Lost Way

Cirno limps along the side of the road, clothes in tatters, body littered with cuts, bleeding like a hapless dog whimpering home after being beaten.

She'd never been in such a pathetic fight, in her 19 day life or as a fairy. Likely it was because of her disturbed state. Against Komachi she couldn't access anywhere near the extent of her power. Even against the werewolf she put up a better fight. Her swords were brittle and weak, the daggers were pathetic in number, and the golden sword was nowhere in sight. To make matters worse, Komachi isn't a slouch.

Despite how pathetic her attempt, Cirno's attacks couldn't reach. The shinigami did something to her, more than just words, messing with her senses. When Cirno thought she close, she was actually far away. When her aim was true, she still completely missed. And when she thought she'd avoid, she'd take a hit. When Cirno fought the current wife of her husband to be, she never sustained a hit. Cirno blocked and avoided every everything, yet against Komachi she was beaten like a sandbag. That was no accident.

Meiling had to jump in to save her, allowing Cirno to run away with her tail between her legs, and probably rightfully deserved. With power and ability that real, Komachi won't be stopped for very long. Cirno's two souls are still intact, but unless she can find a safe place to seek refuge, it won't be that way for long.

There's only one place in all of Gensokyo where safety is guaranteed; the Human Village. The same village she'd been kicked out of and denied access by it's guardian's magic. The same magic which might still keep her away. It's a long shot, but the woman has nowhere else to turn. Thankfully it isn't terribly far from the mansion to the village. And even more thankfully the road is all she needs to follow.

Twenty minutes later, Cirno finds nothing but an empty plane.

She's still not allowed access. It's not a big surprise. Cirno almost laughs. Everything's taken such a cruel turn that it's nearly funny. Used, betrayed, and abandoned by her friends. Hunted for her soul. And now kicked out of perhaps the only safe place she knows. With her size now she barely even fits in her igloo home on the shores of Misty Lake. What choice does she have right now? Cirno wants her life to personify an idea, that despite the hardships this world can be a bright and cheerful place. Why does that have to be so hard?

Tears drip from her cheek. Quickly she wipes it away with her forearm. Of course it's going to be hard. Reality is that the world is dark, scary, and ugly. Savage monsters roam, be they human, youkai, or beast, feeding off the weak and less fortunate. Entropy and chaos are the universe's natural states, and even Cirno herself suffers from these conditions. However, that doesn't mean creation is impossible. It takes work, sacrifice, to build something from nothing, and just as much to maintain the grounds that have been already laid. It's not foolish! She can succeed!

Moping no longer, Cirno pushes herself and moves past the village. She may not have a place to hide, but that doesn't mean she can call it quits. If that reaper of death is going to chase her, Cirno's going to run. Not away, but forward. Towards the destination she desires, but just in a another direction.

"My my, for the first time in a while you've found this place on your own. You look like hell."

Cirno cracks a grin. This is the second place that came to mind. In no more than ten minutes she found herself in a valley covered in sunflowers, neck high, as far as the eye can see. The Garden of the Sun can sometimes pick and choose the people who visit, from anywhere within Gensokyo, but at the same time it has an actual location, existing in both the physical and immaterial world. It's caretaker stands the ever-vigilant watch, a woman about as tall as Cirno, green hair, and a red plaid skirt and vest. As always, she has the pure white flower/parasol in her hands and a smile across her lips.

"I don't know about hell, Classy Lady," Cirno replies, "but I've definitely been somewhere."

The woman smirks, "You still call me that? When are you ever going to learn my name?"

Seeing one of her few remaining friends eases her greatly, though this person might be something more akin to a mentor. Strength is rapidly fleeing her tired and beaten body. Fighting with Komachi was one thing, but traveling with the Lunar Veil is a whole nother kind of beating.

"Yuuka," she says, legs lost of all power, slumping down and propping her body against the fence post.

It'd be cute if Miss Kazami would leap at her in a startled panic, but the cold-blooded flower youkai simply watches Cirno fall. The brat.

Calmly Yuuka takes her place at Cirno's side, kneeling down and inspecting her injured friend.

"You're bleeding."

"Yeah."

"Blood no less."

"I figured that out."

"You didn't used to."

"I do now."

Yuuka speaks this as casually as if she just realized Cirno started using a different brand of soap.

"You'd make excellent fertilizer now, do you want me to feed you to my flowers?"

"I'm not dead yet."

The two exchange a glance, and that's all it takes for them to start laughing. It's not that great of a deal for Cirno, but Yuuka has only been known to laugh at her own musings.

"It feels like I'm talking to an old friend," the act of laughing has cased a single tear to roll down her cheek.

Cirno does the favor and wipes it from her cheek, ever-gentle with her touch, "We are old friends. I've known you for almost as long as I've been born."

"And I've known you from before you were born. It's just that, you're starting to resemble her. The one who isn't with us anymore."

Carefully regarding those words, Cirno leans back and rests the back of her head against the fence.

"You knew since the very beginning that we were the same and not the same, haven't you?"

Folding her parasol, Yuuka lowers herself and takes a seat next to Cirno, "And you're finally starting to figure it out."

For a few moments there's silence, the kind of silence that's completely comfortable around people with whom you're close.

"What if I wasn't her. Wasn't either of them?"

Yuuka doesn't honestly know what she means, "Pardon?"

Casting her eyes downward, Cirno wants to ask the person, perhaps the only person, who truly knew the both of them, "I bleed. Neither of them did that."

"No they did not."

"The Ice Fairy and the Ancient, they were one in the same, one soul. Wouldn't you say?"

Yuuka scratches the back of her head, "That I don't honestly know. Maybe the Ice Fairy was the Ancient when she still believed the world was colorful and good, but maybe she wasn't. She simply was what she was, a gentle, kind, playful, and stupid little fairy. She had eyes that were bright and loved everything in the world, but she could barely retain anything. Only the things the most important to her would she remember, and I'm glad she always remembered me, but it was like there was only a certain capacity her memory could maintain. Those she kept close to her heart was always there, but everything else was reused and recycled. It was a bit amazing in and of itself. She'd never get tired, never get bored. She'd see the same forests and lakes thousands of times over, and every time I'd feel like the first. She had infinite childish innocence, and that was perhaps her greatest charm. Maybe the Ice Fairy was the wish the Ancient wanted granted, a miracle brought forth by an eternity of suffering. And maybe not. Who can really tell?"

Cirno complains, "So you don't have an answer but only circular logic."

"The universe was created on circular logic. Sometimes things just don't make sense. Nor are they supposed to. You worry about what you really are. You might not be the Ancient and you might not be the Ice Fairy. But so what? Maybe my old friend's wish wasn't the Ice Fairy. Maybe her miracle was you. Nothing changes the fact the she's gone and you're here. So what does it matter the specifics and what kind of meaning it would have?"

So basically that long and drawn out monologue boiled down to, "don't worry about it." Great. Why in the world did Cirno always look up to the Classy Lady?

Yuuka kisses Cirno on the cheek. The act so rapid and unexpected the 19 day old's body jerks as if she'd just been pricked with a needle. Even from a sitting position, the woman loses her balance and falls on her side. The flower youkai giggles at the reaction of her teasing.

"The past is the past, but it doesn't matter nearly as much as the present or the future. What defines you are the things you do, not how you came to be. Maybe the person before me is some kind of memory and soul stealing demon, but she's a charming memory and soul stealing demon. So if it turns out that you're not the Ice Fairy or the Ancient, then I guess that would make you my third closest friend."

Mumbling in disdain, Cirno lifts herself to a sit again. Just as she does, Yuuka rests her head on her shoulder. A cut and hurting shoulder. It can't been too nice a feeling dried blood brushing against her cheek, but she still seems to be having fun. Cirno sighs. Who really is the childish one here?

"How much longer before you go to a place where even I can't reach you?" Yuuka whimsically asks. "Did I ever tell you I went into space? Space is great! You can go all out and not worry about collateral damage!"

"When did you tell me your name?" Cirno suddenly asks, breaking whatever atmosphere Yuuka was trying to achieve. "I can remember things better now. Things I've forgotten, things I couldn't understand before, and things that don't really mean that much. But I don't remember you ever telling me your name. Yet I know it, always knew it, like a child might know their parent's name but always calls them 'mom' and 'dad.' It's just something I know."

Yuuka retains her silence. For several seconds the old youkai thinks while trying to formulate her answer. Patiently Cirno waits.

"I could have sworn I properly introduced myself to you at least once, but maybe I haven't. Listen, Cirno, I don't have all the answers. I'm merely an old and absurdly powerful youkai. If I knew what you want or what you should do, I'd be more direct or at least try to lead you in the right direction. I honestly don't know what's happening to you, where you came from, or what you'll turn into. Despite that, I'm the second most knowledgeable person regarding you, and you yourself are the first. If you're looking for answers I'm afraid I have none to give. These things you're going to have to solve on your own. All I can give you is encouragement and perhaps a bit of comfort. But as far as the person chasing you, perhaps there's something I can do."

Something drops a little off to Cirno's side. It's flat and make's a semi-loud "poof." It shouldn't have been too difficult to recognize. It was a book. Tracing the origin of the noise, the blue woman sees a pair of legs. Following them up, it's a woman in a long dark blue dress. She's especially pretty with bright skin and long white hair. Her expression is filled with mild confusion, but upon seeing the two sitting on the side of the road she comes to understand something. However, upon seeing the state of the one whom she denied access to the village, her face only show concern.

"Cirno-chan?"

She tried to act tough when facing off against Remilia. Traveling via the Lunar Veil is a lonely and debilitating experience. It feels as if your body turns into light. You lose all control of yourself. All you're left is the continuing sense of hunger and the thoughts in your head. This is enough to greatly irritate anyone, and if you're going to face one of your friends who've you just learned has been lying to you, it's great to lessen the pain you know you're going to experience and make you angry. But upon seeing the woman now standing before her, Cirno is reminded of all the trouble and hardship that's been masked ever since before arriving at the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

"Keine-sensei?"

Emotions well up inside her. All the pain and persecution she wished to forget are all brought before her. The personification of all the bad and painful things was now standing before her. However, Cirno had, and perhaps always will, care about Keine Kamishirasawa very much. As an education, caretaker, and a very warm person. Perhaps for the first time since seeing the fairy die before her, Cirno's reverted to the emotional mindset of the Ice Fairy. Couple that with pain she endured when listening to Remilia say those things about her, and tears fall from her eyes in a near-immediate waterfall.

Like a child unknowing how to deal with difficult situation, Cirno starts openly weeping. Seeing this, the teacher can only rush to her once and oldest student's side.

"Cirno-chan!"

Stopping right before the adult-sized Cirno, she almost doesn't know what to do next. Reminded of the little fairy who'd trip, fall, land on her face and pretend everything was fine, but cry when she'd isolate herself in a dark corner, Keine does what she always did. Reaching for her head, she cradles the adult only in size in her bosom.

"There, there," she says warmly, gently stroking Cirno's hair.

Back to Square One

Though she might have been transported to the Garden of the Sun by Yuuka, Keine had to walk back. For the sake of everyone in the village, she had to banish Cirno, the one who nearly destroyed Gensokyo and the one responsible for the food shortage that has already claimed a few lives. But seeing this hurt, fragile, treasure of a bright soul and she knew she's done wrong. Much has happened to this poor girl since Keine handed her judgment, and she would take it no longer. If it was going to cause problems, then fine! The village was meant as a place for safe haven, but that doesn't mean it should be limited to only humans. This girl, Cirno, obviously needs her help, and perhaps needed it from the very beginning. As the protector of the village and it's chief elder, she'll go against those under her care if she must!

Walking through the border of the village with the hesitant Cirno in tow made for quite the spectacle. There are a lot of witnesses this late afternoon. As the sun is setting the most respected resident walks with the most hated "criminal." A bit of whispers are murmured, but no one speaks out or openly opposes her. Yet all watch her, innermost thoughts and ideas clear on their confused and worried faces. It's obvious they don't want Cirno here, but the respect Keine rightfully deserves make them accept her actions, if not understand or agree with them.

Before being forcefully taken to the Garden of the Sun she'd been cleaning up at her schoolhouse, but that can wait for later.

It's a long walk to Keine's house. Living alone, when the village was founded her home had been little more than a shack. Over the years the humans had offered to remodel, tidy things up, and construct additions. Now it's nearly the size of a mansion. She should have stopped them, but these extensions were done a little at a time and before she knew it, it'd become much too big for her living alone. But it has it's charms. Numerous craftsmen with numerous styles all contributed over the long course of years. Walking through the corridors was also walking through history. A single hallways could have been started by one architect, continued by his son, and finished by his grandson. It's a fitting residence for the History-Eating Half-Beast.

Led to one of the sitting areas, Keine prepared some tea (a spoonful of honey was added for Cirno) and sat down and drank with her now-adult pupil. While Cirno was slowly becoming relaxed, Keine took the opportunity to question her and learn about everything that's been happening. Not only did she learn much about Cirno, but the series of events that's gradually been building into something massive, an incident of perhaps unprecedented levels. Also did she learn something incredibly amusing,

Keine nearly spit out her tea, "You're a fiancee?"

Blushing slightly, Cirno nodded, "It's not like I want to get married, but I don't think I'll be able to stop him if I tried."

Which makes a lot of sense. If the most powerful being known in existence wants something, there's not much, if anything, that can stop him. That's quite a pickle. But the wise teacher also noticed Cirno's slight bashfulness. On some level, she might just like him a little bit. Keine can only ponder this objectively because this has absolutely nothing to do with her or her village. Even if he is Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, he couldn't touch the Human Village even if he wanted to. Destroying all of Gensokyo wouldn't even harm a single hair on the heads of anyone under her protection. Thus is the scope of her power. Abilities related to space/time manipulation are always unfair rule-breakers.

Keine teases, "I don't know, I think you'll look real pretty in a wedding dress."

Cirno only blushes more.

Not far away, a knock can be heard coming from the front door. Cirno grows concerned, but Keine's been expecting this for a while. Excusing herself, she faces the results of the scene she caused in bringing Cirno to the village.

However, upon sliding open the door there's a face she least expected, "Hello...Mokou?"

The slightly raggedy immortal with a matching color of hair herself, Fujiwara no Mokou. Not a stranger to visiting and staying the night, it's a rare occurrence that she announces herself at the front door (she usually sneaks in through the back). For her to be so formal around her very close friend is a bit alarming.

"Yo, Keine," though she's casual enough, there's an unease behind her stare, "is she here?"

There's only one she to whom Mokou could be referring, but she won't allow her guest to be disrespected by following through with this farce. "Who do you mean?" she asks a bit apprehensively.

Whining, "Don't give me that. I was asked to do this because the villagers didn't want to upset you. They didn't want to come to me as much as I didn't want them to, but here we are. So, is Cirno inside?"

Slightly disappointed in her friend, Keine knows that the circumstances are currently bigger than the either of them. Nodding a bit despondently, she welcomes in her friend.

Upon spotting the woman of the hour, "Yo Cirno, long time no see."

Though she says that, Cirno takes the casualness a bit apprehensively. She doesn't return the greeting, merely cautiously watching the Immortal of Flames.

"Oh," Mokou realizes, "you probably don't remember, but we've actually seen a lot of each other these last few months."

The hazy parts of her memory. Cirno remembers much, but the past two month are a bit of a blur. Does Mokou have something to do with that?

Continuing, "I've been asked to calmly and politely get you to leave, but I don't give a crap about any of that. You probably won't believe me, but I'm on your side."

Keine's curious. Preparing another cup, the three of them drink tea together.

"How much do you remember about the last 'incident?'" Mokou asks.

Lowering her guard, though she hasn't had much contact with this person, Cirno feels a mysterious familiarity. Trusting it, she speaks openly, "Not much. There's a part of my memory that's a blur, but I can remember Remilia and Flandre attacking me." Expanding upon it, there's also a bit more, "So did the Goddesses from the Moriya Shrine."

"Attacking" was putting it lightly, but she felt no need to tell them of the excruciating pain of being killed multiple times.

"Apparently I went out of control and tried to destroy Gensokyo."

Definitively Mokou shook her head, "No, that's wrong. It's more complicated, much more complicated than that."

Even Keine didn't exactly know where this was going.

"Everything started with Daiyousei. One day she found you sick and came to the village for help. Keine directed her to me and we went to Eientei..."

From there she tells the tale of everything Cirno wasn't told. Seeking help form the the Brain of the Moon, Yagokoro-sensei, her and Daiyousei received help, but ended up treating her at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. There they took care of her until they learned that Cirno's ailment wasn't some unknown disease, but a condition similar to a metamorphosis. Fearing the worst, Remilia tried to stop it but ended up getting "killed" along with her sister. A few others tried to "stop" it as well, but that only resulted in the completely awakening of the Ancient.

From that point on she tried to make everyone believe that she wanted to destroy the world, but that wasn't the case. Mokou only knew this because-

"You talked to Sister?" Cirno couldn't believe what she heard.

Nodding, "Yes I did. Not as much as I now wish I did, but it was probably enough. She wasn't trying to destroy to world. I'm still not sure what she was trying to accomplish, but to do so she had to play the bad guy, the biggest bad guy there ever was. Everything she destroyed, everyone she hurt, the Ancient probably hurt herself just as much. She said she was trying to teach us a lesson, and the price of it was her own life."

Now that sounded like the Sister she remembered; a teacher and guide so that Cirno could go and do greater things. She'd always try to get the Ice Fairy to be a better person. To love others very much. The Ice Fairy could always feel the warmth in the words the Ancient spoke to her and only her. Warm tears roll down her cheek, splashing and making a ripple in her (very) sweet tea.

Wiping it away, "Do you have an idea what she was trying to accomplish?"

Pondering, "It's slowly coming together. It's about taking charge and standing up for one's self, but that can't be all of it. She said that Chinese gate guard was supposed-"

"Meiling!" Cirno shouts, as if understanding something. "She will become a friend and rival; you two shall look to the other for guidance."

Mokou and Keine falling out of focus, Cirno vividly remembers the dream of the broken woman. Those words she spoke were meant for Cirno, but could be applied to all.

"What's going on?" in a voice Cirno can barely hear, it's Mokou worriedly asking.

"It's her last message," it's questionable if she's even conscious of her words. "The one she left to me.

"What I once saw was ruin, destruction, loss and heartbreak; You will go, leave me behind, and find another path; They will see you up ahead; They will join you, and you will lead them;

"Leaders are simply people in the lead. Because they are so far ahead, others naturally follow. It's the path that scares them, but if they know someone has traveled it before, they're inclined to believe it's safe. Being a leader is merely the position you have. How far you've gotten; you are the first to reach this far; All you have to do is keep moving, or even stand still, and eventually others will find you."

Cirno was speaking as if another person. The words she recited she heard from another, the Ancient. While they were one in the same, they could communicate in a way that couldn't be detected or known by any other. What was spoken to Mokou by the Ancient now appears to be only half a conversation, with the other having been told to this Adult Cirno. Even to the immortal it's starting to make a lot more sense.

Snapping back to the world of the living, Cirno flutters around as if she'd just been awoken from a dream, still slightly confused.

"I think I'm starting to get it," Mokou says, and then looks at her friend.

"So do I," Keine matches her smile.

Glancing between the two, Cirno doesn't get it, "What? What do you mean? What's going on?"

They didn't bother to explain what was meant by the Ancient because it didn't need to be explained. Quite naturally were events unfolding how she wished, and even if her protege doesn't understand, that's fine too. Keine caught Mokou up on what Cirno already told her, so by then she was certain of what she already expected. Ancient Cirno's goal and method were so elementary they were laughable. If an ultimate villain were to arise, which Ancient Cirno pretended to be, what would be it's natural counterreaction? Both of the Cirnos are such simpletons!

"So Hero," in good humor, Mokou directs this Cirno, "what are your plans?"

Slightly offset by the new title she was given, Cirno answers regardless, "The Lunarian and Tsukuyomi are coming to Gensokyo. Because of the failure to capture the Scarlet Devil Mansion and the Watatsukis' betrayal, Lunar Veils like this one are the only means to make it to the Earth. Mine is special (Keine whispers to Mokou, "It's an engagement gift.") so it can make it in a day, but the others take longer. Maybe three or four days. Now that he has to plan a brand new invasion, it may take about a week before he comes. Before then, I have to do something so that this doesn't turn into a tragedy."

"Why does it have to be you?" Keine asks, but by her tone it almost seems like she already knows the answer.

"Because I'm the only one who can stand up to him."

Final Countdown

What would seem like a comet crashes into one of the tall Lunarian buildings, but there is no impact. In it's place there is a man. Dressed in the garbs of Earth, he holds his chest and pants heavily. Tied around his bicep is a purplish-blue cloth, a Lunar Veil. It's been four or five days since he hastily escaped Eientei and the presence of Kaguya-hime, and Clark has been stuck in that state of transport for all those hours. There isn't a single Lunarian that could go through such an ordeal and not feel at least a little winded. At least on the trip there the team was given drugs to ease the pain of transport, but they had none for the way back because it had to be administered by a nurse.

It takes only a few breaths before a team of soldiers in black armor surround him. Their guns aren't drawn, but they stand at the ready. Clark, not the least bit surprised that they'd arrived, raises a hand in greeting.

"Hi guys," he says friendly enough.

The soldiers don't say a thing, merely do they wait. A few minutes pass, and about the same time Clark is recovered a man in dress uniform appears. He wears the rank of a commanding officer, but upon his chest are not a single ribbon. Ribbons and medals are the lifeblood of an officer, especially a "political" military officer, which by his thin stature he obviously is.

"Report!" the officer shouts, but he isn't exactly sure of himself.

It's only been three seconds, but already Clark doesn't like this guy, "I'm sorry, I don't think we've been introduced. I'm to give my orders to General Tsugumi or his adjunct, and you're not either of them."

"You will respond to your superior officers with a 'Sir!' As for former General Tsugumi, there has been a major reshuffling of personnel. You will now report to me."

Shuffle was right. This guy was obviously selected at random, but that doesn't make him any less correct. Because of his rank, achieve maliciously or rightfully so, respect is demanded.

"Sorry Sir," he stands properly and salutes, "the trip was exhausting and I was yet able to stand on ceremony!" Presenting his arm with the terminal mounted on it, "I have accomplished my mission of collecting data, as well as the data of the other four operatives!"

"Very good."

"Also, I've made visual confirmation of Houraisan Kaguya in the mansion called Eientei!"

This impresses everyone, not just the awestruck officer.

"All of which shall be indicated in my report."

"That won't be necessary," the officer butts in.

Stepping forward, he retrieves a tool from his pocket. It's a long slender device slightly larger than his thumb. Hovering it above the arm-mounted terminal, Clark can feel it's death-grip loosen. The officer slides off the data recording device and takes it as his own.

"Everything that's been collected will be thoroughly analyzed and then presented to Lord Tsukuyomi."

By you no doubt, Clark didn't say. However, "Sir! I must insist that I make a report to Lord Tsukuyomi myself. There's very sensitive information I witnessed that wouldn't be recorded in the terminal."

A half-truth. He made sure his conversation with Kaguya was recorded, but there were other things he wanted to say. Mostly it was about his impressions of Gensokyo. Since the terminal only recorded geographical data, captured still images, video, and audio recordings, personal inputs such as logs needed to be conveyed through a written report. This officer is obviously trying to buy for the lord's favor, but trying to sell Clarks accomplishment as his own could have dire consequences. Hard data was one thing, but without proper interpretation it could lead to false conclusions. This could prove rather harmful to the Lunarian Effort.

"That will not be necessary," the officer likely misread Clark's intentions. "You are dismissed. After such a long stay on that filthy planet you'd best cleanse yourself and return home."

Well, it wasn't the worst order ever, but what can he do? Saluting, Clark accepted the discharge, leaving behind the credit-grubbing officer and whatever danger to the mission he may represent.

Clark could call for an escort or take public transportation, but he instead decides to walk. It feels good to stretch out his legs after the long journey. Dressed like a Gensokyo farmer, it's clear he stands out. Other Lunarians must think him a bum or something. Not that he would, but if he tried to explain himself they'd probably think he's crazy. He'd just come back from a mission on Earth. How many others could say they've done that? While Clark himself didn't feel much particular danger (except for the final few minutes), they did in fact lose four trained operatives. He didn't like them much, but they weren't bad guys. Maybe because Clark could separate being a Lunarian and infiltrating the population was how he was spared from the same fate of the others. Or maybe he was just lucky. Either way, it's quite the achievement he's made. Even if the officer tries to hog everything, Clark will likely get a moment in front of Tsukuyomi eventually. Until then, he might as well go home.

Or he would like to say, but a few minutes on the streets were all he needed to realize that something was wrong. Horribly wrong. Damage unprecedented has ravaged the Lunar City. Streets were demolished, buildings sinking into the ground, and there was one that even looked like it'd been cut by a giant sword. What in the world happened while he was away?

While asking others on the street proved worthless (any proud Lunarian wouldn't want to be within 10 meters of someone as dirty as he currently was), he found a media terminal and checked the news. Depicted:

"Watatsuki Sisters Betray the Moon!" Further written is an article about how those sisters executed the largest scale terrorist attack in the history of their city. By using the rabbits, they coordinated several planned explosives which hurt hundreds and killed dozens. The Lunar Reservists were called into action and successfully fought back the coup. Fighting was intense, but the sisters, as well as all the rabbits have been driven off the moon. City Management has begun to heroically restore the city, and Tsukuyomi has vowed to chase and eliminate the sisters all the way to Earth. Being unable to prevent the act, many on the Lunar Council have resigned taking responsibility. The investigation of the specifics are ongoing. There are even unconfirmed reports that Lunarian sleeper agents were also involved.

Obviously a coverup. First of all, Clark knew for a fact that the Watatsuki sisters are loyal to Tsukuyomi, with proof in fact. Having them shoulder the blame must be how Tsukuyomi decided to make the invasion public. Not that he particularly needs it, but this article will tremendously help drum up public support and also discourage other rebellious factions. However, what in the world did the rabbits have to do with any of this? Weren't they needed for the siege on the Scarlet Devil Mansion? A lot of this didn't make sense, but there's vast evidence that there's been some very intense fighting in the city. While his curiosity is running rampant, he'll hear about it soon enough when next he returns to duty. Nothing is more important to him right now than returning home.

Also in the headlines, in the gossip section, are reports that Lord Tsukuyomi is courting an Earthling to be his second wife. Where do they get this garbage? That's how you know you can't trust what you see on the news.

Though he was slightly worried, the majority of the fighting had taken place far from his apartment. The last thing he wanted was to return from his mission to find his home a smoldering ash pile. Worse yet that what little he and his wife possessed would have to be replaced.

After finally making it home, he enters with enthusiasm, "Kumin-honey, I'm home!"

But Kumin isn't home. This is strange. It isn't working hours, so she should be home or in bed. Did she go and meet with her parents perhaps, or out with a coworker or friend? Though he was gone for a while and she was likely lonely, it wasn't exactly like her to be out this late. But then again, a lot's happened since he was gone. It's likely he's worrying over nothing.

Clark was not worrying over nothing. After 20 minutes he surrendered and contacted his in-laws, then her friends, then her work. None of them knew where she was, and Kumin has missed several shifts already. Everyone else was only now starting to get worried, but this was more than enough for the trained Lunarian Soldier to become panicked. Something obviously happened to his wife. Where in the world was she?