Lossy's Journal

Reimu

I didn't think I'd be forced to wear clothes like this...

Reimu

But they're a perfect fit. It feels like I've worn them plenty of times before...

(Reimu and I... have the same uniforms as back then.)

??? A

Wow! These look just like Miss Sumireko's clothes! I've always wanted to try them on, so this is a dream come true!

??? B

Moving around in these clothes is almost effortless, and they seem really durable too. I want to wear this everyday...!

??? C

These clothes are exactly the same as the school uniform I usually wear... What's going on?!

Kosuzu

I retrieved the books that Miss Marisa left at Kourindou since I was there, but I think holding them kinda adds to the style!

Kosuzu

Don't I look cool?!

Akyuu

This shawl and coat are so warm for being so light.

Akyuu

They must have been woven from some very high-quality fabric...!

Sumireko

This is my normal person camouflage! I wear it on the way to school because nothing gives away my hobbies or interests!

Sumireko

How did one of my disguises get here...?! It's exactly the same!

(I've never seen those three outfits before...)

(So why were they recorded in my journal?)

Kosuzu

Your costume is cute too, Miss Sumireko, so why does it matter?

Sumireko

Is this really OK? I'm scared. My personal information wasn't leaked, was it?

Akyuu

I can move easier now, but it's a long way to the top of Youkai Mountain. I hope the wind priestess of Moriya Shrine is home.

Akyuu

The wind priestess's power of miracles is our only remaining hope of opening the village gate.

Kosuzu

Yeah, that's right. You're not all that physically strong, Akyuu. If only I could fly... Then I could carry you.

Sumireko

How about I use my psychic powers to assist you? It'd be easy-peasy with psychokinesis!

Akyuu

Thank you! I really struggle on mountain paths, so that would be a great help!

Sumireko

Sure thing, Acute.

Akyuu

...

Akyuu

Huh?! Wait, was that my nickname?!

Kosuzu

Oh, look over there! There's a crowd of people.

??? A

OK, please calm down, everyone. There's still plenty of space left in the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

??? B

But don't take it too easy! Please keep moving at a steady pace!

??? C

Come on, everyone, step to the rhythm! Let's have fun while marching forward!

Youkai and Fairy Crowd

*chatter* *chitchat* *gossip*

Youkai and Fairy Crowd

We'll be safe in the Scarlet Devil Mansion! The charismatic mistress and the perfect maid will protect us!

Youkai and Fairy Crowd

I can't believe we get to hear the Prismrivers perform! I'm a huge fan! This even makes lining up worth it!

Kosuzu

Whoa! There are so many youkai and fairies! One, two, three... it's like a Night Parade!

Akyuu

It seems the Scarlet Devil Mansion is acting as a temporary shelter.

Sumireko

Wow! Remmy must've decided to open the mansion's doors. That's pretty cool!

??? A

...Phew, that should do it. I'm sure the Scarlet Devil Mansion can take care of the rest.

??? B

Then should we go and take shelter too?!

??? C

Let's go perform in the Scarlet Devil Mansion's main hall! I'm sure that would stop everyone from getting worried.

Kosuzu

Hello, Prismriver Ensemble!

??? A

Oh, it's Kosuzu from Suzunaan.

??? B

It's dangerous for you to walk outside at a time like this!

??? C

Are you going to take shelter with us inside the Scarlet Devil Mansion?

Kosuzu

Oh, no, you don't have to worry about me. I'm here with Miss Reimu!

Reimu

H-Hello.

??? A

Oh, so you are. Then there's no safer place you could be.

??? B

You're the girl who was at Hakugyokurou last night, aren't you?

??? C

I guess we better introduce ourselves.

??? A

OK, I'll go first.

Lunasa

I'm Lunasa Prismriver.

??? B

And I'm...

Merlin

...Merlin Prismriver!

??? C

And lastly...

Lyrica

...I'm Lyrica Prismriver. And the three of us together are...

Prismriver Sisters

...the Prismriver Sisters!

I'm PLAYER! Consider me your newest fan!

(How could I not become their fan after that?!)

Lunasa

Hehe. Thank you.

Merlin

Come see our next concert, OK?!

Lyrica

Good luck with your work as Reimu's... assistant, I guess!

(T-That was amazing!)

Lunasa

All right, we really should get...

???

U-Um! Excuse me!

Merlin

Oh?

???

Ummm, I hope it's not too much bother, but...

Lyrica

Where's that voice coming from...?

???

...can you please continue your performance?!

??? A

We're almost there, Miss Wakasagihime!

??? B

...

??? C

I'm so sorry, Daiyousei and Cirno. This is my fault for using up all my magic power...

??? A

No, don't worry about it. We're fine, aren't we, Cirno?

??? B

...Yeah. Let's quickly take her to some water in the scarlet house.

??? A

Y-Yeah, let's hurry!

Sumireko

Wow, the fairies are so nice. They've reminded me how important it is to help those in need.

Sumireko

You're going to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, right? I'll help!

??? B

You're... Sumireko!

??? B

Thanks, but we don't need your help!

??? B

I'm the one who has to do this!

Sumireko

Oh, that sounds serious.

??? C

I played with Cirno in a battle of bullets, but it's been so long since I last battled that I accidentally used up all my magic.

??? C

Cirno and Daiyousei are really nice...

??? C

Even though I've told them that I recovered just enough magic to fly, they insist on carrying me.

??? C

You're the girl everyone in the Grassroots Youkai Network has been talking about... PLAYER, right?

??? C

My name is Wakasagihime. As you can see, I'm a mermaid.

Wakasagihime

I love good and honest humans. So let's be friends.

I'm PLAYER. It's nice to meet you!

(It's the beautiful mermaid I saw in the other world!)

Wakasagihime

And this is Daiyousei...

Daiyousei

Hehe, I'm Daiyousei.

Wakasagihime

And this is Cirno!

Cirno

I'm Cirno. I've got my hands full right now, but I'll play with you if you come see me later.

Cirno

I'm the strongest, so I have to focus on this. Miss Mermaid used up all her magic for my sake.

Cirno

I was such a fool. I should've... I really should've...!

Cirno

...known this would happen!

Daiyousei

(I think predicting this would be pretty difficult. But I do like this part about you, Cirno.)

Wakasagihime

You didn't do anything wrong, Cirno. How could you when you're this nice and cool?

Wakasagihime

Besides, fairies and youkai are the same. We both get bored when there are no opportunities to show off our bullet skills.

Cirno

...Miss Mermaid.

Daiyousei

Miss Wakasagihime... I... I also...

Wakasagihime

It's OK, Daiyousei. You don't need to hold back your tears.

Wakasagihime

You're both such good girls. *pat* *pat*

Lunasa

...Miss Reimu, we've got a favor to ask.

Merlin

We're asking this for all of us here...!

Lyrica

Please have a battle of bullets with us.

Reimu

All right, say no more. I get it.

Reimu

You guys will help too, right? Sumireko? PLAYER?

Sumireko

That's Reimers for you! Of course we'll help!

You can count on me!

Reimu

Hehe.

Reimu

All right, then let's cheer everyone up with some bullets!

Wow, it's a ropeway!

Reimu

There's not a single human or youkai here. I guess they must have finished evacuating.

Akyuu

The aerial tramway is just what I needed...!

Kosuzu

We can sit all the way to the shrine, and it will also save us some time.

Sumireko

No, I don't think we can ride it if there's no one here to operate it for us.

Akyuu

What?!

Kosuzu

Right, with no kappa or yamawaro, there's no one here to move it...!

Kosuzu

It can't be done, Akyuu!

Akyuu

Kosuzu, you're going to have to walk up the mountain as well, you know?

Kosuzu

O-Oh, right!

Um... I don't think I can walk all that way either.

Sumireko

Hmm... We came here for the ropeway, but if it's not working, we'll have to find another way up the mountain...

Sumireko

Reimers and I could fly up with one person each, but then someone would get left behind.

Akyuu

Urgh... Maybe we should have stayed back at Kourindou.

Kosuzu

Maybe we were too full of ourselves, thinking that we could be detectives...

Reimu

Marisa was the one who said you two should come with us, and I agreed, so you needn't―

Akyuu

―No, we can't give up!

Kosuzu

Yeah, who knows when we'll get a chance like this again?!

Akyuu & Kosuzu

Let's think of a solution, Kosuzu! Let's find a solution, Akyuu!

Reimu

...Thanks for saving me the effort.

I'll try and think of something too!

What if Sumireko lifted the whole car with us inside?!

Sumireko

I could probably do that, but I don't think I'll be able to guarantee your safety!

...That's a shame.

??? A

Ayaya? Do you need some help?

??? A

Oh, my! What are the Hakurei shrine maiden and the Child of Miare doing in a place like this?!

??? A

I had assumed that Miss Reimu ordered the village sealed and that Miss Marisa was advising everyone to take shelter...

??? A

But for that to be true, Miss Reimu should still be in the village. It seems my presumptions were wrong.

??? B

By "presumptions," do you mean the things you use to make up your articles? Aren't they always wrong?

??? A

Hey, what are you talking about, Hatate?! I always go out and gather information. My articles are perfectly accurate.

??? B

Then why were you surprised to find Reimu and Akyuu here?

??? A

Ahaha... Well, these things happen sometimes.

??? C

Miss Aya. Miss Hatate. Have you forgotten why we're here?

??? C

The Great Tengu ordered us to go on patrol and look for any humans or youkai that might have been left behind.

??? C

There's not enough patrol tengu to deal with this emergency situation, so the order also went out to other tengu like you.

??? C

Please take this seriously.

??? A

Not you too, Momiji. All right, we get it. You don't have to tell us twice.

??? A

...Right, "Miss" Hatate?

??? B

Yeah, yeah. If you're gonna act all formal, I'll follow your lead.

??? A

Thank you.

??? C

...?

Akyuu

Right, this is tengu territory, isn't it? I'm sorry, but we're too busy for interviews right now...

Kosuzu

I'd love to be interviewed if only we had the time...!

Sumireko

Wow, these famous youkai are on another level! In fact, can I take some photos? I'm sure they'd look good from any angle!

??? A

Please calm down, everyone. And please refrain from taking any photos!

??? B

It's kinda funny to hear you say that.

??? C

Oh? That girl standing next to Miss Reimu... I recognize her face.

??? C

...You're Miss PLAYER who was left in Hakurei Shrine's care, are you not?

Y-Yes! Do the tengu also know about me...?

??? B

Aya wanted to write a special feature article about you a little while back. But the Great Tengu put a stop to it.

??? A

That was an abuse of power. Each tengu is meant to have the freedom to write whatever they want in their newspaper.

??? C

The Great Tengu and Lord Tenma must have their reasons. Although, it is a shame that your freedoms were impeded.

??? A

Well, I don't really mind as long as I get to own the right to cover the story when the time comes!

??? B

Didn't you just say everyone should have the freedom to write whatever they want?

A-Am I really that important?!

??? A

Hehe, no, not really. Don't worry about it.

??? A

I'm Aya Shameimaru. The Bunbunmaru Newspaper's Shameimaru.

Aya

I'm the journalist who'll write articles on your past and future activities.

??? B

If you really believe in freedom of the press, then I should be free to write articles about her as well.

??? B

I'm Hatate Himekaidou from the Kakashi Spirit News.

Hatate

When Aya goes overboard, I'll write a competing article to restore your reputation, OK?

??? C

I don't want to keep being a stickler, but please make sure you keep to the rules while investigating and writing your news.

??? C

And you too... Make sure you don't follow Miss Aya if she invites you to some forbidden area...

??? C

...Oh, I'm terribly sorry. It's a force of habit.

??? C

I'm Momiji Inubashiri. My job is to keep order on the mountain.

Momiji

This mountain is a dangerous place, so you shouldn't come here unless you have a very good reason―

Aya

This is going to take a while, isn't it?

Aya

Still, I didn't expect the person in Miss Reimu's care to be such a small child.

Aya

It's truly a surprise. I thought for sure that she'd be a human from the outside world around the same age as Miss Reimu.

Aya

I wonder why the Great Tengu hid the information about Miss PLAYER's age.

Hatate

Who knows? I've got absolutely no idea.

Reimu

PLAYER is in my care...?

Reimu

Eiki said something similar, didn't she?

Reimu

PLAYER.

What is it, Reimu?

Reimu

It seems I've forgotten something extremely important. I'm truly sorry.

Reimu

Let's talk it over once we get back home.

(Reimu...)

(I'm so sorry that I can't tell you the truth right now.)

Sumireko

I've got a great idea!

Akyuu & Kosuzu

Huh?!

Sumireko

We can ask the tengu to carry you three up to Moriya Shrine. That way, we can all go together!

Akyuu

Oooh!

Kosuzu

That really is a great idea!

Aya

Hmm, I see! We can do that.

Hatate

If someone needs help, we should give it, especially at times like this when both youkai and humans are in danger.

Momiji

Yes, Moriya Shrine isn't far, and it's not a forbidden area, so there's no problem at all.

Thank you so much!

Aya

But in return, you know what we need, right, Reimu?

Reimu

Really?

Reimu

You guys too, huh? Is Battle of Bullets Deficiency like the new illness that's going around or something?

Aya

Come now.

Aya

You know that none of us tengu on the Youkai Mountain want to return to how we were back in the time of our ancestors.

Reimu

I don't really mind. Let's do this, Sumireko!

Sumireko

Huh?! Oh, OK!

Sumireko

C-Come at me!

Wow! Look over there! There's a huge shimenawa!

Reimu

So the tengu have gallantly flown away, leaving us facing Moriya Shrine's famous giant shimenawa...

Reimu

Well, I've got to admit that it's a pretty impressive shrine... even if it's not to my taste.

Sumireko

Do shrines change according to the ascetic sense of the shrine maiden?

Reimu

Oh, don't you know that I'm the one who decides everything to do with my shrine?

Sumireko

Right. Yeah, unlike the gods of Moriya Shrine, the god of Hakurei Shrine never shows up unexpectedly.

Sumireko

Why is that?

Reimu

Yeah, I guess I've grown much too accustomed to what happens around here...

Reimu

...It's actually much more unusual for gods to reveal themselves in front of people!

Sumireko

You're right! That's pretty much always the case in the outside world!

Sumireko

Have I gotten a bit too used to Gensokyo...?

Akyuu

That's strange. Usually, one of the gods or the wind priestess comes out right away to greet me whenever I visit the shrine.

Kosuzu

It doesn't seem like the gods or Miss Sanae are here, does it? Or rather...

Kosuzu

...it doesn't seem like anyone's here.

Akyuu

Hmm, this isn't good. I can't think of any other way to get through the village gate―

??? A

We're finally here!

??? B

Phew, we're safe now that we've reached the shrine.

??? A

Yeah! Let's take refuge here until the disturbance calms down.

??? B

It's depressing how far away autumn is, but it's much cooler on top of the mountain, so it's essentially autumn here.

??? A

Yeah! It may not be the real autumn, but it's still autumn!

??? C

I'm finally here!

??? C

...

??? C

Oops?!

??? C

S-Sorry! I didn't mean to get so close!

??? A

Oh, it's Hina! The misfortune god!

??? B

You're worried about the misfortune that radiates out from you, right?

??? B

But you don't really have to worry about that with us. Our luck is always kind of bad this time of year.

??? C

Thanks, Shizuha. But it seems I've kinda gotten into the habit of maintaining social distance.

??? A

Don't say something so sad. Let's get closer!

??? C

I don't want to ruin Gensokyo's harvests! There's always a chance of that happening!

??? A

R-Really? I think it's probably fine.

Akyuu

―Some other gods have arrived?!

Kosuzu

Wow! I wonder if they will bless us!

Sumireko

Hey, PLAYER.

What is it, Miss Sumireko?

Sumireko

There are lots of gods in Gensokyo. So let's make them all remember you!

What?! Th-That sounds rather presumptuous...!

Sumireko

Kasen told me about you.

Sumireko

She said you lost your memory and can't even remember where you came from.

Sumireko

...

Sumireko

Sorry. I didn't mention this earlier because I thought it was a sensitive topic...

Sumireko

But I also don't want to leave a weird distance between us now that I've gotten to know you...

...Miss Sumireko.

Sumireko

Ahaha! Sorry! I've got no idea what I'm saying. It doesn't make sense, does it?

Sumireko

...

Sumireko

PLAYER, hold still for a sec, OK?

M-Miss Sumireko?!

Sumireko

Shhh. Don't talk right now.

Sumireko

...

Sumireko

*sigh* It's no use. Why do things like this never work when I really want them to...?

Sumireko

I thought I could read your mind and maybe find the remnants of the memories you lost.

Sumireko

You know how I can use psychic powers, right?

Sumireko

But reading your mind completely failed! Hehe, that was pretty lame.

Miss Sumireko.

...Thank you.

Sumireko

Hehe! Don't thank me. I haven't even done anything yet.

Sumireko

...Even if I can't help you, I'm sure there's someone in Gensokyo who can.

Sumireko

So let's go become friends with the gods! You're already friends with Tama, right?

(Tama...? Is she talking about Miss Misumaru?!)

We only just met... But yes, we're friends.

Sumireko

OK. Then let's go, shall we?!

Reimu

...

Nemuno

I'm Nemuno Sakata.

Nemuno

Rumors about ya have spread all the way to me yamanba territory, and that don't happen often.

Sannyo

That's 'cause no one visits you 'cept me and rule-breaking tengu... Hello, young lady. My name's Sannyo Komakusa.

Sannyo

The shrine maiden sure is merciless to bring such a small child all this way up the mountain.

I actually chose to accompany Reimu.

(Wow, these ladies look so cool...!)

Sannyo

Oh, that's good of you! It was rude of me to underestimate you 'cause of your age. I apologize.

Nemuno

You're a bit too young for choppin' wood but not for cookin'. I reckon you're definitely old enough to be an assistant.

Sannyo

You shouldn't think of everything from the perspective of a yamanba.

Nemuno

Hehe, you're askin' for the impossible.

Sannyo

So, PLAYER... You're that young lady I've heard so much about.

Sannyo

Let me pat your head a little.

Nemuno

Hey, that's no fair! Lemme pat her too!

Sannyo

C'mon, that's enough. It's my turn now.

Nemuno

Huh? I ain't finished yet.

Uaaaaah!

Kosuzu

I've read about yamanba and yamajorou!

Kosuzu

There are scary legends about these youkai...

Kosuzu

...But there are also lots of stories about them protecting and caring for children. They must be really fond of them!

Don't just stand there explaining. Help meeeeeee.

There's too much petting.

???

Are you all right, little lady?

???

Children have the potential to become anything. They are the customers and workforce of the future.

???

As someone who can invite money or customers, but only one of the two...

???

...kids with a future are the ultimate wildcard!

Thank you for saving me!

But... what are you talking about?

???

I'm Mike Goutokuji! I'm a maneki-neko of good fortune.

Sannyo

Hey, Mike. Could you stop treating us like kidnappers?

Nemuno

But when ya think about it, isn't kidnappin' kinda like what us youkai are famous for?

Sannyo

No, you should think about THIS from the perspective of a yamanba!

Nemuno

Make up your mind...

??? A

Ooooh! Mike, the maneki-neko, has also come here to take shelter!

??? B

Do you think she's selling any good-luck charms?! I'm currently working on a seasonal painting for next autumn...

??? B

...What kind of charm would help with that?

Mike

I've heard about charms for increasing artistic ability! And luckily, I've got just what you need―

Mike

―The Wind-Up Charm Maker!

Mike

It's on sale right now. All the other gods have one, you know?

??? A

Hmm, it looks like a cheap toy. Shizuha, you shouldn't let trick like these fool...

??? B

I'll take it!

Mike

It's a pleasure doing business with you!

??? A

(Uh oh. I was too late.)

Mike

Now you can surely make some effective charms.

??? A

(Of course the charms will be effective if a god makes them.)

??? B

Thank goodness. Now I can rest easy and focus on painting until next autumn!

??? A

(Yeah! I don't mind as long as Shizuha is happy.)

Um, g-gods! I'm PLAYER! I'm new here...!

I-It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!

Shizuha

I'm the god of autumn foliage, Shizuha Aki. Do you like red and gold leaves? Do you like mountains decorated with maple?

I love both of those things!

Shizuha

...Minoriko! This girl is definitely a keeper!

??? A

OK, now it's my turn to ask a question! I'm Minoriko Aki, the god of bountiful harvests. Got that? All right then...

Minoriko

Do you like sweet potatoes? Big yummy sweet potatoes?

I love sweet potatoes!

Minoriko

You're right, Shizuha! She's such a lovely girl!

??? C

Hey, Mike. You've got something good for me too, right? Show me.

Mike

Hehe, you just can't help yourself, can you, Miss Hina? Please wait just a moment.

Miss Hina... You're a god too, right?

My name is PLAYER.

??? C

WHOA! No, stop! You're much too close!

??? C

Nothing good comes from getting too close to me! Step back!

??? C

The straps on your geta will snap! Your favorite mug will break! You'll cut your bangs too short! You'll stub your pinky!

Really?! ...Huh? Nothing seems to have happened.

??? C

What?! How come?!

??? C

...Hmm, I don't really get it, but maybe you're protected since you're in the care of Hakurei Shrine?

It looks like I don't have to worry. For now, at least!

??? C

Phew! That's a relief.

??? C

But the misfortune I gather leaks out and affects the area around me, so you need to be careful.

??? C

I'm a misfortune god, so it's my duty to bear the burden of misfortune. I don't want to make any humans unlucky.

??? C

And... what else?

??? C

Oh, that's right!

??? C

I'm a god, but I don't really need much faith! All I need is for people to use hina dolls to exorcise misfortune!

??? C

And by the way, my name is Hina Kagiyama.

Hina

You're a child and also a girl, which makes you especially receptive to my blessings.

Does that mean we can maybe play with dolls together?

Hina

Play with dolls...?

Hina

That sounds wonderful!

Mike

I'm terribly sorry, Miss Hina. But I've got some bad news.

Hina

What's wrong? Couldn't you find a good-luck charm that suits me?

Mike

Yes, about that...

Mike

...They've all been destroyed.

Hina

Huh?

Mike

All the good-luck charms have been destroyed!

Hina

Huuuuh?!

Mike

Your misfortune extinguished the blessings of every charm!

Hina

I-I'll pay for them!

Mike

No, you don't have to worry about that. My Yamawaro Property Insurance covers damages caused by misfortune.

Mike

But, I'm afraid to say that...

Mike

...my earlier customer was also affected.

Shizuha

Look, Minorikooooo!

Shizuha

I only made three charms, but my Wind-Up Charm Maker has already broken!

Shizuha

The charms I made broke as well...

Shizuha

...I think I'm going to cry. I am crying.

Minoriko

Oh no, Shizuha! Do you have a warranty?! Isn't there one from the manufacturer?!

Shizuha

What's a warranty? If I find that will it fix my Wind-Up Charm Maker?

Minoriko

Um, noooooo it won't, but it'll do something similar!

Shizuha

It didn't come with one... *sob*

Minoriko

I can't believe this!

Minoriko

The Youkai Mountain's economy is too underdeveloped!

Minoriko

Is this the fate of all those early adopters that the Great Tengu and the god of marketplaces talked about?!

Hina

We're witnessing a storm of misfortune, a raging fire of bad luck...!

Hina

Misfortune always gets the better of me...! Maybe I should get some insurance too!

Mike

If you can't get insurance, it might be a good idea to ask the kappa to build you a misfortune warding machine.

Mike

I'm sure they could invent one based on their experience with making good-luck charms. (I don't understand it myself.)

Reimu

Can't we end this nonsense already? I really want to find Sanae!

Sumireko

Yeah, if she's not here, we'll have to try and find another way to get through the gate...!

???

Gahaha! Is that the wailing cries of the unfortunate I hear?!

???

This is kind of beneath me, but I'd feel bad if I just ignored them.

???

I guess I'll quickly go and save them!

Reimu

*sigh* Can't she just land normally for once?!

Sumireko

Huh?! Who's that?!

???

Tenshi Hinanawi has arrived!

Tenshi

I will act as a substitute god of machines if that's what's needed. I'm a celestial, after all!

???

I am Iku Nagae, and this is a public service announcement. The Eldest Daughter will soon descend. Please take cover.

Iku

Huh? Was I too slow? Was my warning too late? My apologies. The Eldest Daughter acted even more abruptly than usual.

???

Meetings with Miss Tenshi are always sudden. What would you do if your little sister suddenly evacuated and left you behind?

???

That's what happened to me―the most despicable and disastrous poverty god, Shion Yorigami! Laugh if you want!

Shion

But now I've found refuge by Miss Tenshi's side. There's no place where I feel safer. Miss Tenshi will never betray me.

Sumireko

Oh, right. It's Ten-ten.

Tenshi

...OK, listen up, lowly dwellers of the Earth! I'll blast away all your insignificant misfortune with my celestial aura!

Tenshi

Hmph!

Mike, Hina & Aki Sisters

Wooow!

Mike, Hina & Aki Sisters

...Huh?

Mike

...Has anything changed?

Nemuno

That was a pretty vague aura thing, wasn't it? I barely even felt it.

Sannyo

A lowly uncultured youkai like me doesn't need such a thing.

Tenshi

Hey, you should be jumping with joy!

Hina

I know what changed!

Hina

It kind of feels like I'm no longer spreading misfortune everywhere!

Tenshi

Great! So someone does understand! That makes it worth it.

Shion

Hey, wait a second.

Shion

I'm an adult poverty god, thanks to Miss Tenshi's good grace, so I won't say something childish like, "She's my Miss Tenshi."

Shion

She's my Miss Tenshi.

Iku

Your emotions were so strong that they immediately contradicted what you just said...

Hina

Yeah. Unlike a poverty god, I don't exactly bring misfortune upon myself.

Hina

Compared to you, Shion, I'm much more fortunate.

Hina

I was selfish and tried to steal what you hold dear.

Hina

Thanks for making me realize this.

Shion

You...!

Shion

You're a...!

Shion

You're a kindred spirit!

Shion

Miss Tenshi doesn't belong to anyone. We can both worship her together.

Iku

Her strong emotions contradicted what she just said again.

Tenshi

There are always happy endings when I'm around. The dispute was settled peacefully.

Tenshi

Now, I don't suppose I really have to explain why I've descended to the Earth...

Tenshi

...But I'll say it anyway. I'm here for a battle of bullets.

Tenshi

There hasn't been a real incident down here in forever. It's like a playground without toys―incredibly boring.

Tenshi

You get what I'm saying, don't you, Reimu?!

Reimu

You're asking if I understand?

Reimu

Of course not!

Reimu

However... even if this isn't my shrine, the grounds of any shrine are fundamentally a "playground."

Reimu

I'll play with you, Tenshi Hinanawi!

Sannyo

All right, it's on. Place your bets!

Sannyo

Komakusa-dayuu will oversee this battle.

Mike

Have you got enough ofuda? And needles?

Mike

I can get some for you cheap if you need any. I give discounts for bulk orders!

Tenshi

I only came down here because I was bored.

Tenshi

But it seems I landed in Moriya Shrine since there's a hokora dedicated to Nawi no Kami close by.

Tenshi

Shion came to meet me at a frightful speed. And for some reason, you're here too, Reimu!

Tenshi

We're both really lucky, aren't we?!

Reimu

Yes, it's just as you say.

Reimu

You would've been very unlucky if you landed on my shrine!

Tenshi

...So that's how it is. If I look down from Heaven, I could find out what's happening in the village.

Tenshi

But you don't want me to do that, do you, Reimu? So I won't.

Tenshi

I might ignore your wishes if there was a threat that only I could handle...

Tenshi

...But if such a threat ever appeared, the surface world would probably get destroyed before I could even get there.

Tenshi

So what I'm saying is that you humans have got to give it your all. You don't need me to tell you that? Yeah, I guess not.

Tenshi

All right, I'm going to head off. I'll be back when it's fun down here again, even if you don't call for me.

Tenshi

You want to know if I'm returning to Heaven? No.

Tenshi

I'm going to bring everyone to the Shining Needle Castle. That would be a safer shelter than here, right?

Tenshi

It's not polite to just show up at someone's front door out of the blue, but I'm sure Shinmyoumaru won't mind.

Tenshi

Later, Reimu.

Tenshi

Oh, I almost forgot.

Tenshi

The shrine maiden of Moriya Shrine is around here somewhere, though I don't know where the two gods are.

Tenshi

You were looking for her, right?

Reimu

What? Sanae's here? I can't sense her presence at all.

Sumireko

Sanaeeeeee? Where are youuuu?

Sanae

Tadaaaaa! Sanae's here!

Sanae

Yaaaaay!

...?

Reimu

Whoa?! Where did you come from?!

Sumireko

I don't think I've been so surprised in my life!

Akyuu

I almost jumped out of my skin! My heart is beating so fast...!

Kosuzu

Was that one of Moriya's unconventional attacks?!

Sanae

...Hmph.

Sanae

Why isn't everyone happy...? I prepared this surprise for you all.

Reimu

Huh?

Sumireko

I don't think that was the happy kind of surprise.

Akyuu

My heartbeat still hasn't calmed down...!

Sanae

*sob*

Kosuzu

Well, I guess we are happy to see Miss Sanae! We did come all this way to find you, after all! Right, everyone?

Yes, that's right!

Sanae

...

Sanae

Huh? What did you just say?

Kosuzu

I said we came here to find you.

Sanae

No, not that.

Sanae

What did you say before that?

Kosuzu

Umm... We're happy to see Miss Sanae?

Sanae

Yes, that!

Sanae

Thank goodness!

Akyuu

Miss Sanae Kochiya, wind priestess and living god of Moriya Shrine. We have come to ask for your help.

Sanae

OK, what do you need?

Akyuu

Are you aware of the ongoing disturbance in the village?

Sanae

Hmm... Let me think.

Sanae

I know about that! Miraculously!

Sumireko

Wow, you're really excited! Did something good happen today?

Sanae

Not at all. Rather it's just been one disaster after another.

Sanae

...Oh! But I still have my power of miracles, so don't worry!

Kosuzu

I don't really see you act like this in the village. You always seem so reliable when you work as the voice of the gods.

Sanae

Is that what I'm usually like?!

Sanae

That's kinda embarrassing!

Sumireko

Why are you blushing?!

Sumireko

(Wait... Is she going to be like this from now on? I'm getting tired just thinking about it...!)

Reimu

Sanae, stop with the games. This is an emergency.

Reimu

We need to hurry to the village gate.

Sanae

...All right.

(Miss Sanae suddenly became all serious!)

Sanae

Let's get to work.

???

There you are.

???

It seems you managed to meet up with Sanae.

Marisa

I just passed by Tenshi and the others while I was going around and advising everyone to take shelter.

Reimu

Oh, so you're wearing that too, are you?

Marisa

Yeah. Well, Kourin went and made it for me... so I don't really have a reason not to wear it.

Sanae

What about me...?!

Marisa

Huh?

Sanae

I'm the only one without a school uniform...!

Sanae

I used to wear a school uniform in the outside world. I'd wear one every day when I went to school...

Marisa

Right, um, is this gonna take long? Sorry, but we really don't have the time right now.

Sanae

Fiiine, I'll stop.

Marisa

I've still got to visit a few more places, but I can't check everywhere on my own.

Marisa

I know that you're in a rush to get to the village, and I think that's probably what you should be doing...

Marisa

But...

Marisa

...no matter how fast I go, I just don't have the time to check up on the evacuation status in the Underworld.

Marisa

You guys are the only people I can rely on. Could you go to the Underworld for me?

Reimu

I guess there's no helping it.

Reimu

Let's go, everyone. You're coming too, right, Sanae?

Sanae

Yes, of course.

Marisa

...All right, I'll leave it to you guys. I'm gonna head off.

Marisa

See ya.

Reimu

Three of us can fly, and three can't, so we'll go in pairs.

Sanae

...Huh?

Reimu

I'll go with Akyuu. Don't let go of my hand.

Akyuu

Thank you...!

Sumireko

All right, then I'll go with Kosu-zoom. Here, grab on!

Kosuzu

OK! L-Let's zoom!

That means I'm with Miss Sanae.

Sanae

All right, please come here!

Sanae

Miss PLAYER. You have to hold on tighter, or you'll fall!

Sanae

I'll hug you as well, just to be sure, OK?!

H-Huuuug!

Sanae

Good, now you'll be safe! Hang on just like that while I fly, OK?!

Sanae

All right, let's goooo!

(Why didn't she carry me normally? Does she like hugs?)

(Miss Sanae was so warm. I almost fell asleep...)

Sumireko

I see. So we were heading to the Underground Geyser Center. We should be able to get to the Underworld quickly from here.

Kosuzu

Hmm, that depends on whether we can operate the lift or not.

Kosuzu

But Miss Sanae is with us now, so we shouldn't get a repeat of what happened with the aerial tramway.

Sanae

I couldn't get it to work!

Reimu

Huh? Why not? You were so confident earlier.

Sanae

I thought I could... but it didn't work the way I remembered it.

Reimu

*sigh* That's a shame.

Akyuu

Let's try and find a different route. I know there are several other holes that lead to the Underworld.

Akyuu

However, I don't know whether they will all still be traversable...

Akyuu

...Why don't we go to the hole in the Forest of Magic first?

Reimu

All right. Back in the air, everyone!

(Wait, does that mean...?!)

Sanae

Come over here, PLAYER! Hurry!

(She really does like hugs!)

Sanae

Come on, hold on tight! I'll hug you as well!

H-Huuug!

Sanae

I'm ticklish, so please don't move around too much, OK?!

Sanae

All right, let's goooo!

Reimu

...A thick miasma is created within the Forest of Magic and lingers in the air. Keep close to me, everyone.

What happens if you breathe in too much miasma...?

Akyuu

Apparently, there is a very small chance that a human will turn into a magician.

Akyuu

But most of the time, they just fall unconscious, though some never wake up again...!

Kosuzu

S-Stop trying to scare me, Akyuu!

Sumireko

You needn't worry! Reimers and Sanae have barriers, and I can clean the air by manipulating its flow with my powers.

Sumireko

In fact, I don't think we could ever be safer.

Kosuzu

...Right, then we should be fine. Let's keep going!

Reimu

I didn't expect to end up right back near Kourindou. But I guess we've got Sanae with us now.

Sanae

It's great that you're with us, Miss Reimu. We'll never get lost.

Look! There's someone over there.

Reimu

You're right. I wonder who it is.

Alice

Oh?

Alice

What are you all doing wandering around here?

Alice

Didn't Marisa tell you what's going on right now...?

Alice

And Reimu, aren't you meant to be in the village?! What's going on?

H-Hello, Miss Alice!

U-Um, I can explain!

Alice

What?! PLAYER is here too?! That's not good. This place is dangerous!

Alice

Hey, Reimu! Have you forgotten your duty as the Hakurei shrine maiden?!

Sanae

Now, now. Please calm down, Miss Alice.

Sanae

We've got a veeeeery good reason for being here! I'll explain it to you!

Sanae

Just leave eeeeeeeeverything to Sanae!

Alice

Huh? ...Um, OK.

Alice

So you're on your way to check up on the Underworld for Marisa...

Sanae

That's right!

Alice

But I don't understand how being next to Reimu is the safest place for everyone. That doesn't sound quite right.

Sanae

I get what you mean! But they're with me too, so you needn't worry!

Alice

You're acting even weirder than usual today...

Sanae

Huh?! Am I really?

Alice

Wouldn't it be safer for everyone other than Reimu and Sanae to take shelter in Kourindou? I'm on my way there now.

Alice

I'm guiding this fairy.

A butterfly fairy...!

(I'm pretty sure her name was Eternity Larva.)

Eternity Larva

So you're that human all the fairies have been talking about! You really are a child!

Eternity Larva

I'm Eternity Larva. You seem really interesting, so let's play together!

Reimu

You say "play," but you really want to make her get lost or kidnap her, right? That's what fairies do to children.

Eternity Larva

I'd never do something like that!

Alice

This fairy is the one who is lost. She couldn't even find her way to a shelter.

Eternity Larva

That's right!

Eternity Larva

I can't tell you where exactly, but my house is around here. When I stepped outside, everyone had disappeared!

Alice

That's when I found her. I was walking around the forest to make sure that Marisa hadn't missed anyone.

Reimu

I see. That's pretty considerate of you.

Alice

I guess.

Alice

All right, now that you understand... Come with me Akyuu, Kosuzu, Sumireko, and PLAYER.

Alice

We're going to take shelter at Kourindou.

Sumireko

What?! Me too?! Shouldn't I be going with Reimers and Sanae?

Sumireko

Doesn't that make more sense, Ali?!

Alice

A-Ali?!

Alice

...Ahem.

Alice

No, Sumireko. You work at Kourindou, don't you?

Alice

Then you should help out the owner. He's probably got his hands full with everyone taking shelter there.

Sumireko

He didn't seem all that busy...

Eternity Larva

Let's play games together! The wolf has some really fun games!

Sumireko

Hmm, that does sound tempting.

Reimu

Hey, wait a second. You've got this all wrong.

Alice

What are you talking about?

Reimu

Alice, you're not taking this seriously enough.

Alice

Huh?

Reimu

The fact of the matter is that we don't even rightly know what's going on.

Reimu

We don't know what's happening in the village. And we don't know how it will affect the rest of Gensokyo.

Reimu

That's why―

Reimu

―we must be prepared for the worst.

Alice

Then isn't that all the more reason to take the humans to Kourindou, where they'll be safe?

Reimu

When what's happening in the village comes to light, I might determine that it's an incident.

Reimu

If that happens... then the safest place is by my side.

Alice

Hmm, an incident...

Alice

Yes. It's not really a problem if this is indeed an incident...

Alice

But Kourindou is a place where youkai gather, so it would be "strange" if humans were there during an incident...

Alice

Youkai attack humans and humans exterminate youkai. That's what an incident entails...

Alice

...Did you already consider all this?

Reimu

It's my duty to protect the humans of Gensokyo.

Reimu

And I will fulfill that duty.

Alice

...

Alice

I see.

Alice

I sincerely hope that it really is an incident this time.

Reimu

...

Kosuzu

(That got a little intense, didn't it?)

Akyuu

(Humans aren't meant to be outside the village right now. And that's partly our fault, Kosuzu.)

(Reimu and Miss Alice are kind of scary right now...)

Sumireko

(Reimers is usually kind of scary, no? At least when she's in her serious mode.)

Eternity Larva

(Huh?! Isn't everyone usually kind of scary?)

Alice

All right, you've convinced me. But you better take responsibility and protect the humans, OK?

Alice

I'd like to go to the Underworld for you, but I have to look after this fairy right now.

Reimu

Don't worry. I wasn't going to ask a youkai of the surface to go to a place they don't want to visit.

Reimu

All right. We better get going.

Alice

Wait.

Reimu

Do you still have something else to say?

Alice

Yes.

Alice

You still haven't proven to me that you're the real Reimu.

(What?!)

Alice

There have been many impersonators in previous incidents, such as the bake-danuki and people of the Dream World.

Alice

So if this situation could turn into an incident, I have all the more reason to doubt you.

(Oh, that's what she meant...)

Reimu

Hmm. So what are you gonna do about it?

Alice

Do you really need to ask?

Alice

Fight me in a battle of bullets.

???

...I get it now.

???

So Alice opened the way to the Underworld for you all.

???

And since Alice herself didn't come with you, it must mean that she doesn't want to interfere with the Underworld.

???

That makes me jealous.

???

...Oh, PLAYER. I'm Parsee Mizuhashi, a hashihime who lives in the Underworld. Nice to meet you.

Parsee

Everyone in the Underworld has been talking about how Reimu has been walking around with an unusual human lately.

Parsee

It may have been different before, but now we all welcome irregulars like yourself.

Parsee

Besides, it would just make me jealous if you ended up becoming fuel for an incident.

N-Nice to meet you!

(Why jealous...?!)

Reimu

Forget about that. We came all the way here and even asked Alice for directions.

Reimu

So tell me...

Reimu

...why can't you let us through?!

Parsee

First off, I'm honestly shocked that you couldn't remember the way here until you asked Alice.

Parsee

Didn't you come this way back when that black water gushed out onto the surface?

Reimu

There are too many paths to the Underworld. I can't remember them all.

Parsee

Hmm, that's a pretty sorry excuse.

Reimu

Who cares about that? Just let us through already!

Parsee

I'm saying you should turn back! Can't you see what's happening?!

Reimu

Huh?

Akyuu

Oh! Look over there!

Kosuzu

T-There are youkai... working on the tunnel?!

???

Keep going. Keep going.

???

Kisume. Take care of that spot right there.

???

R-Roger!

???

Take this! Aaaand this!

Sumireko

Are they working to control a flood?! I've seen people do something similar down by the river in my hometown.

Sumireko

Wow, a single youkai is performing the same work as a whole crane. Youkai really are amazing!

???

What's next, Boss?!

???

I... I c-can keep going!

Parsee

Give me a sec.

Parsee

PLAYER. This is Yamame Kurodani, a tsuchigumo.

Yamame

Hi, I'm Yamame Kurodani. Today I'm lifting slings up and down, but I usually prefer to take it easy. Nice to meet you!

Parsee

...And this is Kisume, a tsurube-otoshi.

Kisume

I'm K-K-Kisume! Today I'm working up high―! Ooow! ...I bit my tongue.

It's a pleasure to meet you both!

(Wow... These two really look like youkai...!)

Parsee

Good, now that introductions are over... Yamame. Kisume. Take care of that area over there.

Yamame

Roger!

Kisume

R-Roger!

Reimu

...Don't tell me we can't get past because the tunnel has flooded!

Parsee

So you finally figured it out.

Parsee

I don't know why, but the flow of groundwater around here suddenly changed.

Parsee

So a call went out to remove the water and control the flooding. We answered that call.

Sumireko

Someone called for you...? Does that mean there's someone else in charge here?

Sumireko

...Par-par!

Parsee

(Par-par...?)

Parsee

Well, if it were only us Underworld youkai here, I could oversee all the work in Yuugi's stead...

Reimu

...?

Parsee

*sigh* Look around.

???

Hey, yamawaro!

???

Hurry up and bring more sandbags! We don't have nearly enough.

???

Hey, kappa!

???

Don't interfere with our profits! If you can't cooperate, leave.

???

Oh? Is that a challenge? We're much better at dealing with floods than you lot who now live on land.

???

Oh really? Since you live in water, I doubt you can properly handle earth and wood.

???

Let's have a contest!

???

Whoever gets the most work done is the winner!

Reimu

The kappa and yamawaro are working together?! I thought they didn't get along.

Reimu

No, wait, don't they both dislike the youkai of the Underworld?!

???

Yes, it's just as you say, Reimu. They pollute the water... Or that's what I thought.

???

It seems we didn't know them as well as we thought. And I could lose a lot more if I let a chance for business pass me by.

???

Oh?! You're PLAYER, aren't you? This could make for a good story to sell to the tengu... Ahem! No, never mind.

Nitori

I'm Nitori Kawashiro, a kappa. You're staying at Hakurei Shrine, right? We might see each other at a festival or a party.

???

And I'm a yamawaro. Takane Yamashiro's the name. You should watch out for Nitori―she'll try to scam you.

Takane

But you'll only ever pay the labeled price for all our products and services. If you've got money to spend, Takane's your girl!

Nitori

Wow, Takane! I see that you're still at it with your misleading ads.

Takane

Huh?! What are you talking about?!

A kappa and a yamawaro...! N-Nice to meet you!

(Scams and misleading ads?!)

Sanae

Now it makes sense! The kappa and yamawaro also worked together on some projects for my shrine.

Really, what kind of projects?!

Sanae

They helped build that aerial tramway!

Sanae

But then, who's overseeing all the work going on down here?

???

Who, you ask? Why it's a god, of course!

???

A god!

Sanae

L-Lady Suwako?!

Sumireko

Huh?! Why is there a frog?! A cute frog came out of nowhere!

???

Yes, I'm Suwako Moriya. Who else could manage all these construction worker youkai?

Suwako

And I'm not a frog!

Sanae

Lady Suwako...!

Suwako

Sanae! You're meant to be in the village! Why are you wandering around a place like this?!

Suwako

I also want to know why the Hakurei Shrine maiden is here...

Suwako

But first and foremost―This place is dangerous!

Suwako

The path is blocked by lots of water, so only a few vengeful spirits have made their way through, but still.

Suwako

I told you earlier that you couldn't come here, didn't I?!

Suwako

What's going on, Sanae?! Explain yourself!

Sanae

Lady Suwakoooooo!

Suwako

W-Whoa....!

Sanae

*sob*

Suwako

What's wrong? I'm not really that angry... There, there. It's OK.

Suwako

As long as you're sorry and reflect on your actions, I forgive you!

Reimu

Aren't you being a bit too lenient?

Suwako

I think I'm still stricter than your youkai sage.

Reimu

Huh?! She's not my mom or anything!

Suwako

...

Suwako

Anyway... You can't pass through here right now.

Suwako

Now, I think I can guess why my Sanae and the Hakurei shrine maiden are trying to go to the Underworld together...

Suwako

I know what Marisa was doing, so you're probably helping her check on everyone who evacuated, right?

Wow, that's exactly right!

You're like a detective, Miss Sanae's... mother?

Suwako

No, no, I'm the true god of Moriya Shrine. But, well, I guess it is kind of nice to be called Sanae's mother.

Y-You're a god?! Please forgive my rudeness!

I bow before thee!

Suwako

Hehe, your faith kind of tickles.

Reimu

Thanks for saving us the time to explain. Now, you know a lot about water flow, with flooding, irrigation, and the like...

Reimu

...so you should also know of a path we could use to get to the Underworld. Tell us.

Suwako

I'm also grateful that our chat will finish quickly.

Suwako

There haven't been many incidents lately, so I've been looking for a way to raise my youkai workers' spirits.

Suwako

You know what I'm getting at, don't you?

Reimu

Yes, of course. That look tells me a lot more than words ever could.

Reimu

It's a lot faster to speak with bullets!

Takane

Would you like to buy an item? I can give you a discount.

Takane

And if you use it on Nitori, I'll make it even cheaper!

Sumireko

Really?! I want one!

Reimu

Hey, stop that. We can win without any items.

Sumireko

But she recommended it to us. Doesn't that make you interested? Come oooon, buy it for meeee!

Reimu

I bet you were one of those kids who throw tantrums in stores...

Suwako

Sanae. This is also a test for you.

Sanae

...?!

Suwako

Show me how much you have grown as the wind priestess of Moriya Shrine, as a living god who collects faith...

Suwako

...and as an incident resolver.

Sanae

...!

Sanae

I won't let you down, Lady Suwako!

Mokou

...Hey.

Mokou

...Why are you lot here?

Mokou

If you've come to take her back―

Mokou

―I won't show you any mercy, Moon Emissaries!

???

(Y-Yikes!)

???

(...Sister.)

???

(I know. This is Lady Yagokoro's territory. When she lets her guard down, I'll subdue her quietly with this cord.)

???

Earthling, Fujiwara no Mokou.

???

We have come to this land in secret.

???

We do not intend to purge this land or take back any impurities with us.

???

We merely wish to fulfill our secret mission. And to do that, we must meet with Lady Yagokoro... That's all.

Mokou

A secret mission?

Mokou

What's this mission of yours, then?

???

We can't tell you.

???

It's a SECRET mission, after all.

Mokou

...

Mokou

...I don't trust you.

Mokou

There was a disturbance some time ago when they were almost taken back to the moon...

Mokou

I heard that someone on the moon put a stop to it by pulling some strings.

Mokou

But there's no proof that you are allied with them.

???

(That was us!)

???

(...?)

???

Ahem.

???

You know Kaguya... Miss Kaguya, do you not? Then there is a simple solution.

???

Yes. If you speak directly with Miss Kaguya, she will tell you that there is no way we are here to bring her back with us.

Mokou

W-What are you talking about?

Mokou

There's no way I could do that!

???

Huh? Why not...?

Mokou

I can't go and see Kaguya... I don't even wanna see her, so there's no way I could just walk up to her and say hi!

Mokou

I've got a grudge against her!

???

Th-That's strange.

???

This contradicts what she said earlier. What's going on?

???

Umm, according to the data...

???

...Miss Fujiwara no Mokou regularly meets with Miss Kaguya. That's what the moon's positioning system recorded.

Mokou

Nope. I don't go and see her.

Mokou

There's no way I would.

???

Why are you lying...?

Mokou

I'm not lying!

Mokou

You're friends with Eientei's pharmacist, aren't you?! So I have to be extra careful not to say something I shouldn't!

???

Hm? Does that mean...?

Mokou

Forget I said that!

Mokou

Don't say another word. If you do, I'll...!

Sumireko

I thought we stepped into the bamboo forest, not a minefield?! Isn't this like really, really bad?!

Akyuu

Ummm, the god of Moriya Shrine said there was a blowhole that leads to the Underworld in the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.

Akyuu

My family's records also talk about this blowhole, so it definitely exists...

Kosuzu

Miss Reimu and Miss Marisa went down this hole too, didn't they?!

Reimu

*sigh* Yes, thank you for mentioning that, Kosuzu.

Kosuzu

Hehehe. I've honed my skills by reading lots of detective novels.

Akyuu

What? No, you didn't exactly use any deductive reasoning.

Reimu

Well, I can reach my destination just by picking a direction and flying, so I don't really need to remember the little details.

Sumireko, Akyuu & Kosuzu

(Th-That must be nice...!)

Sanae

That's all well and good, but what should we do about this, Miss Reimu?

Sanae

This situation is like a bomb that could explode at any time. It might even kick off a third Genso-Lunar War.

Sanae

Shall I go and deal with it?

(Huh? Miss Sanae seems kind of different...)

Reimu

Gosh, Sanae.

Reimu

You're way overreacting. Calm down a little, OK?

Kosuzu

Oh... I've just realized something very serious.

Akyuu

What do you mean, Kosuzu? You're making me nervous.

Sumireko

What? You too, Kosuzu?! I realized something as well!

Reimu

Now I'm nervous too.

Sumireko & Kosuzu

Isn't this an incident?!

Sumireko & Kosuzu

...

Sumireko & Kosuzu

Yaaaaay!

Akyuu

...An incident.

Akyuu

They are needed to maintain the balance in Gensokyo. Duels between humans and youkai need to occur on a regular basis.

Akyuu

Miss Reimu, is this...?

Reimu

No, it's fine, Akyuu. You don't have to say anymore.

Akyuu

...?!

Reimu

Of course, we can stop this.

Reimu

Even if this is an incident that someone wants to occur, I am the one who resolves incidents.

Sanae

Wow! You're so cool, Miss Reimu!

Sumireko

...!

Mokou

First off, it's really suspicious that Lunarians have come here from the moon and are acting in secret.

Mokou

I feel like I've finally found a reason to keep living. I won't let you ruin that!

???

(This isn't good. We were strictly forbidden from causing trouble for any earthlings while on this mission.)

???

(Even if we manage to restrain her... it will probably hinder our future relations with the Earth.)

???

(But no matter what we say, it only makes the situation worse. She's even more suspicious now.)

???

(Miss Fujiwara no Mokou found us in the bamboo forest without getting lost... Maybe we should've researched more.)

???

(Argh! I was sure that I didn't underestimate the Earth when I prepared for whatever problems could arise...!)

Reimu

Stop right there.

Mokou

The Hakurei shrine maiden?! Did you hear all that?!

Reimu

Yes, I heard everything.

Mokou

O-Oh no...

Reimu

Um, no, I already knew about your secret meetings.

Mokou

What, really? I don't remember telling you...

???

Reimu..! We can't keep our actions secret now that you're here.

???

Our mission has failed...

???

No way...

Reimu

Huh? It's not like I'm gonna tell Yukari about you guys.

Reimu

I don't mind if you visit Eientei as long as you don't cause any fuss.

???

R-Really?!

Reimu

Of course. That's what I promised back then.

???

Promised...? Did you make such a promise...?

Reimu

Don't you remember? That's pretty irresponsible, considering you were the ones who suggested it.

Reimu

Well, I guess I do owe Yorihime for helping me master Yukari's training.

Reimu

So now we can call it even.

???

...I honestly don't think I helped you all that much. But I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

???

Phew, thank goodness!

Reimu

You seem to be doing well, Reisen.

???

Yes, it's been a while, hasn't it, Miss Reimu?!

Reimu

PLAYER. We may not get another chance, so let me introduce them to you.

Reimu

The one in blue is Watatsuki no Toyohime. She lives in the Lunar Capital and rarely ever comes down here.

Toyohime

My name is Watatsuki no Toyohime. I have actually heard about you from Lady Yagokoro.

Reimu

What?! You know about PLAYER?! Since when did the moon have such a keen ear for current events?!

Toyohime

I don't really want to say this, but we Lunar Emmisaires are constantly observing the Earth...

Toyohime

...And we have a direct line of communication with Eientei through the moon rabbits' telepathy.

Reimu

Th-That's kind of disturbing. But, well, I guess it doesn't matter right now...

Reimu

The one in red is Watatsuki no Yorihime. She's Toyohime's little sister, and they're both Eirin's students or something.

Yorihime

I'm Watatsuki no Yorihime.

Reimu

...Hm? Is that it?

Yorihime

Well, we're currently in the middle of a covert operation, so it's not really the best time for chit-chat.

Yorihime

Oh, but no, I apologize. I do not mean to be rude to Miss PLAYER.

Reimu

Wow, I didn't expect you to be so humble. Don't you normally say stuff like, "The Earth is impure! It must be purged!"?

Yorihime

That is a grave misconception.

Yorihime

I cannot say the same for the other Lunarians, but WE are sympathetic with Lady Yagokoro's stance on this matter.

Yorihime

It would be unjust to thoughtlessly condemn Lady Yagokoro's decision to accept impurities and remain on the Earth.

Yorihime

But that does not mean we agree with her completely.

Reimu

Hmm. I can't refute that logic.

Yorihime

Hehe. You will never beat me in an argument of logic and reason.

???

Umm... Are you going to introduce me too?

Reimu

Oh, right.

Reimu

This rabbit's name is Reisen. It's confusing, but she's a moon rabbit with the same name as the other Reisen.

Reisen

You know, I've actually been to Hakurei Shrine too. Miss Reimu took care of me during my stay.

Reisen

So we kind of have that in common!

The living room is really comfortable, isn't it?!

I'm PLAYER. Nice to meet you!

Reimu

That reminds me. Didn't you take my veil back then?

Reisen

It was mine to start with. You took it off me!

Yorihime

No, it wasn't yours. It belonged to the army.

Reisen

Oh yeah...

Reimu

Huh? Have you and Mokou already met, PLAYER?

What? ...Oh, yes!

(Right. This Reimu doesn't know about that.)

Mokou

Have you already forgotten, Reimu? We met just the other day.

Reimu

Hm... Yeah. I guess you don't need an introduction then.

Reimu

All right. Toyohime. Mokou.

Reimu

The Hakurei shrine maiden will take care of this. That's fine with you both, right?

Reimu

I won't let the Lunar Emissaries meddle in anything they shouldn't, and if I detect something shady, I'll contact Yukari.

Reimu

Conversely, as long as they act within the rules of Gensokyo, I'll personally defend their case to the sages.

Reimu

Of course they can't take the princess back with them. I doubt they'd try, but I thought I'd make this clear for Mokou's sake.

Reimu

You both agree to this, don't you?

Reimu

Thanks. I'm glad we could settle this peacefully. Now, just to make sure...

Reimu

...you both have something to say, don't you?

Reimu

You're going to ask for a battle of bullets just like the others.

Mokou

How did you know?

Mokou

You're right that I was thinking of challenging them to a battle since they're from the same place as Kaguya.

Mokou

But you guessed what I wanted before I even put it into words.

Toyohime

I was just wondering what it would be like to use the Spell Cards of the Earth.

Toyohime

And learning how to battle according to the rules of Gensokyo might prove useful in the future.

Reimu

I thought so.

Reimu

It wasn't even much of a guess.

Reimu

I know very well what both of you are like.

Reimu

All right, Mokou and I will be on the human side. And since Lunarians are kinda like youkai, you'll be on the youkai side.

Reimu

That's how this battle is gonna work. OK?

Yorihime

Well, the teams seem rather arbitrary, but let's go with that. I'm a little excited.

Toyohime

Me too. I can't wait to try and use some Spell Cards!

Reisen

Please go easy on me!

(It's like they're all friends about to play a game!)

???

W-Wait a minute!

Sumireko

I know that all this is beyond me, and no one asked for my input, but speaking up took a lot of courage, so please listen!

Toyohime

You're that earthling with psychic powers...!

Mokou

Hey, I remember you! It's been a while, hasn't it?

Sumireko

Um, you see, I don't really know how to say this, but...!

Reimu

...

Sumireko

I'll battle you in Reimer's stead!

Sumireko

...Would, um, everyone be OK with that? Maybe?

Reimu

Do you have a reason you could explain?

Sumireko

Ummm...

Sumireko

I was taken aback and overawed by Reimer's conviction as a shrine maiden. But it's not really like me to feel that way.

Sumireko

I kinda want to act more freely and do what I wanna do! You know?

Sumireko

Well, I can't really explain it properly!

Sumireko

...So, can I?

Reimu

Fine. Go ahead.

Sumireko

What? Really?!

Reimu

Don't worry. I'll stop the match if it gets dangerous.

Sumireko

...So the Lunarians really are that super strong, are they?

Reimu

Well, yeah, but that's not really what I meant...

Reimu

...Whatever! I'll be the referee this time.

Reimu

Go on, show me what you can do.

Reimu

Bring your imagination to life and show me some beautiful bullets!

Toyohime

The earthling girl with psychic powers and the earthling person of Hourai were definitely tough opponents.

Yorihime

That battle made me realize how much more there is to learn about Spell Cards. This is worth remembering.

Reisen

...Oh, I forgot! We were going to ask Miss Fujiwara no Mokou to guide us through the forest!

Toyohime

We were too focused on the battle. We must have unknowingly fallen for the Bamboo Forest of the Lost's tricks...

Yorihime

That person of Hourai already left to guide Reimu and the others...

???

Do you need a guide, O noble visitors from the moon?

???

Heh heh heh! I offer you my services.

Reisen

Ah! I know you!

???

...Oh, Miss Reimu!

???

I didn't think you'd also evacuate to the Underworld...!

???

There's no problem with surface-dwelling youkai taking shelter here temporarily since our relations have improved...

???

But normal humans are another story... Is the situation that dire on the surface right now?

No, um, that's not it...!

Reimu

We came here to check up on you. To see whether or not you were properly leading the evacuation.

Sanae

Looking around...

Sanae

...it seems that all these youkai have come here to take shelter, right?

Akyuu

The youkai of the surface are mingling with the youkai of the Underworld...! You don't see this every day.

Kosuzu

I can smell hot springs and food from street stalls! Wait, the Underworld seems more appealing than the surface!

???

Well, it's important to entice the vengeful spirits with such things, so they don't try and escape from the Underworld.

Sumireko

Is that how you pacify the vengeful spirits?! I thought for sure they were sealed with force or magic or something!

Sumireko

Well, Yuuyuu?!

???

Yuuyuu?

???

...Hm?!

???

I thought Miss Reimu just brought her usual friends with her, but there are some people I really didn't expect to see here!

???

First off... You, the human child! I've heard about you. You're the one who's been staying at Hakurei Shrine lately.

Nice to meet you. My name is PLAYER.

???

Wow, you're a pretty polite human, considering your age. Good manners are always welcome.

???

I'm Yuugi Hoshiguma. Since you're staying at the shrine, you must've seen an oni called Suika, right? I'm an oni too.

Yuugi

But unlike Suika, who went up to the surface, I live down here in the Former Capital while pacifying the vengeful spirits.

Yuugi

I usually work with Parsee and a few others, but they're out dealing with something else, so I'm on my own right now.

Yuugi

Unfortunately, that's when some youkai came from the surface seeking shelter. I haven't been able to deal with them all.

Yuugi

...That's why it's like this. The Hot Spring Town is packed full of Underworld and surface youkai. It's like a Night Parade.

Yuugi

Ah, yes, by the way... There's something that humans who aren't that familiar with oni should always keep in mind.

Yuugi

Oni hate lies. Whatever you do, make sure you don't ever tell a lie in front of an oni.

O-OK!

(What if she asks about Reimu...? I have to be careful!)

Yuugi

But there's not just PLAYER here, is there? There are some other faces I didn't expect to see down here...

Yuugi

You're Kosuzu from the village's book rental shop, aren't you?!

Kosuzu

Ahaha, you found me out. Please come and borrow some books sometime, Miss Yuugi.

Yuugi

Sure, I'll stop by when I go to visit the pub. Though maybe I shouldn't say that in front of the Hakurei shrine maiden.

Reimu

So even oni like you, who prefer to solve things with brute force, read books, huh?

Yuugi

I don't read much compared to some bibliophile youkai, but we youkai have gotta train our mind and spirit.

Yuugi

I quite like reading now and then.

Yuugi

Now, what's even more surprising, is that Lady Miare is also with you...

Yuugi

Umm... Are you holding up all right? Physically, I mean?

Akyuu

It's been a while, hasn't it, Yuugi Hoshiguma? We last met when I interviewed you for the Gensokoyo Chronicle.

Akyuu

You needn't worry about me. Reimu has been kind enough to carry me while we traveled.

Yuugi

Ooh, that's good.

Kosuzu

Wow... I can't remember the last time I saw Akyuu act this dignified.

Kosuzu

Now that I think about it, Akyuu is a really important person, isn't she? I always forget about that for some reason.

Akyuu

...Kosuzu, I always act appropriate for my station as the Maiden of Miare, do I not?

Kosuzu

I don't know about that!

Sumireko

Right. The Hieda family traces their lineage to the Children of Miare, who continually reincarnate.

Sumireko

Not only are you a daughter of a noble family, but you've also got a perfect memory! Those are some serious credentials!

Akyuu

I-It isn't all that great, you know? If there wasn't any disturbance, I would be working until sundown like usual.

Sumireko

Whoa...! You're like... an adult.

Sumireko

Urgh. It kinda makes me depressed when I think about how lazy I am in comparison...

Yuugi

No, hold on a sec. What are you talking about, Miss Sumireko?

Sumireko

Huh? I'm the only one who's irresponsible and not making a living. Everyone else is working regardless of their age.

Yuugi

No, hold on.

Yuugi

I doubt any ordinary person could replicate those superpower things you use.

Sumireko

...Huh?

Sumireko

...Yeah, I guess you're right! It's not like me to get so down on myself!

Sumireko

Sorry, but if my self-esteem gets too high, I might go a little crazy with power again and end up doing something I regret.

Sumireko

A little self-reflection is good for me every now and then! So please forget about it.

Yuugi

Hmm, yeah, I guess self-reflection is important...

Reimu

...

Sanae

...

...?

Yuugi

...

Yuugi

Oh, I see.

Sumireko

Huh, what is it, Yuuyuu?

Yuugi

No, it's nothing. I just realized that humans like you...

Yuugi

...aren't so bad.

Sumireko

Eh? Huh? What?! Why?!

Yuugi

Hehe. That's something else you can reflect on.

Sumireko

...?

Yuugi

All right then, let's have a battle.

Sumireko

Urgh.

Sumireko

I was about to ask why, but I guess I've kind of gotten used to this.

Sumireko

...I know now that asking such questions is pointless!

Yuugi

No, it's not pointless. There's no deep meaning behind this battle.

Yuugi

I said that I haven't been able to deal with all the youkai who came down from the surface seeking shelter, right?

Yuugi

That is the undeniable truth.

Sumireko

Oh no! Don't tell me...

Yuugi

Exactly. You are all going to lend us a hand. That's what you came down here for, right?

Yuugi

This battle will be a test to see if you have what it takes...

Yuugi

...and it will also be some fun for me before I have to finish my break and get back to work!

There's a looooong line of youkai and vengeful spirits...!

And a huge magnificent building...!

Reimu

Yes, it's just like a Night Parade.

Sanae

Miss PLAYER, this place is called the Palace of the Earth Spirits.

Sanae

It's the home of the Komeiji sisters. They are satori youkai with some fairly powerful abilities...

Reimu

...Yeah, but they haven't caused much trouble ever since I exorcised them!

Kosuzu

Way to go, Hakurei shrine maiden!

Akyuu

Exorcised...? Well, you're not wrong about that. But there are two types of youkai exorcisms in Gensokyo...

Reimu

Beating youkai in a battle of bullets is a perfectly respectable youkai exorcism.

Akyuu

Yes, you're right, but... Hmm, no, this isn't the time nor place to talk about such things.

Kosuzu

What's wrong, Akyuu?

Akyuu

It's even harder to talk about while you're here...!

Kosuzu

What?! That's mean!

Kosuzu

I've learned a lot now that I sometimes go to parties at the shrine!

Akyuu

Calm down. If you want to know more, you should read the original Gensokyo Chronicle.

Kosuzu

Isn't the original like really, really long?!

Akyuu

It should be easy for you since you love books so much.

Kosuzu

Grrr... That sounds like a challenge when you put it like that.

Sanae

Lots of animals live here in the Palace of the Earth Spirits. It's like a zoo! An animal land!

Reimu

Yeah, speaking of which... didn't one of your gods modify an animal without permission?

Sanae

It wasn't without permission! The animal said it was OK!

M-M-M-Modifying animals?!

Reimu

It was a youkai, not an animal, or rather, a beast youkai... no, a bird youkai. And rather than modifying... it was more fusing?

Sanae

Maybe it was more fusion than fusing? Like combining with a divine spirit? No, possession through summoning?

Reimu

Either way, there's this Hell raven-Yatagarasu animal. There's also a youkai cat who sometimes wanders around the surface.

A cat? Like Chen? Or like Miss Mike, who we just met?

Sanae

No, she's a kasha! A youkai cat who supposedly steals corpses from funerals!

What?! Is it safe to enter this place...?!

Reimu

...We're used to the place, so we'll be fine. But now that I think about it, I guess it is kind of dangerous.

Sanae

Yes, there are large carnivorous animals as well as youkai. It seems we've grown numb to fear. It's obviously dangerous.

Reimu

It'd be fine if there were only lots of pandas or something.

Sanae

Miss Reimu. Pandas may look cute, but they're still fierce animals. They're bears, you know!

Sumireko

Don't worry! I'll protect everyone who can't shoot bullets!

Sumireko

Leave it to me!

Miss Sumireko...!

Reimu

...

Reimu

That was kinda weird... but we're counting on you!

(This place has a western feel, unlike the Former Capital.)

The floor is so warm!

Sanae

It's geothermal heating... the heat from the Remains of Hell below us. It feels like we've come to a day spa!

Reimu

Former Hell is built atop what is essentially a giant furnace, and the Palace of the Earth Spirits is at the center of it.

Kosuzu

What a cool building! The mysterious atmosphere is exciting! It's a detective's dream, even if I'm just playing as one.

Kosuzu

Oh, but this heat feels so nice. It's making me a little sleepy... *yawn*

Akyuu

Pull yourself together, Kosuzu. If you take a nap in the Palace of the Earth Spirits, you'll be a laughingstock for generations.

Sumireko

You'd think Koishi or someone would come out to greet us by now, but we need to pay close attention to notice her.

Sumireko

No, I guess we can't notice her even if we keep an eye out. That's the kind of girl she is.

???

BOO! Were you surprised?!

Sumireko

Eeep! A-A ghost?!

A cute girl suddenly appeared out of nowhere!

Sumireko

...?!

Sumireko

Oh, it's you, Koishi. This reminds me of the time I first visited Gensokyo.

Hello, Miss Koishi. I'm PLAYER.

???

...!

???

Oh, so your name is PLAYER? That's a cute name! Nice to meet you!

???

I'm Koishi Komeiji. Let's go play together!

Huh?! You want to play? Now?

Koishi

Yeah! There's no time like the present!

Reimu

Hey, wait a―

???

You mustn't do that, Koishi.

Koishi

Oh, Satori!

???

That child is under the protection of Hakurei Shrine. You should schedule a time and play somewhere safe.

???

Besides, everyone is really busy right now. So it would make me very happy if you could help as much as you are able.

Koishi

Oh, right! I forgot about that! OK, I'll help too!

???

...

(I-Is she staring at me...?)

???

...

???

...Reimu.

Reimu

Hm?

???

I now have a rough idea as to what is currently happening on the surface and why you have come here.

Reimu

...Right. That ability of yours sure is convenient.

???

You're thinking, "It saves me the hassle of explaining, so just read everything."

Reimu

Hey! Ask permission first!

???

*sigh*...

???

...I see. I understand pretty much everything now.

Reimu

You did it again!

???

You came to check on the Underworld to fulfill a promise with Marisa. And when you return to the surface...

???

...you will use Sanae's miracles to find a way into the village. That plan will most likely succeed.

Reimu

Huh? Since when did you become a fortune teller?

???

I did not divine any future. I merely used my powers of deduction.

???

Your plan will succeed because the gate to the village will open after enough time passes, even without a miracle.

I-Is that true...?!

???

Yes.

???

Sorry for the late introduction. My name is Satori Komeiji. I am the mistress of the Palace of the Earth Spirits.

Satori

Koishi is my little sister.

Koishi

That's right! I'm Satori's little sister!

I'm PLAYER... Nice to meet you.

(It's like she can read my mind...)

Satori

...

Satori

I won't try to explain the grounds for my reasoning because I'm sure I won't be able to convince you.

Reimu

I find that hard to believe.

Satori

Now then, you will all lend us a hand, just as Yuugi explained to you earlier.

Satori

This state of tension will continue until the gate is opened. And it looks like the youkai from the surface will stay the night.

Reimu

This place is like a tourist resort.

Satori

Yes, I know.

Satori

We've even had to rely on the help of all the animals here.

???

This way, vengeful spirits! Line up in a single file! Don't wander off on your own!

???

Hey, you there! Don't fight with the other guests!

???

Argh! There are too many!

Satori

This is Rin Kaenbyou and she is Utsuho Reiuji.

Rin

Lady Satori. I have something urgent to report.

Utsuho

Doesn't she already know about it by now?

Satori

Yes.

Satori

The Palace of the Earth Spirits cannot house any more guests.

Satori

And if youkai and vengeful spirits keep forcing their way inside...

Satori

...The Palace of the Earth Spirits will collapse.

Koishi

Whaaat?! That's terrible!

Reimu

That's gotta be a joke. And since when did the Palace of the Earth Spirits become a hotel?

Satori

We had no choice. The Underworld is so full of youkai and vengeful spirits that there is nowhere else for them to go.

Sumireko

Reimers... I don't think she was joking about the palace collapsing.

Reimu

Huh? What makes you say that?

Sumireko

You're right that buildings don't fall over from having too many people inside...

Sumireko

But the floor could give way.

Um, aren't we on top of the Remains of Blazing Hell...?

Reimu

...

Reimu

This is bad!

Satori

Reimu... you and the others will lead the youkai crowding the city streets.

Satori

Guide them to proper accommodations and make sure they don't start any fights and step through the floor.

Reimu

This may sound silly, but I doubt anyone else could do this but me.

Satori

But before that...

Satori

...you know what we must do, correct?

Reimu

...Oh, I get it.

Reimu

You're all youkai, aren't you?! I bet you were all looking for an opportunity to go wild.

Satori

Exactly.

Satori

That is the role of the Hakurei shrine maiden.

Reimu

For you, who is usually so calm, to say such a thing...

Reimu

...it seems that having such a long gap between incidents is a serious problem!

???

*fidgeting nervously*

???

...*sigh*

???

You're worried about her, aren't you, Hijiri?

Byakuren

Yes. I'm sure she will be fine, but I can't stop thinking about her...

Nue

I guess I'm the same. I can't rest easy until I get confirmation that she's safe.

Byakuren

Yes. But you should go and play with the others.

Byakuren

It's not every day that we get to come here, so you should make the most of it.

Nue

Huh? What are you going to do, Hijiri?

Byakuren

...The fact that I cannot free my heart from worry proves that I need more training. So I will stay here to discipline myself.

???

Ichirin... Unzan... Kyouko...

Minamitsu

The food at this Hot Spring Town is yummy, isn't it...?

???

Yeah...

Ichirin

Unzan said... "Aye, delicious," in a despondent tone.

???

Huh...? Is that how Unzan speaks...?

Ichirin

He talks really quietly... But I think that's probably kind of how he speaks...

Kyouko

Oh, OK... Heeey, Unzan... How are you going...?

Ichirin

...

Ichirin

He said, "I'm miserable."

Minamitsu, Kyouko & Ichirin

*sigh*

Minamitsu

But, Ichirin, I'm surprised you came down here. Didn't you say that going to Former Hell is humiliating?

Ichirin

I'll go anywhere if I have to, especially if the boss tells me to.

Ichirin

What about you, Murasa? Are you OK with returning to where we were sealed away?

Minamitsu

Hijiri ordered us here, so it doesn't bother me either. Besides, I also came here when I investigated that black water.

Minamitsu

And it's not like I only have bad memories of the Underworld. I had a lot of fun making holes in the bottom things!

Minamitsu

Whoops, I'm meant to be sad right now...

Kyouko

You're really good at controlling your emotions...

???

Hey, pull yourselves together. You're annoying me.

Joon

Looking at you makes the food taste bad. And this is coming from me, a pestilence god, so you better believe it.

Nazrin & Shou

*sigh*

???

I should have paid closer attention. Hijiri leads us from the front, so I should have supported her from behind.

Shou

I can't believe I forgot about the "Forgotten Umbrella"...!

???

I'm like an expert at retrieving lost items, so I could have easily prevented this if only I had been a little more careful...

Nazrin

I'm so ashamed of myself.

Nazrin & Shou

*sigh*

Joon

You guys are really ticking me off! I'm not going to mince words even if I used to train under you!

Nazrin

I'm not a member of Myouren Temple.

Joon

SHUT UP!

Nazrin

Whoa, that was intense.

Joon

I led a life of leisure down here for a time, but here I am now eating peasant food at a bar!

Joon

You two used to shine with hope and a sense of duty. But now you're all drab and gloomy, and I'm stuck at the same table!

Nazrin

I've always been drab. Look, I'm gray.

Joon

SHUT UP!

Nazrin

Sorry, I half said that just to provoke you.

Shou

Joon. I'm truly sorry that we're ruining your meal. But... I can't help but not be worried...!

Shou

We left Kogasa behind!

Joon

Yeah, I know, but you should stop blaming yourself. Everyone was in a hurry.

Joon

Also, Kogasa panicked and flew off somewhere, so it's not like you could have gone and found her before evacuating.

Joon

And besides, I left my own sister behind, but it doesn't bother me at all.

Nazrin

Oh?! Yeah, she isn't here with you.

Shou

W-Wow... Does it really not bother you?

Joon

Not at all! I bet she's with the celestial or something. Shion's luck is terrible, but that celestial's good luck trumps it.

Nazrin

(Is it good luck or bad luck to get followed around by a poverty god? No... I guess that's not for me to decide...)

Joon

So you two shouldn't worry either! Cheer up! I want to enjoy all this food and drink!

Shou

...

Shou

No, it isn't that easy.

Nazrin

Yeah. If only we knew whether she was all right...

Joon

It's fine to care for your friends but don't overdo it. You're not going to make Kogasa happy by being overprotective.

Joon

Don't you think Kogasa would want us to remain positive and enjoy ourselves?!

Nazrin

(This really doesn't sound like the things a poverty god should be saying...)

???

We followed Kyouko to the Underworld, and it was nice how we were welcomed more than I thought we would be, but...

Mystia

I didn't expect the monks to be so depressed!

???

Kogasa does kind of make everyone around her happy.

Wriggle

So when she's gone, everyone gets sadder than usual. I think it's kind of the same with us when Cirno's not around...

Wriggle

...we get smarter than usual.

???

Y-You might be right!

Rumia

I think I might be a little smarter now!

Wriggle

Hmm, no, I think you're the same as always.

Rumia

Whaaat?!

Rumia

...No, I guess that's fine.

Wriggle

Yeah. That's good.

Rumia

Hehehe.

Mystia

You know, I thought this would be the perfect chance to learn the cuisine of the Hot Spring Town...

Mystia

But It really doesn't seem like the best time to experiment with making new dishes when everyone else is so sad.

Rumia

Whaaat?! I wanted to eat your cooking.

Mystia, Wriggle & Rumia

*sigh*

Sumireko

...Did you get all that, PLAYER-o?

Yeah! I've remembered everyone's names!

Sumireko

OK.

Sumireko

I was a little worried after we split up with Reimers and the others. It's just you and me working as a pair...

Sumireko

But we found some youkai I'm familiar with, so it seems luck is on our side! I'm a bit shy with people I've never met before.

Sumireko

No, I guess they'd be youkai, not people... Well, whatever.

Sumireko

Anyway, I'm sure everyone will calm down and go to the accommodations if we tell them where Kogga went!

(Kogga... Oh, she means, Kogasa!)

Sumireko

All right! Let's go!

Sumireko

Monk of Myouren Temple! And Nue-nue!

Byakuren

Is that you, Miss Sumireko Usami?!

Nue

N-Nue-nue...?!

Sumireko

Koggy safely evacuated to another shelter! Along with Banky!

(She's changing the nicknames again!)

Byakuren

Koggy? Banky?

Byakuren

...?

Nue

...Oh, I get it! You mean Kogasa evacuated with Sekibanki?

Sumireko

Yeah, that's what I said!

Byakuren

Is that true...?!

Nue

This is great, isn't it, Hijiri?!

Byakuren

Thank goodness... That's such a relief...

Byakuren

...Oh! I have to go tell everyone the good news!

Sumireko

Go ahead. And when you're done, we can all go to the inn appointed to you by the Palace of the Earth Spirits.

Byakuren

Of course.

Byakuren

Everyone! Kogasa is safe! I just heard that she has safely evacuated!

Byakuren

The light has returned to everyone's eyes...! Thank you so much, Miss Sumireko.

Byakuren

And you're the girl that I've heard about.... your name is PLAYER, isn't it?

Oh, you know me...?! Yes, I'm PLAYER.

(This nun seems really kind...!)

Byakuren

Thank you as well, Miss PLAYER. Now, let's start moving toward our accommodations.

Nue

Hey, Byakuren. It doesn't look like it'll be that easy.

Byakuren

What?!

Nue

It doesn't look like they're in the mood to just quietly follow you to an inn.

Byakuren

Th-This is unacceptable! We must repay the kindness that Miss Sumireko and Miss PLAYER have shown us!

Byakuren

It seems they need a little scolding.

Nue

(Uh oh, Hijiri is angry!)

Nue

(Usually, I'd be on the side that's going wild and having fun... but siding with Hijiri is the much safer option right now!)

Byakuren

Sorry, Miss Sumireko. Miss PLAYER.

Byakuren

This won't take long!

???

Silence. Siiiiiilence!

???

QUIET!

???

Silence! Silence!

Futo

Why won't ye be silent?!

???

SHUT UP!

Yoshika

Quiet down a little. This is disgraceful...

Futo

Wow, they're finally silent.

Futo

Now, go ahead, Lady Taishi.

???

...

Miko

Everyone...

Miko

...you have done well to endure the storm.

Miko

I respect each and every one of you.

Miko

I respect those from the Underworld and from the surface. I respect all the youkai and all the vengeful spirits.

Miko

Your circumstances, status, and environment differ from youkai to youkai―spirit to spirit.

Miko

But you have all endured.

Miko

You have all experienced hardships that you presume cannot be understood. You have had no reason to believe otherwise.

Miko

I applaud all of your efforts and perseverance until now.

Miko

I understand how you all feel. No, I hear it.

Miko

Everyone, you have all fought well until now.

???

...What's going on? What's with this speech?

Saki

The sound caught my attention when I was passing by the Underworld...

Saki

...But now I'm feeling all emotional!

???

Wow, so even an idiot can understand. Impressive.

Saki

Huh? What was that?! What a rude Noh mask!

Kokoro

I praised you for being able to understand the great Lady Taishi's speech. You should be happy!

Saki

Yikes?! Why are you so angry all of a sudden?!

Kokoro

*sob* You don't have to be so scared. What's your problem? I can be angry if I want.

Saki

(What a strange mask...)

Kokoro

Besides, the speech hasn't finished yet. Be quiet and listen.

Saki

Yeah, right. Sorry. I'll try to be more mindful that this isn't the Animal Realm.

Kokoro

Wooohoooooo! You're the best, LADY TAISHIIIIII!

Kokoro

That's our de facto mom for you!

Saki

Didn't you just tell me to be quiet?!

Miko

...I can hear all of your voices. I can even still hear them right now.

Miko

However...

Miko

...you mustn't get complacent.

Kokoro & Saki

...?!

Miko

The fight will continue. There shall be more harsh realities you must endure.

Miko

You... No, WE must overcome them!

Miko

But, do not fear. Do not despair.

Miko

Do not give up.

Miko

For I will be right there with you!

Wow...! She's like one of the ancient Greek orators!

Sumireko

I've seen the President give a speech like this on TV. It's kinda like magic how she commands your complete attention.

???

Oh, why if it isn't Miss Sumireko? Why are you in a place like this?

Sumireko

It's a long story, but we're currently on a mission to calm down any disturbances in the Underworld.

Sumireko

Seigs! Toji!

Seigs?

...Seigs?!

Toji?

...Toji?!

Toji?

Hey, Sumireko. I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but you've been doing this all day, haven't you...?

Toji?

...You've been calling anyone and everyone by a nickname!

Sumireko

What?! How did you know?!

Toji?

How could I not?!

Um, I'm PLAYER! Nice to meet you both!

Toji? & Seigs?

...?!

Seigs?

So you're Miss PLAYER, the one everyone's been talking about lately! It's a pleasure to finally meet you!

Seigs?

I'm Seiga Kaku, a hermit. I'm incredibly fond of little children!

Seiga

Please call me, Seiga Nyan Nyan. Just say my name, and I'll be by your side in an instant.

Toji?

...

Toji?

(PLAYER. It's true that Seiga Kaku is a hermit, but you should keep your distance. Don't follow her anywhere.)

(Huh?! Why?! She seems like a really nice lady.)

Toji?

(Hm, it's hard to explain... But sometimes the nice ladies are the most dangerous.)

Toji?

...Ahem! I'm Soga no Tojiko, a ghost, and Lady Taishi's close advisor.

Tojiko

I'm a scaaary ghost, so watch out, OK?

Tojiko

I attack people with vengeful lightning... but you're a child, so I guess I'll go easy on you.

Tojiko

B-Because... I don't really hate children.

Tojiko

...Wait, no, we don't have the time for this.

Seiga

Yes. We must stop Lady Toyosatomimi.

Sumireko

By the way, how did this all start? It's like she's about to start a revolution or something!

Seiga

Well, you see, this is kind of like Lady Toyosatomimi's little quirk.

Seiga

You could call it her charisma, a type of enchantment.

Sumireko

Charisma?! That'd be kinda nice to have!

Seiga

Yes, it is magnificent, but you should not be so quick to envy her.

Seiga

This enchantment affects everyone around her, even if she herself is not aware of it.

Sumireko

You mean she can't stop her charisma even if she wants to?

Seiga

It probably depends. Lady Toyosatomimi should be able to dispel her charisma if she so wishes...

Sumireko

Huh? Then why has she got such an aura of charisma right now?

Seiga

She is probably just having some fun.

Seiga

Or maybe... she truly wishes to save every youkai and every vengeful spirit.

Seiga

Lady Toyosatomimi knows various ideologies. And she's been studying the ways of Myouren Temple and Hakurei Shrine.

Seiga

Also, Lady Toyosatomimi herself is a non-human. She probably has her reasons for doing this.

Seiga

...And besides, what would usually be a great achievement for an ordinary human, is a mere trifle for Lady Toyosatomimi.

Sumireko

Like how a giant kaiju can easily crush a skyscraper?!

Sumireko

So you mean she's so powerful that she can cause an incident or disturbance on a whim?!

Tojiko

No, we can stop her if this is all she's trying to do.

Sumireko

That's also kind of amazing...!

Seiga

Could you please lend us a hand, Miss Sumireko? That should make this a little bit easier.

Sumireko

Oh, OK. We came here to calm down all the youkai and vengeful spirits, so we'll help you...

Sumireko

But aren't you both kind of like Miko-ko's servants or something?

Sumireko

Why aren't you just going along with whatever she says?

Sumireko

Of course, I'm grateful that you're going to stop this disturbance, but it just seems kind of strange.

Seiga

Oh, why, there is a simple reason for that.

Sumireko

Simple?

Seiga

Yes, simple.

Seiga

When Lady Toyosatomimi decides to fulfill her ambition and start establishing a land of peace...

Seiga

...all she will need is me by her side.

Sumireko

...Wow!

Seiga

I'm an expert, with a proven track record, at giving advice to fulfill ambitions. She doesn't need an army of youkai or spirits.

Tojiko

I have a different reason. Futo's smug face has ticked me off. Like what's wrong with her?

Tojiko

Argh. Talking about it has made me even angrier!

Sumireko

That reason's pretty easy to understand...!

Tojiko

Our bond is thicker than blood. Acting all pretentious like that is no different from a child playing make-believe.

Tojiko

And playtime is over now. I'll end it with a bolt of lightning.

Their relationship... is kind of nice!

Sumireko

Hehe! Yeah, I can't stop smiling either.

Sumireko

All right!

Sumireko

Let's do this!

After that, we reported our success to Miss Satori.

Then we headed to the Human Village.

Luckily, we managed to return before nightfall, but...

Sanae

See? This is the power of miracles!

Sanae

The village gate is wide open! We managed to step inside, no problem!

Sanae

Well done, Sanae! You're the best!

Reimu

I can't tell any difference between this "miracle" and a simple coincidence. But at least we're in the village.

Reimu

That strict lockdown has completely lifted now. It looks like the village is back to normal, as far as I can tell.

Reimu

What could have possibly happened?

Kosuzu

If we go around asking people, they will probably yell at us, asking where we've been!

Akyuu

It sounds like you're speaking from experience. But I suppose I'm in the same boat as you this time...

Sumireko

It'd be nice if we only had to ask once. Who do you think would know the most about what happened?

Akyuu & Kosuzu

...Miss Keine Kamishirasawa!

If we investigate what happened in the village...

...we're bound to find Reimu eventually.

Reimu... and the other Reimu.

If I can get the two of them to meet, I'm sure...

???

I'm Keine Kamishirasawa. I work as a teacher here. You're the kid from the outside who's staying at Hakurei Shrine, right?

Hello, Miss Keine. My name is PLAYER.

(What a kind-looking teacher...!)

Keine

There are classes for kids of your age group at this school too. Isn't that right, Miss Akyuu?

Akyuu

Huh...?

Akyuu

Oh, yes, that's right!

Keine

Hm? Why are you all wearing those clothes? Aren't they uniforms that students in the outside world wear?

Keine

Looking closely, isn't your outfit a little different today too, Sumireko?

Sumireko

Yeah, let me explain...!

Keine

No, I can guess. This was the owner of Kourindou's doing, wasn't it? No one else makes clothes from the outside world.

Kosuzu

Wow, just what I'd expect from one of the leading intellectuals in Gensokyo. Your detective skills are incredible...!

Akyuu

Kosuzu... No, nevermind...

Kosuzu

Hm?

Keine

Sorry, I got distracted.

Keine

You were asking about what happened, right? Umm...

Keine

...Yeah, you said you were investigating the disturbance in the village. I suppose this is for your work, right, Miss Akyuu?

Keine

Or is Kosuzu just curious?

Kosuzu

Haha, it's both, I guess!

Keine

Hm.

Keine

To tell you the truth, I don't really know all that much.

Kosuzu

What?! But weren't you here watching what was happening―

Kosuzu

―Mmph!

Akyuu

(You fool! She'll get suspicious if you say something like that!)

Kosuzu

Mm! Mmmph!

Keine

Hm? Can I continue?

Akyuu

Yes, don't mind us.

Keine

Ahem.

Keine

I noticed that there was a disturbance, but it seems information about it was suppressed pretty quickly.

Keine

So all I've heard is rumors. I don't know any more than that.

Keine

...Yeah, I guess it's the same for you guys, right? So there's not much point talking about them.

Akyuu

No, please tell us just in case.

Keine

Hm... But I don't really have any information that only I would know... Hmmm.

Keine

Normally, the Hakurei shrine maiden is the one who orders the village to go into lockdown at times like this.

Keine

Although, I suppose the villagers would listen if the Hieda family or Moriya Shrine gave the order instead...

Keine

But you're all here asking me about it, so none of you could have given the order, right?

Keine

I wonder who gave the order then.

Keine

There's also something else that's bothering me.

Keine

Why was the gate shut with the villagers still inside? It's like someone wanted to trap them in here.

Keine

Fortunately, the gate is open now, and no one got hurt during the meantime.

Keine

But it just doesn't add up.

Keine

Since the cause of this disturbance...

Keine

...was definitely inside the village.

(So this is the Hieda residence...! It's magnificent!)

Akyuu

We didn't end up learning anything new...

Sumireko

That's what it's like when you play detective. I'm just glad we got you back safely before sunset.

Akyuu

Yes. Fortunately, none of my servants should notice if I sneak in from the back entrance.

Sumireko

Ah! What are you going to do about those clothes?!

Akyuu

You're right. They'll probably start asking questions if they see me in this...!

Akyuu

If I go to the library and change clothes in there, I could make it look like I've been in the library all day... That should work.

Kosuzu

Hehe, you might be more suited to the role of a criminal than a detective.

Akyuu

Real funny, Kosuzu.

(So this is Kosuzu's shop!)

Kosuzu

This is my book rental shop. Welcome to Suzunaan.

Kosuzu

If you're looking for a book, this is where you'll find it! We even accept orders if we don't have your book in stock.

Kosuzu

We also do bookbinding when we have the time to spare, which isn't often, thanks to Akyuu's regular commissions.

Reimu

I'd like to borrow the next book in the detective series I was reading. I think it was Agatha Chris Q.'s new series...

Kosuzu

Huh? I don't think you have any books out on loan right now, Miss Reimu.

Reimu

Oh, I must have been mistaken.

...!

Reimu

Hm... Well, whatever. See you later.

Kosuzu

See you. I'd like to go on an even bigger adventure next time.

Reimu

Now then...

Reimu

We escorted Akyuu and Kosuzu back home safely. So I guess that concludes our mission.

Reimu

What are you going to do now, Sanae?

Sanae

Me?! Umm, let me think...

Sumireko

Oh, Reimers! I think I've almost reached my limit.

Reimu

Huh? ...Ooh, you mean the Sumireko on the other side is about to wake up? Right, you've been sleeping since morning.

Sumireko

Yeah! So I doubt I can stay asleep much longer.

Sumireko

I'm probably going to disappear soon, so I thought I'd say goodbye.

Reimu

Oh, OK. See you.

Sanae

Thanks for helping out today, Miss Sumireko!

Sumireko

Bye-bye, PLAYER-o! Today was a lot of fun!

Thanks for everything, Miss Sumireko! Bye-bye!

Reimu

All right, I guess we should head home too. I'm exhausted.

???

It looks like everything has calmed down now.

???

Oh? Miss Reimu and Miss Sanae? And... Ah!

???

You're... the one we were just talking about!

...Huh? Y-You were talking about me?!

???

That's right! You're the one who has started staying at Hakurei Shrine recently!

???

Ooh, it is you. We were talking about you while taking refuge at Geidontei.

???

But I didn't think we'd have to stay inside until this late. A little longer and the other Geidontei would open for business.

Reimu

You two! Were you both hiding here the whole time during the disturbance?!

???

Why hello, Hakurei shrine maiden. We were merely visiting Geidontei as paying customers.

???

There's nothing strange about that, is there?

???

Oh ho ho, that's right! We've been inside the whole time, so we had nothing to do with the disturbance.

Reimu

Grrr....!

???

C-Calm down!

???

Oh, we still need to introduce ourselves to Miss PLAYER!

???

I'm Miyoi Okunoda. I work here at Geidontei.

Miyoi

The pub food here at Geidontei is delicious. So come visit sometime!

???

And I'm Mamizou Futatsuiwa.

Mamizou

I'm a human... At least for the moment.

???

I'm Kanako Yasaka, Moriya Shrine's...

Kanako

...Oh, is that?

Kanako

Sanae?

Kanako

What's wrong, Sanae? Is something the matter?

Kanako

Whoa. There, there.

Kanako

It's OK now...

Kanako

...You must have had a bad dream or something, right?

Reimu

I was worried since you suddenly started crying.

Reimu

But I'm glad you're all right now.

Sanae

I'm truly sorry for that.

Are you sure you're OK?

Sanae

Of course! Sanae is A-A-A-OK!

Reimu

Right. You've been strange all day.

Reimu

OK, I guess that does it for the day. I'm going to head home and get some rest.

Sanae

Wait! What are you talking about, Miss Reimu?!

Sanae

You forgot something!

Reimu

What?

Sanae

This.

Reimu

Oh, that's my purification rod.

Reimu

That's odd. Then what is this purification rod that I'm holding right now...?

Sanae

This is your real purification rod. You must have just found that one lying around the shrine and picked it up, no?

Reimu

Yeah, that makes sense. But why do you have the real one...?

Sanae

Miss Reimu.

Sanae

...Miss Reimu, do you believe in miracles?

Reimu

Huh? What's this all of a sudden?

Sanae

I don't mean miracles in the sense of making an improbable event occur with one hundred percent certainty.

Sanae

There is no such thing as an independent set of random variables since each world is one single statistical aggregate.

Reimu

What are you talking about...?

Sanae

I'm saying that my wish has come true, so it's about time to end this.

Miss Sanae...?

Sanae

Miss PLAYER.

Sanae

Even if this isn't my world, I was able to meet Lady Suwako and Lady Kanako.

Sanae

This world is very similar to mine. It would probably be exactly the same if there wasn't just one strand of fate that differed.

Sanae

This is a Gensokyo where nothing went wrong. I would say that this Gensokyo is a miracle.

Sanae

The fact that we even managed to get here is itself a miracle. It was a miracle for me, Miss Reimu...

Sanae

...and for you as well.

What... do you mean?

Sanae

Now, you are the only one left who has to decide. There would be no point in forcing you.

Sanae

Your willingness is a necessary component.

Sanae

I have absolutely no idea how to make you willing. And normally, something so convenient would never occur.

Sanae

However... in my case, convenient things do happen, just like everything else leading up to this point.

Sanae

Like how I met Lady Kanako...

Sanae

Like how I met Lady Suwako...

Sanae

Like how I managed to follow Miss Reimu here...

Sanae

Like how Reimu managed to escape to this world...

Sanae

Like how you ended up here...

Sanae

You will want to come with us.

Sanae

...By your own volition.

???

...It's just as I predicted.

???

We spread the rumor that the disturbance had subsided throughout the village, which led to the lockdown being lifted.

???

Then we waited until night...

???

...We knew that you would let your guard down and reveal yourself.

???

You seem to be obsessed with me for some reason. That's why we knew you would appear before me instead of running.

???

And that's what happened.

???

Do you have some kind of grudge against the Hakurei shrine maiden?

???

No, I was merely thinking out loud. I wasn't asking you.

???

It seems you thought I was your friend or something...

???

...but a human villager becoming a youkai goes against the rules of Gensokyo.

(That voice...!)

???

Enough talk.

???

―Disappear.

Reimu

...

Reimu

...

Sanae

Miss Reimu... Is it over?

Reimu

Yeah, it went exactly as planned. Thanks for your help today.

Sanae

You're welcome. I'm just glad everything's resolved.

Sanae

OK, let's go home!

...R-Reimu?

Reimu

PLAYER?! Why... are you here?!

Was that... a youkai extermination...?

Huh...? But aren't you friends with youkai...?

No... Was that because you're a youkai exterminator...?

Huh? What's going on...? I don't understand...

Reimu

PLAYER. I'm sure you'll understand if I explain it slowly.

...

R-Right. I need to calm down.

There's still a lot that I don't know...

Reimu

I didn't mean to show you that, but I did. I'm truly sorry.

Reimu

But... there are so many more things that I want to teach you...

Reimu

What's going on? Why is there another me...?

Sanae

Hmmm.

Sanae

...It looks like our time is up.

Reimu

I'm the one who wants to know what's going on! Hasn't the disturbance ended yet?!

Sanae

Are they our... doppelgangers?! Oh no, I saw my own doppelganger!

Sanae

Come here, Miss Reimu. Hold this.

Sanae

Oh, by "Miss Reimu," I mean this Reimu here.

Reimu

...A purple Dazzle?!

Sanae

Quickly now!

Sanae

It seems you have forgotten, but there are many ways to use these!

Sanae

Miss Reimu! Start by using the Quick Change and Memory Restoration!

Sanae

I'll undo my miracle of disguise.

Sanae

Mmmm! HYAAAAAA!

Sanae

This is my true form!

Reimu

You...

Reimu

...You delayed my Memory Restoration just so you could see Kanako and Suwako, didn't you?

Reimu

This would've been so much quicker if you immediately restored my memory so I could convince PLAYER!

Sanae

C-Calm down! You're mistaken!

Sanae

In hindsight, I admit that your way would have probably been quicker.

Sanae

But I only know that now because I have gotten to know Miss PLAYER.

Sanae

I needed time to get to know her. That's why I only restored your memories now.

Reimu

Hmm... I guess you've got a point.

Sanae

Besides, didn't you also get to meet Miss Suika? We're even now.

Sanae

But it's true that we don't have any time to spare. Even this Seal Crystal isn't all-powerful.

Sanae

The time we can travel back to within that world is shifting ever closer to an irreversible future with each passing second.

Reimu

Oh, right. You mean that we can't regain lost time. Why'd you have to say it like that?

So... your memory has returned.

Reimu

PLAYER.

Reimu

...I caused you a lot of trouble, didn't I? It was all my fault.

Reimu

I'm sorry. I owe you for this, and I'll be sure to return the favor.

...

Reimu

Hey, PLAYER! Do you know these doppelgangers?!

Sanae

What happened while we were in the village...?

Marisa

Uh oh, this isn't good.

Reimu

Marisa?! Do you know something about this?!

Marisa

PLAYER has been with that Reimu all day today.

Marisa

That Reimu is pretty much identical to you. She's completely different from a dream personality or a doppelganger.

Marisa

It even took me a while to realize she was different.

Reimu

If you knew she wasn't me, why didn't you stop her?!

Marisa

How could I? I couldn't be one hundred percent certain until I saw both of you together.

Marisa

No one but fairies would believe me without any proof.

Sanae

Right. That makes sense...

Sanae

No, wait a moment! You said that Miss PLAYER was with that Reimu all day. That means...!

Marisa

Yeah...

Marisa

She's had plenty of time to grow attached.

Reimu

Thank you for today, PLAYER.

Reimu

But it's time to say goodbye.

Reimu

I can't take you to that world.

Sanae

No, Miss PLAYER will definitely come with us. That's what's going to happen.

Reimu

PLAYER. If you keep on this path, we will probably meet again...

Sanae

You're not listening! We're going together with Miss PLAYER!

Reimu

Argh! Shut up, Sanae!

Reimu

We can't take PLAYER with us. We'll resolve the trouble in that world by ourselves.

Sanae

Hmmm.

Sanae

I understand how you feel.

Reimu

Sanae.

Sanae

But that's all. I only understand your feelings.

Reimu

Sanaeeee!

Sanae

Miss Reimu.

Sanae

We lost.

Sanae

That's the truth. No matter how many different worlds we visit, that truth cannot be changed.

Reimu

Huh? I'm not saying you're wrong, but don't you believe in miracles or whatever?

Sanae

That's right. This is where my miracles come in.

Sanae

But miracles aren't born from nothing.

Sanae

They require a key.

Sanae

We need a key that connects probabilities to reach a bright and happy future.

Sanae

...And to save "her."

Reimu

Urgh!

Reimu

But if you're saying that key is PLAYER...

Reimu

...that's just too cruel.

Reimu

PLAYER.

Reimu

Come over here. They're dangerous.

Reimu

You should stay away from them until we know exactly who and what they are.

Reimu

I know you've probably formed some opinions about them from spending time with them...

Reimu

But that's...

Marisa

Reimu. Be careful what you say...

Sanae

Miss Reimu...

Reimu

...Urgh.

Sanae

I will now release the power of the Seal Crystal to create a miracle that will form a path to that world.

Sanae

This will take some time. And it will be very dangerous if I'm interrupted.

Sanae

We don't have enough time to convince the primordial being who can retain memories of every parallel universe.

Sanae

We'll just have to force our way through... Miss Reimu, defend me, OK?

Reimu

All right. Leave it to me.

Sanae

Miss PLAYER.

Sanae

If you do not wish to come with us, please just stay there and watch. Please don't say anything or do anything.

Sanae

Whatever you do... do not open that journal or talk to Miss Reimu...

Sanae

Of course, you can always go over to them. They are your true friends.

Sanae

We won't blame you. There's no way we could.

Sanae

That is also a path that will lead to a miracle.

Sanae

Even without you, another type of miracle will occur. We will simply pray and believe in that.

Sanae

―Because we're shrine maidens.

...

Sanae

"Commencing incantation."

Sanae

"Deploying saved freeze incantation." "Connection incantation, granted." "Continue, granted."

Reimu

They're trying to do something! We have to stop them!

Marisa

We can talk after we apprehend them.

Sanae

We're in the middle of the village. We have to stop them before anyone gets hurt!

(My friends are the Reimu, Sanae, and Marisa over there.)

(She isn't wrong about that.)

(But... I realized something.)

(I could have just as easily arrived at the other Reimu and Sanae's Gensokyo instead of coming to this world first.)

(―I can't run away from this fight.)

Sanae

..."Incantation complete."

Sanae

Here comes the miracle!

Sanae

World-crossing boundary... OPEN!

Reimu

PLAYER...?!

Sanae

Miss PLAYER got sucked up with the others...?!

Marisa

Yeah... She's gone.

Reimu

PLAYER! ...PLAYER!

Reimu

PLAYER!

Reisen

―Surveillance complete. Good... It was recorded properly.

Reisen

I need to hurry back and report to Master.

Reisen

Who's there? You can't hide your presence from me.

Sumireko

...

Reisen

You...

Reisen

...Hmm, I can sense your determination by the waves you're emitting.

Reisen

So, what are you going to do? You also saw what just happened, didn't you?

Sumireko

Udon.

Reisen

...Udon?!

Sumireko

Take me to Eientei.

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Interlude: Human Village 2

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Interlude: Human Village 2