of the Netherworld's punishment will be severe.

Youmu

"But..."

Sakuya

Your story is so over-the-top it seems unlikely. I cannot believe it just because you ask me to.

Youmu

But...!

Reimu

All I want is to get our spring back. I can't promise you anything else right now.

Marisa

Yeah. We'll think about it once we stop your mistress.

Youmu

I'm telling you that you can't win against Lady Yuyuko... No matter what you try.

Reimu

What are you talking about? It's a battle of bullets. No big deal!

Youmu

...!

Youmu

I have to cut through time.

Youmu

I have to begin from scratch.

Youmu

Again and again.

Youmu

Even if all becomes chaos.

Youmu

Again and again.

Youmu

I need to cut through space-time to return to the past. I need to cut down anything and everything to protect Lady Yuyuko.

Youmu

Again and again. Again and again. Again and again.

Youmu

Again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again.

Youmu

But it wasn't always the same. Like how a cut in flesh leaves a scar...

Youmu

Each time the reknitting of the wound got distorted, the distortions would compound and carry over.

Youmu

The world I kept cutting was diminishing like sawdust from wood. New sages started managing the world's laws and logic.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko was getting smaller too...

Yuyuko

Youmu. I think something is buried under that cherry blossom tree.

Youmu

No... I can't do this anymore.

Youmu

If I keep cutting through time...

Youmu

...Lady Yuyuko will vanish.

Youmu

How can I bring this to an end?

???

"Are you praying?"

Youmu

Who's there?!

???

"Don't be afraid. I'm not a threat to anyone as I am now."

???

"Your prayer summoned me here."

???

"And just as I thought, this world is under attack by the Lost Word."

Youmu

The Lost what? What are you talking about? Show yourself!

???

"I would if I could. Unfortunately, there is no "image" of me in this world."

Youmu

Quit being so cryptic! That doesn't make sense!

???

"Exactly. It's weird, strange, complicated, and mysterious. It's nonsense."

???

"But the same goes for you."

Youmu

Wha―?! Why do you think so?

???

"Meddling with boundaries made it as clear as day. However, I do not know everything... I am no omniscient god."

???

"But never mind that."

???

"The Lost Word Incident is occurring right now, and it needs to be dealt with."

???

"In order to save your dear Yuyuko, of course."

Youmu

How am I supposed to do that? I don't even have anyone to rely on who could understand the position I'm in.

Youmu

You're the first one to fully comprehend it.

???

"Up until now, you must've been thinking..."

???

"...that you have to stop Yuyuko from gathering spring."

???

"But you're wrong."

Youmu

What do you mean?! What's the right thing to do, then?

???

"To gather spring... or rather, 'life energy.' Gather pure soul fragments into this giant cherry blossom tree."

???

"You have continuously failed because this energy didn't suffice."

???

"If the number of living souls is insufficient, this tree will awake as the Saigyou Ayakashi when the time comes."

???

"It is like fate, carved into the transcendental history. It cannot be easily overturned. Much less so if it's the desired outcome."

Youmu

Huh?

???

"This tree wasn't always the Saigyou Ayakashi. I mean, not ONLY the Saigyou Ayakashi."

???

"It may turn either into the Saigyou Ayakashi, or into something else entirely..."

???

"To make it turn into the form you want, you need to feed it sufficient life energy, earlier than it happens in history."

???

"But even the entire life energy of one world won't be nearly enough."

Youmu

More life energy than an entire world?! There's no way I could gather that much!

???

"That is why you must plan carefully."

Youmu

What do you mean...?

???

"We need a mechanism that will allow us to borrow life energy from other worlds. I will take care of this."

???

"I will take advantage of the situation this world is in, so it will not be that difficult. But more importantly..."

???

"You will take some of the responsibility for its management. We need to find you the appropriate abilities for that quickly."

???

"If we save Yuyuko, the life energy taken will all be returned. We are merely going to borrow it."

???

"We need life energy as protection. We won't consume it."

???

"But it is unlikely that everyone will just quietly relinquish their life energy."

???

"That is why we need a plan. And you must play your part in it, as well."

Youmu

I don't understand! I don't know what any of this means!

???

"Of course you don't. It is difficult for us to understand each other even if I try to explain with words."

???

"You have surely learned this from your own experience."

???

"That is why humans, youkai, and even half-human half-phantoms trust and plan with one another."

???

"If we succeed in saving Yuyuko, the seal on the Saigyou Ayakashi will remain unbroken."

???

"With the tree sealed, this world will be able to survive."

???

"It is sad for the Saigyou Ayakashi, but it must stay asleep for the sake of peace."

???

"I want this world to be peaceful. And to that end, we have to embrace the Lost Word and go beyond it."

Youmu

I guess our objective is the same...

???

"Yes. I will have you work with your sword even more than before."

???

"Without your techniques, you will not be able to fulfill your task."

Youmu

All right.

Youmu

I, Youmu Konpaku, will do this.

???

"We must accomplish this before the next time Yuyuko gathers spring."

Reimu

Does that surprise you? Judging by the state of this world, it can't be your first time meeting another me.

Yukari

Nevertheless, I was able to take this form thanks to you. Take this meeting and conversation as a token of my gratitude.

Marisa

Hey, that cliffhanger is illegal!

Reimu

That surely was something important!

Youmu

This is weird...

Sakuya

Give it to me.

Sakuya

It's no use. It won't respond.

Marisa

Well yeah, why would hitting it work?

Youmu

Something like this has never happened before.

Nitori

Here, let me take a look.

Marisa

How is it? What do your kappa eyes see?

Nitori

Hmm...

Nitori

If I were to compare it to something, I'd say it ran out of energy.

Nitori

Of course this isn't a machine running on lightning, so it'd be more accurate to say it ran out of magical power.

Marisa

With that timing, it can't be just a coincidence. Can you fix it?

Nitori

I'll see what I can do. Can I borrow it for a while?

Youmu

Yes, of course!

Reimu

One thing bothers me. Did you see that weird Yukari at the end of the vision?

Marisa

Yeah. And the weird Reimu, too.

Sakuya

She spoke about embracing the Lost Word and going beyond it. What does that mean?

Reimu

This is so confusing. I wish we could just assume that they're the masterminds behind the Lost Word.

Marisa

Right. And that thing Yukari said when she didn't have a form, it sounded like...

Sakuya

Like she was intending to save this world from the Lost Word.

Oh, right. The Miss Yukari I saw in my dreams...

...was an adult, but they may be the same person!

Reimu

In your dreams?! Dreams are things you only vaguely remember when you wake up...

Reimu

...so does that mean she was trying to meddle without leaving any trace? Argh, I don't get it.

Last time, we met in the flesh.

But she seemed... off, somehow.

Marisa

Is she here looking for something?

Youmu

Actually, Lady Yukari and that Reimu told me to bring them a piece of Miss PLAYER's soul...

Youmu

So... I took the liberty of borrowing that one hair of yours...

That time when the phantoms attacked us in the cave?!

Don't worry! It's not like it hurt!

Youmu

I apologize. I didn't understand it then...

Youmu

But in hindsight, Lady Yukari took shape for the first time after receiving your soul.

Sakuya

It's all so strange. Wouldn't it be better to meddle with Reimu's memories if she just wanted to take shape?

Reimu

Don't say that. Anyway, we've got no way of knowing why she did this, as youkai transformation is beyond my expertise.

Marisa

I guess there's no point in dwelling on it now, then.

Reimu

Yeah... No, wait.

Reimu

Yukari! That's what was bothering me earlier!

Reimu

Ran, did you leave Yukari to become a sage? How did this happen?!

Ran

P-Pardon me?

Reimu

I'm talking about your master! Yukari Yakumo... What happened to your master in this world?

Chen

Lady Ran's master? What's she talking about, Lady Ran?

Ran

I have no idea...

Reimu

You're called the Shikigami of the Gap Youkai. This means there's a gap youkai who you belong to as a shikigami!

Ran

No. I have no master. I'm a greater youkai.

Ran

I've mastered various gap-related techniques, such as the art of onmyoujutsu, senjutsu, and barriers. I am the gap youkai.

Ran

Shikigami are gods of systems. So I'm also a shikigami, as I am a supernatural being that governs the logic of this world.

Chen

And I'm Lady Ran's shikigami!

Reimu

What are you saying?!

Marisa

Seems like different reasoning has been established on the premise that Yukari doesn't exist.

Sakuya

But we're talking about Yukari Yakumo normally, which means "Yukari Yakumo" isn't the Lost Word, right?

Reimu

Probably... Well, certainly. It's more likely that Yukari's existence has been stolen from this world.

Reimu

Just like the Reimu Hakurei of the Scarlet Devil Tower world.

Marisa

But how could Yukari have been removed from this world?! She'd resist with everything she's got!

Sakuya

The real question is WHY would someone do that...

I can't even begin to guess...

Reimu

At any rate, the Yukari who's native to this world has been taken away, and another Yukari came in her place...

Reimu

And you've been cooperating with her, Youmu.

Youmu

Lady Yukari once told me that the Lost Word Incident could not be resolved.

Youmu

That the missing word is also erased from the memory of any person who comes here... and is impossible to recollect.

Youmu

She also told me that if someone alludes to the Lost Word, there's a high possibility they're the mastermind.

Reimu

I could say the same thing! Given their knowledge about it, they definitely seem like masterminds to me!

Marisa

Yeah, they're fishy to us... but from their point of view, I'm sure we're the suspicious ones.

Sakuya

I see. You distrusted us but then found out that they were just as suspicious... and didn't know what to do, right?

Youmu

I myself have no idea why the Lost Word Incident is occurring.

Youmu

Therefore, I cannot know what kind of actions the real mastermind would take.

Youmu

This is the last chance. I have to make it the last!

Youmu

I believed that I needed to doubt everyone and everything to not lose my mind.

Youmu

But it resulted in just the opposite. There was nothing but confusion in my heart.

Youmu

All my failures are the result of my immaturity.

Youmu

I am ashamed of myself.

Marisa

Is that an apology...?

Marisa

Why did you decide to trust us, then? We didn't do anything to dispel your suspicion.

Youmu

Well...

Yuyuko

Good morning, everyone! You're up early today!

Yuyuko

You must be hungry!

Yuyuko

Come on fairies, join everyone at the table.

Aya

Hey there!

Aya

...

Yuyuko

I'll see what I can prepare for you quickly. Please give me a moment.

Aya

Aaah... Oh, no...!

The Fairies... turned into crystals?

Nitori

That's happened many times before. Well... I know it isn't a pleasant thing to witness, though.

Reimu

Aren't they called "cherry crystals" or something?

Marisa

They're the forms fairies take when they run out of power, right? No, wait, weren't they filtered and crystallized souls?

Ran

Both, actually. These crystals are the last visible shapes of those defeated at the Arena...

Chen

It's not only fairies. Everyone whose soul is strained to the limit turns into a cherry crystal. Then they vanish...

Aya

Ulp...

Sakuya

At the Arena, your commentary sounded like you were just messing around. But when I think about it now...

Nitori

Translating the situation at the Arena into words is important. We just have our own style.

Nitori

Also, the sage who goes by the name of Aya Shameimaru possesses memories that are deeply connected with fairies.

Nitori

Of course we have no idea "when" these memories occurred or "who" they belong to.

Sakuya

What do you mean...?

Marisa

Say, Youmu. You cut Cirno and Sunny Milk on different days.

Marisa

But they turned into cherry crystals at the exact same time. Does this mean anything to you?

Youmu

We've almost run out of time. Because of that, souls are leaking out much faster.

Marisa

Huh? Are you talking about the Hour? Come on, don't―!

Youmu

No. I'm talking about the true time limit. The Saigyou Ayakashi...

Yuyuko

...

(It looks like...)

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko...

Yuyuko

Youmu.

Yuyuko

Is there something―

Yuyuko

―buried under that cherry blossom tree?

Yuyuko

I wonder what this tree looks like when it's in full bloom. I'd love to see it adorned with flowers this year...

Nitori

We'll slow Yuyuko down as long as we can, but she'll find a way sooner or later. Hurry up and go to the lower world!

Aya

If you're going to the lower world... Take these!

Marisa

The lower world... That's the only place where we can change the course of events.

Marisa

The question is, should we change things?

Marisa

The Saigyou Ayakashi... Or how would Yukari put it, "not only the Saigyou Ayakashi." Umm... What did she say again?

Reimu

If enough energy is gathered earlier than it does in history, the tree will not become the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Sakuya

This means the tree isn't the Saigyou Ayakashi yet. I can't really wrap my head around it, though.

Sakuya

...Well, one thing is certain. Once it transforms into the Saigyou Ayakashi, it's all over for us.

Reimu

At this very moment, Yuyuko is trying to cause an incident. In our history, this is the beginning of the endless winter.

Reimu

If she starts gathering spring, there's nothing we can do here. The tree will transform and bloom, and Yuyuko will vanish.

Reimu

And the unsealed Saigyou Ayakashi will destroy this world... I guess?

Marisa

In the vision we saw through the Seal Crystal, it was luring people to it to drain their lives.

Marisa

Essentially, when the Saigyou Ayakashi comes back to life, it'll drain all life energy... Creating a world of spirits, maybe?

Marisa

Before Yuyuko lost her memory, when she was still human, she sacrificed herself to keep that from happening, right?

Marisa

Are our predictions correct?

Sakuya

Youmu, what will happen?

Youmu

To be honest, I haven't seen what happens after the Saigyou Ayakashi is revived.

Youmu

Even though I'm the only one who is in a position to possibly witness it.

Youmu

...I'm sorry.

Marisa

Well, ultimately, your goal is to save Yuyuko.

Marisa

No one knows what will happen after the Saigyou Ayakashi is reborn. So it makes sense you wouldn't take the risk.

Reimu

When it comes back to life, even Yukari won't be able to do anything. That's what I heard once.

Reimu

I suggest that we don't wait to see what happens!

Marisa

But that weird Yukari and Reimu are also trying to save this world, right?

Marisa

And it looks like they want the tree to change into something other than the Saigyou Ayakashi...

Marisa

...and they also seek to embrace the Lost Word in some way.

Sakuya

I think it's safe to assume this is why she let you act freely, Youmu.

Reimu

Whether embracing the Lost Word is a reasonable solution or not is a different matter, though!

Youmu

To stop Lady Yuyuko from bringing the Saigyou Ayakashi back to life, we need to provide it with sufficient life energy first.

Youmu

Specifically, with the parts of souls obtained with my "cosmetic" cuts. It's like turning poison into medicine.

Sakuya

It reminds me of cooking―when you change the flavor by how you cut the ingredients instead of using seasonings.

Reimu

But are there enough of these special souls?

Youmu

...No. Lady Yukari would've told me if there were.

Youmu

Before she took shape, before she got a shape, she provided me with abilities to stop the revival of the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

One of them is knowing when visitors from other worlds are about to arrive.

Youmu

There have been many visitors, but we haven't gathered even nearly enough souls.

Youmu

And it's not a matter of one or two... Several hundred... no, there are still tens of thousands too few.

Marisa

This doesn't make any sense. That Yukari should've predicted that you'd figure this out.

Youmu

My other ability is to strike the Hour. The number of souls is obviously insufficient, so I kept striking it frantically...

Youmu

However, Lady Yukari said that everything was going according to plan and told me not to strike the Hour in haste.

Youmu

Apparently, it's also not good to provide souls too quickly.

Youmu

Maybe something happens if the point of time carved in the transcendental history comes too early.

Youmu

Which means, the moment when the Saigyou Ayakashi is just about to awaken is the best timing to act.

Sakuya

I wonder if she has some spare souls stockpiled. But you'd think she would tell Youmu if that was the case...

About you not wanting us to go to the lower world...

...Was there another reason besides it being dangerous?

Reimu

Is there like a soul storage in the lower world? Is that why you didn't want to go there while you distrusted us?

Youmu

Yes. Although I think that rather than souls, there's some kind of key.

Youmu

And my guess is that it's Lady Yuyuko's body.

Marisa

No way! But on second thought... that makes sense.

Reimu

So Yuyuko's body broke through the barrier and sank all the way down?

Sakuya

If her body really is down there, it must be the key to reviving the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

Yes.

Youmu

That's why we have to go there and see for ourselves.

Youmu

Still, the lower world IS dangerous. And we have to get past Lady Okina first.

Marisa

Oh, right.

Reimu

We need abilities like the three fairies' or Reisen's to counter wavelength interference to our minds and bodies.

Youmu

As I told you, I can sense when visitors from other worlds are about to come. And I can tell you that―

Sakuya

No wonder you went out to welcome the Three Fairies of Light at just the right time.

Youmu

―they're coming! Watch out!

Someone jumped out of a thunderbolt!

Sakuya

Th-The...

Marisa

Prismriver...

Reimu

Sisters?!

Lunasa

OK, I more or less understand the situation.

Marisa

Awesome! I don't get it even now.

Merlin

Well, it must be hard to swallow when you've only recently seen what's going on in the nearby worlds.

Reimu

Does that mean you three knew about this before coming here?!

Lyrica

If something weird keeps happening for a long time, you start to understand it, even if you don't want to.

Lyrica

In our world, there's an ongoing incident that causes dead creatures such as...

Lyrica

...phantoms, ghosts, shikaisen, zombies, and vampires to be lured away somewhere.

Lyrica

As if they were spirited away. And once there were no more dead, the incident began to target poltergeists like us.

Merlin

Poltergeists are similar to phantoms and ghosts in some aspects, but they're really their own thing, as we aren't dead.

Sakuya

You aren't?! Well, it looks like I didn't know my neighbors as well as I thought I did.

Marisa

I think I read about it in a book Akyuu wrote. A little girl caused a psychic phenomenon or something, right?

Merlin

Well, we'll spare you the details, but just know we are different from the usual spirits of the dead.

Merlin

In fact, we are also Wandering Folk, so we can cross or not cross borders at will, to some extent.

Merlin

I don't know how it is in your world, though.

Marisa

Wandering Folk... I see! You travel from place to place and propagate culture by playing music and telling tales!

Marisa

I thought you were mere street musicians, but I guess you could be something more in another world!

Reimu

How do you know all this, Marisa?

Marisa

The Wandering Folk are like one of the forerunners to magicians!

Marisa

They're related to shrine maidens too, you know.

Reimu

Really?!

Sakuya

You shouldn't be able to travel between the Netherworld and Gensokyo. But you were being invited there, nevertheless.

Were you originally capable of traveling between worlds?

Lunasa

Well, kind of. There are other factors involved as well...

Lunasa

Anyway, while resisting interference from other worlds...

Lunasa

...and offsetting the call with sound waves, we've been able to avoid being drawn away up until now.

Lyrica

Eventually, we reached our limit, and so here we are. We thought it was all over for us...

Merlin

...but after listening to you, I think we're lucky, in a sense!

Lunasa

This may be our chance to help solve the problem at its root and also restore peace to our world.

Lyrica

Yes. It's been a long rehearsal. But now...

Prismriver Sisters

...it's showtime!

Thank you so much!

Youmu

Indeed! And your presence is every bit as good as those of martial arts masters!

Marisa

They're poltergeists who can manipulate sound to affect your mind.

Reimu

They may be able to cancel out Mai and Satono's powers to manipulate vitality and mental energy!

Sakuya

No... We have to believe that they can and give it a try!

Chen

The gap's opening up soon! You'll see the barrier as soon as you pass through!

Ran

The gap... is open! Everyone get ready!

Okina

You have returned much earlier than I expected.

Okina

Oh, right. Today is the day of the incident. Then, this is your last chance.

Okina

There is no need to talk anymore.

Okina

Mai. Satono.

Mai

At your service.

Satono

At your service.

Okina

Get them.

Satono & Mai

Yes, ma'am!

Mai

Satono! First, the two of us will seal their powers!

Satono

OK! The usual strategy it is!

Lunasa

You wish! Merlin! Lyrica!

Merlin

Ready when you are!

Lyrica

Let's begin!

Prismriver Sisters

Enjoy the show!

Mai

Our interference techniques...

Satono

...were canceled out!

Okina

Oh? If it has come to this, then I must amplify the power of my two servants myself!

Ran

Oh no you don't! Chen, back me up!

Chen

Sure thing, Lady Ran!

Ran

Eat this! "Nuwa's Demon-Binding Chain"!

Okina

The Demon-Binding Chain?! I can't believe this! Not only do you recognize yourself as a youkai...

Okina

...but you also accept the extermination of a being from a story that is not your own!

Ran

I'm not sure what you're on about.

Ran

But I heard I once had a master. Apparently, she was able to pull off things like this, no problem!

Ran

I just tried imitating her a bit!

Okina

Hehehe!

Okina

Hahahahaha! That is interesting!

Okina

Very well! Without further ado―

Okina

―let us enjoy the fight!

Okina

Enough!

Reimu

*pant* *pant* What do you mean? I can still go on!

Marisa

*pant* We aren't going to give up until you let us through!

Sakuya

This secret god is pretty tough, but that doesn't change what we must do.

Lunasa

We can still fight. Right? Merlin, Lyrica?

Merlin

As long as the drums and flutes continue to play, we can still win!

Lyrica

But to be honest, I'm exhausted!

Youmu

Everyone, please take a break. I can take over for a bit.

Youmu

She may be a god, but I can handle her!

Okina

Oh? Then, you should have said so from the beginning.

Youmu

Yes... you're probably right.

Okina

Oh well. Now I understand quite well.

Okina

Especially about you and that greater youkai.

Ran

Does that mean you'll allow us to go to the lower world?

Chen

We passed the test?!

Okina

Exactly. Satono. Mai. You will be going too.

Satono

Are you certain, Master?

Mai

Shouldn't we test them a little longer?

Okina

There is no time. I learned what I wanted. Prolonging it is unnecessary―they are sufficiently qualified.

Okina

Your will is admirable... or maybe "ambition" would be a more appropriate word.

Youmu

Ambition?

Okina

There is no time. Get ready to descend.

Reimu

Hold on! We still have things to―

Okina

Do not make me repeat myself. I do not have time, and neither do you, correct?

Okina

I will dispel your doubts upon the way. Now, we need to move on.

Okina

However, before we do, I must inform you...

Okina

...that only two of you may descend.

Okina

And that is Youmu Konpaku and PLAYER.

What?!

(Only Youmu and me?!)

Okina

My two servants and I will also accompany you. Only the five of us may enter the lower world.

Okina

I shall entrust this barrier to Ran and Chen until I return.

Okina

I do not think anyone will try to pass through at a time like this, but the barrier should not be left unattended.

Ran

C-Certainly.

Chen

OK!

Okina

Reimu, Marisa, Sakuya, and the Prismriver Sisters. You go back to Hakugyokurou to keep an eye on Yuyuko.

Okina

The Prismriver Sisters especially may be able to distract her with their music.

Prismriver Sisters

A-All right!

Reimu

I don't like this. I'm a professional incident resolver. Why can't I go?

Marisa

Youmu will be fine, but don't expose PLAYER to danger.

Sakuya

She's the key to resolving Lost Word Incidents. Don't you know?

Okina

Oh, that? Of course I know.

Okina

I know everything that Aya Shameimaru and Nitori Kawashiro see and hear.

Marisa

How? As far as I know, they haven't been visiting you.

Okina

That is not what I meant.

Okina

The Secret Essence and the Brilliant Light, which are their sage attributes, were originally mine. We are connected.

Okina

They broadcast words when they read text or hear someone talking...

Okina

...or when they say something out loud.

Is that what the Arena's commentary is about?!

Okina

This is a tradition so old nobody remembers its purpose, including those two. They are simply fulfilling their task.

Okina

Hence, I know everything about the upper world without leaving this place―just like through back doors.

Okina

While I share the same roots as the tengu, I am also connected to kappa, who steal souls under the water...

Okina

...which is not important at the moment.

Okina

PLAYER, lend me your journal. I will link it with Reimu's Yin-Yang Orbs.

Reimu

Link...? What do you mean?

Okina

I will enable you to communicate with PLAYER. I know you would worry if you did not hear from her.

Okina

Yukari planted a communication function in your orbs, which can be easily changed with minimum effort.

Reimu

Well, thank you...

Reimu

I mean, WHAT?!

Reimu

Why can't I go?! I know there's no time, but I just have to know!

Okina

You misunderstood me. You are not prohibited from going.

Okina

It is impossible for you to go there...

Okina

...you would die.

Okina

Actually, if you die normally, you could become a phantom or a ghost.

Okina

What would actually happen down there... is far worse than death.

We're faaaaalling!

What's going ooooon?!

Okina

It is exactly what it looks like―Free fall!

Youmu

That doesn't tell me anything! Why do we have to travel like this?!

Mai

Hey! You dare question our master's decision? Not like I get it either though!

Satono

Right! Our master surely has her reasons! Though I may not understand them!

Okina

The reason is simple.

Okina

Had we leisurely flown above the lower world, we would be easy targets for bullets.

Okina

I advise you to refrain from flying if you value your life. Down here, it is a signal to start a battle.

Okina

For that reason, we are taking the shortest way down at natural speed. There is no other option.

Okina

Now, come closer. It would be a shame if you got blown away.

Whoa! This close?!

(Miss Okina is so soft!)

Youmu

How can you keep control of the fall while dragging that chair along? It's so strange!

Okina

I consider this chair a part of my body.

Reimu

Hey, Okina! What did you mean by "something worse than death"?!

Reimu

And I still don't get why PLAYER and Youmu are safe!

Reimu

Whoa! What ARE you doing?!

F-Falling freely...!

Taking the shortest way down to our destination...!

Reimu

Huh?

Reimu

Whatever... Okina! Keep PLAYER safe, got it?!

Okina

Of course. Now let me answer your question.

Okina

Every soul that was cut ends up in the lower world. They fall like sand in an hourglass and, in principle, do not go back up.

Okina

How fast they fall depends on the part of the soul and its owner's personality, but they cannot stay in the upper world.

Okina

I am certain you have encountered pieces of souls someplace up there before.

Marisa

We've fought some phantoms and shadows resembling people we know. Youmu said it was okay to defeat them.

Okina

Neither phantoms nor shadows are simply defeated. They are leftovers of cut souls―the parts that are not "pure life energy."

Okina

Sooner or later, both phantoms and those shadows inevitably sink to the lower world.

Okina

It should come as no surprise that they are born of the cuts you make, Youmu.

Youmu

Th-They are? I had no idea!

Sakuya

That looks like genuine surprise to me. I guess she really didn't know.

Youmu

They looked like wandering spirits. All those souls in such a state because of me...

Okina

This is not the time to be upset. We are just now getting to the crucial part.

Okina

Pieces of souls that have fallen from the upper world to the lower world do not simply vanish.

Okina

They accumulate down here as they do not have anywhere else to go.

Okina

Those pieces of souls can also be referred to as "temperament."

Okina

Similar temperaments gather and reinforce each other, while those unalike react intensely when they clash.

Okina

Thus, the lower world is a giant vortex of temperaments. If only that were the end of it...

Okina

Fragments of souls from various people are swirling around in that cyclone.

Okina

What this means, Reimu, is that temperament of yourself from this world is mixed in there as well.

Okina

The same goes for all of you. And there is a lot since the temperament builds up each time history repeats.

Reimu

What? That's... kind of unnerving.

Okina

Unfortunately, it is not just a matter of sentiment. The truth is, if you entered the vortex with your bodily forms...

Okina

...you would be possessed, and not just by one soul... you would become a soul chimera, destroying your self-identity.

Okina

That is what I meant by "far worse than death."

Okina

PLAYER's soul is not in the lower world. She is unique, and therefore, this will not happen to her.

Youmu

And this applies to me too?

Okina

Youmu. True, your soul is not in the lower world, either. But there is something else you must watch out for.

Youmu

Something else?

Okina

Ah, perfect timing. You are just about to see for yourself.

Youmu

Huh?

Lunasa

Why do you stand in our way?

???

Because you are heading to the Netherworld.

Merlin

We have special permission from the Yama. We may pass.

???

No. You have to go back. And you must never try to go to the Netherworld ever again.

Lyrica

Why? Do you hold a grudge against us?!

???

No.

???

But if you come to the Netherworld―

???

―you may ■■■■■■■■■■.

Lunasa

Is that person you call Lady Yuyuko dear to you?

???

Yes.

Merlin

Are you doing this to protect her?

???

Yes.

Lyrica

But we're heading to the Netherworld for the sake of someone dear to us, too.

Prismriver Sisters

For our beloved little sister.

???

I'm sorry.

???

I really am.

Youmu

Uh... ngh...

Youmu

Huh?!

Youmu

What was that...? A vision?!

Youmu, are you OK?!

Youmu

Y-Yes! I felt a bit hazy, but I'm fine now.

Okina

In spite of that, you landed well. Your poise is impressive.

Mai

It's because she's had experience living so long! But she put it all in constitution, investing no points in intelligence!

Satono

Looks like our master's predictions were right!

Youmu

What concerns me more is that vision just now. It was clearly a memory involving the Prismriver Sisters...

Youmu

But I don't recall anything like that ever happening.

Okina

It was caused by a mind. But you aren't the only one who saw the vision. We all did.

Okina

You were the only one to almost faint, though.

Youmu

"A mind"?

Okina

One of the constituent parts of a soul, responsible for memory. Minds usually swirl around along with other parts.

Okina

One of them flew out in response to the presence of the Prismriver Sisters.

Okina

Souls cannot return to the upper world by flying. It reached us because we were in the upper reaches of the lower world.

Okina

The mind flew to you since you are its owner. We were only able to see the vision because we happened to be nearby.

Youmu

Do you mean that memory was mine?! That's impossible!

Youmu

I haven't forgotten a single thing since I came to this world. And even if I have, my Dazzle keeps a record!

Right, we didn't see a scene like that...

Okina

Well, I suppose you would not have. You cannot remember something if you do not remember it.

Okina

But there is no means of making you understand more just now. For the time being, let us proceed.

Okina

Fortunately, Youmu, you are strong enough to not faint when hit by a mind. That is a relief.

Youmu

By the way... where are we?

In the mountains?

Mai

This should be the Youkai Mountain.

Satono

The highest spot in Gensokyo. It's the same in the lower world. That's why we landed here. Right, Master?

Okina

Precisely...

Okina

...but that is all I know for certain.

Mai

Huh?! That's all?!

Satono

Master, that's a little...

Okina

Now, now, calm down. I told you that this is all I know FOR CERTAIN.

Okina

Look, even the communication got cut off. Many obstacles prevent inquiries into this realm from the upper world.

Okina

It may not look it, but right now, we are in the eye of the temperament cyclone. We will probably see it soon enough.

So what next? Where are we heading anyway?

Okina

If that is what you are worried about, do not be. Our destination is clear―the roots of the ancient cherry tree.

Youmu

Roots... The spot where the spirit roots pierced down through the upper world and into the earth of the lower one.

Youmu

Is Lady Yuyuko's body there?

Okina

Indeed it is. And there should be someone with whom I am closely associated as well.

Okina

We shall follow that connection. This is also the only reason I am accompanying you.

Mai

I see!

Satono

I expected no less from our master!

Okina

*sigh* Stop trying to get on my good side.

Okina

Now, if you understand, we should hurry. This is a race against time.

Okina

Need I remind you that flying is a bad idea? You will only draw fire to yourselves.

Okina

You will be attacked, much as we are now!

Mai

But we didn't fly!

Satono

Masteeer!

Youmu

Don't stop! Hide in the thickets and shadows and keep going down!

Y-Youmu!

Youmu

I'll hold you, PLAYER! Do not worry!

Thank you!

Youmu

I'll run fast for a while. Clench your teeth to not bite your tongue.

???

Hmph... Are they trying to start a conflict again?

???

They can't be allowed in the village.

???

We'll stop them before they even get close.

Youmu

Those spirits just now only attacked because they were disturbed. It looks like someone else is shooting bullets!

Okina

It is still a long way down...

Mai

Master!

Satono

Isn't there a way?!

Okina

Stop this needless chatter and keep running.

Youmu

But we'll get shot at this rate!

It's just a matter of time!

Okina

Are you underestimating me? We cannot let them surround us. Do not stop moving.

Okina

Onward!

Satono

Master, I can't go any further!

Mai

They're close! I can almost feel their bullets on my butt!

Okina

Focus on running! Do not let them cut off our escape!

Youmu

Agh! The next one is sure to―!

Youmu

Huh?!

The bullets being shot from behind disappeared!

Okina

I told you. Keep pressing forward and do not let them block our path.

Okina

In other words, you can turn your back to the enemy as long as I am with you.

Okina

Bullets coming from behind will all be tossed into the back door.

Mai

Wait, does that mean that our backs...

Satono

...are wide open, Master?!

Okina

You can check each other if you so wish.

Youmu

The secret god, Okina Matara! I hear you're the god of the back door, as well as obstacles, Buddhist prayer, and fortune.

Youmu

The god standing in foreign land. Deeply tied to tengu, the incarnations of calamity, and kappa, the mysterious drowners.

Youmu

So the legend about you being an original sage was true.

Okina

No need to praise me. Merely continue to revere me in your own heart and spread my tale. That should suffice.

???

I don't know that technique... but you aren't manipulating the spirits of the dead. We mistook you for someone else.

???

We apologize for our blunder.

???

We took you for jealous enemies in our territory, so we struck preemptively.

???

You're corporeal, huh? I didn't know your kind still existed.

???

Come with us. It's dangerous to go any further.

???

...You'll die.

Youmu

This is...

This village feels familiar.

???

This is our settlement, the Desolate Village. No people live here.

???

Sorry for the late introduction. I'm Parsee Mizuhashi.

???

I'm Urumi Ushizaki.

???

And I'm Yamame Kurodani.

Parsee

Only we kishin live in this village.

Reimu

Kishin?! Aren't they like the higher-ups in Hell?!

Reimu

But looking at you, you're just...

Reimu

A hashihime of the Underworld...

Reimu

An ushi-oni of the Sanzu River...

Reimu

And the tsuchigumo from the entrance to the Underworld!

Reimu

Isn't it a bit of a stretch to call yourselves "oni," let alone kishin of Hell? You aren't even half as impressive.

Marisa

Not to flaunt my knowledge, but all three of them are youkai that still count as oni in the records.

Marisa

Oni are defined as disobedient creatures with horns on their heads who possess unnaturally great strength.

Okina

Oh, Reimu and Marisa. So the connection is stable now. As you can see, we are now in a village on the Youkai Mountain.

Marisa

What village?

Reimu

It isn't Mayohiga, is it?!

Marisa

Oh, right. I forgot there was such a place.

???

Mayohiga, huh?

???

That was once the name of this place. Now, this is merely the Village of the Drinking Thief.

Kishin?

Boss!

Reimu

Kasen?!

Marisa

Ibarakasen?!

Kasen?

Those names you called me... They sure bring back memories.

Kasen?

Now I'm the Sage of the Drinking Thief who rules kishin in the very heart of the infernal storm of the lower world.

Kasen?

However...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

You can call me what you wish. It won't change who I am now anyway.

Okina

I need to speak with you, Sage of the Drinking Thief.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I heard of a god guarding the barrier in the upper world. That must be you.

Okina

Generally speaking. Should I say, "It has been a long time"?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Hehe, I knew I sensed a familiar presence. It's good I came out to see you. Everyone, follow me―Oh, but first...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

It's harvest season now. Can you help me with the crops on the way?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

It's better for you to lend me a hand if you're in a hurry. I won't do anything else until this work is complete.

Youmu

It's just a hunch, but I think we should do as she asks.

Okina

And my intuition tells me that applies doubly for you, Youmu.

Reimu

What? Can't you speak clearly?

Okina

My knowledge about the lower world is limited. You will learn more as we proceed. And so will I.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Hurry up! I'm the boss here!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

"Oni" means the dead, while "god" means the spirits. Kishin, the oni gods, are thus spirits of the dead.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Kishin used in onmyoujutsu, and oni who dish out torment in Hell share the same roots―Both inhabit the realm of the dead.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Also, oni are associated with "hiding." Their figures, features, and nature are unknown. They're primordial mysteries.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

That includes those secluding themselves in the mountains. The hermit Ibarakasen that is my core is no different.

???

Same goes for me with my roots as a yamanba.

???

Name's Nemuno Sakata. I brought ya some tea.

Nemuno

I can do nothin' 'bout that complicated stuff, but call me if somethin' comes up. I still wanna make ya'll welcome.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Well, that's it.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Pieces of broken souls accumulate in the lower world, but it isn't like a jumbled morass.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Even inside this vortex, whirlwinds form here and there. When something becomes a core, temperaments drift toward it.

Marisa

Just like sugar candies with poppy seed cores. I don't think a poppy seed is the case here, though.

Okina

It must be a mind. They control memory and store a great quantity of information. They would not dissolve in the mix.

Reimu

What? A mind?

Right, you didn't hear when we talked about it!

Okina

I will explain later. Suffice to say, temperaments gather around a mind into a shape that resembles a ghost.

Okina

This is what you are, correct? You are in a state that is spiritual and corporeal at the same time.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

That's right.

Okina

Then the logic is no different from that of the sages of the upper world.

Okina

The power of the Secret Essence and the Brilliant Light now belong to the tengu and the kappa, but they derived from me.

Okina

The memories of folk who have the same forbearers as tengu, and of those close to the kappa, are both within me.

Okina

But these memories, these minds, are not the only ones. The mind is also a temperament. It draws in those similar to itself.

Okina

Slivers of minds that are not mine gather in search of a home. I am no longer able to distinguish between them exactly.

Youmu

So in other words, there was a big migration of temperaments in the upper world as well?

Okina

Naturally. The upper world is also continually being cut, after all.

Okina

But there are fewer souls in the upper world. Thus, it requires less time for them to reconverge after being cut.

Okina

Do you understand?

Youmu

Er... Yes.

(Youmu didn't know that and just kept cutting...)

Okina

Therefore, you, Sage of the Drinking Thief...

Okina

...also possess more than just the mind of Kasen Ibaraki. Is my understanding correct?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Yes. I was just about to explain that. This applies to the other sages down at the foot of the mountain as well.

Parsee

Boss. I'm done with my field.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Thanks! Take care of the rice field in the back, then.

Parsee

Mhm. All right.

Youmu

Wow... She can still work! I'm ashamed to say I was exhausted after the first field.

It seemed like you were going all out from the start.

Youmu

That's because I was aware we couldn't stay here long and wanted to do it quickly, I guess.

Urumi

I've drawn all the water we need. What do you want me to do next?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Great. Can you help Parsee with the back field?

Urumi

Sure thing!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Those kishin are my bunrei―pieces of my soul separated from me and endowed with their own temperaments.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

They're using my energy, so really, it's like I'm the one doing all the work.

Okina

Then you are the same as I in this regard. I assume the other sages can do this as well?

Okina

This world is a swirling mass of uniform temperament, but the localized fluctuations where souls merge go against the flow.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Yes, along with the topography and climate.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Only the area around the mountain maintains a shape, albeit distorted. Farther out, there's only uniform gray temperament.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This is the eye of the vortex. It's the safest, most inconsequential, and closest place to the upper world.

Youmu

And you're here speaking with us because it's close, in more ways than one?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

That's right. I could sense a change in the temperaments that fell down here, which told me you were coming.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

But I doubt those at the foot of the mountain noticed anything. They don't care about the situation up top.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Similarly, even for me, my priority is my usual job. Or should I say, mundane work.

"Mundane," as in, the opposite of "special"?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Yes.

Yamame

Boss. The harvest is done. The chickens and cows look fine too. What should I do?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Thank you. Just do what you always do.

Yamame

OK. Come on, newcomers! I've got one last job for you!

Satono & Mai

Comiiing!

Youmu

They're really joining in and working their hardest.

Okina

Well, that is because they are running on my magic. I am the one who is truly doing all the work.

Youmu

I see!

Are you doing all of this so you can eat?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Of course not. We don't need food.

Then why?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

There is meaning to this work. We believe there is.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This belief may be caused by the human temperaments that are mixed within us.

Humans in the lower world?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

They're inside us. Although some of them are still roaming about, carried by the wind of temperament.

Youmu

...

Okina

So I was right not to take the others with us. They may have been taken in by someone or swept off by the wind...

Okina

...or caught up in the temperaments of themselves that are scattered about here.

So do you imitate humans to live normal lives?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Look, there's nothing here.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Only the things tossed down from above.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Still, earth temperament gathers to create something like soil. So does water temperament...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

...and vegetables, livestock, and fish in the river. We are spirits bereft of bodies but still akin to humans.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

We clearly exist as SOMETHING.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

We "live" what lives we can even though we're spirits of the dead.

Hmm, what does it mean to "live"?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I don't know. We've been like this for a long time, but I've found no answers.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

We only...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

...spend our days working by the phantom sweat of our brows.

Youmu

...

Youmu

That sounds pretty nice.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

It does? There's nothing good about this though.

Youmu

I mean, I don't know―it just does.

Youmu

How should I put it? Maybe it's nice compared to what I imagined before coming here?

Mai

WAIT! What are you doing, Miss Parsee?!

Satono

ALL OF YOU! Why...? You went through all the trouble of growing them!

Youmu

What happened? Let's see what's going on!

Youmu

Th-This...

Crops, plants, even animals... You're burning them alive!

Okina

Well, whether or not they are alive is complicated as we just discussed. Regardless, their current forms are indeed aflame.

Mai

Uwaaaa! They're burning! BURNING!

Satono

The rice! The veggies! The cows! The chickens!

Quick! We've got to put out the fire!

Youmu

Can't you hear us?! We have to do something!

Parsee

Do something? Like what?

Urumi

The strength of the fire is just right. They'll burn away without a trace.

Yamame

They all have to turn into smoke.

Nemuno

What'd y'all come here for? Are ya gonna help us with the festival?

Youmu

F-Festival?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

The festival of the Village of the Drinking Thief. The special work.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This is what we labor for. Working in the field, raising animals... We do it all for the festival.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This is the Youkai Mountain. The center of the lower world. We gather the temperaments that settle here and take shape―

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

―then burn them so they may rise to the sky as smoke.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This is the custom of the Youkai Mountain folk. There isn't and won't be such a thing at the foot of the mountain.

That's... one odd festival!

Marisa

What's that?! A fire?!

Sakuya

Maybe it's just a bonfire?

Okina

*sigh* You missed the explanation... However, when people gather around a fire or a bonfire, it is, in a sense...

Okina

...No. This is clearly a primordial festival. Burning offerings is a key part of such celebrations.

Okina

They can only be delivered to the gods up in the heavens in the form of smoke.

Okina

There is even a legend about burning an elixir of eternal life at the top of a sacred mountain to return it to the moon.

Okina

Therefore, the smoke is imbued with spirituality. Only in this way can temperament be sent to the upper world.

Okina

Although in infinitesimal quantities.

Youmu

Is the food we ate up there by any chance―?

Okina

Your food was probably a kind of spirit composite conceived here. That is why those phantoms looked and felt like ghosts.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

So there is a meaning to what we've been doing, after all. I'm glad to know that, to be honest.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

But that aside. After talking to you, I am now certain of one thing.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Youmu Konpaku.

Youmu

Y-Yes?!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I'll give you back the mind associated with you. You... are the same being as the one back then.

Youmu

Wh-What?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I see. Specifically, this is your mind. It's been dwelling inside me as a mind associated with us.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

And now... I'm returning it to you!

W-What are you bracing yourself for?!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This is also a festival―a ritual. Those at the bottom of the mountain like to use this method, but it's our best option now.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I'll bump the inner souls against one another to bring them outside. We call it "waiving the right to the soul."

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Thus, the abandoned soul can be acquired by someone else. This is how I will return your mind to you, Youmu Konpaku.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Honestly, a part of my soul attached to this mind harbors resentment.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

But, I'm not one to hold a grudge. Now let me return this mind to its rightful owner.

Okina

I see. This is how you interpreted the case of Occult Balls and the logic of the god of the marketplace.

Okina

I see that was not your first time switching bunrei.

Youmu

Kishin... No, this time they're actual oni!

Okina

They are clearly challenging us...

Okina

...in the most primal meaning!

Okina

But we cannot let you fight them, Youmu. Fortunately, they did not say that you need to be their opponent.

Youmu

Wh-Why can't I fight?! This clearly has something to do with me!

Okina

That is precisely why not.

Okina

Let us assume that you are injured or exhausted after the battle. How will you receive the mind in such a state?

Youmu

Earlier, I felt hazy due to the exertion of my spiritual aspect. If both my physical and spiritual aspects are spent...

Okina

You will die. If you understand, then stay back.

Okina

Your fight begins once you take in your mind. I presume that this is the most important thing for us in the lower world.

Youmu

I feel so worthless...

Okina

Save those sentiments for later. Satono! Mai!

Satono & Mai

Right here!

Okina

Support PLAYER's shikigami.

Okina

Cooperate and pour all your soul into bullets... then fire them upon the oni!

Satono & Mai

Yes, ma'am!

Oni Chief

Hn? Who're you?

Oni Captain

You got some nerve if you think you can just set foot on this mountain as you please.

Oni Lieutenant

Are you a subordinate of that commander in the capital? I thought you'd come soon.

???

I have nothing to do with whoever that is.

???

I came because I heard that oni are mysteries related to Hell.

Oni Chief

Oni? Oh, yeah, oni.

Oni Captain

Chief, don't listen to her. She ruined our party.

Oni Chief

Eh, playing along just a little can't hurt.

Oni Chief

So what do you know of oni?

???

Well, I've read about them, but it didn't make much sense.

???

I decided I had no choice but to meet some myself, so I followed the rumors all the way here.

Oni Chief

And now here you are.

???

Yes.

Oni Chief

Why do you want to know about oni? I never met anyone who'd go out of their way to learn about 'em.

???

Well... I heard about an ancient youjutsu called the "oni way."

???

A technique that weaves a spirit of the dead with the mind of the user, who then manipulates it at will.

???

It also allows one to see the unknowable, like distant places or the past. It can even be used to read the future.

???

I have also heard that it can even at times bring the dead back to life.

???

Apparently, the oni way is still practiced by denizens of strange lands. Thus, I assumed they might be oni.

???

If you know it, I would like you to tell me.

Oni Chief

...

Oni Chief

I don't know what you're thinkin', but oni aren't mediums or shamans. We're more like bandits.

Oni Chief

Now that ya know―get lost.

???

Do oni feign ignorance?

Oni Captain

You're a cheeky one. Leave while the chief is still in a good mood.

Oni Lieutenant

Hey, cut it out. The chief is speaking for herself here.

Oni Captain

...Oh yeah. Sorry.

Oni Chief

Oni feign nothing. We hate lies―Unlike humans.

???

I don't think you're lying. You aren't mediums or shamans, and you do resemble bandits.

???

But oni can distort the truth. Now, will you answer my question?

???

Can you use the oni way? Can you restore souls and raise the dead?

???

Answer me.

Oni Lieutenant

...Chief.

Oni Lieutenant

Chief?

Oni Chief

...Hehehe.

Oni Chief

Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Oni Chief

YES!

???

That makes another one.

Youmu

Ah!

Youmu! You're awake!

Okina

You have finally come to. Unfortunately, we are now in the middle of a fight. Stand up on your own.

Youmu

Right, I'm OK! Y-You're fighting?!

Okina

Yes. We encountered another sage who assumed us hostile. Out of cautiousness, perhaps.

Okina

*sigh* How regrettable.

Youmu

Miss Kasen!

Okina

She said she was going to leave the village to her bunrei and accompany us. A truly reliable ally.

Okina

She is fighting while switching bunrei. Quite formidable.

Youmu

Whoa!

That wasn't us... Then who?!

Okina

Oh... This is not good.

???

Oh my. How many ages has it been?

???

I missed you, Dance-Master Hata.

Okina

Seiga Nyan Nyan!

Okina

You appear to have recognized who I really am. Is that thanks to those wretched holes you make?

Seiga

Maybe? I don't know what you're talking about, though.

Seiga

Oops!

???

*pant* *pant* How dare you raise your hand against my dolls!

Seiga

Did you really think such bullets could hit me? How disrespectful.

Seiga

If I were you, I would watch my step.

Seiga

I've just come here for some doll hunting. Why are you making it so hard for me?

Seiga

And who else do we have here?

Seiga

Oh? You're corporeal, aren't you? You in particular! Not only corporeal but a pure human at that!

Seiga

F-A-N-tastic!

Seiga

That settles it...

Seiga

I'm taking your body!

Seiga

Go, my dear spirits.

Seiga

See them all, except for that girl? Look closely.

Seiga

They're your mothers. Your dear mommies.

Seiga

Go at once. Inflate them like balloons and make them burst.

Seiga

OK?

Seiga

Impossible! Are you really a human? You looked so fragile.

Seiga

I hate having to give up on you. You're such a cutie!

???

You there! Take the puppeteer and follow me!

???

I'm gonna cremate you until there's nothing left―

???

―you corpse freak!

Seiga

Ick, a person of Hourai! So boring to play with.

Seiga

You're not going anywhere. Give up quietly.

Okina

Spare me your stereotypical threats. You have shown your true colors, Seiga Nyan Nyan.

Seiga

Excuse me? Talking tough isn't going to help you.

Seiga

After all, Hata... Someone who couldn't even protect their master is no match for me.

Seiga

You're just a pathetic traitor who escaped to the sky.

Okina

...

???

Can you endure this attack? We'll soon arrive at the hideout.

Okina

Very well!

???

Now! Mokou!

???

OK!

???

So bright! My eyes!

Seiga

That won't work on me!

Seiga

Oh? Where are you?

Seiga

I can't sense anyone... Their presences disappeared.

Seiga

If they could teleport, they would've done so from the start. How strange...

???

Ughuuu...

Seiga

Oh, my, my, you poor thing. I need to affix a new ofuda.

Seiga

There! Are you better, Yoshika?

Yoshika

Yeah! Lots!

???

I see. So that's why you came here from the upper world. I'm sorry I attacked you―I was sure you were her allies.

???

You might've had trouble coming back here if you were on your own. How about a thank you?

???

Right. Thanks, Mokou.

???

I didn't mean for me.

???

Oh! Er...

Marisa

Huh? What's the problem?

Reimu

I see.

Reimu

Humans can't normally survive in the lower world.

Reimu

I bet you haven't seen a living human in quite a while.

Marisa

Oh, that's true. You must've had a hard time Alice.

Marisa

I see it doesn't matter what world you come from. You just tough it out!

???

The same goes for you, Marisa. Be it this world or any other―you're still dense.

Marisa

No idea what you're talking about.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Let's get back on topic. Now that we've told you about ourselves, it's your turn to tell us something about you.

???

R-Right.

???

I'm Alice Margatroid, a magician. As you just saw in the battle, I specialize in doll-manipulating magic.

Alice

Although I am proficient in different kinds of magic, too.

???

I'm Fujiwara no Mokou. I'm a human, but being a person of Hourai, I've been able to live here in the lower world.

Mokou

I can't die even in these circumstances. It's actually kind of a pain.

Thank you for giving us shelter!

Alice

I should be the one thanking all of you. You really helped me out back there..

Mokou

It's thanks to you that I could save Alice.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

What were you doing at the Youkai Mountain?

Alice

Well, temperaments have settled on the mountain since the Age of the Gods. You can find rare-earth elements there.

Alice

They react with magic, and I need them to fix my dolls.

Alice

My dolls are highly sophisticated creations that harbor genuine souls, after all.

Alice

They don't have spirits, however. Only souls.

Alice

To an extent, I'm recreating the bodies that originally housed these souls, including their nature and abilities.

Alice

This is what I need those rare-earth elements for.

???

My name is Mayumi Joutouguu.

Mayumi

I joined the Doll Liberation Front in hopes that I would meet Lady Keiki again.

Youmu

The Doll Liberation Front? I think I've heard about that movement somewhere...

???

I, Medicine Melancholy, formed it to free all dolls from human tyranny!

Medicine

Even though I hate to ask some lowly human for help, I don't have enough power right now...

Medicine

No, actually, I really don't want you in my home! Hurry up and get out of here, Human!

I-I'm sorry!

Mokou

Now, now. Don't go forgetting that I'm a human too.

Medicine

But you work with me, so you're... an exception.

Mokou

These people are willing to support us. You could say they're our partners.

Medicine

Ugh...

Medicine

Fine. We're friends. For now.

Thank you!

OK, friends it is!

???

This place was Medicine's temporary residence, but we've all been packed in here like sardines for some time now.

???

We aren't getting any closer to saving the world though...

Hina

I'm Hina Kagiyama. I haven't taken in any misfortune for some time, so there's no need to keep your fingers crossed.

Narumi

And I'm Narumi Yatadera. My life magic is also kind of useless down here... Hm?

Narumi

I sense a strange vitality from you.

Who, me?

Narumi

Hm. I'm not sure. It's been so long... You bring back some memories, but you don't seem to be in need of rescue...

Alice

That's it, everyone. I'm sorry, but I'm using up too much of my magical energy, so I'll put you away for the moment.

Mayumi

This is an inevitability. Summon us again when you need us.

Marisa

Wow, that was quite an impressive display of puppetry. They looked exactly like the originals.

Alice

That is because they harbor their actual souls. I've devoted years of research to this technique.

Alice

I copied the information on their appearances that's recorded in the souls and used fine rare-earth powder to form them.

Alice

Actually, I was only able to achieve this by analyzing Mokou's anatomy to imitate the people of Hourai.

Mokou

My body is very similar to a doll's, you see.

Marisa

That must've taken up a whole lotta time. That's what I call a worthwhile use of immortality.

Alice

Anyway, that pretty much sums it up.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

You said that you come to the foot of the mountain regularly. Why haven't I seen you up until now...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

...Sage of the Flying Poison?

Okina

Are you another sage of the lower world?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Yes. Here in the lower world, sages handle nothing but souls, which puts us in a unique position.

Alice (Flying Poison)

To be precise, some of the abilities that got separated from their owners dwell inside me.

Alice (Flying Poison)

For example, I possess Hina Kagiyama's ability to gather misfortune, among others.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Misfortune is a mass of a particular temperament―unlucky phantoms. I can sort and store them, to an extent.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Therefore, I used Mokou as a reference in creating magic for retaining the temperament of a soul in a vessel―a doll.

Okina

Having powers able to affect the balance of temperaments does make you more sage-like than those in the upper world.

Youmu

Do other sages have such abilities as well?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I create crops from the settled temperament with my ability. Rare-earth elements are generated as a byproduct.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This is a limited variant of Suika Ibuki's density manipulation. There are also other abilities in the mix.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

It's a power that manifests when used for specific purposes. It would be much weaker if I tried to use it for something else.

Okina

So you're saying there may be someone who possesses a more potent version of the same ability.

Okina

Conversely, it is also possible the rest of the skill is dispersed over the lower world and thus is essentially powerless.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I'd lean toward the latter, but we can't eliminate the first possibility either.

I'm starting to understand the sage system of this world.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

OK, I now know why you were there, Alice, but that Seiga who attacked us... She is a sage too, correct?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Someone's been attacking the vicinity of my village lately. And I'm fairly certain it's her, judging from the presence I felt.

Alice (Flying Poison)

That's right, Seiga Kaku is the Sage of the Corpse Dog.

Alice (Flying Poison)

She's unique even for a sage in that her mundane work is to attack other sages.

Alice (Flying Poison)

In my case, my mundane work is to collect materials and make dolls.

Alice (Flying Poison)

On special days, I use magic to awaken the dolls and spend time with them.

Alice (Flying Poison)

We drink tea and eat sweets together. My life in the lower world consists of regularly repeating this cycle.

Okina

Niiname is a special ceremony that involves consuming food, so perhaps playing house is a mundane version of that.

Okina

It seems your daily activities hold the same purpose as that of the Sage of the Drinking Thief―to consolidate temperaments.

Okina

Magic does not come from nothing. And I am positive you have to use the flow of temperament to generate it.

Okina

Am I right, Sage of the Flying Poison?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Yes. The most effective way for me to obtain magic power now is to utilize the perpetual storm of temperaments.

Alice (Flying Poison)

The lilies of the valley you see around here bloom upon layers of temperament from which they extracted magic.

Alice (Flying Poison)

A legend about the lilies says they grew from the blood of a hero. So it's little wonder they're effective at extracting magic.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This consolidation of temperament... It opposes the tendency of this entire world, where temperament flows so violently.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Had we, the sages of the lower world, gathered together and worked to stop the vortex...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

...the temperament here would have been relatively stable, as it is in the upper world.

Okina

This is probably why the Sage of the Corpse Dog, Seiga Nyan Nyan, is doing something in opposition to this.

Okina

Her mundane work is to attack other sages and cause disturbances.

Okina

Her mundanity is what for the others is a special ceremony―a festival of bullets where souls clash against one another.

Okina

The consolidated temperaments are diffused, which causes their flow to increase in speed.

Okina

By maintaining a balance between increasing and decreasing the speed, the crucible of temperaments will never cease.

Okina

Hm...

Okina

(We have to assume that this mechanism in the lower world is related to the immature form of the Saigyou Ayakashi.)

Okina

(However, if this is the law the sages of the lower world follow, we should not disrupt it without due cause.)

Okina

(So, what can we deduce?)

(Maybe the key lies in the visions from the minds.)

(What do you think, Youmu?)

Youmu

(I have a theory of my own.)

Okina

(Then share it. We might not have the opportunity later.)

Youmu

Sage of the Drinking Thief. May I ask you about the mind you passed to me and the memory it projected?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Oh, that. I saw the Phantasmal Sight of that memory as well.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

There are many minds. Those that have overflown from history being repeated over and over...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

And the minds belonging to those similar to us which poured in from neighboring worlds.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Generally speaking, we carry the memories of those that are alike but not the same.

So the memory of Miss Aya being close to fairies...

...probably comes from a different world or history.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Most of the memories I hold come from the minds that originated in other worlds or histories.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

So, Youmu. The memory I passed to you is of a reality that I myself do not recall.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

How about you? Can YOU recall it?

Youmu

No. I don't remember it either. And yet, I feel like it belongs to me.

Youmu

I can't help but feel that this other "me," whom I do not know, has repeatedly done things that she is not proud of...

Youmu

This temperament vortex in the lower world is like an infernal wind blowing my way.

Youmu

Perhaps there are other minds in the lower world that should return to me―All belonging to my other self.

Youmu

Still, I feel like we won't be able to resolve anything until I know them.

Alice (Flying Poison)

If you're ready, I'll give you this.

Youmu

A book?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Yes. It's a magic book. A little atypical, though.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Other sages probably choose to pass over minds directly. I, however, can sort and keep temperaments neatly.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I separated the minds which I found odd and stored them in here. All you need to do is read it.

Alice (Flying Poison)

This also spares you some mental damage. Always good news.

Youmu

The story of a puppet master from a faraway land...

Alice (Flying Poison)

I have absolutely no memory of it. But it seems as if there was such a version of myself.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I can't be sure whether the faraway land is somewhere in Makai or in the southern area of the outside world.

Youmu

You did research on fully autonomous dolls. And there's also a version of me who came to ask about your work.

Youmu

I wanted to know if it's possible to make an autonomous doll that's a perfect copy of a dead person...

Again it's about bringing people back to life...

Okina

It seems both versions of you were eliminating possibilities to prevent Yuyuko from reviving those under the tree.

Youmu

"Creatures made by imitating natural human behaviors," not only in terms of form but even intellect...

Youmu

...which would be useful in areas such as military affairs, medicine, labor, aid, research, and experiments.

Youmu

Essentially, the possibility of creating entirely "artificial humans."

Alice (Flying Poison)

And that is where the mind record ends, as does my collection of experimental dolls.

Youmu

I...

Youmu

I came down here to save Lady Yuyuko's life.

Youmu

A great mass of life force exists in the lower world. If I use it, I should be able to stop the Saigyou Ayakashi from reviving.

Youmu

At least, that is what I believe...

Youmu

Sage of the Drinking Thief. And you, Sage of the Flying Poison. I beg you. Please help me.

Youmu

I cut you down countless times. And the one in these mysterious memories may actually be me as well.

Youmu

So, I know full well that my request is a selfish one...

Youmu

But please forgive me. I plead for your compassion.

I beg of you as well.

For the sake of this world, and the one I call home!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Well, I intended to help you out anyway.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Judging by the amount of temperament I can sense down here, I know that this world can no longer be repeated.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

As someone who undertook the role of kishin, I want to avoid destruction. For this reason, I've been ready to help.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

What about you, Sage of the Flying Poison?

Alice (Flying Poison)

I...

Alice (Flying Poison)

...want to see the world that only exists in memories with my own eyes.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I don't know from which time or history I saw it, or even if it was me at all. I only know I bear many memories.

Alice (Flying Poison)

But those aren't my own experiences.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I want what is both beautiful and ugly, what fades like smoke yet also lasts forever. I've been longing...

Alice (Flying Poison)

Longing to experience life in a world painted seven colors and garnished with days of both peace and tumult.

Alice (Flying Poison)

A world called Gensokyo.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I'll go with you.

Mokou

We shouldn't drag this out anymore. The barrier surrounding this place is very simple.

Alice (Flying Poison)

The barrier held as long as it needed to. I gave my dolls plenty of rare-earth elements, so they'll be able to fight.

Mokou

I see. Then you should hurry. I'll protect this place and act as a decoy for as long as I can.

Alice (Flying Poison)

No, Mokou! Don't do that! Come with us!

Mokou

You're blowing it out of proportion. I'm not gonna sacrifice myself.

Mokou

Remember, no matter what I do, I can't die. And with my pure flames, I've got an advantage over spirits of the dead.

Mokou

Plus, someone has to guard this place. Unless you wanna lose it.

Mokou

But I can only be a decoy―I can't keep them here once they notice. I'm more worried about you, Alice. Will you be OK?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Of course I will. Thanks, Mokou.

Mokou

I'm the one who should be grateful. I know you were holding back your passion for research as a magician.

Mokou

Even though you studied it for many years, you left the imitation of the people of Hourai imperfect.

Mokou

You made it so your dolls will always require mending with new materials to keep going.

Mokou

You grasped a part of Kaguya's ability from the Hourai Elixir but left a gap in her perfectly sealed barrier.

Mokou

So they won't end up like me.

Alice (Flying Poison)

No. My skills simply weren't good enough, that's all.

Mokou

Hehe. Right.

Mokou

Well, I'd say our time is about up.

Mokou

Alice, everyone... Go.

Let's hurry!

Alice (Flying Poison)

We'll be at the Human Village soon! Please hang in there until we do!

Okina

Nyan Nyan... She is too persistent! Leave the rear to me and press onward!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

How pathetic. If we can't attack from behind, then we just have to strike from the side.

Yoshika

Easy-peasy!

Satono

Wh-Wh-Why is it so cold?! It was like spring just a second ago!

Mai

And now the sun is setting, making it even more chilly!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

It's quite likely that we'll encounter one of the other sages in the village.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

If they agree to cooperate, the Sage of the Corpse Dog will have to think twice about attacking us!

Youmu

I don't even want to imagine it... but what if they won't cooperate?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Then we'll get attacked from both sides, and that'll be the end of us!

Youmu

Ulp...

It's not like we have any other option... Let's run!

Alice (Flying Poison)

Right, that's our best chance at getting out of this! Doll, Mayumi Joutouguu!

Alice (Flying Poison)

I'll keep Shanghai and Hourai as my guards! Use up the rest of my power!

Mayumi

OK! Just please collect my soul later with returning magic!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Kishin! Parsee Mizuhashi!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

She's the one who meddled with our village! Take her down!

Parsee

The way she does whatever she wants makes me jealous. And I guess I'll take more grudges out on her while I'm at it!

Mayumi

Hashihime. I'll take the vanguard, so watch my back.

Parsee

Not a bad idea. It just so happens that I'm used to handling dolls.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

A hashihime and a haniwa? I see. My fake vengeful spirits probably won't be able to affect them.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You're trying to get Yoshika and me to deal with you ourselves to buy some time. A decent plan.

Yoshika

This zombie's ready for action!

Satono

We have to keep going while we can! *tremble* *tremble*

Mai

I-I'm freezing! Let's get somewhere warm already! *shake* *shake*

Let's hurry!

Mai

I-I can't take it anymore... It keeps getting colder...

Satono

Why is the temperature dropping the closer we get to the village...?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

A great amount of the temperament making up winter is gathered here. It's like an area of heavy snowfall.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Could there really be someone in such a place?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Oh? You're back?

Alice (Flying Poison)

What happened to slowing them down?

Mayumi

Well, about that...

Parsee

Just look over there, and you'll see.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yoshika! Yoshika! Hold on!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yoshikaaa!

Yoshika

I'm... fine, Seiga...

Yoshika

Ughu... uuuuuh...

Yoshika

...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You can't move because your ofuda got wet in the snow, right?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Why now of all times did I forget about the waterproof finish? Agh!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I have to do something quickly or Yoshika will...!

Okina

What is this, Nyan Nyan? Running away because of such a trifle?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This is no trifle! Yoshika needs emergency treatment!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I'll be back!

Okina

Hmph.

Mai

Yeah, that's right! Now let's get outta here!

Satono

I'm almost frozen solid!

???

Where are you going? No one gets away from my winter...

???

There are no exceptions. No one can escape.

Letty

Not from the winter of I, Letty Whiterock.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Letty Whiterock?! Oh no!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

She's not usually all that powerful, but the winter temperament here is extremely dense!

Okina

The snow below me is iced over... Wait, is my entire chair frozen?!

Alice (Flying Poison)

We can endure the coldness, but we cannot fight with our movements hampered!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This isn't any normal chill! Even the flow of temperament here is sluggish!

Letty

Yes. Yes, precisely.

Letty

Oh, that shock, that surprise, that hopelessness... My cold will freeze you to the core.

Letty

Even your souls will turn to ice, be they human, youkai, or divine.

Letty

Even flames―

Letty

―fall still before me.

Okina

Grr, is it already too late to run?! Why did it have to be a youkai that specializes so heavily in winter...?

Alice (Flying Poison)

We have no choice but to battle her. And we better do it quickly, as time works to our disadvantage!

I-It's so cold!

But she's so beautiful...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

PLAYER can't take much more of this! But she's doing better than I thought. Is she from a cold country?

Youmu

Don't forget I'm here! It's so cold even my phantom half is freezing... But I should be able to...!

Youmu

HAAA!

Alice, Kasen & Okina

I-I can move again!

Youmu

I cut through the flow of cold!

Alice (Flying Poison)

Huh?! That's impossible!

Letty

You... cut the cold?

Letty

Er... May I ask how?

Okina

What is it now?!

???

What's wrong, Letty? You're taking longer than I thought.

???

Thanks to you, flying at night is fun. Your coldness took away all the moisture.

???

No matter where I look, there's none of that annoying running water in the air!

???

Covering the whole lower world in your winter might even be better than mist.

???

Mist can make it rain sometimes. But I bet your cold could even freeze sunlight...

???

Oh?

???

We have guests? I'm the vampire, Flandre Scarlet.

I-I'm PLAYER!

Flandre

Oh my, a corporeal. And... a human at that! Quite the rarity indeed!

(The Flan of this world... is kind of scary.)

Flandre

You don't seem as fearful of me as I expected. Hmph. Hm.

Flandre

I'm a bit curious as to what's inside that body of yours. Perhaps I'll take a peek.

Huh?!

Flandre

A little pulling apart won't hurt if we put you together again quickly. Now, let's see if there's a monster hiding in there...

Letty

You can't do that, Flandre. Stopping them is fine, but you mustn't harm them.

Flandre

What, you mean Sister will give me an earful? Don't worry. She isn't even here...

???

Do not do it.

???

There is a wicked sage outside picking fights. Furthermore, other sages may respond unfavorably as well.

???

It would be most regrettable if either of you were to get hurt.

???

However, maintaining the cold is a part of Miss Letty's training, as is your work on patrol, Miss Flandre.

???

I am truly grateful.

???

Although...

???

I want to make the lower world a place where youkai can live in peace.

Okina

Then I have good news for you―news that will illustrate how you may fulfill your wish for a distorted yet tranquil world.

???

Oh?

???

I'm Byakuren Hijiri. A monk who seeks the salvation of all youkai.

Byakuren

If what you say is true, it would be most fortuitous for me... No, perhaps it would be a reward for our deeds.

Byakuren

However, it may not be true, and I need to be certain.

Byakuren

That swordswoman in particular, bears checking.

Youmu

Very well.

Byakuren

Knowing the mind which keeps information about you, I cannot simply accept your words blindly.

Byakuren

With that said...

Byakuren

...let our souls clash to expose the temperament of the truth! Now―

Byakuren

―Namusan!

Letty

It looks like Hijiri is the one who really wants to fight the most. Not that I mind, though.

Flandre

If Sister says it's OK, then I'll fight. I think it's good. Very, very good.

Head Priest

A technique that undoes death?

Head Priest

That is clearly against the way of Buddha. Why have you come here to ask about such a thing?

???

Rumor has it...

???

...that the head priest of this temple never ages. She stays young and beautiful.

???

They say she might even be Yao Bikuni. Have you eaten mermaid flesh by chance?

Buddhist Monk

How dare you? Is that any way to speak after entering this temple wearing a sword?

Trainee Monk

This is a place where people come to train under the leadership of the head priest. Please leave.

Head Priest

No, it's all right. I'll answer.

Buddhist Monk

But...!

Trainee Monk

A-Are you certain?

Head Priest

Send her away today, and she will only return tomorrow. And keep coming until I give her the answer she seeks.

Head Priest

Am I wrong?

???

No. I'll come as many times as needed to learn the answer.

???

Even if it takes hundreds of years.

Buddhist Monk

Head priest. It's dangerous.

Trainee Monk

If something happens, we're...

Head Priest

Enough.

Head Priest

I pray for the salvation of all beings from the bottom of my heart.

Head Priest

One must not let their past sins determine their deeds.

Buddhist Monk

...Yes.

Trainee Monk

...Yeah.

Head Priest

Well then. You, who refuses to give a name, what answers do you seek from this humble servant of Buddha?

???

Do you know any means of undoing death?

???

I'm only asking whether you know or not. That's all.

Head Priest

Nothing more...?

Head Priest

I will not disclose how I possess this knowledge, though the method to maintain one's body and keep it from death...

Head Priest

...is something I do know.

???

This makes another one.

???

Everyone! Miss Youmu is awake!

Youmu

Did I pass out again?

Okina

More or less. You received a mind from Byakuren... The Sage of the Shadow Sparrow.

Okina

However, you made big progress. The time it took for you to recover has become much shorter.

Okina

You are probably getting used to it.

Okina

First of all, thank the lady of the house. She insisted that you rest on a bench.

Okina

Even though I told her that the floor would do just fine.

Youmu

Thank you! I'm sorry you had to see me in such a state...

???

Please don't worry about that. I'm used to these things.

???

It happens when you work at this sort of place. I'm Miyoi Okunoda, by the way.

Miyoi

Please tell me if you need anything. Now, who's that little girl? What's your name?

(Little girl? Oh... ME?)

I'm PLAYER!

Miyoi

Hello, PLAYER.

Miyoi

You have a lot of scratches. Come, let me look them over.

Miyoi

Phew. It appears you don't have any serious injuries. That's a relief.

Miyoi

You've fought well despite being so small. I'll disinfect your wounds and get you clean bandages.

Thank you... Miss Miyoi!

Miyoi

Just Miyoi. That's what everyone calls me.

Then Miyoi it is!

Miyoi

Look at you. Such a good girl.

Okina

Oh, is Miyoi taking care of you? Good. Have her tend to your injuries.

Okina

You are corporeal, after all.

Okina

Youmu and I will speak with Byakuren. Alice, Ibarakasen, you come join us as well.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Well then, let me hear your story.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

What do we need to do to rescue the world from this false cycle of death and rebirth that ensnares it?

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

These two are my bunrei.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

There's no time to waste. If we leave this place, it will be that much more difficult to maintain it.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I have brought out the two people I trust most, so I do not miss a single word spoken. This will be a gamble for us.

???

I'm Minamitsu Murasa.

Minamitsu

If only the Palanquin Ship was here... No, I shouldn't ask for the impossible.

???

I'm Ichirin Kumoi, and this is my nyuudou, Unzan.

Ichirin

I'm blessed just having him with me.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Now, time is of the essence. Come with me to the back.

Satono

Come on, PLAYER. Let me disinfect your wounds.

Mai

No, no, PLAYER. Allow me to apply those bandages for you.

Satono

Don't worry about a thing! Your big sis Satono...

Mai

Come now, no need to be shy! Your big sis Mai...

Mai & Satono

Is here to help you!

Don't make me choose!

Miyoi

Hey!

Mai & Satono

Eek!

Miyoi

No teasing the injured! This is absolutely outrageous, Miss Mai, Miss Satono!

Mai & Satono

I-I'm sorry! (She's scary!)

Okina

For goodness sake! If you two are unable to sit quietly, then come with me.

Mai & Satono

Yes, ma'am.

Satono

Let's play together later!

Mai

See you!

Miyoi

I just told them that you're wounded. Why would they make a promise to play with you?

Miyoi

But more importantly, we need to dress your wounds. Let me get some strong sake.

???

We got some pretty strong sake in not too long ago. I was lucky enough to find a pure Sake Bug―they're quite rare now.

Miyoi

Oh, Miss Sekibanki. When did you return?

Sekibanki

Just a while ago. I heard loud noises, so I thought there was a festival or something going on and hurried back.

Sekibanki

But it looks like I was wrong. I sense people in the back... I see. Something's going to change.

Miyoi

Y-Yes! It seems so.

Sekibanki

Who's this? A companion of those in the back?

Yes! I'm PLAYER.

Sekibanki

My, aren't you a perky one?!

Sekibanki

I'm Sekibanki, a sort of bodyguard here. And this is...

???

I'm Wakasagihime. Hello, PLAYER. *huff* *huff* *pant* pant*

N-Nice to meet you! (A mermaid!)

Wakasagihime

I-I'm fine with the cold, but flying used up my magical power... Water... Give me water!

Sekibanki

Here you go, Hime.

Wakasagihime

Ahh! That feels so much better!

Wakasagihime

Thank you, Sekibanki!

Sekibanki

Hmph. Just doing what I always do.

Sekibanki

OK, I'll go take my shift. I'm guessing Miss Letty is still outside.

Sekibanki

PLAYER. Use that sake on your wounds.

Sekibanki

It'll prickle a bit, but just grin and bear it. It's the best disinfectant in this place.

Wakasagihime

Oh, Sekibanki likes you, PLAYER.

Is that her way of showing it?

Wakasagihime

Yes. She's in a great mood! I'm glad to see that.

Miyoi

True, she rarely speaks so much.

Wakasagihime

Mmm...

Wakasagihime

Well, I'm all worn out now, so I'll be resting inside.

Miyoi

Sure, I'll take care of things here! Take it easy!

Miyoi

OK, now let's get you mended. I'll just open up this bottle of sake like... so!

???

Did I hear a stopper being removed? Is it time for a snack?

Miyoi

Eika! Popping out like that is dangerous!

???

Oh, it's just sake. Are you going to drink it? Ah, I see now. You're going to clean her wounds.

???

Oh, yeah, I'm Eika Ebisu. The soul of a stillborn child!

Eika

Kids are always welcome! Even corporeal ones!

Flandre

There you are, Eika. Sister is having an important talk with the others inside.

Flandre

So don't make so much noise.

Miyoi

Oh, now Flan's here too.

Miyoi

I'll never dress PLAYER's wounds at this rate. Can you take Eika and go play? Somewhere safe.

Flandre

I don't mind. OK, Eika, let's go.

Miyoi

Now I can focus on your scratches. Sorry for the wait.

There are a lot of people living here, aren't there?

Miyoi

Well, yes. But it's been such a long time that it seems completely normal to me.

Miyoi

"Sister" refers to Miss Byakuren Hijiri. She's also called Sage of the Shadow Sparrow, but that's a bit too formal.

Miyoi

We're all her bunrei, myself included. It requires a lot of magic, but it's much more fun this way.

Miyoi

I have memories about my home being just as lively as this.

Miyoi

Sister said she also has such a memory. And others apparently do, too.

Miyoi

So it feels better when there's a lot of people here making some excitement.

That does sound pretty nice.

Miyoi

Doesn't it? This place is my pride and joy.

Miyoi

Hm? Now that's weird...

Miyoi

This is my one and only home, where all my dear friends are gathered. It's a truly precious place...

Miyoi

Nothing could be more true than this.

Miyoi

Only sometimes... again and again... Why do I feel deep in my chest...

Miyoi

...that I want to go back home?

Miyoi

Even though this IS my home and everyone here is like family to me.

Miyoi

So then why? Why would I want to leave this?

Miyoi...

Miyoi

Sorry, I'm all right now. It's something like a seizure.

Miyoi

OK, let me disinfect your wounds now.

Miyoi

This will sting.

No, I'll be fine.

I'm OK... Hm?

Ouch...

WHOA! THAT DOES STIIIIING!

Miyoi

Yikes! Talk about a shout!

Letty & Remilia

What happened?!

Miyoi

I guess this place is at its best when it's loud.

???

And so...

???

With her altered ability, Letty can freeze even the flow of temperament.

???

Here, in the Human Village―now known as the Shadow Sparrow Village―she causes temperament snow to fall.

???

My altered ability of fate manipulation allows me to select and draw in specific temperaments. I use it constantly.

Remilia

Fate is a temperament that rules over good and bad luck.

Remilia

I use my skill to pick temperaments based on their luck that should hopefully be beneficial to the lives of youkai.

Remilia

If I gather nighttime moon temperaments, an eternal moonlit night sky will cover this place. The same goes for winter.

Remilia

The deeper the frozen temperaments are, the older the history they carry.

Remilia

The layers of temperaments make up a great library where the annals of human fear are recorded.

Sakuya

The entire village... Do you mean to say that the people here were buried alive?

Remilia

Buried alive? Oh, no. First of all, if you're in the lower world, it means that you're a spirit of the dead.

Remilia

That means it might be worse than being buried alive, actually.

Remilia

The very concept of humans "living" here lies deep beneath the snow, along with their souls.

Remilia

Their fear is raw and bared for all to see. Their souls can exist in this state for thousands of years.

Sakuya

So the snow is a fossilization of the recorded fear, of the people, and their culture...

Sakuya

Is this perhaps a history that youkai need?

Remilia

It is. As youkai, we need human fear. Even though we are practically mosaics of broken souls, we still need it.

Remilia

Isn't it ironic? This dependence is as unchangeable as if it were set in stone.

Remilia

Yes... We sacrificed the humans so that we could live.

Remilia

We didn't treat them as opponents. Rather, we one-sidedly turned them into a supply of nutrients for us.

Remilia

Do you detest me for this, Sakuya from another world? Not that I care if you do.

Remilia

After all, the me in this world is naught but the familiar of a sage.

Remilia

My status is not high by any means, and if I wasn't entrusted with a task that needed my ability...

Sakuya

What are you talking about, Lady Remilia?

Remilia

What? Sakuya, were you listening to a word I said?

Sakuya

Nothing has changed.

Sakuya

The mistress I know would cause an incident just so she could step outside.

Sakuya

She isn't the ruler of a nation, or some parvenu, either. She's the daughter of a noble family founded on blood.

Sakuya

You're no different at all, noble vampire.

Sakuya

You are my mistress, Remilia Scarlet.

So the human temperaments accumulated here―

―persist in their original form?

Remilia

Well, there was an eater of history in this village. And pieces of that half-beast's mind and ability dwell within me.

Remilia

Actually, she was also half-human. Maybe this allowed me to comprehend the feelings of humans without knowing it?

Remilia

Hahaha, what a silly thought.

Remilia

Still...

Remilia

I don't know from when, but I have memories of a Gensokyo that I tried to shroud in scarlet mist.

Remilia

This world isn't even worth trying to rule over when I compare it to that one.

Remilia

Even if I were to lose something once, I would prepare a way of getting it back. A noble must think this way.

Sakuya

Persistence worthy of a vampire.

Remilia

Yes, that is one way of putting it.

Remilia

Well, this is all I can tell you. Letty, have you finished dressing PLAYER's wounds?

Letty

Yep! They're all disinfected and bandaged. None of her injuries looked too serious.

Letty

What a healthy child! You'll recover in a day!

Miyoi

You're awesome, Miss Letty. Your work is so flawless it could put even an experienced maid to shame.

Sakuya

Are you serious?! Hm, that is impressive...

Letty

I just happen to have a mind containing a lot of such experiences. I'll teach you some of them, Miyoi.

Thank you, sis―

Ah, f-forget it!

Letty

Sister? Were you just about to call me sister?

No, I, er...

Letty

PLEASE DO!

Miyoi

Here we go again.

Miyoi

Miss Letty does this whenever Eika or Flan says it too. It's like hearing the word "sister" flips a switch in her.

Miyoi

Even when I say it...

Remilia

Sometimes she even treats me this way. She's indiscriminate. It's like a sort of youkai curse.

(The merging of minds alters abilities and personalities?)

(This sounds important! I'd better remember it!)

Remilia

Everyone here is, in a way, a youkai of death that leads others to death.

Remilia

A foreseeing nyuudou is a youkai that hunts people at night. A nyuudou user has a constitution akin to that of a magician.

Remilia

The name "nyuudou" also implies that they were a human who went astray after death. There are others too.

Remilia

I'm sure you know the stories of ship phantoms, cursed spirits of stillborn children, yuki-onna... And, of course, vampires.

Remilia

Of these, the yuki-onna long for familial love. I'm not sure if Letty is truly a yuki-onna or not, though.

That may be an effect of the merging...

This rumbling... It's a battle of bullets! And it's close!

Remilia

Normally I would say it's a festival. But the situation is different now.

Remilia

Hijiri. It appears now is not the time for discussions.

???

Seiga Nyan Nyan... Do you mean to stand in our way?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Why of course, Masks. I'm on an important mission.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But why are YOU here? If your need isn't urgent, perhaps I could ask you to leave?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Oh, well. Even if you don't, I'm not opposed to splitting all your masks in two.

???

I see you're quite agitated. What's got you so worked up? Not that it's any of our business.

???

You know very well that we need magic derived from the use of humans.

???

That's why we have to disperse and absorb temperaments, even if it means stepping into the Shadow Sparrow Village.

???

Now, let us through. And don't come back any time soon.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Oh, what a bunch of nonsense.

???

Nonsense? The festival is a matter of life and death. Formality or no, it is of utmost priority.

???

Or have you completely lost your mind and forgotten?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

No. It's you, common sages, who have forgotten. That's the difference between our roles.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

My business, Masks, is far more urgent than your very being.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Therefore, I'll have to break you into pieces right here. Then your "life and death" won't matter anymore.

???

You're insane. We are tools, and the souls that dwell in us are currently on the level of divine spirits.

???

Originally, magic as tools and the power of divine spirits were mutually exclusive. But now they have fused into one mind...

???

...and function as a multilayered core that embodies the total power of a tsukumogami's vessel.

???

You cannot defeat us.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Divine spirits, you say?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Hah.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Hahaha...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Are you mocking me?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yoshika?

Yoshika

Yes!

Youmu

Oh no! They're about to begin!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

The temperaments must not disperse! If I'm going to leave, I want to maintain as much temperament here as possible.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

But I can't expose Miss Remilia and Miss Letty to danger. I need them to crystallize temperaments.

Okina

All right. I will take care of this with Satono and Mai.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

No, I'll do it. From what you told me, I think it's better if you do not expend your strength just yet.

Okina

PLAYER, I am sorry, but please support the Sage of the Shadow Sparrow as you always do. I will keep you safe.

A-All right!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Thank you. You're so reliable. I'll do my best too.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Mysterious Spirit, Sekibanki!

Sekibanki

My turn, eh? You got it.

Sekibanki

I'll make a mess they'll never forget.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

What awful timing. You've always been the definition of bothersome, Dance-Master Hata.

???

Huh?!

Okina

Urk... We need to calm them down. Do you understand, PLAYER?

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Don't get too close―it's dangerous. Step back.

Sekibanki

We can't face those two sages head-on. We have to stay on the defensive.

But didn't we defeat them with bullets...?

Okina

That would count as our win in a normal battle. But here in the lower world, some of the Spell Card Rules are unclear.

Okina

There is no criterion that bullets have to be beautiful.

Okina

Temperaments apparently re-accumulate even if shattered by force. Wounds and damage have no meaning.

Okina

It truly is a battle between spirits of the dead.

Okina

Sekibanki has the minds of a hitouban and rokurokubi inside her. She's like the embodiment of an out-of-body experience.

Okina

There's also a strong presence of a flying head youkai from the Americas that eats humans―Rather fitting for a youkai.

Okina

Also, in Wakasagihime, who you met a while ago, I could sense a piece of a western mermaid's mind within her.

Okina

They are said to sink human boats. They are similar to ship phantoms and, in a sense, a type of shinigami.

What about Miyoi?

Okina

In terms of her species, she is no exception.

Okina

All those who manage to maintain an individual form in the lower world are strongly associated with death.

Okina

In a sense, their strength is determined by how strong that association is. But why have I only realized this just now...?

Youmu

Have you also regained unfamiliar memories through minds too? So it isn't only me...

Okina

It's certainly similar. Nevertheless...

Okina

I made a terrible mistake. Had I known all of this earlier...

Okina

...I would have known that there were other things I needed to prioritize in telling you in the little time we have.

What do you mean?!

Youmu

Please tell us now!

Okina

We are following the presence of someone related to me, whom I can sense, to reach the place where they reside.

Okina

This is where the cherry blossom tree temperament gathers the most―at the roots of the immature Saigyou Ayakashi.

Okina

We are very close now. But there is a problem.

Okina

I have a feeling that there is also someone else aside from the one with a connection to me there.

Okina

Someone respectable.

Youmu

Who could it be?

Okina

Watch out! Everyone, spread out!

???

Oh, has the party started without me?! When was the last time so many people gathered?

A black-winged... cowgirl?!

???

A corporeal human?! Now I see why everyone's here!

???

Oh you poor, clueless girl. I'm the head of the Keiga Family, Saki Kurokoma.

???

But currently, I'm also Saki Kurokoma, Sage of the Rotten Lung!

Okina

Kurokoma... Right, you belong to her...!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Oh? You're Dance-Master Hata if memory serves. Long time no see.

Okina

You are correct. Are you going to speak ill of me, like that wicked hermit over there?

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Hmmm, yeah.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Am I?

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I don't know about your bonds and grudges. And since I don't know...

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I'll just have to use force to learn the answers!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Wolf spirit, Kagerou Imaizumi! Wolf spirit, Momiji Inubashiri!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I was going to just start attacking Dance-Master Hata, but it seems there's quite a delicious-looking wall in my way.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Oh, no, not a wall―it's the Sage of the Shadow Sparrow. Those muscles should've been a dead giveaway.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I wasn't aware I was showing them off. But you have identified us correctly―We are your opponent.

Sekibanki

(Kagerou!)

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Are you ready? Good.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Let's begin!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Hmph. I hear a commotion, and now I see it's this halfwit. I'm not interested in beasts.

???

That was rather emotional of you. What happened to your usual composure?

Okina

We have to get through this fracas somehow!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Oof, hermits are tough cookies. Guess appearances can be deceiving.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Will my spirit's rank go up if I eat your flesh? I've never tried anything like this!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Ugh! You're strong as a horse... Oh, right. You ARE a horse!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Was that supposed to be an insult?

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Now that we're tussling, you're much weaker than I imagined. I heard that you're as tough as old shoe leather.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

You seem more like a bookworm. If I'd known earlier, I would've done this ages ago.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That's why I've always fought with bullets. But I've never been on the back foot in close combat... until now!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Well, a hermit who can't trounce death is no match for me―Not even when both of us are spirits of the dead.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

So, why today of all days? What's forcing you to forgo your usual bullets?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...

Saki (Rotten Lung)

It looks like your little companion is having a rough go of it.

Yoshika

Gr! Grah!

???

What's wrong? Is that all you've got?

Yoshika

Urgh, you're rock-hard! And don't taste like anything! You're dull and dry. Flavorless!

???

This is what you get for eating only soft meat and spirits. Had you trained your jaws, maybe you could've won...

???

But you're just a weak corpse.

Yoshika

And you're a meanie!

Youmu

I get the feeling this has turned into their own fight now... Maybe this is a good thing for us?

Okina

No, this is just as bad!

Okina

Seiga Nyan Nyan is still one of the sages of the lower world and thus absolutely necessary to our cause.

Youmu

What do you mean?

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Regardless of the reason, we have to stop those three sages all at once, correct?

Youmu

Gah, this is getting irritating! Let me assist!

Okina

No, I cannot allow that. Your and PLAYER's safety is of the utmost importance.

Youmu

Ugh...

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

The Sage of the Hidden Arrow, Menreiki, and the Sage of the Rotten Lung, Kurokoma.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I have faced them many times during festivals and thus know them well. Allow us to handle them.

Okina

Ah, I see! That certainly makes sense when you consider the affinity of skills!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I will take on the Sage of the Corpse Dog myself.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

And once we're done... It will be your turn, Miss Okina.

Okina

Understood.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Now then...

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Let's go!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I knew it. No matter how powerful your techniques are, you can't use them when I've got a hold on you.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Physical strength is what really counts. Nothing comes close.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

So you say, but you can't even summon your underlings. Go on, call them. See what it gets you.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Oh? If you're still trying to get the last word, you must have some energy left.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

But I won't fall for your tricks. You may be surprised to learn that my overall power is higher when I'm on my own.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I'll crush you to paste. That way, it'll take you longer to revive than if I didn't do the job right.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Bye bye!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

You?! You were supposed to be hiding in the mountains!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Get her! "Golden Canopy Rope"!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Urk!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

"Golden Canopy Rope"?!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

What kind of mind have you merged with?! And more importantly, why can't I move?!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

It's like I'm bound with an invisible rope... Not like it'll stop me from ripping free, though!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Resistance is futile. You'll be in pieces before you ever free yourself... if your strength even holds out that long.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Ungh! What's going on? This's just like when I fought Kicchou! Even my willpower is being drained...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Taming animals is my primary ability.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I hold the reins now. The more like an animal you behave, the stronger my ability affects you.

Yoshika

Grah! Grahah!

???

You can't eat us. It's impossible.

Yoshika

Grah! Grahah! Gruaahaaah!

???

How pitiful. Didn't I tell you it's meaningless?

Yoshika

Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah! Grah!

???

ENOUGH!

???

Keep trying to bite if that's what you want. I'll slam you against something.

???

I'll be careful not to damage your body...

???

...and only wreck you on the inside!

???

You! The puppeteer from the hill!

Alice (Flying Poison)

You're my marionette now!

???

Wh-What?!

???

Magic threads... for the manipulation of inanimate objects! How have you concealed this until now?!

Alice (Flying Poison)

Concealed? Don't be silly. You simply never let me get this close to you.

Alice (Flying Poison)

My mastery of puppet magic doesn't mean anything if I can't get within the proper range to use it.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Now, since you are an inanimate object and you have a human form, I'd say you'd fit in nicely as a doll!

Alice (Flying Poison)

Taking advantage of the chaos to reach you wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

*pant*... *huff*...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Urgh!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Both Masks and Horse are bound now. My goal is within reach!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Going somewhere, Sage of the Corpse Dog?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Stay out of my way, Sage of the Shadow Sparrow!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I don't know about any other versions of you, but the you that is here is vulnerable to physical attacks.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Thus, your defeat has been certain ever since you let me approach you.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

What a joke! I'll summon as many spirits of Preta as it takes to possess you!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

And... and I'll dissolve your body! And then... then I'll...

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Now, now. You'll do nothing of the sort.

Youmu

Y-You did it! You stopped them all! Amazing!

Okina

Seiga Nyan Nyan was after PLAYER's body, but we probably don't have to worry about that now.

Okina

Still, she might have something up her sleeve, so keep a watchful eye over PLAYER just in case, Youmu.

Okina

Sages of the lower world, hear me out!

Okina

I am certain you already know that everything in this lower world, including you, is part of an enormous system...

Okina

...in which temperaments come together only to separate again in an endless cycle.

Okina

You must have been repeating your actions for what seemed like an eternity, your thoughts unchanging.

Okina

However...

Okina

As you can sense the flow of temperament, you must have realized there has been a shift.

Okina

The immature form of the Saigyou Ayakashi will bring about either ruin or survival for this world.

Okina

We are currently trying to determine which it will be.

Okina

No... There is someone who knows how all of this will end.

Okina

A sage, just like us. A special being who has a role just for this occasion... The Lord of Sages.

Okina

She is the very reason why the majority of us have been specifically chosen as the core minds of sages.

Okina

In your minds, you can see that this world always ends when the tree blooms, then the world repeats again and again.

Okina

However, it can repeat no more. This is the moment where it will move onward to the future. Or perish forever.

Okina

The Lord of Sages knows the outcome. They know this because...

Okina

...they will use PLAYER's body to rise from the dead, and use their unique abilities to...

Miss Okina! Behind you... No! Below!

Youmu

Oh, no!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Have you forgotten? I'm not just a necromancer.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I'm the hermit who can pass through walls―Seiga Kaku!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Such an obstacle... is nothing to me!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

What?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Digging technique!

Youmu

How could she make such a huge hole in a split second?!

Wh-Where's Miss Okina?!

Youmu

Ah! Did I pass out again?!

Miyoi

Look! Miss Youmu is awake!

Marisa

Wow, that was even faster than before!

Youmu

(They don't even worry about me anymore. I'll take this as a sign that they've gotten used to me obtaining minds.)

Marisa

We were watching the Phantasmal Sight you projected, and we finally confirmed our suspicions.

Marisa

But we should put that aside for now. We need to assess the situation and sort out what we know.

We don't have much time left, right?

Marisa

Yeah. If the day when Yuyuko caused the incident is today...

Marisa

...then it's a matter of hours until we confront her. Heh, nothing like urgency to jog the memory.

Marisa

And the fact of the matter is that Seiga abducted Okina.

Youmu

(In that moment...)

Marisa

She also took Mai and Satono with her because the three of them comprise one god.

Marisa

Things are only going to get rougher without Okina by our side. To put it bluntly, we're in a pinch.

Marisa

I wanted Reimu to be the one to break this news to you, but she refused.

Marisa

She and Sakuya are off slowing down Yuyuko. First, they were keeping her busy with games of go and the like.

Marisa

But now, they're pretty much physically restraining her. She wants to get to the cherry blossom tree as soon as possible.

Marisa

But maybe Alice can explain the situation better than me...

Alice (Flying Poison)

It's not like I know everything. And while there's no denying you act like an idiot in battles of bullets.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I actually think you're rather clever in these sorts of situations. Or at least that's how my mind remembers you, Marisa.

Marisa

That's about the most polite refusal I've ever heard. Welp, guess it's up to me after all.

Marisa

Next, I'd like to go over our allies. The place is small, so please call your bunrei off.

Marisa

I'm sorry, but you too, Miyoi. Go back to Byakuren.

Miyoi

All right.

Marisa

Okay, that's that.

Marisa

I'll start. I'm Marisa Kirisame. Reimu Hakurei and Sakuya Izayoi are also with me... in the upper world.

Marisa

The three of us, and PLAYER over there, came from another world.

Hello, I'm PLAYER.

I was in the upper world, but now I'm down here.

Youmu

I came from the upper world as well. However, up there, I am a dweller of Hakugyokurou.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko Saigyouji, who's waiting in the upper world, is my mistress.

Marisa

Other than that, in the upper world we have the Sage of the Clear Spirit, Ran Yakumo, and her assistant Chen...

Marisa

...the Sage of the Secret Essence, Aya Shameimaru, and the Sage of the Brilliant Light, Nitori Kawashiro.

Marisa

Everyone I've just mentioned is a dweller of the upper world. As for visitors from other worlds, we have...

Marisa

...the Prismriver Sisters, Lunasa, Merlin, and Lyrica. They're all poltergeists.

Marisa

There's also Cirno, Daiyousei, Lily White, Sunny Milk, Luna Child, and Star Sapphire.

Marisa

The fairies are also from other worlds.

Youmu

I cut them all in order to gather vitality... And honestly, there were countless others in the past whom I cut as well.

Marisa

They've turned into those cherry crystals PLAYER's holding...

(I'm sure they haven't disappeared yet!)

Marisa

Now let me briefly explain what's going on in the upper world.

Marisa

Yuyuko always tries to revive the Saigyou Ayakashi, which will also ultimately result in her demise...

Marisa

...and unleash the Saigyou Ayakashi. We don't know what will happen after that.

Marisa

Safe to say, it won't be good. We've heard the tree is a greater youkai that not even Yukari Yakumo can handle.

Marisa

Youmu's been cutting through space-time over and over to prevent Yuyuko's demise. Call it a super technique, I guess.

Marisa

Youmu kept cutting, and as a result, temperaments were shredded to pieces and accumulated down in the lower world.

Marisa

This is all probably due to the fact that things cannot be restored to how they were by cutting them.

Marisa

It's irreversible. This concept sometimes appears in relation to magic too.

Marisa

Anyway, no matter how many times she tried, Youmu couldn't prevent Yuyuko from vanishing.

Marisa

It also turns out the cycle can only repeat so many times. Youmu realized this while observing Yuyuko.

Marisa

And to top it off, this here is the last chance apparently.

Youmu

Yes―I'm certain of that.

Marisa

Then, an odd "Yukari" appeared. She was soon joined by a blue "Reimu" too.

Marisa

Youmu decided to assist in a solution proposed to her by this Yukari.

Marisa

Namely, to grant enough vitality to the Saigyou Ayakashi before Yuyuko revives it, so it changes into something else.

Marisa

The thing is, this world lacks the energy to carry out this plan. So more must be gathered from neighboring worlds.

Marisa

Thus, Hakugyoku Arena was established as a means of collecting vitality from those who lose matches.

Marisa

All of this vital energy will be restored to normal when the Saigyou Ayakashi incident is solved.

Marisa

This plan is based on that odd Yukari's claims, though. We don't know if it's true, and she's been mysteriously absent.

Marisa

Still, we didn't have any other option that seemed more reliable.

Marisa

Our only choice was to go along with what that Yukari proposed.

Marisa

And that was a problem in itself. The gathered life energy wasn't even remotely enough.

Marisa

This could very well be a mistake by Yukari, but we can't confirm that since she's nowhere to be found.

Marisa

So, we decided to head to the place where Youmu sensed a great mass of vitality－the roots of the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Marisa

That's why Youmu and PLAYER followed Okina to the lower world.

Marisa

From there...

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

They met me first. I'm the Sage of the Drinking Thief. You can call me Kasen Ibaraki, since she's the core of my minds.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I've been living in the Village of the Drinking Thief, halfway up the Youkai Mountain, where temperament settles.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

My bunrei are kishin. We want to know the truth of whether or not we can make this world persist.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

And if we learn that we can, we'll make it so. This is why we decided to accompany Youmu and PLAYER.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Next up is me, the Sage of the Flying Poison. Likewise, you can just call me Alice Margatroid.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I've been living on the Nameless Hill with my dolls, changing temperaments into lilies and gathering rare-earth elements.

Alice (Flying Poison)

My bunrei are dolls. We want to bring back the other worlds that our minds have seen.

Alice (Flying Poison)

The festivities of the lower world are a travesty. I hope to restore some sense of true life and death.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Sage of the Shadow Sparrow, Byakuren Hijiri. I've lived here in the Shadow Sparrow Village―formerly the Human Village.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I've protected youkai spirits and also crystallized temperaments into shapes of the moon and snow.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

My bunrei are mysterious spirits. I dream of a day when we can revive the temperaments of those buried under the snow.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

We absorb the humans' information so that we can live. Is it greedy of me that I see this as miserable?

???

I'm the Sage of the Hidden Arrow. You can call me Hata no Kokoro. We desire the weak magic of humans...

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

...the magic imbued in tools. Our festivals are meant to release the temperaments in the Shadow Sparrow Village.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

My bunrei are fading souls. We survive by picking pieces of magic from the vortex of temperaments.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

We wish for the human temperaments to regain their original shapes... If such a thing is even possible.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I'm the Sage of the Rotten Lung. I'd feel at home if you called me Saki Kurokoma.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

We're beasts. We crave human flesh. So we've wanted to release the temperaments in the Shadow Sparrow Village.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

My bunrei are animal spirits. Our kind needs to eat in order to become stronger and gain in rank.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

We don't have any lofty goals. We simply don't like it when the world is like a cage.

Marisa

All right, now this all makes a whole lot more sense.

Marisa

Some of you want to protect humans, some want to revive them, and some want to eat them.

Marisa

Your goals all differ slightly, so it's only natural that you're constantly at each other's throats.

Marisa

You make temperaments disperse during festivals and then solidify them again with mundanity.

Marisa

This repetition makes the lower world go round. You are sages meant to preserve this order.

I want to know who created the sages in the first place.

Marisa

Right. To make an educated guess, we need to recall what Okina was talking about.

Marisa

I heard it only through our communication link, but I think it went something like this...

Marisa

"The Lord of Sages will return to life using PLAYER's body." It was pretty out of the blue.

Since I'm corporeal...

Return to life? That's their goal?

Marisa

I think our only option here is to ask this "Lord of Sages" directly.

Marisa

But I did figure out why the lower world is kept in a state of temperament storm, cold vortex, and magic cauldron...

Youmu

And why is that?!

Marisa

To manipulate memories by using minds.

Marisa

When the sages fight each other over and over, the temperaments―and thus the entire lower world―swirl.

Marisa

The Lord of Sages is hiding somewhere, bodiless. And they can meddle with temperaments thanks to the storm.

Marisa

I suspect they've removed any minds related to them to keep the sages playing their parts in ignorance.

Youmu

They manipulate minds to keep the sages working and keep the sages working by manipulating minds...

Youmu

But isn't that just going round and round in a circle? It seems kind of meaningless...

Marisa

Well... Yeah, you do have a point!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

What kind of ability must the Lord of Sages have to be so good at manipulating minds?

Marisa

Ugh... W-Well...

Alice (Flying Poison)

If the Lord of Sages keeps the memories about her sealed, then why did Okina start to remember some things?

Marisa

U-Ummmm!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Speaking of which, Miss Okina was taken away. So does anyone else know where we are meant to be heading?

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

I've never seen anything resembling tree roots here. Was there a place like that somewhere?

Saki (Rotten Lung)

But first off, who is this Lord of Sages?

Marisa

Wait, hold on! We've got an answer to that last question at least.

Marisa

Youmu received that mind a little while ago. Try to remember what the Phantasmal Sight revealed.

Sleeping Lord

I never suspected someone might come to see me when I'm dormant... Hmph.

Sleeping Lord

Did you trick a baku or something?

???

Please refrain from pontificating. Now, tell me, do you know...

???

...a hidden technique to reverse death and raise the deceased?

Sleeping Lord

Reverse death, you say? I suppose I can overlook this intrusion into my Spirit Mausoleum just this once.

Sleeping Lord

I can't hear your desires. Oho, could it be? Have you thrown away everything?

Sleeping Lord

You and I are complete opposites. Come, there is no need to rush. Look around you.

???

Huh?

Sleeping Lord

These two are like my own hands, my confidants. They are accompanying me in my deep sleep.

Sleeping Lord

My revered teachers. Esteemed guests from the continent. And yet, they have chosen to rest here with me.

Sleeping Lord

They are my beloved Masks and Horse―not unlike burial goods. I loved art and riches, but they are special.

Sleeping Lord

What do you think?

???

Excuse me?

Sleeping Lord

I throw nothing away. And I never give up.

Sleeping Lord

Why don't you try that too?

???

So you're already dead and are waiting for the time you can come back to life. Is that correct?

???

And I assume you know the means of doing so?

Sleeping Lord

That wasn't my point, but...

Sleeping Lord

...Yes.

???

That makes another one.

Youmu

Aha! That was the Lord of Sages!

Marisa

Or a part of the mind they possess, at least. And now it looks like we know who was deeply related to them.

Marisa

But that still doesn't tell us where we need to go...

Everything is harder without Miss Okina...

Youmu

If only Miss Seiga could just come back and hear us out... And maybe point us in the right direction!

Marisa

Haha! Wishful thinking...

Seiga

*huff* *huff*

Marisa

S-Seiga?!

Youmu

And... Miss Mai and Miss Satono?!

Seiga

C-Can you...

Seiga

...come with me?!

Wh-Where are we?

It's so sparkly here! It makes my heart dance with joy!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I can't believe the ruins of the Myouren Temple graveyard are connected to such a place!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This is one of my secondary Senkai. My main home is located somewhere else.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Almost everything here comes from the outside world. At first, collecting such things was my hobby.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But there used to be a greater youkai who had many unique items. Every single one of them was rarer than mine.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Ever since I learned that, I've kept collecting curios even though time was repeating itself.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

The hoard of that youkai was burned into my mind. I want a collection finer than that.

(That's actually kind of cute.)

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It's just a hobby. But it also paid off in a manner I did not expect.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

These "machines" from the outside world... It seems they can manipulate qi without the use of magic.

(She's probably talking about electric circuits.)

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Although it wasn't my intention, stacking them here has changed this Senkai into a "magic darkroom," so to speak.

Kasen, Alice & Byakuren

A magic darkroom?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yes, just as I said.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Here, we are separated from the storm of temperaments raging throughout the lower world.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That means nothing spoken here will reach Lady Toyosatomimi's ears.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

Are you talking about Lady Taishi? Oh, what a silly question. Of course you are.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Lady Taishi... That rings a bell. I feel a kind of fondness, but also something else!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

The minds inside you all remember Lady Toyosatomimi. However, you couldn't recall her clearly until now.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This is because she has been manipulating our minds with the storm of temperaments.

What kind of person is this Lady Toyosatomimi...?

Is she a noble?

Marisa

Right, you haven't met Toyosatomimi no Miko. She's a now forgotten, once super-famous person in the outside world.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Please introduce her properly. She's a highborn person also addressed as Prince Shoutoku and Prince Umayado.

You mean THAT Prince Shoutoku?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yes. She was called that name by future generations.

Marisa

When Toyosatomimi no Miko was resurrected in Gensokyo, people's desires appeared as countless tiny divine spirits.

Marisa

I think they wanted an audience with Miko if I remember correctly. It was super annoying.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That proves how charismatic Lady Toyosatomimi is. Spiritual beings tend to rely on her instinctively.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Desire spirits emerge from people's prayers and wishes. You could call them a medium for faith.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You could also call them small divine spirits as they are not entirely unrelated to deified ghosts.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Well, I don't know about other worlds, but divine spirits here are ghosts that have absorbed many tiny divine spirits.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Being a necromancer, Seiga knows everything about spirits of the dead. If she says so, then it must be true.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Humans, youkai, gods, and Buddhas... Only the nature of their soul differentiates them. This complies with my beliefs.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Lady Toyosatomimi can attract and listen to desire spirits. And as they're parts of souls, they also make up temperaments.

Marisa

I see.

Marisa

Considering that you revealed Toyosatomimi no Miko's existence after abducting Okina...

Marisa

...it must have something to do with the fact you came running back all banged up with Satono and Mai in tow.

Marisa

Am I right? That's why you went through the trouble of bringing us to this magic darkroom.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yes. It is all as you say.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Ensuring the churning of temperaments in the lower world never stops is my duty as the Sage of the Corpse Dog.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That is my mundanity, my everyday work.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Everything I did was to bring my mistress Lady Toyosatomimi back to life.

Youmu

(Sounds similar to Lady Yuyuko...)

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

All right, Seiga. Does this mean you're her subordinate?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Put bluntly, yes. That is what I am.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Stirring up the temperaments is my mundane work. On the other hand, my special work...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...is to find and present Lady Toyosatomimi with an appropriate body―My one-time festival that lasts an age.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

In principle, only spirits of the dead can exist here. Miss PLAYER found herself here only by chance.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Despite this, you were looking aimlessly for a body you might never find?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Seiga, until now, you've been very persistent in your attacks on my dolls.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Was that in order to conceptually repair your jiang shi's body by applying their temperament design?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Speaking of which, I don't see Yoshika, the subject of all this tender care of yours.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Also, Okina started to recall things about the Lord of Sages. Miko must've released some minds on purpose.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Does that mean...?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Lady Toyosatomimi no Miko is the Sage of the Filth Remover.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Her bunrei are divine spirits.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I don't know how it works in other worlds, but at least in this one...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Okina Matara isn't an independent sage but rather a bunrei of Lady Toyosatomimi.

Marisa

Hold on a sec! You're saying Okina isn't a sage, but more like Miko's familiar or shikigami?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Not exactly, but her position is indeed similar in a sense.

Marisa

But that doesn't match up with anything Okina was saying!

Marisa

She's on a higher footing than the tengu and kappa sages, and that alone makes her undeniably a sage...

Satono

That's because our master lacked a specific mind. She honestly believed that what she said was true.

Mai

The hole in her memory was filled with legends to fabricate and exaggerate her spiritual connections.

Satono

Our master's identity as a sage and this old charge from a vaguely-remembered master were firm truths to her...

Mai

We know this best since the three of us comprise a single divine being.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

And now Lady Toyosatomimi has started returning memories from her mind to Okina Matara.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This, along with the search for a corporeal body, is to pave the way to recovering her true power.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...At least, that is what I assume.

Marisa

Huh? Are you telling us we've come all the way here just for guesswork?

Alice (Flying Poison)

Marisa. I'm surprised you didn't figure it out as soon as you saw that the jiang shi isn't here.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Seiga failed to seize PLAYER, so there's only one other body she could offer to Miko.

Alice (Flying Poison)

She gave her Yoshika Miyako.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Actually, maybe Yoshika was taken from her. I can't imagine Seiga parting with her willingly.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Furthermore...

Alice (Flying Poison)

I don't believe Seiga would have cared for Yoshika as she did only to use her as an offering to Miko.

Alice (Flying Poison)

So, she likely didn't know that Miko would lay claim to Yoshika when they met. She found herself without a choice.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Seiga. Have you, just like Okina...

Alice (Flying Poison)

...been able to recall your connection to Miko only just recently?

Marisa

So let me get this straight...

Marisa

Seiga snatched Okina to complete Miko's soul. But to complete her body, Miko also stole Yoshika.

Marisa

Am I correct here?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Please refrain from speaking ill of Lady Toyosatomimi.

Alice (Flying Poison)

But, Seiga, what else could have...?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You're mistaken. Lady Toyosatomimi hasn't taken anything from me.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

She is not that kind of person. She would never do such a thing.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I left Yoshika of my own free will. And, addle-brained though she is, she understood what this meant.

Satono

Master stayed there willingly, too.

Mai

And then she told us to run.

Marisa

Okina did?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

No. Lady Toyosatomimi herself...

Marisa

Miko?! But why would she do that?! I simply cannot see what she's trying to achieve!

Mai

We've got no idea either. But the atmosphere was pretty scary.

Satono

Miss Seiga Nyan Nyan grabbed us and fled at full speed. She left Miss Yoshika behind just like that.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Judging by Toyosatomimi no Miko's actions, she's hiding something. We can't just let her do as she pleases.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

I've heard that Prince Shoutoku helped spread Buddha's teachings. And my mind says we have a personal connection.

Alice (Flying Poison)

There is one thing we do know for sure...

We have to rescue Miss Okina and Yoshika!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Now that that's settled, what are we waiting for?

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

Which way should we go?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Lady Toyosatomimi is in a place well-hidden by a complicated pattern of turbulent temperaments.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

The barrier has been strengthened so that once I left, I would never be able to make a return trip.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I've got one more piece of bad news too.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I called you here to the magic darkroom so that Lady Toyosatomimi can't overhear our plan.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

If she does, she will put a stop to it. What she wants is for us to get away safely.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But once we leave this magic darkroom―

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

―we won't be able to remember what we spoke of here for long.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Our memories need to stay in this Senkai since, once outside, they become minds that Lady Toyosatomimi can detect.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Nevertheless, we need to remember all the things we talked about in here.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That's why I've prepared this special artifact.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It's a high-rank hermit tool. If we use it, we'll be able to solve two problems at once.

Marisa

What are those, again? I think I saw one at Kourin's place. Or was it Muenzuka? Or maybe there was also one at my house?

Marisa

Isn't it called a "television"? Or a "monitor"? Something like that.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Yes, it is similar to such outside world devices, but this one also makes fun of that great youkai.

Marisa

What do you mean?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It allows me to do something similar to her cheats with gaps.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Miss Satono and Miss Mai share parts of a single god with Okina Matara.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I can use this to project their connection within this artifact. A path to the place Okina Matara sought will open here.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But we'll have to get there under our own power.

Marisa

A gap would seem more convenient here, I think.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Well, the fundamental principles are completely different.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This artifact temporarily removes the memory from a mind and attaches it to a different part of the spirit.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It imitates the auspicious beast hakutaku, which eats history. Beasts normally bore me, but this one is special.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I'll erase the memories regarding this Senkai, as you don't need them, and fill it with the truths revealed here.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Miss Mai and Miss Satono. Please focus on the memory of the one to whom you're connected.

Satono

Hrrrgh!

Mai

Nnngh!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Hakurei Shrine. A strategic point of the lower world―a place where someone related to Okina resides.

Marisa

That definitely seems like a place you'd keep hidden behind a barrier. But now we can travel there.

Marisa

This is just like fortune-telling with a crystal ball!

There's no one here.

Satono

No, I sense a presence nearby!

Mai

But if they're so close and we can't see them...

Youmu

Does that mean... they're a ghost?!

(We've been dealing with spirits all this time though!)

Reimu

I heard you talking about Hakurei Shrine, so I took over from Marisa.

Reimu

What the... Everything is in shambles!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I suppose that's what happens when there's no one to care for the place.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This is troubling, though.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

There's a strong barrier ahead. We'll have to meet with the person in question here in order to bypass it.

???

Sorry for keeping you in suspense!

???

I was shocked when someone just flew over my head earlier. But this time, I can fulfill my duty, correct?

???

I can guide you to the big cherry blossom tree!

Aunn

Aaaaauuuun!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Oh! One of my soldiers, back from Yomi, the world of darkness! Are you a wolf spirit? You're a wolf spirit, right?

Aunn

No, I'm not.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Aw...

Hello! You're Aunn, right?

At any rate, it's nice to meet you!

Reimu

Aunn the komainu?! Oh, right, this is Hakurei Shrine after all.

Reimu

...I see now. You're the one with a connection to Okina.

Aunn

Yes! I have this shape thanks to Lady Okina's power! She's like a midwife to me!

Aunn

The spirit inside me is a divine spirit that's spiritually connected to Lady Okina's.

Aunn

I more or less understand what's going on.

Aunn

And I'd love to guide you immediately...

Aunn

...but I think it would be better to deal with that one first.

Reimu

Huh? What are you...?

???

Welp, looks like I've been spotted!

???

I learned how to take form recently, and I was hoping to have some fun with it for a bit.

Reimu

Aren't you Eternity Larva?! Why would a butterfly fairy be here?

Eternity Larva

...

Satono

A butterfly fairy?

Mai

A fairy... Is she a fairy?

Eternity Larva

I was looking for someone to play with to celebrate the fact that I'm now able to move freely...

Eternity Larva

Oh, wait. I just remembered something.

Eternity Larva

Hata. A person of Hata.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

Um, me?

Eternity Larva

No, not you.

Eternity Larva

Uzumasa... Right, Uzumasa. Hey you two, what happened to Uzumasa?

Reimu

Uzumasa?

Satono

I think that's one of the names our master went by.

Mai

No one has used it in quite some time, though.

Eternity Larva

Hmph, how boring. Everyone here sees me as nothing but a fairy.

Eternity Larva

But, this is still my freshly-acquired body. It is not much, but I cannot have it dispersed.

(She's starting to speak differently...)

Reimu

So step aside. Having you stand in our way for no reason like this is really inconvenient.

Eternity Larva

Hahaha! This shrine maiden is so amusing. Surely you don't think to escape divine punishment through sheer audacity?

Eternity Larva

Especially those two servants over there. You two being apart from Uzumasa is a transgression.

Satono & Mai

Ulp...

Eternity Larva

How tedious. Perhaps I'll let my inexhaustible bunrei handle this.

Eternity Larva

My bunrei... are the spirits of my dead followers who were all killed by Uzumasa!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I've heard about you. You're the God of Eternal Night who Dance-Master Hata destroyed.

Eternity Larva

Regardless of what you call me, I am pleased you finally made the connection, you corpse-meddling filth.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Listen, this is a calamity of my own making. This false god is indeed related to Okina Matara.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Pursuing the connection caused this butterfly-like thing to stray this way.

Eternity Larva

Oho, listen to you. Are you certain you want to do this?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I am.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I'll destroy you in Uzumasa's stead!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You're an imperfect being that can only make bunrei. We'll see who's laughing after I squish you like the grub you are.

Satono

We'll assist you, Miss Seiga Nyan Nyan.

Mai

We are a part of the same god as our master. The God of Eternal Night can't beat us.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You two...!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Miss Wakasagihime! Miss Sekibanki! Help us out!

Sekibanki & Wakasagihime

Sure thing!

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Sic her, Miss Kagerou!

Kagerou

With pleasure!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I don't know if she really hails from the Age of the Gods, but her skills seem to confirm it!

Alice (Flying Poison)

Her magic... It's perhaps best described as enormous vitality transformed into a massive force of death.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Fairies are supposed to be like masses of life energy.

Alice (Flying Poison)

That's why what PLAYER and the rest were searching for...

Alice (Flying Poison)

...was the vitality of this fairy. But now, this isn't a fairy, but a death god of eternal night.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

If there's so much "death energy," then it's possible that there's vitality in equivalent quantity.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

This may be proof that a large vitality sleeps ahead.

Youmu

Thank you for protecting me as well!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

We now know for certain that only the minds gathering within you hold the final key.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I also have some concerns about PLAYER. I can't afford to lose you both now.

Miss Seiga...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This is all for Lady Toyosatomimi.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

This has been a hard-fought battle, but we can still win this. Let's try attacking again.

Satono

It's showtime!

Mai

We'll show you a dance you'll never forget!

Eternity Larva

Gah, enough! Stop! We're done!

Youmu

What?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Huh?!

Eternity Larva

Didn't I tell you that I only wanted to play? And now I've had my fill of fun!

(She's speaking normally again...)

Eternity Larva

I even got to see you looking all scared!

Eternity Larva

Now, aren't you in a hurry? Why stick around here? Or wait, maybe you didn't say that...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

We didn't... But you're right. If we can, we'd like to avoid any more fighting!

Eternity Larva

Then, off you go. And that wasn't even a fight, just some goofing around.

Eternity Larva

Just a prank.

Let's go, everyone!

Eternity Larva. Let's play some other time!

Eternity Larva

Sure, maybe when things are more normal.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Let's hurry! Komainu, lead the way.

Aunn

Follow me!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Miss PLAYER, come here. I'll carry you.

Th-Thank you!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I'm going to make a few leaps. Clench your teeth, so you don't bite your tongue.

O-OK!

(She smells nice...)

Eternity Larva

Oh, right!

Eternity Larva

I was wondering why I had so much power...

Eternity Larva

...but I guess it must be because "they" came down and caused it to overflow!

Reimu

Why is the immature form of the Saigyou Ayakashi behind my shrine?!

Reimu

...Oh, I guess this is directly below its counterpart in the upper world!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

The terrain is formed by temperaments. The tree shifted here because the shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms.

Reimu

I'll believe anything at this point...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

In the lower world, anything's possible as long as you can control the right temperaments.

What about Miss Okina, Yoshika, and Miss Miko?

???

I am here.

???

Seiga Nyan Nyan. I see you have returned despite making a successful escape.

???

And here I thought you understood.

???

I see you have brought many other guests as well.

???

The ceremony that is to be held here isn't meant for the eyes of the public.

???

Thus, I find myself in a quandary...

What's going to happen?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Miss PLAYER, don't speak to Lady Toyosatomimi unless she asks you to.

???

Oh, it's quite all right, isn't it? I have such a memory in one of the minds inside me.

???

But all of that means nothing right now.

???

Little girl, I am Toyosatomimi no Miko.

Miko (Filth Remover)

You may also call me Prince Shoutoku, Prince Umayado, Sage of the Filth Remover, or the Lord of Sages.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Now, you two introduce yourselves as well.

???

My name is Mononobe no Futo.

Futo

I follow Lady Taishi's will in everything I do.

???

I'm Soga no Tojiko.

Tojiko

My fate is that of Lady Taishi, be it life or death.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Now then.

Miko (Filth Remover)

I'm here now as a divine spirit. I've been asleep for quite some time.

Miko (Filth Remover)

But thanks to that, we have a better chance of preventing the catastrophe.

Youmu

Could it be? You mean to stop the Saigyou Ayakashi?!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Yes, that's right.

Miko (Filth Remover)

You may all put yourselves at ease now.

Miko (Filth Remover)

I will stop the Saigyou Ayakashi from returning to life. This is why I've woken from my long slumber.

Miko (Filth Remover)

I will tell you the truth. I've learned it by listening to the voices of spirits as I slept all these years.

Miko (Filth Remover)

This youkai tree is the Saigyou Ayakashi in its immature form. What it will grow into remains to be seen...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...for it depends on whether the tree absorbs the majority of its nourishment through its leaves or its roots.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Through the leaves, it takes in the vital force of spirits from the upper world...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...while through the roots, it feeds upon the energy of the dead spirits of the lower world.

Youmu

Th-Then, what I was doing until now...

Miko (Filth Remover)

It's all right. Don't worry.

Miko (Filth Remover)

While you've been feeding it through its leaves... well, mostly flowers now, in the upper world...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...you were at the same time also sending the remaining parts of spirits to the lower world.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The sages of the upper world were working to reinforce this. Hence, they operated the Arena.

Miko (Filth Remover)

On the other hand, the sages of the lower world were sending the spiritual energy of the dead to its roots.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The vortex is a system meant to filter temperaments and allow pure death to be extracted.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The sages of the lower world, including myself, are a system meant to supply energy to the roots.

Miko (Filth Remover)

However, the tree couldn't absorb the dead spiritual energy no matter what we did. You know why, right?

Youmu

Because of the body buried there!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Correct. The body possesses a great amount of sealing energy that completely blocks the roots.

Youmu

Then... there's no risk that the tree will turn into the Saigyou Ayakashi?

Miko (Filth Remover)

No, not quite.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The leaves may want to become something else, but the roots still long to be the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Miko (Filth Remover)

However, what the leaves want to become... is something I cannot hear from the spirits as I am now.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The clamoring of the roots to become the Saigyou Ayakashi is painfully audible to me, however.

Miko (Filth Remover)

And the seal can be easily broken―simply removing the body would do it.

Miko (Filth Remover)

That is, to summon Yuyuko Saigyouji here from the upper world and force her to face the body.

Miko (Filth Remover)

When she does, she and it will be no more, whereas the roots will instantly absorb the energy once the seal is gone.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The tree will manifest as the ultimate youkai―the Saigyou Ayakashi―and, without anything to restrain it...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...begin consuming everything until all life and death vanish from the world.

Miko (Filth Remover)

That is how things will fall into place.

Youmu

Reimu! What's Lady Yuyuko doing right now?!

Reimu

Marisa and Sakuya have been restraining her until now. But she's suddenly gotten as strong as an oni!

Reimu

She's heading for the cave, dragging along everyone trying to stop her!

Reimu

How can she pack so much power into that tiny frame?!

This is bad...

Lady Taishi, do you know how to prevent this?

Miko (Filth Remover)

I do. This is where Dance-Master Hata and Seiga Nyan Nyan's jiang shi girl come in.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Futo. Tojiko. Bring them here.

Futo & Tojiko

Yes, ma'am!

Futo & Tojiko

Here they are.

Okina

...

Yoshika

...

Miko (Filth Remover)

First, I'll attain the highest rank of divine spirit by absorbing Dance-Master Hata, Futo, and Tojiko.

Miko (Filth Remover)

When I do, I will then receive the body of the jiang shi. Once I do so, I won't be a divine spirit anymore...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...but rather revived as the living god, Prince Shoutoku.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

You will be restored to life?!

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

Unbelievable!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...

Miko (Filth Remover)

I will take the body's place buried under the tree. There I will listen to the roots, keeping them asleep for all time.

Miko (Filth Remover)

This is the only plan I could think of. All parties in question have agreed to it.

Okina

It is best to keep our sacrifices to a minimum. I'm sad to say that I cannot think of anything better.

Okina

Seiga Nyan Nyan, please understand. Had I learned all of this earlier, I would have come here on my own.

Yoshika

I don't get any of that difficult stuff, but there's something only I can do, right?

Yoshika

If it's for Seiga, I'm not scared of anything! Sooo, it's like following your orders!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

What are you talking about...?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

What are you...?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...

Miko (Filth Remover)

There's no time. We have to replace the body before Yuyuko Saigyouji makes her descent.

Miko (Filth Remover)

It's highly possible that the roots will resist violently. It's too dangerous, so I need you all to leave. Now.

???

That won't do at all.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

There may be another way. You mustn't be hasty...

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Toyosatomimi no Miko!

Miko (Filth Remover)

It took me an eternity to come up with this plan. This is the only way. Do you suggest you could do better?

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Release the minds inside of you. If they disperse and the memories return to their owner...

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

...your own ability may open a path to survival!

Miko (Filth Remover)

My own ability? Oho...

Miko (Filth Remover)

Perhaps I've been alone for too long. For all my listening, it's been a long time since I've actually heard another opinion.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Regardless, none of you seem likely to leave even if I tell you to.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Releasing the minds will require a battle of bullets. I see it now. This, too, is a kind of alignment of interests.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Indeed it is. Exchanging bullets is our only option.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Come at me then. But remember...

Miko (Filth Remover)

..attack with such force that not a single mind will remain!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Now, consider me a sorcerer who impedes Prince Shoutoku's path of conquest!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

After all, it is my duty to prevent you from coming back to life!

Youmu

No!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Miss Youmu, please restrain yourself.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

If all is as the head priest says, the last minds will be released here.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Mononobe no Futo, Soga no Tojiko, and Lady Toyosatomimi no Miko... They have the missing link memories within them.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

They have minds that even Lady Toyosatomimi herself couldn't read.

Youmu

She couldn't?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

No. Her skill to read the past and future is more precise the greater the ten desires thrive in her target.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

With the last of the minds, you will regain all your ten desires, and your past and future will become clear.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

This is why the head priest started her battle with Lady Toyosatomimi.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

If their temperaments continue to disperse...

Youmu

B-But are there really ten desires in me?!

Youmu

I don't feel all that greedy...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Your understanding of desires doesn't cover all there is to them. But putting that aside...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

The you whom my mind remembers harbored eight desires at best.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That one lacked the desire to live and die. Or at least that is how I perceived it.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But I get the sense that you have these missing desires now.

Youmu

D-Do I?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You follow the way of the sword. There is a philosophy about being prepared to die and bearing the shame of surviving.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Choosing to live is an easy thing. But if you choose to die quickly, then you're just insane.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

That boundary between life and death is key. And I daresay I have some familiarity with such teachings.

Hagakure!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Being merely an imperial household teacher, I don't know if it's for good or bad...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...but at the moment, you possess a more than sufficient "desire to live" and "desire to die."

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

All because of your devotion to your mistress.

Youmu

Oh...

Minamitsu

Miss Tojiko! I know this is a request from Miss Miko, but this isn't like you!

Tojiko

Not like me? Don't be ridiculous. I'm acting as I always do!

Minamitsu

That's exactly what I'm talking about!

Tojiko

Huh? Lady Taishi's will is noble and absolute. There is absolutely no reason why I should doubt her!

Minamitsu

Yes, that is true. She is the legendary Prince Shoutoku, after all.

Minamitsu

But aren't you family? This is no way to interact with your loved ones!

Tojiko

What?! How dare you! I'm a retainer who swore an oath of allegiance to her liege!

Tojiko

That's the reason why I hibernated alongside her! It would be a huge dishonor to say this was due to being "family"!

Minamitsu

Well, I don't think of Hijiri that way!

Minamitsu

And I'm sure you don't think of Miss Miko that way, either!

Tojiko

You're spouting nonsense!

Minamitsu

Spit it out, Tojiko! Let your mind―your memories―out!

Youmu

Ah!

Yuyuko

We gathered spring much earlier than I thought. I was right to ask for your help.

Yuyuko

You're such a good child, Youmu.

Youmu

Hehehe!

Youmu

So where's this daughter of Fujimi, Lady Yuyuko?

Yuyuko

I think she'll come back to life very soon. We just have to wait. I'm certain.

Yuyuko

All I could do was entice death before, but now I can finally help someone live.

Yuyuko

And that's not all...

Yuyuko

The daughter of Fujimi will become one of us since she won't have any relatives to greet her when she's revived.

Yuyuko

So we'll be her new family. We'll drink tea and view cherry blossoms every day.

Yuyuko

And we'll talk as much as we want to―Right here in Hakugyokurou.

Youmu

A family? That sounds wonderful...

Yuyuko

Youki was a bit too strict and hard to handle, but I did miss him once he left.

Yuyuko

I now realize he was part of our family here.

Yuyuko

But now is the time to celebrate the arrival of our newest member. Maybe she'll be even smaller than you, Youmu.

Youmu

D-Do you mean that I'll be her older sister?!

Yuyuko

Yes, you very well might be. I can't wait to find out.

Yuyuko

A new family member...

Youmu

...?

Youmu

What...?

Youmu

Lady... Yuyuko?

Yukari

No! Did I not make it in time?! Where's Yuyuko?

Yukari

Was there an error in my calculations? No, that's impossible. Someone must have interfered...

Yukari

Ran! Chen!

Ran & Chen

Right here!

Yukari

I'm going to shape boundaries with the maximum possible output. Our target is the revived Saigyou Ayakashi.

Yukari

My magical preparations are dubious at best... but I'll find a way to wing it somehow.

Yukari

Help me with the calculations. Maximum output won't be enough, so break the limit.

Yukari

Don't stop even if your shiki is going to burn off. That can be fixed. Just be ready for it.

Ran & Chen

Understood!

Yukari

Youmu. Run as far away from here as you can.

Yukari

I won't be able...

Yukari

...to look Yuyuko in the eye if I lose you too.

Youmu

A-All right! Wait... "Lose"?

Yukari

If you see Reimu on the way, tell her...

Yukari

...that I'm sorry.

Yukari

Now let's go. Ran, Chen.

Ran & Chen

Yes, ma'am!

Youmu

...Lady Yuyuko?

Youmu

The Saigyou Ayakashi?

Youmu

Urgh...

Youmu

UghhhaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAA!

Youmu

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaAA!

Youmu

AAAAAAH!

Youmu! Are you OK?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

I've got you. Relax.

Youmu

*huff* *huff*

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But unfortunately carrying both her and PLAYER is a bit much. Miss Ibarakasen, can you lend me a hand?

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Of course.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Come here, PLAYER.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

Take care not to let go. We're pretty high up.

I-I'll hold on tight!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Please hang in there, Miss Youmu. A few more minds are going to come back to you.

Youmu

It's all right... I can take it!

Ichirin

Futo! You must understand by now!

Futo

Understand what? I haven't a clue what thou art talking about.

Ichirin

Well, you certainly seem like you understand. You're normally much more clueless!

Futo

Art thou trying to ridicule me?

Futo

Mocking my person is the same as mocking Lady Taishi! Thou shalt regret this!

Ichirin

Hm? I think you have that backward. You said what the master should say when their retainers are insulted.

Futo

Perhaps so! But I care not!

Ichirin

Oh, there's the unstudied nature I know! You were just hiding your true colors.

Futo

Hast thou said what thou wanted to say already?

Ichirin

Ooouch! Calm down, Futo! We used to be friends!

Ichirin

In another history and another world, but still!

Futo

Friends? With thee?

Futo

If that's true...

Futo

...thou must've been one of those "friends" across the battlefield!

Ichirin

Precisely, Futo.

Futo

What?!

Ichirin

Sometimes we are at each other's throats, and sometimes we help each other. That's our peculiar friendship.

Ichirin

What I mean to say is, don't go shying away now.

Ichirin

There's no reason to.

Ichirin

No reason at all!

Youmu

Here comes another one!

Youmu

*sob* *sniff*

Mysterious Voice

"What's the matter? Why are you crying?"

Youmu

Huh?

Youmu

Where did that voice come from?

Mysterious Voice

"I don't have a form, not one I can bring over to this world. Thus I can only relay my words."

Youmu

What?

Mysterious Voice

"Hmmm... I think I know what happened. There's much more spring in this world than in others."

Mysterious Voice

"Youmu Konpaku. You lost your mistress, and now you're trying to lose everything else, is that it?"

Youmu

*sniff* But Lady Yukari... Lady Yukari Yakumo will surely...

Mysterious Voice

"You don't even believe your own words. It's impossible. This is much too fast, and she lacks the magic power to boot."

Mysterious Voice

"On the other hand, the Saigyou Ayakashi... is now more splendid than it was in its prime. You have fed it well."

Youmu

S-So this was all my fault?

Mysterious Voice

"No. There's no need for remorse. The tree is becoming a transcendental youkai as has never been seen before."

Mysterious Voice

"This world, and all within it, will soon end. The same applies to this world's 'neighbors.'"

Mysterious Voice

"It's like a fire that spreads from your home to everything in the city, reducing all to ash."

Youmu

Is that true?! Why should I believe you? I don't even know you?!

Mysterious Voice

"Of course. I'm not suggesting that in the slightest."

Mysterious Voice

"I'm but a wanderer between worlds, and I wouldn't usually have anything to do with a world such as this one."

Mysterious Voice

"Nonetheless, I've come here for a reason―I'm looking for materials."

Youmu

M-Materials?

Mysterious Voice

"Let me ask you one thing."

Mysterious Voice

"Are you OK with this situation?"

Mysterious Voice

"Your mistress has already vanished."

Youmu

...!

Mysterious Voice

"I don't think I need to spell the rest out for you."

Youmu

Ohh... But...

Youmu

I can't do anything!

Mysterious Voice

"How about you cut a way out?"

Youmu

Huh?

Youmu

What do you mean?

Mysterious Voice

"I'm telling you to start cutting. Whenever a situation isn't going your way, cut it with your swords."

Youmu

But it's not... Wait, even if it WAS possible...

Youmu

...I'm still in training. I don't have such skills.

Youmu

I would never make it in time.

Mysterious Voice

"Then, I'll provide you with a missing word. In return, I'll take the materials I want from this world."

Mysterious Voice

"That makes it worth my while too. If you agree, then why not make a deal?"

Youmu

What do you mean by a "missing word"? And what does it have to do with my sword skills?

Mysterious Voice

"You can start everything anew by cutting through time. You could save Yuyuko."

Mysterious Voice

"I'll provide you with the missing word that will grant you the new strength to do so."

Youmu

Stop being so cryptic! You want me to stray from the path of the sword?! I can do nothing! I have no time!

Mysterious Voice

"You misunderstand. This will not change your ability, nor ask that you rely on anything other than your swords."

Mysterious Voice

"It is merely a means of enabling you to face this situation with the sword skills that most definitely belong to you."

Mysterious Voice

"The missing word will grant you the power to do this."

Youmu

This all sounds ridiculous... But I don't have much of a choice either.

Youmu

I... will put my faith in this "missing word."

Mysterious Voice

"Well said. I approve of your decision."

Mysterious Voice

"My conditions are twofold. I'll provide you with two missing words, one for each of those."

Mysterious Voice

"There are also two things that mean much to you: Yuyuko Saigyouji and this place, Hakugyokurou."

Mysterious Voice

"...As my price, I shall pick two things as materials from those you value, excluding the four I just mentioned."

Youmu

Two? Two of the things I value...

Mysterious Voice

"Oh, are you getting cold feet? There's no time. You have to decide now."

Youmu

Right now... Fine. Have it your way.

Youmu

Give me two missing words! And take two important things from me in return!

Youmu

...

Youmu

Are you there?

Youmu

...No response.

Youmu

Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me.

Mysterious Voice

"Very well."

Mysterious Voice

"Then I'll take the liberty to choose my materials, two things you hold dear."

Mysterious Voice

"First, a close friend of Yuyuko Saigyouji who knew her in life―the greater youkai, Yukari Yakumo."

Mysterious Voice

"Second, the roots binding Yuyuko Saigyouji to this world as a ghost―the Saigyou Ayakashi."

Mysterious Voice

"And with that... they are now mine."

Youmu

Ah...

Youmu

Was that my memory?

Youmu

Not only Lady Yukari, but the Saigyou Ayakashi too? Then what is that ancient cherry blossom tree then?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Let's think about that later. Right now, we have to lay bare all of the minds!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Miss Youmu, please, just hold out a little bit longer!

Youmu!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It'll be your turn soon, Miss PLAYER. We're about to start shooting bullets at each other again.

All of us?! Wh-Why?!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Because the tide of battle is turning. Look.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

O-Okina! Yoshika!

Okina

So Youmu's ten desires and Toyosatomimi no Miko's ability will unveil all the untold truths, eh?

Okina

I am truly surprised. You completely outwitted me, Seiga Nyan Nyan.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Well, to put it precisely, it was thanks to the head priest.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

But the credit for gathering all of us here goes to you.

Okina

Yes... I suppose you are right.

Okina

If Youmu keeps regaining minds at this rate, we should learn the much-needed truth.

Yoshika

But aren't we running out of time?

Okina

Indeed we are. We must clash the minds together more violently.

Okina

I'll join the battle against Toyosatomimi no Miko!

???

Yay! Master has returned!

???

We've been waiting for you! We knew you'd be back!

Satono & Mai

Master! Maaaster!

Okina

Now, now. Stop clinging onto me.

Okina

But I do apologize for the delay.

Satono & Mai

Waaah!

Yoshika

Can I hug Seiga too?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Of course you can.

Yoshika

Yay!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

It looks like things are reaching their end. How do you feel about this, Miss Miko?

Miko (Filth Remover)

What else can I say? Splendid. As you said, everything, even I, is becoming one.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Perhaps this, too, is another form of peace.

Miko (Filth Remover)

It's an awfully free form of peace...

Miko (Filth Remover)

But nothing is set in stone. Nor will it be until we reach a breakthrough―Whether it's the truth or otherwise.

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Yes, our time is limited. Someone more competent than I needs to take the reins now.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Saki. And you too, Kokoro.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

Out of all the many horses, you chose me. I'll always be thankful for that.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

I haven't forgotten the path I walked with you on my back.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

But... in the end, I'm just a horse. I dunno anything about manners or the like.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

...I just consider you my best friend.

Saki (Rotten Lung)

That's why...

Saki (Rotten Lung)

...I'm gonna hit you with everything I've got, you wimpy little prince who's afraid to croak!

Miko (Filth Remover)

I don't have to hold back with you either. Prepare yourself!

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

Mother.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

You're my mother.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

Thank you for making me. And I also consider Miss Okina a sort of father.

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

When everything's over, I want us all to live together. But first...

Kokoro (Hidden Arrow)

...I want you to watch my Noh of Darkness, now that I'm all grown up! It's your duty as a parent!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Of course. I can't wait to see it!

Tojiko

It feels like it's been so long... so long since we could fly free in a battle of bullets...

Futo

Of course it does. We only just returned to life, after all. But enough of that...

Futo & Tojiko

Let us dispense with such thoughts and let the bullets fly!

Yuyuko

Say, Youmu.

Youmu

Yes, Lady Yuyuko?

Yuyuko

With Father away, I thought we might speak freely. Do you know that large, empty space on the grounds of the estate?

Yuyuko

The unnaturally wide patch left barren as if all the surrounding cherry blossom trees had distanced themselves from it.

Youmu

Well, yes... There certainly is a place like that.

Yuyuko

Isn't it strange that it's the only spot where cherry blossom trees don't grow?

Youmu

Perhaps the soil is bad there, or something else that makes it unsuitable?

Yuyuko

Don't play coy with me. You're a gardener, so I'm sure you know something about this.

Yuyuko

I bet that open space...

Yuyuko

...has the most suitable soil for a cherry blossom tree in the whole estate.

Yuyuko

Look, Youmu.

Yuyuko

It did exist.

Yuyuko

This tree is so beautiful―it's almost otherworldly.

Yuyuko

All this time, it felt like...

Yuyuko

The ground, the sky, the surrounding trees... and I, myself...

Yuyuko

...knew about this cherry blossom tree that, for some reason, wasn't there...

Yuyuko

...while everything else was.

Yuyuko

Like a lost lover, that tree was always in my heart.

Yuyuko

That's why I never ceased to believe...

Yuyuko

...that it could be resurrected, like someone who's gone.

Yuyuko

So I tried calling the tree back from inside of my heart, just like summoning a person's soul.

Yuyuko

I never would've imagined it would work so well.

Yuyuko

This must be...

Yuyuko

...because I used the technique for reviving the dead I found in Father's book.

Yuyuko

Probably.

Youmu

(No, Lady Yuyuko.)

Youmu

(That's not true.)

Youmu

(If you really believe that...)

Youmu

(...then you should be able to bring Lady Yukari back to life.)

Yuyuko

Say, Youmu.

Yuyuko

Why does everyone die?

Yuyuko

Father... Everyone... They all seek to breathe their last under that cherry blossom tree...

Yuyuko

...and then that's what happens.

Yuyuko

...

Yuyuko

Is this because I brought that cherry blossom tree back to this world?

Yuyuko

This needs to stop. I have to seal the tree...

Youmu

(No, Lady Yuyuko.)

Youmu

(That's not true.)

Youmu

(That tree...)

Youmu

(It isn't the one called the Saigyou Ayakashi in another history, nor is it the one you resurrected.)

Youmu

(That tree...)

Youmu

(...is a part of you.)

Youmu

(That's why it's beautiful, just like you. And also...)

Youmu

(...why it invites death, just as you do.)

Youmu

...

Youmu

I don't know if this will ever reach anyone...

Youmu

...but I'm recording everything here. I have to believe that someone, somewhere, will find it.

Youmu

Ever since I received those missing words, I've been cutting... Cutting through time, history, and eras.

Youmu

I used to believe that I would find an outcome in which Lady Yuyuko does not perish.

Youmu

Perhaps since I'm the only constant here, no one else from the Konpaku clan remains in this world.

Youmu

It may be that this will always be the case as long as I keep cutting everything but myself.

Youmu

Naturally, I can't look to Grandfather for help.

Youmu

The Saigyou Ayakashi has been taken from this world, so Lady Yuyuko should have no reason to gather spring.

Youmu

But it turns out that she uses her own mind as a core to revive a stand-in Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

This keeps happening no matter how many times I reset things. Her mind must be too strong...

Youmu

Although there's no Saigyou Ayakashi, Lady Yuyuko's love for flowers, that borders on madness, remains.

Youmu

This is her mind, and it's difficult to change. The stand-in Saigyou Ayakashi that uses it as its core may as well be real.

Youmu

Thus, Lady Yuyuko seals it with her own remains, becomes a ghost, gathers spring... then ceases to exist.

Youmu

Fool that I am...

Youmu

...it took me forty-nine cycles to realize this.

Youmu

So I decided to prevent the restoration of the stand-in Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

Thus, I sealed every method of restoring souls to corpses or bringing the dead back to life that I could find...

Youmu

...by any means, fair or foul.

Youmu

The results weren't as I had hoped.

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko's unbridled passion for flowers remained.

Youmu

Tormented with regret, she decided to end her life.

Youmu

As a normal human, however.

Youmu

When she dies as such, she doesn't become a ghost but a regular phantom that joins the normal cycle of reincarnation.

Youmu

Hehe. It is somewhat ironic that Lady Yuyuko―so obsessed with flowers when she was alive...

Youmu

...doesn't become a ghost unless she seals the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

Forty-nine more cycles passed until I finally realized this. It took that long for it to sink into my thick head.

Youmu

I still remember the voice I heard then.

Youmu

The one who gave me the missing words.

Youmu

"The roots binding Yuyuko Saigyouji to this world as a ghost―the Saigyou Ayakashi."

Youmu

The voice claimed it was something I held dear.

Youmu

When it exists, Lady Yuyuko gathers spring then disappears. When it doesn't, she leaves me when she dies as a human.

Youmu

All I wished for was our daily life to continue.

Youmu

Nothing more.

Youmu

...

Youmu

Now...

Youmu

...I'm going to cut myself.

Youmu

I'll slice right through my entire being―

Youmu

―and recreate myself.

Youmu

I will become the stand-in Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

By doing so, I can remain in that fated place.

Youmu

And when Lady Yuyuko becomes a ghost...

Youmu

...I'll wake up.

Youmu

I'm doing this in order to regain my body after becoming the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

So I will be able to live alongside Lady Yuyuko again.

Youmu

...

Youmu

...Haha.

Youmu

I have so many doubts, it's pathetic.

Youmu

I completely lack the spiritual energy needed to resist the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Youmu

But I have no choice.

Youmu

If only there were another me to help, hahaha.

Youmu

Well then...

Youmu

It's time!

Miko (Filth Remover)

*huff* *huff*

Miko (Filth Remover)

Ugh!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Now... it's all clear.

Miko (Filth Remover)

This old cherry blossom tree is Youmu Konpaku herself―

Miko (Filth Remover)

―The original Youmu, so to speak. The one native to this world.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Set on taking her own life... no, on recreating herself, she went back to the Age of the Gods to carry out her plan.

Miko (Filth Remover)

But I don't think she meant to go back so far. I surmise that the span grew longer with each cut she made through time.

Miko (Filth Remover)

And I'm sure her ability to be capable of going back in time by cutting is not something that can be precisely controlled.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The reason for this is beyond me, however.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Anyway, what the "original" Youmu's wish brought to this world―

Youmu

―was me.

Youmu

And the me from this world was speaking to me through minds...

Youmu

...she told me how to cut through time... And about her obsession with saving Lady Yuyuko from disappearing.

Youmu

But... all of this just seems too...

Miko (Filth Remover)

Too selfish? Is that what you want to say?

Miko (Filth Remover)

It does seem so when you think about the big picture. She cut away all the possibilities of the Saigyou Ayakashi existing...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...so she could have left Yuyuko, who was tormented with regret, to pass away as a human and not return as a ghost.

Miko (Filth Remover)

This was a certain and effective way to keep this world going round. However...

That isn't true. It wasn't like that at all!

Youmu

Wasn't like that at all? You can't be serious!

Youmu

When I think now about how persistent the me of this world was in trying to save Lady Yuyuko...

Youmu

I sympathized with that, which is why I accepted the minds―why I arrived here through trial and error.

Youmu

But... it's not right to weigh your own desires against all who dwell in this world!

Youmu

*sniff* And yet, I can't change what I feel in my heart.

Youmu

If I can't live together with Lady Yuyuko...

Youmu

Then I... I...

Miko (Filth Remover)

Normally I would reproach you for not being able to suppress your emotions, but this isn't the time.

Miko (Filth Remover)

You can't change what you feel. Just don't lose your composure―Stand firm.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Without the presence of the ghost Yuyuko Saigyouji, Gensokyo would've grown distorted.

Miko (Filth Remover)

I'm sure Yukari Yakumo would've done the same as you if she were here.

Miko (Filth Remover)

It is your attachment to Yuyuko that has kept this world hanging on by a thread.

Miko (Filth Remover)

You should be proud of your devotion.

Youmu

Thank you. And you're right. This is no time for crying.

Miko (Filth Remover)

No, it isn't. Our situation has grown very... dire.

Miko (Filth Remover)

If that ancient cherry blossom tree was born from the conflict of wills between Youmu Konpaku and Yuyuko Saigyouji...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...then there is no way I could be a suitable replacement for the body beneath its roots.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Also, though we needed to play our parts to reveal the truth hidden within the minds...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...the fact of the matter is that we have almost no spirit power left.

Miko (Filth Remover)

In this way, I too...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...overextended myself quite some time ago.

Miko (Filth Remover)

If only I'd foreseen this outcome... No, there's no use crying over spilled milk.

Miko (Filth Remover)

If I'd used the shikaisen technique Seiga Nyan Nyan espoused, I may have been able to revive as a living god.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Then I would've at least had physical strength left once my spiritual power was exhausted...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...But no. I suppose it was never going to be that easy.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The shikaisen technique needs a sturdier tool than the human body to act as a vessel...

Miko (Filth Remover)

Amidst these raging temperaments, we may have ended up turning into tsukumogami.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Our only recourse was to directly turn ourselves into spirits with Dance-Master Hata's plan, the sokushinbutsu technique.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Nothing else would have worked in this world.

Miko (Filth Remover)

All that's left to us is... Youmu, your...

Youmu

Huh?

Miko (Filth Remover)

However, the situation doesn't seem willing to wait for us.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Let's proceed to the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Miko (Filth Remover)

There's no escape for us anyway.

Kasen

PLAYER. Keep to the back, OK?

Thank you, Miss Kasen.

I wonder what will happen now...

Okina

Yuyuko is on her way from the upper world. I can sense the tengu and kappa keeping a close eye on her.

Okina

Yuyuko's love for flowers contained within the stand-in Saigyou Ayakashi should react to the arrival of her ghost.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Can you see any signs of this?

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Like, the shape or color of the tree changing...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

One can only hope it's something that simple.

Miko (Filth Remover)

The wind! The flow of temperaments has stopped!

Miko (Filth Remover)

What a strange sensation. This does not bode well...

I see someone!

Is that Miss Yuyuko?!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Yuyuko's will dwelling in the stand-in Saigyou Ayakashi is exposing her body to welcome her ghost!

Miko (Filth Remover)

At this rate, Yuyuko will vanish as soon as she touches the body! Then, the roots will be released...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...and the Saigyou Ayakashi will instantly return to life!

Okina

And that would spell our end... No, the end of everything!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

How should I put it? I know the situation is dire... but I can't help thinking that this body...

She's so beautiful!

???

Lady Yuyuko!

Youmu

Lady Yuyuko! Lady Yuyuko, Lady Yuyuko!

Youmu

*sob* Wah! Waaah!

(Oh no... For Youmu, this is...)

(...the form of Miss Yuyuko she lost via her own doing.)

Youmu

*sob* *sniffle*

???

Don't touch it.

???

The remains of Fujiimi are the boundary between life and death that seals the roots.

???

Well, go ahead and touch it if you have a death wish...

???

...I don't mind helping you join the procession of souls being absorbed from its roots.

Okina

Yuuka Kazami?!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

It certainly looks like her. No, perhaps looks aren't the only similarity...

???

I am indeed Yuuka Kazami.

Yuuka

I am a youkai who loves flowers, grows flowers, and lives among them. That's the extent of my existence.

Yuuka

And for that reason alone...

Yuuka

...I've chosen to be the Saigyou Ayakashi's hua po in this world.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It's hua po?! Are you saying that you're the Saigyou Ayakashi's interface?!

Miko (Filth Remover)

So you're supporting the Saigyou Ayakashi on a whim? Not for any real reason, but just because you feel like it?

Yuuka

Yes. That was all my nature required when I "was" a youkai.

Yuuka

While you spent thousands of years over and over again racking your spirit brains for a solution...

Yuuka

...I was here beside you, simply loving flowers with every ounce of my being.

Yuuka

Nothing more, nothing less.

Yuuka

The flow of temperaments has stopped. It means there's enough, and the flow is no longer needed.

Yuuka

I'll randomly choose divine spirits from those drifting about. Such as you, right there.

Yuuka

Oh my.

Yuuka

Could this mean I share a deep connection with these most-disastrous sisters?

Yuuka

No. Are they the sister goddesses, Kokuanten and Kisshouten?

Yuuka

Or maybe they are flower spirits of the common fleabane and daisy fleabane. Yes, that would make them perfect for me.

???

You can think of me as a god or a flower. I don't care. It hardly matters when I'm practically working as a mercenary.

???

But call me Joon Yorigami.

Joon

That's my core mind, you see.

???

I don't care about any of this. I just want to wrap this up fast so we can go home!

???

Anyone who gets in the way of me, Shion Yorigami, will be treated as an obstacle.

Shion

Just being awake makes me hungry. I can't bear such misery!

Yuuka

Flowers are the fervent fantasies of plants.

Yuuka

Roots gather earth temperaments, which determine the color of their blossoms. This is their fleeting festival.

Yuuka

Now, I do believe it is time we fight.

Youmu

...

Youmu

Miss Okina, Miss Miko...

Youmu

I'll take care of this!

Okina

No! You can't!

Youmu

Why not?! None of you have any spirit power left to fight!

Youmu

It's my turn now! My turn to fight for those who protected me!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Don't be so hasty, especially when you're aware that you've been kept safe all this time.

Miko (Filth Remover)

You'll understand soon enough. I know you will. My ears can hear more than the past.

Youmu

What do you mean?

Miko (Filth Remover)

You just have to wait for the right moment. And to buy you enough time...

Miko (Filth Remover)

PLAYER. Can I rely on you?

Yes, of course.

(I'm not so sure I can do it, though!)

Miko (Filth Remover)

Hehe, I know you're doubting yourself right now. I'm much the same.

Miko (Filth Remover)

...But we won't let you throw away your life.

Miko (Filth Remover)

Am I right, everyone?

Okina

Of course. I'll find a solution in spite of the odds.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

It shames me that I have to rely on the Dance-Master here, but if this is Lady Toyosatomimi's wish, I'll comply.

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

I'll muster my remaining power and go assess the surroundings. Maybe I'll come across something we can use.

Miko (Filth Remover)

That's how it is, Youmu, PLAYER.

Youmu, leave it to me this time.

I'm sure your turn will come soon.

Youmu

...

Youmu

All right.

Youmu

Miss PLAYER, I'll leave this to you!

You can count on me!

Miko (Filth Remover)

Good. Now then, PLAYER. All you need to do is...

Miko (Filth Remover)

...buy some time no matter what!

Yuuka

This is nothing more than a contest of strength.

Yuuka

In terms of a ritual, I would compare it to sumo wrestling.

Yuuka

But it won't end even if you defeat us. Maybe I'll just call upon a divine spirit related to sumo for the next battle.

Yuuka

Is that all you've got? How disappointing...

Joon

Well, what did you expect? Our supply of spirit power is practically limitless, you know.

Joon

We've got unlimited continues, so we can try things over as much as we want.

Shion

Yeah, good thing I'm on our side...

Shion

Now that you know you can't win, just give up.

Grr... I can still fight!

Miko (Filth Remover)

No, PLAYER. We'll take it from here.

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

You need to rest a bit, Miss PLAYER. I'm afraid I do mean only a bit though...

Okina

You are one of our aces in the hole. We cannot afford to lose you.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Are you saying you're going to sacrifice yourselves? I can't say I like this idea.

Alice (Flying Poison)

I don't like how you're trying to do this without me.

Medicine

Yuuka, stop it.

Yuuka

Oh, Medicine. Why not make me, if you have some complaint about it.

Yuuka

But poison is not the only weapon plants have in their arsenal. You stand no chance against me.

Yuuka

Ah, Alice, I sympathize with you, trapped by your role in all of this as you are.

Yuuka

But that will end soon too. And when it does, I'm sure we'll meet again in other galaxies.

Alice (Flying Poison)

Just how much do you know, Yuuka?

Alice (Flying Poison)

No, this must be a form of Phantasmal Sight. You obtained information by being in contact with the Saigyou Ayakashi.

Medicine

I want to defeat Yuuka and make her rethink what she's doing...

Medicine

But I don't have enough power!

There has to be a way!

???

People!

???

Miss Youmu, Miss PLAYER, Miss Okina! And all the rest of you!

Okina

That voice!

Aya

I, Aya Shameimaru, will now deliver my report!

Aya

I've got good news and bad news!

Kasen (Drinking Thief)

We want to hear both, so make it quick!

Aya

That's the spirit! First, the bad news!

Aya

Since I'm here, you've probably already realized that Miss Yuyuko will also be joining you soon!

Aya

Reimu and the others are doing all they can to hold her back, but they can't do so for much longer!

Aya

Now for the good news!

Aya

That's your cue, Miss Eternity Larva!

Eternity Larva

I got this feeling that something wasn't right. It was so familiar yet strange too!

Eternity Larva

So I asked Miss Aya, and she confirmed my hunch!

Yuuka

Even if you have some secret backup plan, it will never be of any help from that distance.

Yuuka

You'll never make it in time.

Yuuka

In fact, I believe I'll put an end to them right now.

Eternity Larva

PLAYER! Release the cherry crystals!

Eternity Larva

Temperaments of the lower world are gathered around you! That means "their" temperaments are there too!

Youmu

Oh! Those cherry crystals...

Youmu

...are the last traces of memory the fairies left as their lingering attachment!

Youmu

They're crystallized minds!

Youmu

And those minds surely can become the cores of spirits!

Yuuka

Wh-What?!

Fairies!

Please, help us!

Eternity Larva

All right, folks!

Eternity Larva

Kick their butts and make it snappy!

Fairies

Uooooooh!

Fairies

Here we go!

Joon

Ack―Wh-What gives?!

Shion

Urgh! They're just fairies! Why're they so strong?!

Yuuka

I-It's not only their strength!

Yuuka

There are more of them than it would appear!

Eternity Larva

Go! Go! Go!

Eternity Larva

Push 'em back!

Letty

There are so many fairies!

Letty

OK, I have to give it my all too!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Wh-Why are you...?

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Oh, no matter. This is a time for putting our best foot forward!

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

Now―

Byakuren (Shadow Sparrow)

―Namusan!

Okina

Fairies!

Okina

We will follow your lead with what little power remains to us!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Onward!

Okina

We will follow your lead with what little power remains to us!

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

Onward!

Yuuka

W-We're being driven back!

Keep it up!

...Huh?

Miko (Filth Remover)

...

Okina

...

Seiga (Corpse Dog)

...

Youmu

...

Yukari

This is the first time you've met me in this form, is it not, PLAYER?

Reimu

...

Reimu

...I think I get it now.

What's going on?

Yukari

I've stopped time... or its concept, to be precise. But don't worry, it's more of just a temporary pause.

Yukari

Once I release my grip, time will move again.

Reimu

Whatever! We can't just leave her like this! It's clear that―

Yukari

Nothing is clear. Especially now, don't you think?

Reimu

I doubt we'll come across someone more suspicious than her! For starters, we only managed to meet her―

Yukari

By coincidence? No, we cannot assume that. Of course, I am by no means implying that there is a reason for everything...

Yukari

...but it was fate that led us here.

Although it seems unlikely, I still need to ask.

Are you responsible for the Lost Word Incidents?

Reimu

There are some things you should and should not say... but I'll let this slide for now.

Reimu

We aren't the ones under suspicion. You are.

Reimu

We might give you the benefit of the doubt if there were potential suspects all over the place.

Reimu

But after traveling through worlds, upon worlds, upon worlds, we found only one likely culprit―you!

Reimu

You might think it's not fair, but I'd be more than happy to take you down without giving you a chance to defend yourself.

Reimu

For starters, any being capable of causing the Lost Word Incidents could never be human.

Reimu

So there shouldn't be a problem if I crack their head open with my purification rod!

Yukari

Silence, Reimu.

Yukari

Feigning what you truly believe will only come back to harm you.

Reimu

I...

Yukari

Regardless of their origins, humans are humans, and youkai are youkai. And just as you wish to protect others―

Yukari

―they all have someone for whom they care. You should know that better than anyone.

Reimu

Yeah...

Yukari

With that settled, will you be so kind as to make us some tea, Reimu?

Reimu

Tea?! Aren't you too carefree around the potential evildoer?!

Yukari

That is because she's our very first suspect. I have to sit with her and observe her closely.

Yukari

We may have to do something that cannot be undone, you see.

Yukari

Ah, perhaps I should just bring out a tea set from a gap.

Reimu

Huh?! Yeah, now that you mention it―you should! Why ask me then?

Yukari

Now, now, don't be so upset. You may leave. Or rather, go get some rest.

Reimu

OK, fine. I'll take you up on that offer.

Yukari

So, PLAYER. Please take a seat, a simple tea cushion though it may be.

Yukari

Now, where were we?

Yukari

Ah yes, we were discussing whether or not we are behind the Lost Word Incidents.

Yukari

You seemed to have judged for yourself that we are not. And from our point of view, that's correct.

Yukari

Reimu and I have some friends in other worlds.

Yukari

We have traveled through many in our attempt to resolve the Lost Word Incidents.

That was the purpose of your journey?!

That's... exactly the same as us!

Yukari

Not so long ago, we examined a world where you apparently resolved the Lost Word Incident.

Yukari

All we saw certainly indicated that the incident had been resolved. While hard to believe, we had to accept it.

Yukari

The Marisa of that world even provided a testimony.

Yukari

She also mentioned your name.

(The Marisa from the world of the Scarlet Devil Tower!)

Yukari

You are traveling to resolve the Lost Word Incidents, just as we are.

Yukari

I would like to believe that.

Yukari

However...

Yukari

We cannot trust you.

Why not?!

I wouldn't try to resolve incidents if I were the culprit.

Yukari

You've lost your memory. Or more specifically...

Yukari

...your general knowledge remains, but you do not remember anything about yourself.

Yukari

I had an inkling of this fact in the back of my mind, but after investigating a certain world, I became sure of it.

Well... what you say is true.

But why not ask me about it directly?

Yukari

Do not forget that you are a suspect. Anything you would tell us is subject to doubt.

R-Right...

Yukari

No, no, no. That is far too odd a reaction for someone who maintains they are innocent.

Yukari

...Goodness. You're making this difficult for me.

Yukari

But, I suppose that can't be helped.

Yukari

Firstly, what if your memory loss...

Yukari

...is itself a lie?

Huh?!

Yukari

You cause a Lost Word Incident and resolve it on your own. We're taking into account a possibility...

Yukari

...that you may have an ulterior motive for stirring up trouble and then getting credit for solving it.

But aren't these incidents meant to destroy worlds?

Yukari

Destroy worlds? Now, why would someone want to do that?

I... I don't know...

Yukari

I think, in all likelihood, you have truly lost your memory. If not, you are an absurdly skilled actress.

Yukari

At any rate, destroying or ruling the world is a motive normally found only in novels and the like.

Yukari

No one would ever do such a thing unless they had another goal that could be achieved through doing so.

Yukari

Like, say, "for fun," at the very least.

Destroying worlds for fun?

Yukari

That was merely an example.

Yukari

But "fun" would give you some impetus to overcome difficulties, would it not?

Yukari

That is to say, any obstacles standing in the way of achieving your purpose...

Yukari

...which you must be ready to encounter.

Yukari

Yes of course you must, for destroying a world will never be easy.

Yukari

Why, one has to wonder how many would oppose you with every fiber of their beings.

Do I look like I'd willingly torture myself like that?

Yukari

Heehee.

Yukari

In a sense―yes.

Excuse me?!

Yukari

I would sacrifice everything to resolve this incident. And you, too, strike me as someone...

Yukari

...who hides a readiness to forfeit all for the sake of their purpose.

Well, I don't think I'm that strong of a person.

Yukari

But the fact is you don't even remember if you are that kind of person or not.

Yukari

...It is not my intention to speak ill of you. I simply can't help but voice such thoughts when I ponder your nature.

Yukari

If we assume you have lost your memory, then...

Yukari

...that would put you in a position equal to my own.

What do you mean?

Yukari

I mean that neither you nor I know what kind of person you were before you lost your memory.

Yukari

Since, for whatever reason, the Lost Word Incidents do not seem designed to destroy worlds.

Huh?! But in the world of the Scarlet Devil Tower...

Yukari

Right. That world was perched on the precipice of doom. If not for the Lost Word, it would have been safe.

Yukari

...Or so appearances would lead us to believe.

I don't think I follow.

Yukari

Don't worry. I simply mean in general. Whether we try to save them or not, all worlds will end someday. That's all.

...

Yukari

But let us speak of this world, of the Hakugyoku Arena. It was always meant to fall.

What makes you think so?

Yukari

I know everything you experienced. That was one of the reasons I wanted a sample of your soul.

Um...

Yukari

Oh? Did I upset you?

No. I... just wish I was as determined as you.

Yukari

Pfft... Hahaha! Oh, PLAYER. You...

Yukari

...are such an idiot!

Did you come all this way just to insult me?

Yukari

Hahaha! Come now, I was only teasing.

Yukari

Now, where were we again... Oh, right.

Yukari

Hakugyoku Arena. This world was bound for the void.

Yukari

But then the mastermind came along and planted the Lost Words, giving it a chance at survival.

Yukari

Were they attempting to save this world? I think not.

Yukari

For the culprit, changing this world's fate is nothing more than an unintended byproduct.

Yukari

Their true purpose is to acquire "materials."

Yukari

Perhaps something akin to an "interworld organ transplant."

So Reimu, Miss Yukari, and the tree weren't just stolen?

Yukari

Hm.

Yukari

Whether it's a human, youkai, or another being, or even an inanimate object, notion, or law...

Yukari

None of them are the property of anyone, anywhere.

Yukari

Even in the case of things made by someone, they may be transferred, traded, inherited, or at times copied.

Yukari

Their ownership is fluid by nature. You understand that much, correct?

Yes. More or less.

Yukari

Though fluid, transferring ownership requires special conditions.

Yukari

If ownership just changed on a whim, no one could amass any assets. Any concept of wealth would collapse.

Yukari

That's why transferral of ownership is a special moment. A festival that marks an ending point called a "market."

Festival... Wait, do you mean an "incident"?!

Yukari

Why yes, precisely.

Yukari

The culprit causes a Lost Word Incident so that ownership is temporarily abandoned from the world.

Yukari

This enables them to then snatch away pieces of these worlds such as humans, youkai, or concepts.

Yukari

That's why they don't care what becomes of the world after the Lost Word occurs.

Then the culprit wouldn't revisit the scene of the crime.

Can't you believe that I'm innocent now?

Yukari

Well, I am certainly willing to consider it.

Yukari

You possess the ability to resolve the Lost Word Incidents.

Yukari

Thus, there must be a reason for you to visit worlds after they have been affected by Lost Word Incidents.

Yukari

And by resolving these incidents, you can achieve a goal that remains unknown to us.

Yukari

This one detail demands that I doubt you. At least until a more convincing suspect appears, that is.

Yukari

We've been seeking someone who could meddle with Lost Words. But we did not think anyone could resolve them.

Yukari

Which brings us to the next question: can you actually resolve the Lost Word Incidents?

Didn't you just say yourself that I can...?

Yukari

Yes, I did say something that could lead one to believe that.

Yukari

But that is not precisely what I meant.

Yukari

In principle, there is no retrieving a Lost Word.

Yukari

Once the incident occurs, it becomes impossible for the world and anything in it to recognize the Lost Word.

Yukari

We can no longer speak it or write it.

Yukari

This is why your deed that apparently resolved a Lost Word incident...

Yukari

...might be fabricated in a manner that just makes it look like you have done so.

That's not true at all! Not one bit!

Yukari

Is it, though? Maybe you just made another hazardous modification to the world so that it looks like it was resolved.

Yukari

After all, this is something that only you can do.

Yukari

We have no way of proving you false.

Yukari

Why, I'd even say this is a true occult phenomenon.

So... what do you want from me?

Yukari

I am by no means saying that the you here with us now is deceiving everyone.

Yukari

You don't look like a person who could do such a thing.

Yukari

But we need to consider your vanished memory.

Yukari

Say, PLAYER, what kind of person do you think you were before you lost your memory?

I-I don't remember...

Yukari

Of course you don't.

Yukari

Never mind. I'll tell you what you can do.

Yukari

Find the Lost Words of this world.

Well... I was planning to.

Yukari

Yes, but have you found them?

No, not yet.

Yukari

Hm.

Yukari

We traversed many worlds under the assumption that Lost Words could not be found and thus the incidents unresolvable.

Yukari

We accepted the Lost Words, and if they were causing a world to collapse, we prevented that from happening.

Yukari

That is the sum of our journey thus far.

Yukari

As for your recent actions in the lower world, we would have done much the same in your absence.

R-Really?

Yukari

Yes, in order to preserve this world.

Yukari

If we feed sufficient vitality to the Saigyou Ayakashi in its immature form, it will become an altered Youmu Konpaku.

Yukari

In short, the seal on the Saigyou Ayakashi will not be released, and Yuyuko will not perish.

Yukari

The issue is the amount of vitality needed. Where could one possibly find such a massive supply?

Yukari

You believed you'd find this deep under the roots of the Saigyou Ayakashi, and so you came all this way.

But... we haven't found it yet.

Yukari

Oh, I beg to differ.

What?!

Yukari

Your assumption that this massive supply lay buried deep underground was a slight error. Specifically, there was a key.

Yukari

Only once obtained does the "suitable vitality" awaken to its mission. So though you made an error, you weren't wrong.

Yukari

Without the key, the vitality will never be released.

Yukari

The key was the minds revealed by Toyosatomimi no Miko's ability.

Yukari

And the enormous mass of vitality built up via untold repetitions of history...

Yukari

...are all souls of the dark Youmu Konpaku and her many sins.

Wait, what?! Youmu's souls?

Yukari

Or the equivalent thereof. They may be the same people of different worlds, but the definition fits.

Yukari

Youmu's familiarity is on another level. That's why she was receptive to the minds of this world's Youmu.

Yukari

Simply speaking, she isn't supposed to offer up these souls, but to receive her minds and know her own destiny.

Yukari

And once aware of this fate, she must follow it.

Yukari

Otherwise, restraining that great youkai tree formed by her sins would be all but impossible.

But if Youmu sacrifices herself, she won't come back...

Yukari

No, she won't. She's different from those others who made the sacrifice in the past.

Yukari

Youmu's souls are strongly entwined with the threads of karma forming this tree and cannot be separated.

Yukari

In fact, that's precisely why the souls offered up in the past can be driven away.

Yukari

This is the minimum sacrifice―the most certain future for a world where the Lost Words are accepted.

Yukari

In the light of all that you've told us...

Yukari

...I am most curious to see what course you'll take.

Yukari

So, what will you do?

...I'll find the Lost Words.

Yukari

I see.

Yukari

Yuyuko's remains will soon be forced back to the Saigyou Ayakashi's roots. The recoil will surely buy you some time.

Yukari

Use it to find the Lost Words, if they can indeed be found.

Yukari

Two materials have been taken from this world.

Yukari

Which means, there are two Lost Words.

Yukari

Two words capable of transforming this entire world.

Yukari

Recover them.

Nitori

Everyone should be in the lower world now.

Nitori

Down there underneath this tree...

Nitori

I don't know if it will work, but I'll pray. Ultimately, it's up to the Saigyou Ayakashi whether we live or die.

Nitori

...

Nitori

Hm?

Nitori

I sense a presence!

???

W-We're finally here!

???

I've had enough! I'm exhausted! I should've never served as your compass!

???

That was indeed a long, long voyage.

???

We had to work so hard not to be "swallowed up" that it turned into a real battle of endurance.

???

What amazes me even more is that this pagoda could actually function as a boat.

???

It was reckless to use the connections of the Buddha related to the pagoda and the huge treasure related to Bishamonten.

???

Yeah, well, the Seeds of Unknown Form couldn't produce such crazy results on their own... Or maybe they could?

???

But we arrived here safely, so all's well that ends well!

???

And our stand-in engine and hull were both made possible...

???

...thanks to the Miracle Mallet!

???

But Seija flipping and adjusting the force that was drawing us in DID allow us to save a lot of actual driving force.

???

I thought I'd have to use up all the oni magic again for a second! It was close!

???

(I tagged along in the confusion...)

???

(...but maybe that wasn't the best idea.)

???

I tried resisting, saying that I'd never go to some strange world...

???

...but it looks like we ended up here anyway. And just as I suspected, it feels like we've reached our final stop.

???

Now, what to do...

???

What's our plan, Seija?

???

Hmm... It appears this world is "on the brink of ending."

???

"Ending"... Haha! Sweet! I think I'll just...

???

...END this world then!

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Ch. 3: Hakugyoku Arena 3