Mentioned Characters: Reimu, Marisa

Autumn is nice. The skies are clear, the nights are long, and the harvest arrives. It's as if the world is inviting you to step outside. Reimu and Marisa decided to accept that invitation. "So, what're we doing for this Reitaisai?" "Still thinking." "Seriously?" "Yep. So far I haven't had a single idea."

Festivals carry many meanings. Take gratitude, for example―giving thanks for the harvest received. Or prayer―wishing for bounties yet to come. There are countless more, of course. So many that even the shrine maiden has started to lose track. In other words, what lies at the heart of all those meanings is slipping away. Perhaps too much freedom isn't always a good thing.

"Didn't we already bake sweet potatoes last time?" "Oh, yeah. We almost burned the shrine down." Reimu and Marisa strolled around the mountain, hoping the autumnal colors would inspire them. But their glum expressions suggested it wasn't going well. Every idea was shot down, and any good ones had already been done at previous Reitaisais. People are drawn to what's new and exciting. But so far, everything they had was old or boring. "I'm all out of ideas. Let's face it, we're doomed." Overthinking often leads you astray―even if you're a free-spirited shrine maiden.

Distracted by their own despair, Reimu and Marisa climbed high up the mountain. The treetops were awash with crimson, and through the gaps in the leaves, they spied fluffy clouds drifting along. It was almost as if the autumn leaves had been painted just yesterday. Reimu pictured a certain autumn god in her mind and let herself zone out for a moment. There was comfort in the unchanging cycle of the seasons. The magician beside her seemed to feel the same. They both sat down on a nearby rock and took a deep breath. The mountain air was crisp and refreshing, and the familiar scenery brought a quiet sense of peace. Suddenly, inspiration struck. "Maybe we don't have to come up with something new every time." "I was just thinking the same thing."

Reitaisai. Translated literally, it becomes "a regularly held festival." In other words, it's a celebration of stability, and a prayer for it to continue. If things weren't stable, the festival couldn't be held. So people gather and give thanks to the peaceful present. That's the true meaning of Reitaisai. "I guess we were making a mountain out of a molehill." "After all that struggling, calling it a molehill feels kinda harsh." The truth often is harsh. Reimu and Marisa exchanged glances and shared a laugh. "Well, time to head back to the shrine." "Sure. I'll help you set things up. A little." Autumn is nice. The skies are clear, the nights are long, and the harvest arrives. Plus, there's a festival where everyone gathers. With gratitude in their hearts, Reimu and Marisa agreed to make the most of the 12th Hakurei Shrine Fall Reitaisai.