Be The Change
Index
Be The Change
???
Awaken.
???
Hong Meiling.
???
You have forgotten your own story.
???
But now you must remember.
Damn you, Taisui Xingjun!
...
Huh, where's the gate?
Where's the mansion?!
Oh, I get it now.
It's over. Everything's been lost.
The world I lived in is no more.
I lost the Gensokyo I loved...
The Scarlet Devil Mansion I had such fond memories of...
The gate I guarded every day...
The fairy maids, the hobgoblins, and the pet tupai...
Lady Remilia, the young mistress, Lady Patchouli, Koakuma, and even Miss Sakuya...
They're all gone.
Nothing exists anymore.
...
Wait... that doesn't make any sense.
If there's nothing left, how am I still here?
I'm confused.
???
Well done, Hong Meiling. You've always been perceptive, even if you sometimes fail to comprehend what you perceive.
Who's there?!
???
Oh, I thought you noticed me.
Taisui Xingjun
I'm Taisui Xingjun. I should think that you at least remember my name.
Th-The Taisui Xingjun?!
No, that can't be right. Taisui Xingjun was just something I dreamed of because of the tengu manga I was reading.
There's no way that giant catfish was real. Tell me who you really are.
Taisui Xingjun
No, I really am Taisui Xingjun.
You're joking.
You are joking... aren't you?
Taisui Xingjun
I'm serious. I can't believe you've forgotten.
Are you seriously telling me you're that giant catfish from back then?
Taisui Xingjun
No. Gensokyo's collective subconscious believed the cause of the earthquakes was a catfish, so that's how you saw me.
Taisui Xingjun
Technically, I'm not a catfish, but it's too much of a hassle to correct you, so you can think of me as one if you like.
So you're fine with being a catfish...?
Taisui Xingjun
No, not really. I just don't see any point in arguing with you when you've lost your memories about me.
Taisui Xingjun
I don't blame you for that, though, because everything has been lost.
Taisui Xingjun
Your entire world fell to the Lost Word Incident.
Taisui Xingjun
However, your consciousness is still here. It has endured. Do you know why that is?
I was hoping you'd tell me...
Taisui Xingjun
It's because someone, somewhere, is looking for you. Their prayer crossed the barriers between worlds and lingered here.
Taisui Xingjun
I know what you're thinking. It sounds too good to be true that all it took was a simple prayer to save you, doesn't it?
Taisui Xingjun
But how many times have you truly prayed for something from the bottom of your heart? It's not as easy as you think.
Taisui Xingjun
Though, there were other factors at play, of course.
Hmm, so does that mean I'm allowed to exist now?
Taisui Xingjun
Yes, but your survival is not guaranteed. You must leave this place and go on a journey.
Taisui Xingjun
You must reunite with your friends and plan a comeback against the Lost Word Incident.
Taisui Xingjun
Doesn't that sound exciting? It's like a story from one of those manga you enjoy so much.
That does sound fun!
And you're right that I enjoy manga. Lady Remilia and I always chat with each other about the manga we read.
I get all pumped up when I read the action and adventure of shounen manga, and I delight in the drama of shoujo manga.
I love it when characters willingly endure hardships to get stronger or when they give it their all to protect their friends.
Taisui Xingjun
Good.
Taisui Xingjun
You'll probably forget about me once you leave this place, but I'll send my avatar to accompany you in a different form.
Taisui Xingjun
You can safely set out on your journey, and we can resume our quarrel once everything is back to normal.
What quarrel...?
What happened between us in the past, Taisui Xingjun?
Does it have something to do with my species?!
Taisui Xingjun
Ah. I was wondering if you were going to ask about that.
Taisui Xingjun
Yes, I suppose I should explain some things to you, even if you probably won't understand.
Taisui Xingjun
You'll forget everything I've said once you leave here, but it's still worth saying what I know out loud.
Really? It sounds kind of pointless to me...
Taisui Xingjun
Well, that's where you're wrong.
Taisui Xingjun
First off, I'd like to make one thing clear. The memories you'll gather on your journey are not your own.
Taisui Xingjun
Hahaha.
Huh?
Then why would I gather them?
How can I regain my memories if they're not mine?!
I don't get it!
It doesn't make any sense.
Taisui Xingjun
Once something has been lost, it cannot be so easily regained.
Taisui Xingjun
You cannot regain what you've lost, so you must compensate with something else. That's all you can do at the moment.
I don't like the sound of that.
Taisui Xingjun
Well, you'll just have to deal with it. You can't afford to be picky.
Right...
Taisui Xingjun
In manga, curses are usually broken by defeating a boss, and the dead can be brought back to life by praying to some orbs.
Taisui Xingjun
So, I understand why you're disappointed. I'll try to make it more like that in the future.
Taisui Xingjun
Now, about your species... You probably won't be able to regain any memories about your true species on this journey.
Huh?! Why not?!
Taisui Xingjun
Because in the currently available data, there's no instance of you declaring what your true species is.
Taisui Xingjun
If you could regain your own memories, then I'm sure you'd also regain knowledge of the secrets you've kept...
Taisui Xingjun
But that isn't the case. The memories you'll be gathering are other people's memories about Hong Meiling.
Taisui Xingjun
It's unfortunate, I know.
Taisui Xingjun
But there might be some minor records I overlooked, and there's always new data being added...
Taisui Xingjun
So, while I wouldn't give up hope, the chances of finding something like that are very slim.
That's a shame... But I guess I'll keep an eye out.
Taisui Xingjun
The next thing I wanted to talk about is how your ability lets you travel to other worlds.
Taisui Xingjun
You probably won't understand, but it's still better that I try to explain it now while you're here.
How can using qi let me do something crazy like that...?
Taisui Xingjun
Again, I don't expect you to understand how or why it works. You just have to learn how to do it.
If you say so...
Taisui Xingjun
First off, what is qi?
Taisui Xingjun
Qi is the fundamental building block of the universe.
Hmm, that's a bold claim, but I think you might be right.
It's true that everything in the universe is formed by different combinations of yin, yang, and the Five Phases.
Taisui Xingjun
Exactly. And that's why hermits and Taoists are more than just superhumans.
Taisui Xingjun
They are in tune with the laws of the universe, giving them power over life and memories and the ability to create Senkai.
Taisui Xingjun
All life is connected by the flow of qi because the motion of each small building block combines to form a greater flow.
Taisui Xingjun
I believe the Tai Chi Chuan you practice is based on this principle.
Taisui Xingjun
But do you know what the humans of the outside world think about all this?
No, I don't know much about the outside world except from what I've read in the manga that wound up in Gensokyo.
Taisui Xingjun
Well, they have a similar idea about the universe, but they believe the fundamental building block is not qi, but energy.
Taisui Xingjun
When trying to discover the components of matter, they found there was only empty space and incredibly small particles.
Taisui Xingjun
However, the particles they discovered were much lighter than expected. They wanted to know what made things so heavy.
Taisui Xingjun
Eventually, they figured out that all things are made of energy. In a roundabout way, they reached the same conclusion as us.
Wow. They wasted a lot of effort. Our knowledge is based on thousands of years of experience, so they could've just asked.
Taisui Xingjun
You'd think that wouldn't you? But those humans went beyond our understanding of the universe.
Taisui Xingjun
And they'd probably still be discovering more if they hadn't all disappeared.
Taisui Xingjun
The flow of qi connects not only everything in this universe but also other universes to each other.
What do you mean?
Taisui Xingjun
This is probably beyond you. To understand this, you need a higher understanding of qi.
Taisui Xingjun
This universe exists within a vortex of qi, right? Then, there should be another universe that contains this vortex.
Taisui Xingjun
And that universe should also exist within another vortex of qi nested within a different universe, and so on.
Taisui Xingjun
In the outside world, these vortices of qi would be called black holes.
Hmm, yeah, that kinda makes sense.
Taisui Xingjun
Right, I didn't expect you to understand...
Taisui Xingjun
Wait, what?
I've never been able to put it into words, but I think I've experienced something like those nested vortex things before.
It's like how the Big Dipper spins around the North Star or how Miss Sakuya cleans up after the young mistress.
So, I kinda get what you're saying. You mean everything's a part of something bigger, right?
Taisui Xingjun
Wow...!
Taisui Xingjun
I'm honestly impressed! Now it makes sense why your defining feature as a youkai is your ability to manipulate qi.
Taisui Xingjun
Haha, hahaha!
Taisui Xingjun
Hahahaha!
Taisui Xingjun
If you can impress me, the mirror of Jupiter, you shouldn't have anything to worry about!
Taisui Xingjun
Go forth, Hong Meiling. I look forward to the day when we can face each other in our old forms once again.
Taisui Xingjun
When we meet, I'll treat you to a great big bowl of cha siu pork. It'll perk you up better than a swig of the Hourai Elixir.
Taisui Xingjun
I'll be waiting for you within the Fengshen Bang until then.
Taisui Xingjun
Muahahahaha...!
I don't really get what you were laughing about...
But, well, as long as you're happy, I guess.
???
...
???
Now then...
???
I shall be your guide.
???
You need a compass of fate to navigate the infinite possibilities that branch into fantasy.
???
That's how I recruited you and came to Gensokyo.
???
You remember that, don't you?
Remilia?
My stalwart gatekeeper, Hong Meiling.
Oh, hello, Lady Remilia! I'd love to celebrate our reunion, but first...
Can you please tell me why you look even more adorable than usual?
Remilia?
This is your fault! My appearance was altered by your perception of me!
Remilia?
Also, I'm not the real Remilia. I'm merely a vision you're seeing, thanks to Remilia exerting her influence on you.
Remilia?
I'm like this because you read too much manga! My appearance is like some kind of anime adaptation!
Remilia?
I can't believe you used the network of stars to send such superfluous information.
R-Right... Um, so are you here to accompany me on my journey?
Remilia?
Yes. I will guide you.
Great.
I'm really happy that you're here. And that you look so adorable.
Remilia?
Ahem. Moving on...
Remilia?
I already have an idea as to where we should go next.
Remilia?
To travel through space, you need control over three things. We already have qi and luck, so that leaves...
Oh, I think I can guess what that is.
Remilia?
We need control over spacetime. We must search for Sakuya Izayoi.
Otherworld Sakuya
...So you're on a journey across multiple worlds. That sounds like the thing we're preparing to do here.
Otherworld Sakuya
You look similar to people I know, but you follow different fates. I manipulate time, so I understand how this works.
Otherworld Sakuya
But nothing is ever easy. If you're trying to regain what was lost, there's bound to be a force that works against you.
Remilia?
You mean like the Time Police or something?
Otherworld Sakuya
I doubt there'd be anything so cliche... but there's probably something similar.
Otherworld Sakuya
I'm sure the masterminds of the Lost Word Incident want to prevent people from undoing what they've already achieved.
Otherworld Sakuya
So it's only natural to assume they've taken precautions.
Otherworld Sakuya
You need to be careful, Lady Remilia. You too, Meiling.
Thanks, Miss Sakuya. I think I pretty much understand what's going on in this world now.
It's kinda strange, considering we're journeying through space and time, but we have to hurry to the next world.
Otherworld Sakuya
Then you shouldn't let me keep you.
But before we go, I just want you to know that I love your sci-fi look, Miss Sakuya!
I wish you the best of luck in saving your world. See you!
Otherworld Sakuya
...
Otherworld Sakuya
Yes. I have to bring back this world's Meiling.
Otherworld Sakuya
Lost Words, huh? What a strange incident.
Otherworld Sakuya
I wonder if it has anything to do with how our incident is prolonged despite our best intentions to end it.
Remilia?
Hmm, it seems we've strayed into a world unaffected by the Lost Word Incident...
Remilia?
Then again, the prolonged incident could be related to the Lost Words somehow. We might discover more on our travels.
Otherworld Sakuya
Be that as it may, I'm surprised Lady Remilia wears such adorable clothes in other worlds.
Otherworld Sakuya
Perhaps I should try to convince my mistress to wear something similar. Is that what you usually wear?
Remilia?
No, um, this isn't―
Otherworld Sakuya
Hmm, I could probably sew a similar dress if I find the right fabric.
Otherworld Sakuya
It's wonderful to think there are worlds out there where everyone wears such cute clothes every day!
Remilia?
Hey, Meiling, don't just stand there! Explain it to her!
It seems the Lost Word Incident might affect some worlds differently from others...
But who could possibly benefit from prolonging an incident? I'd like to know, but we still have other worlds to investigate.
It seems our time here is up. Sorry, Miss Sakuya, but we have to go now.
Otherworld Sakuya
Oh, that's a shame.
You look different from my world's Miss Sakuya, but I feel like I know you already. I hope we meet again someday.
Otherworld Sakuya
...
Otherworld Sakuya
Haha, it seems Meiling is a smooth talker no matter what world she's from.
Otherworld Sakuya
*sigh* I came here to exorcise the devil, not to chat.
Otherworld Sakuya
But now that I know people like you exist, I'll have to reevaluate.
Otherworld Sakuya
Those Lost Words sound like way more of a nuisance than devils.
Otherworld Sakuya
I've had a nagging suspicion that those adorable vampires couldn't possibly be evil, and what you've said backs this up.
Otherworld Sakuya
Even if I have to go against all that I was taught, I'd like to try and coexist with them. I don't want to live a lie anymore.
Otherworld Sakuya
Remilia Scarlet, do you mind if I hug you?
Remilia?
Huh? ...Oh, umm, go ahead!
Remilia?
HUUUUUG!
Otherworld Sakuya
*hugs and pats head*
Otherworld Sakuya
*contented sigh*
Otherworld Sakuya
Very well. I shall help you however I am able.
Otherworld Sakuya
I will scour my brain, sifting through the layered possibilities of dreams and illusions...
Otherworld Sakuya
...to find a memory―a hint―of the mastermind's location.
Otherworld Sakuya
I have experience with keeping to the shadows and hiding my tracks, so if anyone can hunt her down, it's me.
That's perfect! Please help us!
Otherworld Sakuya
But I have to warn you that even if this works, the best I can do is send you to her.
Otherworld Sakuya
Is that OK with you?
Of course! That's no problem at all!
Remilia?
Meiling...
Remilia?
I can't come with you. You'll have to face her by yourself.
Remilia?
Are you sure you're ready for this?
...
Don't worry.
No matter who the mastermind is, I'll defeat them... even if it ends up being another version of me.
My mind is made up. I won't let anyone dissuade me from my course.
I'm ready, Lady Remilia, Miss Sakuya. Wish me luck!
After that, I continued to fight to regain everything I lost.
My journey was long and mysterious. I never imagined the great flow of qi extended so far out.
It's said that the stars up high govern the time and fate of those who live on Earth.
So, if you can follow the stars, you can follow your time and fate...
But who would have thought that this is where my fate would lead me?
???
...
Sh-She's strong! Too strong!
She's on a whole other level! How am I supposed to fight her?!
???
Just give up already. This may be the first time for you...
???
But I've experienced this 20 times already.
???
Or 80 times, depending on how you count it. However, that doesn't really matter. Not anymore.
What do you mean?! Did you manipulate time...?
???
Enough. It doesn't matter. Talking about this with you is pointless.
???
I'm going to ask you the same thing I asked the first time we met, and you're going to answer.
???
We both know what you're hiding from me. Where is it? Give it to me. Now.
???
Lady Taiji... No, you're still Hong Meiling, aren't you?
Miss Sakuya...
No matter what world you're from...
You're always beautiful, elegant, hard-working...
..and really, really strong.
*cough* *cough*
But I suppose there are worse ends.
I'm sure I've thought about this before...
If I ever fell in battle, I'd always hoped it would be by Miss Sakuya's hand...
Rather than the shrine maiden or the magician...
???
Then I shall grant your wish.
???
Rejoice, for I, the Lady of Spacetime, will end you now.
Lady of Spacetime...?
No, you're not her. Not yet.
You're still... Sakuya Izayoi.
Lady of Spacetime
Silence.
Lady of Spacetime
It doesn't matter who you think I am. It's not even worth arguing about.
Lady of Spacetime
Hurry up and give me the thing you're hiding.
And if I refuse?
Lady of Spacetime
...
Lady of Spacetime
I don't understand. Why would you refuse?
Lady of Spacetime
In fact, why am I even talking to you? It doesn't matter whether you want to give it to me or not.
But we are talking.
We're trying to understand each other.
Lady of Spacetime
Shut up.
No.
Lady of Spacetime
I told you to shut up.
No.
Lady of Spacetime
SHUT UP!
Never!
I won't stop trying to talk to you, Miss Sakuya.
I won't abandon you. I won't lose you again.
I enjoy speaking with you, Miss Sakuya. No matter which Sakuya you are.
I don't know what you've gone through. Or what burdens you bear.
I'd prefer it if you'd share your story with me...
But if you don't want to, I can wait.
Either way, I get the feeling that you only became the Lady of Spacetime recently.
Lady of Spacetime
...
Lady of Spacetime
Tch!
It's not too late, Miss Sakuya.
You can't turn back time, but you can always turn a new leaf.
Take my hand.
Lady of Spacetime
What?!
Hurry!
Lady of Spacetime
...
Lady of Spacetime
......
Lady of Spacetime
Tch!
Lady of Spacetime
We're leaving, Silver Blade!
Miss Sakuya!
Miss Sakuya...
Meiling
...So, did you enjoy that?
Wow, you went on a really big adventure!
(It was packed full of action and suspense!)
Meiling
Good. Make sure you write everything down, OK? We don't want it to be forgotten again.
Meiling
She should be here soon...
(Huh? Why did she close her eyes?)
Sakuya
Hello, PLAYER. Are you here on behalf of the Youkai Sage? The meeting is supposed to start soon, isn't it?
Y-Yeah! Something like that.
(How is Miss Sakuya going to react...?)
Sakuya
I thought so. Sorry, but we still need to have a discussion among ourselves first.
Sakuya
You can wait inside until we finish if you like. I'll make you some tea. Come on, wake up, Meiling, we have work to do.
Sakuya
You don't want to keep Lady Remilia and the young mistress waiting, do you?
Sakuya
Wake up already.
Meiling
*yawn* Oh, hello, Miss Sakuya.
Meiling
I feel like I just woke up from a really long dream.
Sakuya
Then it's good I was here to wake you.
Meiling
Haha, you could say that again.
Sakuya
Everyone's ready to discuss how we're going to combat the Lost Word Incident. Hurry up and follow me.
It's me. The avatar of Taisui Xingjun.
I suppose I could've appeared as a catfish, but this country rests on the back of a dragon, so I chose this form.
Also, since I'm the opposite of Jupiter, I have good relations with the seven constellations that make up the Azure Dragon.
We're stars, but we're also gods who represent the flow of qi and govern the fate of Earth.
The many gods sealed within the Fengshen Bang decided that Hong Meiling still has a lot of work to do.
We shall watch over her as Seishin until the end.
