Josuke's breathing was heavy and punctuated by tiny gasps, and the crudely made crutch under his arm was supporting most of his weight. His face was awash with anger, and his hair was messy and disheveled.

"You're in no shape to go anywhere, Josuke. Let Erina patch you up." said Murasa, unfazed by his threats.

"No. I'm going with you guys. What if something happens and I'm not there to help?! What if someone gets hurt?" he spat, trying to conceal the waver in his voice.

"No one is going to get hurt except for you, Josuke, if you keep being stubborn. Return below decks with Erina. That's an order."

"And what're you gonna do if I don't, huh?" he said, gritting his teeth and stepping closer to her.

"Don't you worry your little head about it, pretty boyq." Murasa said venomously, stepping to meet him.

Despite him being at least a foot and a half taller than her, Murasa knew she could take him in a fight. He was all talk. It wasn't honorable, but she didn't care, at this point. Someone had to put him in his place, and Erina sure as hell wasn't going to do it. However, a sword split the little bit of space between them. They both turned simultaneously to see Shizuka, slightly crossed.

"Listen. We're all a little antsy, seeing as great grandpa Jonathan is not at his best right now. But that's no excuse for this nonsense. Now, Josuke, you listen to Captain Minamitsu. She's looking out for you, and you should be grateful for that." she scolded. "And as for you, Captain Minamitsu, don't let things like this get a rise out of you. Be the bigger person, and let it go."

"But Shizu, she-"

"Shizuka, I-"

A small bit of hamon crackled up the length of the blade, its snaps and pops expressing what words couldn't. The both of them could feel her glare pierce through her sunglasses straight into their souls. They both looked at eachother, abashed that a 12 year old had to set them straight. Neither of them said a word as Erina gently took Josuke by the arm and led him away. Shizuka sheathed her sword and sighed.

"Honestly, his temper is gonna put him in serious danger one of these days. I wish he'd take better care of himself." she huffed. "But that's not the issue at hand. Don't we have somewhere to be?"

Murasa didn't have to be told twice. She sprung into action, and the Palanquin was smoothly sailing in almost no time.

As they docked, a mountain loomed over them, looking almost menacing. Close to its peak, the Moriya Shrine dutifully sat, barely in their line of sight.

"We have to climb a mountain?!" Joseph exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. "I did not sign up for this!"

"If you'd rather stay behind, you could always swap places with Giorno or Gappy. I'm sure Jonathan and Josuke would more than appreciate it." Murasa retorted.

He gave an indignant huff, but said nothing more. Murasa strolled over to the base of the mountain, hoping they wouldn't have to do too much actual climbing. To her relief, a roughly hewn dirt path wound this way and that, leading to what Murasa hoped was the top. They slowly began their ascent, stopping along the way to admire the gorgeous scenery. Autumn leaves tumbled playfully in the wind, dotting the paths ahead with red, orange, yellow, and brown speckles. The smell of baked sweet potatoes lingered in the air, and they had passed a waterfall that overflowed with crystal clear water. The dirt path eventually turned into stone, and the group came to a skinny pavillion, with towering spires supporting its high roof. At its end were stairs that extended out the rest of the way. With a sigh of discontent, they ascended them. Reaching the top, they all broke out into tired smiles. The Moriya Shrine looked more welcoming than ever. A girl with green hair and blue clothes with white speckles was sweeping out front. She looked up and cheerily waved.

"Hello! Welcome to the Moriya Shrine! How can I help you all today?" she said, walking over to properly greet them.

"Are you Sanae?" Murasa asked.

"Aye, that's me. Need a youkai exterminated? Or a miracle performed? Perhaps you'd like to make a-"

"We need to know how you got to the Lunar Capital." Jotaro said bluntly.

Sanae almost dropped her broom in surprise, and her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates.

"I-I... Uh... W-why'd you f-f-figure I'd know?" she stammered.

"You went to fight Junko and the hell faeries, did you not?" said Murasa.

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Either way, it's none of your business."

"Work with us here, Sanae. The fate of Gensokyo hangs in the balance, here."

"...I crossed through the dreamworld." she hesitantly explained, leaning onto the handle of her broom. "Look for a girl named Ringo, at the lake near here. She'll lead you to Doremy. After you meet her, she'll help you out, for a price."

"We're not looking for apples or musical notations." said Jotaro. "Either give us some actual help, or point us to someone who can."

"No, not ringo and do re mi, Ringo, who is a moon rabbit, and Doremy, the manager of the Dream World. Her last name is Sweet." snapped Sanae.

"What do we do once we get into the Lunar Capital?" said Murasa hastily.

"That, I can't tell you. You'll just have to figure it out. The Lunarians are a difficult bunch, and there's no guarantee they'll actually help you. Your best bet would be to look for a lunar sage." she paused, a grimace on her face. "I don't know what you're going to the Lunar Capital for, but... I wish you all the best."

And with that, she sped off into the the shrine, leaving her broom to clatter loudly on the ground.