Story Card Travelogue
Index
- Story Card Travelogue
- Story Card: Fantasy Nature
- Story Card: My Lunatic World!
- Story Card: Kappa Party
- Story Card: Into the Back Door
- Story Card: Time to Party!
- Story Card: Dancing With Butterflies
- Story Card: The Girl's Secret Room
- Story Card: To the Lunar Capital
- Story Card: Twilight Secret Sealing Club
- Story Card: The Horned Owl and the Bat
- Story Card Column
Story Card Travelogue
Aya
...
Aya
"Season ■■■, ■ of ■■. Weather: Unknown."
Aya
"By Aya Shameimaru (Bunbunmaru Newspaper)."
Aya
"I found another Story Card today."
Aya
"As stated in my previous report, it seems that there are an unlimited number of Story Card variations."
Aya
"And most of the sights and scenes depicted in them are unfamiliar to me."
Aya
"It goes without saying that no one, not even I, is aware of every single event or disturbance that has occurred."
Aya
"But there are quite a few Story Cards that contradict my knowledge and memory."
Aya
"There are three possible reasons for this."
Aya
"First, the truth may have been distorted. Either the Story Card scenes or the information I gathered is wrong."
Aya
"Second, the truth might have been hidden from me. Story Cards might detail true events that I have no knowledge of."
Aya
"Third, these scenes could be from completely different worlds. This is the most unusual possibility..."
Aya
"...but my instincts tell me it's also the most plausible."
Aya
...
Aya
...
Aya
I guess it's true that old habits die hard. I keep writing the same thing day after day.
Aya
...No, I guess it's not exactly the same.
Aya
The Story Cards are always different, after all.
Aya
And they always disappear shortly after I find them.
Aya
So I have to record what they show in as much detail as possible before that happens.
Aya
I wonder if I'll ever find out who wrote the "Info" that comes with each card.
Aya
It's nice how they make it easier to understand what the picture shows, but...
Aya
No, there's no point dwelling on it. I've already thought about this countless times without ever coming up with an answer.
Aya
I've got more pressing concerns right now...
Aya
I have to go see the new Story Cards that have appeared.
Aya
"This is a story..."
Aya
"...that may or may not have happened."
Story Card: Fantasy Nature
Marisa
You've gotta be joking...
Reimu
S-So, what do you think?
Marisa
Hmm...
Marisa
...Are you sure you're human?
Reimu
How rude! My parents were humans, so of course I'm human too!
Marisa
Then that attack you just showed me is no laughing matter.
Reimu
Y-You think?
Marisa
How did you shoot bullets like that?
Reimu
Err, I don't really know how to explain it. I just sorta took the limits inside me, or rather my preconceptions...
Reimu
...and threw them all out the window.
Marisa
Yikes. Coming up with such an idea is crazy enough, but putting it into practice shouldn't be possible.
Reimu
But that's what I did...
Marisa
I know. That's what scares me.
Marisa
It's dangerous. Just thinking about what could happen if you hit Remilia or Yuyuko with that attack gives me the chills...
Marisa
But what's much more terrifying...
Marisa
...is thinking about how you might transcend the bounds of humanity.
Reimu
Huh?! What?!
Reimu
Wh-What should I do...?!
Marisa
(So you pulled off such a crazy attack without even thinking about it, huh?)
Marisa
(I guess that's what makes you a true genius.)
Marisa
All right. I'll sort this out.
Reimu
Really?! Can you really do something to help, Marisa?
Marisa
Course, I can. You shouldn't underestimate a magician.
Marisa
The name of that attack is now... Fantasy Nature.
Marisa
Make sure to call it that and use the attack as a Spell Card from now on, OK?
Reimu
Fantasy... Nature...
Reimu
I like it!
Marisa
Using it as a Spell Card makes it adhere to the rules of the game. It doesn't matter how strong it is if you're just playing.
Marisa
So, I'm sure you won't have to worry about it causing any trouble.
Reimu
I'm so glad I talked to you about this, Marisa!
Marisa
You're welcome. But why on earth did you think up an attack like that? You've gotta have a reason, right?
Reimu
Well...
Reimu
You know that youkai called Yukari Yakumo, don't you? I was talking with her.
Marisa
Oh, her. She's that youkai with the fancy getup who likes to show off, right? Are you two friends?
Reimu
No, I hardly know her... but she seems to know a lot about me.
Reimu
She said she's one of the sages who created Gensokyo.
Marisa
Whoa, you serious? Wouldn't that mean she's, like, super powerful?
Reimu
Yeah, and according to that super-powerful sage, another incident is gonna occur soon.
Marisa
Another one? We've already had vampires and ghosts, so what's next? Aliens?
Reimu
No, she said...
Reimu
...it'd be the Lost Word Incident or something.
Marisa
What's a Lost Word?
Reimu
I know, right? I've got no idea what this incident's gonna be like. I'd prefer to just live in peace for a while.
Marisa
...All right, I'm gonna head off. And I think I'll take a couple of these manju with me.
Reimu
Huh? You're leaving already?
Marisa
Seeing you shoot those bullets gave me a few ideas for a new attack of my own.
Marisa
Let's have a battle the next time we meet.
Reimu
Sure, OK, but...
Reimu
Marisa...
Story Card: My Lunatic World!
Clownpiece
It's...
Clownpiece
It's soooo LUNATIC!
Clownpiece
Ahahaha!
Hecatia
We came here to get a better look at this vast Dream World, but I'm glad you're enjoying it, Clownpiece.
Clownpiece
Thanks for bringing me along, Mistress!
Hecatia
Hehe, you're most welcome. But Junko is the one who went through all the trouble of getting us tickets.
Hecatia
Have you thanked her yet?
Clownpiece
Ah!
Clownpiece
Thank you, Lady Junko!
Junko
Not at all. It's all thanks to Hecatia that we're able to enter the Dream World.
Clownpiece
...!
Clownpiece
Mistress, Lady Junko...
Clownpiece
I love you both!
Hecatia & Junko
(She's so cute!)
Hecatia
...
Hecatia
I kinda figured that the Dream World was a big place, but I didn't expect to find something like this.
Hecatia
There are new wonders around every corner. Look at all the shops, rides, displays, and games...
Hecatia
And these buildings and sculptures lining the path are totally out-there! They're, like, more realistic than the real thing!
Junko
You seem to be enjoying this as much as Clownpiece. It's been a while since I've seen you so happy.
Hecatia
Well, it's not every day that the three of us get to go out somewhere together, so, of course, I'm happy.
Hecatia
Aren't you happy, too, Junko?
Junko
Certainly, I'm always happy to spend time with you two.
Clownpiece
Wow, Mistress and Lady Junko are in a really good mood! And so am I!
Clownpiece
I couldn't be happier!
Hecatia
Hehe, you're so dramatic. Once you live as long as I have, you'll have experienced plenty of happy days like this.
Junko
Hmm, this theme park area is really well made. It might take quite a while to investigate it thoroughly.
Junko
Perhaps we should continue our chat while lining up for a ride.
Hecatia
Good idea. I'd hate for the park to close before I get to go on all the good rides!
Hecatia
I guess we've got no choice but to...
Hecatia
...hurry up a little!
Clownpiece
...
Clownpiece
I think it'd be more fun to take our time and explore.
Clownpiece
Oh well. I guess we can just meet up again later!
Clownpiece
I'll have fun in my own way!
Clownpiece
S-Sorry!
Doremy
No, I'm sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going.
Clownpiece
Oh, you're the park owner!
Doremy
Huh?
Clownpiece
The owner and the ticket collector, the ice cream stand saleswoman, the balloon girl, and the actress for the shows!
Doremy
And I'm also the theme park mascot... Or you could call me Doremy Sweet. *sob*
Clownpiece
(Does she run the whole theme park by herself...?)
Doremy
Anyway, thanks for coming to my theme park. I thought you might like a commemorative photo with the three of you...
Doremy
...but it seems I should've got here sooner.
Clownpiece
So you're the photographer too, huh?!
Doremy
Hmm, well, fleeting dreams do shine brightly forever. I suppose I can still take a photo of you by yourself.
Doremy
Go on, act like you're having fun.
Clownpiece
Huh? What?
Clownpiece
I'm not sure I can do that!
Doremy
Don't worry. Just relax.
Doremy
Imagine if you will...
Doremy
Imagine that the other two are still here with you, and you're all happily enjoying each other's company.
Doremy
Great! What a wonderful smile!
Doremy
(I wish it weren't so, but the effects of the Lost Word will reach this place before long.)
Doremy
(So it can't hurt to improve relations between our different cultures until that time comes.)
Doremy
(The moon, Hell, and the Dream World cannot stand on their own...)
Story Card: Kappa Party
Nitori
*blows whistle*
Nitori
Stop working, everyone!
Kappa Workers
*everyone stands at attention*
Nitori
I have an important announcement to make before we take our break!
Kappa Workers
*gulp*
Nitori
As you well know...
Nitori
...we're currently working at this break-neck pace under direct orders from the Tenma, the one above the Great Tengu.
Kappa A
Umm, Boss? How long is this gonna take?
Nitori
Oh, sorry.
Nitori
Anyway, the Tenma...
Kappa Workers
*gulp*
Nitori
...has gifted us with extra rations!
Kappa Workers
Yaaaay!
Nitori
With bonus top-quality cucumbers!
Kappa Workers
Woohoo!
Nitori
All right, everyone. Grab a drink and a snack...
Nitori
...and let's party!
Kappa Workers
Cheers!
Kappa Workers
*nom* *nom* *nom* *nom*
Nitori
Wow, you're all really going for it!
Kappa Workers
*munch* *munch* *munch* *munch*
Nitori
Yeah, keep munchin' those cucumbers! You've earned it!
Kappa A
Boss! Boss! These are crazy delicious!
Kappa B
Haha! She's crying while eating!
Kappa C
Take a look in the mirror. You've got tears streaming down your face too. I can't blame you, though! They're so yummy!
Kappa D
I can't remember the last time I ate such delicious cucumbers...!
Kappa E
They're grown with the purest water near the mountain's summit, only accessible to the Great Tengu and above!
Kappa F
They've got just the right amount of crunch. And the refreshing taste is followed up by a gentle sweetness.
Kappa G
And they're huge! I've never seen them this big before!
Kappa H
Yeah, but they've still retained their delicate flavor. They're practically works of art!
Kappa I
You're right! The little bumps are so adorable...!
Kappa Workers
Th-This is pure bliss!
Nitori
(Great, everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.)
Hatate
Hey, sorry to intrude. I took a commemorative photo.
Nitori
Whoa! You scared me! It felt like you'd stolen my shirikodama for a second!
Hatate
Shouldn't you be more worried about me stealing your soul?
Hatate
...Either way, that's not why I'm here.
Nitori
Is the Great Tengu worried about our progress? I guess even orders from the top have to go through middle management.
Nitori
But you needn't worry. Everything's on schedule.
Hatate
That's a relief. I'm kinda working as a part of the lower middle management right now, so I was a bit worried.
Nitori
It's all going swimmingly, thanks to the unexpected technical assistance we received.
Nitori
You crow tengu are the ones who arranged for that behind the scenes, right?
Hatate
Hehe, maybe. It's best to neither confirm nor deny in situations like this.
Nitori
Yeah, I bet...
Nitori
When I first heard about what was going on, I was pretty worried for our safety.
Nitori
So I'm surprised how well I've come to terms with it. Even though the Lost Word could be upon us as soon as tomorrow.
Nitori
It feels kinda strange.
Hatate
Nitori...
Hatate
Well, I'm sure it'll be fine. That's why we're working together like this, after all.
Hatate
As long as you kappa keep focusing on developing new innovations, us tengu can take care of everything else.
Hatate
That's also the will of the Tenma.
Nitori
Yeah, you can count on us. No matter how complicated the technology, we'll make it our own.
Nitori
We'll replicate it in cheap and easy-to-use tools. And we'll keep to the deadline too... Probably!
Hatate
Please do.
Nitori
So, you wanna join us on our break? We just opened the gifts from the Tenma.
Hatate
Hmm...
Hatate
Nah, I'll pass. I'm still on the clock.
Nitori
That's a shame.
Hatate
I'm pretty sure Aya's coming to check on you next, so serve her some tea or something, OK?
Nitori
Sure, I can do that.
Hatate
All right then...
Hatate
We're counting on you.
Story Card: Into the Back Door
Okina
...
Okina
Hmm...
Mai & Satono
We're back, Master!
Okina
Oh, I'm glad you're back safely.
Okina
So, how did it go? Is everything OK in the Human Village?
Satono
It was pretty much the same as what we saw through the back doors.
Mai
It couldn't be more peaceful.
Okina
Good, that's what I like to hear.
Satono
Why have we been patrolling around the Human Village so often recently?
Mai
That's been bothering me too. We never find anything special there.
Satono
Yeah, it's all so ordinary. Everyone just walks about or stands around.
Mai
They also work, and sometimes they play. But they don't do much else.
Okina
Hmm, I see...
Okina
Yes, that does match with what we've seen through the back doors.
Okina
So you want to know why you patrol the village so frequently, hm? Did you not notice anything else while you were there?
Mai & Satono
Umm...
Satono
Oh, I know! Mai was really popular with the kids!
Mai
Huh? I was?! I don't remember that...
Satono
They gathered all around you and were like, "Teach me how to dance like you, Mai!"
Mai
Oh, that. Is that really worth mentioning?
Satono
They really admire you. I could tell. In fact, I bet they were more interested in learning how to be like you than dancing.
Mai
Nah, kids their age don't really get to play much 'cause they have to work all the time.
Mai
So I'm sure they're just envious of how much free time I seem to have on my hands. That's all.
Satono
Hehe, yeah, sure, whatever you say.
Mai
Hmph, and what about you, Satono?! The old ladies looooved you! They all took turns patting your head.
Satono
I-I think you're misremembering things.
Mai
They kept saying, "My daughter used to be just like you," and gave you extra dango and the like.
Satono
Hmm, I'm sure they were just lonely 'cause their daughters are married and don't live with them anymore.
Satono
I bet I just happened to remind them of their daughters, so they used me as an easy outlet for their affections. That's all.
Mai
Hehe, sure, whatever you say.
Satono
We also spotted some youkai wandering about the village, but there's nothing unusual about that.
Mai
Some were disguised and living among the humans, whereas others brazenly visited the village through the main gate.
Satono
Yep, it was the same as always. It didn't look like any of them were going to recklessly cause a disturbance.
Mai
Yeah, their presence helps spread mysterious rumors around the village, which kinda keeps people fearful of youkai...
Mai & Satono
Everything was business as usual.
Okina
Exactly. Now do you understand?
Satono
Huh...?
Mai
Understand what?
Okina
Everything that you described is Gensokyo.
Okina
It's the world that I and the other sages love...
Okina
...and the world that we watch over from the Land of the Back Door.
Okina
Everything you saw is what we are working to protect.
Okina
Satono. Mai.
Mai & Satono
Ma'am!
Okina
Essentially, you are each one of my arms. Alone, you are next to useless, and together you are just barely capable.
Satono
Y-Yes! Umm...
Mai
We know that...
Okina
But...
Okina
...you are also my two precious servants. Without you, I would not be the Matara god.
Okina
Don't forget that.
Satono
We won't, Master!
Mai
We love you, Master!
Satono
Wh-What's going on?!
Mai
Is that an alarm?!
Okina
Land of the Back Door, emergency―code red! Satono! Mai! Take your positions!
Mai & Satono
Roger!
Satono
I can't get a reading on the threat! There's no info about it!
Mai
Something's approaching all the back doors at once...! What is this?!
Okina
There's only one possible explanation.
Okina
It's a Lost Word.
Satono
A Lost...
Mai
...Word?!
Okina
Don't even think about trying to fight it head-on...
Okina
Focus on doing what we can. We must fight for every scrap of information and entrust what we find to those who come after.
Okina
That's the only thing we can do to protect Gensokyo.
Satono
...OK!
Mai
...Roger!
Okina
Get ready... It's coming!
Story Card: Time to Party!
Futo
See! What did I tell thee, Tojiko?!
Tojiko
Huh? It's your fault for not checking properly!
Futo
Grrr, didst thou just talk back to me?! Do we need to settle this with fisticuffs like old times?!
Tojiko
Huh?! Don't speak as if you're above me! But if you wanna go, I won't hold back!
Futo
Very well! Step outside!
Tojiko
We're already outside!
Miko
Hey, what's going on? It's too nice a day to ruin with all this shouting.
Miko
What are you arguing about? Tell me.
Futo
N-Nay, 'tis but a trifle. Nothing thy glorious ears need listen to, Lady Taishi...!
Tojiko
I-It was nothing. Please don't worry about it...!
Miko
Don't be like that. We're friends, aren't we?
Miko
And besides, I can somewhat hear your thoughts even if you don't put them into words.
Miko
But I might not be as harsh if you freely confess. Hehehe!
Tojiko & Futo
Eeep!
Futo
Umm... 'Twas Tojiko's fault. She was carrying a mountain of documents pertaining to our followers.
Futo
So I warned her that she might trippeth or run into something and graciously offered to carry some.
Tojiko
But then Futo went and carelessly knocked over the whole stack!
Futo
I merely tried to take some! Most people separate large stacks of documents into smaller bundles with string or something!
Tojiko
If I did that, I'd have to waste time untying them again!
Tojiko
I was in a hurry! It's your fault for not checking properly!
Futo
Nay, 'tis thy fault for not letting me take any!
Miko
Whoa, calm down. I get the picture now.
Miko
So, basically, you were both trying to help each other.
Miko
Tojiko was in a hurry so as not to cause trouble for Futo, and Futo offered to help Tojiko carry the documents.
Miko
You've had your little differences, but you've always gotten on well with each other.
Futo
Err, well, I suppose...
Tojiko
I guess we get along... Maybe.
Miko
So what happened to the documents? Do you need help cleaning them up?
Tojiko & Futo
No... We sorted that out together. It didn't take long.
Miko
I should've guessed! You two really are great friends.
Tojiko & Futo
Hahaha...
Futo
Well, we couldn't ask any of our followers to help since today's the day of our special party, and we gave them the day off.
Tojiko
You're hosting it, Lady Taishi, so we can't turn up late.
Miko
Ohh!
Miko
So it was for my sake, huh?
Miko
It seems you two might have gotten even better than myself at listening to the hearts of others.
Miko
I couldn't be happier!
Miko
All right, let's make tonight a night to remember!
Tojiko & Futo
It's barely noon!
Seiga
Is this how I'm meant to use this? I don't really understand this camera obscura thing...
Yoshika
Looks good to me!
Futo
Oh, salutations, Miss Seiga!
Tojiko
That strange noise gave me a fright!
Seiga
My apologies. The tengu of the mountain have recently been sharing some of their technology, you see...
Yoshika
We borrowed this thing to test it out! It's called a camera obscura!
Futo
Hmm, yes, it does indeed resemble those tools the tengu carry around.
Tojiko
I'm not all that familiar with such things, but taking photos without permission seems pretty rude.
Miko
Be that as it may, it looks like we need to prepare food and drinks for two more.
Seiga
Oh, are you sure?! Thank you so much, Lady Toyosatomimi.
Futo
Very well, we shall go make preparations forthwith.
Futo
Come, Tojiko.
Tojiko
Wait up, Futo.
Yoshika
I'll help too!
Miko
So, Miss Seiga... it's almost here, isn't it?
Miko
That Lost Word thing.
Seiga
...Yes.
Seiga
The other powers in Gensokyo have started preparing too. These cameras are probably part of the tengu's secret plan.
Seiga
It will arrive any moment now.
Miko
I see...
Miko
I suppose it's time I revealed everything to Futo and Tojiko. And then we should share what we've learned with the others.
Miko
It would be good if Myouren Temple, in particular, knew what we know now.
Seiga
As you wish.
Miko
This...
Miko
...reminds me of long ago before we went to sleep.
Miko
We used to take the time to relax and unwind together like this at particularly hectic moments.
Seiga
Yes, I remember that.
Seiga
Though it only happened once or twice since you rarely ever had a moment to spare.
Miko
Good times...
Seiga
Indeed.
Seiga
They are fond memories now.
Story Card: Dancing With Butterflies
*dancing*
*playing music*
Yuyuko
How was that?
Youmu
Wow! That was a beautiful dance, Lady Yuyuko.
Youmu
It was also in sync with the ensemble's music... You're all so talented!
Lyrica
Miss Yuyuko was in perfect harmony with us.
Lyrica
It was like her dance directed our music, but the emotion we put into our music also came out in her dance.
Lyrica
It was like a butterfly and the wind.
Merlin
Yeah, and watching Miss Yuyuko really made me want to dance along with her.
Merlin
She looked so beautiful. Maybe I should get a few dance lessons.
Lunasa
Her dance was so captivating. There was intonation between movement and stillness, joy and melancholy, life and death...
Lunasa
Hehe, only Miss Yuyuko could perform like that.
Youmu
It looks like everyone's having fun discussing your dance, Lady Yuyuko. Should we go join them?
Yuyuko
They wouldn't be able to talk as freely if I joined in. We shouldn't spoil their fun.
Yuyuko
Anyway... did you take the picture, Youmu?
Youmu
Umm, you mean with the tengu's camera?
Youmu
I don't know how to check it, but I pressed the button just like the tengu told me.
Youmu
And to make extra sure, I pressed it multiple times, so it probably worked!
Youmu
Your beautiful dance has surely been recorded!
Yuyuko
I see. That's a relief.
Yuyuko
*sigh*
Youmu
L-Lady Yuyuko?!
Yuyuko
Thank you, Youmu. But don't worry. I'm fine.
Yuyuko
I just felt a little dizzy... probably because of all those long meetings I've had to attend every day recently.
Youmu
The ones about the Lost Word Incident?
Yuyuko
Yes.
Yuyuko
I leave most of the complicated matters to Yukari, but I still have to pay close attention since I have my own role to play.
Yuyuko
And besides, it's not like I can take a nap in the meeting while the always-sleepy Yukari is doing her best to stay awake.
Youmu
Then... shouldn't you rest a little now while you've got the chance?!
Youmu
If anything happens to you, Lady Yuyuko, I'd... I'd...!
Yuyuko
Youmu!
Yuyuko
*pats head* You're such a nice girl. So kind and considerate.
Youmu
L-Lady Yuyuko! I'm not a child anymore...!
Yuyuko
Teehee, sorry.
Yuyuko
I'm sorry for making you worry. And thank you for letting me dance even though I'm tired.
Yuyuko
Teehee, it's so strange to think that I almost collapsed from exhaustion even though I'm a ghost.
Yuyuko
But I wanted the real me, as I am now, to be captured by that camera.
Youmu
As you are now?
Yuyuko
Yes.
Yuyuko
I don't know why the tengu made those cameras, but I've heard they can create perfect replicas of scenes and sights.
Yuyuko
That's why I wanted to create a replica of our everyday life, not just for my sake, but for you and all our friends...
Yuyuko
It might not be anything special, but it is dear to me.
Yuyuko
I want to preserve it in a form that lasts.
Youmu
But...
Youmu
We can experience that whenever we wish. Why would you go out of your way to record it...?
Youmu
I won't...! I won't ever leave you, Lady Yuyuko!
Yuyuko
Yes... I know you won't, Youmu.
Yuyuko
But, Youmu...
Yuyuko
I'm sure you'll understand why...
Yuyuko
...very soon.
Story Card: The Girl's Secret Room
Koakuma
I got a rare shot of Lady Patchouli! She looks super relaxed while doing her research!
Koakuma
Woohoo!
Patchouli
Grrrrr!
Koakuma
EEEEEEK! Why'd you have to use your most painful earth magic?!
Koakuma
*cough* *cough* I'm alive somehow!
Patchouli
Clean this up, Koakuma. I don't want any dust in my library.
Koakuma
That's not fair!
Patchouli
*glare*
Koakuma
...No, I mean, I've only got myself to blame!
Patchouli
Hurry up.
Koakuma
All right, I'll go get the broom...
Koakuma
Huh?! Everything's back to normal already!
Koakuma
What?! This doesn't make any sense!
Patchouli
Koakuma! Can't you at least clean quietly?!
Patchouli
Oh, have you already finished? It seems your cleaning magic has improved quite a lot.
Patchouli
I'm impressed.
Koakuma
Huh? What? ...Oh.
Koakuma
Yeah, I worked really hard! Please praise me!
Sakuya
Lady Patchouli, Koakuma, I brought you your afternoon tea.
Patchouli
Thank you. What would I do without you, Sakuya?
Sakuya
There was also a lot of dust strewn about, so I took the liberty of cleaning it up for you.
Patchouli
Thank you...
Patchouli
Hm?
Sakuya
...?
Sakuya
I'll come back to collect everything once you've finished. Enjoy your tea.
Patchouli
...
Koakuma
Umm, err... Lady Patchouli?
Koakuma
Oh...
Koakuma
This doesn't look good.
Patchouli
KOOOAAAAAAKUUUUUMAAAA!
Koakuma
Don't tell me you're going to unleash your super deluxe, almost every element, special punishment magic?!
Patchouli
Watch out, Koakuma!
Patchouli
Urgh...
Patchouli
Are you OK?
Koakuma
Y-Yes. That was quite a big earthquake, wasn't it...?
Koakuma
Oh no, Lady Patchouli! There's dust everywhere!
Patchouli
I put a barrier up, so I'm fine. I'm not so foolish as to make the mistake of breathing in such visible dust.
Patchouli
But you should be more careful, Koakuma. There have been quite a few earthquakes of late.
Patchouli
Magic books can do serious harm depending on where they hit you. Especially the ones that participate in battles of bullets.
Koakuma
I'm sorry. I'll be more careful!
Patchouli
All right, I have to get back to my research.
Koakuma
You mean the research about...
Koakuma
...the Lost Word?
Patchouli
Yes.
Patchouli
I've been doing my own investigation while using magic to talk to Marisa, who's out gathering info...
Patchouli
...and everything seems to indicate that the recent frequency of earthquakes is due to a Lost Word.
Patchouli
As soon as an earthquake caused a geyser, unidentified flying objects appeared, and strange superhumans came back to life.
Patchouli
Thinking back, all this strangeness started when that earthquake toppled Hakurei Shrine.
Patchouli
It's not natural for so many incident-class disturbances to occur over the span of a few days.
Koakuma
You mean there was supposed to be more time between the incidents...?
Patchouli
Exactly. You've got good instincts. Just what I'd expect from my familiar.
Koakuma
Hehehe, you give me too much credit!
Patchouli
That's why there's no time to waste. I have to send Sakuya out to investigate as soon as I find a lead.
Koakuma
Then I'll go with her! I want to help you with your research!
Patchouli
No, Koakuma...
Patchouli
I can't possibly place my adorable familiar in such danger.
Patchouli
Come this way.
Patchouli
All right, don't come in until I give you permission, OK?
Koakuma
OK!
Koakuma
I never knew Lady Patchouli cared that much about me...!
Koakuma
I'm so happy!
Flandre
Oh!
Flandre
Look, it's Koakuma!
Flandre
She's been shut outside!
Flandre
Hahaha!
Koakuma
Waaaaaaaah! Lady Patchouliiiiiii!
Story Card: To the Lunar Capital
Sagume
...
Sagume
[Wake up, Watatsuki sisters.]
Yorihime
Wh-What...?!
Toyohime
...!
Sagume
[You are the wise students of Lady Yagokoro, so I'm sure you can surmise the current state of the Lunar Capital.]
Yorihime
The capital looks strange. This is... the Dream World.
Yorihime
It seems we've all been put to sleep for many months. And what we were witnessing until now was just an illusion.
Yorihime
The fact that such measures were taken and that Miss Sagume is leading this operation...
Yorihime
...clearly indicates that an exceedingly dangerous threat launched an attack of unprecedented scale against us.
Yorihime
And the only being I know of who would do that... is the sagacious spirit, Junko.
Sagume
[Exactly. I knew you'd figure it out.]
Toyohime
And Junko has employed a different strategy from her previous attempts. She must've found a new accomplice.
Toyohime
They have exploited the Lunar Capital's weakness to the impurity of life and death... probably through fairies.
Sagume
...!
Sagume
[I thought I would have to explain that. Yes, it is exactly as you say.]
Toyohime
Lady Yagokoro inferred your plan to transfer the capital to Gensokyo and sent the humans and Reisen to stop it.
Toyohime
Hmm, and due to the baku's desire for revenge... they will soon arrive here.
Sagume
[Wow, I don't have to explain anything...!]
Yorihime
The humans of Gensokyo? ...I see. So Reimu is coming here.
Toyohime
She'll probably be accompanied by Marisa Kirisame, the new shrine maiden called Sanae Kochiya, and Reisen.
Toyohime
Judging by our recent observations of the Earth, those four are the most likely candidates.
Yorihime
So does that mean you woke us up to test them and see whether they can eliminate Junko for us?
Sagume
[That's...]
Toyohime
That's incorrect, isn't it, Miss Sagume?
Yorihime
Really?!
Toyohime
Miss Sagume is more than capable of testing the humans and Reisen on her own. She doesn't need our help.
Toyohime
She must've woken us up because another completely different threat is closing in on us.
Sagume
[Yes.]
Sagume
[In a stroke of terrible luck, another threat has come to invade us in addition to Junko.]
Sagume
[Perhaps it is a coincidence, or perhaps some other party is scheming against us. Either way...]
Toyohime
...Something that was theoretically impossible is happening.
Sagume
[At present, we can only speculate about this threat by predicting fate, but it will soon become directly observable.]
Sagume
[It's called a Lost Word.]
Yorihime
A Lost... Word?!
Yorihime
Is that the name of the threat more dangerous than Junko?!
Sagume
[It's hard to directly compare the two... All I can say is that the threats are completely different conceptually.]
Sagume
[The Lost Word rewrites fate, making it a solid counter against my ability.]
Sagume
[And its very nature interferes with individual perceptions and the universal law of causality...]
Sagume
[I can think of no way to oppose it.]
Toyohime
So that's why you woke us up...
Toyohime
We should hurry.
Yorihime
Yes, let's quickly get Reimu's support and contact Lady Yagokoro...
Yorihime
But will that be enough?
Yorihime
Even if we wake up most of our fellow Lunarians, it would just cause a greater panic...
Toyohime
I'm sure we'll have to wake up a few of them, but regardless, there is one other being we can depend on for assistance.
Sagume
[No, you can't mean...!]
Toyohime
Yes, you guess correctly.
Yorihime
Who are you talking about?
Toyohime
Isn't it obvious?
Toyohime
Junko will help us.
Story Card: Twilight Secret Sealing Club
Sumireko
The future is full of surprises.
Sumireko
I never expected to team up with you to try and resolve an incident...
Sumireko
...Miss Yukari.
Yukari
I have always treated you as a guest to Gensokyo...
Yukari
But everything suddenly changed after I sent Reimu and Marisa out to investigate.
Yukari
And now... the current state of the Lost Word Incident is a mystery even to me.
Sumireko
Yeah, I'm worried about Reimers and Rissa too, but I think their shoes are a bit too big for me to fill.
Yukari
I did not call you here to act as their replacement. You're here because you are Sumireko Usami.
Yukari
I'm certain this is something only you can do.
Sumireko
Yikes, don't talk it up like that. I'm not good at dealing with pressure...!
Yukari
*sigh* The latest generation are such delicate creatures.
Yukari
You are a human who lives in the outside world. So there's no one more knowledgeable about it than you.
Yukari
Did you notice anything strange immediately preceding your visit to Gensokyo?
Sumireko
Something strange, huh?
Sumireko
Well, I'm pretty sure the talk in my class was the same as usual. Not that I'd really know...
Sumireko
And my social media feeds were the same as always...
Sumireko
No, wait, I think I read an unusual news article on the web.
Sumireko
Um, I wonder if I bookmarked it.
Sumireko
Argh, shoot! I forgot there's no reception here!
Sumireko
I'm sure it was a sad news article. But I can't remember what it was about...
Yukari
Maybe that satori youkai could help you, but she's not here at the moment.
Sumireko
I'm sorry I couldn't be of any help. Not having to train one's memory is one of the detriments of modern society.
Yukari
I hoped you might give me some kind of clue, but there's no point lamenting that now.
Yukari
Let's continue onward, Sumireko.
Sumireko
OK!
???
―Wait.
Yukari & Sumireko
Huh?!
Okina
You shall go no further. I won't let you.
Yukari
Okina Matara...!
Sumireko
Okins...!
Okina
Okins...?
Sumireko
Or how about Okinana?
Okina
...
Okina
Address me as Miss Okina. The same as you would Yukari Yakumo.
Sumireko
Miss Okina, the Back Door Land Lady...!
Okina
Don't add any weird titles!
Yukari
Forget about her, Okina. Why are you standing in our way? You know what's going on.
Okina
That's precisely why I'm stopping you.
Okina
Even if you continue past me, you cannot reach your destination.
Okina
The outside world is no longer the world that you two know so well. It has completely changed.
Yukari & Sumireko
What?!
Sumireko
If the outside world has changed into something completely different... then what about my family?! My school?!
Sumireko
And what about my body enjoying a school holiday siesta?!
Okina
Calm down.
Sumireko
Calm down? How could I possibly calm down?
Okina
Well, nothing has happened to the you here before me, so it's probably safe to assume that your body is also safe.
Sumireko
Y-Yeah, that makes sense.
Yukari
What could be happening in that world to prevent my gaps from letting us go there?
Okina
I don't know, which is why we must go and check...
Okina
And I've prepared a special door for that purpose. It should just barely allow passage to the outside world.
Okina
Though I cannot guarantee a return journey.
Yukari
Thank you, we'll use that then.
Okina
Hold on a sec. I still haven't told you the most important part.
Yukari
Then hurry up and say it.
Sumireko
What could be more important than not having a way back?
Okina
I used up almost all of my power to create this door. And I made it in haste without any assurance it would work.
Okina
This door can only let one person through.
Yukari & Sumireko
What?!
Okina
I found a Story Card that showed nothing but pitch-black darkness just before you two arrived here.
Okina
I have no idea why it shows darkness now or what it showed before... but it held a connection leading to the outside world.
Okina
I imbued this door with that Story Card. It will only work once, but I'm sure it will get the job done.
Sumireko
Only one person can go through the door...
Sumireko
Then I guess there's no question that Miss Yukari should be the one to go!
Sumireko
I bet she can deal with whatever's waiting on the other side better than I can. And, you know, she's, like, an adult...
Sumireko
Argh! But I have to be the one to protect my own body! And I'm really worried about my family and my school!
Yukari
Sumireko...
Okina
Hmm, so you mean to say that it would be unfair to pit you against Yukari, hm?
Okina
Then let's fix that.
Sumireko
Huh?!
Sumireko
Are you gonna give me some amazing ability like Miss Yukari's?!
Sumireko
...!
Yukari
Oh...? There's knowledge flowing directly into my mind.
Okina
I gave Yukari knowledge of the outside world on par with your own.
Sumireko
What?! Why?!
Okina
Oh, did you think you'd be the one getting something?
Okina
You shouldn't expect things to always go your way!
Sumireko
(Huh?! What?! Where did that come from?!)
Okina
Now, let's begin, shall we?
Sumireko
Why are you getting ready for a fight too, Okinana?!
Okina
Isn't it obvious?
Okina
I originally made this door for myself, so I could go to the outside world.
Yukari
You're even crazier and more unreasonable than ever! Is this what it means to be the ULTIMATE and absolute secret god?
Okina
Enough talk. If you've got something else to say, say it with your bullets.
Okina
Come at me, Youkai Sage of Gensokyo―Yukari Yakumo!
Okina
You too, First President of the Secret Sealing Club―Sumireko Usami!
Story Card: The Horned Owl and the Bat
Remilia & Miko
Wow!
Remilia & Miko
This Story Card is so funny!
Remilia
I didn't know there were Story Cards like this. It's quite nice to look over them every so often.
Miko
Apparently, quite a few Story Cards show scenes from parallel worlds, meaning it's possible we could've turned out like that.
Remilia
What do you mean?
Miko
There are infinite possibilities. As many as stars in the sky. And that is one of them.
Remilia
So what kind of possibility does this Story Card show?
Miko
Well... you see...
Miko
Perhaps it's a world where our charisma broke...
Remilia
What a horrifying expression.
Remilia
But wait...
Remilia
...that's not all that different from our world.
Miko
Really? You think? Actually...
Miko
...you might be right!
Remilia
No, it's not quite the same. We aren't as good at talking as the Remilia and Miko shown in this Story Card.
Remilia
Our jokes aren't as funny, and our timing is slightly off. We don't really stand out from each other, either.
Miko
Stop! You've said enough already! If you keep going...
Miko
...our already broken charisma will get smashed and ground up till nothing's left! Nothing but dust!
Remilia
Dust? Why not flour?!
Miko
Get a grip, Remilia! Now everyone knows your jokes are awful! Your charisma's breaking more and more every second!
Remilia
Th-This is too difficult!
Miko
You can't force humor, so try and let it come naturally.
Miko
Anyway, you're right that this Story Card is pretty fun. And I'm sure those versions of us exist somewhere.
Miko
Without a doubt, they are us, but at the same time, they're also completely different people.
Miko
So as long as we display what's uniquely good about us, I'm sure we'll be fine.
Remilia
Um, what would that be?
Remilia
I'm so ashamed of myself. I can't think of a single good thing.
Miko
No, it's too early to give in to despair. It's actually more difficult to identify your own flaws and virtues.
Miko
So all we need to do is say what's good about each other. That's much simpler.
Remilia
You mean I should say what's good about you?
Miko
Exactly. And I'll say what's good about you.
Remilia
All right then, go ahead, O supreme administrator of Prince Shoutoku fame.
Miko
N-No, after you, esteemed noble lady and queen of the night.
Remilia
Wow, I bet the Miko in this Story Card wouldn't hesitate like that! She'd have plenty of nice things to say!
Miko
I could say the same for the Story Card Remilia!
Remilia
Hmph!
Miko
Argh!
Remilia
How can their lack of charisma be so charismatic?!
Miko
That's impossible for us!
Remilia
*huff* *huff*
Miko
*pant* *pant*
Remilia
We'll just have to make do with what we've got.
Miko
Yes, I couldn't agree more.
Miko
The Lost Word stole my Divine Spirit Mausoleum.
Remilia
The Lost Word stole my Scarlet Devil Mansion.
Miko
We've both lost our homes along with our charisma...
Remilia
And led by the drifting current of fate, we chanced upon each other.
Miko
I'm the horned owl wandering the night―
Remilia
―And I'm the bat fluttering in the darkness.
Miko
The age and country we're from differ along with our species...
Remilia
But our goal is the same.
Remilia & Miko
To retake Gensokyo!
Miko
Let's go, Miss Remilia.
Miko
Our sun shall soon rise.
Remilia
Miko...
Remilia
I'm a vampire! I hate the sun!
Story Card Column
Aya
One... two...
Aya
...ten Story Cards. That's a pretty good haul for one day.
Aya
But this place...
Aya
It really does look the same no matter where I go.
Aya
The scenery never changes, even though it's so incredibly vast.
Aya
I'm also repeating the same thing over and over again.
Aya
I spend each day looking for Story Cards and watching them disappear. Each and every day...
Aya
I've done nothing else since that fateful moment.
Aya
The only thing that's different is the contents of each Story Card.
Aya
I wouldn't have been able to hold onto my last remaining shreds of sanity without that.
Aya
...
Aya
...
Aya
Perhaps the others are also here somewhere in this broken world.
Aya
No, they must be here. Somewhere.
Aya
I cannot stop exploring this world.
Aya
I have to continue onward...
Aya
"I wonder where the Story Cards I find disappear to."
Aya
"Perhaps they go to some far-off world I've never heard of into the hands of someone else."
Aya
"If these words also happen to reach you..."
Aya
"Please don't ever give up."
Aya
"Keep moving forward."
Aya
"I believe that we will meet one day."
Aya
"I am Aya Shameimaru, a reporter."
Aya
"I swear upon my Bunbunmaru Newspaper that I will uncover the truth."
Aya
"Even if the truth no longer exists."
