Lossy's Journal

Mayumi

Wow, it's already so late. We better get back to Lady Keiki and Miss Seiga!

Yoshika

Yep. Tonight's our only chance to get presents...

Yoshika

If we wait till morning, it'll be too late!

Mayumi

Haha... You're right.

Yoshika

I gotta be good and apologize. Only good kids get presents, you know?!

Yoshika

Whoa, it sure is tough walking through all this snow! C'mon, PLAYER, Mayumi, we better hurry!

Mayumi

...

What's the matter, Mayumi?

Want us to slow down a bit for you?

Mayumi

Oh, uhh, it's not that...

Mayumi

We decided to go back to our masters and apologize for disobeying their orders...

Mayumi

But I'm kinda scared.

Yoshika

Of Keiki?

Mayumi

Not exactly...

Mayumi

It's just... I doubt she has any use for soldiers who disobey orders.

Mayumi

And if that turns out to be the case, I...

Yoshika

Mayumi...

Mayumi

I'm not sure I have any right to go back to her.

Yoshika

If Seiga yelled at me and told me to leave, I'd be super sad.

Yoshika

So I get why you're scared.

Yoshika

But you gotta go see her and ask what she thinks! And I gotta do the same!

Mayumi

Y-You're right. Asking her directly is better than staying here and worrying!

Yoshika

Even though I'm a jiang shi, I disobeyed Seiga's orders.

Yoshika

But maybe Seiga doesn't see it that way. Maybe if I apologize, she'll forgive me!

Mayumi

I suppose. But what if...

Mayumi

What if she doesn't forgive you?

Mayumi

What if she tells you she doesn't actually need you?

Mayumi

That's what I'm afraid of... Finding out what Lady Keiki really thinks of me.

Yoshika

...

Mayumi

Th-The wind is so strong!

Yoshika

"A river of tears flows. In what direction, no one knows. Only when the river dries, will the riverbed see sunrise."

Mayumi

...What?

Mayumi and Yoshika were in similar predicaments, but each of them felt the same... They both still had hope.

However...

True feelings have a way of getting lost, like wildflowers buried and frozen beneath deep winter snows.

It doesn't take much for things to go awry. After all, even the slightest shift on a mountain can cause an avalanche below.

This is a story of Mayumi, Yoshika, and their masters on one cold winter's day...

Several hours before PLAYER, Yoshika, and Mayumi set out on the snowy road.

In the human village...

Keiki

I never thought I'd bump into you. Although I guess with it being near Christmas, it's not so strange.

I was just on my way back from school!

I bet you're busy again this year, Miss Keiki!

Keiki

Not particularly. Although, I did get a pretty unexpected sculpture request.

Keiki

Last year, I made capsule toy prizes for Misumaru, but this year, Miko asked me to sculpt...

Keiki

Sets of four miniature monkeys.

Keiki

She says humans put this kinda thing in their homes to bring good fortune, keep disease away, or just to feel better.

Keiki

I don't really get it, but I just finished making them.

Keiki

Right, I think I'll head back to the Primate Spirit Garden. Then again...

Keiki

There are lots of weird things for sale in the village this time of year.

Keiki

Maybe I'll get Mayumi, the haniwa, and the human spirits some gifts.

Keiki

Actually, I always ending buying stuff here. Maybe I should live up to my name as a sculptor god and make something.

Keiki

If only I had some inspiration...

Keiki

Are they... doll-shaped cakes?

Keiki

Haniwa-shaped cakes sound like they might be cute.

Keiki

The shop next door says it's selling chocolate, but everything on display is bright green.

Keiki

What gives? Is that stuff even chocolate?

Sweet Shop Clerk

Hello there! Are you interested in this here mint chocolate?

Keiki

Mint chocolate, you say?

Sweet Shop Clerk

That's right! But regular mint isn't as green as this.

Keiki

Whoever made it must've added some kind of food coloring.

Sweet Shop Clerk

So they tell me. But doesn't a green this bright remind you of the cool and fresh taste of mint?

Keiki

Yeah, I guess you're right... Thanks for the chat.

Keiki

So you can use colors in food as well as sculpting.

Keiki

Maybe I could put mint chocolate in some cake batter. Or even use it as a filling!

(Sh-She wants to make mint chocolate haniwa cakes?!)

H-How about something a little more Christmasy?

Keiki

...Like what?

Like... Christmas cake!

Keiki

Christmas cake, huh?

Keiki

That's a great idea!

Keiki

I better go get the ingredients. I reckon I'll need milk and eggs... But what else?

Don't worry. I know what you need!

I can even come with you to buy it all!

Keiki

Thanks. You can tell me what we're looking for on the way.

Keiki

With all these people around, I'd hate for things to sell out before we get to the store.

Keiki

We better hurry. Take my hand and don't let go.

Keiki

Hmm... You need all of that to make Christmas cake, huh? I'd have been clueless without you.

Keiki

We should be able to buy everything on this street. Let's go.

Keiki

Right, time to buy all the ingredients. It might get a little heavy...

Keiki

But with my haniwa to help us, it won't be a problem. Let's get started.

Keiki

Excuse me. I'm looking for flour and sugar.

Cheerful Clerk

Then you've come to the right place! How many bags of each would you like?

Keiki

All of them.

Cheerful Clerk

...Come again?

Keiki

You heard me. All of them.

Cheerful Clerk

A-All of them?! I guess having no stock left is better than having too much, but...!

Keiki

What's the problem?

Keiki

You rake in the profits, and I get to make cakes for everyone in the Primate Spirit Garden.

Keiki

Sounds like a good deal to me.

Miss Keiki, why don't we just buy what we need?!

They can't sell us EVERYTHING they have!

Keiki

Really? Well, all right. I suppose we can make do with...

Keiki

Everything you got!

Keiki

But with Mayumi, the other haniwa, and the human spirits, even that might not be enough.

Keiki

Let's buy what we can at the other stores, too.

???

Stop right there, sculptor god!

Chimata

No one's allowed to buy that much of anything. And I mean NO ONE! As a market god, I can't let you get away with this!

Keiki

Chimata Tenkyuu... Why don't you just mind your own business?

Keiki

I'm buying all this to make Christmas cakes for the haniwa and the human spirits. What's wrong with that?

Chimata

Because rules are rules. And people following them is what keeps the market stable and fair.

Keiki

Very well. You leave me no choice...

Keiki

If you won't get outta my way, I'll have to MAKE you get outta my way!

Chimata & Keiki

...

???

E-Excuse me...

Shizuha

I came to buy ingredients for a cake, too...

Shizuha

I don't need much. Just whatever you can spare.

Shizuha

Minoriko said she's excited to eat cake today...

Keiki

If I buy all the ingredients, you won't be able to make her one, huh?

Keiki

Fine. Chimata, I'll follow your rules and leave some ingredients for everyone else.

Chimata

I'm glad to hear it.

Shizuha

Thanks. Mine and Minoriko's Christmas party is saved!

Keiki

Hey, Chimata. I got a favor to ask you.

Keiki

I know I'm not supposed to buy too much of anything, but how much is too much?

Keiki

I wrote down all the ingredients PLAYER said we needed here.

Chimata

Let me have a look... Yep, I can help you with this!

Keiki

Right. I bought all the ingredients, and Chimata approved the amounts. The only thing is...

Keiki

This is nowhere near enough!

It would be enough for a small Christmas party...

But not for the whole Primate Spirit Garden!

Keiki

A Christmas party...

Shizuha

Thanks. Mine and Minoriko's Christmas party is saved!

Keiki

There's no way we have enough ingredients for a big party...

Keiki

Let's just think of something to do with what we have.

Familiar Voice

What's this? It's rare to see you alone with PLAYER. Especially without that haniwa girl.

Another Familiar Voice

It looks like you're having some trouble. Wanna tell us what's going on?

Keiki

It's you...

Kaguya

Yep, it's us. So what have you got there? Looks like you're making Christmas cakes.

Eirin

There are tons of Christmas parties this time of year. I can't imagine the Primate Spirit Garden will be having one, though.

Keiki

No, we won't. But you were right. I'm definitely having some trouble.

Reisen

I thought so. Perhaps we can help.

Keiki

Well, basically...

Keiki

So this is all the ingredients we were able to buy, and it's not enough to make cake for everyone.

Keiki

...What is it?

Reisen & Tewi

Nothing. It's just...

Reisen & Tewi

You ARE having a party!

Keiki

I am?

Eirin

Let's not get bogged down in the details.

Eirin

Your problem is deciding how to use what little ingredients you have.

Keiki

Not quite. I know I want to make cakes for everyone in the Primate Spirit Garden.

Eirin

Surely no one will get more than a mouthful, though?

Eirin

Then again, buying extra ready-made cakes would defeat the point.

Eirin

How about approaching this from a different angle?

Keiki

A different angle...?

Keiki

Come to think of it, you have plenty of youkai rabbits at Eientei. How do you cope?

Kaguya

We give them presents, but having everyone in the same place at once is basically impossible.

Kaguya

So we just invite a select few to our Christmas party.

Kaguya

But we give them small gifts on a regular basis to make up for it.

Eirin

It's important to treat everyone equally.

Eirin

But on special occasions, we invite those closest to us and anyone who's been putting in extra effort lately.

Eirin

Some of them might think that's unfair...

Eirin

But it's also important to reward people for their hard work and to spend time with those you care about most.

Kaguya

In other words, spreading yourself thin to include everyone is fine, but so's focusing your attention on just a few people!

Keiki

Right... I see how some people might call that unfair, though.

Tewi

Uh-huh. People might be disappointed if they try way harder than usual and end up with the same reward.

Tewi

N-Not me, though!

Reisen

I honestly don't know what to believe...

Keiki

This has been great. Thanks to you guys, I'm one step closer to figuring out what to do.

Kaguya

Hehe, that's good to hear!

Reisen

It's getting pretty crowded, huh?! We better buy what we need for the party and get outta here!

Eirin

Good idea. Plus, Kaguya's with us because she "wanted to check out the village."

Kaguya

What? I thought it'd be fun. Besides, it's safe so long as I'm with you guys.

Tewi

All right, we're off!

Keiki

OK. Thanks for your help.

They gave us some great advice, huh?!

So... have you decided what you're gonna do?

Keiki

I'll make what I can with these ingredients, and invite as many people as I can. But I think I'll prioritize Mayumi...

Keiki

...and all the haniwa who helped me today. I'll do something for the human spirits and other haniwa another time.

Keiki

Right, it's time for me to head back to the Primate Spirit Garden...

Keiki

But I can't leave a little girl like you in a busy place like this. Plus, I owe you for all your help.

Keiki

Just tell me where you want to go, and I'll take you there.

Thanks!

There's a shop I wanna visit!

Keiki

Got it. Stick close, all right?

Keiki

Can you find the shop from here?

Yep. Thanks!

Umm... Are you all right, Miss Keiki?

Keiki

I was thinking about taking you back to the Primate Spirit Garden so I could give you some cake...

Keiki

But passing through the Animal Realm would be too dangerous for you.

Well, it's the thought that counts!

If you ever have a party up here, let me know!

Keiki

That's not a bad idea. Maybe I'll do just that sometime. See ya!

I'm sure glad I was able to help Miss Keiki.

And I bought what I came here for. I better get home!

???

Why, if it isn't PLAYER.

Meanwhile, in the Primate Spirit Garden before Keiki had made it back...

Mayumi

Lady Keiki's been gone a long time. I wonder if she's all right...

Mayumi

No, I need to stay focused. If any animal spirits attack, I have to fight them off!

Talkative Human Spirit

(Come to think of it, it's Christmas soon, right?)

Kind Human Spirit

(Ahh... Having Christmas parties with friends and family was so much fun.)

Mayumi

A Christmas party with friends and family, huh?

A few hours after PLAYER and Keiki parted ways in the Human Village...

At night, in Seiga's Senkai...

Seiga

Phew... Finally, all the presents are done. I'm sure this will be enough.

Seiga

PLAYER, Yoshika, thanks for your help.

Yoshika

Anything for you, Seiga! It was fun mixing all the ingredients together!

Yoshika

So... what is it we've been making?

Seiga

They're bath bombs.

Seiga

I based them on info I got in the Human Village, so they might be a little different to regular bath bombs...

Seiga

I know how to make Chinese medicinal bath salts, so at the very least, I can say these bath bombs will work.

Seiga

But that's not all. There are some perfect little Christmas gifts hiding INSIDE them!

Seiga

PLAYER helped me come up with the idea.

A few hours earlier, just after PLAYER had finished shopping...

Seiga

Why, if it isn't PLAYER.

Seiga

I thought it was you. Are you here doing some shopping, too?

Yep! I stopped by on my way home from school!

Seiga

That's nice. I came to buy a present for Yoshika. How did I get here, you ask?

Seiga

By passing through walls!

(W-Wow... All the walls she broke are already fixed!)

S-So that's why Yoshika's not with you, huh?!

Seiga

Uh-huh. She's waiting for me back in my Senkai. I can't have her here biting people, can I?

Seiga

The village sure feels Christmasy, though. Everyone's out buying presents and cake.

Yep. Even Miss Keiki was here buying cake ingredients.

Seiga

You don't say?

Seiga

Although, perhaps it's not so surprising that a sculptor god would want to make Christmas cakes herself.

Seiga

It seems like this is the perfect year for it.

For what?

Seiga

Hehehe. To dress up as Saint Nicholas...

Seiga

Aka Santa Claus!

Seiga

The sages have dressed up as Santa before, right? I haven't done it in ages, but I'm in the mood for it this year.

Seiga

Of course, I won't do anything like what was written in that crow tengu newspaper article.

So, you're NOT gonna put on a white beard―

―then sell presents and steal from people's houses?

Seiga

Nope. That article specifically asked me not to steal or sell presents while wearing a white beard.

Seiga

So I'll do it without the beard!

(I don't think the beard was the problem!)

S-So, have you figured out what everyone wants yet?

Seiga

No, not yet. But I have an idea for a good present...

Seiga

A set of four miniature monkeys!

Didn't Miss Keiki make those?!

Did you get them from Miss Miko?

Seiga

I sure did! I actually stopped by the Divine Spirit Mausoleum on my way here...

Seiga

Lady Miko told me these monkey statues used to be bigger, but people kept asking for smaller versions.

Seiga

So to gather new disciples and faith around Christmas time, she asked the sculptor god to make some smaller ones.

Seiga

But as I listened to her, I realized something...

Seiga

It's been years since I dressed up as Santa.

Seiga

And I figured her sets of four miniature monkeys would make perfect presents.

Seiga

When I asked her if she had any to spare, she said she had loads, and that it'd be great if I gave them to people.

Yoshika

Riiiiight, now I get it.

Yoshika

So THAT'S why we put the monkeys in the bath bombs!

Seiga

Uh-huh. I could've just given them to people, but I wanted to go the extra mile.

Seiga

But I couldn't have thought of this alone.

It's lucky we visited Miss Misumaru's store today, huh?!

Seiga

You can say that again. Things got a little out of hand in there, though...

Yoshika

They did? What happened?!

Seiga

All right, I'll tell you. After all, it's still a little early for Santa to set off.

Seiga

It's settled. I'll give everyone a set of four miniature monkeys.

Seiga

But that's not enough on its own. I'd love to wrap it up in a way that gives everyone a big surprise.

Seiga

And I still haven't decided the most important thing of all... what to give Yoshika.

Seiga

PLAYER, I want to take a look around the village. Will you come with me?

Of course I will!

I hope we find something good!

Seiga

Thanks. Let's go.

Seiga

There are tons of shops, but none of them jump out at me... I want to find at least one or two presents for Yoshika.

Seiga

...Wait. What's that shop?

That's Miss Misumaru's capsule toy store!

(She opened it again this year!)

Seiga

Oh, right. Those round cases with toys inside.

Seiga

Looks like the shopkeeper's not here, but maybe I'll try my luck. If I get something good, I can give it to Yoshika.

Seiga

*gasp*

Seiga

Well, I didn't get anything good... But putting gifts inside a case of some sort is pretty neat.

Seiga

But I don't just want to copy something that already exists...

???

I never knew wicked hermits liked capsule toys, too.

Seiga

Oh, it's you...

Seiga

The two Moriya Shrine gods.

Seiga

I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of capsule toys, though... But perhaps you are?

Kanako

No, we're in the village buying presents for Sanae. We just thought we'd say hello.

Suwako

Are you having trouble finding something? We already bought everything we need, so maybe we can help you.

Seiga

That's very kind of you. As it happens, I am looking for something...

Kanako

I see. So you want some unique way to wrap up your monkey statues. That's why you were looking at the capsules.

Seiga

Uh-huh. You don't have any good ideas, do you?

Suwako

I wouldn't quite call it "wrapping," but I think I have something!

Seiga

Oh, yeah? Let me hear it.

Suwako

The other day, Sanae was talking about these bath salts... with a twist.

Suwako

They're from the outside world, and they're shaped into balls about the same size as those capsules.

Kanako

Oh yeah, I remember. She said when you put them in the bath, the water changes to all sorts of bright colors.

Suwako

Plus, it starts bubbling and making strange noises. Weird, huh?

Kanako

I think they were called... bath bombs.

Seiga

Bath bombs, huh? They might just do the trick...

Suwako & Kanako

Yeah?

Seiga

I'm gonna put the monkey statues INSIDE bath bombs!

Kanako

That's a great idea, but you can't buy bath bombs in Gensokyo. What are you going to do?

Seiga

Simple. Make them myself.

Seiga

That way, it'll be even easier to get the statues inside. Pretty great, right?

Suwako

It certainly sounds great. Is it OK for the monkey statues to get wet, though?

Seiga

Don't worry, I have the perfect senjutsu to protect them. I can't let anything happen to Lady Miko's statues.

Kanako

F-For sure. Well, I'm glad we were able to help out.

Seiga

Hehe, thank you for the wonderful idea.

Suwako

I think we'd better get going. Good luck with the bath bombs!

Seiga

If I'm going to put the statues inside homemade bath bombs, a mold sure would come in handy.

Seiga

The shopkeeper's still not back... Oh well.

Seiga

I'm sure she won't mind if I borrow some of these big capsules!

???

Stop right there!

Seiga

Oh, you're back.

Seiga

Good timing. I was just wondering if I could―

Misumaru

You've got some nerve trying to steal from me.

Misumaru

Not to mention, it was my precious capsules you were making off with!

Seiga

R-Relax. I wasn't stealing anything...

Seiga

I only meant to borrow them!

Misumaru

Same difference!

Misumaru

I hereby ban you from my shop. Now, leave!

Misumaru

I dunno about you using my capsules as molds...

Misumaru

But I suppose if it's to make Christmas presents... Fine, I'll lend you a few.

Seiga

Thanks. I owe you one.

Misumaru

I suppose I'd better give you the best ones I've got.

Misumaru

Check it out. Perfectly round.

Seiga

Wow, you're right. I'll put them to good use.

Seiga

All I need now are the materials to make bath bombs. Thanks for tagging along with me, PLAYER.

Umm, I kinda wanna try making bath bombs!

Is it OK if I come with you to your Senkai?

Seiga

Of course. In fact, I could use an extra pair of hands.

Seiga

(Hmmm...)

Seiga

(These capsules look the same as all the rest to me...)

Seiga

...So that's how I got the idea to put the monkey statues inside bath bombs.

Seiga

To be honest, getting the bath bomb formula right wasn't so bad, and now we've finally finished making them all.

Yoshika

I've never made anything like them before! It was so much fun!

Yoshika

But... do they really make noise and change the water color when you put them in the bath?

Yoshika

I kinda wanna try it out!

Seiga

Hehe, all right. But be careful, OK?

Yoshika

Ahhhhhh!

Seiga

I told you to be careful. I thought the name would be enough of a warning. They're called...

Seiga

Wicked Hermit Bath Bombs!

Seiga

With these little guys, the bomb part is literal.

Seiga

I even made it so the bath water changes color right as the explosion goes off.

Seiga

And look, the monkey statues are completely unscathed. They're tough enough to get wet and withstand the blast.

Wh-Whoa, that senjutsu is amazing!

(These aren't the kind of bath bombs I was expecting!)

Yoshika

It sure is! All of Seiga's techniques are!

Yoshika

I'm fine, too, by the way. But thanks to the bath bomb, I'm the best smelling zombie there ever was.

Seiga

That's wonderful. I'm sure everyone's going to love getting these as presents.

Seiga

OK, I think it's time we got changed. I already went to pick up the outfits I ordered.

Yoshika

Whoa, a new outfit! Thanks, Seiga!

Seiga

Wait here a moment, would you, PLAYER? This won't take long.

Seiga

We're back. What do you think?

Seiga

Check it out, no white beard.

Yoshika

Do you like my outfit, PLAYER? Is it Christmasy enough?

Wow, you both look so pretty!

You look so grown up, Yoshika.

Yoshika

Hehehe, you think?!

Seiga

That outfit is my present to you, Yoshika. I hope you like it.

Seiga

It's just a regular present, though. You still have your Christmas present to look forward to.

Yoshika

Well, I love it. And I can't wait for my Christmas present!

Seiga

Are you ready, PLAYER. It's time to start delivering presents.

Seiga

You'll be OK on your own here, right, Yoshika?

Yoshika

You mean I'm not going with you?

Yoshika

All right, fine. I'll keep a lookout here!

Seiga

Thanks.

Seiga

(I'd love to take her with me, but there's something I have to do without her.)

Seiga

We got a mold for the bath bombs and all the ingredients we need, but...

Seiga

PLAYER, can I ask another favor of you?

Seiga

The thing is, I haven't found a Christmas present for Yoshika yet.

Seiga

Tonight, I'm going to dress up as Santa and deliver presents across Gensokyo. So, if you don't mind...

Seiga

Will you come too and help me find something she'll like?

Seiga

We'll take it and tell whoever the owner is that it's for a good cause.

Ummm, well, if it's to make Yoshika smile!

(Gotta remember to apologize to the owner after!)

Seiga

Thank you. Let's head to Kourindou, then we can start making the bath bombs.

Seiga

See you later, Yoshika. Be good while we're gone.

Yoshika

I will! A jiang shi always does what her master asks!

Yoshika

Good luck, you two!

Yoshika

...

Yoshika

I sure wish I coulda gone with them...

A few hours earlier, after PLAYER and Keiki parted ways in the Human Village...

In the Primate Spirit Garden...

Mayumi

Welcome back, Lady Keiki.

Keiki

Hi, Mayumi. Did anything happen while I was gone?

Mayumi

Nope, it's been totally peaceful. There wasn't a single animal spirit attack.

Keiki

That's good news. I feel so safe leaving you in charge.

Mayumi

Lady Keiki... Thank you!

Mayumi

What are all of the haniwa carrying? Are you making something...?

Keiki

Oh, that...

Keiki

(Maybe I shouldn't tell her yet. I feel like the surprise is part of it...)

Keiki

(Yeah. I'll keep the Christmas party a secret for now. That way, she'll be even more excited when she finds out.)

Keiki

(But she'll almost definitely catch on if I start making cakes here. Hmm...)

Mayumi

Umm, Lady Keiki, are you all right?

Keiki

Me? I'm fine. I was just thinking about something.

Keiki

It's not important, though. What is important is that I have to go back to the surface for a while.

Mayumi

I'll come with you!

Keiki

N-No... I need you to stay here.

Mayumi

For real?!

Keiki

Don't worry, I won't be gone long.

Mayumi

O-OK. Just let me know when you're leaving.

Keiki

I will. I just have to get a few things ready first.

Mayumi

...

Keiki

Right, I better make myself an outfit to cook in and some kitchen utensils before I set off.

Keiki

Oh, and I should make something for Mayumi. I don't have to wait for the party to give her presents.

Keiki

She does more for me than anyone else. I'm sure no one will mind if she gets a little special treatment.

Mayumi

Are you leaving now, Lady Kei―

Mayumi

What are you wearing?!

Keiki

It's my new clay cooking armor―I mean, outfit.

Mayumi

O-Oh, right...

Mayumi

Well, you look great in it!

Keiki

I do? I was mainly focused on function rather than form...

Keiki

Hehe, but if you say so!

Mayumi

Umm...

Keiki

Before I forget... I made you a new outfit, too.

Keiki

I should really give it to you later...

Keiki

But I want to see you try it on now.

Mayumi

O-OK! I'll be right back...!

Mayumi

Umm, Lady Keiki, are you sure this suits me...?!

Keiki

My, you look lovely. Hehe, I'm so glad I made it for you.

Mayumi

L-Lovely...?

Mayumi

I'm glad you think so. I'd hate to look bad in an outfit you made just for me!

Keiki

All right, I really should get going.

Keiki

I'll be taking some haniwa with me, but we won't be gone long.

Mayumi

OK. Be careful out there.

Mayumi

...

Mayumi

I wonder why she doesn't want me to go with her...

Shortly after PLAYER and Seiga set off from her Senkai...

Seiga

Phew... I wonder how many houses we've left presents at so far.

Seiga

And yet, we still haven't found anything for Yoshika.

Seiga

At least Eientei is as quiet as I thought it would be.

Seiga

With everyone out delivering presents, we'll have plenty of time to look around.

(But Miss Reisen said...)

Reisen

It's getting pretty crowded, huh?! We better buy what we need for the party and get outta here!

Seiga

What's wrong, PLAYER?

I-It's nothing!

(It doesn't seem like anyone's here, at least...)

Seiga

If anyone does spot us, we can escape through the walls. Don't worry, there's no way they'll catch us.

Seiga

Let's start searching the rooms.

Seiga

Looks like these two are fast asleep. I'll leave their presents by their pillows.

Seiga

Now, I wonder if there's anything Yoshika would like in here. Let me see...

Seiga

Hmm... Nothing seems quite right.

Seiga

Time to check out the next room.

Reisen

Tewi, I'm baaaack. I got the extra ingredients we need.

Tewi

Great job! I just used the last of the milk.

Reisen

Where are Lady Kaguya, Master, and the others?

Tewi

The princess is asleep, along with the visitor from the Moon. We'll have to wait for them to get up before we start the party.

Reisen

Gotcha. So that means Master is still―

Seiga

Oh boy.

Tewi & Reisen

It's a... It's a...

Tewi & Reisen

THIEF!

Seiga

I-I'm no thief! Look, I'm dressed as Santa―

Kaguya

*yawn* What's going on?

Reisen

L-Lady Kaguya! It's a bandit! A wicked hermit! A thief!

Seiga

Only one of those is true!

Tewi

THAT'S what you're worried about here?

Reisen

Let's get rid of her before Master and the others get back!

Kaguya

That sounds fun. Plus, it'll help me wake up for the party!

Eientei Folk

Stoooop!

Seiga

Now's our chance, PLAYER. Through the walls!

Tewi

They got away!

Reisen

It's no use going after them...

Kaguya

Hang on, there's something by my pillow.

Reisen

And mine. It's round... and smells really nice. Wait... are there monkey statues inside?

Eientei Folk

What are these things?!

Seiga

Phew... It's a miracle we made it out of Eientei alive.

Seiga

I can't believe they thought we were thieves! We were literally there giving them stuff!

Eirin

What's that about you two being thieves?

I-It's not what it sounds like!

(Talk about bad timing!)

Sagume

[Well, it SOUNDS like you two were stealing from Eientei.]

Yorihime

If all you were doing was delivering presents like we are, surely no one would accuse you of being thieves.

Toyohime

Good point. If you really are innocent, mind telling us exactly what happened?

Seiga

Well, we didn't steal anything, that's for sure! They just accused us out of nowhere―

Eirin

For all we know, you could be lying. We'd better blast them with some bullets to make sure they're telling the truth.

Seiga

How are bullets going to help?!

Yorihime

Was that an explosion I just heard coming from Eientei?!

Sagume

[Don't tell me it was an Ultra Micro Planck Bomb!]

Toyohime

I sure hope it wasn't! It sounded a little different...

Eirin

Whatever it was, we better get back to Eientei, quick!

Seiga

Maybe someone tried out their bath bomb...

Seiga

Nah, I'm sure it wasn't that. C'mon, PLAYER, let's go.

Seiga

Hmm, we've been to every house in the Human Village, and we still haven't found anything for Yoshika.

At least we've delivered lots of presents!

Seiga

You're right, we're making great progress. Where should we head next?

???

Hey, wicked hermit!

Seiga

I-I know that voice...

Tenshi

I was wondering what you were doing sneaking into people's houses, but to think you were trying to steal from them...

Iku

The Eldest Daughter wanted to see the village at Christmas, but I didn't expect to run into thieves.

Seiga

Y-You've got it all wrong!

Seiga

We've been going around delivering presents!

Iku & Tenshi

...

Iku

Well, so long as you got permission from everyone before entering their houses...

Seiga

Permission...?

Seiga

You see, the thing is... I didn't want to wake anyone up, and so...

Tenshi

I don't trust her. After all, she's a wicked hermit.

Seiga

Not again! Why won't anyone believe me?!

Tenshi

So you weren't stealing anything. You were just going around pretending to be Santa.

Tenshi

I don't really get it, but at the same time, I kinda wanna give it a try―

Iku

No.

Tenshi

Aww, no fair... Wait, where'd the wicked hermit go?

Iku

Seems like her and PLAYER made a break for it. What on earth is she up to?

Meanwhile, for some reason...

Keiki was at Hakurei Shrine!

Keiki

It's lucky the shrine maiden and the komainu aren't here. This is the perfect place to make Christmas cakes.

Keiki

Even PLAYER's not here, huh? I guess she went out with the others...

Keiki

Wait... I don't have the time to be taking breaks!

Keiki

I wasted so much time looking for a place to work. Every second counts.

Keiki

Boy, baking sure is hard work.

Keiki

But...

Keiki

If it makes Mayumi happy, I suppose I could do it again sometime.

Keiki

...Oh no. I forgot to check if they have a kamado here.

Keiki

There must be some kind of oven if there are humans living here.

Keiki

Meh, I guess I can always just make one. It's kinda cramped in here, though. Better make it outside.

Keiki

A celestial once wrecked this entire shrine and then rebuilt it. I'm sure they won't mind having a spare kamado or two.

Keiki

Right, that's the cake batter done. Now I just need to pour it into the molds.

Seiga

I'll bet there's tons of interesting stuff at Hakurei Shrine!

Seiga

It'd suck if the shrine maiden or komainu spotted us, but it seems like they're not here...

Seiga

I wonder if Yoshika would be happy with a cute little ofuda. I'd have to rewrite the instructions on it, of course.

Keiki

...What are you two doing here?

Miss Keiki?! I didn't expect to see you here.

(Reimu really isn't here... I wonder where she went.)

Seiga

Sorry, we didn't realize someone was using the shrine. We'll just do what we came to do and leave...

Keiki

Wait.

Keiki

Thanks to you barging in here, I almost spilled all my cake batter.

Keiki

I need to make sure you'll be more careful next time...

Keiki

And there's only one way to do that!

Shortly before PLAYER and Seiga barged in on Keiki, in Seiga's Senkai...

Yoshika

I wonder when Seiga will get back. It's so boring being here all alone...

Yoshika

...

Yoshika

How come she didn't want me to go with her?

Yoshika

Only good kids get presents at Christmas, and Seiga specifically told me to stay here...

Yoshika

But I don't wanna be alone like this!

Yoshika

I'm gonna go look for her!

Meanwhile, in the Primate Spirit Garden...

Mayumi

I love this outfit Lady Keiki gave me. It's just...

Talkative Human Spirit

(Come to think of it, it's Christmas soon, right?)

Kind Human Spirit

(Ahh... Having Christmas parties with friends and family was so much fun.)

Mayumi

A Christmas party with friends and family, huh?

Mayumi

It's not like me and Lady Keiki are family. And no one wants to have a Christmas party with their servant.

Mayumi

But...

Mayumi

I wish she'd let me go to the surface with her.

Mayumi

No. She put me in charge of protecting this place. Now's not the time to act like a kid!

Mayumi

...

Mayumi

I can't help but wonder where she is, though...

Mayumi

Forgive me, Lady Keiki. I'm gonna disobey your orders just this once...

Around the time Yoshika and Mayumi set off, unbeknownst to their respective masters...

Seiga

So you're here baking cakes, huh? Sorry we barged in on you like that.

Keiki

I'm the one who should be apologizing. You're in a rush and I made you waste time with a battle of bullets.

Seiga

Don't worry about it. We're both doing our best for the one we care about.

Keiki

Yeah, we are.

Wow, I didn't expect you two to get along so well.

I guess everything's fine now...

???

Guess again!

R-Reimu! And Aunn, too! Where've you been?

Reimu

Where've WE been? We were out looking for you!

Aunn

We figured you'd come back to the shrine eventually though. I'm so glad to see you!

Oh right, I forgot to say I'd be out late...!

My bad!

Reimu

Well, it's good you're safe. But don't forget to tell us next time, OK?

Reimu

Now, onto the bigger problem...

Reimu

This place is a total mess. And has one of you been baking?!

Reimu

Either way, I don't remember giving anyone permission to be here. Especially not...

Reimu

A wicked hermit and an evil god!

Seiga

We're sorry for the intrusion. Would you like a Christmas present?

Seiga

All I ask in return is a gift that will put a smile on Yoshika's face.

Reimu

Not a chance!

Keiki

The kitchen here isn't ideal, but I really needed somewhere to bake Christmas cakes.

Keiki

I know! Why don't I sculpt a big furnace for the shrine? That way, I can use it, too.

Reimu

That's oh-so-very kind of you. It's just...

Reimu

I don't need a big furnace!

Aunn

Umm, Miss Reimu. These two don't seem like they meant to cause trouble. Why don't we hear them out?

Reimu

I guess we could. PLAYER's with them, after all...

Reimu

But no. They've crossed a line. No one makes a mess of my shrine and gets away with it!

Reimu

C'mon, Aunn. We're gonna do this together!

Aunn

F-Fine...

Aunn

Wait, did you say "we"?!

Seiga

Well, she kicked us out. And I still haven't found a gift for Yoshika...

Keiki

PLAYER's in there trying to convince the shrine maiden to let us stay, but I doubt it'll work.

Keiki

Maybe I'll just sculpt a kitchen for myself out here...

Seiga

Hang on. I just remembered I have something to tell you.

Reimu

Hmm, I get that you wanna help them both.

Reimu

But I can't have them using my shrine like that. Tell them to go somewhere else.

Aunn

Just make sure they don't take you anywhere dangerous...

Aunn

Moriya Shrine or Myouren Temple would both work, but they're both super busy.

Reimu

Yeah... So are we, though!

Reimu

Especially in December!

Well, thanks for giving me permission to go out!

I'll go talk to Miss Seiga and Miss Keiki!

Reimu

All right. Just be careful.

Wait, I almost forgot!

Aunn

Almost forgot what?

I bought you Christmas presents in the village!

I hope you like them!

Aunn

For real?! Thanks, Miss PLAYER!

Reimu

Y-You got one for me, too?

Reimu

...Thanks.

Keiki

Hey, PLAYER. Perfect timing.

Keiki

Seiga just said I could bake cakes in her Senkai.

Seiga

She was the one who made the sets of four miniature monkeys Lady Miko gave me.

Seiga

Which means without her, there'd be no miniature monkey bath bombs.

Seiga

I'd been meaning to thank her, and now I've found the perfect way to do it.

That's great!

Reimu just said I can go with you guys!

Seiga

How wonderful!

Let's find Yoshika an awesome present!

Let me know if you need any extra help, Miss Keiki!

Keiki

Thanks. I'll take all the help I can get.

Seiga

OK then, let's head to my Senkai.

Meanwhile, outside the Human Village...

Mayumi

I wonder where Lady Keiki is... I heard she was here during the day, but it's getting pretty late.

Mayumi

Then again, I've looked all over Gensokyo and still haven't found her. I guess I should check the village just in case...

???

Hey, you! Can I ask you something?

Mayumi

Huh?

Mayumi

S-Sure, go ahead...!

???

Thanks. All I wanna know is...

Yoshika

Have you seen Seiga?

Mayumi

...Wait, I know you!

Yoshika

So you're looking for your master, too, huh? I hope we find her and Seiga in one of these shops!

Mayumi

Yep. Just finding someone who's seen them would be good enough, though.

Mayumi

It's kinda strange we bumped into each other like this.

Yoshika

You said it. I was feeling pretty lonely before...

Yoshika

But now I'm having tons of fun searching for our masters with you!

Mayumi

Hehe, me too!

Mayumi

All right, let's check all the shops that are still open.

Yoshika

Basically all the shops are closed, and there's no sign of Seiga or Keiki!

Mayumi

I guess they're not in the village.

Mayumi

I don't know where else they could be though... You got any ideas, Yoshika?

Yoshika

Hmm, lemme think...

Yoshika

She's probably going around delivering presents. We should check some of the other houses in Gensokyo!

Mayumi

OK, let's visit the youkai and magicians who live nearby.

Yoshika

...Whoa, what's that? All the lights are so shiny and pretty!

Mayumi

Yeah... They're nothing like the lights in the Animal Realm.

Mayumi

They're beautiful.

???

Yep! They twinkle just like stars, don't you think?!

Miyoi

Miss Aya told me the kappa made them to celebrate Christmas!

Mayumi

No kidding? They make this place feel... magical.

Yoshika

Yeah, but... you sure made me jump calling out to us like that!

Miyoi

I did?! My bad!

Yoshika

It's fine. Even if my heart exploded from shock, it wouldn't make a difference.

Mayumi

As a haniwa, I guess I'd be fine, too.

Miyoi

U-Umm, that's cool. Sounds like you two have a lot in common!

Yoshika & Mayumi

(I guess we do, huh?)

Miyoi

But this is hardly the place to stand and chit-chat. Plus, I'm betting you're hungry.

Miyoi

It looks like you're in a rush, but there's always time for a hot snack. And my pub serves some super yummy ones!

Mayumi

Thanks, but you'll be closing soon, no? We don't wanna be a pain...

Miyoi

Hehe, don't sweat it! The night is young for Sanshoku Geidontei!

Mayumi

Really? I guess we could come in for a while...

Yoshika

C'mon, Mayumi! A hot snack'll give us the boost we need!

Mayumi

Y-Yoshika, wait uuuup!

Miyoi

I'll set up a table for two!

Mayumi

We ended up staying longer than I'd planned, but the food was delicious.

Yoshika

Uh-huh! My belly feels all warm and full.

Mayumi

Hehe, mine too.

Mayumi

I know I'm one of Lady Keiki's soldiers, but maybe she'd like it if I learned to cook...

Yoshika

Whoa, good idea! If I learned too, I could make stuff for Seiga!

Mayumi

For now, we'd better focus on finding them.

Yoshika

I hope they're not too far. Let's give it all we got!

???

...

While Yoshika and Mayumi were in the Human Village, in Seiga's Senkai...

Keiki

You didn't tell me there was a proper kitchen. It'll be easy to bake cakes here.

Seiga

Hehe, I'm glad to hear it.

Seiga

From what I saw, you finished making the batter for your Christmas cakes back at Hakurei Shrine, right?

Keiki

Yep. I'm actually making Christmas cakes AND doll cakes, though.

Seiga

(D-Doll cakes? Maybe it's better not to ask...)

Seiga

All right, let me just check in with Yoshika, then we can get going again.

Sounds good.

I'll give Miss Keiki a hand in the meantime!

Keiki

Thanks. That should really speed things along.

Seiga

Where on earth is Yoshika?

Seiga

I checked the guest area, the stage... Maybe she's hiding somewhere.

Seiga

Yoshika! Yoshikaaaaa!

Seiga

...

Seiga

Something's not right here. It's almost as if...

Seiga

No, she can't have... left the Senkai?!

Seiga

This isn't good! I have to find her!

Keiki

Do you mind giving me a hand, Seiga?

Seiga

Sorry, something happened with Yoshika. I have to leave―

Seiga

...What's going on here?

Keiki

The doll cakes I made started moving. I was hoping you could help me get them under control.

Seiga

This might be a silly question...

Seiga

But what have doll cakes...

Seiga

Got to do with Christmas?!

Meanwhile, Yoshika and Mayumi continued looking for their masters...

Yoshika

We're at the Youkai Mountain and we still haven't found them. Plenty of people live here, but not in houses...

Mayumi

Well, it's still worth taking a look around.

Mayumi

We checked the magician's house, the puppeteer's house, and all the other houses we could find...

Mayumi

But Seiga could be taking a break outside somewhere, or giving out presents in a place you wouldn't expect.

Yoshika

You're right. And maybe there are more than just shrines on the mountain...

Yoshika

Besides, I'm sure Seiga wants to give presents to everyone, even if they don't live in a house!

Mayumi

O-Oh yeah?

Mayumi

In that case, let's leave no stone unturned. You never know where we might find a clue.

Yoshika

Youkai Mountain, get ready to be explored―

Mayumi

What's up, Yoshika?

Yoshika

I just wanted to say try not to ruin your new outfit on the mountain. It's so cute!

Mayumi

R-Right back at you... Careful it doesn't get dirty!

Yoshika

Good advice! Seiga gave me this outfit. I'd hate to mess it up!

Yoshika

All right, let's go!

Yoshika

...Look, a house!

Mayumi

Oh yeah! Let's go chat to whoever lives there.

Yoshika

Who knows, Seiga might be in there!

Mayumi

Excuse me, is anybody home?

Yoshika

If you don't come to the door soon, we'll have to smash it down!

???

My, my... Who do we have here?

Letty

What are you doing here on this snowy night? Did you get lost on the mountain?

Letty

Sorry... I don't know where your masters and PLAYER are.

Mayumi

Don't worry. We shouldn't have barged in on you like that. You were even kind enough to serve us tea...

Letty

It was my pleasure. I love serving guests.

Letty

I know neither of you can die from the cold, but it wouldn't have been right of me to send you back out into the snow...

Letty

Besides, I know Yoshika from Seiga's social club. Inviting a friend in for tea is one of life's simple pleasures.

Yoshika

Wow, you're so nice. I'm glad it was your house we barged into.

Letty

Hehe, you're welcome to stay as long as you like.

Yoshika & Mayumi

Thanks!

Letty

I know you said you were searching for your masters, but it's so late at night... What's going on?

Letty

You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.

Letty

It's just...

Letty

Maybe talking everything through will help. If you change your mind, I'll be happy to listen.

Yoshika & Mayumi

...

Letty

*encouraging smile*

Yoshika

I disobeyed Seiga's orders. It wasn't written on my ofuda, though, so I guess you'd say... I broke a promise.

Yoshika

She told me to stay in her Senkai, but I was bored and lonely...

Yoshika

So I decided to go look for her.

Yoshika

I wanna deliver presents with her and PLAYER.

Yoshika

But if Seiga finds out, she might get mad...

Mayumi

Yoshika...

Yoshika

They say only good kids get presents... which means I don't think I'll be getting any.

Yoshika

I don't want too many. Just one from Seiga would be enough.

Mayumi

You're right, she might get mad at you...

Mayumi

But only because she cares about you and wants you to be safe.

Mayumi

We haven't spent that much time together yet, but from what I've seen...

Mayumi

I'm positive that you're a good kid.

Yoshika

Mayumi...

Yoshika

Thanks!

Mayumi

On second thought... Maybe I'm just saying that 'cause I want you to get lots of presents.

Mayumi

I disobeyed orders, too... Lady Keiki's orders.

Mayumi

When she left me in charge of the Primate Spirit Garden, I was so happy.

Mayumi

But I also really wanted to go with her and I couldn't figure out why she wouldn't let me.

Yoshika

So you went to look for your master, too, huh?

Yoshika

Turns out we're both here for the same reason.

Mayumi

Yep. Lady Keiki's going to be so disappointed in me...

Mayumi

She might even decide she doesn't need me anymore. It's not like I'm the only haniwa soldier she has.

Yoshika

That'll never happen!

Mayumi

H-How can you be so sure?

Yoshika

'Cause you're loyal. Maybe you shoulda stayed put, but wanting to be with your master isn't a bad thing.

Yoshika

It's a soldier's duty to protect their master, even if they have to go against orders. Trust me, I'm a soldier, too... kinda!

Yoshika

On second thought...

Yoshika

Maybe I'm just saying that to be nice. Like how you said all that nice stuff about me.

Yoshika

Buuuut, on third thought... maybe I said it 'cause I wanted to see you smile!

Mayumi

Hehe... Thanks, Yoshika.

Letty

You two have so much in common. It's wonderful to see you getting along.

Yoshika & Mayumi

So much in common...

Miyoi

Sounds like you two have a lot in common!

Yoshika & Mayumi

Yeah, I guess you're right.

Letty

Now, have you two figured out what you have to do?

Yoshika & Mayumi

Hmmm...

Mayumi

We need to show our loyalty.

Yoshika

But to do that, we need orders to follow.

Letty

If you ask me...

Letty

Loyalty is about more than just following orders.

Mayumi

So what should we do?

Letty

It's simple.

Letty

If you think you've done something wrong, you should apologize, and try not to do it again.

Letty

I'm sure Seiga and Keiki care about you both more than you realize.

Letty

That's why they gave you those outfits, and why they trusted you enough to leave you on your own.

Letty

You need to find them right away.

Letty

You might be scared, but once you see them, you'll feel a lot better.

Yoshika

C'mon, Mayumi. Let's go find our masters.

Mayumi

Uh-huh. That's the first step to showing them our loyalty.

Yoshika

Thanks for all your help, Letty.

Mayumi

You were right―it did help to talk everything through. Thank you so much.

Letty

Hehe, you're welcome. Good luck out there.

Letty

I hope you find your way.

Yoshika

Is that...?

Mayumi

It's PLAYER! Which means Miss Seiga might be nearby!

Yoshika

You're right! Heeeeey, PLAYER!

Yoshika, Mayumi! We're all out looking for you!

Miss Seiga and Miss Keiki are worried. Let's go.

Mayumi

Th-They are? I can't believe YOU were looking for US!

Yoshika

Now I feel even worse for leaving the Senkai.

Mayumi

You said you're all out looking for us, right? Where are our masters?

We split up, so I don't actually know...

But we chose a place to meet later. Let's go there!

Yoshika

Sounds good!

Yoshika

Wait... How did Seiga realize I was missing if she was out delivering presents?

Mayumi

Good point.

Mayumi

And how did Lady Keiki know I was missing? Did she go back to the Primate Spirit Garden?

Someone saw you and told them.

Yoshika & Mayumi

...Who?

A few hours earlier, in Seiga's Senkai...

Seiga

Is Yoshika really not here?

Keiki

I looked around, but I couldn't find her anywhere.

Seiga

She must've left for some reason...

Seiga

PLAYER, I'm putting the present delivery on hold to look for her. Will you help?

Of course!

Do you have any idea where she might be?

Seiga

Honestly, no―

???

Sounds like you could use some help, then.

Seiga

What are you doing here...

Seiga

Okina Matara?

Okina

Was it so wrong of me to stop by my favorite social club to take a break from delivering presents?

Okina

...Relax, everyone. The real reason I'm here is to tell you something.

Okina

...

Okina

Not so long ago, I saw Yoshika and Mayumi leaving the Human Village. It seemed like they were looking for you.

Keiki & Seiga

S-Say what?!

Okina

I'd hate for my two adorable servants to be wandering out in the cold looking for me like that. I had to tell you what I saw.

Keiki

Why didn't you just bring them here with you?

Okina

I thought about doing just that. But...

Okina

Perhaps going to find them yourselves would be better... for everyone.

Okina

That said, they looked awfully lonely out there. I hope you're reunited soon.

Seiga

What's that sage's deal? ...Although, I'm grateful she came.

Keiki

Agreed. Thanks to her, I know Mayumi's here in Gensokyo. I'm going to stop baking cakes to look for her.

Why don't we split up and look for both of them?

That way, we'll find them in no time!

Seiga

Good idea. But first, let's decide on a rendezvous point.

Seiga

If we split up, there's no telling how far apart we might wander.

Keiki

We should agree to meet somewhere after a set amount of time, but where?

Seiga

I know just the place...

Mayumi

Miss Okina saw us, huh? I had no idea.

Yoshika

So you're saying if we go to the rendezvous point, we'll find our masters?!

Yoshika

What are we waiting for? Let's go!

Mayumi

We're right behind you!

Yoshika

What's with all these spirits and fairies? I guess Christmas has got them all excited.

Mayumi

...

Yoshika

Your bullets are looking a little lack-luster, Mayumi... Are you OK?

Mayumi

It's nothing. It's just...

Mayumi

I still can't forgive myself for disobeying Lady Keiki's orders... I feel weaker than ever.

Mayumi

I'm sorry... but I need your help.

If it's help you need, it's help you'll get!

Yoshika

Yeah, what she said!

Mayumi

Th-Thank you!

Mayumi

(These two helped me out in that last battle, but me losing all my strength must mean...)

Mayumi

(No.)

Mayumi

(I still lack loyalty. That's all.)

Mayumi

(If I can hold my head up high as Lady Keiki's servant again, I'm sure my strength will come back.)

Mayumi

(I just need to find her―)

Yoshika

Mayumi, what's the matter? Have you got a tummy ache or something?

Mayumi

N-No! It's nothing like that...

Mayumi

Wow, it's already so late. We better get back to Lady Keiki and Miss Seiga!

Yoshika

Yep. Tonight's our only chance to get presents...

Yoshika

If we wait till morning, it'll be too late!

Mayumi

Haha... You're right.

Yoshika

I gotta be good and apologize. Only good kids get presents, you know?!

Mayumi

(I was so focused on loyalty that I didn't realize...)

Mayumi

(I haven't been a good kid.)

Mayumi

...

Yoshika

Are you sure you're all right, Mayumi? You're not getting tired, are you?

Mayumi

Oh, uhh, it's not that...

Mayumi

We decided to go back to our masters and apologize for disobeying their orders...

Mayumi

But I'm kinda scared.

Yoshika

Of Keiki?

Mayumi

Not exactly...

Mayumi

It's just... I doubt she has any use for soldiers who disobey orders.

Mayumi

And if that turns out to be the case, I...

Yoshika

Mayumi...

Mayumi

I'm not sure I have any right to go back to her.

Yoshika

If Seiga yelled at me and told me to leave, I'd be super sad.

Yoshika

So I get why you're scared.

Yoshika

But you gotta go see her and ask what she thinks! And I gotta do the same!

Mayumi

Y-You're right. Asking her directly is better than staying here and worrying!

Yoshika

Even though I'm a jiang shi, I disobeyed Seiga's orders.

Yoshika

But maybe Seiga doesn't see it that way. Maybe if I apologize, she'll forgive me!

Mayumi

I suppose. But what if...

Mayumi

What if she doesn't forgive you?

Mayumi

What if she tells you she doesn't actually need you?

Mayumi

That's what I'm afraid of... Finding out what Lady Keiki really thinks of me.

Yoshika

...

Mayumi

Th-The wind is so strong!

Yoshika

"A river of tears flows. In what direction, no one knows. Only when the river dries, will the riverbed see sunrise."

Mayumi

...What?

Yoshika

Hmm, something about how you'll never know what's on the riverbed till the river stops...

Yoshika

You can stare at the river all you like, but you'll never see the riverbed.

Yoshika

Your tears are in the way.

Yoshika

Mayumi...

Yoshika

So long as you're crying, you'll never see the riverbed.

Yoshika

...You'll never understand why your tears are flowing.

Yoshika

That's why...

Yoshika

They won't stop welling up.

Mayumi

W-Was I... crying?

Yoshika

My guess'd be that you couldn't keep all the loneliness and confusion inside anymore.

Mayumi

I think you're right...

Yoshika

The answer to whether Seiga and Keiki will forgive us is also on the riverbed. And we can't see it from here.

Yoshika

And unless we find them, we never will. The river of tears will never stop flowing.

Mayumi

...

Yoshika

So let's go find them together!

Yoshika

Things might not turn out how you hope, but that's OK.

Mayumi

How is that OK...?

Yoshika

Because me and PLAYER will still be your friends!

Yoshika

You'll never be lonely again!

Mayumi

...

Mayumi

Hehe, you're right. I'm lucky to have you both.

I'm glad to be able to call you my friends!

Besides...

Your masters will definitely forgive you.

I can't tell you everything yet...

But they're both planning a surprise for you.

You've got nothing to worry about.

Mayumi

Thanks, guys.

Mayumi

I feel much better now. Let's get going.

Yoshika

Quick, before PLAYER catches a cold!

Yoshika

More fairies! Can't they see we're in a hurry?!

Mayumi

PLAYER, Yoshika. Leave them to me.

Yoshika

Are you sure about this, Mayumi?!

Mayumi

Yep. I feel stronger than ever.

Yoshika

All right. But don't forget, we're here if you need help!

Mayumi

I won't.

Mayumi

I did it! I beat them all!

Yoshika

I knew you could do it!

Meanwhile...

Seiga

Any luck?

Keiki

No, there was no sign of them.

Keiki

When I left the Primate Spirit Garden, I told Mayumi I was headed for the Human Village.

Keiki

So that's where I looked... but I didn't find her or Yoshika.

Seiga

*sigh* I'm starting to get a little worried about PLAYER, too...

Seiga

I hope all three of them are all right.

Keiki

Me too...

Keiki & Seiga

...

Seiga

Come to think of it...

Seiga

Why did Yoshika and Mayumi go against our orders?

Keiki

Orders? I don't remember giving Mayumi any orders...

Keiki

What is important is that I have to back to the surface for a while.

Mayumi

I'll come with you!

Keiki

N-No... I need you to stay here.

Mayumi

For real?!

Keiki

Don't worry, I won't be gone long.

Mayumi

O-OK. Just let me know when you're leaving.

Keiki

She takes her job very seriously. I suppose she might've assumed I was ordering her to stay put.

Seiga

Hmm, this keeps making less and less sense.

Keiki

How do you mean?

Seiga

Yoshika and Mayumi are both loyal. So when they receive orders...

Keiki

You're right. There's no way they'd disobey them.

Keiki

But they must've. Otherwise, they wouldn't be missing.

Seiga

I agree. As I see it, there are two possible explanations.

Seiga

Either there was something so important that it warranted disobeying orders...

Seiga

Or...

Seiga

Something happened that made them question their loyalty.

Keiki

No way! If that were true, then―

Keiki & Seiga

Mayumi! Yoshika!

Miss Seiga, Miss Keiki! You're already here!

Seiga

PLAYER, I'm glad to see you're safe.

Keiki

Great job finding Mayumi and Yoshika.

Yoshika & Mayumi

Umm, Seiga... Umm, Lady Keiki...

Yoshika & Mayumi

I'm sorry I disobeyed your orders!

Seiga

It's OK. I'm just glad to see you again.

Keiki

It doesn't look like you're hurt at all. What a relief.

Yoshika

Sooo, PLAYER told us you were both planning a surprise for us...

Mayumi

Oh, yeah. Can you tell us what it is yet?

Keiki

I suppose if you really wanna know...

Seiga

It seems like they do. Besides, there's no use in hiding it anymore.

Yoshika

So you were looking for a present for me...

Mayumi

And, Lady Keiki, you were going to throw a surprise Christmas party for me.

Seiga

Yes. I wanted to keep it a secret, though. That way, you'd be even more excited to receive it.

Keiki

And I figured that being invited to a party out of the blue would be much more exciting for you.

Mayumi

I can't believe you'd go through all that trouble for us...!

Yoshika

But...

Yoshika

We were lonely without you.

Yoshika

You gave us orders to stay where we were without telling us how long you'd be gone―

Mayumi

Or why you were leaving.

Mayumi

We figured you had no use for us anymore.

Keiki & Seiga

Had no use for you...?

Keiki & Seiga

Are you crazy?!

Yoshika & Mayumi

Huh?!

Seiga

O-Oops, that came out wrong.

Keiki

Y-Yeah, we didn't mean that...

Seiga

We owe you an apology.

Seiga

We thought that keeping you in the dark would make our surprises even more... surprising!

Keiki

But we never stopped to think how that'd make you feel.

Keiki

We didn't mean to hurt you like that.

Seiga

No. But it was that hurt that caused you to venture out into the snow to find us...

Keiki & Seiga

We're so sorry.

Mayumi

O-Oh, uhh... you don't need to apologize. After all, none of this would've happened if we'd followed your orders.

Yoshika

...

Yoshika

Take this!

Seiga

Eek! Was that... a snowball?

Mayumi

Y-Yoshika?! What's gotten into you!?

Yoshika

...

Yoshika

...

Umm, why'd you throw a snowball at Miss Seiga?

Yoshika

'Cause my head's a bit of a mess right now, but I figured giving her a face full of snow might help...

Yoshika

...And also that it'd let her know exactly how I feel!

Everyone

Huh?!

Yoshika

I guess what I'm tryna say is...

Yoshika

Seiga, never leave me again!

Seiga

Eeeeeek!

Seiga

So you're throwing snowballs to express yourself, huh? Hehe, not bad.

Seiga

Let's see here...

Seiga

I was so scared I'd lost you forever!

Yoshika

Waaah!

Yoshika

All right!

Yoshika

I was worried that you'd never come back!

Keiki & Mayumi

...

Here, Mayumi. I made you some snowballs!

Go on. Throw them at Miss Keiki!

Mayumi

What?! I can't do that...!

Don't worry, she won't be mad!

It'll do you both some good to express yourselves!

Mayumi

I'm grateful you trust me to keep the Primate Spirit Garden safe...

Mayumi

B-But...

Mayumi

I wanted to go to the Human Village with you!

Keiki

Huh?!

Mayumi

L-Lady Keiki! I didn't mean to throw it that hard...!

Keiki

Hehe, I didn't think you were capable of something like this. You really are my finest creation!

Mayumi

Lady Keiki...!

Keiki

Mayumi. If you really want us to go everywhere together...

Keiki

Then that's just what we'll do!

Mayumi

Yippee!

Keiki

And if I ever break you, I'll fix you right away, no matter the time or place.

Mayumi

Thank you so much!

(She's not planning to break her... right?!)

(Mayumi looks happy, so I guess it's fine...?)

Seiga

Snowball fights are fun...

Yoshika

But battles of bullets are better!

Mayumi

You can't have a battle here!

Keiki

Sure they can. Just this once.

Keiki

In fact, why don't we join them?!

Mayumi

OK... I guess I'll try expressing myself with bullets this time!

Keiki

Hehe, I wouldn't mind battling like this again sometime.

Mayumi

It was actually pretty fun!

Yoshika

Yep. I feel a whole lot better now!

Seiga

That's enough snowball fights and battles of bullets for one Christmas. Let's all go home.

Yoshika & Mayumi

U-Umm...

Seiga

What now, you two?

Mayumi

W-Well, we defied your orders...

Yoshika

Then hit you with snowballs and bullets...

Yoshika & Mayumi

Are we really allowed to go with you?

Keiki

Of course you are. Why else do you think we were looking for you?

Keiki & Seiga

Come on.

Yoshika & Mayumi

Yay!

PLAYER found Yoshika and Mayumi and brought them back to their masters.

With everyone in high spirits once again, they all went to their respective homes.

...Actually, scrap that last part. It turns out they all went back to Seiga's Senkai.

Mayumi

Umm, is it really all right for us to be here?

Seiga

You bet it is. Any friend of Yoshika's is a friend of mine.

Seiga

Besides, Keiki hasn't finished yet.

Yoshika

Finished what?

Keiki

Getting ready for...

Keiki & Seiga

The Christmas party!

Yoshika & Mayumi

C-Christmas party?!

Keiki

I haven't quite finished baking the cakes. Will you two give me a hand?

Yoshika & Mayumi

Sure thing!

Yoshika

Baking together was so much fun!

Mayumi

We made Christmas cakes and doll cakes... and they all look delicious!

Mayumi

The doll cakes are even shaped like haniwa!

Keiki

Hehe, I'm glad you like them. I knew making doll cakes was a good idea.

Yoshika

Psst, Seiga. Why did she wanna make doll cakes? And what's with the color?

Seiga

Everyone has their quirks. At least this time they're not moving...

The cakes are sliced and ready to be eaten!

They're in that booth over there!

Seiga

Oh, really? In that case, let's go!

Keiki

Shall we get the party started?

Keiki

Thanks for helping, my haniwa soldiers. There's enough cake for all of you. Here, help yourselves.

Mayumi

This is also to thank you for your hard work this year. Let us know how they taste.

Mayumi

(Huh... Why aren't they eating them? Is it because they look just like haniwa...?)

Seiga

In the end, that outfit was the only present I could give you. I looked all over Gensokyo for something else, but...

Yoshika

What do you mean? I got tons of presents.

Seiga

You did?

Yoshika

I got this outfit, you went out in the cold looking for me, we had a big snowball fight...

Yoshika

Oh, and me and Mayumi became friends!

Seiga

Yoshika...

Yoshika

Even if they're not regular presents, I'm super happy with all of them!

Seiga

I'm glad to hear it. All I wanted was for you to enjoy Christmas.

Keiki

I'm glad too.

Mayumi

I agree with Yoshika. It doesn't matter what kind of presents you get. What matters is the thought behind them.

Seiga

Hehe, you're right. I never thought I'd learn that lesson now, though. Not with how many presents I've already given out.

Seiga

But I'm glad I did. It's almost like a Christmas miracle.

Keiki

Speaking of miracles, it's lucky we all found each other. Even after you two bumped into PLAYER...

Keiki

You did a great job coming straight to the rendezvous point without getting lost in the snow.

Mayumi

Well, actually...

Meanwhile...

Tenshi

Wow, these Christmas lights are so pretty!

Tenshi

That reminds me! Iku, when we get back, I want some peach-flavored Christmas cake!

Iku

Hehe, I thought you'd say that. Don't worry, I bought you an extra large one.

Tenshi

Nice one! Let's give some to Shion, too!

Tenshi

So anyway, how come you decided to help those guys on their way?

Iku

You mean Miss PLAYER and the others? I couldn't just let them wander around in the snow.

Tenshi

I get why you helped PLAYER, but what about the haniwa and the jiang shi?

Tenshi

That jiang shi's master―you know, the wicked hermit―was acting pretty suspicious, no?

Iku

You're right about that...

Seiga

Hmm, we've been to every house in the Human Village, and we still haven't found anything for Yoshika.

Iku

But after thinking about what she said, I realized she probably wasn't up to no good.

Iku

In fact, I have a feeling she was trying to do something nice.

Iku

Besides, if there were ever a day to give people the benefit of the doubt...

Tenshi

Hmm, you really think we should let this slide?

Iku

I do. When you find someone you truly care about, I'm sure you'll understand.

Iku

Now, I think we've had quite enough fun down here. It's time to head home!

Tenshi

You're right. Let's go!

Like snow, wishes are fleeting. It's no unusual thing for them to fade into the night without ever coming true.

But every now and then, a miracle occurs.

And when it does, the river of tears dries up, and the riverbed shows itself to all who dare to look.

And so the story of two masters and their two servants ended.

The winter winds howled, but there was warmth in the air that night...

???

...up, PLAYER.

???

Wake up, PLAYER.

*yawn* What do you―

Koishi & Kokoro

Happy New Year!

H-Happy New Year!

Wait a sec... What are you two doing here?!

Koishi & Kokoro

To surprise you, of course! And it worked!

Koishi

My kimono's pretty cute, right? Satori's wearing one just like it!

Kokoro

Oh, I also came here 'cause there's something I want you to help me find... *nom nom*

Kokoro

Whoa, 'eck owt vhat feese pull!

There's cheese in that thing?! So streeetchy!

A-Are you OK, Kokoro?!

Kokoro

I'm fine. It's just a little tricky to talk with a mouth full of cheese.

Koishi

Those face cakes are so cool!

Kokoro

They're mask cakes. Cheese-stuffed mask-of-hope cakes to be exact.

Kokoro

It's not like I only eat things shaped like masks, though...

Oh, before I forget...

What is it you want me to help you find?

Koishi & Kokoro

I'd forgotten about that!

Koishi

The thing is...

Koishi

Hmm, where should we start, Kokoro?

Kokoro

From when we bumped into each other? Or from a little before that?

Koishi

That'd be from just after I left the palace.

Koishi

But if we go a little further back, we could tell PLAYER about us getting these kimono made!

Kokoro

Ooooh, let's do that, let's do that!

(I'm glad they're both so cheerful...)

(But I feel like this conversation's going backward.)

???

Miss PLAYER!

Reimu

Hey, PLAYER, what's with all the shouting?

Reimu

...Wait, how did these two get in here?!

Kokoro

I said hello to you, but I guess you were too busy to hear me...

Kokoro

As I strolled in...

Kokoro

Through the front door!

Koishi

Yep, that's how I got in, too.

Koishi

We've been here a while already. There's no point getting mad now!

Reimu

It's a nightmare getting the shrine ready for all the New Year's visitors, but I can't believe I let you both slip by me...

Aunn

I know I was helping too, but I should've caught them. I'm a failure of a komainu.

Koishi & Kokoro

We're pretty sneaky, huh?!

Reimu

*eye-roll* So go on, why are you here? It must have something to do with PLAYER.

Koishi

Oh right, we were about to explain!

Reimu

Right, so basically...

Reimu

Koishi wanted to go out with Satori in their new matching kimono, so she wandered up to Gensokyo...

Reimu

Which is where she bumped into Kokoro, who was eating a strange cake while wearing the kimono she got from Miko.

Reimu

Then you both came here to ask PLAYER to help you find... something.

Reimu

Phew, that was a long story!

Reimu

And we still don't know what you're looking for!

Koishi

Was it really that long?

Aunn

Kinda... You coulda skipped straight to the part about PLAYER.

Well, it seems like they need my help...

Is it OK if I go with them for a while?

Reimu

I'm still mad at them for sneaking into the shrine, but I know you can't resist helping people in need.

Reimu

Fine, you can help them.

Reimu

But come back earlier than you did on Christmas Eve!

O-OK! I promise I'll be back soon!

(Seems like she gets really worried when I'm gone...)

Kokoro

All right! Let's do this, PLAYER!

Koishi

Sounds like it's time to go!

Aunn

Be careful out there! And good luck!

Koishi

Wow, there are so many stalls!

Kokoro

I guess they were all getting ready before, but they're open now.

Koishi

Which one should we go to first?

Wh-What about the thing you're looking for?

(Gotta keep them focused or I'll be out late again!)

Koishi

Oh yeah! Let's search around here first!

You mean you wanna search all the stalls here...?

Wait, what is it we're even looking for?

Kokoro

Hehehe...

Kokoro

More of these mask cakes!

Koishi

I wanna try one too, but we don't know where they're selling them! I asked Kokoro to share hers with me...

Kokoro

'ut wif all vhis feese, it's 'inda impovvible!

I-I guess that makes sense...!

Where did you buy yours, Kokoro?

Kokoro

I actually got given it, so I have no idea where to buy more.

Miko

Hm, that kimono really suits you. I'm glad I had it made for you at Kourindou.

Miko

I'd love to see you perform some sarugaku, but perhaps it'd be tough for you to move around in that.

Kokoro

It'll be fine. I'll give you a quick performance to say thank you!

Miko

That was truly wonderful. Next time, why don't you put on a show for everyone?

Kokoro

Will do!

Miko

Here, take one of these. Futo and Tojiko just finished baking them.

Miko

They're called...

Miko

Cheese-stuffed mask-of-hope cakes! Or mask cakes for short!

Kokoro

W-Wow, it's delicious! Thanks.

Kokoro

(Why are they shaped like masks of hope?!)

Kokoro

(Actually, who cares?)

Kokoro

(They're just so yummy...)

Kokoro

And that's why I have no idea where to buy more.

Koishi

I wanna buy some for Satori AND Okuu AND Orin!

So you got that one at the Divine Spirit Mausoleum?

I sure hope we can buy more somewhere!

Kokoro

That reminds me...

Kokoro

Lady Taishi said they were selling them to the stall owners, so I figured we'd find some around here somewhere.

Koishi

Oh, and we went to the mausoleum to see if we could get some more for free...

Koishi

But there was no one there!

It'd be great if we could find some here!

Koishi

Right?! Let's take a good look around!

Koishi & Kokoro

We didn't find any!

Koishi

I thought at least one stall would be selling them! Maybe there's a tiny stall inside the offering box...?

???

No way anyone would do something that weird!

Marisa

Even the inchling wouldn't do that. Especially not if that amanojaku was helping her.

Sanae

Yeah, you're right...

Sanae

But finding something unexpected inside an offering box is what New Year's is all about!

Marisa

(I-Is it?)

Koishi

It's Marisa and Sanae!

Koishi & Kokoro

Happy New Year!

Marisa

Right back at ya!

Sanae

And to you, too!

Kokoro

Wait, are those...

Kokoro

Cheese-stuffed mask-of-hope cakes?!

Sanae

Is that what they're called? I guess they do look like masks.

Marisa

Who cares what they're called or what they look like? They're delicious!

Koishi & Kokoro

...

Marisa

What's the matter? Bakeneko got your tongue?

Kokoro

Tell us where you bought those!

Koishi

Yeah, and give us a New Year's battle of bullets while you're at it!

Marisa & Sanae

Are you serious?!

Marisa

A battle of bullets on New Year's Day, huh? I guess that's one way to start the year off.

Sanae

W-Well, it was a good way to burn off all the snacks we ate!

Sanae

Speaking of, you said you were looking for mask cakes, right?

Koishi

Uh-huh! Did you buy them at a stall near here?

Marisa

Nope, we got 'em in the Human Village. They caught our eye as we were passing through.

Koishi

No wonder we still haven't found any...

Sanae

What's the matter, Miss Kokoro? Wanna bite of mine?

Kokoro

Has it got cheese in it?

Sanae

Cheese?

Kokoro

Although if it did, you'd be talking like I was before.

Kokoro

A bwit like vhis!

Marisa

N-No, sorry. There weren't any cheese ones.

Sanae

H-Here lemme show you. We got...

Sanae

Red bean paste ones!

Koishi & Kokoro

Red bean paste?!

[The reader is encouraged to imagine a face... broken in two... with red bean paste poking out of both halves...]

Kokoro

Whoa... I didn't expect that.

Sanae

A-Are you all right? I only wanted to show you what was inside.

Marisa

A-Anyway... If you want some like this, we can show you where we bought 'em.

Koishi

Hmm, they do look good... but I think I still want one of the ones Kokoro has.

Koishi

She made the stretchy cheese look so yummy!

Kokoro

If anyfing, vhe cheeve is 'OO 'etchy!

Koishi

But isn't that part of the fun? Seeing how far you can stretch it before it snaps!

Koishi

You can try stretching it all the way to Former Hell!

Koishi

Then onto the Remains of Blazing Hell to make some cheese fondue!

Kokoro

We'll have to be careful it doesn't bubble over and drown us in cheese!

Koishi

For real? I was so excited for fondue!

So, do you wanna head to the village?

Maybe we'll find some cheese mask cakes there!

Kokoro

We'll check every store in the whole village!

Koishi

Let's go! C'mon, PLAYER, keep up!

Marisa

Yikes. Good luck, PLAYER...

Koishi

We checked this store and that store...

Kokoro

And the one over there and the one behind that one...

Koishi & Kokoro

But still no cheese-stuffed mask cakes!

Koishi

We found so many other types...

Koishi

Custard mask cakes, matcha mask cakes, berry mask cakes... The mochi ones were stretchy, but not stretchy enough.

Kokoro

Some of them definitely weren't shaped like masks of hope, either. I even saw one that looked like this―my hannya mask.

Koishi

Did you see the names? There were "evil-warding lion mask cakes," "secret god cakes," and loads of other weird ones...

Koishi

What's going on here?! There are as many types as you have masks!

Kokoro

If I bought one of each, I could put on a 66 mask cake show!

Hmm, it looks like no one's selling the cheese ones...

Why don't we ask someone who knows about cakes?!

Koishi

Nice idea! Someone like that might be able to help us!

Koishi

And I know just the right someone! Follow me!

Kokoro

We're right behind you!

Kokoro

So... is there someone who knows all about cakes in this mansion?

Koishi

Well, the tea and sweets here are always super yummy, so I bet the head maid can help us!

Koishi

Who knows, she might already be making, like, Scarlet Devil Mansion mask cakes!

Kokoro

With our luck, I doubt it! Let's just head for the kitchen!

The kitchen? What about Miss Sakuya?!

W-Wait up!

Kokoro

Hmm... I don't see any mask cakes.

Koishi

And after we came all this way! Let's look a little more before throwing in the towel!

Kokoro

You're right. Maybe there's some place we didn't check!

Koishi

What do we have here? Still no mask cakes, but these sweets look amazing!

Kokoro

You said it! It's like an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet just for us!

???

I prepared that selection of sweets for the mistresses...

Sakuya

To think you three would sneak in here to steal it. I'll have to reprimand Meiling for this later.

I-It's Miss Sakuya! Remilia and Flan, too!

H-Happy New Year!

Remilia

You came all this way to wish us a happy new year? How kind.

Flandre

Happy New Year to you, too, PLAYER! But, uhh...

Remilia

Who said that satori youkai and menreiki could eat our sweets?

Kokoro

They just looked so good... *nom nom*

Koishi

Hehe, your sweets really are the best, Sakuya! Here, wanna try some, Flandre?

Flandre

What do you mean "try some"?! Those are OUR sweets!

Koishi & Kokoro

Oh yeah!

Sakuya

It seems like you both want a good telling-off to start the year, huh?

Koishi

N-No, we don't!

Flandre

Normally, I'd let you get away with stuff like this, but not today!

Remilia

...Get them, Sakuya!

Sakuya

Understood. In fact...

Sakuya

Let's do this all together!

Remilia & Flandre

Why together?!

Remilia

Mask-of-hope cakes? Sorry, we don't make those here.

Sakuya

Which means we definitely aren't selling any.

Sakuya

But come to think of it, I saw some stalls selling cakes like that outside the village.

Koishi & Kokoro

You did?!

Sakuya

I don't remember where exactly they were, though. Why don't you ask Aya? I'm sure she could help you.

Sakuya

She was dashing around all over looking for a New Year's scoop.

Koishi

The tengu reporter, huh? Let's go find her!

Kokoro

Thanks for the tip, Sakuya!

Kokoro

...Oh, and sorry for eating your sweets. They really were yummy, though!

Flandre

Aya doesn't waste time, huh? It's New Year's Day and she's already out there investigating those weird cakes.

Remilia

Agreed. I'm surprised you knew what she was up to, Sakuya.

Sakuya

I didn't. I just figured she's probably the person to ask.

Remilia & Flandre

*facepalm*

Kokoro

Right, time to find Aya!

Koishi & Kokoro

Where do we start?!

Kokoro

We shoulda asked Sakuya where she last saw her.

Koishi

Guess we got no choice but to look all over.

Ghost's Voice

Oh, are you three going to Hakurei Shrine to pray, too? Or are you lost?

Half-Phantom's Voice

I doubt they're lost, Lady Yuyuko. Look, Miss PLAYER's with them.

Bakeneko's Voice

I know! Maybe they're on their way to Moriya Shrine! Who wouldn't rather pray there?!

Youkai Fox's Voice

Don't be rude, Chen. Even if it's deserted, Hakurei Shrine is still a shrine.

Kokoro

I heard a bunch of people talking behind us, but we kinda missed our chance to get involved.

Koishi

Behind us, you say? That gives me an idea!

Koishi

I'm Koishi―

Koishi

And I'm standing―

Yukari

Right in front of you.

Koishi & Kokoro

Eeeeeek!

Yukari

Am I really THAT scary...? *sob* *sob*

Ran & Chen

Lady Yukari...

Yukari

I see. So you're looking for Aya to ask her about these mask cakes.

Yuyuko

As it happens, we saw her on our way here. She was flying toward the bamboo forest, right, Youmu?

Youmu

Uh-huh. I can't be certain whether that's where she was actually going, though.

Koishi

Thanks for the info! We owe you one!

Chen

We hope you find Aya soon!

Kokoro

*wide-eyed stare*

Youmu

Wh-What is it, Miss Kokoro?!

Ran

Seems like she's taken an interest in you...

Kokoro

Youmu. I have a favor to ask you.

Youmu

O-OK...

Kokoro

Can you cu' vhis cheeve?!

Youmu

C-Come again?!

Kokoro

Can you cu'―

Kokoro

Vhis cheeve?!

Youmu

A-All I can make out is "can you"! Wh-Why don't you try swallowing before you talk?!

Youmu

So... you want to me to slice through the cheese from your mask cake?

Kokoro

Uh-huh. It just keeps stretching and stretching...

Kokoro

It's basically impossible to eat. Not to mention, I can't share it with Koishi.

Youmu

G-Gotcha. I'll try cutting it.

Koishi

Yay! Thanks!

Youmu

(That cheese is pretty strange...)

Youmu

(Should I use Hakurouken or Roukanken?!)

Koishi & Kokoro

What's taking so long?

Youmu

Miss Kokoro.

Kokoro

Yeah?

Youmu

What is that cheese?!

Kokoro

Beats me!

Koishi

It really is weird, huh? Even your swords couldn't cut through it!

Chen

Are you sure it's real cheese?

Ran

It doesn't look fake to me... I wonder how it was made.

Yukari

...

Yuyuko

What is it, Yukari?

Yukari

Nothing.

Yukari

PLAYER, shouldn't you go after Aya already? She doesn't tend to stay in one spot for long.

Y-You're right!

C'mon, you two, let's go find Aya in the bamboo forest!

Koishi

OK! Thanks for your help, everyone!

Kokoro

And thanks for trying to cut the cheese, Youmu!

Youmu

I can't believe I'm starting off the new year with the sting of failure...

Yukari

I wouldn't worry about it. That "cheese" is―

Koishi

Well, we made it to the bamboo forest, but there's no sign of Aya.

Kokoro

Someone like her must know that whoever goes in there gets lost.

Koishi

You're right. Which means she was either investigating from the air or she moved on to somewhere else...

Crow Tengu's Voice

Miss Reisen, is it true? Are they really making a new remedy at Eientei to speed up mochi pounding?!

Reisen

No! Just like every other question you've asked me, that's completely false!

Reisen

If there were a remedy like that, the Lunar Capital Expo would be a total nightmare for me!

Koishi & Kokoro

That sounds like...!

Reisen

Tch... Can I go back to Eientei now?

Aya

Not yet! At least tell me something about the Horned Rabbit Union's New Year's sale!

Reisen

Like I said earlier, there is no sale. I've had enough of this.

Aya

Fine, fine. Just one last question...

Aya

Eientei's been selling those healthy mask-of-hope cakes, right?!

Koishi & Kokoro

Mask-of-hope cakes?!

Reisen & Aya

Wh-Where did you come from?!

Koishi & Kokoro

Don't worry about that. For now...

Koishi & Kokoro

Just tell us what you know!

Aya

C-Calm down! I barely have enough room to breathe!

Reisen

Leave us alone!

Koishi

So Eientei's NOT selling mask cakes...

Reisen

Sorry, but no. I know they're super popular all of a sudden, but I can only imagine us making a dango version.

Koishi & Kokoro

(Dango mask cakes...?!)

I know lots of stalls are selling them...

But are they really that popular?

Aya

Well, everyone's doing their best to copy Miss Miko's recipe.

Koishi & Kokoro

Copy?!

Aya

Yep. None of the mask cakes you saw were the real thing.

Aya

Someone saw a real mask cake and tried to copy it. Then someone saw THAT mask cake and tried to copy it again...

Aya

That went on and on, which is why there are so many types of mask cakes with so many different names.

Kokoro

I-I guess that makes sense...

Koishi

Does that mean no one's selling authentic cheese-stuffed mask-of-hope cakes?

Kokoro

I think so. After all, Lady Taishi gave me this one...

Aya

That reminds me. When I was looking for a scoop in the Human Village...

Aya

I saw Miss Miko with her usual two companions, but she was carrying a large bag.

Aya

There's a chance it was filled with mask cakes.

Koishi & Kokoro

F-For real?!

Kokoro

When we checked the village earlier, there was no sign of Lady Taishi...

Koishi

Maybe we missed her? If we go now, we might get lucky.

Kokoro

OK. And if she isn't there, I say we check the Divine Spirit Mausoleum again!

Reisen

You sure gave them a lot of info. I thought you'd want to keep some stuff to yourself for an article.

Aya

It's fine. There's no real scoop here.

Aya

Plus, sometimes it's nice to share what I know just to make someone happy.

Reisen

Hehe. I know what you mean.

Kokoro

I wonder if Lady Taishi's still in the village. I can't wait for you to try one of these.

Koishi

Hehe, me neither. I hope we find her soon!

Koishi

Don't forget about PLAYER. She's helped us out a ton. I want us all to eat mask cakes together!

Me too! Let's find Miss Miko and make it happen!

It'll be nice if she has some left...!

Kokoro

I don't think we have to worry about that. When she gave me this one, she said...

Miko

Here, take one of these.

Miko

Futo and Tojiko just finished baking them.

Koishi

If they're making them at the Divine Spirit Mausoleum, maybe they'll make us some extra ones!

???

What's that? Are you thinking about barging in on the Taoists next?

Koishi

S-Satori?!

Satori

I've been looking all over for you, Koishi.

Satori

You seemed so happy in your new kimono, but the next thing I knew, you'd vanished.

Koishi

I'm sorry!

Koishi

This kimono's so nice it made me wanna go out and show it off to everyone. I went to Moriya Shrine to pray...

Koishi

But then I bumped into Kokoro! And then we decided to go see PLAYER at Hakurei Shrine. And then―

Satori

OK, that's enough. We don't have all day.

Satori

The point is, you were about to visit Miss Miko to see if she has any mask cakes left, right?

Kokoro

I wanted to give her half of mine...

Kokoro

But 'e can't cut frew vhis 'etchy cheeve...

Satori

I-I really didn't need a live demonstration... but it's certainly very stretchy.

Satori

I was planning to take you home as soon as I found you, Koishi, but I didn't realize you were with your friends.

Satori

It seems a little harsh to drag you away from them, so I think I'll accompany you until you find what you're looking for.

Kokoro

Yay! Thank you!

Koishi

All right! You're the best, Satori!

Satori

O-Oh, uhh... thanks. So you were saying Miss Miko might be in the village?

Satori

Let's head straight there―

Satori

Scratch that. It seems like your search is over.

???

My, you are a sharp one.

Tojiko

Why are you guys looking for Lady Taishi?

Futo

Dost thou want to join us? If so, thy timing couldn't be better! We're giving out special gifts to every new disciple!

Koishi & Kokoro

I-Is that...

Koishi & Kokoro

A cheese-stuffed mask-of-hope cake?!

Futo

Thou know'st about these, hm?

Tojiko

It wouldn't be surprising. When we went to drop some off at the village dojo, everyone was selling their own knock-offs.

Miko

Hold on, you two. I think these girls know about the real thing.

Tojiko & Futo

They do?!

Kokoro

Uh-huh. Lady Taishi gave me one earlier!

Kokoro

And this kimono!

Tojiko & Futo

S-Say what?! (I want a kimono, too!)

Koishi

Sooo, we finally found real mask cakes, right?

Satori

It looks like it.

Koishi

One, please!

Tojiko

We're not running a stall here.

Miko

It's fine. If you like, we can all go back to the Divine Spirit Mausoleum and eat them together.

Miko

You can try some freshly baked ones and let us know what you think.

Kokoro & Koishi

Yippee!

Satori

Hehe, you girls... (I wonder if I can grab an extra two for Okuu and Orin.)

Koishi

Wait! Before we go, I have a question!

Miko

You do?

Koishi

How come we couldn't cut through the cheese inside?

Miko

Well, you see...

Yukari

Neither hope nor fate can be easily cut. They both last forever.

Yukari

...Which makes them particularly difficult to chew through.

Yuyuko

Yukari, the food's ready. Are you coming?

Yukari

I'm right behind you.

Yukari

Let's pray for another year full of hope in Gensokyo.

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