Chapter 6: Wishes and Family

"Just what exactly is this?" Takeru asked, staring at the red dome surrounding the temple's hill.

"It appears to be a barrier of some kind. It's possibly harmful," Yurusen warned. Reimu then grabbed the eyeball spirit and hurled it at the barrier, causing the barrier to crackle with energy that drowned out Yurusen's shrieks of pain.
"Definitely harmful," Reimu confirmed. Takeru cringed as Yurusen rolled on the floor to get rid of the fire.

"What was that for, you jerk!?" The sprite said, enraged. "That hurt!"

"Well I wasn't gonna touch it."

"Don't use me!"

They were distracted by one Fukami Makoto pounding the ground in rage. His transformation cancelled, all he could do was grit his teeth as his chance for his sister's revival slipped away.

"But seriously," Reimu said as her armor dissolved around her, "We need to find a way in."

Inside the temple basement, Saionji carefully placed the Eyecons around a paper made of a curious material, marked with the eye-symbol in the center. He dropped a strange fluid into the eye's center, causing the sheet to burn up in blue flames. The Eyecons rose in the air, circling around the Monolith's glowing eye.

"Is this it? The force surpassing all human understanding?" he whispered. His voice raised to a crescendo. "Great Eye! Give me the power to rule over all!"

At first, nothing happened. Then his body glowed a soft blue, and emitted a black static. "No! Not this!" he cried out in terror. His screams echoed throughout the temple as he dissolved, absorbed into the glowing Monolith.

"I was careless," Sage said as he appeared, followed by Saigyouji Yuyuko. Both had abandoned their carefree selves, adopting stern expressions of concern.

"It's not your fault," the Netherworld's princess said. "We didn't know that he had five Eyecons already."

Sage looked at the items he had left behind. "He appears to have had the makings of a Ghost Driver. Not enough for the Great Eye to accept him, however."

The mysterious pair simply watched as the Eyecons swirled about, turning into glyphs. They arranged themselves in a complex pattern, which, along with the Monolith's symbol, formed a floating, mystical rune. The rune phased through the ceiling, stopping when it came into contact with the barrier Saionji had erected—which it shattered.

"Just what was that?" Akari, who had been in the basement at the time of the Saionji's invasion, woke up just as he was absorbed by the mysterious stone. "What's going on!?"

She couldn't see the other two ghosts in the room as they turned and disappeared, leaving for parts unknown.

"The barrier's gone!" Takeru exclaimed. Makoto glanced up, eyes widening. "Let's go!"

The assembled company made their dash to the top, as the black-uniformed man turned aside. "I'll make use of Prince Alain's preparations," Javert said, conjuring up a transparent map. "Those Eyecons will be mine."

Reimu and Takeru met a groggy Akari, Onari, Shibuya and Narita on the temple's front doorstep. "You guys!" Takeru said, running forward. "Are you okay?"

"What's going on?" Onari asked. "What is that most peculiar thing floating in the sky?"

"Do you think that—" Reimu was cut off as her Eyecon, still in her Driver, shone with a bright light. Before she could say another word, she was sent skyward, almost as if a fishing rod had hooked her by the belt and pulled her into the air.

Reimu struggled, but to no avail. She was pulled up to the waiting rune—and, after she passed through the eye in the center, the eye closed. Yurusen made chase, but the glyph seemed to be accepting no more applicants, as the sprite fell to the earth, aflame.

Makoto was ascending the temple's steps as Reimu was pulled through the rune. The realization hit him like a truck, and the strength left his knees. "It's too late," he whispered, collapsing onto the stone stairs. "All of this, for nothing."

Kanon's Eyecon floated out of his pocket. "Bro . . . ."

"I'm sorry, Kanon," the broken Fukami choked out. "I went so far, even attacking my childhood friend and someone who had an entire world on her back. All for nothing."

"It's okay, Bro." Kanon's voice resonated in his mind. "I'm still here with you."

Makoto sobbed, his entire world crashing down around him.

Elsewhere, Javert frowned. "It looks like this would be the best place," he said, pointing to a location on his map. "Gundari!"

A ways away, on top of a rooftop, an eye-symbol blazed to life. From it burst forth long, wormlike monsters with knives for teeth and steel for scales—the Gundari. They took the air, howling for blood—blood that was to be found at the Daitenku Temple.

Reimu stood in a cloudy void—at least, that's what it appeared to her. She stood atop a massive version of the eye-sigil she drew many times in her quest for the Eyecons. "Just where is this place?" she muttered.

"Speak," a strange voice echoed throughout the space. Reimu looked every which way, but could not find its source. "Speak your desire."

"Are you the wish-granter?" Reimu asked hesitantly.

"Speak your desire," the voice repeated.

Visions of an angry Specter clashed with images of her home in her mind. She closed her eyes. When she opened them a minute later, they were filled with assurance. "I know my wish," she declared.

"Speak," the voice commanded.

"My wish . . . ."

Alain stood upon a rocky outcropping, watching this unfold. "Javert, you fool," he spat. "You know not what you do."

"Obtain the Eyecons!" Javert yelled as the Gundari swam in the air towards the golden rune, shrieking. However, once the first one came within five feet, a powerful energy burst out, sending the wormlike phantasms down to the earth below. "What!?"

The Eye opened once more, emitting a flash of light. The people down below flinched. Slowly, a figure emerged.
"Reimu!" Takeru cried out. She descended slowly, but something seemed . . . off.

"Is . . . she carrying someone?" Onari squinted through the light.

Reimu touched down—indeed, she seemed to be carrying a girl in her arms. She slowly set her down.

"Is that Kanon?" Akari asked.

"Then . . . ." Takeru looked at her with concern.

Makoto burst onto the scene. "Kanon's Eyecon disappeared! Just what . . . ." he trailed off when he saw his sister, groggily standing up. "Kanon!"

"Bro," came the sleepy reply. "What's going on?"

Makoto pulled his sister into a tight hug. "You sacrificed your wish for her? Even after all I've done?"

"Well, that's the thing," Reimu said. "I actually told the wish-granting-dude to bring us both back to life. When it said no, I tried to kick it, but it it just laughed and booted me out. When I realized what had happened, I was carrying Kanon."

"Then . . . ?"

"I don't know," she admitted.

Sage peered out from inside the temple. "Something's not right," he muttered. Suddenly the rune in the sky shattered, sending the Eyecons every which way. "It can't be . . . did they notice?"

The group scattered, running off to find the falling Eyecons. "Reimu! I found Musashi!" Takeru cried, throwing it to her. She caught it as she picked up Billy the Kid." Makoto simply held Kanon for the time being.

All of a sudden, a terrible screeching filled the air as the Gundari reared up again. Reimu dashed off, leaving Takeru with Makoto and Kanon. "Takeru . . . ." Makoto spoke up. "I know I have no place to ask this of you, but can you watch over Kanon for me?"

"Of course," the ghost hunter replied. Makoto nodded, grateful, before running after the shrine maiden.

Onari and the other monks scrambled about a glade, searching for the Eyecons. "Ah! And yet another one!" Onari exclaimed as he picked up one of the mystic orbs.

"Onari!" Reimu called out. "Find any?"

"Indeed!" He bowed, holding them out to her. Suddenly, a Gundari roared past, the pressure from which knocked him over.

Collecting two of the four Onari had found, she reached for another, only to find her way blocked by Javert. "Hand over the others," the military man demanded.

The only response he got was Reimu settling into a defensive position, tucking the Eyecons away in her pocket.

"Very well," he said, transforming into the Ganma Superior. "One more won't save you," he said as Makoto ran up.

"You know he's tough," the blue Rider said.

"It doesn't matter," the red one said. "It's my job as an exterminator to get rid of pests."

Makoto smirked. "Then let me join you."

"Henshin!"

Simultaneously, the two transformed. Just as before, their Drivers called out the respective chants as twin parkas settled onto two sets of shoulders—though this time, as allies, not as enemies.

The two charged Javert, who, like earlier, blocked every attack they threw. Realizing that they were headed in the same direction, Reimu quickly retreated, allowing Javert's attention to focus his attention on Makoto as she flew, rocketing off a tree towards them to score a light—but still tangible—hit on the Ganma Superior. They managed to push their opponent back a fair bit, Makoto taking the brunt of the blows and hitting harder on the ground while Reimu distracted him with her aerial dives.

Eventually Javert managed to catch a break, sending both of them flying backwards with a scissor punch. Reimu rolled with the momentum, throwing an Eyecon to Makoto as she loaded one in herself. Two Ghost changes later and they were back to controlling the flow of battle, with Reimu hanging back in the air firing away with Billy the Kid's twin guns and Makoto using Tutankhamen's scythe to counter Javert's martial arts. However, that tactic turned out to be repeated too soon, as Makoto was blown back into Reimu, sending them both careening into a tree. With a subtle nod, Reimu tossed Makoto another Eyecon, charging forwards with Musashi's twin blades as the blue Rider channeled Edison's electricity through his rifle. The switch-up seemed to work. Reimu's fast attacks and Makoto's heavy shocks seemed to catch Javert off-guard enough that he stumbled back into a cliff. He snarled before snapping his fingers. The cliff exploded as one of the Gundari flew into the forest, knocking both Riders away with its skeletal tail. Before they had a chance to regroup, Javert was upon them, beating away Reimu's strikes and dodging Makoto's lightning. With a flurry of blows he pressed his advantage, causing them to retreat.

"Mr. Makoto!" The older Fukami was never more glad to hear Onari's excitable voice. "Lord Nobunaga is here!" Beneath his mask he grinned as he caught the Eyecon. "Thanks!"

Narita, likewise, had found another one of Reimu's Eyecons. Makoto covered Reimu's retreat and transformation with his rifle fire, enhanced by Nobunaga's power. Reimu quickly brought out the Gangun Saber in Naginata mode and, with the addition of the Condor Phone, added her own green spectral arrows into the mix. Now thoroughly irritated, Javert charged the two ranged fighters, knocking away Makoto before turning on Reimu. "Treason is punishable only by death, Specter," Javert growled, focusing again on Makoto. "It is a pity."

"The only pity here is your lack of attention!" Makoto shot the ground, causing it to crumble and give out beneath them. They rolled, now in a lower part of the forest. Makoto fired, using trees as cover as the Ganma threw phantasmic fire with his hands. Impatient, Javert concentrated his fire before throwing it, blasting through several trees before narrowly missing Makoto. Before he could recover, Javert was upon him, grabbing him and slamming the blue Rider into the ground.

Then Javert was off of him, sent rolling through Reimu's use of Benkei's hammer, channeled through the Gangun Sabers's Naginata mode and the Spider Lantern hammer mode. "You okay?" the ghost asked, tossing Specter another Eyecon.

"Of course. You don't have to ask," he said, equipping Newton's parka.

The close-range attackers bodied Javert, with Makoto using his gravity-manipulating abilities to slam the Ganma into the floor and trees, as Reimu smashed him with her hammer. Javert wasn't able to recover from this assault, and, even as he rolled away, Reimu and Makoto were already back in Ghost and Specter's original parkas. They formed some hands signs, and as the glyphs formed behind them, they cranked their Driver's levers.

"Watashi Omega Drive!"

"Specter Omega Drive!"

Javert, in a last-ditch effort, summoned the Gundari once again. As the smoke from Reimu's kick and Makoto's punch cleared, Javert could be seen on the ground, the force of the beast's death knocking him over.

"Javert, that's enough," a voice from off to the side caught the double Rider's attention.

"But sir!"

"Javert. You do not have freedom to act on your own. Refuse further and it will be treason."

Reluctantly, the commander retreated. Reimu immediately gave chase.

"Alain?" Makoto muttered, before shaking his head and following.

The two gave chase, bursting out of the forest via summoned motorcycle and flight onto an open stretch of no trees. Swerving out of the way from fireballs launched by the orbiting Gundari, they returned fire with their respective ranged weapons. One went down, and Specter took the opportunity to drive up one's back before stabbing it with his scythe and hanging on as it writhed around.

Reimu, however, wasn't so lucky. She was grabbed by the wormlike beast's skeletal tail-hand, being tossed around before being slammed into the ground. She skidded away before sliding to a halt.

She cursed. "Isn't there anything I can do?"

Suddenly, the Musashi Damashii appeared in front of her. "Take heart, Reimu," it—he–said.

"Wait, you can talk?"

"We take to the field of battle!" The Edison, Robin Hood, Newton, Beethoven, Billy the Kid, and Benkei Damashiis all flew in and nodded.

"All right, let's do this. I guess." The Parka Ghosts lined up in ascending order. Reimu leapt upwards, equipping each one in succession, and finally back with her own orange jacket. Making a triangle out of her hands, she brought her hands up, her arms followed by the ghostly afterimages of each of the heroic spirits. Gathering the energy into her foot, she shot towards the Gundari that had tossed her around, propelled from the energy from her seven Heroic Spirits. With a mighty crash, Ghost's foot blew a hole in the ghostly sky-snake, before it evaporated from the released energy. Landing, she looked up to see Specter arrive. "Nice one," he said, as the head and body of the final Gundari crashed into the earth with two separate thuds. Reimu smiled behind her mask as she held out her hand. Makoto, after hesitating for a second, punched it. As they turned to head back, with Onari yelling about how he found a new Eyecon, Reimu breathed a sigh of relief. For now, their work was done.

Elsewhere, Alain glared down at Javert atop a roof. "Why did you act on your own?" The Ganma prince asked. "You're not hiding things from me, are you?"

"No, sir," Javert, said, bowing.

Alain placed a hand on his subordinate's shoulder. "You do know there's a high price to pay for wasting the Gundari like that. I hope your little stunt was worth it."

Javert merely bowed deeper, before turning and stalking off into the setting sun.

"So, they have that kind of power," Alain mused. "How fascinating, these Eyecons."

Back at the shrine, the members of the Mysterious Phenomenon Institute watched as Makoto and Kanon walked away, hand-in-hand. "They seem so happy," Akari said with a smile.
"Indeed," Onari agreed. "Truly as though nothing bad had happened."

Reimu was silent. "What's wrong?" Takeru asked.
"Nothing," she said, a smile upon her face. However, it was obvious to Takeru that it wasn't genuine. "I'm just happy that they're back together."

He gave her a doubtful look, but said nothing. "I see."

They all stood outside for a few more minutes before heading off to their own homes to recover. Reimu, however, stayed outside, looking at the sun.

"Twenty-three days left," she murmured. She floated up to the roof, lost in thought.

Outside World

"You did well," Hibiki praised, clasping Marisa on the shoulder. The Riders had reassembled at the inn after the incident ended, save for Gentaro's group. Marisa had found our that this village was one of the few youkai-only settlements outside Gensokyo, which made it a natural hub of spiritual energy—a prime target for attack. They had partnered with the Riders several times before, aiding them and providing them relief.

"Thanks," Marisa said. "I've seen Sho and Phil in action, so I wasn't too surprised at the display of power I saw. It was pretty sweet."

"Sweet, huh?" Hibiki chuckled. "I guess you could describe it as such."

They sat around the table once again. "So, what now? We got what we came here for," said Shouichi.

"Well," said Hibiki. "You all saw that crimson dome and the golden light, correct?" Nods all around. "I want someone to check it out. Any volunteers?"

"I'll go," Marisa said. "It might involve Reimu, after all."

"Anyone else?"

"We might as well," Shotaro said. Phillip nodded in agreement.

"Very well," Hibiki said. "We'll adjourn for now. Be sure to keep in touch. Let everyone know if you find something suspicious."

The Riders took their leave. "Hey, Marisa," Kyousuke waved her over. "You're a pretty great witch, you know."

"You too," she grinned, punching him in the arm. "I might steal a spell or two from you."

"Aw, shucks!" He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "You're too kind."

" . . . Normally people get offended when I copy their magics."

"Well, yeah. But I'm pretty easygoing," he said. "And after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

She shrugged. "What are you doing after this? If you're free, I'd like to study your magic a bit more."

"That'd be neat. Sadly, it can't be today. I have a buddy to visit and a thesis to work on." He gave a helpless shrug. "Maybe in a week or two?"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll catch you later, then."

"Sure thing." Kyosuke adjusted the strap on his large pack. "You may wanna stand back for a sec." Marisa complied, watching as he conjured an open zipper in midair. It looked like a portal to a place with a lot of plants. "Ciao!" he said as the zipper closed.

"He's a good kid," Shotaro said. "Quirky, but good."

"He seems nice enough," she said. "Well, let's get back. When is our visit to the temple?"

"Providing we don't have work, maybe in a few days," he said. "Sound good?"

"Yeah," she said, eager to see her friend again.

However, once they got back they were immediately hit up with a missing persons case. It seems the temple would have to wait.

Gensokyo

Haruto frowned, leafing through a particularly heavy tome. He had been down in the library for nearly a week, barely taking any breaks to sleep and eat. He had learned much—but it still wasn't enough.

"Mr. Soma," came the voice of the little demon. "You've been staying up far too long. You need rest."

"Huh?" Haruto blearily looked up, still partially focused on his text. "Sure, later."

Koakuma sighed and lowered the book with a finger, looking him in the eye. "Haruto, you're exhausted. You've got bags under your eyes." He scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "Seriously, go to sleep. There's no way you're figuring out anything right now."

"I'm so close," he muttered as he yawned. "Sorry. But just a bit more and—"

"That's what you told Lady Patchouli a few days ago," she said. "Seriously, go to bed. You're still human. You need your rest."

He nodded and shuffled off in the direction of the lower quadrant. "Uh, Haruto? The guest bedroom's the other way." No response. Slightly concerned, she fluttered over to find the magician passed out on the floor. She chuckled slightly as she levitated him with a finger, floating him to his room. She floated him into the bed before conjuring up some covers. "Good night, Mr. Haruto." Koakuma whispered before closing the door.

Haruto woke up a day later, refreshed. Yawning, he cast a spell to freshen himself up. He exited the room and made his way back down to the library. "Morning," he said.

"It's actually one," Patchouli replied without looking up from her book. "You slept an entire day."

"Must've been tired," he shrugged. "Anyways, back to work."

A plate of breakfast foods floated by him. "I can't have you collapsing from malnourishment," Patchouli replied.

He accepted, eating as he delved back into the ancient texts. It was about an hour later he shot up, knocking the tray aside. "I found it! Here it is!"

"Soma, what did you find?" Patchouli floated over.

"A record of the history of the Kingdom of the Eye," he said. "It's mostly indecipherable, but right here is the important bit."

Patchouli read over his shoulder, her eyes narrowing. "This is important. And if it's true, we don't have much time left."

"Let's get going. How do we reach the Yakumos?"

"I know a way," she said. She floated towards the door as Haruto threaded his arms through his jacket sleeves. "Follow me."

The two magicians left the Scarlet Devil Mansion, intent on informing the nine-tailed fox of the news—big news.

Daitenku Temple

Takeru knelt by the gravestone, head bowed respectfully. After a moment he looked up. "Dad. What would you do in this situation?" he muttered. "We only have twenty more days until the tenth of January. We haven't even gathered all the Eyecons again—and we're not sure we could use them for another wish if we could." He sighed, looking up to the sky. "You know, I'm scared. Scared we won't be able to save her in time. Scared all of our efforts are for nothing." He looks down in shame. "Jealous, too. She's amazing—able to connect so readily with the Luminaries so easily. I've trained so hard to be a Ghost Hunter—and I can barely do anything. Wasn't it you who told me to let my life burn bright? But right now, I'm only a candle's flicker."

For another moment, he knelt there, head bowed. He then rose and smiled. "I guess I'll just do my best. One can only do all he can." He walked away, his heart a tad lighter.

Arriving back at the temple, he found Akari and Onari in the basement. "What's going on?" he asked.

"Takeru, have you seen Sage anywhere?" Akari questioned him.

"Not as of late," he said as he descended the steps. "His kotatsu's gone, too."

"Master Takeru. We currently have eight Eyecons, yes?" Onari asked.

"Yeah. Musashi, Edison, Robin Hood, Newton, Beethoven, Billy the Kid, Benkei, and that one you picked up earlier," he said. "And Makoto has three: Nobunaga, Tutankhamen, and that purple one."

"And you said two more were taken by that Ganma, right?" Akari asked.

He nodded. "That leaves two unaccounted for."

"Then I shall be off. I shall continue my search." Onari bowed and ascended the steps.

"I'll research the Monolith a bit more." Akari said. Takeru smiled a bit as she turned back to her work. "You know, you've changed," he said.

"Hm?"

"You used to deny every instance of the supernatural—and now look at you."

"I still don't believe in all that crap," she said. "But we have bigger things to focus on right now. Besides, I can't question the fact the revival worked on Kanon. How is a different problem."

He grinned. "Still, it's a step."

The rest of the month flew by, their search for the Eyecons periodically interrupted by work and temple business. At one point Takeru even visited the hospital where Kanon was staying, to the delight of the young girl and her grateful brother.

"Can't we do anything to help Reimu?" Kanon asked.

"I'm not sure," Takeru admitted. "For now, just focus on recovering."

After Takeru left, Makoto excused himself. "I'll be right back. I just want to get some fresh air," he said as he left.

A quick bike ride later found him on a bridge overlooking a river—a favorite place for him to sort through his own thoughts. Familiar footsteps approached from behind. "So that's what you wanted the wish for? To bring your sister back?" Alain said, leaning on the railing next to the blue-clad Rider. Makoto nodded. "I wish you would have told us. We could have helped you."

"I'm sorry for keeping it a secret," Makoto apologized. "But I didn't want to burden you."

"It would have been our pleasure," the Ganma Prince stated. "We all liked you. Alain, Alia, Argos—all of us."

Makoto smiled sadly. "That's true. But you know why I didn't want her to be turned into a Ganma."

"I don't understand why you humans are so attached to your life." Alain shook his head. " . . . You understand what it means to betray us, correct?"

"I do," came the firm reply. "And I'm sorry it had to be this way."

Alain looked at him, torn between friendship and loyalty. "The next time we meet, it will be as enemies," he said finally. "The only mercy I can give you is a painless end."

Makoto gave him one last smile before putting his helmet on. "One day you'll understand my decision." He revved up his bike and rode away.

Alain frowned as he walked away, his earlier confusion now slowly being replaced by anger. "It's all those Ghost Hunters' fault," he muttered. "Tenkuji Takeru especially."

"You're just going to let him go?" Javert questioned, stepping out from behind a wall to fall in step with the prince. "Traitors are to be punished."

"And so must you, for wasting those Gundari," Alain shot him a look. An idea struck him. "Give me the Eyecons."

"But sir!"

"That's an order."

Javert reluctantly handed over the orbs. "I'm going to see my brother," Alain said. "Stay put for now. I can't have you making more mistakes." Alain conjured up a glyph, disappearing as he stepped through it.

"I've made mistakes . . . ?" Javert muttered. "Just you wait, your highness. I will eliminate all liabilities." With that he stalked off, the waves glistening in the afternoon sun.

Reimu continued to train and work throughout all this—but she seemed off. She took her duties surprisingly seriously, doing them with an efficiency Takeru didn't think possible. During times they weren't working, training, or looking for Eyecons, she could be found relaxing on a particular spot on the hillside, basking in the sun.

"You know," she said on one such occasion. "The sun is really warm. It's kinda nice. I've never noticed it before."

"Really?" Takeru asked, climbing the hill. "Don't you get sun like this in Gensokyo?"

She nodded. "We do. I've just never actually took note and appreciated the small things, I guess."

New Year's was a busy affair at the Daitenku Temple. All of the monks were busy, with Reimu helping out as much as she could. Paranormal activity was surprisingly quiet. The Mysterious Phenomenon Institute took to the revelry with a smile, deciding to hide the seriousness of their situation for now.

"This is the best New Year's I've ever had," Reimu said on January 1st. "Normally it's a pain. But now it's kinda fun. It must be because I'm not doing all the work." She chuckled.

Nobody decided to comment on her odd behaviour. It was obvious things weren't right. Even so, the days continued to tick by. Finally, it was the evening on the ninth.

Onari crossed out the date on the calendar. "Tomorrow," he whispered. "And we haven't found those last four." He touched his cheek, feeling something wet. He blinked. "Ah," he said, gulping back tears. "Indeed."

Down in the basement, Akari slammed her desk in frustration. She could get absolutely nothing from the Monolith—nothing at all. She sank down, as the full force of her situation hit her. "I'm so sorry," she sobbed.

Takeru meditated, not being able to sleep. "Dad," he whispered again. "What would you do?"

Reimu, for her part, simply stared up at the moon from her position on the roof. Since her time as a ghost, she had felt emotions more and more strongly—emotions she hadn't really felt since before she awoke her ability to float. She learned the joy of being happy, the crushing weight of sorrow, the paralyzing chains of fear, and the burning flame of anger. But this—this was something she couldn't quite put into words. "What is this?" she muttered. "What am I feeling?"

The morning came excruciatingly slowly, yet at the same time far too quickly. Onari, sweeping the grounds, caught a meditating Takeru and a sleepy Akari out of the corner of his eye. He somberly ascended. "Good morning," he said. "Were you two up all night?"

"Yeah," Akari said as Takeru nodded. "Working."

"Meditating."

"Have you eaten?"

"I'm not hungry," Takeru said. Akari expressed a similar sentiment.

They turned as they heard Reimu's feet touch the floor. "Morning!" she said—far, far too cheerily. She was dressed in a white hoodie with a red border, red jeans, and a black t-shirt with a yin-yang graphic—a present on New Year's from the temple. Her hair was tied up with a new hair ribbon, and her iconic hair-tubes were present.

"Good morning," Onari said, the other two bowing. Reimu looked like she was about to say something, then she bowed.

"Thank you everything," she said out of the blue.

"What?" the trio was taken aback at her sudden declaration of thanks—and Reimu wasn't the type to be grateful naturally.

"It's just in case, really," she said way too casually. "But I just wanted to say thanks for everything you've done."

Takeru looked at her strangely. The other two looked down at their feet.

"But that's just in case, right? We don't even know if I'm going to disappear." She laughed as she placed a hand on Takeru and Akari's shoulders. "C'mon, smile!"

"I suppose so . . . ." Onari managed to force out a laugh, while Akari's sounded more like a wounded dog.

Takeru started, "Reimu—"

"Big trouble!" groaned Narita's voice. Neither he nor Shibya had returned all night, adding to the worry. They rushed out to meet him, to see him collapse on the stairs, his clothes in tatters. "Shibuya has been taken by a Ganma! They're at the park!"

"Of all the days . . . ." the bald monk growled.

Takeru looked at Remu. "Reimu," he said.

She nodded. "I have to go," she said, breathing heavily. She took off, flying down the mountain.

Takeru went to the back and got his motorcycle and axe. Strapping his helmet on, he was about to leave before two figures ascended the shrine steps—a man in a white suit and a white fedora, and a girl in a black pants, a yellow sweater, and a black witch's hat. "Hello? We're kind of busy at the moment," he said.

"Ah, it's really quick," pressed the man. "We came here to investigate the golden light that was here a few months ago? We're detectives, you see."

"Ah, that's . . . ." he trailed off.

"That and this lady here," he motioned to the oddly-dressed girl, who gave him a cheeky grin. "Is here to see a friend."

"A friend?"

"Yeah, her name's Reimu," the blonde girl said. "Red dress, hair ribbons, unpleasant face. Yeah?"

Takeru's eyes widened. "She just left on a case. We have to be quick, though."

"What? Where?" the girl said, suddenly thrusting her face into Takeru's space. "Tell me!"

He waved her away. "Follow me," he said. "We don't have much time."

He brought them down the stairs, to where a motorcycle was parked.

"So, how's being a ghost treating her?" Marisa asked as Takeru hopped on his motorcycle. She mentally laughed as he fell off, a look of astonishment upon his visage.

"How do you know that?" he asked. "No, nevermind. That's not important right now."

"Hm?" She was disappointed—she had hoped to get more of a reaction out of him. "So, how is she?"

She heard his voice hitch, and then the words she had been secretly dreading for the past three months reached her ears.

"She doesn't have much time left." He looked at her straight in the eyes. "Her time ends today."

"Let Shibuya go!" Reimu yelled as she touched down on the green field, running towards the wooden tower where a black-clad Ganma stood. "Hey, it's you!"

"Yes, it's me." The Ganma jumped down. "You can have him. But you!" He glared at Reimu. "For my prince, you must die!"

"So you took him out to get to me, huh?" Reimu summoned her Ghost Driver, slamming the Watashi Eyecon in. "Henshin!"

Ghost's armor formed around him as Javert transformed into the Ganma Superior. Reimu summoned her Gangun Sword, swinging wildly at him as he dodged. He threw a punch, which was blocked.

While they were trading blows, Akari and Onari reached the tower and hurriedly untied Shibuya. As Onari comforted the monk-in-training, Akari used the power of the Spider Lantern, forming an area where ghosts could be seen. "There! Down on the beach!'

Javert had deftly dodged all of Reimu's attacks, sending her rolling with a backhand. "There is impatience in your sword today," he said. "You're worried about something, aren't you?"

"Shut up!" she said, leaping and bringing her sword down on his head.

At the last minute, he twisted out of the way, firing a blast of blue energy that sent her rolling. "It's no fun to beat opponents who aren't on the top of their game," he said. "But business before pleasure, after all."

Reimu groaned as she struggled to rise. "Not like this!" she growled.

Javert barked a harsh laugh. "Die, Ghost."

But before he could fire off another blast, he was sent flying courtesy of one fist from Fukami Makoto. "Reimu! Are you alright?!"

"Makoto . . . ." she said breathlessly.

"Take care of yourself!" he said as he blocked an incoming attack from the Ganma Superior. The two grappled for a tense minute before breaking apart.

"Specter, huh?" Javert said. "Perfect. I can take care of both of you at once!"

"Reimu!" Specter yelled as he deflected another punch.

Reimu stood, gripping her Gangun Saber, charging forward . . .

. . . only to stumble as her transformation cancelled. A shiver ran down her spine.

"Interesting," Javert said. He attempted to intercept them, but was blocked by Specter.

Onari and Akari ran down the beach, shouting Reimu's name. A soft glow enveloped the ghost.

"I should've forseen how things should've gone," Sage said, appearing along with Yurusen and Yuyuko a ways off.

"She's too stubborn, really." Yuyuko nodded in assent.

Her eyes narrowed as the sky darkened unnaturally, taking on a deep red hue as deep crimson clouds billowed in from every corner of the earth. "So, our fears were right."

The clouds drifted apart, revealing a single, massive, blood-red eye. It stared down at the world, its gaze centered on the shrine maiden. Red feathers slowly fell, coating the beach in odd plumage.

"I guess it's time," she said as Akari and Onari ran over.

Akari sobbed, gripping Reimu's jacket shoulder. "No! Not like this!"

"It's fine," she grinned, smiling brightly. "Tell Takeru I'm sorry, yeah?"
"Reimu!" a surprisingly familiar voice called. She turned, and saw a familiar back witch hat along with the ghost hunter. She felt a pang inside her, but held it in.

"Hey, Marisa. I'm sorry that I had to die twice in front of you," she offered.

"No!" the witch screamed, grabbing her by the shirt cuffs. "Not again! You can't die! You can't!"

She just smiled sadly at her. "Takeru, thanks for these last few months. They've been great."

"Reimu . . . ." Takeru just grit his teeth, tears falling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry."

She gave the group one last glance. Akari, the annoying scientist who had surprised her with her determination. Onari, the annoying monk who had his moments of wisdom and kindness. Takeru, her ghost-hunting partner, matured from an annoying scared kid to a hunter in his own right. Finally, Marisa. The annoying pest who wouldn't stop bothering her—and Reimu's closest friend, who would always have her back.

"Tell me," she whispered. "Did I do the right thing? Though I tried to bring us both back, my heart chose Kanon."

The only one to hear her was Takeru. Over Marisa's screaming, Akari's sobs and Onari's cries, he gave her one final thumbs-up. Reimu gave a soft smile, before disappearing into a shower of golden light. On the beach, Marisa sank to her knees, wailing towards the heavens. Onari and Akari broke down, sobbing. Takeru was still in shock. With tears in his eyes, he watched as the waves swept away crimson feathers, never to be seen again.

Reimu opened her eyes. "Huh," she said as she looked around. "I thought I'd end up in Shikieiki's place—I guess I'm back here." She was back at the glade she came to when she died. A noise behind her caught her attention. Reimu turned, and was face-to-face with a man.

"Who are you?" Reimu asked. "Some lackey of Komachi's?" She sighed. "Well, let's get this over with."

"Hakurei Reimu," he said in a surprisingly warm voice. "My name is Tenkuji Ryu."

She now recognized his face—she had seen it before in pictures. "Takeru's dad?" she asked. "So you're a ghost too, huh?"

"I've been watching over you for the past three months," he said. "Thank you for watching out for my son. He's a tad clumsy, but he means well."

"Yeah," she said softly. "He really does." She sighed. "So what now?"

He smiled. "I've actually brought a visitor," he said. "Someone you haven't seen in a long time."

"Who?" Reimu asked, tilting her head. "Where are they?"

He stepped aside, and Reimu gasped. She had long, black hair, a stylized version of the normal miko outfit, and a warm, motherly smile. "Reimu, it's been so long."

"Mom!?" Reimu strode over, hovering her hands over her mother as if she was afraid that with a touch, she'd shatter into a million pieces. "W-what's going on?"

Her mother smiled softly. "I'm so proud of you, Reimu," she said. "Mr. Ryu and I have been watching over you two. You've done well."

Three months of emotions came crashing down on the shrine maiden, and she sank to her knees with tears streaming down her face. "I don't want to die!" she cried out. "I don't want to leave my f-friends behind!"

Reimu's mother embraced her, rubbing her back. "It's okay," she whispered, "It's okay."

After a minute or two of crying, Reimu wiped her tears. "I'm sorry, mom," she said, sniffling. "I must look like a mess, huh?"

"You look wonderful," her mother said, beaming. "You are my pride and joy, after all."

Reimu sniffled again. "I wanted to protect them. I wanted to spend more time with my friends and laugh and fight and do all the stupid things we do back home," she said.

Reimu's mom stood up, helping Reimu to her feet. "You can, sweetheart," she said. "You and Takeru have a big job to do."

"Huh?" she said, still wiping her tears on her sleeve.

"Connect the souls of the Luminaries. Guide them to the future." Reimu's mom said.

"What are you talking about?"

Mr. Ryu placed his hand on Reimu's shoulder. "I'm sorry for getting you involved," he said. "Your mother and I agreed that this was the best way to do things."

"What do you mean?" she asked, puzzled. All of a sudden, Reimu's mom pulled her into a tight hug. Her confusion was only multiplied as Tenkuji Ryu embraced both of them as well. "W-what?"

"I love you," her mother whispered into her ear.

"Tell Takeru I am always watching over him—and I love him always," Ryu said.

The two then dissolved into golden light, their essence flooding Reimu's body. She could only stare in shock as they disappeared, leaving her alone.

On the beach, situations hadn't changed. Marisa howled, pounding the dirt with angry fists. Akari and Onari were frozen, simple sobbing into the sand. Takeru tightened his fist as tears streamed down his face.

Makoto was still fighting Javert—he was grateful that there was something to keep his mind off of what just happened. "I'm going to protect them," he growled as much to himself as he did to Javert.

"Don't make me laugh," the Ganma Superior said, firing a spectral burst of flame. It hit the blue Rider, knocking him back and cancelling his transformation. Makoto struggled to rise, shielding the other four with his body. "I will eliminate all liabilities."

"Leave me and run!" Makoto howled. "Get out of here!"

"No!" Akari screamed. "If we lose you too . . . !"

Suddenly a black blur flashed past them. "Marisa, no!" Takeru shouted.

Marisa screamed a primal scream, swinging her broom at the Ganma. "Give her back!" she cried hoarsely.

Javert easily sidestepped the wild attacks. "You shouldn't have gotten involved," he said, backhanding Marisa into the sand.

Marisa rolled, coming to a stop some distance away. Ignoring the other's shouts, she roared again as she brought out her mini-hakkero, unleashing a wave of Master Sparks at the ghost. The force of the magical laser blew apart the water—crystallizing the sand into glass underneath from the spell's heat. When she was all out of energy, she lowered her hakkero, panting.

The smoke cleared. "Interesting power—for a human," Javert said. "But not nearly enough." He casually held out his hand, pelting her with a wave of his own. When the blue flame vanished, she collapsed, utterly spent. The Ganma Superior charged up his flame. "Now to finish you." He paused as an axe bounced off his skull, embedding itself into the sand. "Or maybe I'll start with you," he said, turning to Takeru, the owner of the axe. "Regret defying me as you burn in hell, boy." He raised his hand. Takeru shut his eyes, bracing for death.

A death that never came. When he opened his eyes, he saw Javert on the floor, and before them, a figure glowing gold. The light died down, revealing a familiar jacket, ribbon, and hair tubes. The massive eye in the sky retreated, the clouds giving way to blue heavens.

"Reimu?" he said, not daring to believe it. The rest of the group expressed similar disbelief.

"Is that really you?"

Sage, from his vantage point, simply scoffed. "Ryu, you fool. What made you think this was a good idea?"

"You too, Hakurei Miko," Yuyuko sighed. "Seriously, the both of you."

Reimu turned towards the group. "Sorry, guys," she said with a sheepish smile. "I, uh, kinda have things to do. So I guess I can't die?"

"Yup, she's dead," Onari declared. "Reimu doesn't smile or get sheepish. This is merely a dream."

"Hey."

Marisa stirred slightly. "Rei . . . mu?" she called out softly.

Reimu looked at the downed forms of Marisa and Makoto. "Thank you, guys," she said. "I'm sorry for leaving you." She turned towards Javert, who had started to advance again. "But I'll take it from here!" She held out a red orb, summoning her Ghost Driver.

"A new Eyecon?" Takeru gasped.

Reimu pressed her hands together, and to everyone's surprise (including hers), she exploded into a pillar of flame.

Loading the Eyecon into the Driver, she was met with a "READY TO FIGHT!" before the standard "AYE!" As flames danced around her, a deep crimson jacket danced around her.

"Henshin!" she cried as she pumped the lever. The Driver energetically called out a new chant and the name of her Eyecon: "Fighting eyes open! BOOST!"

The flames surrounded her, swirling in and turning into her armor. Gone was orange bone marking over midnight black—now, her suit was a pure red, adorned with black flames. The Boost Parka fell onto her shoulders as the Driver shouted, "I am BOOST! The rumblin' Ghost!" Go! FIGHT! Go! FIGHT! Go GO!"

The smoke cleared. Kamen Rider Ghost Boost Damashii stood before Javert, fiery spirit burning inside her.

"What is that form?" Javert growled, launching an assault upon Reimu. To everyone's surprise, she blocked all of his strikes, using minimal movement. "What!?"
"I can feel it," she muttered. "Mom's skill! Mr. Ryu's experience! I can feel their power flowing through me!"

"Just what are you talking about!? The Ganma Superior yelled. Reimu's response was to ignite an arm on fire and sock him across the jaw, sending him rolling. "Impossible!"

Reimu made a hand sign. From her driver shot out a weapon—a strange red sword with a flamelike blade. Javert shot fire at her, but she brought the weapon down, blowing it away.

Javert continued to angrily launch his spectral fire, even as Reimu deflected each shot with a slash, casually walking towards him. When she got close enough, she flashed the crimson blade once—twice–three times across the ghost's chest, flinging him backwards. As Javert struggled to rise, she formed a triangle with her hands. As a crimson glyph formed behind her, she pumped the Driver's lever. "I'm gonna let my life burn bright!" She yelled.

"Fighting Eyes Wide Open!" Crimson flames gathered around her right foot. She charged forward as Javert did the same. She lept, and, for a single moment, she could feel time slow down around her. Then the Driver shouted "Boost Omega Drive!" and her foot meet the Ganma Superior's chest, igniting an explosion so powerful it shattered the glass-sand and evaporated the surf. As she landed, a strange Eyecon fell onto the sand—and promptly shattered. She cancelled her transformation, turning back as she was met with her ecstatic friends.

"Miss Reimu!" Onari cried out, tripping over himself with joy. Akari supported Makoto as they walked over at a much calmer pace, with Takeru bringing up the rear. "Hey, what happened?"

"I'm not too sure," she admitted. "But it seems that Takeru's dad—and my mom—lent me their strength."

"Your mom?" Marisa said, groaning as she sat up. "The previous Hakurei Shrine Maiden, right?"

"Yeah," she confirmed. She held up that strange red Eyecon—the Toucon Boost Eyecon. "They're right here, I think."

Makoto chuckled weakly. "It seems you've surpassed me now, Reimu."

She shook her head. "Just in raw power. You're still far more skilled than I am," she said. "In any case, thanks for protecting them. You too, Marisa, Takeru."

Makoto shook himself out of Akari's grip. "Makoto?" Akari asked. "Where are you going?"

"I have something I need to do," he said, wincing with every step.

"Makoto," Reimu spoke up. "Once you're done with that, we should fight the Ganma together."

"It's a deal," Makoto smiled. He then hopped on his bike and zoomed off to parts unknown.

"Well, you're alive," Marisa said, smacking the shrine maiden on the back. "It's time to celebrate, right?"

"Not yet." Sage said, as he, Yuyuko, and Yurusen all phased into view. "You're still a ghost—but your time has been frozen. Thanks to the efforts of Miko and Ryu, you no longer have a time limit."

"Is that not good?" Onari questioned, while Marisa asked Takeru who the old dude was. "Now we may collect the Eyecons at our leisure!"

Yuyuko shook her head. "No. This wasn't supposed to happen. Something's off—and you will soon be facing enemies more powerful than you could ever imagine." She locked eyes with Reimu. "Are you prepared?"

"We're going to have to be," she said. "Whatever they throw at us, I'll beat down."

Yuyuko's eyes probed her for a second more, before she giggled. "That's a very Reimu answer," she said. "Take care now!" The three spirits disappeared.

An exasperated Reimu rolled her eyes. "Of course they would."

"Well, what now?" Takeru asked, having been strangely silent throughout all of this. "Finish collecting the Eyecons?"

"We'll worry about that later," Marisa said, flinging her arm around Reimu. "First, we party! Like back home!"

"About that," Hidari Shotaro said, coming up behind them. "We have a case, Marisa." At the others' inquiring gaze, he tipped his white fedora. "Hidari Shotaro. Detective for hire and chaperone for Miss Kirisame here."

"Hey! Sho!" Marisa indignantly stormed over to the left half of W. "Where were you? I could have died!"

"I was about to help, and then your ghost friend took care of it," he said. "Besides, it turned out alright, didn't it?"

She kicked him in the shin. "Jerk!"

As he howled in pain, Reimu said, "Let's get back to the temple. I'm beat."

And so the group left, heading back to the temple. Shotaro interviewed the temple's members on the way there, making sure he got all the information he could about the incident of the red dome and gold light. Finally, they found themselves at the base of the footsteps to the Daitenku Temple.

"Well, it's been fun," Shotaro said as he and Marisa bowed, "But we have to take our leave. Work starts bright and early tomorrow."

"Can't stay for dinner?" Onari invited.

"Nah, it's a bit of a ride to Fuuto." He hopped onto the Hardboiler. "Marisa, let's go."

Marisa hesitated, before pulling a surprised Reimu into a tight hug. "Marisa?" Reimu squeaked.

"Don't do that ever again," she whispered, not quite loud enough for her friend to hear.

"What?"

"I said if you die I get your stuff!" she stuck her tongue out at her as she hopped on the bike. "Later!" The pair zoomed off down the road. Reimu shook her head. "Honestly, she's a strange one," she said. The group ascended the steps, excited to share the news with Narita and Shibuya.

Shotaro and Marisa merged onto the highway. "So, she's important to you, huh?" Shotaro grinned.

"Nothing like that, weirdo," she slapped the back of his helmet, causing them to jostle a little. "If I'm honest with myself, she's one of my closest friends. I get a bunch of weird looks back home for being a magician. She treats me the same as everyone else, and she's had my back more times than I can count."

"So your partner, hm?" He smiled. "I can certainly relate." The two carried on, ready to get home to enjoy annoying, but still well-loved, company.

Back at the temple, the two monks-in-training had gone to bed, tired and injured. The other four sat around the table, talking, laughing, and generally enjoying life.

"So, connect the souls of the Luminaries, hm?" Onari asked. "Then you can get your wish to come back—and all without a time limit!"

"Sounds right," Reimu said.

"Hey, Reimu," Takeru spoke up. "Did my dad have anything to say for me?"

"He said something about watching over you," she scratched her cheek. "And loving you, I think."

"Way to be emotional," Akari slapped Reimu. Takeru looked off, lost in thought.

"In any case," Onari said. I believe this marks the grand re-opening of the Mysterious Phenomenon Institute!"

"Well, let's make it a celebration!" Akari suggested. Reimu nodded as Takeru grinned, putting aside his thoughts for now.

"To a successful Institute and Reimu's resurrection! Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Though the Institute would have many trials and sorrows to overcome in the future, they would always hold steadfast. For now, at least, there was life, love, and laughter.

Author's note: Sorry it's a week later, guys. Summer school has started. I've got a bit more written up, so I'll be able upload for a few more weeks. Also, we're entering a new arc. We're done with the ninety-nine days. I have big things ahead for our motley crew.