Ch. 4: Eternal Battlefront 3
Continue Pt. 1
We went to another world where we were supposed to find the Capital, but we got arrested as soon as we arrived.
And then, after suffering through some strange, indescribable experience... we woke up back in the world we just departed.
What happened to us? Miss Yukari is just as curious as we are.
Yukaris
Hmmm!
Yukaris
That's all very strange, but there's one thing in particular... ...That doesn't make sense.
Yukaris
From what you've said, it sounds like a lot of time passed... ...From when you departed to when you returned here.
Yukaris
But it's only been an hour in our world.
Huh?! D-Did we travel back in time?!
Yukaris
Maybe... But that begs the question of why. I doubt someone made you travel back in time intentionally.
Yukaris
Is it like a natural side-effect of traveling between worlds?
Yukaris
You're supposed to be the world-hopping experts... ...So, what do you have to say about that?
Yukaris
No, I suppose there's no point asking you two... ...Since it was that tiny me who knew everything!
Sanae & Reimu
Then don't ask us!
Sanae & Reimu
And stop finishing each other's sentences!
Yukari
Fine, then I shall speak for us both...
Yukari
...And I'll keep quiet.
Yukari
Ahem, I'm sure you have some questions for us as well, so I'll answer them now to save you the trouble.
Yukari
Hm? Weren't we able to watch everything through the journal? That's what you want to know, isn't it?
Yukari
Yes, that's a very good question. Of course, we were watching... until we couldn't.
Yukari
We lost the connection as soon as you passed the boundary of this world.
Reimu
That was at the very beginning!
Sanae
Was there even a point in adding that function to the journal?
Yukari
Developing technology is a delicate process. I don't want to hear the opinions of people only interested in results.
Yukari
I'll keep trying to monitor you all through the journal, but it looks like it will only be of limited use.
Yukari
Our best bet for gathering information is to read what gets automatically recorded in the journal when you return to us.
Sanae
That makes sense. It's like sampling asteroids with space probes.
Reimu
So what DID you find out from the journal? We'll never make any progress if we keep getting sent back here on arrival.
Yukari
Yes, about that...
Yukari
It's pretty complicated!
Reimu
Huh?! Is that all you're going to tell us?!
Sanae
I don't know how to describe what that darkness felt like. I've never experienced anything like it before...
Reimu
Besides, aren't you forgetting that they sealed our bullets? It's not fair. How did they do that?
Reimu
And what are we gonna do if they try that again?!
Yukari
Don't you remember? We gave PLAYER some items for just such an occasion.
Hm...?
Oh, the Yukarin Balls!
...And the Back-Up Doors! And the Cypress Box!
Yukari
Make sure you use them next time. That's what they're for. Though, of course, you shouldn't use them recklessly.
Yukari
Think of them as your Spell Cards.
Yukari
Once you use an item, you'll have to wait until you can use it again. It's all about selecting the right item at the right time.
Yukari
Don't forget that. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it after you use them a few times.
(OK, I definitely won't forget next time...!)
Sanae
Hmm... Then I guess there's nothing to worry about, huh?
Reimu
You're joking, right?! Sure, that will get us through the door, but we've still got no idea what's waiting for us after that!
Yukari
I'm not sure if I should praise you for being cautious or condemn your cowardice. Where did your confidence go?
Reimu
Urk.
Yukari
To think you'd end up being so pitiful without the tiny Yukari to guide you.
Reimu
*sob*
Yukari
...
Yukari
Pull yourself together, Reimu.
Yukari
In your world―
Yukari
―you're the one and only Hakurei shrine maiden, aren't you?
Yukari
So stand tall and hold your head high.
Yukari
...And, well, it's true that we weren't able to offer any support, and for that, I sincerely apologize.
Reimu
...You don't have to tell me that.
Reimu
I'll infiltrate the Capital and resolve the Lost Word Incident. Just you watch.
Reimu
And I'll make sure no harm comes to PLAYER, either.
Sanae
Don't forget about me. Miss Reimu isn't the only one who's determined to resolve this incident.
Sanae
...
Sanae
Wait... where's everyone else?
Yukari
My world's Reimu and Marisa have gone to explore the parallel worlds, and Miss Keine is helping me investigate the ship.
Yukari
The merry swimsuit-wearing denizens of this world are probably sound asleep by now.
Sanae
But barely an hour has passed in this world...
Sanae
Isn't it too early to sleep?!
Reimu
*sigh* Stop wasting time.
Reimu
So, what now? Are we gonna go through that gate again?
Reimu
We'll have to talk to that weird Hell goddess...
Reimu
Ah!
Reimu
Hecatia is the goddess of Hell, right?!
Sanae
Ohhh!
Sanae
And beyond that gate, we met the judge of Hell―the Yama, Miss Shiki Eiki, Yamaxanadu!
Sanae
...Miss Yamaxanadu? Miss Eiki?
Sanae
Miss Yama Shiki Eiki the Yamaxanadu?
Reimu
It doesn't matter what she's called!
Reimu
There's gotta be some connection here. Worst case―
Reimu
―she's in cahoots with Hecatia!
???
Yeah, as if.
Hecatia
Still, I kinda predicted you'd come to that conclusion. That's why I came all the way here.
Hecatia
I even brought along a solution for you since I pieced together what happened by analyzing the gate's data.
Hecatia
These are the excellent service skills I've honed by doing business with the Capital for so long.
Hecatia
Impressive, no?
Yukari
Wow! Yes, I think that's very impressive, Hecatia!
Yukari
Oops, I was meant to keep quiet...
Reimu
So you've saved us the trouble of having to go find you, huh? And you say you've brought us a solution...
Reimu
What is it?
Hecatia
It would be quicker if I showed you.
Hecatia
Come on out, you two!
Continue Pt. 2
Scarlet Sisters
Swimming is way too hard!
Remilia
I'm exhausted...! But I think I did pretty good for a vampire.
Flandre
Wait a sec. Patchy made that sunscreen for me, so why are you using it?
Remilia
Why wouldn't I? Patchy's MY friend. And you shouldn't call her Patchy. That's MY nickname for her.
Flandre
Why wouldn't I? Patchy's MUCH easier to say.
Koishi
Oh, look, they're fighting! It's a sister fight! We're gonna see underwater fireworks!
Satori
Stop that, Koishi.
Koishi
I wanna fight too!
Satori
Stop. Don't barge into other sisters' fights.
Satori
Anyway... It's pretty impressive that you two were able to swim all the way here.
Satori
When we were asked to guide everyone here again, I was honestly surprised when I saw you were coming along.
Remilia
Hmm, yes, I'm glad you finally asked about that.
Remilia
Patchy went all out and improved her sunscreen by making it counteract the effects of running water.
Koishi
No way! So running water doesn't hurt you?!
Koishi
How do you think that works, Satori?!
Satori
I've got no idea.
Remilia
It's not that complicated!
Remilia
She simply imbued the sunscreen with a temperament that opposes water... called Reverse Water Phase or something?
Satori
Hmm... That means nothing to me. I guess it's like how you can't make tasty ice cream just by knowing the ingredients.
Remilia
Honestly, I don't really get it either!
Flandre
So that temperament stuff's in my sunscreen, huh?! I never knew!
Remilia
Yeah, well, she did it in secret.
Flandre
I can't believe this!
Koishi
Oh, are you fighting again?! Let me join in this time!
Hecatia
Calm down, you lot. Save that for when we've finished escorting our guests.
Hecatia
Especially you two, Scarlet sisters. I know you're excited about getting your new swimsuits, but this just won't do.
Hecatia
Besides, weren't you all in a panic a second ago because that anti-running water thingy washed away with your sunscreen?
Hecatia
Well, I suppose that made our adventure down here a lot more interesting, but―
Hecatia
―our guests are about to embark on a much bigger adventure!
Hecatia
So let's get a move on.
Youkai Trouble-Makers
Sorryyyyyyyyy.
Reimu
Wow, they really don't have a care in the world, huh?
Sanae
But don't you think it's better like this? Everyone in our Gensokyo used to be pretty carefree too.
Reimu
Well, sure, I guess... Still, I think they take it a step too far.
Did something really bad happen to your Gensokyo...?
Reimu
...
Sanae
It's a long story. But I'll make sure to tell you all about it when we've got the time.
Yeah, let's hurry. Thanks.
Hecatia
All right, let's head to the gate!
Reimu
...Oh, yeah, we still haven't heard about your solution.
Reimu
Why do we need the Scarlet sisters' powers to use the gate?
Scarlet Sisters
Hm?
Sanae
Yeah, it's not like their abilities have anything to do with teleporting.
Sanae
Why are they here?
Hecatia
Right, I suppose I should explain that.
Hecatia
I'll tell them the basics, so get ready to explain the rest, you two.
Scarlet Sisters
Huh?
Scarlet Sisters
Hmmmm!
(I've been wondering about this too!)
Hecatia
First, let me sum up the situation at hand. We've failed to send you safely through the gate once already.
Hecatia
It wasn't as if I didn't predict that might happen, but there was nothing I could do to stop it.
Hecatia
Gates stand on boundaries, so no single person can claim complete ownership over them.
Hecatia
And if someone tries to interfere with a gate, they change it. That's why I banked on the first attempt to succeed.
Hecatia
I purposefully didn't tell you anything more than what you needed to know, as that would change your fate.
The result changes based on whether we know or not?
Hecatia
Basically, yeah.
Hecatia
But now you've already learned what happens. You've experienced what it's like to be sent back.
Hecatia
Of course, those on the other side, Shiki Eiki, Yamaxanadu and her station staff, know about you three now as well.
There was something strange about that Miss Eiki...
Hecatia
Yes, about that...
Hecatia
There is a strong connection between me and Eiki. That hasn't changed even though our paths have diverged.
Hecatia
Our strings of fate pull on one another, making it more likely that we cross paths again.
Hecatia
The same happens to everyone with strong connections. That's just how fate works.
Is it like the world itself remembers your connection?
Hecatia
Exactly. So what we've gotta do is fix the fate that has changed through your experience.
Hecatia
Knowledge affects outcomes, so we could do this by me giving you a lecture...
Hecatia
But there's really not enough time for that.
Hecatia
Reimu's luck and Sanae's miracles may be extremely powerful, but they've already done all they could in the last attempt.
Hecatia
In fact, it was probably only because of your incredible luck that you managed to reach the station safely.
Hecatia
But we can't rely on that this time.
Hecatia
Those on the other side don't want something so impure as fate flowing backward, so they'll do all they can to stop it.
Hecatia
They won't fall for the same trick twice.
Reimu
Then what are we gonna do? We're out of options.
Sanae
I think I've worked it out, Miss Reimu. This is where Miss Remilia's ability comes in.
Remilia
Th-That's right!
Remilia
Fate and parallel worlds are intrinsically linked, so I can somewhat alter your destination.
Remilia
That's my power.
Sanae
If there are infinite branching parallel worlds, then I suppose you could say that fate is the thing that differentiates them.
Sanae
Yeah, it all makes sense now!
Reimu
Hm? Then what about Flandre? Why do we need her?
Sanae
Ah.
Sanae
Um, Miss Flan is here because...
Sanae
...I dunno.
Flandre
I was hoping you'd explain it all for me!
Flandre
...
Flandre
This is just my gut feeling, but...
Flandre
Maybe I have to destroy your fate first before Remilia's ability can take effect... or something.
Hecatia
Wow, that's exactly right, Flandre! I see you're still pretty smart when you need to be.
Flandre
That doesn't sound like a compliment...
Remilia
Huh? How are you supposed to destroy fate? I'm sure you'd have already done it if it was easy.
Flandre
I've got no idea.
Hecatia
I'll support you. It'll be a cinch with my skills at controlling multiple bodies simultaneously across different worlds.
Hecatia
And since you can't do it by yourself, we won't have to worry about you causing any mischief later on.
Flandre
Tch!
Remilia
(Wow, she looks so disappointed!)
Hecatia
All right, I'm gonna open the gate.
Hecatia
Oh, but I need to warn you about something first.
Hecatia
This teleportation procedure is much more difficult than last time, so even though you're very lucky...
Hecatia
...the three of you might not end up at the same place.
Reimu
What?! That's really bad! I'm not worried about Sanae or me, but...!
Sanae
Y-Yeah! Miss PLAYER might get left all on her own...!
Hecatia
Don't worry. That's what the items Yukari Yakumo gave her are for.
(I'll hold them close so I can use them quickly!)
Hecatia
Check your surroundings as soon as you arrive, and go look for your friends if you can't see them.
Hecatia
And if you encounter hostiles, get ready to battle. It'll be game over if your bullets get sealed before you can defend yourself.
Hecatia
If you get sent back here again... the path to the Capital will be shut for good.
Sanae & Reimu
*gulp*
Hecatia
OK, now I'm gonna open the gate for real. Get ready, Scarlet sisters.
Hecatia
Battle Reimu and PLAYER.
Reimu
Oh, so that's how you're gonna open the gate―
Reimu
―Wait! Why do we have to battle?!
Hecatia
I know you don't know how the gate works, but I'm sure you've guessed that opening it requires a lot of energy, right?
Hecatia
We need a vast amount of spirit power.
Hecatia
But it's almost impossible to gather so much under normal circumstances.
Reimu
So you need abnormal circumstances...
Reimu
Ah! You mean an incident, don't you?!
Hecatia
It's a youkai's nature to attack humans, and incidents provide the framework to artificially replicate this.
Hecatia
And the closer it is to the real thing, the more spirit power is released. It activates the latent abnormal energy.
Hecatia
I'm sure you can figure out the rest.
Reimu
So all the spirit power that's no longer owned by anyone is gonna get claimed by the gate, huh?
Reimu
It's kinda like offerings to a shrine.
Sanae
Um, what about me? How can I help?
Hecatia
You're gonna help me open the gate. I know you've done something similar before.
Sanae
W-Wow, you have a great swimsuit AND you know everything!
Remilia
You might be from another world, but I'm not gonna pass up a chance to beat Reimu! *cracks knuckles*
Flandre
I'm just happy I get to go wild! *stretches neck*
Reimu
Argh, this is such a pain! But fine! I'll battle you!
Flandre
Whoa, that was a really fun battle. I'd love to have fights like that more often.
Flandre
How about you, Remilia?!
Flandre
...Remilia?
Remilia
Flandre, there are some other people with swimsuits, right?
Flandre
Um, yeah.
Flandre
We weren't the only ones who brought materials to Kourindou in exchange for a swimsuit.
Flandre
What about it?
Remilia
Hmm...
Remilia
I've seen our fate. We're gonna go on our own adventure in this world.
Remilia
It's for the best.
Flandre
...
Flandre
(Don't tell me she just wants to play...)
Continue Pt. 3
Marisa
What? Are you wondering why I'm still here?
Marisa
I was worried about you, so I came back. That's what friends do, right?
Marisa
I still trust you even after what you've done.
Marisa
I trust that you will give this up.
Marisa
You'll forget all about the Lost Word Incident and return home.
Marisa
I don't doubt you for a second.
Marisa
You're...
Marisa
...searching for a way home, right?
Marisa
That's why you're trying to restore your memory.
Marisa
Isn't that why you're on this journey?
Marisa
I'm fairly sure your memories will never return.
Marisa
But I can take you back to your home.
Marisa
I know it very well.
Marisa
You can only ever have one home, one place where you were born, and there's no replacing it once it's lost.
Marisa
That's what makes it so precious. I firmly believe that you should find it again.
Marisa
But, as for your memories...
Marisa
...I reckon you can just make some new ones.
Marisa
You think you lost your memories, but you don't even know if you had memories to lose...
Marisa
Perhaps the day you came to Gensokyo is the day you were born.
Marisa
Thinking of it like that will make everything easier. And who knows? It might even be true.
Marisa
Your home, which I know so well, might not be the place you're destined to return to.
Marisa
And besides, if you go there, you might not see the friends you've made in Gensokyo ever again.
Marisa
You might have to forget everything.
Marisa
I get it. It's no fun being all alone.
Marisa
You're torn between returning home and staying. And you've got valid reasons for either choice.
Marisa
But you're delaying your decision... by continuing this "adventure."
Marisa
Because you're weak.
Marisa
I'll help you.
Marisa
I can give you what you need.
Marisa
I've got other friends, and we're all causing Lost Word Incidents together.
Marisa
None of us have a home anymore. It was taken from us.
Marisa
We've got nowhere to return to.
Marisa
So we've got to seek a new land.
Marisa
And creating Lost Word Incidents is our means to get there.
Marisa
This is why I can give you what you need.
Marisa
I can give you the home you are searching for.
Marisa
Yeah, it's a fabricated world.
Marisa
But you can still live there... without losing your current friends or memories...
Marisa
You could meet them again whenever you wish. It's the perfect world for you.
Marisa
I'll even make you a house if that's what you want.
Marisa
You know Reimu cries, don't you?
Marisa
She cries every night for you. And it gets worse the better friends you two become.
Marisa
Your world's Marisa is the only one she can talk to about it.
Marisa
...Are you listening?
Marisa
C'mon, say something.
Marisa
My friend. PLAYER.
Marisa
Turn back right now if you still can't make up your mind.
Marisa
Do I really have to spell everything out for you? ...You're a hindrance.
Marisa
It'd be much better if the war surrounding the Lost Words proceeded without you.
Marisa
That goes for us, who want a new land, as well as for all your friends, who want to protect their homes.
Marisa
One of us will get what we want, and the other will lose it forever. Those are the stakes.
Marisa
It's got nothing to do with you.
Marisa
You've got no home to return to nor any future to pursue. You've got nothing.
Marisa
So go back to the house I made for you.
Marisa
And don't ever...
Marisa
...show your face before me again.
...
...Marisa would never say that.
But I still don't really know much about that Marisa.
It was my own doubts and self-condemnation that made her say what she did.
So why do I feel the way I do...?
...
I'll never figure anything out if I give up. It'll all be over if I stop.
I have to keep going forward―
―and never turn back.
Continue Pt. 4
Huh? Have I arrived already...?
(So that was just a dream...)
Urgh...
My head's spinning...
(I feel so tired... When was the last time I slept?)
I-I've gotta stand up...!
Reimu? Sanae...?
They're not here! Did we get separated...?!
???
It looks like you're ready to collapse at any moment.
Huh?!
Eiki?
To think you'd come here again. It seems I underestimated you.
Eiki?
No... perhaps I gave you too much credit.
Eiki?
Being forcefully sent back to another world is a horrendous experience. So if you were smart, you'd stay well away.
Eiki?
...This doesn't make sense.
Komachi?
It's just some debris that's drifted here, Station Master. So it probably doesn't even have the ability to think.
Kutaka?
Being forcefully sent back is the kindest way we can deal with it. It's so sad that it cannot comprehend your mercy.
Eiki?
Be quiet, you two. You're talking about a small child.
Eiki?
As the Yama, I won't allow anyone to treat children with callousness or violence.
Eiki?
However, you should also never let someone's age prevent you from making the correct decision.
Eiki?
A balance must be struck between the two, separating right from wrong. That's what it means to judge.
Eiki?
I must sentence the appropriate punishment according to this child's own unique circumstances.
Eiki?
It's like tailoring a dress or putting together an efficient railroad timetable.
Eiki?
Anyway... I welcome you once again to my ward...
Eiki?
...To Xanadu.
Xanadu...!
(Another word for paradise...)
Eiki?
And I must bid you farewell as well. We will soon handcuff you once again and send you back to where you came from.
Eiki?
There is no need for questioning or torture. We cannot risk bringing in any information from a neighboring world.
Eiki?
Take her to the railroad jail.
Kutaka? & Komachi?
Yes, ma'am!
...!
This isn't good. If they put those cuffs on me, it'll be a repeat of what happened last time.
It doesn't look like they want to hurt me, but I doubt they'll listen to me, either.
They believe in what they're doing and won't let anything stop them. Are they trying to get rid of me to protect something...?
Reimu and Sanae aren't here to help me... W-What should I do?
I can't remember... My body won't move, and I can't think straight...!
Eiki?
Hm?
Eiki?
Step back! Komachi! Kutaka!
Kutaka? & Komachi?
Huh?!
Eiki?
Watch closely, and don't let your guard down. That child is reaching for something.
Eiki?
It doesn't look like a weapon... Is that an instrument? She's touching the strings.
Please...
Someone...
...help me!
Aya
*sigh* That Youkai Sage really needs to explain more.
Nitori
I reckon she's still easier to work for than the oni... (Or the tengu.)
Aya & Nitori
Well, now that we're out―
Aya & Nitori
―it's pretty easy to tell what's going on!
M-Miss Aya appeared from the indigo orb!
M-Miss Nitori popped out of the orange orb!
Eiki?
No way! They're the old type of youkai! Don't tell me they can use bullets!
Kutaka? & Komachi?
B-B-Bullets?!
Eiki?
It was a long time ago, so it's no surprise you've forgotten. But if they can truly use bullets...
Eiki?
...then why have they shown up now? No. There's no point dwelling on that.
Eiki?
Arrest them all!
Kutaka? & Komachi?
Yes, ma'am!
Aya
Oh, they're getting ready for a fight. Um, I'm not sure if I should say this, but they look pretty strong.
Aya
I wonder if we can win.
Nitori
You really know how to inspire confidence. If a tengu can't handle them, then what do you expect me to do?
I don't want them to get hurt...
So can you buy me some time to talk with them...?
Aya
Wow! That's very noble of you.
Nitori
Normally, that'd be harder than fighting to win, but it might actually be easier in a battle of bullets.
Aya
Even if they go all out to try and crush us, they still have to follow the rules prescribed by...
Aya
...the Naming of Duels!
Nitori
The greater youkai explained this before we got in the balls. Her barrier makes all battles follow the Naming of Duels rules.
Nitori
In other words, whenever we fight someone, it'll be a battle of bullets!
Aya & Nitori
This is how we battle in Gensokyo!
Aya
I-It actually worked out OK somehow! I was honestly a little worried there for a sec.
Nitori
Hmm, I'd rather not have to struggle so hard for a win. We've got a lot to improve on before the next battle.
Aya
Oh, how so?
Nitori
Since we're visiting another world, whoever we fight always has the home-field advantage in terms of temperament.
Aya
Hm, I see. So what can we do about it?
Nitori
I haven't thought that far yet.
Nitori
But maybe we could modify our temperament to something more suitable by incorporating this world's temperament...
Nitori
That should somewhat negate our disadvantage.
Aya
Interesting. That sounds like a good idea.
Aya
Now then...
Aya
I suppose we should hop back into our orbs.
Aya
Miss PLAYER, please call for us again if you find yourself in danger.
Nitori
But you have to be careful. You'll hurt yourself if you try to call for us too often without recharging your Spirit P.
Nitori
Think of Spirit P as kinda like your own spirit power resource.
Nitori
Don't forget that.
Continue Pt. 5
Huh? Wh-Where am I...?
We fought Miss Eiki in a battle of bullets, and then...
Did I pass out? But my hands aren't cuffed...
What was that?!
Ah!
Are you the one who brought me here...?
(She's Medicine... isn't she?)
???
Oh no... Oh no...
Hm?
???
OH NO NO NO NO NO NO! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!
???
ALIIIIIICE! ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICE!
Wh-Whoa, c-calm down...!
???
UUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
(Why is she so scared?!)
???
What's going on?!
???
Oh, she's awake.
???
Alice...
???
There, there, Medicine. Thanks for calling me.
???
Sorry about that. She must've given you quite the shock, huh?
???
She's a medical droid, but she's not so good with patients.
Umm, what?
???
Yeah, she's got a complicated past.
???
Hmm, I'm no doctor, but...
???
...I pride myself on understanding the nature of things. My years of experience tell me that...
???
...you're perfectly fine.
Th-That's a relief. Thank you so much...!
???
Hehe, Meddy's the one who took care of you all this time.
???
So you should thank her.
Thanks, Meddy!
???
...!
???
Ah...
Hm?
???
Aaah...
Aaah?
???
UUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
???
Oops. I guess she needs some more time to get used to you.
???
Now then, sorry for the late introduction...
???
I'm Alice Margatroid, but most people call me the Puppeteer. I'm a tool and mechanical doll technician.
Alice
The station master asked me to look after you, but I haven't been told why you're here.
Alice
Before I ask you any questions, I should explain what we're all about. That's part of my job.
Alice
For starters, this girl's name is Medicine. Medicine Melancholy.
Medicine
...
Medicine
*stare*
(Sh-She's staring at me.)
Alice
Sorry, I'm the one who repaired her, but there are some things even I can't fix.
Alice
She means well, so please don't hold it against her. Call her Meddy.
Nice to meet you, Meddy.
Medicine
Eep!
(This might take a while...)
Alice
I'll introduce you to the others later, OK?
Alice
Anyway, welcome to Xanadu. We're happy to have you here regardless of who you are or where you came from.
Alice
We're in the Underground Waste Ward. The forgotten ward below the Capital that's not listed on any maps.
The Capital?! Is the Capital above us?!
Alice
Hm?
Alice
Yeah, directly above. This ward was made to satiate the Capital's needs, after all.
Alice
Even now, it still provides the Capital with electricity, food, and water and disposes of its sewage and waste.
Alice
It was also used to build and expand the Capital long ago, but those functions are disabled now as they're no longer needed.
That's much more than just a "waste" ward...
Alice
Hmm, how astute. This is a good sign.
Huh?
Alice
The Capital doesn't care how important this ward's functions are.
Alice
They only see what they want to see, and they don't acknowledge the existence of anything else...
Alice
They don't let anyone acknowledge these things. Everyone living here in Xanadu has been neglected by the Capital.
Alice
This place is where goods are exchanged between Levania, the Capital's world, and their vassals, the Volva worlds.
Alice
It's kind of like a station, which is why we call our leader the station master. She's strict, but she holds this place together.
Alice
...Living here is tough, but no one's given up. We're all waiting for the day when we won't have to live in fear of the Capital.
Huh? But didn't you just say the Capital ignores you?
Alice
Yes, we're beneath their notice.
Alice
So they look the other way as they rain fire down upon us.
...!
Alice
...
Alice
But to think there's still someone who can use bullets...
Alice
I saw your battle. It looks like you'll be pretty useful to us.
Medicine
N-N-No way... A-Are you a H-HUMAN?!
Alice
Whoa, calm down!
Alice
Listen to me, Meddy. There are no humans here.
Alice
So don't worry. *pats head*
Huh?
B-But I am a human...!
Continue Pt. 6
Raiko?
...Yeah, so as you can see, living here isn't all that bad. Of course, I'd love more freedom, but still.
Benben?
I bet it'd be easier to serve as a "rabbit" in the Capital, but you can't really call that living.
Yatsuhashi?
Wow, this is the first time such a small child has come to Xanadu! What kind of tool are you?
Err, no, I'm...!
Kogasa?
It must be nice to be an instrument tsukumogami. This world sucks, but they're always happy, and everyone loves them.
Kyouko?
You've hardly got anything to complain about, Kogasa. At least you're a proper tool...
Kyouko?
What about me?! I've been labeled as a broom tsukumogami!
Kogasa?
What's so bad about that? You're good at singing, so you're practically the same as an instrument.
Kyouko?
Then why don't you practice singing with me? I'm sure that'll brighten your mood a little.
Kogasa?
...?
Kogasa?
AH!
Kyouko?
Huh?! Wh-Wh-What is it?!
Kogasa?
That's brilliant, Kyouko! I'll surprise everyone by singing. No one will expect it.
Kyouko?
Oh, right... (Maybe it'd be easier if you just became a jack-in-the-box tsukumogami.)
Non-tsukumogami are calling themselves tools...
Alice
Does that bother you?
Alice
It's strange how you call yourself a human, yet you don't know much about tools.
Alice
Tools can only live thanks to the magical energy given to them by humans.
Alice
The Capital needs us to continue functioning as a city, but we also need it because it supplies us with magic.
Alice
That's the main reason why we haven't been able to escape from under the Capital's heel after all this time.
(Does that mean they weren't all originally tools?)
???
We've spent countless years preparing and making plans to free ourselves from their control.
???
But we've always lacked the means to tip the scales in our favor.
Eiki
...I'm glad you're awake. My name is Shiki Eiki, Yamaxanadu. I am the station master here.
Komachi
I'm Komachi Onozuka.
Kutaka
And I'm Kutaka Niwatari.
People of Xanadu
It's the station master! She's here! Thanks for everything, Station Master!
People of Xanadu
Station maaaaaaster! Station maaaaaster! Station maaaaaster!
I'm PLAYER.
(Wow, they're cheering for her!)
Eiki
Miss PLAYER, I want to ask you about those bullets you used.
Eiki
One of the things we've been lacking is a way to fight back against the Capital.
Eiki
...We need to relearn the long-lost art of bullet battles.
But didn't you fight me in that battle of bullets earlier?
Komachi
That's 'cause you used bullets against us. Your actions reenacted the battle of bullet rules.
Komachi
It was a welcome surprise.
Kutaka
We had all but forgotten our bullet techniques, but it seems our bodies remembered.
Kutaka
We could never have displayed what a battle of bullets is truly like on our own.
Eiki
You are a marebito, Miss PLAYER. You've come to us bearing the exact knowledge we need.
Alice
That's rich coming from the ones who desperately tried to send our precious marebito away.
Eiki
I'm responsible for the lives of everyone here. You know I can't let anyone in unless I'm sure they won't cause any harm.
Eiki
Miss PLAYER, your strong will shines like a ray of hope upon us.
Eiki
Thank you.
(Then why do they have those Anti-Battle Cuffs...?)
Um, you're speaking as if I've already agreed to help...
Eiki
Huh?
Eiki
Oh... I-I'm terribly sorry! It seems I was jumping to conclusions!
Eiki
(What's going on, Komachi? Didn't I tell you to explain everything to her beforehand.)
Komachi
(Huh?! She just woke up, so I was going to do that later...!)
Kutaka
(Have you been lazing about again, Miss Komachi?!)
Komachi
(What?! No! This is hardly my fault!)
Eiki
*sigh*
Eiki
Ahem. Sorry about that. Let me start from the beginning.
Eiki
We want you to teach us how to use bullets. That's what I was referring to before.
Eiki
We'd like you to help everyone here recall their own battle of bullet techniques like you did with us in our battle earlier.
Eiki
It might take some practice until we can all remember perfectly.
This is so you can fight against the Capital, right?
But I need to hurry to the Capital...!
Eiki
Whatever for?!
Eiki
...
Kutaka
Why would such a small child want to go to the Capital all on her own?!
Komachi
Station Master, maybe we should tell her about what else we've been lacking...
Eiki
Miss PLAYER...
Eiki
Please tell us everything!
O-OK!
Eiki
...I see. So you must go to the Capital to find your missing friends.
Eiki
Yes, that makes sense. The Capital is probably the place to go if you wish to learn their whereabouts.
Eiki
Unfortunately, we don't know anything at present that could help you with your search.
Eiki
But I never expected there to be more worlds further way. I thought the multiverse ended at the Volva vassal worlds...
Komachi
Yeah, it's crazy. The more you know, huh?
Kutaka
This small child has traveled such a long way to get here!
I didn't think you'd actually believe me...!
Eiki
Hehe, how could we not? We've never had a visitor such as you.
Eiki
The fact that you're human lends undeniable weight to your words.
Aren't there any humans here?
Eiki
...
Eiki
There used to be.
Eiki
No. It's no good... My memories of that time are too old. I doubt anyone can clearly remember them anymore.
Eiki
It's like the fact they existed is recorded in my mind, but I keep forgetting and remembering it again and again.
Eiki
To us, humans are creatures of myth and legend.
No way...!
Alice
It has long been the desire of everyone in Xanadu to summon a human.
Alice
Not a half-human, but a true human who can resolve incidents.
Alice
We tried everything, but nothing worked.
Alice
And to think that a human just happened to come to us after all this time. I can't tell if this is good luck or bad luck.
Eiki
It's probably fate.
Eiki
...
Eiki
Miss PLAYER.
Eiki
We've been working on another plan apart from summoning a human that we've had no hope of implementing until now.
Eiki
We want to infiltrate the Capital to gather information.
Right, information is important.
Eiki
However, we're tools, so the Capital would retake control of us if we simply returned there.
Eiki
Worst-case scenario, we'd get stuck there forever.
Komachi
But the presence of a human changes this. You can carry tools with you to the Capital.
Kutaka
Any tools you possess will have a much higher chance of returning home safely.
That sounds much better than going by myself!
And about teaching you how to use bullets...
It might help if you copy the info stored in my journal.
Alice
C-Can I take a closer look at that?!
Of course!
Alice
...
Alice
...!
Alice
W-Wow...!
Eiki
H-How's it look, Technical Advisor?
Alice
This is it, Station Master. With this journal, I can create a system that'll restore our bullets.
Komachi
Really?! This is a huge step forward!
Kutaka
Hehe! Woohoo!
Eiki
Wait...! Calm down, everyone. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Eiki
Technical Advisor, analyze that data as quickly as you can! Komachi, Kutaka, prepare for when our bullets get restored!
Alice
On it!
Kutaka & Komachi
Yes, ma'am!
It looks like everything's gonna turn out OK.
Eiki
Yes. I can't thank you enough, Miss PLAYER.
Eiki
Now, I'm sorry to rush you, but you should also prepare.
Eiki
You'll get your chance to infiltrate the Capital before long, so please get used to the tools while you wait.
Eiki
It would also be a good idea to help them recall their bullet techniques.
Who's coming with me...?
Eiki
I've already called them here. They're the perfect tools for an infiltration mission.
Eiki
Come introduce yourselves, Prismriver Sisters.
Continue Pt. 7
―Elsewhere, in a mysterious base at (presumably) the same time.
???
...
???
......
???
.........Ah!
Yukari
What's going on?
Yukari
I sense Reimu and Sanae... along with their spirit power.
Yukari
Why...?
Reimu
Y-Yukari!
Yukari
Reimu... Didn't I send you through the gate?
Reimu
I came back! What'd you expect me to do?!
Reimu
Yukari...! Yukari...! *sob*
Reimu
*breaks down in tears*
Yukari
Come now. Stop being such a crybaby, Reimu.
Sanae
Oh no, you're gonna make me cry too.
Sanae
But wow, those vampires really know how to manipulate fate. We teleported directly to where we wanted to go.
Sanae
It'd be really convenient if they could do that every time. It seems like a waste that they can't.
Yukari
I see, so that's how you came back.
Sanae
Yep! And now we can leave right away!
Sanae
That's what these purple things are for!
Sanae
Not to mention that the girl of infinite possibilities, Miss PLAYER, is with us this time.
Sanae
We can overcome any obstacle with all of us together. There's nothing to worry about!
Sanae
...?
Sanae
Huh?
Sanae
Whaaaaaaat?!
Sanae
For a second, I thought I'd continue with more over-the-top reactions, but...
Sanae
...then I realized how seriously bad this is.
Yukari
It seems the test models couldn't withstand the strain. Unfortunate but not unexpected.
Sanae
Oh, I know!
Sanae
Miss PLAYER... can't you do something that will, like, make the impossible possible...?
Sanae
...?
Sanae
Hm?
Sanae
!?!?!?
Reimu
What is it, Sanae? Stop shouting all the time.
Sanae
I thought my last reaction was pretty quiet.
Reimu
Well, be quieter. Just looking at you is annoying enough.
Sanae
That's mean!
Sanae
Anyway, forget about me for now! Miss PLAYER isn't here! We might've gotten separated!
Reimu
What?!
Reimu
Argh! As soon as something finally takes a turn for the better, something else goes wrong...!
Reimu
...
Reimu
No, it hasn't gone wrong yet.
Sanae
Um, yes, it has. What are you talking about?
Reimu
This doesn't change what we've gotta do!
Reimu
Isn't that right, Yukari?
Yukari
Teehee, yes, I suppose so.
Yukari
I missed hearing Reimu's brand of logic. Though you could say that nothing changed because there's nothing else we can do.
Yukari
Teehee!
Sanae
*sigh* Yeah, I get it. You want to skip straight to the final boss and kick their butt, right?
Sanae
That's what you Hakurei Shrine people always seem to do!
Sanae
But don't worry. I'm coming with you. You'll need my miracle power to maximize our chances of success!
Yukari
It seems we also have luck on our side.
Yukari
I sense two presences coming our way.
???
Huh?! Little Yukarin's got company!
Sumireko
It's blue Reimers and gold Sanae?! What are you guys doing here?!
Reimu
You've gotta be kidding me...
Reimu
I could ask you the exact same thing!
Continue Pt. 8
―Before dawn, where the otherworldly Scarlet Devil Mansion and Palace of the Earth Spirits clash.
Remilia
Grrrr!
Satori
Rrghh!
Remilia
Grrrrrrrrr!
Satori
Rrghhhhh!
Remilia
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Satori
Rrghhhhhhhhh!
Remilia
...
Satori
...
Remilia & Satori
I'm exhausted!
Remilia
Enough of this! Let's have tea.
Satori
Yes, I need a break!
Remilia
*sigh* We went all out because something was supposed to happen for sure this time... but it was all a waste!
Satori
It seems our efforts weren't enough. We might have to try even harder.
Remilia
Thinking about it now, it's pretty crazy that we don't know the exact requirements...!
Satori
That goddess might know. I should've questioned her more when I had the chance...!
Remilia & Satori
*sigh*
Remilia
Anyway, enough about that! Sakuya! Sakuyaaaaaaa!
Satori
Yes, it's time for a break! Orin! Oriiiiiin!
Sakuya
Here's your tea, milady. I made sure it's of higher quality than what they serve at the Palace of the Earth Spirits.
Remilia
Oh, yes, indeed! I can tell from the aroma alone that it's superior!
Rin
Your tea, milady. This tastes much better than what they drink at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. You can barely even call that tea.
Satori
Hehe, I'm also partial to barley tea.
Remilia
Now, Sakuya...
Satori
Orin...
Remilia & Satori
Serve the others too!
Sakuya & Rin
Yes, milady!
Remilia
Hmm, the sun will rise soon. We better head back.
Satori
Yes, we'll continue this tomorrow.
Remilia
Later!
Satori
See you!
Remilia
...?
Remilia
Wait!
Remilia
Aren't there too many Sakuyas?!
Sakuya
Hmm...
Sakuya
Perhaps she instinctively knows her way home.
Remilia
Put her back where you found her!
Sakuya
Aww, can't we keep her?
Flandre
(Did that really just happen?)
