Lossy's Journal

Byakuren

Thank you all for coming today.

Byakuren

We hope you're ready...

Hina

For Myouren Temple's...

Byakuren & Hina

Oni freeze tag festival!

Ichirin

Wow, oni freeze tag. Sounds fun, right, Murasa?

Minamitsu

Totally! But what's the difference between oni freeze tag and regular tag?

Minamitsu

Any idea, Miss PLAYER?

Yep! I've played it at school before!

The rules are―

Hina

I'll explain the rules!

Hina

Oni freeze tag is super simple! When you're tagged by an oni, you become an oni, too!

Byakuren

You can avoid becoming an oni by shouting, "Freeze!" But after that, you're frozen in place and aren't allowed to move.

Hina

Don't worry, though...

Hina

We have one anti-misfortune doll for each team!

Yuuka

Huh... It looks like a normal doll to me.

Medicine

It's so cute! I wanna be friends with it.

Byakuren

The oni freeze tag rules tend to change with the era, but this time, we're using these dolls to add our own twist.

Hina

Tap an oni or someone that's frozen with one of them and they'll turn back to normal.

Hina

And every time you do that, you earn points!

Byakuren

So basically...

Byakuren

The oni are cursed with imaginary misfortune, and this festival is about pretending to cleanse it.

Yuugi

Huh, I think I'll try being a runner for a change.

Yamame

So the oni ISN'T an oni... That's confusing.

Shion

So, uhh... are there prizes?!

Byakuren

Oh, I almost forgot.

Byakuren

The team who scores the most points before sunset will receive a fabulous prize...

Byakuren

They'll be the guests of honor at the Myouren Temple cherry blossom-viewing party!

Hina

They'll get plenty of super yummy hina-arare, too.

Byakuren

We hope you're all ready for a fun festival.

Byakuren

Ichirin, thank you again for taking care of that errand the other day.

Ichirin

Huh? Oh, no problem at all! Umm... what was it, again?

Ichirin

Oh, right. You needed help dealing with that cursed object. It was a piece of cake.

Byakuren

I heard you helped, too, Nue. Thank you.

Nue

Did I? ...Well, it's always nice to be thanked.

Byakuren

I ordered you some outfits as an expression of my gratitude.

Byakuren

They should be ready by now. Would you mind picking them up from Kourindou?

Nue

Sure thing.

Ichirin

Kinda surprised you're taking part this time, Miss Nue. Normally, you're just a spectator.

Nue

Oh, that's because...

Byakuren

Nue, wait.

Byakuren

You're participating in this festival.

Nue

Argh, I can't break free! I don't wanna participate... I just wanna watch!

Byakuren

I'm asking for your cooperation.

Nue

Why me, though?

Byakuren

I'll give you as much hina-arare and kashiwa mochi as you can eat in return.

Nue

No thanks. I was planning on sneaking off with some.

Byakuren

What's it going to take to convince you, then?

Nue

Hmm...

Nue

...I know. Let me touch that thing in the main hall.

Byakuren

Are you talking about my motorcycle?

Nue

Yeah! I asked before, but you said no.

Byakuren

It was a no then, and it's a no now.

Nue

Aww...

Byakuren

Hmm... fine. I'll let you touch it. Once.

Nue

Really?

Byakuren

But I expect you to take part in the festival and help out when needed. Deal?

Nue

Deal!

Nue

So, yeah. That's why I'm taking part.

Ichirin

Please don't cause any trouble for Lady Byakuren.

Yuugi

There you are! I heard you've been looking for me.

Byakuren

I have, indeed. I took the liberty of ordering you an outfit for the festival.

Yuugi

Whoa, sounds great. What kinda outfit?

Byakuren

You'll have to wait and see.

Byakuren

Of course, I ordered one for you, too, PLAYER.

Thanks!

I can't wait to see it!

Ichirin

All right, let's head to Kourindou!

Nue

Yep.

Yuugi

Wanna race?

Ichirin

Can't we just walk? Miss PLAYER's with us...

Ichirin

PLAYER, you said you've played oni freeze tag before, right?

Yeah!

But the anti-misfortune dolls are totally new to me!

Nue

I mean, it's pretty strange how they work.

Yuugi

So the oni are "cursed" with misfortune, huh?

Yuugi

Gotta admit, it's a pretty clever idea.

Ichirin

That's Lady Byakuren for you.

Nue

Now I'm wondering what other fun rules we could introduce...

Ichirin

Cut it out, Miss Nue. Lady Byakuren trusted us to take part in the festival. We can't screw it up!

Nue

C'mooon, a little fun never hurt anyone.

Yuugi

You're as by-the-book as ever, huh, Ichirin?

Ichirin

Lady Byakuren trusted you, too, Miss Yuugi. You have to take this seriously!

Yuugi

But it's a festival...

Ichirin

Yes. And one that needs to be taken seriously!

Ichirin

I can't be sure, but I have a feeling this is all to counteract misfortune.

Ichirin

And I think Lady Byakuren wants to generate festive power to drive it away!

Nue

Huh...

Ichirin

That's why we can't afford to mess around. Got it?

Yuugi

If this is a chance to test my strength, then I'm all for it.

Ichirin

It's not a test of strength. It's oni freeze tag.

Ichirin

Hm? Is something going on outside Kourindou?

Yuugi

Is it a fight? I want in!

Ichirin

Let's not jump to any conclusions.

Nue

Whatever it is, it's happening right outside the shop. That can't be good for business.

Ichirin

You're right. Let's go calm things down.

Rinnosuke

Welcome. Things seemed a bit noisy outside just now.

Rinnosuke

I'd prefer you not to cause trouble in front of my shop.

Ichirin

We were actually trying to calm things down.

Rinnosuke

O-Oh. In that case, thank you.

Rinnosuke

You must be here for those outfits. They're all ready.

Yuugi

I still don't get why we need special outfits for oni freeze tag.

Rinnosuke

Oni freeze tag?

Rinnosuke

I was asked to make cheerleader outfits based on a book from the outside world. Has there been a mistake?

Nue

As long as they fit, who cares?

Rinnosuke

If nothing else, they should be easy to move in. And cheering is essential in any competition.

Yuugi

C'mon, hurry up and let me try mine on.

Ichirin

Wait, Miss Yuugi! I wanna try mine on first!

Rinnosuke

My, that's an unusual item, PLAYER.

This?

Miss Byakuren gave it to me. It's for the event!

Rinnosuke

Mind if I take a closer look?

Sure!

I'm gonna go get changed, too!

Rinnosuke

Th-This is...

I'm back!

What's the matter, Mister Rinnosuke?

Rinnosuke

Sorry, I was just lost in thought for a moment.

Rinnosuke

That outfit really suits you.

Hehe, you really think so?!

Rinnosuke

It's not too tight, is it?

Nope, it's the perfect size!

Rinnosuke

Good.

Rinnosuke

How about the rest of you?

Ichirin

Whoa, this outfit's incredible!

Ichirin

I can feel power welling up from deep inside!

Nue

Uhh, guys...?

Nue

Am I supposed to shake these frilly things?

Rinnosuke

Those "frilly things" are called pompoms. And yes, they're for shaking.

Rinnosuke

According to the outside world book, there's a flower called the pompon dahlia, but no one knows which came first.

Rinnosuke

It's a classic chicken-or-egg dilemma. Anyway, pompoms help you stand out when you're cheering.

Rinnosuke

They're used by cheerleaders in all kinds of events to help brighten up the arena.

Um, Mister Rinnosuke?

Where's Miss Yuugi?

Rinnosuke

Huh. I don't see her...

Yuugi

Hey!

Rinnosuke

When did you get outside?

Yuugi

Sorry for the wait! Took a while to find these guys!

Nue & Ichirin

Ahhh, vengeful spirits!

Rinnosuke

Hold up. Is it safe with them here?

Yuugi

Totally. They do exactly as I tell 'em.

Nue

...I guess that's OK, then.

Ichirin

It's a little scary when they just pop out like that, though.

Yuugi

I saw those things Nue has and I figured I wanted something to hold, too.

Nue

You mean these?

Yuugi

Yeah, those fluffy little guys.

Rinnosuke

You went all the way back to the Underworld for those vengeful spirits?! I should've just made extra pompoms...

Yuugi

That certainly woulda saved me the trip.

Rinnosuke

In any case...

Rinnosuke

I realized something from examining this anti-misfortune doll.

Rinnosuke

Things in Gensokyo...

Rinnosuke

Are far worse than I first thought.

Yuugi

So what's so bad about the dolls?

Rinnosuke

If they're being used, it means something bad is happening in Gensokyo.

Nue

How bad?

Rinnosuke

Really―

Byakuren

Ichirin, Nue, Miss Yuugi, you've already changed. Those outfits really suit you.

Byakuren

I completely forgot I also ordered some hina doll outfits. I should have asked you to pick them up.

Hina

Why does everyone look so serious?

Nue

We were just talking about the anti-misfortune dolls.

Hina

You mean the ones we made? What gives?

Rinnosuke

I was just thinking about why you would want to use such things.

Hina

Wait... you didn't touch one, did you?!

Byakuren

I should've been more careful. So, you've figured it all out, huh?

Figured what out?

Yuugi

Can you just tell us what's going on already?

Byakuren

I suppose it's no use hiding the truth anymore.

Byakuren

I'll tell you everything.

Rinnosuke

Let me just double-check something.

Rinnosuke

These anti-misfortune dolls really absorb misfortune, right?

Byakuren

That's right.

Nue

I thought you scored points whenever you use one to unfreeze someone or turn an oni back into a runner...

Byakuren

I told you the oni are cursed with imaginary misfortune, but they're actually cursed with REAL misfortune.

Ichirin

B-But why?

Hina

We've been trying to find out, but we're completely stumped.

Hina

So instead, we decided to focus on getting rid of the misfortune. Thus, the anti-misfortune dolls.

Yuugi

It's all starting to make sense.

Byakuren

I'm sorry for not telling you sooner. I didn't want to stir up unnecessary panic.

Byakuren

...

Byakuren

Ichirin, Nue, Miss Yuugi, PLAYER. As my trusted allies, there's something I need you to do...

Byakuren

Win the oni freeze tag competition.

Byakuren

Miss Hina and I can convert the misfortune collected in the dolls into festive power using our abilities.

Byakuren

If you gather enough misfortune to win, we can put an end to all this. Please help us save Gensokyo.

Nue

This is NOT what I signed up for...

Ichirin

Understood. We'll win the competition for you, Lady Byakuren!

Yuugi

It's not like I was planning on coming in second anyway.

Yuugi

The other competitors won't know what hit 'em!

I don't know how much help I'll be...

But I'll give it everything I've got!

Byakuren

Thank you.

Byakuren

Just be careful, all right?

Nue

So if you get tagged, that means you're cursed with misfortune...?

Byakuren

Uh-huh.

Nue

Eek! I don't like the sound of that!

Hina

If you shout "Freeze!" and stop moving, being touched with a doll can lift the curse... but only once.

Byakuren

If you get tagged again, you're cursed for good. In oni freeze tag, one oni quickly becomes two, then three, then four...

Byakuren

With these dolls in play, the runners should have an advantage.

Byakuren

But that's no excuse to get sloppy out there.

Got it!

Ichirin

Leave it to us!

Nue

Well, here we are. Are we sure this is a good spot?

Ichirin

There are plenty of people here who seem like they could end up as oni taggers.

Ichirin

Which means there's bound to be lots of misfortune waiting to be collected!

Nue

Hmm... Hey, look. Think they're oni taggers?

Yuugi

Let's battle 'em and find out!

Ichirin

Wait, Lady Byakuren said we have to be careful...!

Yuugi

All right, I've got my anti-misfortune doll.

Yuugi

Just gotta rub it against them like so...

Ichirin

I-I don't think you need to be so rough!

Nue

If they don't have dolls, doesn't that mean they're NOT part of the festival?

Yuugi

Yeah, but they might still be cursed with misfortune. That stuff's spreading everywhere.

Ichirin

I figured you just wanted a battle...

Yuugi

And you were absolutely right!

Ichirin

...Either way, it looks like these guys are clean.

Nue

No points for us, then.

Yuugi

Meh, we'll just have to keep battling till we get some!

Ichirin

Have you forgotten EVERYTHING Lady Byakuren said? We need to make sure we don't get tagged!

Yuugi

Yeah, yeah, I get it!

Nue

(She totally doesn't get it...)

Ichirin

Hmm, we've been climbing for a while, but we still haven't found any oni taggers.

Yuugi

If misfortune comes from negative emotions, then it probably builds up wherever oni taggers are active, right?

Yuugi

So, if we find where the misfortune is strongest, we'll also find the oni taggers.

Nue

I wish there was some kinda pattern to it. This festival's level design is all outta whack.

Ichirin

Then we just have to look harder!

Nue

If this game's misfortune is the real deal, wouldn't it be weakest around shrines and holy places?

Nue

Like, say, Moriya Shrine?

Ichirin

*gasp*

Yuugi

Woulda been nice of you to mention that earlier, Nue.

Nue

Hey, I just thought of it now!

Ichirin

I-I don't think climbing any higher will net us many points...

Ichirin

We need to find somewhere with more misfortune... Wait, what's that?!

Eternity Larva

Rooooar!

Eternity Larva

M-Must tag people! Must make more oni!

Everyone

An oni tagger!

Yuugi

Wicked! We won!

Ichirin

Quick, let's collect the misfortune!

Nue

That actually worked?

Ichirin

The ominous vibes are gone. That's the power of Lady Byakuren's anti-misfortune dolls!

They work like a charm! ...Literally!

Yuugi

Hmph... I wanna fight someone stronger.

Yuugi

Hey, you. Did you manage to tag anyone?

Eternity Larva

*sob* No...

Yuugi

Yikes.

Nue

Well, who tagged you?

Eternity Larva

I was playing on Nameless Hill, and someone tagged me from behind... I didn't see who.

Ichirin

Nameless Hill, huh?

Ichirin

There could be a whole bunch of oni taggers there. Let's go check it out!

Yuugi

You're coming too, Nue.

Nue

Do I have to?

Ichirin

Don't you wanna touch Lady Byakuren's motorcycle?

Nue

So bad!

Ichirin

Well, if you help out, I'll put in a good word for you.

Nue

...

Nue

Fine.

Yuugi

OK, let's go.

Eternity Larva

Wait for me! I wanna find out who tagged me!

Yuugi

Ready, everyone? Next stop, Nameless Hill!

Everyone

Yay!

Yuugi

So, uhh... anyone know where it is?

Ichirin

Follow me.

Ichirin

Wh-What is this?

Yuugi

What's going on here?!

Kogasa

I-I can't move! Help meee!

Yuugi

I get the others, but Yuuka... even you got tagged?

Yuuka

No need to rub it in.

Medicine

She did all she could to shield us from the oni taggers!

Yuuka

They came at me so fast that I got a little overwhelmed.

Yuugi

You OK?

Yuuka

Heh heh...

Yuuka

Plants dig their roots deep to survive the winter. Getting frozen in place like this isn't a problem.

Ichirin

Does that mean you can break free on your own?!

Yuuka

*shakes head*

Ichirin

So it IS a problem!

Yuuka

It seems even I can't break the festival rules. If you've got an anti-misfortune doll, I'd appreciate you using it on me.

Yuugi

Fine, fine. I'll set you free.

Yuugi

So who was it that tagged you all?

Yuuka

That would be―

???

Mwahaha!

Yuugi

What now?

Kogasa

Oh no, she's back!

Momoyo

It's diggin' time!

Momoyo

This oni's back for round two!

Ichirin

Miss Momoyo?! You're not normally this fired up!

Eternity Larva

That's what happens when you turn into an oni! I got super hyped, too!

Yuugi

Whatever. I'm just glad she seems ready...

Yuugi

For a battle!

Momoyo

Hahaha, not bad! Especially you! Let's battle again sometime!

Yuugi

Anytime! Just come find me in Former Hell.

Yuugi

But before we shake on it...

Momoyo

Huh? Is that an anti-misfortune doll?

Yuugi

Yep. I just used it to collect a little misfortune from ya.

Kogasa

Hey! If you're done battling, come help us out, would you?!

Ichirin

Sure! If we unfreeze you all, we'll get four misfortune points in one go!

Nue

Heh heh, jackpot!

Yuuka

Thank you so much.

Medicine

Free at last. I was starting to feel like an ordinary doll!

Yuuka

So who tagged you, Momoyo?

Momoyo

Me? Just some random fairy floating by.

Ichirin

That was pretty careless of you.

Momoyo

I even dropped my doll somewhere when I turned into an oni tagger. Guess I'll go get a new one.

Yuugi

Wait, are you all taking part in the festival?

Kogasa

You bet!

Yuuka

We all just ended up helping our festival rivals, huh?

Yuugi

Fine by us. We're the ones who bagged a bunch of points.

Ichirin

You said it. Including Miss Momoyo, that's five points for us.

Nue

This victory's in the bag. Let's just nap till sunset!

Ichirin

We can't relax just yet, Miss Nue.

Kogasa

Yeah, 'cause we're gonna go all out to beat you!

Medicine

That's right. You're looking at the soon-to-be guests of honor for the cherry blossom-viewing party!

Yuuka

I wonder how the other teams are getting on...

Aya

Ayayaya! You're all here together!

Yuugi

Huh? A tengu?

Eternity Larva

She sounds really excited to see us. You don't think...?!

Momoyo

She's an oni tagger!

Aya

The truth-seeking, fair-and-just reporter, Aya Shameimaru, is here to report on the state of the competition!

Yuugi

More like the ONI reporter! Get ready to interview... my bullets!

Aya

Say what?

Aya

Wh-Why meee?!

Yuugi

Here's a headline for ya: "Another Oni, Another Point!"

Ichirin

How about this one? "Lady Byakuren's Festival is a Great Success - Ichirin Gets all the Praise!"

Aya

I-I'm not an oni! No way the fastest reporter in Gensokyo would get tagged!

Yuugi

You sure?

Aya

Positive. I've been watching everything from a safe distance. I've got an important job to do, after all.

Nue

Job? What job?

Aya

I'm so glad you asked! I'm in charge of marketing for this oni freeze tag competition!

Ichirin

Wait, so you've been keeping track of everything?

Aya

That's right! Let me give you a rundown of the current standings!

Yuugi

We're the favorites, right?

Aya

Uhh... not exactly.

Yuugi

Say what?!

Aya

I-I didn't mean any offense!

Ichirin

Let her talk. The more intel we have, the better. Lady Byakuren ordered us to win, remember?

Ichirin

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles!

Nue

Plus, it'll save us from having to figure it out ourselves! Go on, how are the other teams doing?

Aya

Ahem!

Aya

Here's an oni freeze tag round-up just for you!

Aya

First up, Miss Eternity Larva and Miss Momoyo... Zero misfortune points!

Eternity Larva

We knew that already!

Momoyo

I need to get a new anti-misfortune doll before I even stand a chance of getting any points...

Aya

Next up, Miss Yuuka, Miss Kogasa, and Miss Medicine... Two misfortune points!

Aya

With Miss Yuuka's strength and Miss Medicine's puppeteering, that score will surely increase soon.

Kogasa

Lucky we scored two points off those fairies right before we all got tagged.

Yuuka

There's still plenty of time until sunset. Let's take it slow.

Aya

Miss Yamame and Miss Wriggle... Zero points!

Medicine

Another zero-point team?

Ichirin

We haven't run into them yet. Do you think they'll start doing better soon?

Aya

I've been watching them from the skies... but I'd say they're gonna have to try a little harder.

Aya

Miss Murasa, Miss Parsee, and Miss Komachi have been acting a little strange... but they've got ten points!

Yuugi

Those three?! Not bad.

Ichirin

That's double our score!

Aya

Hold your horses. Don't forget Miss Shion and Miss Tenshi... They've got sixteen points!

Ichirin

Sixteen?!

Nue

There's no way we can win. Let's just give up.

Aya

And lastly, Miss Kokoro... zero points!

Yuugi

There are so many teams without any points. What gives?

Aya

Some of the teams are handing out bento boxes. If you see them, be sure to grab one.

Nue

Yippee! ...Wait, why did you even bother mentioning their scores?

Aya

That concludes the round-up! Oh, and by the way, your current score is written on your doll's chest.

Nue

Oh, yeah. Mine's got a five written on it.

Ichirin

Only five, huh?

Ichirin

We're falling pretty far behind...

Yuugi

I figured the oni taggers would be spread out...

Yuugi

But by the sounds of it, they're all grouped up somewhere.

Nue

We're in third. Are we really gonna keep trying?

Ichirin

Of course! Lady Byakuren told us to win. And don't forget about the cherry blossom-viewing party! And all the sweets!

Nue

Sounds like the prizes are all you're interested in.

Ichirin

Don't be like that, Miss Nue. You wanna touch that motorcycle, don't you?!

Ichirin

If you help us, I'll tell Lady Byakuren all about how hard you tried.

Ichirin

Maybe then she'll even let you ride it!

Nue

Whoa, you really think so?!

Ichirin

Come on, let's do this!

Nue

O-OK... I'm in!

Yuugi

We need to head to where the action is.

Yuugi

Hey, tengu. You've been flying all over, right? Where are all the oni taggers?

Aya

Hmm... Telling you that wouldn't be very fair or just.

Yuugi

I must be hearing things 'cause it sounds like you're refusing to cooperate.

Aya

Eek!

Aya

S-Sorry, I need to go and check everyone's scores again. B-Bye!

Nue

She flew off.

Momoyo

I'm gonna go look for the doll I dropped. Catch ya later!

Ichirin

It's time for us to get moving, too, team!

Yuugi

Yeah! It's oni huntin' time!

Nue

I sure hope we find a way to win!

Let's give it our best shot!

Ichirin

This competition...

Ichirin

Is ours!

Ichirin

We came all the way from Nameless Hill to the Forest of Magic. Please tell me one of you saw some oni.

Nue

I didn't spot any around Kourindou. Maybe we should look somewhere else.

Ichirin

Let's get out of the forest and make our way toward the lake.

Yuugi

Lead the way.

Nue

Hmm... Those fairies over there look different from the rest.

Yuugi

Think they're oni taggers?

Ichirin

Let's find out. We can sneak up on them and―

Yuugi

Get down!

Eternity Larva

...Why?

Ichirin

Ahhh!

Yuugi

Got 'em! Time to cleanse some misfortune.

Nue

Please don't do that again.

Ichirin

Yeah! You scared the heck outta me!

Yuugi

So? What's the big deal?

Ichirin

The oni taggers are cursed with REAL misfortune. If we're not careful, who knows what might happen?!

Yuugi

Relaaax. You worry too much.

Yuugi

Hm?

Wriggle

Targets acquired!

Yamame

Let's hit 'em with our combo play! Ready, Wriggle?

Wriggle

Sure am!

Wriggle

Here goes... Whoosh!

Eternity Larva

Ow.

Wriggle

All right! A clean hit!

Yamame

You just scored, like, all the points!

Um... are you playing dodgeball?

This is supposed to be an oni freeze tag competition.

Wriggle

Is it?!

Yamame

Yeah, I kinda suspected as much...

Wriggle

So we didn't need the ball, after all.

Ichirin

How many points did you guys have again?

Zero points. Miss Aya said they have zero points.

Nue

Makes sense.

Wriggle

D-Darn it!

Wriggle

If we can't win, I at least wanna stop you from winning!

Yuugi

Oh, yeah? And how're you gonna do that?

Wriggle

There's nothing in the rules banning battles of bullets!

Wriggle

W-We lost!

Yamame

Urgh, you guys are really tough.

Yuugi

That was a decent battle. Let me know if you ever want a rematch.

Yamame

I-I think I'm good...

Ichirin

Did either of you see any oni taggers on your way here?

Wriggle

Maybe... Then again, maybe not.

Nue

Real helpful.

Eternity Larva

Which way did you come from?

Yamame

We stopped by Myouren Temple to say hello, got changed, then came straight here.

Ichirin

Sounds like we shouldn't waste any more time here.

Yuugi

Time to look somewhere else.

Wriggle

Still...

Yamame

What's up, Wriggle?

Wriggle

Nothing. It's just... the bugs are pretty restless.

Yuugi

Restless?

Wriggle

Yeah. They're SUPER scared of the oni taggers.

Wriggle

It's like they can't stand to be near them. Which is weird, since this is supposed to be a fun festival.

Ichirin

T-Totally... *nervous laugh*

Nue

Yeah, it's not like the oni taggers are cursed with REAL misfortune!

Where are the bugs most restless?

Wriggle

That way, I think. Deeper into the forest.

Yuugi

You don't say. In that case, maybe it's a little early to give up here.

Ichirin

Agreed. B-But not because of all the scared bugs or anything...

Nue

(She's such a bad liar.)

Yuugi

Later, Yamame. I'll be back for another battle sometime!

Yamame

Haha, go easy on me next time.

Eternity Larva

Wriggle, Yamame, I'm coming with you!

Wriggle

For real?

Eternity Larva

Yeah! We can team up like we did at the Secret God Games!

Wriggle

Sounds good! With you on board, maybe we can win this thing!

Yamame

Good luck, you guys.

You too!

All right, let's find those bugs!

Current standings: Team PLAYER: 8 Points

Yuugi

I never realized how big the Forest of Magic is...

Ichirin

There's usually no reason to go this far into it.

Nue

Searching all over like this is such a grind.

Ichirin

Dull work like this helps sharpen your focus. Think of it as part of your training.

Nue

Yeah, involuntary training...

Yuugi

...Can you hear that?

Hahaha... Hehehe...

Nue

It sounds like someone's laughing.

Ichirin

Let's go check it out.

Tenshi

Hahaha! Everything's going to plan!

Tenshi

Letting the oni taggers run wild was a stroke of heavenly genius!

Shion

Incredible, Lady Tenshi! We've already racked up twenty points!

Shion

We're rich!

Yuugi

What's all this?

Ichirin

It's Miss Tenshi and Miss Shion.

Nue

They were the ones in the lead!

Tenshi

I thought I felt some strange temperament.

Shion

Eep, an oni! And, uhh... people from that temple Joon visits.

Yuugi

Any oni taggers around here?

Tenshi

There sure are. Don't interfere with them.

Ichirin

Why not?

Tenshi

Isn't it obvious? Because turning them back to normal means fewer points.

Everyone

*shared confusion*

Shion

We're waiting for them to tag fairies or phantoms. That way, we can scoop up tons of points from just one oni tagger!

Yuugi

Hey...

Ichirin

You can't do that!

Tenshi

Pretty ingenious, huh?

Shion

One becomes two, two becomes four, four becomes eight!

Shion

It's like a get-rich-quick scheme! Feel like giving up yet?!

Nue

Yikes. I get they don't know the full story, but this isn't good.

Ichirin

I-I won't let you get away with cheating! Quick, round up the oni taggers!

Tenshi

Hey, I told you not to interfere. ...Whatever.

Tenshi

That reminds me, there's something I still haven't tried.

Shion

What's that?

Tenshi

I wanna find out if points can be transferred between dolls.

Tenshi

I figure we can steal their dolls and find out!

Ichirin

What?!

Shion

Well then, let's take them down, Lady Tenshi!

Shion

Eek!

Tenshi

Don't tell me you're exhausted already, Shion... Fine, let's stop there!

Nue

Wait, you weren't being serious about taking our points?

Tenshi

Of course not. I'd never do something so pathetic.

Tenshi

I just wanted to find out if they COULD be transferred.

Ichirin

You're gonna stop letting the oni taggers multiply now, right? ...RIGHT?

Shion

B-But Joon told us to do it!

Ichirin

Joon?

Shion

Uh-huh...

Joon

Hey, sis'. If you're gonna take part in the festival, mind if I ask you a favor?

Shion

Sure. What is it?

Joon

Byakuren wants me―and therefore you―to help the oni taggers multiply.

Shion

She does?

Joon

I'm not sure you'd be safe doing it alone, though...

Joon

That celestial said she's taking part. You should team up with her.

Joon

Thanks, Shion!

Shion

...So, yeah, that's why we've been letting them multiply.

Nue

Wait, so Byakuren asked Joon, who then asked you?!

Ichirin

But Lady Byakuren told us to win... What's going on here?

Tenshi

Whoa, whoa, slow down there.

Tenshi

First things first, these oni taggers are cursed with real misfortune, aren't they?

*gasp*

Yuugi

So you noticed, huh?

Tenshi

A little while back, yes.

Shion

Not from the start...?

Tenshi

Th-That's what I meant. From the start!

Tenshi

You know my ability lets me read temperament, right? It was obvious once I started focusing properly.

Nue

So you knew but were still letting them multiply?

Tenshi

Sure did. I thought about roaming all over Gensokyo like you guys, but it seemed like a waste of time.

Nue

(She's kinda right about that.)

Tenshi

My way was so much more efficient. Fun, too.

Tenshi

After all, that's what festivals are all about!

Ichirin

Getting tagged by an oni freezes you. Even with the anti-misfortune dolls in play, it's still dangerous.

Ichirin

I get that you wanna have fun, but try to be more careful, OK?

Tenshi & Shion

Fiiiine.

Yuugi

Oops... Looks like the oni taggers ran off while we were talking.

Tenshi

Let's split up and look for them. First one to find 'em gets all the points!

Tenshi

...Oh, one last thing.

Tenshi

The misfortune these oni taggers carry... it reminds me of an Underworld oni. Any idea where it's coming from?

Ichirin

An Underworld oni? ...Sorry, we don't know.

Yuugi

...

Tenshi

Ah, well. We'll just try and enjoy the festival for now. C'mon, Shion, let's go.

Shion

Coming! Bye, everyone!

Current standings: Team PLAYER: 8 Points (No change.)

Ichirin

They might have been bending the rules, but Miss Tenshi and Miss Shion still managed to score twenty points!

Nue

Meanwhile, we're stuck at eight. Even now, they could be pulling further ahead.

Yuugi

I can't stand losing.

Nue

We'll just have to try harder then. There's a motorcycle ride with my name on it if we win.

Ichirin

That's the spirit! Flying and riding a bike are completely different experiences.

Nue

Totally. I can't wait to rev that engine!

Ichirin

I often see Lady Byakuren polishing the chrome and changing the oil with a big smile.

Ichirin

When I see her face light up like that, I can't help but think...

Nue

Sounds like the motorcycle's on your radar, too, huh? Wanna ride it together?

Ichirin

...M-Maybe a little.

Yuugi

Good to hear everyone's fired up. Let's blast some bullets and rack up some points!

Yay, points!

Ichirin

First, we need to find some oni taggers... Hm? What's that?

Nue

*sniff* *sniff* Whatever it is, it smells pretty good.

Kokoro

Hello there. How would you like a Heartfelt Bento―Edible art made from the heart!

Ichirin

Why is there a food stall all the way out here?!

Kokoro

No real reason.

Kokoro

But there were bento boxes here just waiting to be given out.

That doesn't make much sense...

But if we get to eat your bento boxes, who cares?!

Kokoro

Dig in. You all must be starving.

Ichirin

Thank you! They look delicious...

Nue

Jackpot! *om nom*

Yuugi

We were about to hunt some oni taggers, but who can pass up a free meal?!

Ichirin

You said it!

Ichirin

Wow, this is incredible!

So yummy! Thanks, Kokoro.

Kokoro

Yay, I'm glad you liked them.

Kokoro

Now, in exchange for those "incredible" bento boxes...

Kokoro

Gimme three points for each of them!

Ichirin

Since when was that a rule?!

Nue

Even if misfortune points were transferable, we only have eight.

Kokoro

You're quite a few short, heh? In that case...

Kokoro

You can give them to me later.

Yuugi

You're awfully chill about this. Are you not bothered about winning the competition?

Kokoro

I heard the grand prize is getting to be a guest of honor at the cherry blossom-viewing party.

Kokoro

But if I have a food stall there, I get to see the flowers AND watch all the guests' expressions.

Kokoro

That's good enough for me.

Ichirin

That's one way to look at it... Anyway, thanks for the bento boxes.

Nue

With all the teams desperate to win and random food stalls popping up, this anti-misfortune festival is pretty nuts.

Yuugi

Come to think of it, this is your first time taking part, huh?

Nue

Yep. Isn't it yours?

Yuugi

Not even close. I love festivals.

Nue

You're still the same old Yuugi.

Ichirin

It's been a while since the three of us ate together like this, hasn't it?

Wait...

Are you all old friends?

Ichirin

Let's put it this way, we've known each other for a loooong time.

Yuugi

Before you arrived, they lived in Former Hell.

Yuugi

But now they hang out with the Myouren Temple crowd.

Ichirin

Shou and Murasa do, too. A few of us decided to start living there.

Yuugi

Pretty weird if you ask me. You living there, too, Nue?

Nue

Meh, I just stop by to cause trouble.

Nue

We couldn't really hang out much before, but it's a lot more relaxed now.

Ichirin

I guess that's true.

Yuugi

Well, you're both welcome in Former Hell anytime.

Nue

I'll keep that in mind.

Ichirin

If there's a fun event or some good food available, I wouldn't mind paying you a visit.

Yuugi

Bring the others, too. Everyone would be happy to see you.

Nue

The old Former Hell crew, huh?

Ichirin

I saw some of them were taking part in this festival. Are they all doing OK?

Yuugi

Better than OK. They're going all out to win!

Ichirin

Then we'd better bring our A-game!

Nue

You got it.

Ichirin

Thanks again for the bento boxes, Miss Kokoro. You haven't seen any oni taggers recently, have you?

Kokoro

Not around here, no. There might be some deeper in the forest, though.

Ichirin

Toward the Misty Lake, right? C'mon, everyone, let's go!

Shion

*sniff* *sniff* Lady Tenshi! I smell something amazing coming from over there!

Tenshi

Have you got the nose of a dog or what?

Tenshi

Although, I heard people are handing out bento boxes. Let's go grab a couple.

Shion

Yay!

Tenshi

But don't eat too much. This competition is far from over.

Shion

Sure thing!

Yuugi

There's a real buzz in the forest, huh?

Ichirin

I get the feeling the fairies are in a bit of a panic.

Nue

That's good news for us, though. Let's round up all the oni taggers and cruise our way to victory.

Ichirin

Easier said than done.

Ichirin

Have you forgotten the oni freeze tag rules?

Ichirin

If any of us get tagged, we either become an oni tagger or get frozen.

Ichirin

Sure, the misfortune dolls can save us, but that's a last resort.

Nue

OK, OK. Let's all be careful.

Yuugi

No need for that. All we need to do is keep winning battles of bullets, right?

Ichirin

You're missing the point...

Ichirin

Just don't let your guard down. Got it?

Nue & Yuugi

...Got it.

Yuugi

Someone's there.

Yuugi

Oh, it's those guys. Let's go say hello―

Ichirin

Wait, Miss Yuugi! Something seems off about them.

Nue

Didn't that reporter mention they've been acting strange?

Ichirin

Like I said, don't let your guard down.

Ichirin

If they've already been tagged...

Ichirin

Then they're soaked through with misfortune!

Nue

Ew, gross.

Yuugi

We need to take a closer look.

Ichirin

...

Komachi

Do you sense it?

Parsee

Yes, we're being spied on.

Minamitsu

I wonder who by.

Komachi

Isn't it obvious?

Parsee

Let's get ready for a fight.

Komachi, Parsee & Minamitsu

Who's there?!

Nue, Ichirin & Yuugi

They spotted us!

Parsee

Wh-Why'd you sneak up on us like that?

Komachi

Y-You scared me!

Minamitsu

A-A-And me...

Yuugi

We won. Time to tap 'em with our anti-misfortune dolls and claim our points.

Parsee

Tch, cut it out, Yuugi. I said cut it out!

Yuugi

Weird. The score's not going up.

Nue

Try tapping her harder.

Ichirin

Wait, you don't think...?

They AREN'T oni taggers?!

Minamitsu

No, we're not. I take it that means you aren't, either.

Komachi

So that whole battle was for nothing?

Parsee

I got all worked up for nothing. I suppose there was no way Yuugi had been tagged.

Yuugi

You guys haven't been tagged, either, though.

Parsee

Aww, were you worried about us?

Yuugi

Nah, I knew you'd be fine.

Parsee

...That makes me kinda jealous.

Nue

So there aren't ANY oni taggers here?

Ichirin

All that effort and not a single point to show for it.

Minamitsu

If you weren't oni taggers, you shoulda just come and said hello.

Minamitsu

What was with all the sneaking around?

Minamitsu

Seems like you're taking this competition pretty seriously. You know it's all just for fun, right?

Ichirin

Murasa... I suppose you can be trusted with the truth.

Minamitsu

The truth?

Ichirin

The oni taggers... are cursed with real misfortune!

Komachi, Parsee & Minamitsu

R-Real misfortune?!

Komachi

That sounds like a HUGE problem.

Parsee

Are you serious? Like, SERIOUS serious?

Yuugi

Deadly. And these anti-misfortune dolls are the real deal.

Komachi, Parsee & Minamitsu

I-I don't believe it!

Parsee

But if Yuugi says so, it must be true...

Nue

You all seem pretty shaken up. What happened?

Minamitsu

N-Nothing, it's just...

Komachi

We didn't know it was real misfortune. You gotta believe us.

Minamitsu

The phantom oni taggers deeper in the forest... We kinda maybe left them to multiply.

Ichirin

You, too?!

Yuugi

There they are. Those phantoms are the oni taggers, right?

Ichirin

Don't let your guard down! This is real misfortune we're up against!

Nue

We can't let them get too close.

Yuugi

What are you afraid of? C'mon, Nue, you're with me.

Nue

I am?

Ichirin

Leave the misfortune cleanup to me!

Nue

Remember to tell Byakuren how many phantoms I beat.

Yuugi

So that wasn't all the phantoms, huh?

Nue

One oni tagger can create dozens more. Things might be worse than we thought.

Ichirin

But it's also a golden opportunity! Let's take 'em down and rack up some points!

Ichirin

All right, now to claim our points... That's weird. Our score's not going up.

Komachi

My bad. I already anti-misfortune'd all of the phantoms in this area!

Ichirin

Oh, thanks, Miss Komachi.

Nue

Whaddya mean, thanks?

Nue

She took all the points! All of the free-motorcycle-ride points!

Hina

Fancy seeing you here. How's everything going?

Yuugi

Hey, Hina.

Hina

It's been a while, Yuugi. Last we saw each other was before the festival started.

Yuugi

You were looking for something back then... Did you find it in the end?

Hina

Sadly not. I'm starting to think it was just my imagination.

Yuugi

Meh, it happens.

...What are you talking about?

I didn't know you two met before the festival.

Ichirin

Sorry to interrupt, but what brings you out here, Miss Hina?

Ichirin

I thought you were co-hosting the festival with Lady Byakuren.

Hina

I am. I decided to patrol the grounds. That way, if anything goes wrong, I can step in right away.

Hina

Speaking of which, have you seen anything particularly strange?

Nue

Nope, just the regular amount of strange.

Ichirin

We just finished up a round of battles and were about to take a quick break.

Aya

Wow, sounds like you're taking it pretty easy.

Nue

Hey, don't swoop down at us like that.

Aya

Well, well. Still only eleven points, huh?

Aya

Right now, Miss Murasa, Miss Komachi, and Miss Parsee have thirteen, and Miss Tenshi and Miss Shion have twenty.

Aya

Which puts you in third.

Ichirin

L-Looks like there's no time for a break. We need to find more oni taggers!

Hina

In that case, look over there. Those fairies should do nicely.

Yuugi

I bet the phantoms from before tagged them all.

Nue

Sweet! Let's take 'em on all at once!

Ichirin

All right, time to tap 'em with anti-misfortune dolls and collect those points!

Aya

That brings you up to sixteen points! I'd better go report this to the others right away!

Yuugi

She never figured out how to sit still, huh?

Hina

This really is strange, though.

Hina

I made sure to cleanse all the misfortune, but somehow, it keeps coming back!

Nue

How come you're making us play oni freeze tag, anyway?

Nue

Wouldn't it have been easier to just use some kinda gizmo to, you know... suck all the misfortune up?

Hina

With misfortune, things are never that simple.

Hina

This festival is an extension of Hinamatsuri. The original hina dolls were called nademono―rubbing items.

Hina

So coming up with a game of oni tag where you rub each other with dolls isn't such a stretch, is it?

Yuugi

So where did the freeze part come from?

Hina

We wanted to try and limit how far the misfortune could spread.

Hina

Though honestly, that part only works because the misfortune WANTS to remain in one place.

Ichirin

Come again?

Nue

You mean it doesn't want to flow away?

Hina

It seems that way. My best guess is that some of the misfortune wasn't washed away during the Hina-nagashi...

Hina

Which means this is partly my fault. And for that, you have my apologies.

Don't worry. We know you're doing your best!

Let's fix this together!

Hina

Thank you, PLAYER. There's no time to feel sorry for myself. I'm Gensokyo's misfortune expert, after all!

Hina

If you find out why this is happening while you're out collecting misfortune, please let me know.

Hina

It might just be leftover misfortune from the Hina-nagashi... but if that were the case, I'd have sensed it.

Hina

My guess is that someone's either protecting it or gathering it for themselves.

Yuugi

Gathering misfortune, huh...?

Nue

What's up, Yuugi?

Yuugi

...It's nothing.

Ichirin

All right, break's over. Let's move out! We're still behind, but we can close the gap!

Ichirin

If we somehow manage to win, Lady Byakuren will be so proud of us!

Hina

That's the spirit! Good luck out there!

Nue

Let's go, team, let's go! You can do it!

Ichirin

There's nothing wrong with cheering in that outfit, but you're part of this team, too, remember?

Nue

I know, I know...

Current standings: Team PLAYER: 16 Points

Yuugi

Ichirin, there's an oni tagger heading your way!

Ichirin

Me and Unzan will handle 'em!

Nue

All righty! I'll handle the misfortune cleanup this time.

Ichirin

Phew. Another four points in the bag.

...

Yuugi

What's up, PLAYER? Something on your mind?

Yeah, kinda...

I was just thinking about what Miss Hina said.

Nue

What part's got you curious?

When you "wash away" misfortune... where does it go?

Won't it just affect the people downstream?

Ichirin

That's such a considerate way to look at it.

Yuugi

Don't worry, PLAYER. Everyone downstream's gonna be fine.

Yuugi

Nobody likes misfortune, which means it always ends up with us down in Former Hell.

Nue

Huh, I guess that makes sense.

Yuugi

C'mon. I'll tell you more about Hina-nagashi as we walk.

Yuugi

When a child was born, people used to make a doll that looked just like them.

Yuugi

It was a kind of substitute that soaked up any accidents or illness that might befall the child.

Yuugi

But once a doll was filled with misfortune, what then?

Yuugi

Well, the humans decided to send them back to where they came from.

Yuugi

Some of them believed rivers flowed all the way to the afterlife.

Yuugi

They had no proof, of course, but with the Sanzu River and all, they weren't too far off.

Yuugi

So come springtime, they'd float the dolls downriver, hoping the misfortune would flow back to where it belonged.

Yuugi

Anyway, that's the gist of it. If you want more details, you'll have to ask the Yama or someone even higher up than her.

I had no idea Hina-nagashi was so important.

So are the hina dolls that carry misfortune... evil?

Ichirin

Not at all.

Ichirin

Nothing is innately evil. Evil describes people's deeds. The dolls have no ill intent.

Nue

Byakuren always says that.

Yuugi

Whatever the case, the dolls are born from a parent's love.

Yuugi

Whether they're good or bad, feelings like that don't just vanish.

Feelings don't vanish...

Ichirin

The flame of a feeling never goes out! Just like this cheer!

Nue

I don't like where this is going...

Ichirin

GO, TEAM, GO!

Nue

Hey, quit screaming in my ear.

*deep inhale*

GO, TEAM, GO!

Yuugi

Now THAT'S a cheer, PLAYER.

Yuugi

With us at your side, you don't have anything to worry about.

Got it!

Ichirin

C'mon, we've got a competition to win!

Nue

Looks like we're almost through the Forest of Magic.

Yuugi

I wonder who we'll get to battle next...

Yuugi

I'm excited just thinking about it!

Current standings: Team PLAYER: 20 Points

Yuugi

Look! That fairy's an oni tagger, too!

Ichirin

So's this kappa! Miss Nue, quick, the doll!

Nue

On it.

Yuugi

Ever since we got to the Misty Lake, it's been non-stop oni taggers.

Nue

Makes me wish we'd left the forest sooner.

Ichirin

You and me both. No matter how many we catch, they just keep coming.

Ichirin

It's like we're not making any progress at all.

Nue

...What's that?

Ichirin

What's going on over there?!

Nue

Look! Those phantoms and kappa are being chased by fairies!

Yuugi

I know it's all part of the game, but this is a bit much...

Ichirin

The fairies are catching up to them... and turning them into more oni taggers!

Nue

Oh, right. With the anti-misfortune dolls on our side, I forgot...

Nue

But the rules are stacked in the oni taggers' favor! If they get left unchecked―

Yuugi

Their numbers increase exponentially!

Ichirin

Th-This is bad! We have to do something!

Nue

They're headed this way! What do we do?!

Yuugi

Battle 'em, of course!

Ichirin

But if even one of them touches us, we'll be cursed with misfortune!

Umm, guys, they're getting closer!

We have to stop them... NOW!

Nue

Wait... I see some familiar faces in there.

Yamame

Urghhh... Must make more oni taggers!

Wriggle

I gotta t-t-tag someone!

Yuugi

So they got tagged too... What a mess.

Yuugi

We gotta blast our way through them!

Nue

This is exactly what you've been waiting for, huh?

Yuugi

OK, time to gather up some misfortune.

Ichirin

Quickly! The oni taggers are chasing the kappa and phantoms right to us!

Nue

How come there are so many kappa?

Nue

Oh, look! It's the Misty Lake stadium!

Ichirin

Of course! I heard Lady Byakuren asked the kappa to set it up for the festival!

Ichirin

Let's use it to hide and regroup!

Nue

Eep! The oni taggers followed us in here.

Yuugi

Tch. They're cutting off our retreat.

Hina

You guys are here too?!

Ichirin

Miss Hina?!

Hina

Quick, follow me!

Hina

Whew... We should be safe for now.

Nue

You're all hiding in here, too?

Hina

I came to check on the venue and spotted the others.

Kogasa

We were hyped to take on all the oni taggers, but then BAM! We got totally overrun.

Medicine

It was so scary!

Ichirin

Sounds like we're all having a rough time.

Nue

What now? If we get tagged, we'll be frozen in place.

Yuugi

We have to take out every last one of them. *oni knuckle crack*

Ichirin

No, Miss Yuugi! You'll destroy the stadium!

Ichirin

Ugh, this is bad. We've gotta find a way to cleanse their misfortune.

???

*sob* *sniff*

Nue

Do you hear that?

Hina

Is someone there?

???

*sob* *sob*

Eternity Larva

*sniff*

Ichirin

Miss Larva?! Glad to see you're OK.

Eternity Larva

I am... but Wriggle and Yamame aren't. They got tagged... *sob* *sob*

Hina

There, there. You're safe now.

Yuuka

Rubbing her with an anti-misfortune doll does nothing. She's not an oni tagger.

Ichirin

Wait, were you trying to score an easy point?

Yuuka

Umm... no?

Yuuka

Still, it's oni tagger central out there. We're completely trapped.

Nue

Well, none of us stand a chance of winning like this. How about a little strategy meeting?

Ichirin

M-Miss Nue! Are you finally acting like a team player?!

Nue

M-Maybe. You and Yuugi are giving it your all, so I figured it was about time I helped out.

Yuugi

All right, what do you want me to destroy first?

Nue & Ichirin

NO DESTROYING!

Yuuka

Well, we need to think of something. Shall I brew some tea?

Kogasa

No! The oni taggers are out there multiplying at this very second!

Hina

If push comes to shove, I'll have to put my body on the line to absorb all of the misfortune...

Yuugi

If I'm not allowed to destroy stuff, what AM I allowed to do?

Nue

This sounds like it's gonna take a while. Let me see here...

Ichirin

One thing's clear. We're all gonna have to work together.

Yuuka

You're right. For the time being, we're allies, not rivals.

Eternity Larva

Th-There are too many of them. Even if we team up, we'll still end up getting tagged.

Yuuka

But if we DO make it out unscathed, just think of all the points we can get.

Kogasa

We might be able to jump up to first place!

Ichirin

We're dealing with real misfortune here. Getting tagged is no trivial matter.

Clueless Trio

It's real misfortune?!

Yuugi

Yup.

Yuuka

I had a feeling that was the case.

Medicine

C-Can't we just make a break for it?

Yuugi

We'd still have to battle our way through the oni taggers. And if we do that, we might as well score some points!

Eternity Larva

H-How are you so upbeat?!

Eternity Larva

You're making me look like a total scaredy caterpillar...

Yuuka

There, there. Everything's going to work out fine. We'll help your friends, too.

Eternity Larva

*sniff* Thanks.

Ichirin

All right, let's get back on―

Nue

*heave* *heave*

Ichirin

Umm, Miss Nue? What are you doing?

Nue

I figured the strategy meeting wasn't gonna go anywhere, so I found us a solution!

Ichirin

A solution?!

Yuuka

What is that...?

Nue

Heh heh. Say hello to my secret weapon!

Everyone

H-Hello?!

Ichirin

What sort of weapon have you got, Miss Nue?

Nue

See for yourself... Ta-da!

Ichirin

Is that... a khakkhara?!

Yuugi

Whoa, that's a pretty sweet crowbar!

Ichirin

What do you mean? It's clearly a khakkhara.

Yuugi

Are you blind? It's a CROWBAR.

Yuuka

It doesn't look like either of those things to me.

Kogasa

Me neither. What's going on?

Medicine

Hmm, what does it look like to you, PLAYER?

Uhh...

A pink toy sword.

Some kinda musical instrument.

A really big hammer.

Eternity Larva

Th-That's totally not what I see!

Ichirin

You equipped it with a Seed of Unknown Form didn't you, Miss Nue?

Nue

This way, everyone sees it as the perfect weapon for themselves.

Nue

I call it... the Misfortune Buster of Unknown Form!

Yuugi

Does it really cleanse misfortune?

Yuuka

If it does, we can use it to take down some of the oni taggers and break out of here.

Kogasa

But who's gonna use it?

Yuugi

I am.

Yuugi

Lemme see here... All I gotta do is swing it around oni-style, right?

Ichirin

Wait. I can't let you take all the risk.

Ichirin

I'll go with you!

Nue

We've got my weapon, Yuugi's oni strength, and Ichirin backing us up. Let's do this!

Yuugi

Hahaha! That's it, keep walking into my blows!

Yuugi

Get ready! *swing* *swing* *swing*

Ichirin

Now, Unzan! Swing her around!

Nue

That's the way! Let's go, Yuugi, let's go!

Kogasa

Th-Those guys are nuts! Miss Yuugi's swinging the weapon, and Unzan's swinging her!

Yuuka

They're taking down oni taggers by the dozen. Keep it up.

Kogasa

You can do it! You can do it!

Eternity Larva

Where did Miss Nue even find a weapon that powerful?

Yuugi

I've never been swung around like this! It's crazy fun!

Medicine

How is she able to talk while flying through the air?!

???

Whoaaaaa!

Kogasa

Hm? Does anyone else hear screaming?

Yuugi

I'm starting to get reaaaal dizzy!

Ichirin

You heard her, Unzan! Time to put her down.

???

Stoooooooop!

Yuugi

Huh? Why's the crowbar talking?!

Ichirin

That can't be right.

Ichirin

Miss Nue, what IS that thing?

Nue

Isn't it obvious? She's the only one I know who can absorb misfortune.

Ichirin

She? It's a person?!

Ichirin

W-Wait... I haven't seen Miss Hina since we left the locker room!

Nue

OK, you can reveal yourself now.

Hina

Urghhh... I'm used to spinning, but that was way too much.

Yuugi

Hina?! YOU were the Misfortune Buster of whatever whatever?!

Nue

She told you herself that she was gonna put her body on the line to absorb misfortune.

Nue

So when I asked her to be our weapon, she didn't hesitate.

Hina

E-Even though I'm running this festival, I had to step in and help...

Ichirin

I thought the whole "putting your body on the line" thing was a figure of speech!

Ichirin

That was super brave of you!

Ichirin

C'mon, guys, grab your anti-misfortune dolls and let's win this thing!

Yuugi

There are still a few oni taggers headed our way. Get ready for a battle!

Nue

Let's go, team, let's go!

Ichirin

Here goes nothing!

Yuugi

There are still more oni taggers! Let's not let any misfortune go to waste!

Ichirin

Whoa, we're racking up so many points!

Nue

At this rate, we'll be in first place in no time.

Yuuka

Heh heh, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

Kogasa

We're raking in points, too! Lady Byakuren's prize is ours!

Medicine

These dolls get cuter and cuter the more misfortune they absorb.

Eternity Larva

Without one of my own, all I can do is watch... *sigh* I hope I get reunited with Yamame and Wriggle soon.

Yuugi

I think we took 'em down somewhere near the stadium entrance.

Eternity Larva

Y-You took them down?!

Ichirin

Sorry we couldn't be more careful. But with all the oni taggers swarming us like that...

Eternity Larva

I-I don't believe this.

Yuuka

After we've secured first place, I'll bring you a gift to make up for it.

Ichirin

You mean after WE'VE secured first place!

Kogasa

Hehe, this competition isn't over yet!

Current standings: Team PLAYER: 45 Points

Tenshi

Must... make more oni taggers!

Shion

Let me tag youuu!

Yuugi

Wroaaah! ...Wait, who was that?

Nue

I feel like I recognize them.

Tenshi

Ow, ow ow... Huh? Is this that stadium the kappa built?

Shion

Last thing I remember, the oni taggers had us surrounded... What happened?!

Tenshi

Pull yourself together, Shion! We gotta score more points!

Shion

Eek! L-Lady Tenshi?! What's going on?!

Tenshi

I'll explain later. For now, just gimme your anti-misfortune doll!

Tenshi

Thanks for the save, you guys. We owe you one!

Yuugi

We just helped our rivals, didn't we?

Ichirin

Who cares?! Let's just focus on collecting misfortune!

Shion

Have you guys been getting points this whole time? How many have you got?

Nue

Fifty!

Tenshi

F-Fifty?! We gotta act fast!

Tenshi

Humans of Earth, lend me your temperament! I'll slice down all the oni taggers with my Sword of Hisou!

Tenshi

Shion, get ready to collect a whole bunch of misfortune!

Shion

On it!

Tenshi

Have a taste... OF HEAVEN!

Medicine

Arghhh!

Kogasa

H-Hey, we're not oni taggers! Quit swinging that sword around like a maniac!

Tenshi

Oops.

Yuuka

Oops?

Yuuka

Aren't you going to apologize properly?

Tenshi

I'm a little busy at the moment!

Yuuka

Kogasa. Take care of Medicine.

Kogasa

Wh-Why? What are you gonna do?

Yuuka

Dish out a little punishment.

Kogasa

(She looks really mad!)

Yuuka

Get back here, celestial!

Tenshi

What?! I told you I'm busy!

Th-This is bad! If we don't stop them...

We'll all get caught in the crossfire!

M-Miss Tenshi...

I think you better apologize.

Tenshi

Hmph. Not you too, PLAYER...

Tenshi

Fine. I'm sorry.

Tenshi

I know! After I win, I'll let you accompany me to the cherry blossom-viewing party.

Medicine

Tch. Just be careful next time.

Yuuka

If Medicine's forgiven you, then I have no reason to keep punishing you. Let's keep everything friendly from now on.

Kogasa

Y-Yeah! There's no need to fight with all these points up for grabs!

Shion

Lady Tenshi, if you're done talking, mind giving me a hand?!

Shion

G-Get away from me, oni tagger! I said get awaaaaay!

Tenshi

Shion?!

Tenshi

You all right?

Shion

Phew. Thanks to you I am.

Tenshi

You sure? It looked like you got tagged...

Ichirin

The others have been scoring a ton of points... but so have we!

Yuugi

Hahaha! The oni taggers just keep coming!

Yuugi

It's like a bullet battle buffet!

Ichirin

It looked like Miss Tenshi and the others were arguing about something.

Ichirin

This is our chance to nab first place!

Current standings: Team PLAYER: ??? Points

Aya

Ayayayaya! This is total chaos!

Hey, Miss Aya!

Aya

The Misty Lake stadium is overrun with oni taggers, and the competitors are taking them down in droves!

Aya

It's basically impossible to tell how many points each team has!

Aya

At this rate, who knows which of them will come out on top?!

That's some pretty hype commentating!

She's even writing an article as she flies around!

Aya

Swoosh! Sorry to interrupt, but can you tell us all how you're feeling about the competition?!

Shion

How I'm feeling? Well, I'm with Lady Tenshi, so there's no way we can lose!

Shion

I hope you're watching, Joon! Those guest of honor tickets are ours!

Tenshi

I suppose the cherry blossoms down here have a certain appeal.

Tenshi

But if you wanna know how I'm feeling... right now, I feel like this competition is in the bag.

Aya

You heard it, folks! Miss Tenshi and Miss Shion currently have fifty points!

Aya

Let's drop in with a different team. How are you guys getting on?

Yuuka

There was some trouble before, but overall, not bad.

Kogasa

Everything's great! We're scoring buckets of points!

Medicine

And we're just getting warmed up! Miss Lily's giving it her all, too!

Aya

Sounds like adversity has made this team even stronger! Right now, they have forty-eight points!

Aya

How's everyone faring over here? Think you're in with a shot of winning?

Ichirin

We HAVE to win. We have orders directly from Lady Byakuren!

Ichirin

You just watch. Me and Unzan are gonna lead our team to victory!

Nue

I'm doing all I can to help!

Yuugi

Unlimited battles AND a prize?

Yuugi

What more could an oni ask for?!

Aya

Wow, they're all super fired up! And they're currently sitting pretty on sixty points...

Aya

Which puts them in first place!

Aya

But with all the oni taggers still around, they'll have to keep working hard if they wanna protect their lead!

Aya

...What's this? Someone's blasting through all the oni taggers near the entrance!

Kogasa

Huh?!

Yuuka

Who could it be?

Wriggle

Hands off! All these points are OURS!

Yamame

Wroaaaah! Taste my anti-misfortune doll!

Shion

A new team?!

Tenshi

I thought they'd been tagged...

Ichirin

We un-tagged them before we hid in the stadium!

Nue

I can't believe they're scoring their own points now.

Yuugi

Well, that's exactly what they're doing!

Aya

Whoa! It's like they're not afraid of getting tagged at all!

Aya

Wait... they ARE being tagged. It just doesn't seem to be having any effect!

Tenshi

They're... immune.

Shion

What do you mean?

Tenshi

Think about it. You got tagged earlier, but nothing happened. Once you've been an oni tagger, you're immune.

Yuugi

That means they can go all out to collect points!

Ichirin

I-Is that even fair?!

Tenshi

So that's why Joon wanted me to let them multiply...

Shion

Lady Tenshi?

Tenshi

Sorry, this isn't the time for divine revelations. We just need to focus on getting points.

Shion

Let's do it!

Aya

Miss Wriggle, Miss Yamame, got any fighting words?

Wriggle

*pant* *pant* All this misfortune cleansing sure is tiring... but we're not done yet!

Yamame

I've got loads left in the tank! I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms up here!

Aya

Well, they certainly make a great team! So far they have... sixty-four points!

Aya

Which means THEY'RE the ones in first place! Can they hold out till sunset?!

Ichirin

No way! We can't let them beat us!

???

Yo-ho... Yo-ho...

Nue

Do you guys hear that?

Minamitsu

Yo-ho, me hearties, yo-ho! Don't just stand there... MOVE!

Minamitsu

We're in this competition, too!

Komachi

We cleaned up all the stragglers outside the stadium! The ones in here are the last ones!

Parsee

It's so lively in here. I'm so jealous.

Aya

Another team has appeared! They have... Wait, what?!

Aya

SEVENTY POINTS! Now THEY'RE in the lead!

Wriggle & Yamame

Someone overtook us already?!

Yuugi

How did they get so many points?!

Nue

While we were talking strategy, they were out battling oni taggers!

Ichirin

They're so far ahead! ...We can't give up, though!

Yuugi

Hey, Murasa, Parsee. Whaddya say to a battle of bullets to decide first place?!

Parsee

Huh?

Minamitsu

Heh heh, we have no reason to do anything so risky...

Minamitsu

But we were hoping to get our revenge on you sometime!

Komachi

Who's we?

Minamitsu

It's on! Winner gets the top prize!

Minamitsu

Sorry, but this battle's gonna be clear sailing for us, Ichirin!

Ichirin

Bring it on. Just don't come crying to me when the seas get rough!

Nue

There are more important things than battling right now... but at least your smack talk is thematical!

Parsee

We tried our best and still lost... You're so strong it makes me jealous!

Yuugi

*oni cackle* That was a great battle. Let's do this again sometime!

Minamitsu

Not bad, Ichirin, not bad. Now you've taken us down... be sure to win this thing, OK?

Ichirin

Leave it to me, Captain!

Komachi

No one's gonna beat you on enthusiasm, that's for sure.

Aya

I don't believe it! Miss Murasa's team has dropped out of the competition!

Aya

Who will take their place at the top of the leaderboard?!

Yuugi

There aren't many oni taggers left.

Yuugi

PLAYER, do you remember when we talked about the person behind this mess?

Umm... I think so!

You said someone might be doing this on purpose.

Yuugi

That's right. There has to be a reason for all this misfortune spreading around Gensokyo.

A reason?

I guess I never thought about it like that...

Hina

I've been wondering about that, too. It's not like I've been neglecting my misfortune-control duties

Hina

And it's not like something on this scale can be caused by a series of minor disturbances.

Hina

Which means someone must be supplying the misfortune.

But who would do something like that?

Ichirin

Hey, you two, quit scaring Miss PLAYER.

Yuugi

We weren't trying to scare her. If anything, this is our chance.

Yuugi

If we find the source of the misfortune, we'll score more points than you can count!

Nue

She might be right!

But who?

And why?

???

Guess who!

Huh?!

Are you the person we're looking for?

???

Follow the sound of my voice. That's it.

...

*gasp*

Nue

Someone's grabbed PLAYER!

Ichirin

Is that the person behind all this?!

Yuugi

Looks like it.

Suika

Well done, PLAYER!

Miss Suika?!

Suika

I knew you'd take the bait. I was right to single you out.

Ichirin

What are you doing here, Miss Suika?

Suika

What sort of a question is that?

Suika

I came to return this doll I found.

Nue

Is THAT the cause of all this?! It definitely seems way more sinister than the other dolls.

Ichirin

If we get our hands on it, this competition is over! Miss Suika, pass it here!

Suika

You want it, hm?

Suika

Heh heh heh. I guess I could give it to you...

Suika

If you beat me in a battle!

Yuugi

Best! Day! Ever!

Ichirin

Whoa, slow down a minute!

Nue

You're gonna take it easy on us, right? ...Right?!

Yuugi

And that's that!

Suika

Urgh, I lost.

Ichirin

*gasp* *gasp* Just gotta... cleanse your misfortune...

Yuugi

I figured you were the only one who would bring misfortune to Gensokyo. Other than me, of course.

Yuugi

But why'd you do it? It's been chaos up here.

Suika

Huh? I thought you were all having fun playing oni freeze tag?

Nue

Fun was never a part of it. Our goal was to cleanse all of the misfortune.

Suika

No kidding... I heard everyone was having a blast. Tell you the truth, I was feeling pretty good about myself.

Ichirin

Wanna explain why you brought us that doll?

Suika

There's not much to explain. I just didn't wanna leave it unattended.

Suika

Normally, these dolls get released into the river, sink to the bottom, then slowly descend into Former Hell.

Suika

But I found this little guy lying around up here, filled to the brim with misfortune.

Ichirin

You found it in Gensokyo? I don't understand.

Ichirin

Wait. I feel like I've seen that doll before...

Ichirin

...Oh.

Ichirin

It can't be!

Nue

Wh-What're you shouting about, Ichirin?

Ichirin

Don't you remember?! Lady Byakuren talked about it before she told us about our outfits.

Nue

You mean that errand she kept going on about?

Ichirin

Exactly. THIS was the cursed object she had us take care of!

Ichirin

But I'd completely forgotten how to deal with cursed items... so I asked you.

Nue

Oh, yeah...

Nue

I just made something up about sending it down the river. My bad.

Ichirin

Y-You made that up?!

Yuugi

So you sent it down the river...

Yuugi

Does that mean THIS is the doll Hina was looking for?!

Ichirin

Right, she's an expert on misfortune. Does that mean she retrieved it for us?

Ichirin

But wait... if that was the case, things never would've escalated like this.

Yuugi

I can explain that...

Yuugi

I saw the doll in the bushes but didn't think anything of it.

Yuugi

So I didn't bother telling Hina about it.

Nue

What?

Yuugi

She sensed something was off but said it must've just been my aura and left.

Ichirin

Yikes.

Suika

So, to sum up...

Miss Ichirin's errand was to cleanse that doll...

And Miss Nue told her to send it down the river...

Then Miss Yuugi spotted it but didn't tell Miss Hina.

Suika

Since then, the doll's been absorbing misfortune and spreading it all over Gensokyo.

Ichirin

We really screwed up.

Nue

You can say that again.

Yuugi

We really screwed up.

Suika

So what're you gonna do?

Ichirin

F-For now, let's just try and cleanse all the misfortune! It's almost sunset!

Nue

You're right. We need to get all the points we can.

Yuugi

Look, there are still some oni taggers over there. Let's go!

...

Suika

I see this game of freeze tag hasn't frozen their fighting spirits!

Byakuren

Thank you so much for joining us today, everyone. I hope you all had fun playing oni freeze tag.

Hina

Thanks to you, the problem―I mean, this year's Hinamatsuri was a huge success!

Byakuren

Now, hand over your anti-misfortune dolls and we'll reveal the final scores.

Wriggle

I'm so excited!

Kogasa

M-My fingers are trembling...

Hina

First up, Miss Momoyo. Sadly, she dropped out midway, so she has zero points!

Momoyo

I remembered I had work to do. Had to head back to the mountain for a bit.

(She said she dropped her anti-misfortune doll...)

(Guess she never found it.)

Byakuren

Next, Miss Wriggle, Miss Yamame, and Miss Eternity Larva! They scored seventy-four points!

Wriggle

Woohoo, go team!

Yamame

Seventy-four. Not bad!

Eternity Larva

It's all thanks to you two!

Hina

Lagging behind them was Miss Kogasa, Miss Yuuka, and Miss Medicine with sixty-seven points!

Medicine

Ahh, so close!

Kogasa

Ugh, I really wanted that guest of honor spot. I suppose I can still enjoy the cherry blossoms in the graveyard, but still...

Yuuka

Now, now. I think we did pretty well, all things considered.

Byakuren

Murasa, Miss Komachi, and Miss Parsee also dropped out, but not before scoring seventy points!

Minamitsu

Well, we didn't win, but we gave it our all.

Parsee

At least you got to collect misfortune. You must be very pleased. Ugh, I'm so jealous.

Komachi

Now I don't get to slack off―I mean, enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Hina

Next, with a whopping 108 points, it's Miss Shion and Miss Tenshi!

Tenshi

Hahaha! Hardly surprising we broke three figures!

Shion

Yippee! That puts us in first place!

Byakuren

Yes, but we're not done yet.

Byakuren

Miss Yuugi, Ichirin, Nue, and Miss PLAYER... 108 points!

Shion

What?! You mean it's a draw?!

Ichirin

Wh-What happens now?!

Byakuren

...

Byakuren

On to the final team.

Byakuren

Miss Kokoro managed to hand out twenty bento boxes! Let's convert that to misfortune points!

Kokoro

I'm glad everyone was so hungry.

Ichirin

So she was serious about taking three points per box?!

Byakuren

Yes. Which gives her sixty points!

Minamitsu

F-For real?!

Wriggle

W-We ate bento boxes, too. Does that mean...?

Hina

All of the scores are about to change!

Hina

Miss Wriggle, Miss Yamame, and Miss Eternity Larva ate five boxes. Seventy-four minus fifteen leaves them with...

Byakuren

Fifty-nine points.

Team Wriggle

Whaaaat?!

Hina

Murasa, Miss Komachi, and Miss Parsee ate 3 boxes, so their new total is sixty-one points!

Parsee

You mean we overtook them?!

Minamitsu

Wow! We did it, Lady Byakuren!

Komachi

With sixty points, that puts Miss Kokoro in fourth place.

Kokoro

Hehe, fourth place just by handing out bento boxes.

Kokoro

Not bad!

Nue

We all ate one box each! That means...

Yuugi

Our score's gonna drop. But so's theirs.

Nue

Whose?

Shion

No, no, no, no! L-Lady Tenshi, I...

Tenshi

Don't say it. I already know.

Byakuren

Miss Shion and Miss Tenshi ate eight boxes between them. Their score falls by twenty-four points to become eighty-four!

Hina

Miss Yuugi, Ichirin, Nue, and Miss PLAYER ate one bento box each, which leaves them with ninety-six points!

Shion

Miss Kokoro tricked us! She said we could eat as many as we liked!

Byakuren

Congratulations to the winners of the oni freeze tag competition!

Ichirin

W-Wow, we did it. Awesome.

Nue

Guess good deeds sometimes do pay off.

Yuugi

Yup. Now we get to see some cherry blossoms.

Yuuka

Is it just me, or do you guys not seem all that thrilled?

Byakuren

Now for the prizes! Here are your guest-of-honor-and-more tickets for Myouren Temple's cherry blossom-viewing party.

Nue

What's the "and more" supposed to mean?

Yuugi

Huh? How come the assembly time is so early? I need my oni beauty sleep.

Joon

Is it over already?

Shion

Hey, Joon! Where've you been this whole time?

Joon

Just wandering around. Did you get the oni taggers to multiply?

Shion

Kinda. It was going well at first, but...

Ichirin

You WANTED them to multiply?! Why?!

Byakuren

I'll handle this. I was the one who asked Joon to do that.

Nue

Oh yeah, I remember now. I still don't get why, though.

Hina

You saw it with your own eyes. Once someone becomes an oni tagger, they can't be tagged again.

Hina

We wanted to increase the number of oni taggers, then collect all the misfortune, leaving everyone immune.

Byakuren

Of course, spreading misfortune can be dangerous, so we paired our plan up with your team's strategy.

Ichirin

Th-That explains a lot.

Joon

It's not like I had to do what they asked me. In the end, I just got Shion to do it instead.

Byakuren

Either way, your help was invaluable. Thank you, Joon.

Joon

Tch.

Hina

OK, time to gather up everyone's anti-misfortune dolls.

Hina

Between you, you collected a whole lot of misfortune.

Hina

All that's left to do is float it and all the dolls down the river!

Yuugi

Sounds good. Let's go!

Hina

Say goodbye to all the anti-misfortune dolls, everyone...

Medicine

Wait!

Nue

What is it, Medicine?

Medicine

She's my friend!

Suika

Who's she?

Medicine

My anti-misfortune doll!

Medicine

If we float her down the river, she'll be gone forever!

Ichirin

That's kinda the point of Hina-nagashi...

Medicine

Take a closer look at her!

Nue

Looks like a regular doll to me.

Yuugi

And me.

Ichirin

And me.

Medicine

But she's NOT a regular doll!

Medicine

With all the misfortune inside her, she's turning into a youkai...

Medicine

Which means she CAN be my friend!

Hina

I guess you have a point...

Yuugi

So we can't float that one down the river?

Hina

Oh, no. We totally could.

Medicine

...

Nue

Not sure Medicine's gonna let us, though.

Hina

...Fine. As long as it's with her, I don't see a problem.

Hina

It'll just be another one of the many dolls she keeps at home.

Medicine

Y-Yay!

Medicine

Did you hear that, little buddy? We're gonna be friends forever!

Yuugi

If she's happy, I suppose that's all that matters.

Ichirin

Yep! To be honest, I feel like this whole ordeal has made me a lot stronger!

Nue

Yeah. Overall, it wasn't such a bad time.

Aren't we gonna, you know...

Tell them where the misfortune was coming from?

Ichirin

I suppose we could...

Ichirin

But why bother? Everything worked out in the end!

Nue

You said it!

Yuugi

That was a GREAT festival!

A-All right...

I won't tell anyone, either.

Suika

Next time you're playing oni tag, let me know!

Byakuren

The misfortune's been dealt with, and everyone had fun. I'm one satisfied host!

Hina

Ditto! We should definitely do this again sometime!

Byakuren

Good morning. Right on time―just before sunrise.

Nue

*yawn*

Byakuren

Let me congratulate you once more on your victory. Everyone at Myouren Temple is thrilled for you.

Yuugi

Whoa, look at all the cherry blossoms! So, where's the feast?

Nue

And why did you ask us to come wearing our tag outfits?

Byakuren

Because they're much easier to move around in.

Nue

...Is that important?

Byakuren

Absolutely. Look at all the petals on the ground.

Byakuren

You're about to help clear them all away!

Nue

Say what?

Ichirin

You got it, Lady Byakuren!

Yuugi

Wait... Is the "and more" part of our guest-of-honor-and-more tickets about us setting the party up?!

Byakuren

Of course. Banquets don't just spring out of the ground, you know?

Byakuren

Come on, it'll be faster if we all work together.

Yuugi

Can't believe she's making us sweep this place up.

Nue

You don't think she knows we accidentally helped spread the misfortune... do you?

Yuugi

I suppose this could be her way of punishing us.

Nue

If it is, it's not like we have any right to complain.

Yuugi

You're right.

Ichirin

Miss Yuugi, Miss Nue! Quit standing around and gimme a hand!

Yuugi

Yeah, yeah, I hear you.

Nue

We're on it.

Ichirin

I can't believe those two...

Ichirin

Although I gotta say, Miss Nue's strangely well-behaved today. Can't say the same for Miss Yuugi, but still.

I overheard them talking...

They think Miss Byakuren knows about your errand.

Ichirin

Wh-What? How?!

Ichirin

I-I didn't tell her, I swear. There's no way she could've figured it out herself.

Byakuren

Something wrong, Ichirin? You've stopped working. You're not feeling unwell, are you?

Ichirin

Eek! N-No, I'm fine! Healthy as ever!

Byakuren

I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for helping with the preparations, PLAYER.

N-No problem!

(She doesn't know... does she?)

Byakuren

Next up is the picnic mats. Ichirin, please fetch them all from the store cupboard.

Ichirin

O-On my way!

Yuugi

All of them? Don't tell me Byakuren wants us to prep enough for EVERYONE coming to the party.

Nue

I wouldn't put it past her.

Yuugi

I feel sorry for all you guys living at the temple...

Byakuren

You two, dispose of all the trash you collected.

Yuugi & Nue

Y-Yes, ma'am!

Byakuren

Teehee, everyone's giving it their all today.

Byakuren

At this rate, everything might be ready by sunset!

Yuugi

Ugh, how long is this gonna take?

Ichirin

Quit complaining and get back to work. There's plenty more to do.

Nue

I wanna touch the motorcycle, I wanna admire the cherry blossoms, I wanna eat yummy foooood!

Byakuren

Great work so far, everyone.

Byakuren

Now then, I think it's about time...

Nue

For a break?!

Byakuren

To get started on the food prep.

Yuugi

We're STILL not done?!

Nue

I'm exhausted.

Byakuren

Don't say that! We've still got to cook all the food, clean the main hall, and―

???

Ahhh!

Ichirin

Did you hear that, Lady Byakuren?

Byakuren

Yes. It came from the graveyard.

Byakuren

Will you three go and check it out?

Yuugi

Sure will!

Nue

Ugh, if it's trouble, count me out.

Ichirin

C'mon, we can at least see what it is. Bye, Lady Byakuren!

Ichirin

This is where that scream came from. I wonder who it was.

Nue

I'd put my money on her...

Kogasa

*sob* *sob*

Yuugi

That's Kogasa. She's really wailing, huh?

Ichirin

Something's not right.

What was that?

I feel like I just saw...

No. I must've just imagined it.

Kogasa

...

Ichirin

...

Kogasa

Boo!

Nue

Why's she charging at us like that?

Yuugi

Beats me. I'm just glad we escaped all that prep work.

Yuugi

Hey, Kogasa. If you're gonna attack us, get on with it!

Ichirin

You WANT her to attack us?!

Ichirin

C'mon, let's calm her down before things get out of hand!

Kogasa

Boo...

Yuugi

She'll have to try harder than that to make me jump. What's up with her, anyway?

Ichirin

Not sure. But this isn't how she normally acts.

Byakuren

...I asked you three to check on things, not start a battle.

Ichirin

Lady Byakuren! Miss Kogasa was acting strange!

Nue

She was going crazy like she was during the oni freeze tag competition.

Kogasa

*sob* You guys sure spooked me.

Nue

Oh, she's up.

Byakuren

What happened, Kogasa?

Kogasa

Hello, Lady Byakuren. The thing is...

Kogasa

OK! This outfit is much easier to move around in. Time to go help out with Myouren Temple's party!

Kogasa

Why is there an anti-misfortune doll walking around?!

Kogasa

You musta snuck out of the temple, huh? Come on, back you go!

Kogasa

Aghhh!

Kogasa

...And that's why I was acting strange.

Ichirin

The anti-misfortune doll... was walking?!

Byakuren

How peculiar. I thought we retrieved all of the dolls.

Byakuren

Surely no one left one lying around.

Ichirin

An anti-misfortune doll?

Nue

Around here?

Yuugi

Huh, that kinda rings a bell.

Wait...

Didn't Miss Momoyo say she lost a doll somewhere?!

Byakuren

She said what?!

Nue

What happens if it's still out there?

Byakuren

Hina and I made those anti-misfortune dolls using my magic and her ability.

Byakuren

We didn't have any time to spare, so I couldn't stop to consider all the possible outcomes. I feel so embarrassed.

Ichirin

W-We know you did what you had to!

Byakuren

Luckily, it seems the misfortune that doll contains has weakened.

Byakuren

After all, a battle of bullets was all Kogasa needed to go back to normal.

Yuugi

We can't just let that thing roam free, though, huh?

Byakuren

No, we can't.

Byakuren

Ichirin, Miss Yuugi, Miss Nue, PLAYER. I need you to track it down and bring it back to me.

Ichirin

You got it!

Nue

Why us?

Byakuren

If you do this, you won't have to do any more party prep.

Nue

Why didn't you say so?!

Ichirin

Sorry about this, Lady Byakuren. We'll be back as soon as possible.

Nue

We can't take this new surge of misfortune lightly, Ichirin. Let's not be reckless.

Ichirin

Wh-What's gotten into you, Miss Nue?

Yuugi

She's right. We should take this REAL slow.

Yuugi

That way, when we get back, the party prep will all be done!

Ichirin

So you both just wanna slack off?! Not on my watch. C'mon, we're leaving!

Byakuren

I hope things turn out OK. For now, I simply have to trust them.

Minamitsu

Everything's ready to go, Lady Byakuren. Umm... is something wrong?

Byakuren

I sent Ichirin and the others off on a different task. I need you to gather people to help with the party preparations.

Minamitsu

Aye-aye!

Yuugi

So, where'd the anti-misfortune doll wander off to?

Nue

I mean, it can go wherever it likes. It's not gonna be easy to find.

Ichirin

Don't give up so easily! If we keep our eyes peeled, I'm sure we'll spot it!

Yuugi

Maybe. I'm just glad we got out of all that party prep.

Nue

Yeah. So it's not like we're in a rush to get back.

Yuugi

Can't wait to see some cherry blossoms up here.

Nue

And as guests of honor, we'll get the best view.

Ichirin

You're right about that. It wasn't easy winning the tag competition, but I'm glad we did.

Nue

Tell you the truth, though, I'm more excited to ride that motorcycle than to see the cherry blossoms.

Ichirin

...

Yuugi

You keep going on and on about that thing. What's so great about it?

Nue

I dunno... It's just that you don't see that kinda thing too often in Gensokyo.

Nue

Isn't that right, Ichirin?

Ichirin

Hm? ...Yeah, I guess.

Yuugi

Huh. Pretty weird to be that obsessed with a vehicle, if you ask me.

Kokoro

Fancy seeing you all together. Is the party starting soon?

Yuugi

Nope. We were helping with the preparations, but something came up.

Kokoro

So it's not started yet? I was about to go and hand out bento boxes to all the guests...

Ichirin

In that case, why don't you go ahead and wait at the temple? We'll join you later.

Nue

L-Look!

Kokoro

My, it's one of those anti-misfortune dolls. You're so cute. When did you learn to walk, little one?

Ichirin

D-Don't touch it, Miss Kokoro!

Kokoro

Argh!

Yuugi

Too late...

Oh no, it's running off again!

Nue

Forget that. We need to deal with Kokoro!

Kokoro

Urgh... So much misfortune coursing through me. I think I'm ready to perform a new dance...

Kokoro

Get ready for a show!

Kokoro

That was rough.

Ichirin

Phew, we did it.

Yuugi

That was dangerous, though.

Yuugi

We almost destroyed the bento boxes.

Nue

THAT'S what you were worried about?!

Kokoro

Thanks to you guys, I'm back to normal. Sorry about all that.

Ichirin

We're glad you're OK. Everyone's looking forward to eating your food at the party.

Ichirin

You're going to dance as well, right?

Kokoro

Uh-huh. It'll be a feast for the stomach and the eyes.

Yuugi

Once we catch that doll, we'll head back to Myouren Temple, so save us a few bento boxes.

Kokoro

I certainly will. See you later!

Ichirin

All right, let's go! The doll was headed toward the Forest of Magic!

Nue

Can't we eat first?

Ichirin

No. Doll first, food later.

Nue

Boo.

Ichirin

It'll taste better when you've earned it.

Nue

Hmph. Pretty sure it'd taste just fine now.

Yuugi

One thing's for sure―nothing tastes better than a free meal!

Ichirin

Miss Yuugi.

Yuugi

I know, I know. Let's go find the doll.

Ichirin

Does anyone see it?

Nue

O-Over there!

Yuugi

Hey, get back here!

Yuugi

Tch. I can't see a thing in here and it's zipping all over the place. We're gonna lose it.

No, we're not! Let's keep chasing!

Ichirin

Exactly. This is nothing compared to oni freeze tag!

Nue

It ran this way. ...Wait, isn't this the kappa stadium?

Ichirin

I thought they'd taken it down already. But never mind that...!

Ichirin

There are fairies and phantoms all over!

Yuugi

And they reek of misfortune.

Nue

You don't think the doll tagged them all, do you?

Hina

No.

Hina

These fairies and phantoms didn't have their misfortune removed during the oni freeze tag competition.

Ichirin

I didn't realize we missed so many of them.

Yuugi

So... you're still in that outfit, huh?

Hina

The festival's not over for me yet.

Hina

Besides, you're still in YOUR outfits, too.

Nue

Yeah, it's been a strange day.

Hina

Anyway, you weren't chasing after this...

Hina

Were you?

Ichirin

We sure were!

Hina

This little doll was used during the competition, but I guess no one collected it.

Yuugi

Nope, but that's exactly what we've come to do.

Hina

That's good of you. But don't worry, I'll take care of it.

Nue

Really? Sounds good to me. If anyone knows misfortune, it's you.

Yuugi

Let's go back and tell Byakuren the good news. Maybe we can play a little tag on the way.

Ichirin

Not so fast!

Hina

Wh-What's the matter?

Ichirin

I don't care if you're a misfortune god.

Ichirin

Lady Byakuren told us to retrieve that doll, and that's what we're going do!

Hina

L-Let go of it! You'll get misfortune all over you!

Ichirin

Fine by me! Hand it over!

Nue

What's the big deal, Ichirin? Let's just go back to the temple.

Yuugi

Whoa, are you two fighting?

Hina

What part about MISFORTUNE GOD don't you understand?! Let me handle this!

Ichirin

No! Lady Byakuren gave us a direct order!

Hina

Fine. If you're not going to back down...

Hina

We'll have to settle this with a battle of bullets!

Ichirin

Gladly!

Hina

I suppose it's OK for the doll to be purified at Myouren Temple...

Hina

Not that my opinion matters after losing the battle.

Ichirin

Miss Hina...

Ichirin

I'm sorry. I was a little stubborn back there.

Yuugi

Now the battle's over, how about we get Hina to cleanse the doll's misfortune along with all the phantoms and fairies?

Nue

Yeah, we can even watch her do it before we head back!

Nue

That way, we can skip out on the party prep―I mean, tell Byakuren we helped Hina out.

Nue

Lady Byakuren asked us to bring her the doll, right?

Nue

If we do that AND tell her it's already misfortune-free, she'll be super grateful!

Yuugi

Hey, that's pretty smart! Count me in.

Ichirin

Hmm, you might be right...

Yuugi

Festivals are more fun with a crowd!

Hina

Is it all right if I start cleansing?

Nue & Yuugi

Sure is!

Hina

Very well. This way suits me better, anyway.

Hina

Let's head to the river, then. Follow me.

Nue & Yuugi

You got it.

Ichirin

I suppose everything worked out for the best.

Minamitsu

And done! Prep's pretty much finished, Lady Byakuren.

Byakuren

Thank you. Hmm... Are Ichirin and the others not back yet?

Minamitsu

I haven't seen them.

Minamitsu

(They're definitely slacking off somewhere.)

Byakuren

Come on, come on! We've still got plenty of food and drinks left.

Kokoro

Dig in. And don't forget to dance.

Yuugi

The party's in full swing. What a blast!

Ichirin

Things looked rough for a minute there. I'm just happy we get to relax.

Nue

You said it... I know we're the guests of honor, but there are way more regular guests than I was expecting.

Ichirin

Everyone came in their festival outfits and pitched in with the prep while we were gone.

Ichirin

At this point, there's no difference between us and them. But hey, I'm still having a great time.

Nue

Me, too. Sometimes, it really is the more, the merrier.

Ichirin

Plus, food DOES taste better after you've earned it, right?!

Nue

I suppose...

Byakuren

Nue!

Nue

What? I'm done working for the day.

Byakuren

I brought you a big plate of hina-arare and kashiwa mochi.

Nue

O-Oh, you remembered.

Byakuren

Eat as much as you want. There's no need to sneak any.

Byakuren

That goes for you, too, Ichirin. Go ahead and try some.

Ichirin

Yay! *om nom*

Nue

B-Byakuren!

Nue

...Thanks.

Komachi

Ah, this is the life. Munching on hina-arare while watching the cherry blossoms fall.

Minamitsu

Don't you have work?

Komachi

Nope. I took the whoooole day off.

Minamitsu

Huh.

Yuugi

You know, coming up to the surface now and then ain't so bad.

Parsee

All the happy faces make me feel so... so... jealous.

Yuugi

Whoa, this kashiwa mochi looks delish. Want some?

Parsee

...OK.

Shion

Hehe, look at all this food! This party rocks!

Joon

Uhh, Shion... you've got mochi all over your face.

Tenshi

Don't shove so many pieces in at once. You'll choke.

Shion

*crams more mochi into her mouth*

Eternity Larva

So, Miss Momoyo, what happened to you in the end?

Yamame

Oh, yeah. They said you got zero points.

Momoyo

I dropped my doll, and while I was looking for it, I remembered I had some work to do, so I went back to the mountain.

Wriggle

For real? If you'da been on our team, maybe we coulda won!

Momoyo

There's no maybe about it. We DEFINITELY woulda won!

Kogasa

Admiring the cherry blossoms from the temple feels kinda special.

Yuuka

We should do this more often. Here, everyone, I brewed us some tea.

Medicine

Yay! Thanks, Yuuka! Gather round, dolls. It's tea time.

Kogasa

Hehe, it's like being in a doll house.

Hina

So, PLAYER, did you enjoy the festival?

You bet!

I'm a little worn out, though...!

Hina

Can't blame you for that.

Hina

I'm just glad you had fun.

Miss Hina...

Th-Thank you!

Byakuren

Now then, what to do with this anti-misfortune doll?

Byakuren

Miss Hina says the misfortune's been cleansed, but it's still infused with my magic...

Byakuren

Hm? What's gotten into you now?

Byakuren

Hey. Quit wriggling around.

Byakuren

It stopped moving when I touched it... I wonder what'll happen if I touch it again.

Byakuren

It started moving! Did you just want to play freeze tag?!

Byakuren

Sorry, but when my magic wears off, you'll stop moving for good.

Byakuren

Still, I'm glad you had fun at the festival.

Byakuren

To tell you the truth, it was a real challenge to organize it all...

Yuugi

Hey, PLAYER.

Yuugi

I didn't get to be one during the competition...

Yuugi

But an oni being an oni tagger would be kinda awesome, don't you think?

I guess... Why?

Yuugi

...Tag! Gotcha!

Yuugi

Hahaha, now you're an oni tagger, too!

Ichirin

*munch* *munch* What's going on?

Nue

Beats me. Sounds like they're having fun, though.

Nue

Hey! What's the big idea?

Ichirin

Did you just... tag me?!

S-Sorry, but Miss Yuugi made me an oni tagger!

I-I gotta tag you too, Miss Nue!

Nue

No way!

Yuugi

Grrr! I'm an ONIIII! ...Wait, what was that?

Ichirin

The doll from before is getting away!

Nue

Quick, after it!

Ichirin

Whoa, look at it go!

Yuugi

PLAYER, it's headed your way!

I got it!

Oh, no! It sped right past me!

Byakuren

Where did the doll go?! It was here a second ago!

Medicine

Wow, a walking doll! Let's be friends!

Byakuren

I-It was supposed to stop moving...

Ichirin

Lady Byakuren! That doll's gone haywire!

Hina

If we don't catch it soon, misfortune will start spreading again!

What?! I'm going after it, then!

Get back heeeeere!

Yuugi

You've almost got it, PLAYER! Keep going!

Nue

Let's go, PLAYER, let's go!

Ichirin

Don't worry, Miss PLAYER! I'll cut off its escape!

Nue

Aww, it got away again.

Medicine

Stop! Where are you going?! I wanna be frieeeeeeends!

Byakuren

It won't get away that easily. Hop on, PLAYER!

OK!

Nue

M-M-M-Motorcycle!

Nue

Wait! I wanna ride, too!

Ichirin

Miss PLAYER, Lady Byakuren! I'm right behind you!

Yuugi

Hey, we haven't finished playing yet! I'm an oni oni tagger and I'm coming for youuuu!

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