Interlude: Human Village
If We Met in a Dream Pt. 1
Yukari
Go on. Leave.
Yukari
I'll stay here and buy you some time.
Reimu
B-But... Yukari―
Reimu
―I mean, "you"!
Reimu
What will you do?! If we split up now, we might never see each other again...!
Reimu
And this whole journey was your idea to begin with.
Reimu
You need to see this through to the end...
Reimu
...with me.
Yukari
I've upset Reimu Hakurei. I truly am a disgrace to the name of Yukari Yakumo, aren't I?
Yukari
I'm sorry.
Reimu
No... Don't apologize. That really makes it sound like...
Reimu
...we won't see each other again.
Yukari
You usually act all tough, but you're still just a little softy on the inside.
Yukari
But I have to do something. You saw it yourself, didn't you?
Yukari
We can't leave "that" alone. It's too dangerous.
Yukari
This really is ironic, isn't it?
Yukari
At the end of our journey chasing after the Lost Word, we finally encountered what we were desperately hoping to find...
Yukari
And when we found it, we were met with―
Yukari
―crippling despair.
???
I couldn't find the one operating the gate, but I somehow managed to get it to work.
???
Come on! Hurry up! I don't know how long this gate will stay open!
Reimu
I'll stay with you...
Reimu
As long as you and I are together, no one can beat us.
Reimu
It has always been like that. And I'm sure that won't change.
Reimu
You and I... we can win even against "that." Easy-peasy.
Reimu
Right?
Reimu
Well...? I'm right, aren't I...?!
Reimu
Say it...!
Reimu
Why won't you say it, Yukari?!
???
We're out of time! If we don't go now, the gate will close!
???
We're the only ones who haven't gone through the gate yet! Please hurry up!
Yukari
Reimu.
Yukari
Take this.
Reimu
What's this...?
Yukari
It's specially made. As long as you have this, we'll be able to find each other.
Yukari
Even if we are tens of millions of parallel universes apart... we'll definitely be able to find each other again.
Yukari
It might take some time though...
???
Hurry! It's closing! We need to go NOW! Who knows what will happen if we enter the gate while it's closing!
???
I'm going now. Please follow me without a moment's delay!
???
―Miss Reimu!
Yukari
Go on. Leave.
Reimu
...
Reimu
I can't. I don't want to.
Reimu
I'll stay here and fight until the end.
Yukari
*sigh* You never listen, do you?
Reimu
Yukari...! Does that mean I can stay...?!
Yukari
I'm sorry.
Reimu
―Huh?!
Yukari
Live on.
Yukari
My little shrine maiden―
Yukari
―Reimu Hakurei.
If We Met in a Dream Pt. 2
...
...
...Huh?!
(Was that... a dream?)
(It felt a bit too real to be just a dream...)
(Hm?)
(Where's Reimu? Is she up already?)
(It's almost sunrise...)
(...I wonder if Reimu went somewhere.)
(Brrr, it's pretty cold before sunrise.)
(I'll just wait for her inside until she gets back.)
(What was that sound...?)
(I think it came from the main shrine...)
(Did Reimu come back?)
(Whoa, it's pitch black in here...)
Eep!
???
...
R-Reimu...? Is that you?!
???
...
???
...
(Oh, no...!)
(It might be a bear or a wild boar!)
(It's morning...!)
Huh...?! The other Reimu?!
What are you doing here...?!
Reimu!
Reimu
Uh...
(She's wounded from head to toe and looks exhausted...)
(We need to take care of those wounds right away!)
Is that a Seal Crystal?
But that color...
What was that...?
Reimu
...
Reimu
―Thank you for saving me. I owe you one.
Reimu
What's your name, by the way? I'm Reimu Hakurei.
Huh?
Reimu
I'm the shrine maiden of Hakurei Shrine. And... um...
Reimu
That's strange... I can't remember anything.
Reimu
What are all these wounds on my body...? What was I doing...?
Reimu
...?
Reimu...
Do you not remember anything at all...?
Reimu
...?
Reimu
Wait, do we know each other...?
Reimu... it's me, PLAYER.
Reimu
PLAYER...
Reimu
Hm, that's strange. I remember Marisa, Yukari, and the others, but I don't remember you...
Reimu
Tell me something... who are you to me?
W-We actually only met just recently...
Reimu
Hmmm.
Reimu
So did I hit my head and get short-term memory loss or something?
...
(I don't get it. I have no clue what's happening.)
Reimu
I'm sorry, you probably have no idea either!
Reimu
I guess there's no point worrying about the details. That's not like me.
Reimu
Anyway, let's have breakfast for now. You'll have some as well, right?
Reimu
Oh... before that, I need to change my clothes. They seem to be torn from when I got these wounds.
Are you sure you don't want to go to a hospital...?!
Reimu
A hospital? Oh, you mean a doctor? Well, I doubt medicine could fix something like this.
Reimu
And besides, this won't affect my daily life. I'm fine! Don't worry!
(But you're not the Reimu who lives here!)
Reimu
Hehe.
Ah, by the way...!
You dropped this earlier...
Reimu
Hm?
Reimu
What's this...? Well, thank you, I guess.
???A
Miss Reeeeeeimu!
???B
Where did she go?
???C
The futon in the central room is still warm, so she must be close!
???D
OK, then watch me be the first one to find her!
(That's my futon...)
There's someone outside?!
Reimu
Oh, it sounds like the fairies are here.
Reimu
It's safe to go outside, you know? Their pranks can be extremely annoying though.
W-Wait a minute!
(If she goes out, there might be two Reimus!)
Reimu
Eh? Why?
Ah, um... I'll go see how things are outside for now!
Reimu
Hm? OK, I guess.
Just stay put right there while I'm gone!
Huh? There's no one here...
???
On the count of one, two...!
Three Fairies of Light
BOO!
―Huh?
(There are so many of them!)
Three Fairies of Light
...
Clownpiece
Hey! What's this? That's not Reimu. And we didn't even manage to surprise her.
(They're the fairies I met in the Hakugyoku Arena world!)
Sunny Milk
Oh, no! We've dragged a complete stranger into this!
Luna Child
S-Sorry! It was just a prank. We didn't mean any harm!
Star Sapphire
It failed anyway, so do we even need to apologize?!
Uh, I mean... wh-whoa, that scared me!
Three Fairies of Light
...!
Clownpiece
...!
Three Fairies of Light
It worked!
Clownpiece
Yay!
???
Hey! What's going on here?
Kasen
You shouldn't prank her. She's just a human, so she might get hurt.
???
Oh, so this is the one everyone has been talking about... She sure is interesting.
???
I'm glad I came with you all the way from the Youkai Mountain.
Kasen
*sigh* You say that like I asked you to come with me.
???
Hehe. Oh, come now. We were both headed for the shrine anyway.
Kasen
...
???
...
Clownpiece
Gah! They're here to lecture us!
Three Fairies of Light
Run away!
Kasen
Wait a minute.
Kasen
You're fairies, so I'd usually forgive that behavior. But today is different.
Kasen
You all live in the same place, so at least introduce yourselves properly. That's what it means to be good neighbors.
Sunny Milk
Huh?! So this human is the one...?!
Luna Child
The one all the fairies can't stop talking about...?!
Star Sapphire
The one who recently started living around here...?!
Three Fairies of Light
PLAYER?!
Clownpiece
Oh, so that's why I've been hearing an extra pair of footsteps recently.
Sunny Milk
Introductions are a pain... but I guess it does make sense to do it properly this time.
Kasen
I see you can be reasonable too.
Sunny Milk
Of course!
Sunny Milk
I'm the fairy of sunlight, Sunny Milk! I'll come and call for you if we need more people for a prank.
Luna Child
I'm the fairy of moonlight, Luna Child. I've seen you around several times, and you seem to be the quiet type.
Star Sapphire
I'm Star Sapphire. The fairy of starlight. We live in the huge tree behind the shrine.
Three Fairies of Light
It's nice to meet you!
Clownpiece
And I'm Clownpiece. I'm a fairy too, but a fairy of Hell.
Clownpiece
I'm good at both pranks and battles of bullets! If you're gonna follow someone, you should follow me!
It's nice to meet you all too!
(I'm glad I got to meet them in this world too!)
???
Hello, PLAYER. I'm Misumaru Tamatsukuri, the god of jewel-crafting.
A-A god?!
I'm PLAYER! I bow before thee...!
Misumaru
Oh, you worship me even though I haven't granted any wish... Such a sight for sore eyes. I'm truly happy to see this.
Misumaru
By the way, I'm actually here to see the inheritor of the Yin-Yang Orbs, Reimu Hakurei.
Misumaru
...She doesn't seem to be around. But I guess it's still early. I just wanted to see whether the Yin-Yang Orbs are all right.
Misumaru
Divine powers and shamanism are useful, yes, but Reimu Hakurei really does need the Yin-Yang Orbs most of all.
Kasen
Oh? The Yin-Yang Orbs aren't included in my training regime for her. She can actually fight well even without them.
Misumaru
I'm sure she can fight without them, but I doubt she can fight well. Their sleek feel imparts a blessing of mental stability.
Misumaru
You'll understand what I mean if you touch them.
Kasen
No, thank you!
(A difference in teaching styles, I guess?)
(Reimu is blessed with so many older sister-like figures.)
???
My name is Aunn Komano. I'm a komainu.
Aunn
I was away from the shrine for a while, but now I've finally returned to my duties as the guardian of the shrine!
Aunn! It's nice to meet you! I'm PLAYER.
(Huh...? When did she get here?)
Kasen
It can't have been easy for a guardian to leave their shrine. Is everything all right now?
Aunn
Yes!
Aunn
Lady Okina's experiment seems to be complete for now.
Aunn
I happened to see Miss PLAYER when I returned, so I came out to greet her.
Aunn
It's nice to meet you!
(H-How cute!)
Clownpiece
Even the komainu's back, but Reimu hasn't come out. What is she doing?
Sunny Milk
Maybe she's preparing breakfast.
Luna Child
Should we go check?
Star Sapphire
Oooh, this is a good opportunity to steal some food!
???
Reimu left the shrine before dawn. I saw her off to her destination, so I know what I'm talking about.
???
I saw it with my own eyes... In my mist form, that is.
Kasen
That voice...!
???
Oh, I thought it was just the komainu and the fairies here...
Suika
But look... It's the great mountain hermit and one of the many gods who live on the mountain.
Suika
Heehee.
Suika
It's just like every other day at the shrine.
Suika
Oh, so Reimu did leave PLAYER behind here. I mean... I get why she'd do that.
Suika
There's no way she could take her along.
(What do I do...?!)
(If "that Reimu" comes out, we'll have two Reimus here!)
Suika
...
Suika
...?
(Maybe they'd understand if I explain everything?)
(Especially Miss Kasen would... and Miss Suika.)
Suika
What's wrong, PLAYER? It looks like you wanna say something.
...!
Suika
Don't tell me you don't know why Reimu left?
Suika
She must've been in such a hurry that she couldn't even leave a note or anything behind.
Suika
What should I do...?
Suika
Should I tell? Or shouldn't I?
Kasen
Hey! Miss Oni!
Misumaru
That way... Look that way.
Suika
Hm? That way? Which way?
Suika
―Huh?!
R-R-R-R-R-eimu?!
Suika
What happened? Didn't you just go to the Human Village?!
Suika
And... why are you crying...?!
Reimu
I-It's nothing... Nothing at all.
Reimu
This is so strange. It feels like I'm dreaming.
Reimu
I heard a familiar voice while I was changing, so I came out to check...
Reimu
...and I can't believe it's you, Suika.
Reimu
Maybe everything else until now was just a bad dream... Yes, that must be it.
Reimu
So it's OK. It's nothing.
Suika
So even the great shrine maiden of Hakurei Shrine has nightmares sometimes, huh?
Suika
It must've been horrible to make you cry like this.
Suika
Well, you're not like your usual self, but I guess it's OK once in a while...
Suika
It's OK for a shrine maiden to cry and cling to an oni in broad daylight in front of everyone.
(They look the same, but she's the blue Reimu for sure.)
Suika
...
(Should I tell them everything now that Reimu is here?)
(But how do I explain something only I have witnessed?)
Suika
...
(It's strange that Reimu is here if she left for the village.)
(Miss Suika and the others might get suspicious.)
Suika
What's wrong, PLAYER? It looks like you wanna say something again.
(If I speak now, it might cause a lot of confusion.)
(But... I have to tell someone about it.)
Suika
Hm? Well? What is it? You can tell us.
(I should talk to the village Reimu or Miss Yukari first.)
(It would be easier to explain with two Reimus together!)
I think... Reimu probably...
...came back to get something she forgot.
Suika
Something she forgot?
She probably forgot this.
Suika
What's that? Isn't that one of those Seal Crystal things?
Kasen
It's safe to touch, right? But that color... it's different from the others.
Misumaru
This is interesting. I sometimes see the blue ones around, but I've never seen a purple one before.
Aunn
Miss Reimu, why did you come back to get this? I'd understand if you came back for your purification rod or ofuda.
Reimu
Huh?
Reimu
Ah... um... uh...
Reimu
I don't know. I don't remember!
Suika
Huh? What do you mean you don't remember?
(She's got no memory, so she's not hiding anything!)
Reimu
I don't care about the details. It's the same when I resolve incidents.
Reimu
I came back for this 'cause I thought I needed it. I'll know why once I get to the village. No need to remember that now.
Sunny Milk
I think I get what you mean! Actions are more important than plans!
Luna Child
I think planning is also important. But well, you're right.
Star Sapphire
You're always haphazard, but things always work out. That is what makes you Miss Reimu.
Clownpiece
I'm kind of jealous!
Reimu
Having fairies back me up doesn't make me happy at all, but as long as you understand.
Reimu
Well, Suika? Makes sense? So now I need to hurry and go to the village.
Suika
Hm, that does make sense.
Reimu
Of course it does. It's the truth, after all.
Suika
We might be friends while partying at night, but once it's daytime, I'm an oni, and you're an expert youkai exterminator.
Suika
I don't think you've turned into a fool who'd lie to an oni. I have no doubts about that.
Reimu
Yeah, that goes without saying.
Reimu
Well then, PLAYER. Let's go to the village.
O-Ok...!
Suika
Hey! Hold it right there.
Reimu
Hm? Now what?
Suika
Don't "now what" me. It's about the real issue at hand. The thing I just told you.
Reimu
Huh?
Suika
I'm an oni, and you're an expert youkai exterminator.
Suika
Now that we've crossed paths...
Reimu
Oh, so that's what you mean.
Reimu & Suika
It's time for a battle of bullets showdown!
Sunny Milk
It's been boring lately because there haven't been any incidents. So this sounds like fun.
Luna Child
Having battles of bullets during the confusion of an incident with items in hand... This feels kind of nostalgic.
Star Sapphire
All right! Let's go! Everyone, attack!
Three Fairies of Light
Mission start!
Star Sapphire
Piece! It's your turn next!
Sunny Milk
It's in your hands now!
Luna Child
Wait! Don't leave me behind!
Clownpiece
Don't worry! I'll avenge you!
Clownpiece
This is the true lunatic strength of a fairy from Hell!
Clownpiece
I miss that power I had when I was full of life energy! This sucks!
Misumaru
Hm...
Kasen
Why do you look so serious? And now that we're at it, why don't you join the battle?
Misumaru
I'll pass this time. I just remembered that I have to go do something.
Kasen
...
Kasen
Really? All right then.
Aunn
It feels like it's been forever since we last battled, Miss Reimu!
Aunn
OK! Let's do this. I'm going to give it my best!
Suika
There were so many incidents and so much ruckus for a while, but now everything has completely calmed down.
Suika
I can't quietly wait around until the next incident occurs, so I'm gonna use this battle to let off some steam.
Suika
That's fine with you, right? Hakurei shrine maiden?!
Reimu
They were all bark and no bite!
Reimu
Now that you've learned your lesson, make sure you don't act out again!
Reimu
Well... I guess that fulfills my duty.
Reimu
Come on, PLAYER. Let's go to the village!
Kasen
Reimu and PLAYER left.
Suika
Yes, looks like it.
Suika
If you've noticed it too―
Suika
―then get to work.
Kasen
Of course.
Kasen
I'm Ibarakasen, after all! The hermit on the path to Heaven!
Suika
Geez, so melodramatic.
Kasen
Let's see... It's been a while, but it might be nice to watch over the shrine while covering for Reimu as the shrine maiden.
Kasen
Why don't you join me?
Suika
Hm, sounds good. That way, we can look around the shrine a little, and it won't be suspicious at all.
Kasen
Not suspicious? And that's coming from you? An oni who is the most youkai-like youkai?
Suika
That's a good one! Hahaha!
???
Huh?!
???
Wh-What's this?
???
I thought I'd see Reimers and Rissa... but it's just Kassy and Ibusuke.
???
What's going on?
Kasen
I'm sure you already sensed who we were...
Suika
What's with "Ibusuke"? Can't you come up with something better?
???
You don't like Ibusuke? I think it's cute...
???
OK then, how about Suisui? Or maybe Sui-car? "Buki" sounds a bit too corny, doesn't it?
???
I've also got one more that I saved for last... What do you think of Watermelon?!
Suika
H-How rude! This is too much! You're not even putting any thought into them!
Suika
Kaseeeen! Do something!
Kasen
Oh dear...
Dark World of Youkai Pt. 1
???
...And so I'll be your guide because Kassy and Suiks asked me to.
Sumireko
I'm Sumireko Usami. It's nice to meet you, PLAYER-o!
PLAYER-o...?!
Sumireko
Well, I'm also still new to Gensokyo, but I can at least show you around the village.
Sumireko
You can rest assured that you're in good hands! Leave it to your big sis Sumireko!
You've got psychic powers and visit Gensokyo in dreams.
But you're also a high-school student! That's so cool!
Sumireko
Wow, PLAYER-o! You get it, don't you?! Yes, high-school students are truly invincible beings!
Sumireko
Shrine maidens and magicians don't really exist in the outside world. But it's not like they went extinct!
Sumireko
Just like dinosaurs evolved into birds... they evolved into high-school students.
Sumireko
They are truly this generation's... the outside world's occult...
Sumireko
Hm?
Sumireko
Reimers?! You're here?!
Reimu
Yeah...?
Sumireko
Reimers! Aren't you the expert on Gensokyo?! Then why was a novice like me being asked to be a guide?!
Sumireko
I wonder why Kassy and Suiks asked me to do it...? Is this what they call hazing?
Maybe they had a good reason?
Reimu
I'm not sure, but if you've been in Gensokyo since morning, it means you fell asleep in the outside world at dawn, right?
Sumireko
Yes. I was so engrossed in my research that I didn't realize how late it was. I'm sure I won't wake up until the evening.
Reimu
That means you'll be here during the day for once. So maybe that's their reason?
Sumireko
So that's why? Oh, I get it...!
...?
Sumireko
It's so an irregular like me can interact with PLAYER-o!
Sumireko
And PLAYER-o, you need to sleep at night. So if it was any other day, we'd never get to meet.
That's true!
Reimu
But Sumireko...
Sumireko
What is it, Reimers?
Reimu
Have you changed? Were you always this cheerful?
Sumireko
Huh? Not that I know of...
Sumireko
Oh.
Sumireko
The occult thing I was telling PLAYER-o about was just out of habit. I got excited and started babbling.
Reimu
That's not what I was talking about...
Reimu
Oh, what's this? It looks like a fight.
???A
But Lady Eiki... it's not like I was slacking off... at least not today.
???B
I know. I haven't come here to criticize your negligence toward your duties today.
???A
Oh! Really? I must have misunderstood. Phew.
???C
Fewer souls come to the checkpoint when you're not at your post. So it's pretty obvious when you're slacking off.
???C
I always inform Lady Eiki whenever I notice.
???A
Whaaaat?! Why do you have to tell on me, Miss Kutaka?!
???C
Geez. I don't tell on you. It's called commendable workplace communication.
???B
What are the two of you even talking about? Let's get back on topic.
???A
A-Ah, yes!
???C
S-Sorry!
???B
So...
???B
...Hm?
Sumireko
Sup, Miss Eiks! How have you been?
???B
Miss Sumireko... I see you're still at it with your strange nicknames...!
Sumireko
I thought it'd be sad to act too distant just because you're the Yama. Should I have been a little more formal?
???B
N-No! That... That part was fine.
Sumireko
OK, then how about Eikiki? Or Eikins?
???B
No, I'll pass on both of those.
The Yama...? Do you mean the Yama of Hell?!
Sumireko
Oh, sorry. Let me introduce her to you. This is Shiki Eiki, Yamaxanadu, also known as Eikins.
Eiki
I'm Shiki Eiki, Yamaxanadu. I've already heard about you, Miss PLAYER.
News about me has even reached Hell?!
Eiki
I hear all the inaudible voices of phantoms.
Eiki
And since my jurisdiction is Gensokyo, I get to know almost every strange thing that happens here.
Eiki
You could say that I have a hell of an ear.
So you're great and reliable...!
Eiki
Hehe. You are such an honest and pure child. It's such a shame that you're in Reimu's care.
Eiki
...
Eiki
That's strange. I thought you'd snap at me and say that my words were inexcusable.
Eiki
What's wrong, Reimu? You're not your usual self.
Reimu
I'm more interested in your conversation from earlier. You weren't scolding Komachi for slacking off like normal...
Reimu
...And there's always a bizarre reason behind bizarre situations.
Eiki
I see. So that's what your gut says today.
Eiki
Very well. I'll tell you. This is rather convenient because this falls under the jurisdiction of the Hakurei shrine maiden.
Reimu
Me...?
Eiki
That's right. In fact, I thought you would already be in the Human Village by now.
Eiki
First, let me introduce my subordinates to Miss PLAYER.
Eiki
This is Komachi Onozuka, and this is Kutaka Niwatari.
???A
Hello. I'm Komachi Onozuka. I work as a ferrywoman at the Sanzu River. I'm a shinigami.
Komachi
But not the kind who brings death. And this scythe is just a prop, so don't worry about it.
???C
And I'm Kutaka Niwatari. I oversee the checkpoint of Hell, but I live in Gensokyo.
Nice to meet you. I'm PLAYER.
(They all seem like such wonderful ladies...!)
Komachi
OK, now let's get to the point. The thing Lady Eiki was talking about is pretty simple.
Komachi
Apparently, there has been some sort of trouble in the Human Village...
Sumireko
Trouble in the Human Village? It's not fire or theft, is it?
Sumireko
Come to think of it... you had some work in the Human Village, right Reimers? Kassy was telling me about it.
Sumireko
Huh?! Don't tell me it's because...!
Komachi
That's exactly it. The trouble in the Human Village...
Komachi
...was caused by youkai.
Komachi
I happened to be passing by when I heard rumors about the trouble. So I was observing the village from the sidelines.
Komachi
Ah! Lady Eiki! Don't get me wrong! Today was just one of the rare occasions!
Komachi
It's not like I usually do such things...!
Eiki
I know.
Eiki
I was also heading toward Gensokyo for something else when I heard the same rumor and came here.
Eiki
And then I met you here. As for Kutaka, I brought her with me.
Eiki
The problem is that we don't exactly know what's happening in the village right now.
Eiki
First of all, we, the dwellers of Hell, do not interfere with Gensokyo unless we have to.
Eiki
If the trouble does not involve us, it would be best for Gensokyo if we head straight back to Hell.
Eiki
But if it does involve us, we might have to take immediate action.
Kutaka
So Miss Komachi, how are things? Do you have any info on the current state of the trouble in the village?
Komachi
Well... the information is pretty confusing. It's probably from when the whole thing just started.
Komachi
It's like a wholesale of exaggerated rumors. I can't even tell who caused the trouble based on what I heard.
Komachi
It could've been caused by phantoms, foxes, tanuki, tsukumogami, or maybe even someone else. Can't be sure.
Sumireko
Well, that's how rumors are. But isn't it common to find youkai in Gensokyo?
Reimu
Well, yes. But youkai is a very generic term. If we narrow it down in detail, then other than classical youkai...
Reimu
...it could also include phantoms and ghosts, all sorts of gods and hermits, and also devils and magicians.
Reimu
But they are not something unusual, and they're even allowed to live in Gensokyo.
Sumireko
So I wonder why they are creating a commotion over a youkai.
Reimu
Well, that's because...
Reimu
...youkai are beings with the power to harm humans.
Sumireko
Oh, I get it. It doesn't even have to be a youkai. A bear would also probably cause a ruckus.
Wait, then does that mean a youkai hurt someone?
Reimu
We can't rule out the possibility that some sort of youkai―
Reimu
―has endangered human life.
Reimu
And if that is the case, then it is just as Eiki said. This would clearly fall under my jurisdiction.
Reimu
We need to hurry!
???
In that case, shouldn't you first listen to some key information?
???
Reimu Hakurei.
Reimu
That voice... Oh, it's you.
???
I was buying flowers from the florist in the Human Village until it was sealed off.
???
That's why I know that everything was calm and peaceful when it happened.
???
At the very least, I'm sure it wasn't caused by anything like a youkai running rampant.
Reimu
You must think I'm a joke if you're here speaking about trespassing in the village in front of me of all people.
Reimu
And why would you even tell us about such a thing, to begin with?
Reimu
Youkai―Yuuka Kazami.
Yuuka
Isn't that obvious?
Yuuka
It's never a good feeling to be suspected of something you didn't do.
Sumireko
So basically, you're taking preemptive measures before someone suspects you...?
Sumireko
Is that it, Yuuks?!
Yuuka
That's right, human with the nice name. Also, call me Yuuka.
Yuuka
And I'm not the only one who saw what happened, you know?
Yuuka
Lately, the climate... or should I say the seasons have been really weird.
Yuuka
You'd think it's a hot day, but then it suddenly gets cold. And then, after a while, it gets scorching hot again.
Reimu
Is there a connection?
Yuuka
Of course there is. In the sky above the Human Village...
Yuuka
...there was a silent air battle. That's why these two were observing the village until right before it was sealed off.
Yuuka
I'm talking about the fairy of spring, Lily White...
Yuuka
...and the winter youkai, Letty Whiterock.
Lily White
From what I saw, no one seemed to be wounded.
Lily White
But I wonder why the village was sealed off. It was very strange.
Letty
If you ask me, it wasn't the work of any phantom. It was clearly the doings of a youkai of some sort.
Letty
If it were a phantom, we'd sense its presence or know by its temperament. They have a very simple temperament.
Letty
"Presence" is the feeling given off by the spirit's temperament distribution. We'd definitely know if the culprit was a phantom.
Lily White
Speaking as the fairy of spring, I'd say even the most subtle abnormality in temperament would give it away.
Lily White
I couldn't sense any such thing, so it's clear that a youkai or someone with a more complicated temperament did this.
Sumireko
So basically, this was caused by a youkai, but it didn't involve any acts of violence...?
Reimu
Well, whatever. I'll know once I'm there. But I guess the info is useful if it helps Eiki make her decision.
Eiki
This doesn't seem to involve Hell directly. But it's still possible that a special kind of vengeful spirit might be behind this.
Eiki
And if a great vengeful spirit is in the mix, then Hell is not the only party who would have to get involved.
Eiki
So, for now, at least, we will head back to Hell and observe how things turn out.
Eiki
We'll gather everyone who came to Gensokyo from Hell and the phantoms on their way to Higan and take them with us.
Eiki
We're evacuating just in case. Is that clear, Komachi, Kutaka?
Komachi
Very well, Lady Eiki. It might be a bit tiring, but I'll get the ferry running at full capacity.
Komachi
I guess it's OK sometimes.
Kutaka
I'll have to work extra hard at the checkpoint too.
Kutaka
All right then! Let's give it our best!
Yuuka
It would probably be best for us youkai to stay low somewhere to avoid unnecessary suspicion.
Yuuka
Well, I think it'll be fine if I just go kill some time while taking a walk along the edges of Gensokyo.
Letty
I was planning on going somewhere cold anyway.
Letty
So I think I'll go to someplace with a high altitude like the Youkai Mountain.
Lily White
I'm a fairy, so I'll go hide behind a flower or something.
Letty
That might be fine for fairies, but I think you should go as far as possible from the village.
Lily White
OK, I'll do that!
Evacuation and advice on how to evacuate...
It feels like it's getting serious now.
???
You guys! Listen! This is bad! Really bad!
Yuuka
Why if it isn't the poison doll from the lily-of-the-valley field?
Letty
What's wrong, Medicine? Why do you look so flustered?
Lily White
It's springtime, which means lots of lily-of-the-valley flowers will be blooming, you know?
Such a cute youkai?!
Medicine
Eep!
Medicine
S-So many humans?!
Medicine
I have to fight them! I have to fight humans!
Medicine
I will fight the humans to free all the dolls!
Medicine
I'm Medicine Melancholy! Now identify yourself too, human!
I'm PLAYER.
I love dolls too!
Medicine
Liar!
Sumireko
Now, now. Calm down, Meddy. You'll get stereotyped if you act that way every single time.
Medicine
Don't give me weird nicknames, Sumireko!
Yuuka
Forget that. What happened in the village? That is much more important.
Medicine
Ah... uh... um.
Medicine
I assume you all know that the village has been sealed off, right?
Yuuka
Of course we do.
Medicine
I thought that maybe some humans might come out of the village to exterminate us...
Medicine
If that happens, it'll be an all-out war for the Doll Liberation Front. So I thought I'd stay over at Eirin's place...
Medicine
So I was waiting for Mokou outside the village to guide me there.
Yuuka
Ah yes, you need a guide in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.
Medicine
But Mokou, who should've been in the village, never showed up. I wanted to check inside, but it was completely sealed off.
Medicine
And then I didn't know what to do.
Yuuka
So that's why you said, "this is bad."
Letty
You're so melodramatic, Medicine. There are plenty of other shelters. Shall I take you to one?
Medicine
Really?! Yes, please!
Lily White
It's settled then!
Eiki
Based on what Medicine said, it sounds like the lockdown is in a state of high alert...
Eiki
This seems to be more urgent than we thought...!
Eiki
Reimu, I know that you all are headed for the village now...
Eiki
...but I'd like to see how good you are with battles of bullets.
Eiki
There haven't been any major incidents lately, so your incident resolver skills may have deteriorated.
Eiki
Yes. I'm saying that you're always slacking off. So I will judge your skills.
Reimu
It's actually rather refreshing to hear someone doubt me so openly.
Reimu
I don't mind. A battle is what you want, right?
Sumireko
I haven't fought in a while. So it would be great to be trained by Miss Yammy.
Eiki
Miss Yammy...?
Eiki
That nickname...
Eiki
...is awful!
Dark World of Youkai Pt. 2
Sumireko
The gate is closed.
Reimu
Well, it's not uncommon for the gate to the village to be closed. The problem is that the gate won't open.
Reimu
The fact that the gate won't open despite me being here makes me wonder what could possibly be going on in there.
Oh, because you're the Hakurei shrine maiden...
...you should've been welcomed if there's trouble inside.
Sumireko
If the gatekeeper has seen Reimers, then they should've let us in.
Sumireko
Since that hasn't happened, does it mean the situation is such that they can't let anyone in, no matter who they are?
Reimu
That's probably the case.
Sumireko
Maybe we should call out to them and let them know that Reimers is here. Maybe then they'll open the gate for us!
(Th-That would be bad...!)
(The gatekeeper might notice that there are two Reimus!)
Reimu
No, I don't think we should do that.
Sumireko
Huh, why?
Reimu
I don't have a reason. It's just a gut feeling...
Reimu
This gate... or rather, this "seal" is a kind of barrier, so to speak.
Reimu
A barrier is a rule-based boundary that separates the inside and outside. It's clear they do not want anyone to cross it.
Reimu
Interfering with the barrier without any knowledge could be dangerous.
Reimu
Of course, flying over the gate is also not an option.
Sumireko
Oh, well... I guess you're the expert! So it's a barrier, huh? I've learned something new.
Sumireko
Let me make a note about it for my occult reference.
???A
―Hey, Kogasa. You heard that, didn't you?
???B
―Yeah. I suppose if the Hakurei shrine maiden said that, then it must be true.
Sumireko
Those voices...!
???A
Now, have you decided to leave with me? I'm sure everyone from Myouren Temple has also evacuated somewhere.
???A
So stop trying to fly over the gate.
???B
You're right. This would be a bad time to surprise people...
???B
If I surprise someone now... they'll think that a youkai has snuck in from the outside, and it'll cause a huge commotion!
???A
I doubt you'd surprise anyone, though. So I don't think you need to worry about that.
???B
How rude!
Sumireko
Oh, look! It's Banks and Kogs!
???A
My name is Sekibanki! Get it right!
Sumireko
Would you like it better if I called you "Banky"?
Sekibanki
What? No! Call me by my proper name!
???B
I don't mind if you call me Kogs!
???B
Oh, but if my name changes to Kogs from Kogasa Tatara, then it might affect my status as a youkai...
Sekibanki
That's especially true for karakasa-obake youkai since their name and appearance evolved together as a set.
Kogasa
Agh! Nicknames are scary...!
Sumireko
So melodramatic.
Reimu
Anyway, you guys were talking about evacuating or something, right? Do you have somewhere to go?
Sekibanki
Well, yes. We're youkai, so obviously, we have a place or two we can use to hide from people.
Sekibanki
Of course, there's no way we'd tell a human where they are.
Reimu
We don't want to know either, so save it. There's no problem as long as you have a place to hide.
Sekibanki
I-I guess.
Sekibanki
None of the youkai who frequent the village really want to cause trouble with the humans.
Sekibanki
Youkai also have a life. I don't know anything about the ruckus going on inside, but it's a real nuisance.
Kogasa
Let me translate that for you. She means that she enjoys spending her days with the humans in the village!
Sekibanki
Hey! Stop that, Kogasa! Stop making it sound all mushy!
Kogasa
But it's true.
(They might be youkai, but they seem just like humans...)
Reimu
Geez! What's with everyone shamelessly making statements about trespassing in the village in front of me...?!
Sekibanki
What I just said might be a lie that I made up to terrorize the people in the village!
Sekibanki
If people hear rumors of youkai sneaking into the village, I'm sure they'd be scared.
Kogasa
I'm sure they'd be surprised!
Sumireko
Sounds like you're confident that you've left absolutely no evidence.
Reimu
I've seen them a number of times in the village though...
Sekibanki
And so there you have it. Kogasa and I will disappear until things calm down.
Sekibanki
You guys should probably head to Kourindou for now.
Sekibanki
If you're a shrine maiden with a good sense of judgment, then you should know who to rely on at times like these, right?
Reimu
Hm, thanks for letting me know.
Sumireko
Huh?! Who?! Who?!
Sekibanki
All right then, let's get to it.
Sekibanki
You'll have to beat us in a battle of bullets.
Sumireko
Yes, OK!
Sumireko
...
Sumireko
Huh, why?!
Sekibanki
It's been so long since the last major incident. And as a youkai, I have to battle regularly, or I'll lose my edge.
Sekibanki
And the Hakurei shrine maiden is the one human who I'd never feel bad about challenging to a battle.
Sekibanki
Don't you agree, Kogasa?
Kogasa
Yes, it's also kind of like my job to beat the shrine maiden's needles into shape.
Kogasa
And if the shrine maiden's got a job to do, then that's all the more reason for us to have a battle of bullets.
Reimu
Oh, so that's why you want to fight. OK then, let's do this.
Kogasa & Sekibanki
―Jump in surprise before this astonishing umbrella! ―Tremble in fear before this rokurokubi horror!
Dark World of Youkai Pt. 3
Sumireko
OK, we've arrived at Kourindou!
Reimu
From the outside, everything looks normal. But the village is amid an uproar, so it might have affected Kourindou as well.
Reimu
Let's go inside for now.
Youkai Rabbit A
Go, go! Do it!
Youkai Rabbit B
Looking good, Chief!
Youkai Rabbit C
You're putting up a good fight, Miss Wolf! That's the spirit!
Youkai Rabbit D
Oh, Mister Shopkeeper... can we get more of those drinks?
Rinnosuke
Pay for them first.
Rinnosuke
Then you can take whatever you like.
Hello, Mister Rinnosuke.
I didn't know Kourindou was doing so well.
Rinnosuke
Oh, hello PLAYER. What brings you here at a time like this?
Rinnosuke
I see that Reimu and Sumireko are also with you.
Sumireko
Since when did Kourindou start getting so many customers?! I can't believe my eyes!
Rinnosuke
I feel like you just said something rude... but it's true that even I find this a bit unsettling.
Rinnosuke
The youkai rabbits who were hanging out in the area are taking refuge here. They don't always stay around Eientei.
Rinnosuke
They can avoid getting exterminated inadvertently by staying here, so they plan on doing that until things calm down.
Rinnosuke
And for once, it looks like I'll be able to get rid of the extra imported drinks too, so this has worked out well.
Sumireko
Then I'll have one too.
Rinnosuke
Can't you drink them all you want in the outside world? I should rather be asking you to replenish my stock.
Sumireko
You're such a miser!
Rinnosuke
Hehe. Say what you want, but you're not getting any.
Sumireko
Fine! Then I won't inform you about any of the new drinks that get popular in the outside world!
Rinnosuke
Well, that would be bad. That information is too important to me. All right. You can drink as much as you want.
Sumireko
Yay!
(It looks like Miss Sumireko is a regular customer!)
Reimu
Still...
Youkai Rabbit A
Yes! And that's game over!
Youkai Rabbit B
Wow... The chief lost!
Youkai Rabbit C
So strong! You're too strong, Miss Wolf!
Youkai Rabbit D
Me next! Me next! I wanna go next!
Reimu
..It looks like one big party is going on here. So many rabbits are bunched up together in one place.
Sumireko
So fluffy!
I'm sure that's what Heaven feels like!
Reimu
But isn't their cheering noisy? It sounds like they're fighting or something.
Rinnosuke
Oh, you're talking about that? It's like a board game... kind of similar to shogi or Go.
Reimu
They're getting that excited over shogi and Go?! They sure are starved of entertainment, aren't they?
Rinnosuke
I know I said it's a similar game, but it's actually completely different. There, look. The players are here.
???A
Heehee! You've still got a long way to go before you can challenge me!
???B
I really thought my strategy would work. Don't tell me you've played this a crazy number of times?!
???A
Urgh! I had a lot of free time to practice...!
Sumireko
Oh, look, it's Kags and Tews!
Reimu
You really do give nicknames to anyone and everyone, don't you?
Th-There are so many fluffy people here!
Sumireko
OK, I'll introduce them to you, PLAYER-o. This wolf-like girl here is Kags.
Kagerou
It's Kagerou Imaizumi. I am a werewolf. But right now, I'm also a researcher of games from the outside.
Kagerou
I want to borrow Kourindou's good name to set up a branch store of my own someday... It will be a game store, of course!
Rinnosuke
Ahaha. There's not really much of a name to borrow, though.
Sumireko
And this rabbit-like girl here is Tews! That's hard to pronounce!
Tewi
It may have just been a game, but competitions are always fun. But I bet winning would have been even more fun.
Tewi
...
Tewi
Oooh! You! The one next to Reimu! You're the rumored outsider... PLAYER, right?!
Tewi
Whoa! You look just like the rumors I heard from the rabbits! Hey, rabbits! Come look! It's the one you were talking about!
Tewi
...So engrossed in the game that you won't even look this way, huh? That's so like you guys.
Reimu
Aha! So you're the one who led all the rabbits here.
Tewi
Technically, yes. But I wasn't the only one. And first of all, someone else told us that this was a shelter.
Reimu
Huh? What do you mean by "you're not the only one"?
Tewi
Ah, nice timing. Look over there.
Narumi
Phew! I finally managed to get out!
Narumi
Ah! Why if it isn't Reimu and Sumireko? Have you also come to take shelter here?
Narumi
I got all the youkai in the area to come here because I heard that it was dangerous for some reason.
Reimu
You too?! Ah, I see there are also some youkai with you who look like birds but aren't.
Reimu
Don't tell me the one who told you and Tewi about this place was...
Narumi & Tewi
It was Marisa.
Reimu
I knew it...
Sumireko
That does sound like something Rissa would do.
Tewi
...
Tewi
Hmmm, Reimu, Sumireko... and that much-talked-about outsider...
Tewi
Heh heh heh...!
Wh-Why are you laughing like that...?!
Tewi
Heehee. Don't worry. It's just that there are a lot of humans here together.
Tewi
Weren't you challenged to battles of bullets by youkai several times before you got here?
Reimu
Oh, I see. I get what you're trying to say.
Reimu
Managing festivals is one of my jobs as a shrine maiden. You guys really are―
Reimu
―just crazy for festivals, aren't you?!
Dark World of Youkai Pt. 4
Tewi
Aaah, it's been so long since I went all out in a battle of bullets! It feels so good!
Reimu
What are you talking about? You planned this. You just went all out and used us.
Tewi
You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours. It's that simple, Miss Hakurei Shrine Maiden.
Reimu
Don't get ahead of yourself, or I'll really exterminate you.
Tewi
Whoa, scary!
Kagerou
Now that I'm all warmed up let's play that game again! I might not be great at battles, but this is where I shine!
Tewi
You don't have to brag. But, well, it's fun, so why not?!
Narumi
I want to play that game too! Sumireko, let's play together!
Sumireko
It looks kinda fun, like a game research club... But, sorry! I'll pass this time!
Narumi
Huh?! Why?!
Sumireko
Heehee! Well, Narumi... that's because I'm currently busy with a super important job!
Narumi
And what's that?
Sumireko
Uncovering the truth about what's going on in the village!
Narumi
What?!
Sumireko
Did I say something wrong...?
Rinnosuke
Everyone is afraid.
Sumireko
Afraid? Even though youkai are stronger than humans?
Sumireko
Aren't youkai really tough? Except for a few rare cases, they are beings who can live for eternity.
Rinnosuke
Maybe "afraid" isn't the right word. Let me explain it better.
Rinnosuke
Currently, something is going on inside the village, and since we're outside, we have no way of knowing what it is.
Rinnosuke
But we have heard about it secondhand from those who recommend taking refuge and those gossiping about it.
Rinnosuke
And as a result...
Rinnosuke
Strong ones felt despair, the wise were appalled, those who value fortune steered clear, and the virtuous ones scorned...
Rinnosuke
...all at the thought of how this might be yet another incident.
Sumireko
That makes no sense.
Sumireko
I've heard that Gensokyo has seen incidents that were treated like festivals and many other disturbances one after the other.
Sumireko
So why are they reacting like this only now? And why is everyone reacting the same way?
Rinnosuke
You do have a point there. But I think the reason for that is too delicate and complicated for me to explain.
Rinnosuke
I myself don't know anything about what's going on inside the village. So it's too soon to speak.
Rinnosuke
But more importantly, Reimu...
Reimu
What?
Rinnosuke
Is it...
Rinnosuke
...really OK for you to be loafing around here? I was sure that you were the one who ordered the village to be sealed shut.
Rinnosuke
Well, I mean, I know you're not known for your speedy work. Is this just you being slow today?
Sumireko
Ah... um... we did go to the village earlier...
Reimu
It's OK, Sumireko. I'll explain. And that's probably not what Mister Rinnosuke is asking about.
Rinnosuke
Tell me, Reimu.
Reimu
My memories have been kind of muddled ever since this morning. I must've hit my head in the main shrine.
Sumireko
What?! Are you doing OK, Reimers?!
Rinnosuke
I suppose it would be rude to ask whether you've seen a doctor...
Reimu
You don't need to worry about that.
Reimu
Shrine maidens and doctors have the same origin. I am physically fine. I know that well.
Rinnosuke
It's good to hear that.
Sumireko
But... that means you don't remember what you did before this morning... right?
Reimu
Yes, that's right.
Reimu
That's why even I don't know why I snuck out of the village and went back to the shrine.
Reimu
It's possible that I'm not the one who sealed off the village.
Reimu
I was hoping that going to the village would give me some sort of clue, but I got nothing.
Rinnosuke
So that's why you came here. Well, in that case, I think your actions kind of make sense.
Rinnosuke
"She" will be back here again soon.
Reimu
Then we'll wait here until then.
(With everything going on, it's so difficult to explain...)
(...that this Reimu is from a parallel universe!)
Reimu
...
(I need to hurry and get both Reimus to meet.)
(Either that or I need to find Miss Yukari.)
Rinnosuke
This is completely off-topic, but...
Rinnosuke
I'm sure you know that I'm an expert on tools.
Sumireko
What's this? Are you singing your own praises?
Rinnosuke
No, that's not it.
Rinnosuke
I feel sad that you think you can hide a rare tool from me, knowing very well that I'm an expert on tools.
Sumireko
There you go, rambling again. Are you talking about me and my anti-Gensokyo items?
Rinnosuke
No, you probably don't have anything. I've already investigated your items for the most part.
Sumireko
I'm kind of shocked.
Rinnosuke
My gut says it's... Reimu. You have something, don't you?
(Is he talking about that purple Seal Crystal?!)
(We don't know anything about that yet...!)
Reimu
Oh, you mean...
(Nothing happened when Miss Kasen touched it...)
(But it might be dangerous to investigate it thoroughly...!)
Reimu
Is this what―
W-Wait a minute!
Are you talking about this?!
Rinnosuke
Hm, it looks like a normal journal, but it certainly has that rare item feel to it.
Rinnosuke
Can I take a look at it?
Sure. Let me just do this... There, now you can read it.
Rinnosuke
Hm, I see.
Rinnosuke
My investigations should at least tell me the name and the uses of this tool...
Rinnosuke
Wh-What's this?!
Rinnosuke
Hm, fragments of information are pouring into me. This is probably just a portion of the memories stored in this tool.
Rinnosuke
Even so, I received an awful lot.
Rinnosuke
It's like I've opened a book from a foreign country... It will take a lot of effort to interpret everything.
Rinnosuke
But this information is truly astounding. It's ticking my intellectual curiosity so bad.
Rinnosuke
What is this?! What in the world is this? I can't tell its name nor its uses... and I don't know how to explain it, but...
Rinnosuke
...I have a strong urge to give a form to all the information I received!
Sumireko
Wow, look at him jabber away!
Rinnosuke
OK, then let me just...!
???
Hey! Wait a second.
???
What are you doing here?
Marisa
Reimu!
Dark World of Youkai Pt. 5
Marisa
OK, I mostly get the picture. Or, to be honest, I don't know what's going on anymore.
Marisa
So Reimu hit her head. It's good that it's nothing serious. Don't scare us like that.
Marisa
And well... I was sure you were inside the village investigating whatever was going on.
Marisa
Not like I personally met you in the village, but that's what I was told, and I didn't question it.
Marisa
This could be dangerous for youkai, like the thing with the vengeful spirits, so I asked any outside the village to evacuate.
Marisa
This whole thing smells kinda fishy.
Marisa
Anyway, I thought you were inside the village, that's why I got out and have been working from the outside.
Marisa
But this doesn't make any sense.
(I want to say that there's also a Reimu in the village.)
(But I'm the only one who knows about both of them.)
Marisa
Who is the one working inside the village then?
(Both Reimus and Marisa don't know the truth...)
(...because they don't remember the other worlds!)
Marisa
I'd like to know that much, at least.
(Should I tell Miss Kasen? She knows about them.)
(But it's still a mystery how the other Reimu got here!)
Marisa
Hm...?
Marisa
What's wrong, PLAYER? Why do you look so serious?
Ah... um... uh... I was just thinking about all of this...
But I don't know what's going on either.
Marisa
Oh.
Marisa
If you're thinking so much for us, then we also gotta do our best.
Reimu
But before that...
Reimu
We should introduce Akyuu and Kosuzu to PLAYER.
Sumireko
But first, let me just tell you...
Sumireko
...my ideas for their nicknames! Aks or Kyukyu for Akyuu, and Kossy or Suzu for Kosuzu!
Sumireko
I have many more ideas if they aren't good enough.
Reimu
You haven't given them much thought, so I doubt they'd stick.
Marisa
This is Hieda no Akyuu, the head of the Hieda family that boasts one of the most outstanding mansions in the village.
Akyuu
I'm Hieda no Akyuu, the current head of the Hieda family.
Akyuu
The Hieda family has been recording Gensokyo's history for generations. So I've already heard about you.
Akyuu
I feel like you are very similar to Kosuzu. It's nice to meet you, PLAYER.
Marisa
She's acting all cool, but she's just a pitiable lady of the house who got locked out 'cause she carelessly left the village.
Akyuu
Urk...! I need to hurry and get back. Else my servants will be punished by my family...!
???
Me too! I've left the shop unattended, so I need to hurry back...!
Akyuu
Nothing new about that. I think you'll be fine.
???
Well, that's true, I guess! Ah, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself.
???
I'm Kosuzu Motoori. I work at Suzunaan, a book rental shop in the village, but currently...
Kosuzu
...I'm a private detective searching for the truth behind the trouble in the village! Like an Agatha Chris Q. novel!
It's nice to meet you two! I'm PLAYER.
Sumireko
Eh?! We have the same roles?! But no one needs two private detectives!
Kosuzu
You're a detective too?! Hmph, and here I thought I was living out such a nice scenario.
Kosuzu
Oh, but there are some novels with more than one detective! There are even some with only detectives!
Marisa
Yeah, yeah. You're the one who brought Akyuu outside, so she could play detective with you, right?
Kosuzu
Yes, that's right. I'm sorry.
Kosuzu
But I was really curious. And wouldn't it have been awesome if we found out the truth behind all of this?
Marisa
And because you couldn't find any clues inside the village... you went outside...? Who does that?
Akyuu
Actually... I'm the one who suggested we go outside...
Marisa
You two are such an outrageous duo!
Marisa
Well, Akyuu, the Child of Miare, being locked out of the village is bad, right?
Marisa
Of course, it's not good for a commoner like Kosuzu to be stuck outside either. So I thought they'd be safe at Kourindou.
Marisa
But Reimu... they would be much safer around you.
Reimu
Are you saying that I should take them with me?
Marisa
Yeah. Isn't being behind you the safest place in Gensokyo?
Reimu
I suppose... as long as I'm not fighting that god of back doors, that is.
Reimu
All right. I'll take them.
Reimu
Don't worry, Akyuu, Kosuzu. My goal is also to get inside the village.
Reimu
I'll definitely get you back to your homes.
Kosuzu & Akyuu
Thanks, Miss Reimu! Thank you, Reimu.
Sumireko
I'll do my best as well!
Kosuzu & Akyuu
Th... Thanks, Miss Sumireko. Th...Thank you, Sumireko.
Sumireko
Huh?! What's with that delayed reaction?!
Marisa
I can think of a reason or two.
Marisa
Anyway, let's get back on topic.
Marisa
The fact that the gate stays closed despite Akyuu or Reimu being present just proves that no one is on the lookout.
Marisa
That means they don't plan on letting anyone enter. And even if someone tries, they're confident they can stop them.
Marisa
We're gonna need something that surpasses logic, something other than Reimu's luck, to get through the gate unnoticed.
Marisa
I'm sure "she" hasn't arrived at the village yet, since she always shows up later.
Rinnosuke
I'm back, everyone. Sorry to have kept you waiting. I had to improvise a little, but they're complete.
Marisa
Uh, no one was waiting. And what's that you've gone off and created?
Rinnosuke
That's strange. I thought I clearly stated that I wanted to give a form to all the information in the journal.
Rinnosuke
I wanted to hurry, so I just modified some things I had in my shop. And you don't have to worry about the measurements.
Rinnosuke
It was a strange experience... like a prophecy or a vision. Well, my excitement has calmed down for now.
Rinnosuke
Come to think of it... Clothes are a kind of barrier. I'm sure that's significant in some way.
Rinnosuke
And anyway, I wonder how exactly all this information was presented... *mumble*
Marisa
Um... we still don't know what you're on about.
Rinnosuke
I'm obviously talking about all the extremely unusual costumes in the outside world.
Rinnosuke
To make you wear them!
Marisa
Hm?
Kosuzu
Eh?
Akyuu
Huh?
Reimu
What?
Rinnosuke
Come on, be more surprised. I'm an antique store owner who can also make clothes. Aren't I talented?
Reimu
Umm...
Reimu
Yeah...
Reimu
I don't understand a word you're saying.
???
That's why I told her that anything could happen if you enter the gate when it's about to close!
???
Miss Reimu is so careless!
???
It's not like the purple Seal Crystal is some all-powerful item!
???
Miss Reimu was still injured, so I tried sending her a healing miracle...
???
But it seems to have failed. That might give me a clue.
???
So smart of me! I'm so amazing! So special! And so very cute!
???
Why am I talking to myself?
???
And why am I doing it in a place like this?
???
Well, I guess I need constant self-affirmation precisely because I'm here.
???
OK, it's time to pull myself together and go!
Sanae?
It's my turn to shine!
Sanae?
Yay! Yay!
Sanae?
You can do it, Sanae! Don't give up, Sanae!
Sanae?
Right now, the world, the earth, life, everything, dreams, reality, and all the different destinies of the mysterious tree...!
Sanae?
They're all dependent on...!
Sanae?
...my navel!
Sanae?
It's the shocking truth!
Sanae?
But, you know what, Miss Sanae? Being a savior can't be easy.
Sanae?
Yes, that's the difficult-to-face, unfaltering reality. It's like a hard rock.
Sanae?
And to do that, I have to find Miss Reimu.
Sanae?
And I also need to gather my allies who are scattered all over.
Sanae?
And I have to find a realistic way to defeat "that."
Sanae?
I have a mountain of things to do...! A Youkai Mountain of things!
Sanae?
*sigh* This is tough.
Sanae?
But...?
Sanae?
Buuuut?
Sanae?
Butbutbutbuuuuut?
Sanae?
Just leave eeeeeeeverything to...
Sanae?
...Sanae!
