Lossy's Journal

Yukari

How are you, PLAYER?

Whoa?!

You always appear when I least expect it...

Yukari

Heehee, did I scare you? By the way, where's Reimu?

She's out running some errands.

She's still asleep...

Yukari

Is that so? Oh well, we can get her later.

Yukari

I'm on my way to an event. It should be rather fun. Why don't you join me?

Um... I love an event as much as anyone, but...

Are you sure by "fun" you don't mean dangerous?

Yukari

How about a little trust?! It's not like I enjoy dragging you into trouble...

Yukari

It's just that Remilia and Satori Komeiji are holding a festival together. Quite the rare team-up, don't you think?

True! Plus, it doesn't sound dangerous at all.

(Phew. Sounds like this event won't be like the others...)

Yukari

Glad to hear you're in. Now, hurry up and get ready.

Yukari

Wow, I've never seen the Palace of the Earth Spirits so packed. Maybe I didn't need to bring my own entertainment...

So, what kind of festival is this?

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

Yukari

Look over there. They even prepared a festival banner.

The "Servant Appreciation Festival"...?

Yukari

Exactly. An event celebrating servants put on by Remilia and Satori. Who would've thought?! It feels like a mini incident.

Remilia

What's that? A mini incident? Tell me who's behind it!

Calm down! She wasn't being serious!

(Remilia sure does get carried away sometimes...)

Yukari

Sorry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyway, I didn't know you were capable of showing appreciation toward your servants.

Remilia

Once every hundred years or so isn't too bad. Besides, this is the perfect opportunity to display my benevolence.

Sakuya

Lady Remilia, I'm going to go buy more ingredients as per your request.

Remilia

Thank you, Sakuya. You're a great help.

Remilia

See that?! That's what you call showing appreciation!

Yukari

Don't you think you're pushing your luck?

Remilia

What's that supposed to mean?!

Yukari

Even here, at the Servant Appreciation Festival, you're still ordering Sakuya around.

Remilia

Oh...

Remilia

I-It's Sakuya's fault! She practically begged me for a task! I had no choice but to give her one! Call me a liar!

Yukari

All right, all right. You sure are exhausting. Here, eat this and be quiet.

Remilia

Hey! Don't you dare ignore me―

Remilia

Hm? What's this? *sniff* *sniff* ...It smells sweet.

Yukari

It's quite the delicacy. It's called chocolate, and it's the perfect blend of bitterness and sweetness.

Remilia

Hmmm... Sounds like it'd go well with tea. I'll have Sakuya prepare some when she returns!

Yukari

There's no changing some people... PLAYER, I think it's best we leave.

We still need to greet the other organizer.

Since we're here, I want to say hello to Miss Satori!

Yukari

That satori youkai? To be honest, I'd rather not... All right, fine. Let's go find her.

Satori

Welcome to the Palace of the Earth Spirits. I'm glad you both made it.

Yukari

Thank you for having us. I wouldn't want to miss a one-of-a-kind event like this.

Koishi

Oh, it's PLAYER! Come on, let's play! I wanna play hide and seek!

Oh, hello, Koishi! I didn't see you there!

All right. Pretty sure I'm no match for you though...

Yukari

It's amazing how you can conceal your presence like that... You must be quite the handful.

Satori

I suppose that's one way to put it.

Koishi

What're you talking about? Let's play already!

Satori

Behave, Koishi. We're the hosts, remember? We have to make sure this event goes smoothly, so there's no time to play.

Koishi

Fiiiine...

Yukari

This really is a great turnout. As one of the organizers, you should be proud.

Satori

Thank you. But I see you're more than a little suspicious of how we pulled it off.

Yukari

...

Satori

Don't worry, you're not the only one.

Yukari

I'd prefer it if you didn't read my mind...

Yukari

What in the world was that?!

Satori

It sounded like it came from the luggage area.

Yukari

The luggage area... Oh, no!

Satori

What's the problem?

Yukari

I put my things there after we arrived, including my "entertainment!"

Koishi

Did it explode?

Satori

We won't know until we go check. Let's hurry.

Yukari

What happened here?

Remilia

No idea. There I was enjoying the chocolate you gave me, and all of a sudden there was this big explosion!

Sakuya

The tea spilled everywhere. I'll make some more right away, milady.

Yukari

How can you be so calm? ...Oh, but if you're making tea, I'd like some as well.

Yukari

So what exactly exploded?

Koishi

Maybe it was that box over there...?

Isn't that the tiny swap box and its main part?!

I can't believe THIS was your "entertainment"...

Satori

It looks like it survived the blast. But there's something oozing out of it...

Satori

That's... not normal, is it? I have a bad feeling about this.

Yukari

I told you not to read my mind! And that's right―this isn't normal in the slightest!

Yukari

But what on earth is leaking out? If I didn't know better, I'd say it looked like chocolate...

Remilia

The leak is getting worse. We have to do something! There's a river of the stuff pouring out now!

Yukari

All this heat and humidity must've caused it to malfunction...!

Sakuya

At this rate, the Palace of the Earth Spirits―no, all of Former Hell will end up submerged.

Remilia

Flan, we need you! Slurp it all up and stop this place from flooding!

Flandre

OK, that sounds like fun! Mmm, looks yummy!

Flandre is here too?!

I can't believe she actually agreed to drink it...!

Satori

Okuu, you'd better help too.

Utsuho

Leave it to me, Lady Satori! I promise to drink more than anyone else!

This is turning into one weird competition...

It was nice of her to keep Koishi out of this...

Flandre

*glug* *glug* It's sweet but also kinda not sweet... It's different to other stuff I've tried, but it's suuuper yummy!

Utsuho

*glug* *glug* Yeah, but we'll soon get sick of it. If only there was a way to change up the flavor...

Yukari

You don't see that every day... But thankfully, they've bought us some time.

Yukari

Now we just need to think of a way to stop this before their stomachs explode...

Koishi

Ah! I have an idea!

Yukari

You do...?

Koishi

I'll use this.

Remilia

Wait, what?! That's my chocolate!

Koishi

Ready, aim...

Satori

Koishi, wait! What're you―?!

Koishi

FIRE!

Yukari

She plugged the leak with chocolate! But there's no way that'll―AHHH?!

Koishi

...Huh? What's this wind?

Satori

Koishi!

Get away from the box! NOW!

Yukari

PLAYER! What are you doing?!

Yukari

Get back―

???

―up.

???

―ake up.

Satori

Wake up already. Are you hurt?

Huh? Did I pass out...?

Why am I lying in your lap? Actually, this is kinda nice...

Satori

Well, you seem fine to me.

Koishi

I'm OK, too!

Koishi

But where's everyone else? Are we playing hide and seek?

Satori

I felt something strange, and before I knew it, I wasn't in the Palace of the Earth Spirits anymore...

Come to think of it...

Satori

Do you know what happened to us?

We probably got sucked inside the tiny swap box.

Satori

You mean we're inside that thing Koishi plugged with chocolate? All this... is inside that box?

Koishi

But isn't that the Palace of the Earth Spirits over there? Does that mean it got sucked in too?

No, it's just a replica created by Miss Yukari.

This world was made to look like Gensokyo.

Satori

Well, the box belongs to that gap youkai, so maybe this is possible with all her barriers and the like.

Koishi

Hmmm, it looks like the real thing to me...

Satori

Maybe at first glance, but some things definitely aren't right.

Satori

Take this pillar, for example. The shape is spot on, but it looks like it's made of chocolate.

Satori

And it's way hotter here than it is in the Former Hell I know...

Miss Yukari probably wanted it that way.

I doubt that was Miss Yukari's doing.

Koishi

Wow, look at this!

Koishi

It's gotta be made of chocolate, right?!

Koishi

Wooooow! This egg is as big as me! I wonder what'll hatch out of it!

Satori

It certainly looks like an egg... But if it's made of chocolate, nothing's going to hatch out of it.

Normally, I'd agree with you, but...

(In this world, I'm not so sure.)

Koishi

Huh?

Satori

What is it?

Koishi

Ummm, I think the egg's about to hatch...

Satori

Don't tell me it's a real egg after all?! This is bad! Let's get out of here!

Koishi

But I wanna see what comes out of it!

Satori

Whatever laid this has to be huge. And if it comes back, we're in big trouble!

Koishi

Yeah... but it's hatching already!

???

Huh...?

Koakuma

Eek, it's so bright!

Koishi

Ah! It's Koakuma!

What?!

Satori

Uh....

Koakuma

...What's the matter? Why are you all looking at me like that?

Koishi

Hey, you wanna play with me?! I know! Let's have a battle of bullets!

Koakuma

I'm not sure that's a good idea. I've only just hatched...

Koishi

Boooo! You're no fun...

Koakuma

Besides, I still haven't greeted my master.

Miss Patchouli isn't here, though.

I didn't know devils hatched from eggs...

Satori

Wait, give me a minute to wrap my head around all of this...

Satori

I see... Miss Koakuma here just provided me with some very useful information. Allow me to sum it up for you.

Koakuma

Huh?! But I haven't said anything yet!

Satori

First of all, she truly sees PLAYER as her master. Her thoughts on that were very clear.

Satori

She just hatched, so I guess this is what they call "imprinting."

Koakuma

You look a little worried. Did I do something wrong?

Of course not! I'm just confused.

Not at all! I'm just so happy to be your master!

Koakuma

That's a relief! I'll do my best to serve you, Master!

Satori

You sure took that in stride. Oh right... This isn't the first fake Gensokyo you've visited.

Satori

But this is all so strange and overwhelming to me. I feel a headache coming on.

Koakuma

Speaking of strange things...

Satori

Yes, you're right. *sigh* Now my head definitely hurts.

Koakuma

Can you at least wait for me to say what I'm thinking before you butt in? What's strange is Miss Koishi isn't here, and―

Satori

No, we can't jump to conclusions like that.

Koakuma

I asked you not to butt in!

Satori

I'm glad you want to help find her, but you can leave that to me.

Satori

You two need to gather more information about this world. Even if we find her, we'll still be trapped here.

All right. We'll do our best!

Be careful. We don't know what's out there!

Satori

Thank you. Well then, good luck.

Koakuma

Now it's just the two of us...

Koakuma

Uh... is it me, or are those phantoms headed our way?!

Oh, no! Our best fighter just left...

Um... Koakuma? Can you fight?

Koakuma

Don't worry! I'll protect you, Master!

Koakuma

These phantoms sure want a piece of your lifeforce. I may not be tough, but I'll give it my all!

Koakuma

Are you hurt, Master?

No, I'm fine.

Thankfully not...

Koakuma

Great!

Koakuma

By the way, what were you doing here in the first place?

Koakuma

I wanna learn all about you! Tell me everything!

Koakuma

Oh, so there was an accident in another Gensokyo, and you got transported here? That's too bad...

Koakuma

But don't worry, Master, I'll stay with you! Let's gather information together!

(Being called Master sure feels weird...)

(I think I could get used to being called Master!)

Koakuma

So you really don't know anything about this place? You must have a ton of questions.

Koakuma

I know I just hatched, but you can ask me anything! If it's something simple, maybe I'll know the answer!

All right. First I'd like to know more about you.

Koakuma

Got it! Let me introduce myself. My name's Koakuma, and I'm a chocolate maid.

...

Koakuma

......

.........

Koakuma

............

That's it?!

Sorry, maybe I should've been more specific...

Koakuma

Well then, uhhh... Look! Did you see my outfit?!

Koakuma

When chocolate maids hatch, we always have this kind of outfit on!

Sorry, I already knew that. I saw you hatch, after all.

I can't think of any good questions...

Koakuma

I'm sorry for being such a clueless servant!

Koakuma

Everything I know about myself and this world is obvious to me, so I don't know what to tell you!

Koakuma

A-Anyway, let's try exploring a bit! You can ask me about stuff we come across!

OK, that sounds good.

I really am sorry, you know?

Yukari

I'm glad things are back under control. But to think the tiny swap box would suck in everyone around it...

Yukari

It's still basically the same game I made, just with a few added surprises...

Yukari

Probably because it was plugged with chocolate. They might be in for a bumpy ride...

Rin

Can't that monitor thing show us where Lady Satori and Lady Koishi are?

Yukari

Sadly not. The monitor is tracking PLAYER, because the system has identified her as the main character.

Yukari

But that was part of my design. Which means the chocolate hasn't altered the game's core mechanics.

Yukari

I can't say for sure what's changed, but they should still be able to make it back in one piece.

Yukari

So long as PLAYER clears the game, Satori and Koishi should be set free too.

Utsuho

Phew, that's a relief.

Rin

But what happens if she can't clear it?

Yukari

Why, she'll be unable to return, of course.

Yukari

And the three of them will be trapped in Chocolate Gensokyo forever.

Yukari

Unless we figure out a way to save them, that is.

Rin

Whoa, whoa, whoa! That's terrible! There's gotta be something we can do?!

Utsuho

I know! We can get in that box and rescue them ourselves! I'm sure if we stick more chocolate in―

Yukari

We need to stay calm. One wrong move might end up sealing their fate.

Yukari

Let's watch PLAYER for a while. A little more info about Chocolate Gensokyo might go a long way...

Kasen

You've done it again, haven't you?

Yukari

Oh, I didn't know you were here too.

Kasen

Yes, I just arrived. But I overheard you talking, so I'm pretty much up to speed.

Yukari

You don't seem overly concerned. Perhaps you know a way to help them?

Kasen

I'm on the same page as you. We can't do anything till we learn more about Chocolate Gensokyo.

Kasen

Starting with the "chocolate maids" Koakuma mentioned.

Yukari

Yes, it sounds like she's far from the only one. Maybe that'll lead us to more clues.

Rin

We need to come up with some way to help them through the monitor...

Utsuho

Hm, that sounds hard. We need someone super smart to help us...

Yuugi

Sup. What're you lot frowning about? Need my help?

Utsuho

That's not who I had in mind!

Yuugi

Hey! If I wasn't in your mind, then where was I?!

Kasen

Enough of that. For now, can you move this wood over there? There's a lot, but it should be easy for you.

Yuugi

Is that really something that needs to be done right now? Ah well, I guess it's no big deal...

Kasen

OK, now she's out of the way, we can get back to the topic at hand.

Rin

You're kind of an oni too...

Koakuma

Ouch, one of them bit my finger off! Former Hell sure is full of scary creatures...

Koakuma

OK, Master, let's keep going!

I think I might be hearing things...

Wait, what?! Is your finger gonna be OK?!

Koakuma

Yes, I just need to hold it in place for a while so it'll stick. I'm made of chocolate, remember?

Yep, I'm definitely hearing things...

Maybe you should've mentioned that before!

Koakuma

Oh...? Did I not?

Koakuma

Sorry. I've always been made of chocolate, so it seemed too obvious to mention.

Koakuma

Come to think of it, you aren't a chocolate maid, are you? I didn't even notice―

Koakuma

―Look at that! Two more chocolate eggs!

Koakuma

Eek! Those youkai are gonna eat them!

We gotta scare them off!

Koakuma

Phew. We managed to save the eggs.

Koakuma

Former Hell is all about survival of the fittest. These eggs got lucky.

Koakuma

They smell good and are completely defenseless. You don't find much easier prey than that.

Koakuma

Whoa! It looks like they're about to hatch!

???

Hm... Is this the outside?

Rin

I finally made it out.

???

Just one more puuuush!

Utsuho

And I'm hatched!

Where's Miss Satori when you need her...?!

I wonder if they'll start calling me Master too?

Rin

Hm? What's with that strange look? Is there something wrong, Lady PLAYER?

Utsuho

If there's something the matter, leave it to us! We'll show you we're the best pets ever!

Now that's a curveball!

I think I'm beginning to understand chocolate maids...

Koakuma

So this is the imprinting Miss Satori mentioned. It happens when you're the first person they see after hatching.

Koakuma

But you've always been my master. I know because when I hatched, you were right there waiting.

Yep, no arguing with that.

Didn't you JUST mention imprinting...?

Utsuho

You really helped us out back there... We'll do whatever we can to make it up to you!

Rin

We couldn't fight back since we were still trapped in our eggs. If there's anything we can do for you, just say the word!

Koakuma

All right, listen up. We're trying to learn as much as we can about this place.

Koakuma

What can you two tell us?

Rin

...We're in Gensokyo. Well, the Former Hell part of Gensokyo to be exact. What else is there to tell?

Utsuho

What she said. What sort of stuff do you wanna know?

Anything that'll help me get back to my world...

Koakuma, Rin & Utsuho

Please don't go!

Huh...?

You too, Koakuma?

Koakuma

I thought you wanted to know more about this world because you were looking for ways to have fun!

Rin

How could you abandon us like that...?

Utsuho

What she said. That's so heartless... *sniff*

But I'm sure everyone is worried about me...

I don't think I can take you all with me...

Koakuma

If that's what you really want, Master, then as your maid, I'll help you.

Rin

Well, I guess anyone would want to get back to the world they came from...

Utsuho

What she... said...! *sniff* We're your pets... *sniff* So we'll help too... *sob*

Thank you...

Sorry...

Koakuma

Right then, it's time to wipe away those tears and pull ourselves together!

Rin

Yeah, you're right. Oh, by the way...

Rin

...what do you mean by "your world"?

Utsuho

What she said.

Koakuma

Master's not from here. She came from another world's Gensokyo.

Koakuma

Come to think of it, you haven't told me anything about your world.

It's essentially the same...

...minus all the chocolate stuff.

Koakuma

Chocolate stuff...? You mean us?

Utsuho

So we don't exist there?!

No, you exist. But you're not quite the same...

Utsuho

Not quite the same, huh? So we're the same, but different... just like radioisotopes!

Koakuma

So if there's no chocolate, how are people born? What do they hatch from?

Rin

I feel like we're going off topic... but I wanna know too.

Utsuho

What she―

We can talk about that later.

(I don't know how youkai are born, either!)

Koakuma

OK, let's get back to gathering information!

Rin

Wait a minute! There's something we gotta do first!

Rin

Those youkai can't have gone far. We need to show them who's boss!

Utsuho

...

Utsuho

WHAT SHE SAID!

Rin

You punks ready?

Utsuho

You won't escape this time!

Rin

Payback complete!

Utsuho

I feel much better now!

Koakuma

You two are pretty merciless for hatchlings...

Koakuma

Guess I wasn't so different!

Rin

Hm? What's this? Looks like we didn't get all of them...

Utsuho

I'm starting to get used to this body now, so I could go for another round. Let's get 'em!

Rin

I feel like my movements are getting smoother! The bullets go right where I want them to.

Utsuho

How can a movement be smooth...? You mean you're feeling ready for anything, right?

Rin

Something like that, yeah! I'm still not at my best, but I'm getting there, you know?

Utsuho

Yeah. And look, there are youkai lined up for target practice. Let's show 'em what we've got!

Koakuma

I wonder if they get what's going on... Either way, they're battling better than ever.

Koakuma

The youkai had it coming, but I still feel a little bad for them. Although, I could use a warm-up too...

Rin

What goes around comes around! Don't you ever show your faces around here again!

Utsuho

Yeah, 'cause you don't stand a chance against us!

Koakuma

Looks like they're gone for good. Now let's find a way to get Master back to her Gensokyo.

Koakuma

OK, let's try and find some clues to help Master get back to her world.

Utsuho

Huh? Check out all these eggshells lying around!

Rin

It looks like they hatched some time ago. I wonder if the hatchlings are still around here.

Koakuma

It'd be great if we could talk to them. They might be able to help us.

Utsuho

All right! Let the chocolate maid hunt begin!

Koakuma

Look! Someone's hurtling toward us! Is that... Huh?!

Flandre

Oh! There you are, big sis! Found you! Found you!

(Why is she looking at me...?)

(So I'm "big sis" now too, huh...?)

Rin

She thinks Lady PLAYER is her sister. Is this that imprinting thing again?

Utsuho

So you don't have to be there when they hatch for it to happen... Any idea why?

We haven't seen it in action enough to know for sure...

Maybe it's just the first person they see after hatching?

Flandre

I finally found you, but you don't seem happy at all. I'm sure Remilia will be happy to see you though!

Flandre

Right, Remilia?!

Remilia

Flan, I know you're happy to see PLAYER, but calm down. You always get carried away.

Remilia

I'm glad fate brought us back together though. I would hate to have lost one of my little sisters for good.

No way! Remilia is my older sister?!

So... I'm one of the Scarlet sisters in this world?!

Sakuya

Lady PLAYER, I apologize for being late. Sakuya Izayoi, at your service.

Meiling

Don't forget about me! Hong Meiling, also at your service! Your word is my command!

Patchouli

So this is where you were, PLAYER. I'm glad we finally found you, my dear friend. How about a cup of tea?

Remilia

Yes, let's have a little tea party to celebrate us all being back together. What do you say, PLAYER?

Rin

Servants, pets, sisters, and a dear friend... This is getting more confusing by the minute.

Utsuho

W-Wait a sec. So she's her big sister... and her little sister... so that makes her... Uhhh....

Sakuya

Koakuma, let's get the tea ready. As one of milady's servants, you can't afford to slack off.

Koakuma

Eek! S-Sorry! Right away!

Meiling

I'll help too. There's no gate to guard around here anyway.

Remilia

To our reunion!

Flandre

Cheers! Let's go play after this, PLAYER!

Patchouli

Friends, books, and tea... Three things I couldn't live without. This is wonderful.

Sakuya

Can I ask something? Who exactly are those two?

Meiling

Yeah. They're chocolate maids like us, but we need to make sure if they're friends or foes.

Rin

Hey, we were here first! You better watch it, or else you'll have Okuu to deal with!

Utsuho

Yeah! Wait, what?!

Remilia

I see we have a talker. Let's see what else she has to say. Come now, don't be shy.

Koakuma

W-Wait! They're on our side!

Remilia

Relax, Koakuma. I only want to give them a chance to speak, that's all. For now, at least.

Remilia

Hmm... I've heard enough. You don't seem to pose a threat.

Remilia

Not to me, nor to PLAYER. Welcome to the team.

Rin

Phew. You're a lot nicer than you seemed at first. I was terrified you'd start shooting bullets at us...

Utsuho

Um... so Lady PLAYER has... an older sister pet, a little sister servant, and a friend who's... uhh?

Sakuya

Each of us serves milady. We all work together, but we're also rivals of sorts.

Meiling

So it's a competition? There's no way I'm gonna lose!

Koakuma

I-I don't wanna lose either!

Patchouli

What a splendid tea party. Did you enjoy yourself?

Yes, it was quite the thrill ride.

There was a little too much "excitement" for my taste...

Flandre

PLAYER, let's play! What should we play? I wanna play with you allllll day!

Remilia

It's good to exercise after a meal. Let's continue the reunion celebrations with something a little flashier.

Huh?! I thought we ruled out a battle of bullets?!

Maybe this is just Remilia doing her best as a big sister...

Remilia

Sakuya, Meiling, Patchy. This is a special occasion, so you're taking part!

Sakuya

You want me to fight too?! But as your servant, I couldn't possibly―

Meiling

We can't refuse a direct order, right? Even if it involves firing bullets at milady...

Remilia

Correct. A good brawl can bring people closer together. It's time for PLAYER and I to show our sisterly love.

Sakuya

Is that so...? In that case, I'll fight to the best of my ability.

Meiling

Now's my chance to see milady's battling skills firsthand!

Patchouli

It's reading time for me, so I'll pass. Good luck, PLAYER.

Flandre

Are we done talking yet? I'm booored! Come on, let's play already!

Remilia

All right. The battle starts... NOW!

Remilia

Heehee. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Flandre

One more round! One more roooouuuund!

Patchouli

Once again, I'll pass.

Koakuma

I'm starting to feel like this is never gonna end...

Remilia

C'mon, let's do this!

Flandre

I wanna battle again so bad! Can we start already?!

Remilia

I'm sorry, but can we do this once more for Flan? Of course, you're always free to wimp out...

Utsuho

Who are you calling a wimp?!

Rin

Geez, she's just trying to rile you up. Then again, I would hate to be thought of as a wimp...

Patchouli

Those two are just as bad as each other. In a way, they make a great pair.

Flandre

Urk, I lost... But I had tons of fun!

Flandre

Time for round three! Ready?!

Remilia

Flan, don't you think you've had enough? There'll be more opportunities to play later. Just be patient.

Flandre

Aw... But I wanna play nooow!

Koakuma

So, they all decided to come with us... I hope you're OK with that, Master.

Koakuma

We didn't really learn anything useful from them... We just ended up with more troublemakers.

Yeah, but it's nice to have some extra help.

As they say, the more, the merrier.

Koakuma

Well, if you're OK with it... But I should warn you, my chocolate maid instincts don't like this one bit.

Remilia

PLAYER, I think I just heard an explosion in the distance.

Remilia

Why don't we go take a look?

Sakuya

Seeing as we don't really know what we're looking for, I say we should. Who knows, it might lead to a clue.

It could be dangerous... but I guess we have no choice.

We should be safe together. But be careful still.

Remilia

It's decided then! Follow me! I think I know where the sound came from.

Koakuma

I have a bad feeling about this...

Yuugi

What don't you understand? I wasn't lying, I was JOKING!

Suika

You won't fool me. Just admit you lied. I expected better of a fellow oni.

Remilia

Are they... fighting? Maybe the explosion I heard was from a battle of bullets.

Patchouli

There are a few dents in the ground, but a battle of bullets would cause much more damage.

Yuugi

You're always whining about this or that. That's why your horns are crooked!

Suika

How dare you insult my magnificent horns! You're just jealous because you only have one!

Meiling

Wow, she did all this using martial arts? That's pretty impressive. Better not get on her bad side...

Sakuya

That wasn't martial arts. She was just stomping her feet in frustration.

Koakuma

Aren't there any sensible chocolate maids?

Kasen

There's one right here.

Remilia

Where did you come from? Besides, anyone who says they're sensible is definitely not sensible.

Kasen

Oh, really? And what does that make you?

Remilia

Obviously I'M sensible!

Koakuma & Kasen

...

Rin

Um... shouldn't we try to stop them? Things are getting a little out of hand...

Utsuho

It feels like they'll break out into a battle of bullets any moment now.

Kasen

Don't worry, they're always like that. But... they are getting a bit carried away.

Kasen

Come on, PLAYER, lend me hand. You are my student, after all.

OK...

This is the worst type of imprinting yet...

Yuugi

My horn looks way stronger than yours! You're finished!

Suika

You mean that puny little thing?! When I'm finished with you, you're the one who'll be finished!

Kasen

Will you two cut it out already?! You're giving me a headache.

Yuugi & Suika

But we're not finished!

Kasen

Fine. Then you leave me no choice. Ready, PLAYER?

Suika

OK, OK... I give up. I'll calm down.

Yuugi

I feel like that was rougher than usual. Maybe 'cause there were two of you... Ah well, at least it stopped us fighting.

Sakuya

Why were you fighting in the first place?

Suika

Because, well... It was 'cause... ummm... What was it again?

Sakuya

...Forget I asked.

Flandre

But I was excited for story time...

Patchouli

Flan, that'll have to wait. We don't have time or energy to waste.

Flandre

I always have energy to waste!

Yuugi

Well, anyway, we've made lots of new friends, so things worked out for the best!

Suika

Y-Yeah! Right, PLAYER?!

Koakuma

Guess that's one way to greet Master.

Yuugi

Oh, look. We're surrounded by pesky prankster fairies.

Suika

We're in luck. We got interrupted before, but I'm still raring to go!

Utsuho

Orin, those two are scary...

Rin

They're just taking out their anger on the fairies. We did something similar, no?

Utsuho

That's different! That was payback!

Yuugi

Get back, or you'll be caught in the crossfire! We're in no mood to hold back!

Suika

That was too easy. I was just getting warmed up...

Yuugi

We have to show everyone what oni are made of! We gotta find someone tougher to take down!

Remilia

I AM sensible!

Sakuya

Milady, didn't chocolate you say―

Yukari

Calm down. You and the Remilia in the game aren't exactly the same. There's no point shouting at the monitor.

Remilia

Urk...!

Yukari

I have a good idea about what's going on here now.

Yukari

Everyone who is born in Chocolate Gensokyo is affected by its strange rules.

Yukari

That's why there are chocolate maids, and why they get imprinted when they first see PLAYER.

Koakuma

They seem to act the same as us. But maybe they're different deep down...

Yukari

The chocolate maids themselves don't seem to be a threat.

Yukari

Even the imprinting isn't a problem. It just seems to make them all adore PLAYER for different reasons.

Patchouli

We may be different people, but Chocolate Gensokyo me is as composed as I am. I wish I could pay her a compliment.

Meiling

Are you sure she's not just a recluse like you...?

Meiling

I'm sorry! I take it back! Please don't cast a spell on me!

Yuugi

Hey! I'm done moving the wood. Is there something else I can help with?

Kasen

As a matter of fact, there is. Can you carry all the wood back here?

Yuugi

All right! Leave it to me!

Suika

Huh? Is the Servant Appreciation Festival over?

Kasen

It's on hold while we deal with this little situation.

Suika

Oh, so that's why you guys are so tense. Is there anything I can do to help?

Kasen

Let's see... Do you see that wood over there? Can you bring it―

Koakuma

Ahem. Everyone, please gather round.

Koakuma

For some reason, Miss Yuugi Hoshiguma, Miss Suika Ibuki, and Miss Kasen Ibaraki have decided to join us.

Koakuma

I think we should have a meeting, so we can all get to know each other.

Sakuya

Plus, it'll help us decide what course of action to take so we can get milady home.

Patchouli

That's all well and good, but why is Koakuma in charge?

Koakuma

Because I met Master first!

Rin

I feel like there were nicer ways of asking that...

Remilia

E-Enough! Let's get this over with!

Koakuma

OK, so I'll go first... Ahem!

Koakuma

I'm Koakuma, Lady PLAYER's servant. My favorite catchphrase is, "I'm not a weakling!"

Remilia

I'm Remilia Scarlet, elder sister to PLAYER and Flan. My favorite thing about myself is my charisma.

Flandre

I'm Flandre Scarlet! I'm my big sisters' little sister! My favorite activity is destroying things!

Sakuya

I'm Sakuya Izayoi, loyal maid to my mistresses. My favorite accessories are my silver knives.

Meiling

I'm Hong Meiling, gatekeeper and servant of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. My favorite nap spot is the main gate!

Patchouli

I'm Patchouli Knowledge, PLAYER's dear friend. My favorite book... was stolen last month.

Rin

I'm Rin Kaenbyou, Lady PLAYER's pet. My favorite things to play with are corpses stuck in weird poses.

Utsuho

I am Utsuho Reiuji! Lady PLAYER's other pet! My favorite thing to look at is the nuclear fusion reactor!

Yuugi

I'm Yuugi Hoshiguma, PLAYER's fighting buddy. My favorite way to communicate is with my fists.

Suika

I'm Suika Ibuki, PLAYER's party friend. My favorite amount of parties is three per day.

Kasen

I'm Kasen Ibaraki, PLAYER's teacher. My favorite training method is tough love.

Koakuma

Um... I guess that'll have to do.

Koakuma

Not sure how productive that all was, but anyway... let's move on.

Koakuma

Everyone here needs to know what Lady PLAYER is trying to do.

I want to return to the world I came from―

Chocolate Maids

DON'T LEAVE US!

Chocolate Maids

DON'T LEAVE US!

Koakuma

Should've seen that coming...

Yukari

...

Koakuma

You've been glued to the monitor for ages now. Are you that worried about Miss PLAYER?

Yukari

This is all my fault. I have to make sure her and the others get back safely.

Yukari

But I'm surprised you came here all by yourself. Why don't you go rest with everyone else for a while longer?

Koakuma

I tried, but I couldn't stop worrying... I feel better here watching over them.

Yukari

I see. And I suppose you also want to make sure chocolate you doesn't do anything stupid, right?

Koakuma

Ah... ahaha... Was it that obvious?

Yukari

Unfortunately, all we can do for now is watch them through the monitor.

Koakuma

You created that world before it got messed up, right? Shouldn't you be able to use your ability to go in there?

Yukari

Sadly not. Once the game starts, the barrier blocks any attempts to interfere from the outside.

Yukari

I tried inserting a bar of chocolate, but it didn't do anything. Now the game's started, there's no stopping it.

Koakuma

So basically, there's nothing we can do...

Yukari

But this proves not everything about the game has changed. Which means I might know how they can get back.

Koakuma

Really?!

Yukari

The starting point was the Palace of the Earth Spirits, just like it was in my original game.

Yukari

So what they need to do to complete the game is probably the same too.

Koakuma

I see... But there'll be enemies and booby traps along the way, right? Will they be able to get past those?

Yukari

We'll have to wait and see...

Yukari

They should've run into more enemies by now, but instead, they just keep making more friends.

Yukari

Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing. But it means I have no idea what's coming next...

Koakuma

No wonder you can't take your eyes off the monitor...

Yukari

Well, I am responsible, after all... I didn't say anything because I didn't want to worry everyone.

Koakuma

So why are you telling me?

Yukari

Because you're already worried. I'm sure the others are too, but...

Yukari

...they believe that, no matter what, PLAYER, Satori, and Koishi will make it back.

Yukari

But you coming here shows your faith in them is not as strong as the others'.

Koakuma

You're right... about everything.

Koakuma

I'm sorry... I'm the only one acting weak.

Yukari

There's nothing to apologize for. Both faith and worry come from a place of love.

Yukari

Don't be embarrassed about feeling one more strongly than the other. In fact, the others could do with a little less faith.

Yukari

Besides, I feel a lot better now you're here.

Yukari

It's been good to talk it all through. Perhaps I was taking this harder than I first thought...

Koakuma

Lady Yukari...

Koakuma

It's OK! I'm sure we'll find a way to help them! I'll do whatever I can to help!

Yukari

Heehee... Thank you. You're very kind. Almost as kind as chocolate you.

Koakuma

H-Hey! Are you making fun of me?!

Koakuma

*sigh* Our meeting was completely pointless... And now we're back to walking around aimlessly.

Patchouli

Obviously. It's not like any of us have ever thought about sending someone to another world before.

Koakuma

W-Well, that's true, but...

Patchouli

Besides, most of us don't even want to send PLAYER back.

Patchouli

Unless we all work together, we'll never figure this out. We have to convince the others to get on board.

Koakuma

I-I guess... But what about you, Lady Patchouli? Are you OK with sending her back?

Patchouli

It's complicated... My head says I should respect her wishes, but my heart is not so sure.

Koakuma

I'll bet you're not the only one who feels that way. But we have to convince everyone this is the right thing to do.

Patchouli

Agreed. But if we're going to keep looking around, we need to try and avoid meltdown frenzy.

That doesn't sound good...

That... sounds kinda cool.

Koakuma

Oh, right, you've never heard of it! It's something unique to us chocolate maids... It's like a part of who we are.

Patchouli

Unlike you, our bodies are made of chocolate, which means we melt when exposed to high heat.

Patchouli

We ultimately end up as liquid chocolate with no sense of self. But along the way, we lose our minds.

Koakuma

I've only ever had one close call, but I remember getting super amped up for no reason.

Patchouli

That feeling only gets more intense as you melt. Eventually, you lose control and enter a state of frenzy.

Patchouli

By the way, I was the one who called it "meltdown frenzy." Before that, it was an unnamed physiological phenomenon.

Patchouli

With so many of us chocolate maids in one place working together...

Patchouli

...I'm sure we're in for our fair share of meltdown frenzies.

Koakuma

Come to think of it, everyone was saying some pretty strange stuff in the meeting earlier...

Yeah, you're right...

I think they were just trying to introduce themselves...

Patchouli

All of them are a little crazy by default, so it's hard to tell.

Remilia

So this is where you've been! Patchy, can I have some tea? Iced, if possible.

Patchouli

Why are you asking me...?

Remilia

What's wrong? You always make me tea. And why aren't you guarding the gate, Koakuma?

Koakuma

Guarding the gate? But that's not my job...

Remilia

Gosh! It's even hotter in here than it is outside! Stop talking back, and bring me my tea. Chop-chop.

Koakuma

Lady Remilia... is heading into meltdown.

Patchouli

Her memories are getting all jumbled up... But it's not that bad yet.

Patchouli

Cooling chocolate re-hardens it. That's our best bet to stave off meltdown frenzy.

Koakuma

That's a great idea! I'll get Sakuya to prepare some ice-cold iced tea with extra ice!

Patchouli

Good. Get some for everyone else too, just in case.

Koakuma

All right! I'll get a glass for you too, Master!

We don't have much ice. Better think of a backup plan.

Isn't there somewhere cooler we could go...?

Patchouli

Whatever we do, we have no way of preventing the root cause.

Patchouli

Like I said, it's a physiological phenomenon. We'll all succumb to it eventually...

Patchouli

Koakuma has realized that too. She just doesn't want you to worry.

Koakuma

M-Master, we have a problem! A swarm of fairies are trying to take the ice!

Patchouli

Fairies love ice, so they won't give up easily... First, we need to regroup with the others.

Koakuma

Miss Sakuya, I'm back! And I brought Master and Lady Patchouli with me!

Sakuya

I'm sorry we couldn't handle this ourselves. We tried fending them off, but there are too many of them...

Sakuya

Please, we need your help...

Remilia

Mmm... Sakuya's tea is the best. Especially when it's nice and cold.

Sakuya

I've prepared some more. Let me know when you want a refill.

Koakuma

Phew. Lady Remilia's back to normal, it seems. But...

Koakuma

...we're running low on ice. Those fairies ate so much of it.

Patchouli

It's still too early to give up. Let's find ways to keep ourselves cool while we continue exploring.

Patchouli

But, PLAYER, I think you should prepare for the worst...

Patchouli

...while there's still time.

Kasen

Um, can I have a word with everyone? There's something I want to discuss.

Rin

What's the deal? Did you come up with something no one thought of during the meeting?!

Utsuho

Now that's our sage! Hurry up and tell us this idea of yours!

Kasen

Unfortunately, I don't have any ideas to help PLAYER return home. It's about something else.

Kasen

To cut to the chase, I was thinking about all the chocolate maids here, and, well―

Koakuma

Lady Patchouli, is she talking about...?

Patchouli

Yes... she's a clever one. She's probably caught on to the dangers of meltdown frenzy...

Kasen

―there are too many of us!

Koakuma

*facepalm*

Patchouli

Or not.

Rin

There are definitely more of us now... but how's that a problem?

Utsuho

I see what's going on here! You want Lady PLAYER all to yourself, don't you?!

Remilia

What?! You won't get rid of me that easily!

Koakuma

Calm down. I'm sure she's not saying that out of some childish need to have her all to herself.

Patchouli

She's not that immature. She's a hermit and a sage, you know?

Kasen

Nope, that's pretty much spot on.

Koakuma

No way! They were right?!

Patchouli

It seems so...

Kasen

But I have no intention of taking PLAYER by force. I have a peaceful solution that everyone can agree on.

Remilia

Let's hear it then. But good luck convincing us to let you take PLAYER away from us.

Kasen

We duel! The loser has to leave immediately! That's how we'll decide!

Sakuya

How is that not "by force"?! I fail to see how that could be called a peaceful solution...

Meiling

Isn't that taking things a bit too far? I doubt anyone will agree to―

Yuugi

No objections here! And I'll take down anyone who dares complain!

Suika

Same here! I'll blast you all away, whether you complain or not!

Rin

Wait a minute! Why do we need to reduce the number of chocolate maids in the first place?

Utsuho

I think... I might know why. I mean, I'd also like to have Lady PLAYER all to myself.

Rin

Okuu?! Are you on their side now?!

Utsuho

No way! I just meant I understand where they're coming from. I still don't think duels are the way to go though.

What's gotten into Miss Kasen?

Is this...?

Patchouli

Yep, it's got to be meltdown frenzy... And listening to her speak, I'd say it's progressing rapidly.

Koakuma

Does that mean... Miss Yuugi and Miss Suika have it too?

Patchouli

Most likely. And I doubt they're the only ones.

Patchouli

Symptoms vary from person to person, but I think it's fair to say we're all headed down the same road.

Koakuma

No way... L-Let's use ice to cool ourselves down!

Koakuma

We can talk about this once everyone has calmed down! Miss Sakuyaaaa! Get the ice―

Sakuya

I smashed it all.

Koakuma

Why?!

Sakuya

I don't know... How strange. Why did I do that? Because it was there? Hmmm, that doesn't sound right.

Utsuho

I haven't gone crazy... have I?

Rin

I'm still sane... At least, I think I am. Actually, now I'm not so sure...

Koakuma

It'll be all right! Just keep it together! We can get through this if we work together!

Koakuma

A battle of bullets will be our last resort! First, we've gotta convince Miss Kasen and the others to calm down.

Utsuho

Will that even work? Crazy people are pretty bad at realizing they've gone crazy...

Rin

I guess it's worth a shot. So long as they've not completely lost it, we might be able to get through to them.

Koakuma

Listen up, you lot! You've all gone crazy, but it's time to snap out of it!

Kasen

I couldn't agree more. Let's snap you first. I hope you're ready!

Koakuma

That's not what I meant!

Kasen

What a pathetic battle. I see you're not taking this seriously.

Yuugi

I'm not a fan of fighting someone who won't fight back... Let's just call this one a draw.

Suika

Talk about a sore loser. Was that really the best excuse you could come up with?

Yuugi

Huh?! I could annihilate you first if you'd like?

Suika

Ahahaha! I'm soooo scared. At this rate, who knows when I'll start firing off bullets accidentally?

Yuugi

...

Suika

...

Koakuma

Ummm... We'll be going now. We can talk about this later!

Kasen

Yes. Take your time and think about how you want to proceed.

Koakuma

...

Koakuma

Let's talk this through before we try reasoning with Miss Kasen and the others again! I'm sure they'll come around eventually!

Utsuho

They've gone hysteric. We gotta make sure we keep it together!

Rin

But how can we be sure we haven't gone crazy too...?

Sakuya

I apologize for interrupting, but Lady Remilia has an important announcement to make. Please gather round.

Sakuya

She made it clear to ensure Lady PLAYER is present.

Guess I can't refuse then...

I'd rather not. It's obviously not something good.

Rin

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Rin

Judging by the timing, I'd say this has got something to do with Miss Kasen and the others.

Utsuho

Did she come up with a way for us to stop fighting?! She's amazing!

Koakuma

You can always count on the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion!

Sakuya

She said she'll make her announcement in front of everyone, so even I don't know what she's going to say.

Koakuma

Then it'd be rude to make her wait. Let's go, Master! I have a good feeling about this!

Remilia

A kingdom! We're going to build a kingdom here!

Koakuma, Rin & Utsuho

What a bombshell!

Flandre

Whoa, what?! That sounds like fun!

Sakuya

That's our Lady Remilia. It's a brilliant idea.

Meiling

What about the gatekeeper?! Are you going to get rid of the gatekeeper?!

Patchouli

That may not be such a bad idea...

Meiling

Y-You mean the kingdom, not getting rid of the gatekeeper, right? ...RIGHT?!

Rin

Hold up! I wanna come back to this kingdom idea, but first we've got to deal with Miss Kasen―

Remilia

That's exactly why we need a kingdom!

Rin

But, uhhh... I don't really see how that's a solution...

Remilia

*sigh* Do I have to spell everything out for you? Oh, well. I suppose we can't all be as charismatic as me.

Sakuya

Pardon me, but Lady PLAYER seems to have understood, and that's what matters.

Utsuho

You gonna let her speak to you like that? W-We can take her together!

Rin

It's OK... I'd hate to slow everyone down. It's a shame though...

Um... Would you mind explaining for the others?

I'm sorry... I don't understand either.

Remilia

Oh, dear... Even my little sister is giving me a hard time. But that's what makes you so adorable, I guess.

Yuugi

Well, you all seem to be having fun. What've you been talking about behind our backs?

Suika

Take as much time as you need to talk strategy. But if you think you'll find strength in numbers, you're mistaken.

Kasen

Oh, but if you're discussing the best time to admit defeat, then don't worry, we'll graciously accept your surrender.

Koakuma

Eek! I don't like the way they're looking at us...!

Flandre

Remilia, can I go wild on them now? Pretty pleeease!

Remilia

Wait, Flan. With them here, I can explain the kingdom to everyone at once. Now I won't have to repeat myself.

Remilia

Having too many people around PLAYER will only lead to conflict and, eventually, mutual destruction.

Remilia

So your bright idea was to reduce the number of people crowding her by forcing everyone to battle, right?

Kasen

No need to be sarcastic. But, yes, that's pretty much the gist of it.

Remilia

I was actually thinking something similar. Things can't stay like this.

Kasen

Oh, what a coincidence. Then what's the hold-up? When do we start battling? I'm ready now.

Remilia

Not so fast. Unlike your plan, mine is ACTUALLY peaceful. Not to mention, fair.

Kasen

Oh, really? Then let's hear it. So long as it achieves the same goal, I could be won over.

Remilia

I propose we build a kingdom on this land with me and PLAYER as rulers!

Remilia

Only selected elite servants will be allowed to accompany us. Peasants will serve us and compete for recognition.

Remilia

With fair rulers like myself and PLAYER holding absolute power, there'll be no need for bloodshed or violence.

Remilia

It's perfect! Plus, it doesn't involve getting rid of any peasants―I mean, people, like your plan does.

Flandre

No fair...! Why do only you and PLAYER get to play together?!

Remilia

Don't worry. You're our little sister. Coming from such a noble lineage, it's only natural you'll be an elite.

Flandre

YAAAY! I'm so lucky to be your sister!

Remilia

Then there's Sakuya's tea and Patchy's wealth of magical knowledge. Both are invaluable. Elite status confirmed.

Sakuya

Thank you. I'll do my best to meet your expectations.

Patchouli

I can't say I'm surprised, but so long as my position is secured, I'm in.

Remilia

Anyone can become an elite, provided they put in the work. Let's see how the first 500 years go, then we can reassess.

Meiling

Huh? How come I'm not an elite?!

Kasen

Are you serious? How is that fair? I won't listen to another word.

Remilia

Worried, are we? I know fewer servants means more work, but it's OK. I have a solution for that too.

Remilia

There should still be plenty of chocolate maids in Former Hell, and we'll welcome them all as citizens of our kingdom.

Remilia

Then each elite will have a bunch of servants. Thus, reducing each servant's workload and increasing their job satisfaction.

Yuugi

What do you plan on doing with the Scarlet Devil Mansion? Don't you have servants there as well?

Remilia

The mansion will be our vacation home. It'll still need to be maintained, so its servants will remain there.

Suika

I don't like this one bit. We should just do things our way to get what we want.

Remilia

Well, that's a pity. I thought you'd understand... I haven't known you for long, but I hadn't yet come to dislike you.

Remilia

Prepare to attack, my elites! Crush the rebels, who would defy our Scarlet Kingdom!

Scarlet Kingdom Elites

As you wish, milady!

Yuugi, Suika & Kasen

You're going down!

Rin

Whoa, what's with all these flames?! This is real bad!

Koakuma

It sure is! We need to stop this!

Utsuho

You seriously wanna jump in the middle of all that? Maybe you're the crazy one...

Patchouli

Koakuma! You're a part of the Scarlet Devil Mansion! How dare you betray us!

Koakuma

I-I'm not picking sides. I just don't think this is the right way to do things...

Flandre

That's the definition of betrayal!

Yuugi

Whatever. You can deal with your problems on your own. Either way, I'm not in the mood to fight anymore.

Suika

I think I'm starting to cool off. Maybe another round of strategy meetings is in order?

Remilia

Fine... Let's call off the battle for now. We could all do with some time to rethink things.

Kasen

No objections here.

Remilia

But, just so you know, I have no intention of changing my plan.

Kasen

Right back at you.

Koakuma

We somehow managed to buy some time... But what can we do to help while staying neutral?

Rin

Not much, I'm afraid... We need to come up with an idea both parties can accept.

Utsuho

All right! Let's have a strategy meeting of our own!

Koakuma

Well, that strategy meeting was a waste of time... And it's not like we had much to spare in the first place.

Rin

We need something that'll unite three completely different groups. It was never going to be a walk in the park.

Utsuho

Oh! I know! I know! I have the perfect plan!

Koakuma

Do you really...?

Rin

Don't get your hopes up. But who knows... it might lead to something!

I believe in Okuu!

No idea is useless! Let us hear it!

Utsuho

It won't last long, but right now, there's a ceasefire.

Koakuma

That's right...

Utsuho

Which means if things stay like this, there'll be no battle, right?

Rin

Well, I suppose that's true.

Utsuho

OK, so we beg them to extend the ceasefire. Then, when time's up, we beg them to extend it again...

Utsuho

And again, and again... and again! I call it the Beg-for- Ceasefire Ceasefire Strategy!

Koakuma

We can ditch the name, but the plan sounds doable... How are you gonna get them to agree to more ceasefires?

Utsuho

Huh...? I'm sure they'll listen if we ask nicely.

Rin

But the main problem is that they WON'T listen! And I don't see how begging them is going to help!

Utsuho

Oh... But what if we ask them really, reaaally nicely? Won't that work?

Rin

If it was that simple, we wouldn't be in this mess, would we? But then again, it's not like we have any other ideas...

Koakuma

True. Let's try to reason with them until we think of something better. But which side should we start with...?

Rin

It has to be the Scarlet Kingdom.

Rin

Miss Patchouli seems like she'd at least hear us out. She's even on equal footing with the kingdom's ruler.

Utsuho

She said she liked the kingdom idea, though. Or maybe that was just the frenzy talking...

Koakuma

Well, there's only one way to find out.

Koakuma

But I can't predict how she'll react. It may be dangerous... What do you want to do, Master?

Let's go. I don't want to sit around and do nothing.

Remilia

So does this mean you've decided to join us after all?

Koakuma

No. We've come to try reasoning with you again...!

Remilia

So you're rebels, eh? Elites, prepare to attack!

Scarlet Kingdom Elites

As you wish, milady!

Utsuho

For real?!

Remilia

Heehee... I'm joking. I just wanted to see the look on your faces.

Rin

Huh? It's almost as if... she's not crazy at all.

Agreed. She's back to her normal self.

...Not that there's much difference.

Flandre

PLAYER! You wanna play?! Let's ask Remilia to play too! Hey, Remilia, you wanna join us?!

Remilia

We're having an important conversation. Playtime will have to wait. Besides, I think you should calm down a little.

Meiling

I was dozing off―I mean, guarding the gate, when I heard milady's voice! I'm glad to see you're doing well!

Remilia

Morning, Meiling. There's no gate, so you're just on lookout duty. Although, these four managed to slip right past you...

Sakuya

As you can see, we haven't gone crazy. We're perfectly calm and rational.

Remilia

Maybe I was slightly off the rails when I declared we should create a kingdom, but I've got it under control now.

Koakuma

What do you mean, "got it under control"? H-How?! Your symptoms were no joke...

Patchouli

Thanks to my powers, of course. I didn't think you of all people would need to ask that, Koakuma.

Koakuma

Ah, yes! Your magic! You used it to cool everyone down, didn't you?

Patchouli

I couldn't tell if I was affected, but I could see the others were, so I did what I could to help.

Utsuho

Does that mean you can make ice?

Patchouli

With ease. But I wanted to be efficient, so I cooled everyone's bodies down directly.

Rin

Amazing! Now we don't have to worry about meltdown frenzy!

Remilia

I wish. Patchy's magic might be top-notch, but it's got its limits.

Patchouli

Magic cannot be used without magical power. I try to conserve and optimize it, but there's only so much I can do.

Utsuho

No way...

Patchouli

But it's our best bet to win this fight. Being able to cool ourselves off undoubtedly gives us an advantage.

Remilia

Those oni only know how to use brute force, which has been their plan since the very beginning.

Rin

What are you talking about?! Aren't you going to help us talk to Miss Kasen and the others?!

Remilia

I think there's been a misunderstanding. We still intend on creating our new kingdom, exactly as I described it.

Utsuho

This is useless... It's like we're talking in different languages...

Remilia

I don't deny the meltdown frenzy gave me the kingdom idea. Normal me wouldn't come up with something like that.

Remilia

But after thinking about it, I don't see a better idea. The more I thought about it, the more I felt convinced...

Remilia

...Convinced that it's the best option for us. And, more importantly, for PLAYER!

Sakuya

All of us agree with Lady Remilia. We'll do whatever it takes to achieve our goal.

Patchouli

I'm not sure it's THE best option, but it's certainly not the worst.

Meiling

I'm not good with all this complicated stuff, but I trust in the Scarlet Devil Mansion!

Remilia

So that's the plan. I won't force you to join, though. You probably need time to take everything in, so I'll let you go.

Remilia

Will you join us and sit upon the throne, or will you force us to put you there? I expect an answer the next time we meet.

Remilia

You really are troublesome, PLAYER. But, as your older sister, I hope you make the right decision.

I...

Remilia

Oh, and before you go, please play with Flan. You mustn't neglect your duties as an older sister, after all.

Flandre

Let's play, PLAYER!

Koakuma

Well, that went terribly...

Flandre

*sigh* All the phantoms I caught flew away...

Flandre

But I had fun! Thank you for playing with me, PLAYER!

Flandre

Let's play more next time, OK? I better hurry back, or Remilia will tell me off again!

Koakuma

Master... are you OK?

I'm fine. I'm not hurt.

Hm? Why do you ask?

Koakuma

It's just that... well... No, never mind. It's nothing.

Utsuho

Ah... I feel so alive. The magic that Miss Patchouli cast on us before we left sure did the trick!

Rin

All she did was cool us down a bit, but I feel so much sharper now!

Koakuma

It just shows how much the heat had affected us. I don't think we need to worry about the frenzy for a while!

Rin

Next up, we've gotta deal with Miss Kasen and the oni. Their meltdown frenzy might've gotten worse by now...

Rin

I doubt they've found a way to cool down. They'll probably attack the moment they see us...

Utsuho

Maybe we should go back...

Koakuma

No way!

Koakuma

If we don't do something, they'll melt into little chocolate puddles!

Koakuma

I don't want to part with them on bad terms!

Utsuho

Me neither...!

Rin

Yeah, that'd keep me up at night...

Koakuma

That's why we've got to talk some sense into them! And we can check on their condition while we're at it!

Rin

Yeah... you're right.

Utsuho

By the way, how much can we melt before there's no coming back?

Rin

We can't know until we experience it for ourselves, 'cause the dead don't talk...

Suika

You came all this way for that...? That's sooo lame.

Yuugi

Here I thought my fighting buddy had come for a make-up fight. And why'd you have to bring your pet dogs along?

Koakuma

Weren't they arguing with each other before...? And I'm not a pet, I'm a servant!

Rin

You take that back! I'm not pet dog. I'm a pet cat!

Utsuho

Yeah, take that back! I'm a pet bird!

Kasen

Enough with this nonsense.

Whoa! That scared me!

How did I not notice she was behind me...?!

Kasen

You left yourself wide open. As one of my students, I expected better.

I'm sorry...

Oh, right... you're supposed to be my teacher here.

Kasen

I was only teasing. You really do take everything to heart, don't you? That's why you need to stick with us.

Yuugi

I didn't know it was OK to start. You should've told me. I've been itching to go since PLAYER arrived.

Suika

Whoa, whoa! I won't let you have PLAYER all to yourself! I want to play with her too!

Kasen

Are you trying to get in between a teacher and her student? Careful, or I might make you my next opponents.

Yuugi

Huh?! Fine by me! The more fighting, the better! I'll beat you all to jello and slurp you up!

Suika

Good idea. They might not make the best snacks, but at least there's a lot of them. First up, that tasty-looking hermit!

Koakuma

This is getting out of hand! They're going on a full-on rampage!

Rin

So I guess reasoning with them is out of the question... We have to get them treated right away!

Utsuho

You mean we gotta take them to Miss Patchouli?!

Rin

Bingo! You got that all on your own?! The cogs in your head must be warming up. Wait... "warming up?" This is bad!

Utsuho

Oh, no! I'm going crazy too!

Koakuma

Anyway! We need to do something, quick! Let's just grab them and go!

Rin

H-Huh? Koakuma... have you gone a little crazy too?!

Kasen

Urrrk...

Yuugi

Gaaaah...

Suika

Aaaaargh...

Rin

*huff*... *huff*... N-Now's our chance!

Utsuho

Let's get them to Miss Patchouli...!

Koakuma

I'm sure Lady Patchouli will be able to help them...! Just a little bit further! Let's do this!

Rin

Going by size, I guess I'm carrying Suika, right?

Koakuma

By that logic... I should be carrying Miss Kasen. I wonder if I'll be able to manage alone...

Utsuho

This is impossible! Miss Yuugi, Miss Kasen... they're both the same! Maybe I can pick them up, but I can't move an inch!

Rin

You should be fine. You and Koakuma have wings. Just use those to carry them.

Koakuma

Wings are not for carting people around on!

Utsuho

Speaking of carts... why don't we put them all in your wheelbarrow, Orin? That way, we could take turns pushing.

Rin

Busted...

Utsuho

You mean you were planning to use it this whole time?! You're always carrying corpses like it's nothing! Quit being lazy!

Rin

Look who's talking! Maybe you should do a little less complaining, and a little more carrying!

Koakuma

You two sure are full of energy. I hope it's not because of meltdown frenzy...

Kasen

Do you think you'll be able to rescue PLAYER and the others?

Yukari

I thought of a way, but it's going to take some more time.

Kasen

Aren't you the one who created that world? Isn't this something an admin should be able to resolve?

Yukari

It's true. I have the power to forcibly extract players, but right now, I can't seem to use that power.

Yukari

It's like my admin rights have vanished. Or rather, like someone has taken them.

Kasen

What do mean...? If you're not the admin, then who is?

Yukari

I don't know. Maybe this is the chocolate's doing. Either way, I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around all this.

Yukari

I'm trying to regain some of those rights, but I need to be extra careful.

Yukari

I can't afford to overburden the system and accidentally make things worse for everyone trapped inside.

Yukari

They're already having a hard time in there... The chocolate maids have started fighting among themselves.

Yukari

Their two defining traitsーtheir love for PLAYER and their susceptibility to meltdown frenzy―are clashing.

Kasen

Sounds like PLAYER will have to find a way to get out on her own. I hate not being able to help...

Yukari

I know... but it'll be OK. If anyone can find a way, it's her...

Remilia

I don't care about what anyone says! I'm going to form a kingdom! I've already made up my mind!

Kasen

In your dreams! You just like the SOUND of a kingdom. It's not like you plan on taking responsibility for it, right?

Kasen

The losers leave, and the winners spend their remaining time with PLAYER. That's the only way.

Koakuma

Just when I thought everyone had finally come back to their senses...

Patchouli

I cooled them down with magic, so the meltdown frenzy should have subsided, but they're still arguing...

Rin

So they both genuinely think they're right...?

Utsuho

Which means the frenzy doesn't completely change a person...

Patchouli

But the problem doesn't end there.

Yuugi

Arrrrrrrgh! I don't care anymore! I wanna start punching already!

Flandre

I don't care either! I just wanna make stuff go KABOOM!

Patchouli

See what I mean? The frenzy keeps setting in faster and faster.

Koakuma

Does that mean they weren't cooled enough? Then we just need to cool them again―

Patchouli

It's no use. After coming so close to fully melting, it doesn't matter how much we cool them down.

Patchouli

Their minds have already been scarred, and there's no cure for that. All we can do now is treat their symptoms.

Koakuma

No way...

Patchouli

The more people need treatment, the more magical power I have to use. I barely have time to replenish it.

Rin

We need to find other ways to cool off before things get any worse...

Utsuho

I'm good at heating things up, but not so much cooling them down...

Patchouli

Without using magic, our options are limited. We have to try anything we can think of...

We could try something to blow off some steam...

Cool your mind and leave your worries behind. Or not...

Rin

Was that... a rhyme?!

Utsuho

Um... I guess it's worth a shot...?

Patchouli

I suppose so. Like I said, we have to try everything...

Rin

OK, so... Koakuma, let's hear what you got!

Utsuho

(She sacrificed her to save herself...)

Koakuma

U-Uhh... I put my head on the bed!

Rin

That's too simple!

Utsuho

Try a bit harder...

Koakuma

I put the bed on my head!

Rin

You just changed the order!

Koakuma

If you don't like it, why don't you come up with one? Why am I the only one trying?!

Utsuho

W-Wait a minute! What's with all those phantoms headed our way?!

Patchouli

They were probably drawn to the cool air here... Or maybe they just liked your rhyme. Good for you!

Koakuma

There's nothing good about this!

Kasen

I can't bear to watch.

Yukari

I liked her rhyme... but I think I need to take a little break.

Kasen

Th-That would be for the best. Don't worry, I'll keep a watch on the monitor. You rest up.

Yukari

Sorry for the trouble... And I'll do just that.

Koakuma

*huff* *huff*

Koakuma

If I'm not too late, can you put eight chocolates on my plate?

Koakuma

Urk...!

Maybe you should take a break...

I don't really want to, but maybe I can help...

Koakuma

It's OK...! I'll come up with a good one!

Remilia

No, that's enough.

Kasen

I can't bear to listen to any more terrible rhymes...

Utsuho

Don't tell me it actually worked?!

Rin

I don't believe it, but it looks like Koakuma's awful rhymes actually managed to cool them―

Remilia

I just got distracted. She was shouting so loud I couldn't help but listen to every word...

Kasen

I don't think I've ever been this bothered by noise before. I need to train harder...

Koakuma

I really did my best!

Rin

Th-There, there. At least you brought everyone back to their senses...

Utsuho

It's OK! We all saw how hard you were trying!

Patchouli

We still haven't solved our main problem. What do you plan on doing now?

We need to talk things through together!

Surely we can all think of a peaceful solution!

Remilia

Fine by me, but... I doubt we'll be able to come up with anything new.

Kasen

We already shared our opinions, and all we did was fight. We should try and decide whose idea is best.

Kasen

I know you want us to find a solution we can all agree on, but isn't that asking for too much?

Remilia

I agree. I'm going to form a kingdom, and that's final.

Kasen

But the fact remains that there are too many of us.

Remilia

Then why don't you just leave?

Kasen

I'm PLAYER's teacher. I obviously can't leave her.

Remilia

...

Kasen

...

Sakuya

This will never end at this rate... So I have a proposal to make.

Sakuya

We need to decide whose plan to adopt. How about we let Miss Kasen pick the means to make that decision?

Remilia

Sakuya?!

Sakuya

Don't worry, Lady Remilia. Whatever she picks, we'll still have the upper hand.

Sakuya

We outnumber them. So it doesn't matter if it's a vote or a battle of bullets, we'll come out on top.

Sakuya

On top, I say! ON TOP!

Remilia

That's true. I don't know why you repeated yourself like that though...

Sakuya

And one more thing. If we're on top―

Sakuya

―that means you'll be at the bottom!

Yuugi

Now I seriously want to punch her...

Suika

We can start now, right? RIGHT?!

Koakuma

O-Objection!

Remilia

What is it now? I thought you weren't picking sides. What does it matter to you?

Kasen

Don't worry, no one's after you. So do us all a favor and watch in silence.

Koakuma

We can't do that! If this is your final decision, then we have something to say!

Remilia

Oh, really...? Have you decided whom to side with? Do tell.

Kasen

First, you declare yourselves neutral. Then the moment you smell danger, you try to save your own necks...

Kasen

I didn't pin you for such cowards. Or maybe you've just come to terms with reality.

Koakuma

No. We aren't going to side with anyone...

Koakuma

We have a new idea to present!

Utsuho

...We do?

Rin

Oh, I get it... It's a pretty bold move from Koakuma, but we don't have any other choice.

Utsuho

What are you talking about, Orin?! Tell me what's going on!

Rin

Up until now, we were a neutral party standing between the kingdom party and the battle party.

Rin

We tried to reason with them both but failed miserably.

Rin

That's because a neutral party doesn't have any allies... or any enemies.

Koakuma

Exactly. No matter how much we tried, neither of them listened to us. But it's different now!

Rin

Now we're both of their enemies, so they have no choice but to listen.

Utsuho

Oh, I get it! Wait... no I don't!

Rin

I knew it!

Remilia

Hmm... I was sure you'd join our side. Oh, well. Let's hear what you have to say.

Koakuma

Our proposal is pretty simple.

Koakuma

We ask Master what she thinks is best, and work together to help her.

If it'll help prevent more fighting, then I'm in!

Remilia

...

Kasen

...

Koakuma

...Wh-What do you think?

Remilia

I agree with Koakuma.

Kasen

What?!

Remilia

It's a little different from my idea, but the power structure is similar.

Remilia

It's a pity I won't be able to rule, but... if it's going to help avoid conflict, I guess I can make do.

Kasen

I didn't know you were so soft... Or is it your affection for PLAYER talking?

Remilia

D-Don't misunderstand! It's just tiring fighting over every little thing!

Kasen

Riiiiight... By the way, we're against it.

Kasen

We can't agree to any idea that doesn't clearly address the ever-increasing chocolate maid issue.

Rin

Grrrrr... She's such a blockhead!

Utsuho

You stubborn, animal-loving hermit!

Kasen

Go ahead and call me all the names you'd like. I don't care.

Patchouli

I have a suggestion―one that may solve the issues you have with Koakuma's plan.

Kasen

Hmm, go on...

Remilia

It's so hot... I feel like the further we go, the hotter it gets...

Kasen

I'm starting to have doubts about that legend... Should we really be trusting it?

Patchouli

Don't ask me. I told you everything I know about it earlier.

Yuugi

Not sure if we should have believed it so easily. It feels like we're being taken for a ride.

Suika

Taken for a ride? Didn't we get in voluntarily? Either way, there's no turning back now.

Patchouli

I have a suggestion―one that may solve the issues you have with Koakuma's plan.

Kasen

Hmm, go on...

Patchouli

Every chocolate maid knows the legend of the Infinite Chocolate Fountain.

Kasen

The Infinite Chocolate Fountain? What's that―wait a minute...

Yuugi

I don't know why... but I know what she's talking about.

Suika

How strange... I've never heard it said out loud, but it definitely sounds familiar.

Patchouli

Some things are inside us from the time we hatch. We can speak, understand things about the world, and more.

Patchouli

And there's one piece of information inside us all. The Infinite Chocolate Fountain is on the bottom layer of this world―

Remilia

―and that's where we can be reborn in our true form.

Flandre

Yeah, I knew that! I dunno why though!

Sakuya

Yes, I also knew.

Meiling

Is this the imprinting thing you were talking about, Lady Patchouli?

Patchouli

I don't know how the imprinted information got inside us, but if someone put it there intentionally...

Patchouli

Whether you believe the legend or not, there's definitely something on the bottom layer of this world.

Patchouli

And something important will happen once we get there. At least, that's my theory.

Kasen

...

Kasen

That's all very interesting, but what's it got to do with our problem?

Patchouli

To understand that, you first need to realize what's been driving you all along.

Remilia

What do you...?

Patchouli

How did all this happen? Why did Remy want to form a kingdom? Why did Kasen want to get rid of some of us?

Kasen

Because there are too many chocolate maids. PLAYER can't spend time with all of us...

Patchouli

So basically, you wanted PLAYER all to yourself, right?

Remilia

W-Well, I guess you could put it that way...

Patchouli

But why did you want that? When I understood that, I remembered the legend of the Infinite Chocolate Fountain.

Patchouli

The reason... is time.

Patchouli

Chocolate maids are destined to turn into plain chocolate, so time is the one thing we want the most.

Patchouli

That desire is kind of like a survival instinct, and it's what caused you all to lose control.

Kasen

So that's where the legend comes in...!

Remilia

If you believe in the legend, then chocolate maids can be reborn in their true form, which means―

Kasen

―we can be reborn as something other than a chocolate maid and escape the shackles of time!

Patchouli

It's still just a theory, but it's all we've got.

Meiling

I am all for it! It actually sounds even better than starting a kingdom!

Sakuya

I agree, too. I don't know how credible it is, but it certainly seems like our best chance.

Remilia

The only question is whether you lot have the guts to go all in with us on this plan. If you don't, then it's battle time.

Remilia

What do you say?

Scarlet Kingdom Elites

...

Yuugi, Suika & Kasen

...

Kasen

...

Kasen

...All right, we're in.

Yuugi

Looks like we've got no choice. Anyway, I'd hate to get rid of potential fighting partners for no good reason.

Suika

If it'll help settle things peacefully, then what's the harm in giving it a try? A try, OK? That's all this is.

Remilia

Yes, that's good enough. We're all on the same page.

Patchouli

Let's call a truce until we've learned more. Our destination is the Infinite Chocolate Fountain, in the depths of Hell.

Koakuma

Anyway, I'm glad that the fighting is over. But are you OK with this, Master?

Koakuma

We were supposed to help you find a way back to your world, but we kinda got off track...

This is great. I just want everyone to get along.

At the very least, things are better than before...

Rin

It's not like we've given up. For all we know, the fountain might give us a clue to help you get home!

Utsuho

Yeah! Besides, I want to stay by Lady PLAYER's side for as long as possible!

Rin

Gosh, Okuu! You don't have to say it out loud!

Utsuho

Hehehe...

Koakuma

We all feel the same way. We may not all get along, but we all adore Master.

Koakuma

Even now, nobody knows what danger lies ahead, but we're all here enduring the heat...

Koakuma

And it's all out of affection for Master.

Rin

Yeah, but it sure is hot... Even if I wasn't made of chocolate, I feel like I'd be melting.

Hang on. What's a forest doing in a place like this?

How well do you know your way around Former Hell?

Utsuho

This is the Chocolate Woodlands. It's full of chocolate trees and plants.

Utsuho

It's also an entrance to the Remains of Hell. We need to get through here to get down to the bottom layer of this world.

Koakuma

Is this Former Hell different to the one you know, Master? We only know about this place thanks to imprinting.

Utsuho

It's my first time here, but I didn't think it'd be this hot... Maybe it gets hotter the further down we go?

Rin

Don't jinx it... Oh, no! Looks like things are about to heat up even more...!

Koakuma

It can't be...?! Everyone, watch out! Those vengeful spirits are about to attack!

Utsuho

I can't believe how many of them there are... It must be because we're down so deep.

Remilia

Huh?! What are you panicking about?! We're not scared of a few vengeful spirits!

Kasen

They're no match for us, now that we're all on the same side. Let's give them another reason to be vengeful!

Remilia

HE HE HE! AH HA HA HA HA! Burn in scarlet flames and be gone!

Kasen

You're lucky to get chocolate flowers. Now go rest in peace.

Utsuho

I'm glad they made a truce... even if it's only temporary.

Rin

If they'd kept fighting, we'd have had to intervene...

Koakuma

Now THAT'S something to be scared of...

Remilia

What are you mumbling about? Let's hurry! We still have a long way to go!

Kasen

The trees are so thick... I can barely see a way through.

Kasen

We split up to look for the way to the fountain, but we might not even be able to find the way back up at this rate...

Remilia

Should I just burn it all down? I can't stand dealing with the heat AND these trees!

Meiling

I don't think the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion should whine so much!

Remilia

Oh, Meiling. You're back. What's gotten into you all of a sudden...? You're being annoying.

Meiling

The way you treat me is annoying!

Meiling

But it's OK! These should replenish everyone's sugar levels and put us all in a good mood!

Remilia

What is it? A mushroom... shaped chocolate?

Yummy! I'll have one!

I don't think I should eat that...

Patchouli

Wait! Nobody eat them!

Remilia

Wh-Why? What's wrong with them?

Patchouli

If I remember correctly, they're chocoshroomsーmagical mushrooms that only grow in the Chocolate Woodlands!

Meiling

That can't be right... I mean, they're so delicious. *nom* *nom*

Patchouli

Chocoshrooms are mainly known for two things. One, that they're addictively delicious.

Patchouli

And two―

Sakuya

I heard raised voices. Is something wrong? *nom* *nom*

Patchouli

Not you too, Sakuya...!

Remilia

Wh-What's number two?! Are they going to be all right?!

Patchouli

They don't affect the body, so we don't need to worry about that.

Patchouli

But their magic makes your thoughts all chocoshroomish! All they can think about is chocoshrooms!

Meiling

AHAHAHA! No way! I'm sure I'm just having trouble thinking straight 'cause I'm so hungry. *munch* *munch*

Sakuya

I agree with Meiling this time. It's unlike you to be so naive, Lady Patchouli. *munch* *munch*

Meiling

Anyway, here. Have one of these and relax. They're really delicious. *chomp* *chomp*

Patchouli

Be careful! Whoever eats those mushrooms is then used to get more people to eat them.

Kasen

That's terrible! We need to make sure no one else eats them!

Yuugi

What's all this commotion? I was only gone for a bit, and you're fighting already?

Suika

Geez. We're being mature about things here, so try not to cause any more trouble...

Kasen

Phew! It looks like you're both fine! Apparently, there are some dangerous mushrooms growing around here!

Yuugi

Dangerous mushrooms? *chomp* *chomp* They're only dangerous because you eat any old rubbish.

Suika

*nom* *nom* That's where experience comes in. You need to train your eyes to figure out what's safe. *nom* *nom*

Kasen

Wait a minute... What are you two eating?

Yuugi

You mean these? We found 'em while looking for the entrance. They're strange-looking bamboo shoots, but―

Suika

―But we knew they'd be delicious! You don't find stuff like this every day, so we brought enough for everyone!

Remilia

So this time, they're bamboo shoot-shaped chocolates...?

Yummy! I'll have one!

I don't think I should eat that either...

Patchouli

Wait! Nobody eat them!

Remilia

Argh! Don't tell me there's something wrong with these chocolates too!

Patchouli

If I remember correctly, they're chocobamsーmagical bamboo shoots that only grow in the Chocolate Woodlands!

Yuugi

So what? They're delicious. *chomp* *chomp*

Suika

I know, right? Just try one, and you'll see there's nothing wrong with them.

Patchouli

Chocoshrooms and chocobams look different, but they have basically the same characteristics.

Patchouli

And when people addicted to each of them come face to face...

Meiling

Wait! Are you crazy? How can you ask milady to try those things?!

Yuugi

What do you mean, "those things"?! They're way better than your stupid mushrooms!

Sakuya

Only a fool would fail to see how amazing these mushrooms are.

Sakuya

A chocolatey mushroom cap balanced on a crisp cookie stem. It all works in perfect harmony!

Suika

No, you're the fool.

Suika

Nothing compares to the velvety outer layer of chocolate and the rich, buttery cookie core of our chocobams!

Meiling

Oh... are you trying to pick a fight with us, Chocobam-ers?

Yuugi

If that's what you want! Kneel before us, Chocoshroom-ers!

Patchouli

...this is what happens.

Remilia

I see. I can't believe there are chocolates with such a strong effect...

Kasen

So is there a way to turn them back to normal? We can't just abandon them and keep going.

Patchouli

The symptoms are similar to meltdown frenzy. Cooling them down should do the trick.

Meiling

This is why we should've listened to Lady Remilia!

Meiling

With a kingdom, we can share these with everyone! The citizens can enjoy three meals of chocoshrooms a day!

Sakuya

Yes, the strong, united Scarlet Kingdom will rule the world. That's not a bad idea... considering it came from Meiling.

Suika

No, it's a horrible idea. Think of all those poor citizens, eating such dreadful chocolates all their lives.

Yuugi

We need to go with Kasen's idea. Then the survivors can share the chocobams among themselves.

Yuugi

It's completely fair and won't cause any problems down the line. It's perfect in every way.

Meiling

Looks like we've reached a stalemate...

Sakuya

I guess we have no choice. Maybe it was destined to be like this...

Yuugi

Oh? I like where this is going. We accept your challenge!

Suika

This is what we were planning in the first place. I'm surprised we got back to it so quickly, though.

Patchouli

Oh, no! Buy me some time to cool them down!

Remilia

My, my. They really are a handful.

Kasen

We agreed to call a truce until we reach the Infinite Chocolate Fountain, and I'm a chocolate maid of my word.

Sakuya

Gah... What was I doing?!

Suika

Ow, ow, ow... I don't know why, but I feel much better now...

Patchouli

It looks like my magic worked. I'm not so sure about those two though...

Meiling

Curses! How dare you interrupt our battle...! Stupid Chocobam-ers!

Yuugi

Watch your mouth! We have no intention of losing to you lying Chocoshroom-ers!

Remilia

It's useless... With meltdown frenzy affecting them too, a little bit of cooling won't cut it.

Kasen

Then let's try again―

Sakuya

No, you can all go on ahead. We'll figure out a way to handle this.

Suika

Oh, I get it. Yeah, we caused this mess, so we should be the ones to clean it up.

Remilia

Any idea how you're going to turn them back to normal?

Suika

I'll try slapping them. If that doesn't work, I'll just have to get creative.

Sakuya

We can't afford to waste time. But I know you don't want to leave them like this.

Sakuya

Let me handle Meiling. I'll catch up to you later. We both will.

Suika

I understand the feeling. No matter what, she's still your companion. Leave Yuugi to me.

Kasen

I don't know what to say...

Sakuya

Lady PLAYER, please take care of Lady Remilia.

Suika

Now get going. See you later, PLAYER

I believe in you all...

Thank you... and I'm sorry.

Flandre

Aaaargh... it's SOOOOOO hot!

Patchouli

We're finally out of the Chocolate Woodlands.

Patchouli

This is the first remnant of Hell―Remains of Baked Choco Hell. It's made of chocolate layered on top of boiling lava.

Flandre

What?! The ground here is all chocolate?! *chomp* Mmmm! It's rock-hard, but it's still chocolate!

Rin

Even after everything that happened, she's acting just the same. Kids will be kids, I suppose...

Remilia

Yes, she's still a child, but she's not cold-hearted. She worries about people, and even feels down sometimes.

Remilia

She's probably worried about Meiling and Sakuya, but she trusts that they'll be fine.

Remilia

And so do I. Don't you, Koakuma? PLAYER?

Koakuma

I guess... It's Miss Sakuya and Meiling we're talking about, after all!

Yeah, I'm sure they'll catch up to us soon.

Let's have a tea party when they do.

Rin

Hmmm, I guess that makes sense.

Utsuho

You still have a lot to learn, Orin.

Rin

I don't wanna hear that from you!

Kasen

That's enough chitchat. Don't you think we should keep moving? This heat is too much to bear...

Kasen

It'll probably get hotter the further we go. I'd say we're running out of time.

Remilia

You really can't read the room, huh? Although, this time I happen to agree with you.

Kasen

Well then, hurry up. I don't have the energy to argue anymore...

Remilia

Arrrrgh...! Everyone! Let's get going already!

Patchouli

Wow. She didn't answer back...

Remilia

Quiet! Flan, how much more of the floor are you planning on eating?!

Flandre

*chomp* *chomp*

Remilia

Flan...? What are you doing? Enough already!

Flandre

*nom* *nom* *nom*

If you like it that much, you can take some with you.

Flan...? Are you OK?

Flandre

*nom* *nom* *nom* *nom* *nom* *nom*...

Koakuma

Huh? Don't tell me this chocolate is also...!

Remilia

Flan! Stop already!

Flandre

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Utsuho

Whoooa?!

Rin

Whooooooaaa! Th-The floor is...!

Flandre

Kyahaha! This chocolate is SOOOOOO delicious, Remilia. I can eat and eat and then eat some more!

Patchouli

Stop eating...!

Patchouli

The meltdown frenzy's taken her. She kept stuffing herself with warm chocolate when her body was already at its limit...

Kasen

She's your little sister! What are you going to do?!

Remilia

There's only one thing I can do... I'm going to restrain her and teach her a lesson!

Flandre

Remilia, PLAYER, come eat chocolate with me. You love tea parties, right?

Flandre

AAAAAAH! NOOOO! Let go of me, Remilia!

Remilia

Gaaaaah...! Everyone, hold on tight! Don't let go of her!

Utsuho

Orin! Her legs! Grab her legs!

Rin

I-I know, but... she's so strong!

Koakuma

Lady Patchouli! This is your chance to use your cooling magic!

Patchouli

...

Remilia

Patchy?! Why are you just standing there?!

Patchouli

I'm sorry... I can't do it.

Kasen

Don't tell me... you've run out of magical power...

Patchouli

Almost all of it... is gone. I've been using it non-stop for so long now.

Kasen

You've been looking after so many of us all by yourself... In fact, I'm surprised you held out this long.

Remilia

B-But I couldn't tell at all... With your level of magical power you should be fine―

Patchouli

I just didn't let it show.

Patchouli

I liked being the only one able to curb the frenzy. I wanted PLAYER to think she could depend on me.

Patchouli

I noticed my desires getting more intense, so I started cooling myself down... over and over.

Patchouli

I knew it was just a matter of time before everyone found out...

Remilia

Patchy...

Patchouli

I'll take care of Flandre. You all go ahead. Maybe I can buy you a little time with the magical power I have left.

Koakuma

W-We can't do that!

Patchouli

I'll just slow you down in this state. Besides, we need someone to get Flandre under control.

...Are you sure about this?

...All right. But make sure to catch up to us soon.

Patchouli

OK...

Remilia

Fine... I'm leaving Flan in your care.

Patchouli

Understood.

Koakuma

Lady Remilia?!

Remilia

Shut up.

Kasen

Are you OK with this...?

Remilia

What? You got a problem with that? This was Patchy's idea, remember?

Kasen

I guess so...

Remilia

Let's go.

Flandre

Arrrgh... PLAYER... let's play...

We will. I promise.

Remilia

...!

Patchouli

Thank you, PLAYER. Remi.

Koakuma

We've finally reached the last gatewayーRemains of Ganache Hell... Next stop, the Infinite Chocolate Fountain.

Remilia

If the legend is true, that is... I figure this has got to be the lowest layer of this world.

Utsuho

The deeper we go, the hotter it gets... This place really feels like Hell.

Rin

I can't... I just can't... I think I'm... melting.

I'm no chocolate maid, but even I feel like I'm melting.

Ah... I feel faint... but also kinda good...

Kasen

Get a hold of yourself! You can't whine now after coming all the way here!

Kasen

Have you forgotten about everyone who helped us get this far?! They believed in us!

Koakuma

No, you're right. We can't just give up!

Remilia

How could I forget them?! One more word out of you, and I'll melt you myself!

Rin

I-I just wanted to try complaining like everyone else! We're from here, you know?! You outsiders are no match for us!

Utsuho

That's right! As if a Hell raven would complain about being too hot!

We can't let everyone down...!

Now that's my teacher. She's one of a kind.

Kasen

Gosh... Where would we be without my pep talks, huh?

Koakuma

Come on, let's hurry! But, to be honest, this heat is too much to ignore...!

Remilia

Yes... I wouldn't be surprised if we started melting at any moment.

Kasen

I've already started feeling my consciousness slipping this way and that.

Rin

We're almost at our limit... Let's get a move on―Whooooah?!

Utsuho

What's wrong, Orin―Whooooah?!

Koakuma

The ground here... is made of chocolate ganache?!

Remilia

We're just going to get stuck like this... I'd like to conserve my energy, but it looks like we've got to fly.

Kasen

Yes, but it looks like that's not our only problem...

Koakuma

N-No way...! What are those vengeful spirits doing here?!

Rin

O-Oh no! My feet are stuck in the ganache!

Utsuho

Nnn... gaaaaaaaah! I can't get out...!

Remilia

Aaaaargh! Koakuma! Go help those two get free, quickly!

Kasen

We'll buy you some time...!

Koakuma

G-Got it!

Koakuma

I got them out!

Rin

Sorry! That was our bad!

Remilia

Save the apologies for later! Let's fly out of here!

Kasen

Utsuho, take PLAYER! And don't you dare drop her!

Utsuho

This is my chance to redeem myself! Lady PLAYER, hold on tight!

Kasen

*huff* *huff* Gah! They won't stop following us! It's only a matter of time before they catch up!

Rin

Meow?! Look! There's a huge gate up ahead!

Utsuho

Don't tell me that's the―

Koakuma

―Entrance to the Infinite Chocolate Fountain! Everyone! Head for that entrance!

Remilia

...

Koakuma

Lady Remilia?! There are too many of them! We have to keep going!

Kasen

I see you've made your choice.

Rin

Wh-What's gotten into you two?! You can't take on all of them! Stop trying to be heroes and RUN!

Remilia

You all head through the gate. We'll hold off the vengeful spirits.

Kasen

They've gotten too close. Someone needs to keep them busy.

Kasen

Otherwise, they'll follow you through the gate before you have a chance to close it.

Koakuma

Then we'll fight with you!

Remilia

You can't! You have something more important to do!

Kasen

You were the ones who settled our conflict and got us this far.

Kasen

That's why it's your responsibility to see this through to the end. Don't you dare lose hope now!

Utsuho

But... this is...!

Remilia

This is as far as me and the hermit can go. I can already feel myself melting from the inside out.

Remilia

I was already at my limit before the last battle... I must've skipped meltdown frenzy and jumped straight to melting...

Kasen

I don't know how much time we'll be able to buy you. I should've trained more...

Remilia

Now do you understand? Whatever happens here, this is the end of the line for us.

Kasen

But we won't go down easily. We'll fight to the last breath. The mission is in your hands now.

Kasen & Remilia

Take care of PLAYER.

Koakuma

*sob*... I...

Let's get to that fountain.

For Remilia and Miss Kasen. For everyone.

Koakuma

Master...

Rin

*sniff* ...Let's go!

Utsuho

Yeah!

This isn't goodbye... Remilia, Miss Kasen.

Goodbye... Remilia, Miss Kasen.

Remilia

I thought they'd never leave... I never would've guessed I'd be with you at the very end.

Kasen

Right back at you. After all that time we spent at each other's necks... The future really is unpredictable.

Remilia

Well, at least one thing's certain. I'm sure they'll complete the mission.

Kasen

That's true. No doubt they'll find a way to bring happiness to all chocolate maids.

Remilia

...So with no worries about the future―

Kasen

―We can focus on the present and go out with a bang!

Remilia

These vengeful spirits are 500 years early to stand a chance against me! I'll welcome them to my kingdom... as slaves!

Kasen

Are you going on about your kingdom idea again? Guess you didn't skip meltdown frenzy after all...

Kasen

Heh, who am I to talk? I've been wanting a battle like this all along!

Koakuma

Lady Remilia... Lady Kasen...

Rin

Stop crying already...! We've gotta keep moving.

On your feet, Koakuma. We have to do this for them.

The others will be mad if you give up now.

Koakuma

I know... I'm sorry! I'm fine.

Rin

Great!

Utsuho

...

Rin

Huh? What's wrong, Okuu?

Utsuho

Look...

Koakuma

Wow! There's chocolate magma gushing out...

Rin

It's gotta be the Infinite Chocolate Fountain.

Utsuho

Yeah, but... don't you feel that? It's almost like―

???

That's enough. I can't believe you actually made it...

???

Now get out of here before you melt away in this heat. Hurry...

Miss Satori?! Didn't you go looking for Koishi...?

She looks like Miss Satori, but something's not right...

???

I'm not Satori Komeiji. I have no name.

Koakuma

Then who are you?

???

I suppose you could say... I'm someone with an important role to play in this world.

Koakuma

She isn't hostile, but it doesn't sound like she's going to help us either... What should we do?

Rin

Let's do what we always do―try to reason with her.

Utsuho

What she said. Surely this time it won't lead to a battle.

Koakuma

Um... will you hear us out? We're actually here for the Infinite Chocolate Fountain.

???

Were you not listening? I told you to get out of here.

Rin

Whoa, whoa! What's with the attitude?! We just want to talk.

???

You all are adventurers in this world. And I am the demon overlord who awaits you at the end of it.

Utsuho

Demon overlord? Is that your "important role"?

???

No, I wasn't speaking literally. My role goes far beyond that.

Koakuma

Are you this world's ruler?

???

Yes, I'm also its ruler.

Rin

So you're, like, a god?

???

Not quite... but that's not far off.

???

I'm a guardian who maintains order in this world, and a fortress, beyond which you cannot proceed.

???

Oh, I'm also in charge of the Infinite Chocolate Fountain and a researcher trying to solve the mysteries surrounding it.

Utsuho

That's a lot of roles...

???

Allow me to summarize.

???

I am a demon overlord, a ruler, a god, a guardian, a fortress, and the one in charge of the fountain.

???

Did I miss anything?

Koakuma

Researcher.

???

Ah, yes. I'm a researcher too. Now, if you refuse to turn back―

???

―I will also be your enemy.

Rin

You gotta be kidding me?! We have to fight, after all!

Utsuho

She's a demon overlord... Guess we have no choice.

Koakuma

Don't let your guard down! Here she comes!

???

You want to know the truth, no matter what...?

Koakuma

We've sacrificed too much to get here...! There's no way we'll give up!

???

Is that so...?

???

You've been burdened with a cruel fate. I pray you don't regret this...

Rin

Urk... The heat is crazy when you're up this close...

Koakuma

That feeling you were talking about earlier? Is it still there?

Utsuho

Uh-huh... You must feel it too, no? Look at the fountain. I mean, really look at it.

Rin

...

Koakuma

...

Rin

Ah! I feel it! It's familiar... but also sad...

Koakuma

Me too. It's so strange... Maybe this has something to do with being reborn as our true selves.

Utsuho

I don't know... but―Ugh?!

Rin

Urk... I-Is this...?!

Koakuma

Are you all right?! What happened―Argh!

Utsuho

N-No... I can't think about that...!

Rin

Urk... Lady PLAYER... please... stay with us...!

Koakuma

Don't say you want to go back to your world... You... You...!

What's wrong, you guys?!

Don't tell me it's meltdown frenzy?!

???

How unexpected... This doesn't normally happen.

???

The frenzy has undoubtedly begun. They should've lost their minds, but they continue to cling on with sheer will power...

???

The rising temperature, the exhaustion from their journey, and the damage from the battle...

???

I'm impressed they managed to hold it together for so long. But it's of no use now...

Koakuma

M-Master... run!

Rin

Lady PLAYER... NOOO!

Utsuho

Stay with us! Don't leave!

Koakuma

*huff* Master... I'm glad... you're OK...

Rin

How could we attack our own master? We're such awful pets. Wait... I remember now.

Utsuho

My true self... my true desires... We're all...

Your bodies... are melting.

Do something! PLEASE!

???

It's too late now. It was only a matter of time.

???

There's no way a body made of chocolate can withstand this heat. For what it's worth, I tried to warn them.

???

I wanted them to enjoy their lives as chocolate maids for as long as possible.

I-It's not fair...

But the legend said they'd be reborn...!

???

Chocolate maids can be reborn in their true forms at the Infinite Chocolate Fountain on the lowest layer of this world.

???

The legend is true... but your interpretation of it is not.

???

A chocolate maid's body is made of chocolate. So what does that make their "true form"?

???

It's what will be left behind after they melt completely. In other words, chocolate.

Koakuma

Yes... We're... chocolate.

Rin

Sweet... delicious... chocolate.

Utsuho

That's... our true form.

???

The Infinite Chocolate Fountain generates chocolate eggs and sends them to the upper layers of this world.

???

This fountain is the maids' birthplace. That connection is probably what triggered their memories.

So why do they all adore me?

And what about the maids we left along the way?

???

That's―

Yukari

Tada! You beat the game! Congratulations!

???

Who are you...?!

Miss Yukari?! But... that's not your real body!

Miss Yukari! Did you also get sent into this world?!

Yukari

I'm a virtual Yukari Yakumo, one who exists in this game. And I'm way cuter than the real thing, right?

Yukari

I'm programmed to appear in front of you once you've beaten the game.

Yukari

OK, I'll initiate the return sequence to send you back home. Stand extra still.

Wait! We aren't done talking yet!

I can't go back! I still have so many questions!

Yukari

Oh, I'm sorry. Was this not a good time?

Yukari

Be quick and say your goodbyes. I don't mind waiting, but I doubt the others have much time...

OK, I got it...

Koakuma

Master... you can finally get back to your world...

Rin

Now I can rest easy... We even... get to say goodbye...

Utsuho

Lady PLAYER... thank you... for helping us get here...

???

After arriving, they remembered their true forms and their first memories, the ones that brought them to life.

???

But I still haven't answered your question, have I? You wanted to know why the chocolate maids adore you.

???

It's because of their first memories... Those memories are their thoughts, their desires, their hopes.

???

All they want is to bring happiness to those who eat chocolate. That's why they adore you.

???

It began at the imprinting stage and turned into a feeling of adoration for you when they hatched.

???

Not all of them made it to the fountain, but they will have all met the same end.

???

By now, they've melted and sunken into the ground. They'll make it here soon.

???

Their first memories should have returned and shown them the truth.

Koakuma

Then... everything worked out... This is... how it was supposed to end...

Rin

I loved being a chocolate maid... But that's not the real me...

Utsuho

It's a shame... but I'm not sad... This has all been... like a wonderful dream...

Koakuma

So don't worry about us, Master... You need to get back...

Rin

Back to the world where you belong to... To where your heart fills with joy...

Utsuho

Can you pet my head just once... before the end...?

Rin

Yes... that sounds nice... Can you pet me too...?

Koakuma

M-Me too... please...

*pet* *pet* I'm sorry this is all I can do for you...

Thank you, everyone. I had so much fun...

???

...

???

Huh...? Um, you don't need to pet me.

???

I'm supposed to be your enemy. Besides, I'd hate to interrupt your heartfelt goodbyes.

???

I'll go back to researching chocolate maids, and the mysterious cycle of their birth, life, and return to this fountain.

???

But first, I'll bid you farewell.

???

Goodbye. And if we ever meet here again, please be kind to the chocolate maids.

Koakuma, Rin & Utsuho

Goodbye... Lady PLAYER...

Goodbye...

Let's meet again... I'll come visit you someday.

Yukari

Are you done? All right then, I'll initiate the return sequence.

Yukari

Congratulations on beating the game. Give my regards to the Yukari on the other side.

Yukari

PLAYER! I was worried sick! I'm glad you made it back in one piece!

Remilia

Gosh, you are a meddlesome sage...! Maybe I'll have Reimu teach you a lesson.

Sakuya

I think that's a good idea. Her methods should get through to Miss Yukari.

Patchouli

I knew you could handle yourselves, so I wasn't really worried... but I'm glad you're back safe, PLAYER.

Flandre

Welcome back, PLAYER! I was so bored listening to everyone talk about difficult stuff! Let's play!

Koakuma

*sniff* I'm glad you're all right... I was so worried watching you through the monitor...

Yuugi

Oh, PLAYER's here now. I was wondering where you were.

Suika

I knew you guys were up to something. We don't need to carry this wood back and forth anymore, right?

Kasen

Yes, it's fine now. Wait, so you knew what was going on all along...?

Suika

Well, of course. But you seemed pretty stressed out, so I did my best not to get in your way.

Yuugi

What?! So I moved all that wood around for nothing?!

Well... I'm back. Sorry for causing such a fuss.

Thanks. I couldn't have done it without the maids.

Yukari

You don't seem all that happy to be back. I watched the whole thing, so I can't say I blame you...

Yukari

Shall I explain what happened another day? You three probably want to rest.

Are Miss Satori and Koishi back too?

Ah! I forgot about Miss Satori and Koishi...

Utsuho

Of course Lady Satori is all right! I mean, she's THE Lady Satori, after all!

Rin

Oh, really? Then why were you worried sick because the monitor only showed PLAYER?

Utsuho

Shut up, Orin, I wasn't talking to you! And it's not like you were any different! You were basically crying the whole time!

Rin

I so was not! Stop making stuff up!

Satori

Well, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for the concern, you two.

Rin & Utsuho

Teehee!

Koishi

Welcome back, PLAYER! I'm back too, and I'm feeling AWESOME!

Satori

It didn't take long to find Koishi after we parted ways. I tried catching up to you, but I didn't know where you went.

Satori

We headed above ground and ended up waiting for you at Hakurei Shrine.

Satori

I had no idea you were going further underground. I'm sorry I couldn't help you get back.

Koishi

That "hot chocolate" Reimu gave us was super yummy!

I'm glad you didn't run into any danger.

I'm sorry, too... I ended up leaving you two there.

Satori

But you wound up in considerable danger. And I demand an explanation from the person responsible.

Satori

Let's hear it right here, right now. Tell us exactly what happened.

Yukari

Don't look at me! This was all because YOUR little sister shoved a chocolate bar into the tiny swap box―

Satori

But YOU were the one who brought it here, no?

Yukari

Well, yes, but if it wasn't so hot, it would've never malfunctioned―

Satori

So your tiny swap box was behind all this. Got anything else to say for yourself?

Yukari

OK, OK...

Yukari

You all got sucked into the tiny swap box and transported to Chocolate Gensokyo.

Yukari

It's almost identical to the virtual Gensokyo I made. You see, I created an RPG with Former Hell as one of the levels.

Satori

What's an RPG?! I guess I could just read your mind and find out... or were you just trying to confuse us?

Yukari

It was a game, and your objective was to reach the lowest layer of Former Hell. But the chocolate bar changed things!

Yukari

The game chose one of the players entering it as the main character just as planned―

Yukari

―which happened to be PLAYER. You all made it back because she completed the game.

Yukari

We're lucky the return sequence I programmed wasn't affected. But we never found out what else changed.

Koishi

What about Koakuma and the chocolate Palace of the Earth Spirits?

Yukari

Naturally, they weren't in my game originally. There were no chocolate maids and nothing was made of chocolate.

Yukari

Koakuma and the others were supposed to assist you, joining you one by one as you progressed.

Yukari

But their roles and the order in which they appeared were a mess. I couldn't bear to see them fight among themselves.

Satori

I heard I appeared in the lowest layer as the final boss. Was that new too?

Yukari

Some details might've changed, but no, that was pretty much as planned.

Satori

How come you made me an enemy?

Yukari

Well, the game's set in Former Hell. Plus, I wanted to see the main character beat you u― ...Never mind.

Satori

...

Yukari

A-Ahem. A-Anyway, that's all I know.

Yukari

Now I just need to figure out what went wrong and find a way to prevent it from happening again.

Yukari

I'm going to seal this tiny swap box for now. I'll reset it once I know more.

What if I asked you not to seal it?

No! I won't let you!

Yukari

PLAYER...?

Yukari

Oh... I understand. All right, I'll leave it as it is.

Yukari

Well, that was another roller-coaster adventure. Let's talk about this again soon.

It's pretty crowded today.

I wonder if there's a festival on...

???

Heeeey! You, over there!

Yes?

I know that voice...

Rin

See! I told you it was PLAYER.

Utsuho

Wow, you're right! But there are so many other humans here... How did you know it was her?!

Rin

Heehee, easy! There's no way I wouldn't recognize my favorite human!

Utsuho

I dunno how you do it!

Rin

Did you even remember what she looks like?

Utsuho

Of course! I might forget that shrine maiden, but I'd never forget PLAYER!

(Since when was I back in Chocolate Gensokyo...?!)

(No, wait. This is the real world!)

Utsuho

In any case, I didn't expect to run into her here!

Koakuma

Hey! Where have you two been?! I was looking all over for you! I told you not to wander off too far. It's packed today.

Koakuma's here too?!

Koakuma

Oh, hey! It's Miss PLAYER! I haven't seen you since that festival.

What's with your outfits?

Why are you dressed as chocolate maids?

Rin

Hahaha, did our outfits fool you? Don't worry, we're not actually chocolate maids!

Koakuma

We saw everything that happened in Chocolate Gensokyo through the monitor.

Koakuma

After seeing the chocolate maids in action, these two pestered Mister Rinnosuke to make these outfits.

Koakuma

Well, I guess it wasn't just those two...

Rin

It barely took him any time to make them. He just got finished this morning.

Utsuho

Aren't they cute?! Come to think of it, why do they wear maid outfits?

Rin

Oh, come on! They're called chocolate MAIDS. What else would they wear?!

Koakuma

It's a little embarrassing. It feels like we're little kids who wanted to dress up like their heroes.

(I know that feeling...)

(There's nothing embarrassing about that!)

Utsuho

That's not the only reason we wanted these outfits!

Rin

We pretty much do as we please. Sure, we have jobs, but we never really work that hard.

Utsuho

We handle vengeful spirits and keep the heat in check, but it's not like we do it specifically for Lady Satori.

Utsuho

But seeing how close everyone from the Scarlet Devil Mansion is gave us an idea.

Rin

Lady Satori looks after us as her pets, so we thought it'd be fun to show our gratitude by becoming her maids.

Utsuho

For our first task as maids, we've decided to bake her a surprise cake!

Koakuma

Though it took them a while to agree on that...

Utsuho

We had no idea exactly what maids do, but we couldn't ask Lady Satori, or she'd know something was up.

Rin

So we went to the Scarlet Devil Mansion for advice.

Koakuma

If it were me, I'd give her something sweet and delicious, so I suggested they bake something.

Rin

The head maid was kind enough to let us borrow the kitchen. And now, here we are, shopping for ingredients.

Koakuma

Since it was my suggestion, I'm here helping out. Plus, even with her ability to stop time, Miss Sakuya's still swamped.

I can help if you want.

If you need more people, I'd be happy to help.

Rin

Really?! That'd be great!

Utsuho

The more, the merrier!

Koakuma

Thank you! To be honest, I wasn't sure we'd manage with just the three of us...

What is there to worry about?

Aren't you just shopping?

Rin

About that... Pretty sure we've got a tough battle ahead of us.

Utsuho

Who knows if we'll be able to make it back in one piece?

But it's just shopping...

Koakuma

Well, according to Miss Sakuya, the Human Village is going to turn into, and I quote, "a battlefield" today.

Rin

This crowd is peaceful now, but just you wait.

Utsuho

Yep, and it's all thanks to today's Mega Bargain Market.

Rin

They say on market day, humans become as savage as Hell's oni tormentors.

Koakuma

Miss Sakuya's taken part once before, and she said she almost died.

She really said that?

Can't you shop on some other day then?

Rin

That's what we were planning to do.

Koakuma

But Miss Sakuya said fighting our way through the battle is what'll make us top-tier maids.

Utsuho

If we run away now, there's no way we can call ourselves maids!

Koakuma

Oh, the market's about to begin! Is everyone ready?!

Utsuho

Yep. Bring it on!

Rin

I was born ready.

Koakuma

OK. Let's get those ingredients... Ready―

Utsuho

Battle!

Rin

Fight!

Koakuma

Go!

Rin

Aww, we all said different things...

Rin

Wow, I can't believe how crowded it is.

Utsuho

We'll just get shoved aside if we're not careful!

Rin

Looks like humans aren't the only ones here for the sale. I can see youkai pushing and shoving their way through too.

This market sure lives up to its name...

Stay low and try to slip by!

Koakuma

I can barely move! This is worse than a battle of bullets! I wonder if we'll ever get through...

Koakuma

Yay! I finally made it to the front!

Rin

Great! Just pass whatever you buy to us and keep moving forward!

Utsuho

Being a maid is tougher than I thought.

Koakuma

Sugar, butter, cream, eggs... Yep, the ingredients are coming together now.

Utsuho

I'm dead tired...

Good job, you guys!

That was a nightmare...

Rin

That was rough, even for me. I'm exhausted.

Rin

But we're doing this for Lady Satori. We can't give up. What else do we need to buy?

Koakuma

We don't have to worry about the little things since we can use what's in the kitchen. The only thing we need now is flour.

Rin

Which means we're almost ready to start baking. Hang in there, Okuu!

Utsuho

Yeah! Let's do this!

Koakuma

Flour shouldn't be hard to come by. Let's check some of the less crowded places first!

Koakuma

I can't find flour anywhere...

Rin

I asked one of the shopkeepers if they had any!

Utsuho

Me too!

Koakuma

And?

Rin

They said that the owner of the eel restaurant bought it all. They're completely sold out.

Utsuho

The shopkeeper I asked told me a girl with an umbrella came in and bought the last of theirs.

Koakuma

Oh, wow. This is bad...

Rin

What should we do? We can't bake a cake without flour.

Utsuho

Do you wanna try the other stores? We could even look outside the village.

Koakuma

I don't know... Miss Sakuya said the village was the place to look.

Mystia

La la la la la... Hehe, everything's going according to plan.

Koakuma

Wait a minute... Isn't that the owner of the eel restaurant?

Kogasa

Hehe, this should be enough.

Utsuho

Ah! And there's the umbrella girl!

Koakuma

W-We gotta talk to them! Maybe they'll be nice and share some of the flour with us.

Rin

Let's go after them, Okuu!

Utsuho

On it!

Mystia

Yes, that's right. I'm buying up all the flour.

Utsuho

I knew it!

Rin

Can we have some of it, please? We're desperate!

Kogasa

I'd like to help, but I don't have any to spare.

Mystia

Same here. It's all for my restaurant.

Koakuma

Well, can you try and leave some for the rest of us? What do you even need that much flour for?

Kogasa

To surprise the humans!

Koakuma

That's not a good reason!

Mystia

I'm going to use it all to make udon!

Koakuma

Don't tell me you're opening a noodle shop?!

Mystia

One of my regulars keeps telling me if I don't freshen up my menu, I'll start losing customers...

Mystia

...and when I asked them what they'd like to eat, they said a bowl of warm udon.

Koakuma

OK, but why do you need so much flour?

Mystia

Because I've never made udon before! There's lots of trial and error ahead, and that means I need lots of flour!

Mystia

It's just like music! You don't write a great song on the first try!

Mystia

You might go through a hundred melodies just to find one good one!

Utsuho

Yeah, but... it's just a bowl of noodles...

Koakuma

I-I think Lady Patchouli does something similar when she's researching magic...

Rin

I've heard enough. You're not the only one who wants to make something delicious!

Mystia

Then take some of Miss Kogasa's flour. Surely she can surprise people without it!

Kogasa

Huh?! B-But I need it for my brilliant new idea!

Everyone

Grrr...

Joon

Waaaaaaaaaait! Are you the ones who've been buying up all the flour?!

Utsuho

Who are you, again...?

Joon

You don't remember me? You pulled a fast one on us back then.

Joon

Using money to get what you want... Tch! I, Joon Yorigami, the pestilence god, will not stand for this!

That either sounded really cool... or really lame.

Rin

And what are you gonna do about it?

Joon

Confiscate ALL the flour!

Mystia & Koakuma

What?!

Mystia

No way. That means none of us will get any flour.

Joon

That's right.

Koakuma

And what do you plan on doing with it all?

Joon

None of your business! This is just what I do!

Joon

You got a problem with that?!

Rin

I never knew pestilence gods were so greedy...

Utsuho

What do we do, Orin? Now there's another person after the flour.

Rin

It looks like we'll have to battle it out!

Joon

And why would I agree to that? Now, if you had something to trade for the flour...

Rin

Hm... How about a new form of fuel?

Utsuho

Huh?!

Joon

Did you say... fuel?

Joon

...!

Joon

DEAL!

Joon

I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Joon

With a bit of know-how, you can make a fortune off of fuel! Just you wait, Shion! We'll be rich in no time!

Kogasa

I've barely been able to get a word in, but there's no way I'm leaving without my flour!

Utsuho

Sorry, Miss night sparrow, but that flour's got our name on it.

Mystia

Hmph! I'm doing this for my customers! I won't go down without a fight!

Joon & Rin

THE FLOUR'S MINE!

Kogasa

Quit ignoring me!

Joon

I-I lost...!

Utsuho

By the way, Orin, what's this fuel you were planning on giving her?

Joon

Yeah, you can have the flour. Just give me my fuel.

Rin

Haha, I figured we'd use your power to make some... or something.

Utsuho

What?! Having the power to manipulate nuclear fusion doesn't mean I can just make fuel out of thin air!

Joon

So all that fighting was for nothing... Guess it's my fault for getting my hopes up.

Rin

Do you want my epic collection instead? They'll burn well!

Joon

N-No! Keep those things away from me!

Utsuho

OK, now can we have some flour?

Mystia

Sure. I only bought this much because it was so cheap. I'd have never been able to use it all.

Koakuma

Great! Now we've got everything we need for the cake!

I feel bad for Kogasa... Here you go.

Kogasa

*sniff* Thanks, PLAYER. I owe you one. If things go well, I promise you'll be the first one I surprise!

Rin

How exactly do you plan on using flour to surprise people anyway?

Kogasa

You really want to know?!

Kogasa

First, I jump out at passersby near a fork in the road and ask them a true or false question.

Kogasa

If they answer true, I send them on the true path. If they answer false, the false one.

Kogasa

There'll be a booby-trap waiting for anyone who chooses the wrong answer that'll cover them with flour!

Kogasa

Well, what do you think?! Pretty ingenious, right?!

I feel like I've heard about something similar...

Those passersby sure are in for a shock.

Rin

Y-Yeah, "ingenious"... Good luck, I suppose!

Koakuma

We're back...

Koakuma

The walk back from the village felt way longer than usual.

Rin

I never want to go shopping again... Maids sure have it rough.

Utsuho

These above-ground markets are something else.

I wish Hakurei Shrine could get that many visitors...

Miss Sakuya is even more amazing than I thought...

Rin

At least the hard part's over. Yep, it should be clear sailing from here on out.

Utsuho

Agreed! All that's left to do is bake a delicious cake!

Rin

OK, Koakuma, tell us the recipe.

Koakuma

Sure thing! ...Wait, what?

Rin

The recipe... for the cake.

Koakuma

Ah, right! Um...

Do you... not know the recipe?

Are you OK? You're sweating...

Koakuma

Well, I've made it a couple of times, but...

Koakuma

I always just followed Miss Sakuya's lead. Without her...

Koakuma

What if I mess it up?! I think it's best if I, uhh... sat this one out...

Utsuho

So you really can't show us how to make it?

Koakuma

I'm sorrrrrry!

Rin

Oh, wow.

Koakuma

I'm so useless...

Rin

Well, you did help us with the shopping. Don't worry, we're not mad.

Utsuho

Yeah, you don't need to apologize.

Koakuma

*sniff* Thank you...

Patchouli

What do you do when you don't know something? Why, you read of course.

Koakuma

Lady Patchouli!

Patchouli

There are more than just magic books in the library here. Perhaps you'll find one with a cake recipe.

Koakuma

Y-Yeah, she's right! To the library!

Patchouli

There's no need. Sakuya left this for you.

Koakuma

Wow...!

Patchouli

She left it on my desk, and mumbled to herself, "No doubt they'll need this."

Patchouli

She must've meant you.

Koakuma

Miss Sakuya...!

Patchouli

Actually, wait. I can't let an opportunity like this slip by.

Utsuho

Huh?

Patchouli

Do you know what a vampire's weaknesses are?

Koakuma

Yes, Lady Remilia is vulnerable to the Sun and flowing water. She also hates roasted beans. Why do you ask?

Patchouli

If someone were to try and defeat Remi, they'd most definitely try to exploit those weaknesses...

Patchouli

But even if that happens... I'm sure neither Remi nor Flandre would lose.

Patchouli

This recipe is from my collection. It's mine. If you want it, follow me.

Utsuho

D-Did we just get hired as assassins...?!

Rin

Beats me. Who knows what's going on in that magician's head.

Patchouli

The magical barrier for our test is in place. Let's begin.

Koakuma

Um, what test would that be...?

Patchouli

I'll cut to the chase. Utsuho Reiuji, I'm interested in your ability.

Utsuho

You are?

Patchouli

With nuclear fusion, you can create an artificial sun... and infinite energy. Of course I'm interested.

Patchouli

I wanted to do this during the Servant Appreciation Festival, but there were other things to deal with.

Rin

Whoa, what do you plan on doing with Okuu? Don't tell me you think she's a threat to that vampire―

Patchouli

No, no. I'm not going to exterminate her or anything. I just want to have a battle of bullets so I can collect data.

Utsuho

That's it? If you promise to give us that cake recipe when we're done, then I don't mind!

Patchouli

Heehee, very well then. Let's begin.

Koakuma

Maybe this is a dumb question, but... is this really OK? Won't a battle cause, like, explosions?

Patchouli

Oh, didn't you notice? I activated magical safety features in this room.

Patchouli

They'll prevent any light from escaping. It's our own magic dark room.

Patchouli

And in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, the room will be flooded automatically.

Koakuma, Rin & Utsuho

Say what?

Patchouli

It's not like I know nothing about nuclear fusion. I'm not going to put the whole mansion at risk.

Patchouli

You have nothing to worry about. Please, don't hold back.

Utsuho

Got it!

Rin

Don't listen to her! Hold back, Okuu! Hold back!

Utsuho

Hehe, that felt great!

Patchouli

*cough* So this is the true potential of nuclear fusion. Now I understand why Moriya Shrine is studying it so hard.

Utsuho

OK, I did what you asked, now give us the recipe!

Patchouli

It's on my desk. Take it. Koakuma, would you help me analyze the data later?

Patchouli

I need... a lie-down...

Koakuma

Of course. Sleep well!

Utsuho

Wow, this recipe is so easy to understand. That head maid sure is something.

Rin

Great, now we just need to follow it.

Utsuho

But I gotta say, that battle made me real hungry. Let's boil some of the eggs we bought!

Rin

Sounds good!

Koakuma

Stop! There'll be no eating till we've made this cake!

Rin & Utsuho

It was worth a try!

Koakuma

Ahaha... Let's start baking.

Rin

OK, we're ready! Go ahead and read the recipe, Koakuma.

Koakuma

All right! First, it says to "sift the flour."

Utsuho

Sift...? Are you sure you don't mean LIFT the flour?

Koakuma

No! You pass it through something called a "sieve." It gets all the lumps out, which makes the cake fluffier.

Utsuho

Oh, I see! Let me try!

Koakuma

In the meantime... we need to "melt the butter using a water bath."

Koakuma

"Place a bowl on top of another bowl filled with hot water." That way, we can melt the butter with "indirect heat."

Rin

I'll take care of that.

Koakuma

Next up is the most important partーmaking the meringue.

Utsuho

Huh? Why are we making the moon rabbit from Eientei?

Rin

That's "Udongein," not "meringue." But I'm amazed you remember her. Good job.

Utsuho

Hehe.

Koakuma

Udongein's ears are also fluffy and the same color as egg whites, but this is different.

Koakuma

Meringue is just egg whites beaten until stiff. It sounds easy, but it takes a whole lot of elbow grease.

Utsuho

OK, I'll give that a try. I'm done sifting the flour!

I'll hold the bowl steady for you.

I'll help!

Utsuho

Thanks!

Koakuma

We also need to add sugar, but I'll do that.

Utsuho

My arm's aching so bad.

Rin

I never knew baking a cake took so much effort.

Koakuma

Hehe. That's the meringue done.

Utsuho

Thanks for helping, PLAYER. It would've taken way longer without you!

Koakuma

The next step is to "add the flour and butter to the meringue and mix it"!

Utsuho

Great. More mixing...

Rin

Let's switch. I haven't done anything in a while.

Gladly!

Mixing's hard work, you know?

Rin

You were right... This is hard work.

Koakuma

Once it's evenly mixed, the cake batter is ready.

Utsuho

All that mixing was a pain, but all of the steps were surprisingly straight forward.

Koakuma

The next step says to turn the cream into whipped cream...

Koakuma

...by mixing it!

Utsuho

Turns out baking a cake is basically ninety percent mixing, huh?

Koakuma

How's it looking?

Utsuho

The cream is officially whipped!

Rin

And the batter's mixed!

Good job, guys.

Great going!

Koakuma

That means it's baking time!

Rin

Finally. No more mixing...

Koakuma

I preheated the oven. Now we just have to be patient and wait for the cake to bake.

Utsuho

Isn't the temperature a bit low? I can heat things up. Then we won't have to wait so long!

Koakuma

L-Let's all take turns keeping an eye on the oven. Things could get dangerous.

Rin

Don't worry. We deal with much more intense heat than this.

Rin

This puny little oven is nothing to us! Relax, we'll make sure it's safe.

Utsuho

Hmm, the batter's not really changing... I told you the heat was too low!

Rin

Wait, what are you doing, Okuu?!

Utsuho

Guess I gotta take things into my own hands! Nuclear reactor core ready! Prepare for nuclear fusion!

Koakuma

W-Wait! Calm down!

Utsuho

Explosion Sign: Mega Flare!

Is everyone all right?!

Rin

Ahaha... I think so.

Utsuho

O-Oh no, the oven's burned to ash!

Rin

You used a Spell Card on it! What did you think would happen?

Koakuma

Maybe the cake didn't get burned...?

Rin

There's no way it survived that blast.

Utsuho

...Does this mean more mixing?

Koakuma

It sucks the cake got ruined, but we've got bigger problems...

Koakuma

The kitchen is a huge mess!

Utsuho

Y-You can say that again...

Koakuma

Wh-What should we do? If Miss Sakuya sees this...

Sakuya

Yes, I wonder what she'll do.

Koakuma

M-Miss Sakuyaaa...!

Sakuya

I came to check because I saw smoke... but this is worse than I was expecting.

Utsuho

Th-This was my fault! Don't blame Koakuma!

Rin

Y-Yeah, and it's my fault for not stopping Okuu! Koakuma's innocent!

Sakuya

But she was in charge. A superior is responsible for their underlings' mistakes. That's the maid code.

Sakuya

So you will ALL be punished. Use this opportunity to reflect on what you've done.

Please go easy on them.

They were just trying their best...

Sakuya

Did you misunderstand when I said "all"? That includes you.

What?!

Sakuya

You always try not to get too involved, but you need to learn to speak up when something's not right.

Sakuya

Your punishment will be to teach these three a lesson... with a battle of bullets.

Sakuya

I see you've all been punished well.

Koakuma

This would've never happened if I had kept them under control...

Utsuho

Sorry, everyone. I'll try to get better at figuring out when not to use nuclear fusion.

Rin

And I'll make sure I keep Okuu in check.

I'll also be more careful.

I've learned from my mistakes...

Sakuya

Now that you all seem to have calmed down―

Sakuya

―you can get back to baking. You still have ingredients left over, right?

Koakuma

Let's start by cleaning up...

Koakuma

Wait, what?! The kitchen is sparkly clean!

Utsuho

Wow! How did that happen?!

Sakuya

I told you, didn't I? A superior is responsible for their underlings' mistakes. Just try not to make a mess again.

Koakuma

Thank you, Miss Sakuya!

Rin

Pets and maids really are different, huh...?

Sakuya

Stick to the basics and bake the most delicious cake you can. I'll prepare a box to put it in.

Utsuho

Thanks! I promise to keep the temperature low this time!

Satori

...So that's the story behind this cake.

Orin and Okuu worked really hard.

Things didn't go smoothly...

Satori

I can see the ordeal has left its mark on you.

Satori

That's why I was able to read your mind so clearly. Though I wish I could've heard about it from them first.

Satori

Don't worry. This sort of thing happens a lot. And I may not look it, but I'm really happy about the cake.

Rin

Um, Lady Satori...

Satori

Ah, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I'll give it a taste now.

Utsuho

H-How is it...?

Satori

It's... delicious!

Utsuho

Woohoo! Our hard work paid off!

Rin

Phew, that's a relief. If she didn't like it, I think I would've burst into tears.

Good for you!

Does this mean you're good maids?!

Satori

You really learned a lot.

Utsuho

...We did?

Rin

Hmmm, I suppose we learned how to bake a cake.

Satori

You learned a lot more than that.

Satori

You learned to work with others. Miss PLAYER, Koakuma, and Sakuya Izayoi saw to that.

Satori

Learning new things from those around you was a valuable experience. I'm a little jealous.

Utsuho

Oh, so school's not the only place you can learn stuff... That makes sense, seeing as you never go outside.

Rin

O-Okuu! Don't be rude!

Satori

No, it's OK, Orin. She was just being honest. I've also been wanting to learn new things recently.

Satori

It's not easy for a satori youkai like me to interact with people. But I'd love to use my ability as part of a team...

Satori

That's why I teamed up with the mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion to host the Servant Appreciation Festival.

Rin

Don't worry! We'll support you from now on!

Utsuho

Yeah! We're your new maids, Lady Satori!

Satori

I'm glad to see how much you've grown. But I still prefer you as my pets.

Rin

B-But why...?! Don't you think we're good enough to be maids?

Satori

That's not what I said.

Utsuho

Then, do you not like maids?

Satori

No, that's not it, either. OK, I'll tell you... First, come closer.

Rin

...?

Satori

The two of you made this for me, didn't you?

Utsuho

Yes! We worked really hard!

Satori

This was a cake made by two servants for their master. But...

Satori

...I want us to be able to all enjoy it together, with big smiles on our faces.

Satori

Maybe I'm being selfish, but that's why I want you to stay the way you are.

Rin

Lady Satori...

Utsuho

So... does that mean we can have a slice too?

Satori

It's hard to explain how I feel...

She's trying to say you're very special to her.

She doesn't want servants or maids, she wants a family.

Rin

Oh, I get it!

Utsuho

So that's what you meant!

Koishi

What about me?!

Satori

Oh, my... *chuckle* Of course you're special to me, Koishi.

Satori

OK, you go wash your hands, and I'll cut the cake. You must be hungry after all that mixing.

Rin

N-Now you mention it, I'm starving...! To the washroom!

Utsuho

It's been a loooong day...

Satori

I know all about it from reading PLAYER's thoughts, but I'd love to hear it from you.

Utsuho

Sure! We'll tell you about how difficult it is to be a maid!

Rin

Yeah, but after cake. Thanks for your help today, PLAYER!

Satori

Yes, thank you for everything. Please, take this as a token of my gratitude.

Is it... a letter?

Satori

Words alone can't convey emotions. That's why it's important to pour your heart into anything you write.

Satori

Satori youkai can read minds, but letters still come in handy. The words form a story, expressing how one feels.

Satori

And in my attempt to communicate more with others, and as an apology for the other day, I wrote this letter for you.

Thank you!

I can't wait to see what you wrote.

Satori

Yes, but don't read it yet. Wait until you're alone.

Satori

I still have one more letter to write...

Satori

"Dear Remilia Scarlet, I'm writing to you to apologize for any and all trouble caused to you by my pets, Rin and Utsuho..."

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