Lossy's Journal

Cirno

Phew, I'm finally free. Come on, Dai, let's go play!

Daiyousei

Hehe, you're so full of energy Cirno.

Cirno

Course I am! We're finally free from school, so I'm gonna play till I can't play no more!

Oh? What are you two doing here?

Cirno

Hm? Well, if it isn't PLAYER. I could ask you the same thing.

Reimu sent me on an errand.

Daiyousei

I see. That explains it then! We just finished school and were thinking about going to play...

Cirno

That's right! Hey, since you're here, why don't you come play with us too?

Daiyousei

Wait, Cirno! Miss PLAYER is in the middle of an errand.

No, I can play for a little while.

Cirno

Woohoo! That's my minion for you! Of course, you wanna play with us. It'll be much more fun than doing a boring errand.

Um, no, I have to do my errand too...

Cirno

Really? Well, whatever. Now we just have to figure out who else to invite. Is there anyone―

Daiyousei

Look, Cirno! There are children celebrating something!

Cirno

Celebrating? Oh, you're right. What are they celebrating, though?

Daiyousei

Oh, now I remember. Miss Keine said that today was Shichi-Go-San.

Yes, it's a day to celebrate the growth of children.

Cirno

The growth of children? Why would you celebrate something like that?

Daiyousei

Huh? Why...? Umm, how should I explain this...?

Cirno

Well, whatever. Who cares about growth when I'm the STRONGEST?! Come on, you two, let's go!

Daiyousei

C-Cirno?!

We'll lose sight of her if we don't hurry!

Daiyousei

D-Don't leave us behind, Cirno! Wait up!

Daiyousei

Phew, we caught up somehow...

Cirno

DAI! Piece and Lily are also here! They said they were watching the children too!

Lily White

Oh, so you were with Dai and PLAYER! We were just talking about the children of the village!

You and Piece were?

Clownpiece

Yeah! It's apparently Shichi-Go-San today. And Lily's jealous that they get to celebrate while wearing fancy kimono!

Cirno

Oh yeah, you're right, they're wearing different kimono from normal. They're called haregi or something, right?

Cirno

Hm, is that what you're jealous of, Lily? I guess you have always liked to dress up.

Daiyousei

I get where Lily's coming from...

Daiyousei

I'm a little jealous of how happy all the children look in celebrating how much they've grown.

Cirno

Happy...? Is growth something that makes you happy?

Yes, I believe it makes humans happy.

Clownpiece

Huh? But Reimu said it was a pain. She said growth only leads to more incidents and work for her.

Lily White

I don't think that's true, you know. Since I'm trying to grow so I can make it spring all year round.

Daiyousei

Umm, if it was spring all year... that would be an incident. Like the Spring Snow Incident that happened before...

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha! If that happens, Reimu and Marisa will come flying to exterminate you!

Lily White

Oh... I don't really want to be exterminated. But it's true that I'm making an effort to grow and become stronger!

Lily White

And besides, Marisa said, "Everyone grows and improves through hard work"!

Lily White

So I should be slowly growing bit by bit!

Clownpiece

Hmm, I haven't known you for that long, but it doesn't look like you've grown at all to me.

Cirno

Huh? I don't really get it, but growth does seem kinda like a pain...

???

Oh, pure and innocent fairies, there is no need for cynicism. This festival celebrating growth is a truly fantastic occasion.

Cirno

Wh-Who's there?! I think I've heard that voice before... Show yourself!

Cirno

Wh-Who's there?! I think I've heard that voice before... Show yourself!

???

Hehe, very well. Satono, Mai! Let us come forth!

Satono & Mai

Yes, Master! Your wish is our command!

Clownpiece

No. It can't be?!

Okina

It has been a while, has it not, little fairies? I am glad to see you are all in good health.

Mai

Our master is also an earth mother goddess, so she considers every child her own and takes great joy in their growth.

Satono

You should be thankful that our master wishes to celebrate with you!

Cirno

Y-You! You're the back door bad guy from the Four Seasons Incident!

Daiyousei

The Four Seasons Incident... Isn't that when you got a tan?

Cirno

Yeah, it was! You lot arrived with pretty suspicious timing... You were spying on us again, weren't you?

Satono

Don't worry. Master just came here to celebrate.

Celebrate?

Okina

Indeed. Today is Shichi-Go-San―a day celebrating the growth and well-being of children.

Okina

And as Mai just stated, I command the position of an earth mother goddess, among other things.

Mai

Our master is genuinely delighted with the Shichi-Go-San celebration and has decided to commend you all.

Daiyousei

Commend us...?

Okina

Just so. Growth is a blessing of nature...

Okina

Thus, I do not believe it to be an exaggeration to say that fairies, the embodiments of nature, are champions of growth!

Lily White

Champions of growth...!

Cirno

So... are you saying you're gonna give me some kinda super cool reward?!

They said commend, so maybe...?

Cirno

Well, I guess I do deserve it! I am the STRONGEST in all Gensokyo, after all!

Clownpiece

Wow, you say you're gonna celebrate for me too, a fairy of Hell? That's pretty crazy. I'm all for it!

Clownpiece

You can celebrate for me as much as you want!

Satono

Me and Mai, the crazy dancers, will show you a celebration you won't forget! We're ready, Master!

Okina

Good. It seems that everyone is in agreement. Now I shall present you with a reward befitting the strongest...

Okina

A trial!

Wh-What?!

I don't like the sound of that...

Mai

Come, we will send you to the stage for your trial with our dance. Showcase your growth!

Cirno

Wh-What's going on? Everything's gone dark all of a sudden... And I'm getting sleepy... Zzzz.

Cirno

Mmm... Wha? Is this... the school? How did we get here?

Okina

It seems that you have all awoken.

Clownpiece

Yeah, I'm still a little dizzy, though... Wait, what's with those clothes?!

Mai

It is just as you see.

Mai

Our master has ever so graciously prepared these garments for you all... Isn't it wonderful?!

Satono

It is not only our master who has a new outfit. Take a look at yourselves, too!

Daiyousei

What? When did all our clothes change?!

Lily White

These are the same outfits that the children of the village were wearing! We're wearing haregi!

Satono

Yes, that is the traditional attire for Shichi-Go-San. We changed you into them.

Mai

These outfits are very auspicious. And it seems our master was correct. Even fairies can look good with the right clothes.

Cirno

Hm... I was suspicious of you all at first, but I guess you're not too bad, after all!

But didn't Okina say something about a trial... Ah!

Okina

Hehe, how very astute of you PLAYER. Yes, you have awoken in the school, which means―

Okina

It is time for a test!

Fairies

Whaaaaaaat?!

Okina

If you all do not display signs of growth, a brutal and hellish study session awaits!

Fairies

No way?!

Mai

We'll cheer you all on with our dance, so I'm sure you'll pass the test!

Satono

You can do it! Let's go, let's go, let's go, FAIRIES!

Cirno

A st-study session? Me, study?!

Clownpiece

She also said it was hellish... Nah-ah, I'm with Cirno on this one.

Daiyousei

Umm, since you said, "If you don't show signs of growth," does that mean all we need to do is show that we've grown?

Cirno

Oh! Nice one, Dai!

Lily White

If Dai's right, does that mean we don't have to study?

Okina

How very discerning of you. If you do not wish to partake in the study session, you merely have to display your growth.

Okina

To wit, you must fulfill your duty as fairies!

What could a fairy's duty be...?

Cirno

ALL RIGHT! Let's do this then! They don't call me the STRONGEST for nothing!

Daiyousei

C-Calm down a little, Cirno! We have to make it clear what we're going to be doing first...

Clownpiece

You say that, but what could she mean by duty? We're fairies, so maybe it's pranks?

Lily White

Stake your life on a prank! That's our motto as fairies!

Daiyousei

I think Piece and Lily are right. So could you please help us out, Miss PLAYER?

I guess I'm here already, so all right!

Maybe I'll grow as a person, too!

Daiyousei

Thank you so much! Now, let's hurry and try to catch up with Cir―

Cirno

Aaaaghh! What?! Why's there a pit trap here?!

Lily White

That was Cirno screaming! Something must have happened. Let's go!

Daiyousei

Are you OK, Cirno?!

Clownpiece

She was right. There IS a pit trap here! Who could have done this...?

Tewi

Heh heh, you fell right into my trap.

Tewi?! Why are you here?

Tewi

Do you really have to ask? There's no one better for the role of prank exam supervisor than me, the prank master!

Lily White

I've never heard of a prank exam supervisor before...

Cirno

HEY! Stop ignoring me and get me out of here already!

Daiyousei

Hold on, Cirno! I'll save you!

Clownpiece

Let's leave Cirno to Dai. So, since you're the prank exam supervisor, does that mean you're gonna give us our test?

Tewi

Exactly! All right, now that Cirno's back, I'll start explaining the test to you all, OK?!

Cirno

*huff* *huff* I didn't even go very far before falling... So what's this test, then?!

Tewi

It's simple. If you manage to catch me in a battle of pranks―you pass! But you fail if I get away.

Lily White

That sounds more like a game of tag than a battle of pranks...

Clownpiece

Is that all? This is gonna be easy!

Tewi

Oh really? You're mighty confident, aren't you? I'll be going as fast as I can. Are you sure you can keep up?

Clownpiece

Ooh, we can't back down now! Come on, Cirno! Let's catch her quick-smart and make rabbit stew!

Cirno

Yeah! You're gonna regret making the strongest angry!

R-Rabbit stew...

Daiyousei

Don't worry. I'm sure it's just a joke.

Tewi

Heh heh. Here I am―Catch me if you can!

Clownpiece

Wait! The great Clownpiece will show this silly earth rabbit the true terror of Hell fairies!

Clownpiece

...Whoa?!

Cirno

Uwah?! The youkai rabbit has traps!

Lily White

E-Everyone! Watch out! It's dangerous!

Daiyousei

Huh? ...Eeeep!

Clownpiece & Cirno

Dai?!

???

Oh my, it's dangerous to set such traps for mere fairies.

Daiyousei

Huh? Why haven't I gone out of commission...?

Yukari

Though I suppose the blame doesn't solely lie with Tewi. A fairy's duty is not only to play pranks, you know?

M-Miss Yukari!

Cirno

Not just pranks? But fairies aren't fairies if we don't play pranks.

Yukari

Very well, I shall give you one more hint. We're in Gensokyo. So think about the power you have here.

Lily White

Gensokyo... The power we have...

Do you mean Spell Cards?

Cirno

Oh, right! I've got those!

Daiyousei

Yeah! We're in Gensokyo, so everyone has to follow the Spell Card Rules!

Lily White

Which means battles of bullets! I completely forgot about those...

Clownpiece

Oh, this is gonna be easy!

Yukari

Well done. Now that you have your answer, go and battle her head-on, fair and square like fairies should.

Cirno

Hehe, that's what I'm best at! LET'S GOOOO!

Cirno

Hey, stop right there! Face me in a battle of pranks AND bullets!

Tewi

Oh, I didn't expect you to catch up so quickly. I guess ice fairies are pretty fast. But now it's time for the true test!

Okina

*sigh* Yukari had to go and spoil them... Even though they will not learn if they do not figure it out themselves...

Cirno

So, do you give up yet, youkai rabbit?! There's nowhere left to run!

Tewi

Aww, you've got me. I surren―

Tewi

―don't! Heh heh, I'm actually over here.

Daiyousei

What?! Then the one in front of us is... a DECOY?!

Clownpiece

Argh! She tricked us! The real Tewi ran off into the forest!

Cirno

Grrrr! Quick, let's chase her! Follow me!

Three Fairies

Yeah!

Alice

So you are the ones having a battle of pranks with Tewi!

Alice

I got caught in the crossfire, thanks to you! What do you have to say for yourselves?!

Alice

*sigh* Sorry... That was unbecoming of me. I shouldn't vent my anger on you all like that.

Sakuya

All the fairies are dressed up in haregi... Oh, that's right, it's Shichi-Go-San today, isn't it?

Sakuya

Hmm, it might be interesting to see how much all of you have grown. Why don't we have a battle of bullets?

Sakuya

Heehee, not bad. I suppose you have improved.

Sakuya

Keep up the good work.

Okina

Hey, Yukari. You are not helping the fairies and PLAYER in the long run, you know?

Yukari

Come now, what's the harm? You're so stingy, Okina.

Okina

What do you mean stingy?! This is a test!

Daiyousei

Please don't fight!

Cirno

Darn! Where's that youkai rabbit gone?!

Lily White

Hmm, we lost all sight of her...

Marisa

Oh? It's PLAYER and the fairies. What are you all doing here?

Clownpiece

Ah?! Oh, it's just Marisa... Wait. What's with the getup?

Marisa

Well, it's a long story... So, how do I look?

Lily White

You look absolutely fabulous.

Clownpiece

Pretty cool! Though not as cool as us!

Cirno

Who cares about clothes?!

Cirno

We're looking for the prankster rabbit. Did you see her run by here?

Marisa

Oh? So you're looking for Tewi, are you?

Yes, we're in the middle of a Shichi-Go-San test...

Marisa

I getcha. So you have to catch Tewi to pass this test of yours, is that right?

Daiyousei

Yes, that's right. But...

Lily White

It's not going so well. There are so many traps, and she is really fast...

Marisa

I don't doubt it. Tewi's prankster skills are the best in all Gensokyo.

Daiyousei

What should we do? At this rate, we'll never pass...

Clownpiece

I don't wanna do a hellish study session!

Cirno

Me neither! We can't afford to lose!

Lily White

But how can we win...?

Fairies

Hmm...

Marisa

...What's this? You can't possibly be all out of ideas so soon, right?

Lily White

...Does that mean you know of a way to catch her, Miss Marisa?!

Marisa

Of course!

Marisa

You're taking Tewi on in her area of expertise. You are at a severe disadvantage.

Clownpiece

Take that back! We fairies are great at pranks!

Marisa

I didn't say you weren't. But it seems you're under the impression that pranks are all about skill and speed.

Marisa

But you have no hope in beating Tewi either of those. Which is why you need... POWER!

P-Power?

Marisa

Yeah! As soon as you find her, you need to drive her into a corner with bullets! Then you can catch her!

Daiyousei

But Miss Tewi is really fast... I'm not sure it will be that easy.

Cirno

We won't know till we try! Let's just give it a shot and try to freeze her!

Clownpiece

I guess we should hurry up and find her then... Oh?

Tewi

Heh heh... I'm pretty sure I've given them the slip. Maybe I should start heading back home to the bamboo forest.

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha! I found you, you tricksy rabbit! It's LUNATIC TIME!

Tewi

Urk! No, they can't have found me?! Whoa, that's some dangerous bullets coming my way!

Clownpiece

Is that all you've got? That rabbit who battled me on the moon put up a better fight than this.

Tewi

Grrr... Don't compare me to Reisen!

Marisa

Whoa, that's Clownpiece for you. Her Spell Cards are just as wild as when she was causing chaos on the moon.

Tewi

I can't believe you and Reisen managed to actually dodge all this!

Cirno

Let's go, Dai!

Daiyousei

OK!

Tewi

Noooo, you'll never catch me! I'm the white rabbit of Inaba!

Cirno & Daiyousei

Whoa?! Eeeep!

Tewi

I guess I've got to fight bullets with bullets! I'll show you why you shouldn't underestimate an earth rabbit!

Marisa

Hmm, this seems a little one-sided... All right! I'm gonna join Tewi to make this more fun!

Cirno

What? Are you gonna betray us?!

Marisa

I never said I was on your side, to begin with. I'm a neutral party, and I plan to stay that way.

Y-Yeah, she has been neutral from the start...

Clownpiece

There's no time to be impressed, 'cause it's gonna be LUNATIC TIME from here on out!

Cirno

Yeah! I'll freeze Marisa along with the youkai rabbit!

Daiyousei

This might be pretty difficult if we have to battle Miss Marisa as well... But let's all do our best together!

Tewi

Yikes. I give up. To think I got beaten by fairies... I must've played around a bit too much.

Marisa

Hahaha, the match is decided.

Marisa

Congratulations! You passed the first test with flying colors!

Fairies

We did it!

Clownpiece

Hehe, she was no match for us!

Cirno

Yeah, that was way too easy a test for the STRONGEST in all Gensokyo!

Lily White

...Huh? How come Miss Marisa knows about the test?

...Does it have something to do with her outfit?

Marisa

Oh? You finally noticed. Yeah, I guess you could say I'm kind of like a judge.

Marisa

This was a test to see how you fairies would approach battling with an opponent stronger than yourselves.

Marisa

And to see if you'd listen to advice in order to overcome that opponent.

Daiyousei

So when you said we passed...

Marisa

Yeah, your teamwork was perfect!

Clownpiece

Hehe, yeah, it was, wasn't it?! There's nothing we can't handle if we work together!

Marisa

Congratulations once again! Now, feel free to head over to the next test.

Clownpiece

...What do you mean?

Cirno

There's MORE tests?!

Clownpiece

Hey, nobody told me there would be more!

Marisa

There's no way it would be this easy, right? Your trial has just started!

Cirno

Arrgh! Fine, we'll just have to keep on passing!

Lily White

I'm sure we'll be finished in no time if we all work together!

Daiyousei

You're right. Miss Marisa did give us some advice, but it was us who managed to catch Miss Tewi.

Clownpiece

Yeah! This is gonna be easy!

Cirno

Let's keep it up and clear the next test too!

Daiyousei

Yeah, let's give it our all!

Marisa

Congratulations on passing the test!

Marisa

Let's have a battle of bullets to celebrate!

Marisa

Nice! Keep battling like that, and you're sure to pass all the tests!

Cirno

I see. Pranks are more difficult than I thought! You don't just need skill but also power...

Lily White

True. I always just rely on spring, so I never even thought about using power.

Daiyousei

Umm, right? I think you're kind of missing the point, but maybe you aren't...

Cirno

So, Marisa, how can we fairies power up?

Cirno

You're always going on and shouting about power, so I reckon there's no one better to ask!

Marisa

Yeah, there's no one better... Hm? Well, you didn't have to put it like that, but I do always say bullets are all about firepower!

Marisa

And it's really not all that difficult.

Marisa

Putting in the effort is vital. Like, take me for example. You all know that I'm called a normal magician, right?

Cirno

Yeah, you are pretty normal. What about it?

Marisa

Then let me name a few other magicians. There's Alice, Patchouli, and Byakuren, right?

Daiyousei

When you list them all out like that, the magicians are some of the most powerful beings in Gensokyo, aren't they?

Lily White

In other words, magicians are amazing!

Marisa

But you can't become a magician just from being amazing!

Marisa

In the world of Gensokyo, "magician" is more than just a word. It is a title for those who have quit being human.

Yes, don't they live a lot longer than humans?

Marisa

Yeah. But I'm still human. I compete against magicians with that handicap, and that ain't gonna change.

Clownpiece

Wow, you must really love being human if you keep being one even though you know it makes you weaker.

Clownpiece

...So, what does this all have to do with effort?

Marisa

Well, you see. Even though I wanna stay human, I hate to lose. So I put in the effort to make sure I can still win.

Cirno

I get wanting to win!

Cirno

I was really upset when I lost to Sunny and the others in a battle of pranks!

Marisa

Yeah, I bet. You gotta put in the work to win, especially against a rival you really don't want to lose to!

Cirno

But work's no fun... And it's not as if you can tell how much stronger it'll make you.

Clownpiece

Cirno's right! It's kind of lame, you know? And I don't do lame!

Lily White

I understand where Miss Marisa is coming from. You can really feel a gradual improvement when you put in the effort!

Daiyousei

Oh, yeah, you have a goal you're working towards, don't you, Lily? You want to make it spring all year round, right?

Lily White

That's right! I'm sure that if I work hard, I'll become powerful enough to make my beloved spring last the entire year!

Clownpiece

Whoa, you're super excited about this, aren't you, Lily?! I love it!

Lily White

Yes! Let's all become more powerful! We can train with battles of bullets!

Marisa

I like your enthusiasm, but you might be going a little overboard.

Marisa

All right... I guess I should give you a lesson since I'm a master at working hard.

Lily White

It may be autumn, but I'll make it spring with my bullets!

Marisa

Whoa, calm down. It'll be an incident if you make it spring all year round.

Marisa

I'll teach you the difference between making an effort and going on a rampage!

Lily White

Let's go, Miss PLAYER! We'll show her how much stronger we've gotten!

Lily White

*pant* I can barely stand... I think it's going to be a while until I can actually make it spring...

Marisa

Nice battle, considering you're the Fairy Herald of Spring in autumn. I bet you can get even stronger too!

Lily White

Really?! Hehe, Miss Marisa praised me!

Daiyousei

You were amazing, Lily!

Daiyousei

So putting in the effort really does make you stronger, little by little!

Marisa

Yeah! Though you won't always succeed, and sometimes you'll hit a wall. But even those experiences will help you grow.

Clownpiece

But what about Reimu? She doesn't make any effort and says training is a pain.

Marisa

She doesn't understand the joy of improving through hard work.

Marisa

But you lot aren't her. PLAYER, you felt a sense of accomplishment in passing that test earlier, right?

Yes!

Lily White

Miss PLAYER and I felt even more accomplished after that battle of bullets with you, Miss Marisa!

Marisa

Good. Don't forget that feeling.

Marisa

An obstacle will appear before you that you can't surpass no matter how hard you try, and your rival will clear it effortlessly.

Marisa

When that happens, it'll light a flame in your soul―a burning desire to catch up and beat them! Don't let that flame go out!

Marisa is absolutely right!

Cirno

I see. You can get more powerful with more effort... That means I can get even STRONGER than I already am!

Marisa

That's right. Remember that passion and keep on working hard!

Cirno

We passed the first test, and I bet the next one will be just as easy!

Cirno

Cause everything's easy for the STRONGEST!

Lily White

I feel like I've also become stronger than before!

Clownpiece

Well, I guess it was more fun than I thought it'd be!

Cirno

All right. Let's all play together!

Lily White

What's wrong?

Daiyousei

No, it's just Miss Marisa said there would be another test and that we haven't finished our trial yet...

Cirno

Hmm... She did say something like that, didn't she? But Dai, you really don't have to worry―

Okina

*sigh* You never change Cirno... You should all listen to Daiyousei. There is another test.

Yukari

Yes, you have merely taken the first step... We want you to aim for even greater heights.

Greater heights...!

Clownpiece

Whaaat? But we already learned about pranks from Tewi and effort from Marisa. Don't tell me we have to learn even more!

???

I told you all that you still have much to learn, didn't I? Or are you going to give up already?

Daiyousei

Ah?!

Kasen

Empty vessels make the most noise! And I'm sure you have plenty of energy left!

Cirno

Urk! Now the preachy hermit's here too... I've been told that her lectures go on even longer than Keine's lessons!

Kasen

Watch it, Cirno!

Kasen

I heard that you once trained by relying on Okina's power. But I'm not that nice, and my training won't be that easy!

Cirno

Wh-What are you talking about?!

Clownpiece

But the rest of us have never even trained once.

Oh yeah, I remember that...

Lily White

Wow, Miss PLAYER, so you've actually endured training from the mountain hermit.

Daiyousei

I'd like to hear what kind of training you did, but I'm more worried about what the mountain hermit has in store for us...

Kasen

No need to worry! It won't be too difficult. You will train to increase your mental fortitude through battles of bullets.

Daiyousei

Mental fortitude... You mean our minds?

Kasen

Yes. No matter how mighty or dextrous someone is, if they have the mind of a child, they will misuse their power.

Cirno

Mighty! Dextrous?! Thanks for the compliment!

Daiyousei

I'm not so sure she's complimenting you...

Clownpiece

Mental fortitude, you say? Hm, I think that'd have the opposite effect on me. It goes against my very existence.

Lily White

Piece... That's so cool!

Kasen

You're a fairy from Hell, right? What is the basis for your reasoning that willpower goes against your existence?

Clownpiece

Like, where's the fun in training? Reimu ALWAYS goes on about how training is a pain!

Clownpiece

Why do I have to do something so exhausting? This ain't HELL―it's Gensokyo!

Kasen

Hm, I see.

Kasen

Training is indeed arduous and exhausting... But it is necessary to learn one's limits and surpass them.

Kasen

People grow through continual trial and error. And this doesn't just apply to humans, but to fairies and youkai as well.

Kasen

Your argument does not explain why you should not train.

Kasen

You are merely searching for an excuse not to!

Clownpiece

Grrrr...!

Yukari

That was pretty strict.

Okina

Well put, Kasen! You have all learned of the joy attainable through effort. So you can surely bear this training.

Kasen

Don't you realize that you'll end up like a certain shrine maiden?! I must straighten you out before that happens!

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha! You're talking about Reimu, aren't you? I'm absolutely fine with becoming like her!

Clownpiece

Hehe! Is that all you've got? I could even battle you while dancing!

Kasen

Very well... I shall start by straightening out that smug grin of yours! Come, fairies. Show the results of your training!

Clownpiece

Whoa... I didn't think you'd rely on numbers. But if that's how you wanna do it, PLAYER's gonna help me out!

Cirno

Wow! Piece is winning against the mountain hermit! She isn't called the second strongest in all Gensokyo for nothing!

Lily White

It looks more like Miss Hermit is focusing on something else?

Daiyousei

She may have gotten a bit too worked up...

Clownpiece

Is that it? I thought the great mountain hermit would put up more of a fight than this... Having an off day or something?

Kasen

Ugh. She's not only making a fool of me, but winning too... Just like Reimu, her bullets rely solely on talent!

Daiyousei

Umm, Piece, I think you should stop now...

Kasen

And one Reimu is more than enough!

Kasen

Very well... It's time to give you the true Ibarakasen training course!

Oh no!

Kasen is serious!

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha! Nice! Give it your best shot! I'll crush whatever you throw at me!

Daiyousei

No! Please don't make her even angrier!

We should run!

Cirno

Run? The STRONGEST doesn't run!

Clownpiece

Yeah! We've gotta keep on battling it out!

Daiyousei

No, it's not running. It's, umm... Right! It's a tactical withdrawal!

Lily White

A tactical withdrawal?! That sounds really cool!

Cirno

The STRONGEST can't run! Don't even joke about it.

Cirno

I'll stay and fight, even if I have to do it all alone! If you want me to run, you'll have to beat me in a battle of bullets!

Cirno

Is her training course that bad?!

Cirno

Then I'm all for running! Come on, don't just stand there, let's go!

Cirno

*huff* *huff* We somehow managed to escape...

???

You came here just as Ibarakasen said you would.

Keine

You all should try and be a little smarter about how you run away, or someone might intercept you... Like me!

Cirno

K-Keine?! Why are you here?!

Did they predict where we'd run?!

Clownpiece

Ugh... It's just one thing after another. And I don't wanna deal with either of them.

Keine

But why do none of you want to train? Why do you refuse to study?

Keine

In Gensokyo, fairies are embodiments of nature. You all need to acknowledge and learn about the responsibility you hold!

Keine

You are beings that bridge the boundary between nature and civilization. Your actions have repercussions... You must...

Cirno

*sigh* It's begun... Keine never stops when she gets like this.

Keine

...This is why plants do not grow as well in places where there are no fairies present...

Clownpiece

Then why don't we run while she's focused on talking?! It doesn't look like she'd notice!

Keine

Hey! Are you listening?!

Clownpiece & Cirno

Y-Yes!

Daiyousei

Wh-What should we do? Miss Hermit will catch up to us soon...

But Keine won't let us escape...

Lily White

Is this it...? Are we done for?!

Kasen

...I finally caught up! It seems I was right in asking Keine for help.

Keine

Oh, Ibarakasen! You took your time. I'm currently teaching them about the nature of fairies.

Cirno

Hey, Keine, why do we have to study?

Clownpiece

I don't get why we have to train either. Why can't the mountain hermit just train those who want to?!

Kasen

Even if you're strong physically or have powerful skills, you cannot control this power without knowledge and willpower.

Kasen

That is why you must gain knowledge through study and develop willpower through training.

Keine

It's for your future! The knowledge I impart to you will form the foundation for your ability to think and make decisions.

Kasen & Keine

Which is why you must train! Which is why you must study!

Cirno

Think? Make decisions?

Clownpiece

You say it like we don't think before we act.

Daiyousei

Well, it's true that we fairies aren't the best at thinking things over...

Lily White

But I like thinking about pranks! Because... Because I'm a FAIRY!

Kasen

You must broaden your horizons to not just think about pranks. Persistently doing so will make you stronger.

Keine

No, Ibarakasen. They will not understand with just words. I believe an extracurricular lesson is in order!

Fairies

No way?!

Keine

It is not as if I'm a heartless oni. Today is Shichi-Go-San―a day to celebrate the growth of children...

Kasen

So we will stop the lecture if you beat us!

Cirno

Oh, so it's a battle of bullets, then?! That's much simpler!

Cirno

It's not like we need to train or study, anyway!

Clownpiece

Leave this to me, Cirno!

Clownpiece

Look at the light of my torch and dance wildly! It's LUNATIC TIME!

Keine

Urk, I should have expected this from a fairy of Hell. Is this the strength of a pure manifestation of the power of life?

Kasen

Not bad... I shouldn't have gone easy on you, thinking you were just an ordinary fairy.

Lily White

Yay! Thanks to Piece, we no longer have to get lectured!

Cirno

Oh, that's right! Keine, Hermit, you haven't forgotten your promise, have you?

Keine

Of course not. In light of your strength and growth, we will stop lecturing you.

Cirno

Woohoo!

Daiyousei

I've always known that Cirno is amazing, but Piece is amazing too!

Clownpiece

Of course! I'm also one of the STRONGEST fairies!

Wait... Just the lecture?

Keine

Very perceptive of you, PLAYER. You are correct. We will stop lecturing, but the lesson continues!

Clownpiece

Whaaat?! You can't be serious!

Lily White

But I was so happy that we avoided the lecture... That's not fair!

Daiyousei

Ugh, I don't really want to listen to another lesson either...

Cirno

All right! Let's RUN!

Clownpiece

OK!

Daiyousei

W-Wait. This is part of our test...

Lily White

Dai's right. We can't run now after coming so far!

Clownpiece & Cirno

Urk!

Keine

Hm... I didn't think they'd hate it so much. Was I speaking too harshly? Maybe I should change my teaching style.

Yukari

Study is not all bad. If you study from a young age, you can more efficiently learn new skills in the future.

Okina

Yes. Some of the children of the village go to school of their own accord for this precise reason.

Miss Yukari and Miss Okina!

Daiyousei

I... I think I understand why Miss Keine and the rest are trying so hard to make us study!

Lily White

Me too. It's not just about learning new things. It's about applying what you've learned and thinking before you act.

Lily White

I now understand why Miss Marisa stopped me when I said that I wanted to make it spring earlier...

Lily White

My goal to make it spring all year round hasn't changed. But I must think of a way to do it that won't cause harm to others!

Kasen

Very good. Let's keep carefully considering how our actions can affect others, just like that!

Lily White & Daiyousei

OK!

Cirno

I don't really understand... But if it'll make me stronger, I'll do it too!

Clownpiece

Ugh... If everyone else is doing it, so will I! You're going to do it too, PLAYER!

Yeah!

Kasen

Phew. I'm glad you all understand. The humility you displayed in admitting your error is a valuable trait. Don't forget it.

Keine

It seems that you won't be needing that extracurricular lesson after all. Since you have passed the second test!

Medicine

Eirin said I should study to learn how to control my power. But I don't like studying.

Medicine

*sniffle* But I hate losing even more, so I guess I will.

Mokou

Keine came to me asking for advice about study methods... Did something happen?

Mokou

...I see. So that's why. I hope her experience with teaching you guys will change her perspective a little.

Mokou

Just so you know, I told her that no one is gonna listen if all she does is give lectures.

Mokou

Cause I sure wouldn't... It was my duty to tell her cause I'm a student too, you know.

Daiyousei

Effort, study, and training... They are all essential, aren't they?

Cirno

Yeah! This lesson was actually fun. I even learned something new!

Daiyousei

I'm a little worried if I can actually use and apply all that we learned, though...

Lily White

Study and growth are similar... They're both hard. You kind of want to give up when things don't go well...

???

Why on earth would you give up?!

Daiyousei

Wh-What?! Who shouted?!

Sanae

Is compromise really an option?! No! No, it's not! When you give up, the experiment's over. You can all do better!

Lily White & Daiyousei

M-Miss Sanae?!

Lily White

You're so heated. It's like you missed spring and went straight to summer.

Clownpiece

Whoa, you weren't looking at my torch, were you?

Clownpiece

You're more of a lunatic now than when you called Lady Hecatia a T-shirt weirdo or the time you went to the moon.

Sanae

It's rude to call someone a lunatic! I just want to cheer you all on by lighting a blazing hot inferno under you all!

Yeah, it was quite motivational...

Cirno

No, stop it! Are you planning on making me MELT?!

Cirno

I was just starting to cool down with it approaching winter and all...

Lily White

Larva would love it if it got warmer! I wonder if it could get so warm that it'd become spring?

Sanae

Of course, it won't become spring!

Sanae

*sigh* I think we got a bit too worked up. Let's simmer down a little!

Sanae

OK. I think it's time to reveal why I'm here! Do you remember what I just said earlier?

Daiyousei

Um, you said... we can do better and not to compromise, right?

Wow. You remembered that perfectly, Dai.

Sanae

Exactly!

Sanae

There is something that you are all lacking... A challenger spirit―The courage to overcome the fear of failure!

Lily White

What do you mean by overcoming the fear of failure?

Cirno

I've got courage!

Cirno

I've even had a duel to the death with the Giant Toad! That's what you mean by not fearing failure, right?

Cirno

It was a pretty tough fight...

Cirno

The toad wouldn't freeze. Probably cause of the liquid stuff covering its skin... I admit, I panicked a little.

Cirno

It opened its mouth wide and tried to eat me WHOLE!

Cirno

But I didn't give up! I shot an Ice Sign: Icicle Fall right into its open mouth―

Sanae

Well done! But please direct all things to do with guts, endurance, and training to the mountain hermit!

Sanae

I'm in charge of teaching something different!

Clownpiece

Huh? What do you mean by different?

Sanae

What I mean is that power doesn't solve everything!

Sanae

There are moments in battles when you have to use your smarts. You can even fight just by supporting your allies!

Sanae

Battles are more than just offense and defense!

Cirno

Use your smarts... Support your allies... Are you talking about what Dai always does for me?

Sanae

That's right. You're quick on the uptake. I can see how you all managed to pass the previous tests.

Sanae

Miss Daiyousei and Miss Lily White! This lesson is particularly important for the two of you!

Lily White & Daiyousei

F-For us?

Sanae

Yes! Even pranks get boring if you don't keep innovating. It's important, so I'll say it once more―power isn't everything!

Lily White

Power isn't everything... I understand! I'll try it out!

Daiyousei

I'll also try my best! I want to learn how to support Cirno and the others better!

Sanae

That's the spirit, you two! All right, I'll cheer you on, so try your best! Hip hip hooray!

Lily White & Daiyousei

Hooray!

Sanae

Hooray! Hooray for science!

Lily White

Hooray! Hooray for science!

Daiyousei

Hooray! ...Wait. What's science?

Sanae

Louder, Miss Daiyousei! Put everything into it! Hooray science! Hooray Moriya!

Daiyousei

O-OK! Hooray! Hooray for Moriya!

Cirno

Don't force Dai to join in on your weirdness!

Daiyousei

Ah! Thank you, Cirno! Right, we've got to think for ourselves before we act!

Momiji

I noticed some explosions at Moriya Shrine and the Genbu Ravine just now on my patrol...

Momiji

It wasn't you all, was it?!

Momiji

I apologize. It seems that it wasn't your doing.

Momiji

Does that mean Nitori is up to something again? She can never just enjoy the peace and quiet, can she?

Hatate & Aya

It seems there may have been an explosion on the Youkai Mountain... This is undoubtedly a scoop!

Aya

Ow! Watch it, Hatate! Don't get in my way! Why don't you just use your Thoughtography?!

Hatate

You're the one in the way! Let me take the lead for once!

Aya

Urk, if only Hatate wasn't here...

Hatate

Huh? It's your fault, Aya! Don't you dare try and lay the blame on me!

Cirno

Hm? The Youkai Mountain seems kind of noisy. The tengu are flying around everywhere.

Daiyousei

You're right. Maybe something happened.

They did just say something about an explosion.

Sanae

Explosion? Ooh, It must have been "that."

Clownpiece

That?

Sanae

Yes. You see, there's something that I've been working on making all by myself.

Sanae

But it didn't go as planned. Whoops.

Lily White

So the thing you were working on exploded?

Sanae

That's right! It seems I accidentally used the wrong chemical components!

Sanae

It was such a careless mistake. Hehe.

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha. Is that really something to be proud of?! You're such a crazy shrine maiden!

Chemicals... Do you make medicine like Eirin?

Sanae

No, it doesn't have anything to do with medicine. But it's similar in that I'm making it to help people!

Daiyousei

To help people?

Sanae

Yes! I want to use my knowledge of the outside world to help people living here in Gensokyo!

Cirno

Oh... Why would someone need something from the outside world? And didn't you just say it failed?

Yukari

Hmm, yes... I can understand why such things may come across as unnecessary from a fairy's perspective.

Cirno

It's the gap youkai and the back door bad guy! You two just keep on showing up...

Okina

Of course, we do. We are working together to supervise your performance on the tests and evaluate your growth.

Okina

We will not assist directly. However, we will freely provide counsel.

Yukari

Now, back on topic... Humans, unlike fairies and youkai, are frail and short-lived. They lose their strength when they age.

Yukari

For example, Kosuzu can easily carry stacks of books, but her muscles will eventually weaken, making this impossible.

Sanae

Exactly! Fifty years may feel like the blink of an eye for a fairy.

Sanae

But after fifty years, we humans will turn into old ladies.

Sanae

Even though some humans may continue looking young when they age or work out a lot, they will still become frail...

Sanae

We will no longer be able to move around freely like we do now.

Sanae

But we humans have our smarts and the courage to tackle any challenge! We can find ways to make living easier!

Sanae

That is why we mustn't stop challenging ourselves and trying new things!

Sanae

I wish to improve upon the Gensokyo of today. And with the blessings of Moriya Shrine... bring it into the future!

(She snuck in an advertisement for her shrine!)

Yukari

Heehee. You are a kind girl to make use of your challenger spirit to invent something that helps other people, Sanae.

Okina

Only Sanae, with her knowledge of the outside world, could come up with such an idea.

Lily White

Wow, Miss Sanae really is amazing!

Sanae

Hehehe, keep the compliments coming! I'm the type of person who thrives on praise! And to thrive is to grow!

Sanae

Challenging, battles of bullets, and incident resolving can only be done while young. So you have to do them while you can!

Cirno

I like battles of bullets, too!

Sanae

It's also important to try your best at the things you like doing! All right! Let's have a battle of bullets then!

Daiyousei

...Huh? How did we get to battles of bullets from talking about challenging ourselves and making the most out of life?!

Sanae

Battles of bullets are always sudden! And what makes you think that there's a reason for it?!

Sanae

There's an opponent, and you like battles of bullets. What else do you need to start shooting?!

Sanae

Also, where'd you get the idea that this wouldn't turn into a battle of bullets? You shouldn't rely on common sense!

Sanae

You have to be able to deal with the unexpected. Only then can it truly be said that you've grown!

Lily White

I see! Everyone just needs to adapt and deal with it when it becomes spring all year round, right?!

Daiyousei

I'm not sure that's what she meant...

Lily White

Phew, these sudden battles are really tough!

Sanae

That's why it's important to continually challenge yourself and improve! If you do that, your dreams will surely come true!

Lily White

Yeah. I'll do my best!

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha! I also like compliments, though maybe not as much as Sanae!

Okina

Hm, this was enlightening for us also. Lecturing and getting angry may at times hamper growth rather than encourage it.

Yukari

Indeed. That's why I provide the sweet and delicious carrot. Whereas you, Okina, provide the stick.

Okina

*sigh* The problem is that your "carrot" is more like a carrot cake covered in frosting.

Daiyousei

...Fairies are weaker than other youkai. This makes them similar to weak humans with their short lifespans.

Daiyousei

Fairies are reckless and always try to tackle their problems head-on, so they immediately get put out of commission...

Lily White

Yeah, we are similar! This makes me want to learn a whole lot more about humans!

I also want to learn more about fairies and Gensokyo!

Cirno

Well, there are exceptions! Like me―the STRONGEST in all Gensokyo!

Clownpiece

Humans aren't all weak either, like Reimu, Marisa, and Sanae. Oh, and PLAYER's pretty strong for a human too!

Sanae

That's great! Now let's―

Cirno

Wh-What's going on?! The ground is shaking!

Sanae

That sounded like an explosion from the Genbu Ravine! Let's go, everyone!

Hatate

Aya went to investigate the explosion, so I'm going to see what's going on here while the overprotective squad is away!

Hatate

Hey, can I ask you for an interview?!

Hatate

Urk, the mountain gods are back!

Hatate

Thanks. I think I'll end the interview here! Help me out again in the future, OK?!

Aya

Ayayaya! Hatate was just here, wasn't she?!

Aya

What did she ask about? Please tell me. I'll make it worth your while.

Aya

...All right! If I win in a battle of bullets, you'll give me the scoop, OK?!

Aya

Ayayayaya... I lost. That's a shame. I guess it's true that you have to go searching by yourself for the best scoops!

Aya

I'm going to go do just that!

Sanae

Hm, maybe I was wrong about the cause of the explosion at the Genbu Ravine...

Daiyousei

Look! There's someone lying on the ground! They might've been hit by the explosion!

Cirno

It's the kappa! What happened?! Who did this to you?!

Nitori

...

Th-There's no response!

No, don't tell me she's out of commission!

Sanae

No way... Who could have done something so horrible? What could Nitori have possibly done to deserve this?!

???

Um... I saw the whole thing...

Clownpiece

A voice! It came from the water!

Wakasagihime

Greetings from beneath the water! Wait, this isn't the time for pleasantries!

Wakasagihime

You see, I was bored and decided to observe the kappa.

Sanae

Oh, so you saw everything from the river. Come on then. Please tell us what happened!

Wakasagihime

OK. That kappa there was chuckling to herself while tinkering with something.

Sanae

Something? This is Nitori we're talking about, so it was probably some sort of machine or gadget...

Wakasagihime

Yes. She was making a bunch of clinging and clanging sounds, but then it lit up all of a sudden!

Wakasagihime

Then... BOOM! It exploded with a tremendous roar that shook the earth.

Sanae

I understand what happened now. She must've been making something, or perhaps taking something apart...

Sanae

Either way, it must have malfunctioned, which caused the explosion.

Curiosity killed the cat. Or rather, the kappa...

Lily White

It's not fair... Nitori was such a good kappa...

Daiyousei

She even made fun toys for us fairies when the mood took her...

Cirno

Yeah. I played with them by pretending they were kappa and floating them down the river...

Clownpiece

I'll miss her too! I sometimes played pranks where I'd change out parts in her machines. It's such a shame she's gone!

???

...What did you say?

Clownpiece

I said I changed out parts in her machines. I even did it just yesterday.

Nitori

...It was you...

Sanae

M-Miss Nitori?! You still draw breath! I'm so glad you're alive!

Nitori

What's there to be glad about?!

Nitori

My experiment exploded because the parts were changed! And now the culprits are right here before me!

Wakasagihime

No way... The criminals actually returned to the scene of the crime!

Lily White

Eek. Miss Nitori is really angry!

Nitori

How dare you mess with my experiments! I'll never forgive you for this!

Nitori

I'll take all of your shirikodama as compensation!

Cirno

I refuse! Let's go, PLAYER! We must fight to protect our shirikodama!

Nitori

Urk... Battles are the one thing this fairy is actually good at... I give up. There's no profit in continuing.

Wakasagihime

Oh my. It's your own fault for having a battle after just waking up. You shouldn't let your temper get the better of you.

Nitori

You know, you could've helped me out a little.

Wakasagihime

But it's dangerous. There are so many different machines around you. What if one of them explodes again?

Nitori

I don't make such blunders. This one only exploded 'cause I was experimenting with these rare parts I found.

An experiment?

Nitori

Yeah... I've been busy lately and haven't had the time to innovate anything. And innovating is what I'm known for...

Nitori

So I started tinkering and got caught up in all the new and brilliant ideas that came to me.

Cirno

Well, it didn't work, so why not just give up?

Nitori

It would be a waste to give up so soon. You can't abandon hope till the very end!

Nitori

You'll never come up with something new if you quit!

Sanae

It's just as Nitori says! Successful innovation and experiments are built on failure!

Sanae

You've got to try, try, and try again until you succeed!

Nitori

You said it, sister! You'll never achieve anything if you're afraid of making mistakes!

Nitori

A never-give-up attitude is essential if you ever want to innovate!

Cirno

A never-give-up attitude... We fairies have got that too!

Yukari

Teehee. Being reckless is not the same as not giving up. You shouldn't mistake one for the other.

Okina

You fairies never truly die. The worst that can happen when you fail is that you go out of commission for a time...

Okina

Considering how often you get carried away with pranks, I am sure you have taken advantage of this more than once.

Lily White

Yeah... I can think of plenty of times I've done that!

Clownpiece

Why wouldn't we? I only do the cool big pranks, not the boring little ones! It's no fun otherwise.

Yukari

Weren't you listening? I said being reckless is not the same as not giving up. Or, in this case, the challenger spirit.

Okina

Well, I suppose it is a way of challenging yourself that humans cannot hope to imitate.

Confident Fairies

I get it now!

R-Really?

We've learned another lesson!

Daiyousei

Hm... It seems like everyone understands...

Daiyousei

But didn't Miss Marisa say something similar? Is this also a type of effort...?

Sanae

By the way, Miss Nitori, what invention are you working on?

Nitori

I'm glad you asked! I'm trying to make that excavating drill you talked about, Sanae!

Sanae

Ooh, the drill!

Sanae

So, at long last, you've started working on creating the legendary drill. Some would say it's what dreams are made of!

Nitori

You bet I have! Though the power unit is still not quite as water-resistant as I'd like. So I'm working on making it better.

Cirno

Drill? Power unit? What are they talking about? It just sounds like complete gibberish to me...

It's probably some sort of technical jargon...

???

Hey, quiet down with all the banging and booming.

???

Yeah, stop bein' such a neighborhood nuisance.

Nitori

In what way are we a nuisance?! We're much better than that oni who always goes on a drunken rampage... Eep?!

Nemuno

There ain't no tellin' when those explosions will start a forest fire!

Nemuno

And how do ya plan on takin' responsibility for dispruptin' the mountain's ecosystem?!

Suika

Yeah, what she said. I was enjoying a drink at the Nemunoki, but I got surprised by that explosion and spilled it all!

Sanae

M-Miss Nemuno and Miss Suika... Umm, I'm sorry for the trouble we caused. But it wasn't intentional...

Cirno

Huh? I can understand the yamanba, but why's Suika angry? She's always drinking, so can't she just pour another cup?

Daiyousei

I'm sure it was a lot to clean up.

Suika

The cleaning was a pain, but that's not the point...

Suika

The yamanba put a lot of work into preparing that meal for me. It's a crime to waste it.

Nemuno

And that ain't all. The one who makes the food was gifted the ingredients by nature.

Nemuno

It's absolutely unacceptable to let such gifts go to waste! There are responsibilities to uphold.

Clownpiece

Responsibilities?

Sanae

Umm, to put it plainly... You have a responsibility to not be picky and eat everything on your plate!

Suika

When you eat, you receive the lives of others, and you gotta respect that by properly consuming all the life you receive.

Lily White

I see. So that's why you're angry.

Cirno

You say all that, but I don't wanna eat stuff I don't like. Besides, I can't eat anything hot.

Nemuno

Yeah, ya shouldn't force yourself to eat things your body can't handle. But it's a problem if ya leave food that ya can eat.

Suika

Right. You won't grow up big and strong if you're picky with food. That goes for fairies as well as humans.

Lily White

Urgh... Do I really have to eat the winter vegetables that I hate to get stronger?

Sanae

Yeah, I understand why you want to be picky. There are also some vegetables that I really don't like...

Nemuno

A girl your age shouldn't be picky 'bout food. I ain't gonna let ya leave any food on ya plate!

Sanae

I know... but I don't want to eat the food I don't like!

Clownpiece

This isn't Hell, so why can't we just eat what we wanna eat?! Why do we have to get told off for it?!

Nemuno

Ya gotta maintain a balanced diet! I'll teach ya why... through a battle of bullets!

Suika

You only think that way 'cause you've never wanted for a meal before. The Mottainai Ghost will get you if you don't change.

Sanae

Th-There's no such thing as a Mottainai Ghost! Please help us, Miss PLAYER!

Sanae

...Ghosts aside, you're right that we shouldn't waste food.

Nemuno

It seems ya understand that ya shouldn't waste food or be picky. I could tell from your bullets.

Nemuno

I think I've taught you enough for the day.

Clownpiece

That was a crazy intense battle of bullets! Even just watching it was exciting!

Cirno

I-It's not like I'm scared of the ghost or anything, but there's nothing the STRONGEST can't handle, that includes food!

I'm proud of you, Cirno!

Suika

Good. I'm glad the fairies now understand why you shouldn't be picky with food.

Suika

We put all we had to say into our bullets. And if they forget I'm sure PLAYER will remind them.

Leave it to me!

Sanae

I also want to teach everyone about food waste! Since it's a big problem in the outside world.

Clownpiece

What, really? Do the humans of the outside world have that much food to go around?

Sanae

Yeah... Compared to Gensokyo, I'd say there is quite a lot of food.

Sanae

But because it is so abundant, people don't value it as much as they perhaps should...

Suika

There are four principles that must be upheld. Don't buy more than you need. Eat food before it expires...

Suika

Don't throw out any excess when cooking, and eat everything on your plate.

Cirno

So I have to force myself to eat bitter and spicy food?! No way! I'm not doing that!

Suika

Nemuno said it earlier, but you shouldn't eat food your body can't handle... that goes for tastes too.

Suika

Though your tastes do change as you grow older. So you may overcome your dislike of certain foods over time.

Nemuno

Also, if it's a matter of taste, I can cook up anythin' to suit your palate.

Nemuno

So come visit the Nemunoki if you're feelin' hungry. I'll cook up a delicious spread that'll fill ya right up!

Cirno & Clownpiece

Really?!

Daiyousei & Lily White

Thank you!

Fairies

*growl*

Lily White

My tummy rumbled.

Daiyousei

That's probably because we were talking about food so much... Let's go and eat together once the trial is over!

Cirno & Clownpiece

Woohoo!

Clownpiece

Yeah, all this learning has made me really hungry.

Lily White

Does anyone have any food?

Yukari

I'm sorry. I haven't brought anything... How about you, Okina?

Okina

Let me see... This is Mai's. And this is the snack I was going to give to Satono. Unfortunately, I do not have anything for you.

Nemuno

A healthy appetite is just what ya need to grow up big and strong. Ya must've forgotten to eat with this trial on.

Cirno

I'm starving too! Come on, yamanba, why don't you cook us up something?

Nemuno

I'd cook ya somethin' up if I could, but I ain't got my tools with me, so I can't prep nothin'.

Clownpiece

Someone! Anyone! Give me some FOOD!

Nitori

Food isn't just going to appear out of nowhere, you know. We're not all like that tricksy tanuki...

Clownpiece

Tsk. There's gotta be some food around...

Wakasagihime

Huh? Why is everyone looking at me?

Wakasagihime

I d-don't taste good!

Ah, Wakasagihime?!

I think she misunderstood...

Sanae

Haha... I only wanted to ask if she had any food on her. But I guess we shouldn't have all looked at her at once.

Yukari

How could she have possibly thought that I would ever eat a freshwater mermaid? It's not like I'm a human...

Yukari

Whatever shall we do... Ran? Chen?

Chen

I'm here, meow! You call, and I appear!

Ran

I apologize for the wait, Lady Yukari. I have brought refreshments composed of tea and some sandwiches.

Yukari

Thank you, Ran. There you go, everyone, help yourselves. It is our treat.

Daiyousei

Wow! They all look so delicious! Thank you so much, Miss Yukari!

Clownpiece

Yummy!

Chen

Of course, they're yummy!

Chen

Lady Ran's cooking always is! I also helped out a little this time!

Cirno

Wow, you helped out, did you?

Cirno

But why did Chen and Ran appear just because they were called? Don't tell me you two just came here to deliver food.

Chen

We're shikigami. That's what we do. I'm Lady Ran's shikigami, and Lady Ran is Lady Yukari's shikigami!

Lily White

Um... Do all shikigami come if their mistress calls for them? They kind of seem like servants.

Ran

You are not wrong.

Ran

We are the same to Lady Yukari as Mai and Satano are to Lady Okina, and Youmu is to Lady Yuyuko.

Cirno

Does that mean... you're also the same as Sakuya, who's a maid of the vampire sisters?

Ran

Exactly. We take great pride in serving our mistress. I'm sure Sakuya and the others would say the same.

Cirno

Yeah, but... What's the point of servants, anyway?

Daiyousei

Hmm... To help their mistress out, maybe?

Clownpiece

But the back door bad guy, the ghost, and the vampires aren't weak like fairies and humans, right?

Clownpiece

Why would they need help? Tell me.

Yukari

That's because... We're busy...

Okina

On occasion, I do not have time to take care of all my duties as a sage and a god. So it helps to have some assistants.

Ran

Yes, let me give you an example. Cirno, what would you do if you wanted to play hide and seek?

Cirno

Hide and seek? Let's see... First, I'd go get Dai. Then I'd go find Lily, Piece, and the other fairies!

Ran

Hide and seek can not be played alone. That is why you invite others. To play together, correct?

Ran

In other words, you need to ask others for help when you cannot do something all on your own.

Ran

However, when you want to play, you can only call on your friends that are around at the time, correct?

Ran

But being a servant is a job. It is our duty to come immediately when called for.

Ran

We also take immense satisfaction out of providing assistance for our mistress, which makes our job worthwhile.

Lily White

I get it now! You could play hide and seek right away if your servant appeared whenever you called!

Cirno

Whoa! That sounds great!

Ran

Haha, well, you're not wrong... But you would only be able to play right away because it is someone's job to help you out.

Yukari

Indeed. Ran prepared the meal while I was watching over the trial. And Chen helped as it was a lot of work for Ran alone.

Sanae

So while it looked like you were just watching us, you were actually giving instructions to Miss Ran without us noticing.

Daiyousei

I've seen something similar in the Human Village.

Daiyousei

The children of the village sometimes help out their parents by going on errands or doing chores.

Just like how Reimu gives me errands.

Ran

Exactly. Going on errands and performing chores is a form of labor... In other words, work.

Ran

And helping their mistress is the work of servants.

Clownpiece

That makes sense! I also have a mistress, so I get why you'd wanna work for them!

Cirno

But isn't it a pain to have to work for someone?

Chen

You get rewards after working hard, so it's a lot of fun!

Lily White

You get rewards?! Can you get spring as a reward?!

That might be difficult...

Ran

Yes... Though mistresses do try to give as much as they can. It's the servant's job to receive this payment for their labor.

Ran

And it's the job of the mistress to pay them. This relationship is only sustainable as long as these conditions are met.

Ran

It is essential to provide and maintain motivation.

Daiyousei

I kind of get why you'd want to devote yourself to someone like that...

Cirno

Devotion. Motivation... Does it make it worthwhile when you have both? Hmm... this labor thing is pretty tricky...

Lily White

So servants do what they do because they find it worthwhile!

???

That's right! It's rough sometimes, but it can also be fun!

Clownpiece

Oh? Who is it now? I feel like I've heard this voice somewhere before...

Reisen

Hello everyone! I'm the Reisen who works under Lady Toyohime and Lady Yorihime, not the one from Eientei!

Yukari

Oh, it's you... You're the moon rabbit who once ran away from the moon down to Earth.

Yukari

Did you come here to complain about the working conditions on the moon?

Reisen

I wouldn't call it complaining...

Reisen

I have spent many months and years beneath the princesses working, fighting, and sometimes being petted...

Reisen

Though it was hard work, there were some fun moments! I also learned a lot, and I am better for it!

Cirno

Wow, you sound like a really hard worker!

Reisen

*sniff* I am so happy that you think so! But you see, while it is sometimes fun, it's a struggle more often than not...

Chen

I know what you mean. It can be a struggle at times, but learning from the experience helps for the next time.

Reisen

Yes, there is plenty to learn! Like the importance of being kind to others, or the pain of being too hard on yourself.

Daiyousei

Wow... You're studious too. We should follow your example!

But you're here in Gensokyo right now, so...

Reisen

Eep!

Ran

A moon rabbit of the Lunar Capital is here in Gensokyo... She must have skipped out on work to come here and play!

Reisen

Eek!

Chen

Lady Ran! I've seen Reisen come here to Gensokyo to play quite a few times!

Reisen

Why can't I play on my days off?! It's not like I always visit because no one can tell when I'm skipping work done here!

No one finds out when you come to Gensokyo...?

Reisen

Yes, most Lunarians hate impurities! And Lady Toyohime, Lady Yorihime, and Lady Yagokoro will only come if they need me!

Reisen

Oops!

Ran

Hmph, it seems like you have done this more than once...

Ran

This attitude of yours strikes me as rather unbecoming for a servant... Is there perhaps a reason why you do this?

Reisen

Hehehe... I knew you would ask that. Do you want to know? You do, don't you? I can tell you if you want?

Clownpiece

Whoa? She's like a completely different rabbit.

Cirno

I've seen something like this before! She's in a trance!

Daiyousei

Don't be silly, Cirno. You're overreacting. I'm sure she's just going to talk to us about her work... Probably.

Lily White

I wonder what it's like to work in the Lunar Capital? Please tell us! I can't wait to find out!

Reisen

Hehehe... So you want to know why I come to Gensokyo to skip work, do you?

Reisen

It's because... I'm fed up with working all the time!

Reisen

I'm sure you all understand, right?!

Reisen

Study gets boring when you do it all the time. So I play. Just like how it's no fun doing the same prank over and over again!

Cirno

Y-You've got a point!

Daiyousei

No, Cirno! Don't let her trick you!

Reisen

Ngh! It was reckless to have a battle of bullets against so many at once... Oof.

Cirno

Hmm... So is she a hard worker or not? I don't understand anymore.

Chen

This is just a guess... but I think skipping work is her way of crying out for help.

Cirno

Crying out?

Reisen

I think you're right... No, I'm sure you are!

Reisen

Yes. Work is important, but not so important that you should wear yourself out!

Chen

Yeah, nothing good comes from straining yourself! You have to work at a reasonable pace, or you won't last!

Ran

Chen and I do not work all the time either, you know?

Ran

We sometimes take holidays to refresh and recharge, which lets us try our best again when we return to work.

Reisen

Maintaining a balance between work and your personal life is essential for a professional!

Ran

However, you are skipping out on work. This is bound to have a detrimental effect on your workplace.

It does sound like a tough work environment...

Reisen

No way... I thought I looked really cool saying that thing about balance... Is my work environment really that toxic?

Cirno

Balance...Work environment... Taking holidays...

Cirno

I get it now! Since I can balance pranks AND play, I must be a professional!

Daiyousei

Cirno, I don't think that's quite right...

Ran

A fitting interpretation, Cirno. You should continue thinking for yourselves to come up with your own answers. Just like that!

Fairies

OK!

Toyohime

Oh, is Reisen in Gensokyo? Was Yorihime too hard on her again?

Toyohime

Are you wondering why I'm not angry? It's because she hasn't done anything for me to be angry about.

Toyohime

Everyone wants a rest once in a while, don't they? Besides, I know that she fulfills the tasks assigned to her, so it's fine.

Toyohime

But she should've told me that she wanted to skip work... I would've joined her!

Yorihime

*sigh* My sister is much too lenient! Does she not realize this sets a bad example for the rest of our servants?!

Yorihime

It is not like I want to be strict with them! I only nag because I worry for their future...

Yorihime

Besides, when I praise them, I go all out! I know how to use the carrot as well as the stick!

Yorihime

I lost... Perhaps I do need to take it easy sometimes.

Cirno

We had so many new discoveries today! I sure did learn a lot!

Daiyousei

Yeah. We've learned things at school before, but I now realize that there's plenty more to learn outside of school too!

Okina

True. Irrespective of age, there is always more to learn. As long as you wish for it, it is possible to accumulate knowledge.

Yukari

Just like the witch of the Great Library.

Lily White

I could get so knowledgeable that no one will be angry when I make it spring all year round! I'll become the witch of spring!

Clownpiece

I want to show everyone how much I've grown! It's LUNATIC TIME!

Yukari

All right, you have all passed your tests, so I think it's about time we―

???

Hold it!

That voice...

Is that...?

Sunny Milk

How could you all have forgotten about us!

Sunny Milk

Those four aren't the only fairies around, you know! We, the Three Fairies of Light, are here too!

Luna Child

That's right! You're celebrating the growth of fairies, so why didn't you invite us?!

Star Sapphire

Well, the sages are behind this all, so I'm sure they have a good reason... Isn't that right?

Chen

Umm... Lady Ran, Lady Yukari, what should we do?

Satono & Mai

Don't worry!

Mai

Satono and I will explain on behalf of our master!

Okina

Yes. You two are the ones who made the arrangements, so that would be best. Explain the situation to them.

Satono & Mai

OK!

Satono

We'll start by explaining the haregi... Our master was the one who ever so graciously prepared them.

Mai

Lady Yukari and the rest of the Yakumo household helped with the festival by arranging things behind the scenes.

Did they arrange Marisa's and Sanae's outfits too?

Ran

Yes. Lady Yukari prepared those clothes, saying that the appropriate attire is necessary for education.

Ran

Some of our helpers for the event were suspicious when we presented the outfits to them. But others seemed delighted.

Yukari

Sanae apparently wore something similar before she came to Gensokyo, so she needed no convincing at all.

Sunny Milk

Wait! None of this explains why we weren't given any outfits!

Mai

Unfortunately, we didn't have long to prepare before the festival. Thus we couldn't fashion costumes for you in time.

Luna Child

So why do Cirno and the others have costumes?!

Satono

That's because when our master thought up the idea, Cirno and the others just happened to be playing at Hakurei Shrine.

Mai

So our master chose them to feature in the festival and prepared haregi for them.

Three Fairies of Light

S-Seriously?!

Sunny Milk

That's not fair at all! That may be a good enough reason for a god, but not for us!

Reimu

*sigh* I knew this would happen... That's why I told you not to act so recklessly on a whim.

Yukari

Oh, Reimu. You've finally arrived. What took you so long?

Reimu

Huh? Never mind that. We first need to figure out how to deal with these fairies before they start a riot.

Reimu

Listen up, there's really only one option at times like this, right?

Star Sapphire

Do you mean...?

Three Fairies of Light

A battle of bullets!

Why am I not surprised?!

Reimu

I guess you've gotten used to the rules of Gensokyo.

Yukari

Teehee, I suppose a child's job is to play... Fairies, why don't you play a game of bullets versus each other?

Cirno

But it's not our fault they don't have costumes! Or is this another one of our tests?

Cirno

I guess we might as well do it then! Piece, PLAYER! Go get 'em!

Clownpiece

I don't like how it's Cirno giving the orders, but all right... PLAYER, let's do this!

Sunny Milk

Aaargh! We lost! This stinks!

Okina

I apologize for not finishing your costumes in time. I promise they will be ready for the next festival.

Star Sapphire

We aren't just upset about the costumes!

Yukari

Oh? What do you mean?

Luna Child

We're the fairies of sunlight, moonlight, and starlight. But these lights haven't changed in forever...

Luna Child

That means we can't receive the blessings of growth from the earth, doesn't it?!

Sunny Milk

Yeah! But Cirno and the others aren't the only fairies who've grown!

Reimu

Ah. So you thought the reason you didn't get costumes is 'cause you don't grow and can't participate in Shichi-Go-San...

Star Sapphire

Shichi-Go-San is a festival celebrating the growth of children, and we thought the haregi was the present you get for it...

Ran

But you do grow!

Ran

Sunlight, moonlight, starlight―they all govern time, which is essential for growth.

Three Fairies of Light

Time?

Ran

The cycle of sun and moon create the day, and when you add starlight, the calendar is formed... And thus the year.

Chen

So that's what you meant by governing time!

Ran

Yes, growth occurs due to the passage and change of time. Light is also essential to watch over this growth.

Chen

So what you're saying is that the Three Fairies of Light are like the record keepers for everyone's growth!

Star Sapphire

Wow... I didn't know that!

Clownpiece

Besides, we always play together, right? We all spend the same time together, so of course we grow together too!

Lily White

That's right! Let's all have a party and view the cherry blossoms together when spring comes round!

Cirno

Right! You're my minions, so when your boss grows, you all learn from the experience too!

Daiyousei

Yeah! We are all growing together!

Sunny Milk

...So what you're saying is that we're all one and the same! Thanks, everyone!

Luna Child

Hm? I'm not sure that's right... But it is more fun with everyone together!

Reimu

*sigh* These fairies get all worked up over the most trivial of things...

Yukari

Don't say that. I think it's lovely that they are all such good friends.

Sunny Milk

I'm sorry for earlier...

Cirno

Hm? Don't worry about it. Come on, let's all play together!

Clownpiece

Yeah, no one can beat us when we're together! It's LUNATIC TIME!

Cirno

Well, I guess we can't win all the time!

Clownpiece

Argh! I hate losing, but I'll use this frustration to motivate me to get even stronger! You gotta look on the bright side!

Eirin

It seems the fairies have learned how wonderful work can be.

Kaguya

Wow! That is quite commendable. I must give them a reward!

Kaguya

But before that... Let us have a battle of bullets to see just how much they have grown!

Kaguya

Oh my, their bullets have indeed grown quite strong. They definitely deserve some sweets!

Eirin

But why are Yukari and the others so interested in the growth of the fairies...?

Kaguya

There is no use racking your brain over it. Let us just celebrate and rejoice in the strides the fairies have made!

Lily White

It really feels like the end of the festival now that we're friends with the fairies of light again!

Daiyousei

Yeah! ...Hm? Wait. I think we might be forgetting something...

Cirno

Huh? What?

Cirno

Hm? What's with the strange face, Chen?

Chen

Meow! I just remembered what Lady Ran said! She said, "the appropriate attire is necessary for education"!

Yukari

How could you have forgotten?

Yukari

It is time for the final test to see how much you have all grown.

The final test...!

Clownpiece

Hehe, finally. We've gotten through everything else they've thrown at us, so let's pass this test too!

Ran

That's the spirit. The final test will be... a battle of bullets! Lady Yukari, Chen, Reimu, and I will be your opponents.

Okina

I shall serve as the judge so both sides can focus solely on the battle.

Reimu

All right, come at us with everything you've got!

Cirno

Course! We won't hold back!

Cirno

I'm the best at mindlessly tackling things head-on! Come on, everyone! We'll show 'em how much we've grown!

Three Fairies

Yeah!

Reimu

Good, It seems you're all fired up. Let's begin!

Reimu

I've gone out of my way to help test you all, so you better have grown... Or you'll be sorry!

Cirno

Wh-What?! Grr... We can't afford to lose now!

Cirno

Not like we were ever planning on losing! Let's do this, PLAYER!

Cirno

Just see how much we've grown!

Cirno

All right, this is the Spell Card I made just for pranks―Ice Sign: Icicle Fall!

Lily White

I'll never give up! Just like how I'll endure this cold winter till my season comes! Spring Sign: Surprise Spring!

Daiyousei

I may not be strong, but I can still support my friends!

Clownpiece

I'll make sure everyone knows how strong I've become, even Lady Hecatia in Hell! Hell Sign: Hell Eclipse!

Reimu

I know we're going easy, but their teamwork is really annoying to deal with!

Yukari

These attacks are only possible due to the time spent playing and learning together. They truly have become strong.

Now, Cirno! Finish it!

Cirno

Leave it to me! Everyone, lend me your power! Haaaaaaaaaa―

Cirno

MAX POOOWER... ICICLE FAAAALL!

Reimu

Oh no! This is bad!

Yukari

Oh my. Both of our barriers have been frozen. Perhaps there is some legitimacy in her self-proclaimed title of the strongest.

Okina

Halt!

Okina

That was a mighty blow. I have no qualms at all in proclaiming that... you pass!

Cirno

*huff* *huff* We did it... We did it, Dai! Everyone! She said we passed!

Clownpiece

Hehe! We did it!

Reimu

*sigh* I'll have to fight more seriously if we ever do this again. But that does it for all your tests.

Yukari

However, you should not become complacent. No matter the time or place... We are always watching you.

Wh-What does she mean by that...?

Okina

The trial is complete. Mai, Satono!

Satono & Mai

We're here!

Mai

All right, time to clean up!

Satono

We'll return everything to how it was before the trial!

Cirno

Wha? It's dark again! This is Rumia levels of darkness... No... I'm getting sleepy again...

Clownpiece

Mmm... Huh? Where did Reimu and the others go? And why are we lying down in a place like this?

Lily White

Huh? Our clothes have returned to normal... That wasn't a dream, was it?

Daiyousei

I remember it too well for it to have been a dream...

Cirno

Yeah. Sunny, Luna, and Star are here too, so it can't have been a dream. Though they are still sleeping...

Then where did all your haregi go...?

Rumia

Huuuuh? What are you doing? Were you all taking a nap here?

Cirno

Rumia! We just had this weird dream... That, I think, was actually real...

Rumia

Reeeeally? I was just playing with Wriggle and Mystia.

Rumia

Do you want to play with us toooo?

Cirno

Oh, sounds good! We should also invite Larva! She's probably hidden away 'cause it's so cold!

Lily White

Yay! Then let's wake up the fairies of light and all play together!

Cirno

You too, PLAYER. Let's play!

Sure!

(Oh, my errand... I guess I can just do it later!)

Daiyousei

Come on, Miss PLAYER! Hurry!

???

Hm... It looks like it went well.

Okina

Yes. Thank you for your assistance.

Doremy

It was no trouble at all. I am glad that everyone was able to learn so much in such a pleasant state.

Doremy

Besides... I could not refuse your request when you said it was for the good of all Gensokyo.

Doremy

That is also why you helped, is it not, Hakurei shrine maiden?

Reimu

But I find it hard to believe that this will actually help Gensokyo. It wasn't just more of your shady meddling, was it?

Yukari

Gensokyo is definitely better off from this. You will understand why in the not too distant future. We all will...

Cirno

Wow, I don't think I've ever studied this much before!

Clownpiece

Yeah. Cirno studying is about as rare as cherry blossoms blooming out of season. We might even see some tomorrow.

Lily White

Cherry blossoms?! That's wonderful!

Cirno

Take that back! I study seriously too, you know?!

Uh, yeah... I know you do...

Luna Child

It's not very convincing when you say it while looking away like that...

Daiyousei

B-But Cirno can do anything when she puts her mind to it... She even pays attention to every tenth lesson or so at school!

Star Sapphire

I'm not sure you're helping her case much...

Sunny Milk

I couldn't care less whether Cirno listens at school or not. Come on, what are we going to do now?

Cirno

Do you even have to ask? We're gonna play, of course! After studying so much, we've gotta play just as much!

Clownpiece

Yeah, we learned a lot, didn't we?! I feel kind of dizzy from using my head more than usual.

Luna Child

Yeah, because you don't usually use it at all.

Clownpiece

What? I'll make you regret saying that... Coochie coochie coo!

Luna Child

Ahahaha! No! I'm really ticklish! Save me, Miss PLAYER!

I'm ticklish too...!

Star Sapphire

But we didn't study at all?

Cirno

Don't worry about it.

Cirno

We're always together, so if we grow, you guys grow too! I'm sure of it!

Lily White

I think so too! I'm sure I've gained experience points from things other than spring!

Sunny Milk

Yeah... I bet you're right! OK, let's all play together, then!

???

That's a pretty convenient interpretation...

Miss Keine!

Keine

I thought you all learned a lot of important lessons?

Cirno

Yeah, we did! We learned about study, training, effort, work, the challenger spirit...

Cirno

...the resolve to never give up, and the importance of food!

Cirno

Firstly, about work, it's a kid's job to study! ...That's what I heard some of the adults in the village say.

Daiyousei

Oh, I heard that too! They also said playing is their job... Children grow by eating a lot and sleeping a lot, right?!

Keine

Uh... Yes, you are correct...

Cirno

And there's something we fairies do that involves training, effort, the challenger spirit, and a never-give-up attitude...

Cirno

Pranks!

Clownpiece

Yeah! Nice one, Cirno!

Clownpiece

Where else would we fairies use what we've learned? It's gotta be for pranks! This has got me excited―it's so LUNATIC!

Keine

It's fitting that you fairies came to that conclusion... I guess you have grown.

Keine

OK, I understand that pranks also help you revise what you've learned, but isn't there something else you have to revise?

Lily White

Something to do with our nature as fairies?

Daiyousei

Umm... Fairies are embodiments of nature, and Sunny, Luna, and Star's lights are needed for growth, right?

Keine

Yes. Well done. You have a good memory.

Clownpiece

That's all well and good, but we fairies have a duty, don't we?

By duty, you don't mean...?

Cirno

Heh heh heh... It looks like PLAYER's figured it out. That's right, a fairy's duty is to play PRANKS!

Daiyousei & Keine

I should have guessed! Of course it is!

Cirno

Now that that's settled let's get pranking! Follow me, everyone!

Clownpiece

Kyahahaha, I'm not gonna let Cirno get the first prank! IT'S LUNATIC TIME!

Daiyousei

W-Wait for me!

Miss Keine! We should follow too!

Keine

...Oh!

Keine

Right, this isn't the time to be taken aback! *sigh* There's going to be a supplementary lesson for you all later!

Reimu

Oh, if it isn't PLAYER. And Keine too. What's got you in such a hurry?

Keine

You see... Cirno and the other fairies have declared a prank war on us.

Keine

So we're trying to catch up to them before anyone gets caught up in the crossfire...

Did the fairies come by here?

Reimu

No, I haven't seen them.

Reimu

But didn't we just teach them all about this stuff with those Shichi-Go-San lessons?

Keine

*sigh* Yes, we did.

Keine

Oh yes, you were also one of the test supervisors, weren't you?

Reimu

Uh, yeah, I was...

Reimu

Yukari and Okina suddenly said they wanted to celebrate the growth of fairies, so I thought they were up to something.

Reimu

That's why I decided to participate in the event―To keep an eye on them, so they don't try any of their sage tricks.

Keine

Well, an Earth Mother Goddess is one of Okina's aspects, so I don't think she started this just for the fun of it.

Keine

Also, she probably wanted to celebrate the fairies' growth because she takes pride in the growth of her own servants.

Then what about Miss Yukari?

Reimu

She may not always show it, but she loves Gensokyo. That's probably why. Though I bet she was also in it for the fun.

Keine

Yes. She once punished the celestial who destroyed Hakurei Shrine, as a ruined shrine would make Gensokyo fall apart.

Reimu

Yeah. I know those two wouldn't do anything to endanger Gensokyo...

Reimu

But I decided to watch over them just in case.

You seemed pretty willing to help out, though...

Reimu

Oh, yes. Well...

Reimu

Yukari and Okina said they had an outfit that would get me in the mood and it looked a lot like the clothes Sumireko wears...

Reimu

So it piqued my interest a little! Sanae was also bragging that she once wore something similar... Is that so wrong?!

Keine

Of course not. It's perfectly natural for a girl your age to be interested in such things.

Keine

And you also kept an eye on the two sages so they wouldn't cause any trouble.

Keine

You did your job perfectly. Well done!

Reimu

Hehe, I did do good, didn't I?! Though it's a little embarrassing to be praised so directly.

Keine

...Oops, this isn't the time to be chatting. We have to quickly find Cirno and the other fairies.

Reimu

All right, I guess I'll help you out a little.

...Ah! Reimu! Miss Keine!

Look over there.

Daiyousei

*sob* Where did you go, Cirno?

Reimu

I found them... Oh? Where's Cirno and the others? You better not be trying to hide them from me.

Daiyousei

M-Miss Reimu?! Why are...? Oh! Miss Keine and Miss PLAYER?!

Daiyousei

Oh dear oh no...!

Daiyousei

I only followed after Cirno and the others like usual! I was only following! I didn't do anything...

We're not angry, so calm down, OK?

Daiyousei

R-Really?

Keine

Yes. We're not so cruel as to get mad without hearing you out first. So can you tell us where Cirno and the others went?

Daiyousei

Umm... I was slow to start chasing after Cirno, so I got left behind...

Marisa

Uoooooh! Reimu, PLAYER! Just who I was looking for! Sorry! Please help!

Tewi

Aaaah! Good, you're here too, Keine!

Reimu

M-Marisa?! What are you doing?!

Keine

And Tewi... Why are you both so flustered?

Tewi

We're being chased by Reisen, Alice, and Patchouli! Even though we still haven't done anything today!

Marisa

Hey, hold on, what do you mean "we"? I don't do anything except seriously study magic every day!

Daiyousei, Reimu & Keine

*stare*

Marisa

What? Why do you all look like you don't believe me?!

Tewi

We don't have the time for this! Please, hide us!

But where could we...?

Reisen

We've finally caught up to you pranksters!

Tewi

Argh, you're so persistent! I've already told you that we still haven't done anything today, didn't I?!

Alice

I won't forgive you this time! I'll make you dance like a puppet in my show until you're truly sorry for what you've done!

Patchouli

*huff* *huff* You're all guilty too if you're covering for them!

Patchouli, Alice & Reisen

We'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!

Reimu

Wait, we've got nothing to do with this!

Marisa

Don't say that. We're friends, right?

Reimu

*sigh* Fine. PLAYER, give them a couple of bullets.

Reimu

I'm sure that'll calm them down and make them listen.

Patchouli

Oof... It seems I let my anger get the better of me. Reimu, PLAYER, I'm sorry for dragging you into this.

Reimu

Looks like they've calmed down. Now, hurry up and explain to me why you're chasing after Marisa.

Alice

I had washed and hung out my dolls' clothes to dry, but they got washed again just before I was about to bring them in!

Patchouli

The medicinal plants I was growing in my garden got pulled out of the ground along with the weeds!

Reisen

That's nothing! I kept falling into pitfall traps with every step I took!

Reimu

Wow... Those are some pretty dumb pranks...

Keine

It also seems like they're kind of well-intentioned, so it's hard to get mad...

Reisen

What's well-intentioned about pitfall traps?!

Reisen

Anyway, this is all Tewi's and Marisa's doing!

Reisen

The fairies said that the youkai rabbit and Marisa told them to make an effort to perfect their duty as fairies!

Marisa

And I'm telling you it's a misunderstanding!

Marisa

I did say that effort is essential to perfecting their duty, but I never told them to do all that!

Keine

Hmm... This is probably the result of them interpreting your teachings in a way that's most convenient for them.

Marisa

Argh! They're putting effort into all the wrong things!

Daiyousei

Oh no! We have to find them fast before they cause even more trouble!

Daiyousei

Please help, Miss PLAYER! Hurry, let's start by looking over there!

Marisa

Hey, Reimu. Are you sure Cirno and the other fairies went to the Youkai Mountain?

Reimu

Huh? How am I supposed to know? This is just my gut instinct.

Marisa

You're telling me we flew all this way on a guess?! Well, I kind of understand why you picked this direction...

Reimu

You only decided to follow me because you noticed the incident happening on the Youkai Mountain, right?

Marisa

Yeah. It's not usually this warm here. But don't you think this is someone else's doing? I doubt the fairies could cause this.

Keine

The beautiful autumn foliage has changed back to green... Children sure grow quickly, don't they?

Keine

This is why I was so incessant that they study and learn how to responsibly use their powers!

It's really nice and warm...

Kind of like spring...

Reimu

Spring, eh? Well, this doesn't change anything. We're just going to have to capture them and teach a lesson like normal.

Clownpiece

Oh? Look who's here. There's Reimu, Marisa, and our prank master! How'd you know where to find us?!

Lily White

It's SPRING! Well, it's actually autumn, but it's warm like spring! This is proof that we've gotten stronger!

Lily and Piece!

Reimu

So this really is your doing!

Clownpiece

Yeah, I think I now get why they said work was fun. It feels really good to help people and other fairies out like this.

Tewi

Hey! We got chased halfway across Gensokyo because of you lot! And we're not going to let you off with just an apology!

Marisa

Didn't I warn you guys? If you're gonna make the whole year spring, you need the power to deal with the consequences.

Marisa

Are you telling me you've got that power?

Marisa

Cause if you don't, I'm gonna have to give you a thrashing like I did during the Spring Snow Incident.

Lily White

Urk... I'd rather try and avoid that...

Clownpiece

Whoa, Lily. You can't back down now. Where'd your passion and craziness from earlier go?

???

Oh ho ho. Sorry to barge in on your argument, but are you the cause of this strange weather?

Clownpiece

So what if we are? ....Wait, it's you guys!

Mamizou

"So what," you say? You've stolen our fun, and I don't think that's the kind of tone you want to take with us.

Suika

Yeah, you can't make it warmer just 'cause you wanna. We were looking forward to having a drink in the hot springs.

Yuugi

And that's not all. We were also planning on drinking while viewing the late-autumn foliage. But now we can't.

Clownpiece

Yikes! Why are the oni and the bake-danuki boss here of all people?! Lily, we should make a tactical withdrawal...

???

We've also got a bone to pick with you!

Ringo

Winter's coming soon, so I made some shiruko, but who's gonna buy hot soup in this weather?!

Shizuha

You've all got it easy!

Shizuha

The leaves that I worked so hard to paint are green again! And Minoriko's crops are starting to wilt... You better fix this!

Lily White

B-But how am I meant to...?

Marisa

See. I told you so.

Reimu

You've certainly gained some attention. The oni and bake-danuki won't let you off now that you've stolen their fun.

Reimu

Not to mention the dango seller whose business you've ruined and the autumn god who'll have to do her work all over again.

Lily White

Th-This is bad! This is really, really bad!

Clownpiece

Y-Yeah I know... PLAYER! Save us!

Me?!

Suika

Oh, PLAYER, so you've been looking after these fairies, have you?

Mamizou

Oh ho ho. That means you've got to take responsibility for their actions.

Ringo & Shizuha

Give me back my shiruko! Make my leaves red, orange, and yellow again!

Yuugi

We'll make you answer for this... with a battle of bullets!

Clownpiece

Please help us, PLAYER. If we make it through this, I swear we won't do this ever again!

Lily White

I'll swear too! I swear I'll only make it spring all year round sometime in the future!

Marisa

Hehe, I've gotta commend the Fairy Herald of Spring for never giving up. Give it your all, PLAYER!

Ringo

Ugh... I couldn't fight properly because our bullets kept on getting in each other's way.

Ringo

*sigh* As a saleswoman, I need to keep a better hold of my temper. I guess I'll head back and prepare another batch.

Shizuha

I also have to get back to painting leaves, or I won't finish in time for the winter...

Suika

*sigh* What am I going to do with my pent-up anger now?

Lily White

You saved us, Miss PLAYER―Eep?!

Mamizou

Oh, you didn't think it was over already, did you? You're not getting away with this so easily.

Clownpiece

Urgh, the bake-danuki! Why haven't you gone mad?!

Mamizou

It's simple.

Mamizou

I left the battle of bullets to my tanuki underlings and waited for the perfect opportunity to catch you.

Clownpiece & Lily White

No way...

Clownpiece

But me and Lily only wanted everyone to like spring some more!

Mamizou

*sigh* Do you not remember what you learned? The passage of time is necessary for growth.

Lily White

Oh, now that you mention it...!

Mamizou

You can only grow and grow to understand over time. It's the same with seasons. Rushing will only hamper that growth.

Clownpiece & Lily White

We're sorry...

Suika

Well, as long as you understand. And besides, it's not a bad thing to work for the sake of seeing everyone smile!

Shizuha

Yeah, I get that. Seeing the humans enjoy the autumn foliage really makes my job of heralding autumn worthwhile.

Yuugi

I'm not really sure what you were trying to accomplish, but there's nothing wrong with working to make others happy!

Lily White

I get it now! I'll do my best to make everyone love spring even more!

Reimu

...Are you sure you get it? Though I suppose it doesn't matter, 'cause I'll exterminate you if you try anything you shouldn't!

Keine

All right then. We caught Lily White and Clownpiece.

Keine

All that's left is Cirno, Sunny Milk, Luna Child, and Star Sapphire.

Reimu

You two, tell us everything you know!

Marisa

I'm warning you now, don't try and cover for them, OK? Unless, of course, you WANT Reimu to get angry at you.

Clownpiece

...But we also got separated from Cirno and the others. That's why we were playing pranks here by ourselves.

Lily White

Though I'm pretty sure they're somewhere nearby...

Daiyousei

So they're in the same boat as me... Where could Cirno have gone...? Eep?!

Dai?!

Uooooh?!

Marisa

Oh? That's a pretty big pitfall trap. PLAYER, Daiyousei, are you OK?

Reimu

They must have done this! Show yourselves! I know you're here!

Cirno

Hahaha! How'd you like my super huge ice pitfall trap?!

Daiyousei

I-It's cold!

Clownpiece

Here, warm up with my torch.

Daiyousei

Thank you, Piece! Yeah, it's really warm!

Clownpiece

Good. All right, me and Dai will pull PLAYER up!

Thank you!

Keine

We've finally found you all!

Star Sapphire

Hehehe, it looks like you've learned how amazing we are! Now, let's keep showing how much we've grown!

Luna Child

...Huh? Why are Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa here? And why do they look so angry?!

Sunny Milk

There's nothing to be scared of! We haven't done anything wrong!

Cirno

That's right! We're just doing our job! They've got no reason to be mad―rather, they should be praising us!

Cirno

This is our duty as fairies―our true calling!

Tewi

Hey! You aren't the only ones who pull pranks! Don't forget about the great trap master, Tewi!

Prankster Fairies

Of course not, Master!

Tewi

Good. As long as you understand!

Marisa

...That explains why Reisen and the others were suspicious of Tewi. She was in cahoots with the fairies this whole time.

Keine

Hm? What do you mean?

Marisa

Reisen thought Tewi was the culprit and chased after her because the fairies' pranks were similar to the ones Tewi pulls.

Keine

I see. It's pretty impressive that the fairies managed to replicate their master's pranks so perfectly.

Reimu

*sigh* This isn't the time to be impressed!

Sunny Milk

Hey, don't you think we could make our escape right now? They seem to be arguing amongst themselves...

Cirno

Yeah. This is our chance to not only show how strong we are to Keine but also to Reimu and PLAYER too!

Oh, I can guess what's coming...

Reimu

Yes, we'll straighten them out through a battle of bullets!

Star Sapphire

Oh? Are you sure you want to battle us now that we've grown? We won't lose, even to you, Miss PLAYER.

Luna Child & Sunny Milk

Yeah, there's no way we'd lose!

Cirno

Heh heh heh! Our team has me―the STRONGEST in Gensokyo AND the trap master! We're unbeatable!

Reimu

You're awfully confident, aren't you? PLAYER, take them down a peg!

Clownpiece

I'll cheer you on!

Daiyousei

M-Me too!

Lily White

I'll cheer with the same passion that I call for spring!

Cirno

So you've won over Dai and the others... Just what I'd expect from PLAYER―You're a tricksy opponent!

Reimu

Now then... Do you understand why I'm actually taking this seriously for once?

Cirno

I've got no idea! We're just doing our duty as fairies...

Yukari

Then you must learn―Learn how naughty you've been.

Reimu, Marisa & Keine

Yukari?!

Reimu

Don't just pop up out of nowhere like that! You almost gave me a heart attack...

Yukari

Teehee, sorry. But something has happened that I cannot abide.

Yukari

Now, let me explain.

Yukari

It is true that you fairies have grown. However, you must think before using the powers that you now possess.

Yukari

Tewi, you set different traps depending on whether it's for Reisen or someone else, don't you?

Tewi

Of course. I'm a professional prankster, so I can instantly recognize which traps are safe to use and which aren't.

Yukari

Indeed.

Yukari

But you four didn't think about that. You used the same level of trap on Daiyousei and PLAYER.

Prankster Fairies

Oh...

Yukari

PLAYER is a normal human. In the worst-case scenario, she could even die... Humans are just that fragile.

Sunny Milk

I'm sorry, PLAYER! You're not hurt, are you?!

Thanks. Don't worry, I'm fine!

Luna Child

Thank goodness. We'll make sure to put a cushion at the bottom of the next pitfall trap for you, OK?

Star Sapphire

Maybe a great big bundle of wool would be better! That'd make it really soft and fluffy!

Cirno

How about I cut up my ice super fine to make a pile of soft shaved ice?!

Lily White

I think cherry blossom petals would work the best!

Daiyousei

So you're not going to stop playing pranks then...

Clownpiece

Woohoo! This is crazy! I'd expect nothing less from my fellow fairies!

Yukari

The compassion to understand another's pain and the humility to admit and reflect upon your mistakes...

Yukari

You will surely grow even more now that you have learned these things. Remember them well.

Keine

Wow, Yukari's such a great teacher. I need to step up my game!

Marisa

*sigh* Yukari just came out of nowhere and stole the show.

Reimu

That's not all. It looks like she also set a fire under Keine... I hope that doesn't cause any trouble.

Reimu

All right, let's head home. We should stop by Eientei to get you checked out on the way back, just in case.

Daiyousei

That didn't really go as planned, did it, Cirno?

Cirno

Yeah... We ended up making fools of ourselves...

Clownpiece

We learned a lot, but it's still difficult. How can I face my mistress now...?

Lily White

We thought we understood, but it seems we got it wrong...

These things happen.

Daiyousei

Miss PLAYER is right, everyone! Remember what the kappa said!

Clownpiece

What was it again...? Keep on challenging and failing to learn how to succeed or something, right?

Chen

Yeah! I've made plenty of mistakes, but Lady Ran teaches me, and I get it right after practicing a lot.

Rumia

That's riiiiiight! We can work together to learn bit by bit!

Cirno

Chen... And Rumia!

Sunny Milk

Yeah! It's not like you to let something like this get you down, Cirno!

Luna Child

Don't you always say that you're the STRONGEST? Where'd that confidence go?

Star Sapphire

Besides, it wasn't just your fault, Cirno. We're all responsible... and we all learned together, too!

Star Sapphire

We've already experienced a failure, so we'll surely succeed next time! You might even get stronger than you already are!

Cirno

Yeah... yeah, you're right! Haaaaaaa! I can't keep worrying about what's already happened!

Lily White

Cirno's back to normal!

Daiyousei

Cirno, let's learn together! I'll also do my best to keep up next time!

Cirno

Thanks, Dai! But don't worry! If we're ever about to get separated, I'll grab your hand!

Cirno

I'm going to keep working hard! I'll learn and study pranks with everyone to get even STRONGER!

Clownpiece

Hehe, that's the Cirno I know! I wouldn't expect anything less from my rival for the title of the strongest!

Cirno

We'll start by going over what we learned, so we understand it right this time, just like Lily said!

Keine

That's the spirit! I'm so proud of you all!

Daiyousei

Eek?! M-Miss Keine?!

Keine

Seeing you all so determined to learn has inspired me!

Keine

I myself have learned that I cannot keep teaching the same way as I used to. Come on, let's study hard together!

Cirno

Why are you so fired up?! And you're a teacher―What've you got to study?!

Keine

Teachers are always learning too, you know?

Keine

I'm always thinking about how to make my lessons easier to understand and how to make you all interested in learning―

Cirno

Oh no! Everyone! RUN!

Keine

H-Hey! Why are you running?!

Yukari

Oh my, they're quite quick to run away, aren't they? Well, I'm sure they'll be fine after that telling off earlier.

I'm not so sure...

Yukari

You are such a kind girl to worry over the fairies like that...

Yukari

The fairies learned a lot, and although they erred in the application, they were able to display their newfound power.

Yukari

All that's left is for them to correct that... They were stronger, were they not?

Yes. Really strong!

Yukari

Teehee, I have something new to look forward to. Perhaps this is what a mother feels when watching over their daughter?

Yukari

I'll be watching to see if they use their powers correctly. Of course, I won't just be watching the fairies, but you as well.

Yukari

Those fairies are essential for Gensokyo. And for its future...

Menu

Home

Stage List

Lorepedia

The Steps to Achieve Fairyhood?!

Menu

Home

▼ Characters ▼

▼ Story Cards ▼

▼ Tables ▼

Stage List

Lorepedia

The Steps to Achieve Fairyhood?!