Alice touched down in front of Sara, whose cracker sent a crunch through the air once she bit into it. Her eyes locked onto the three behind Alice, narrowing with clear scorn. Alice raised her arm as if to protect them.

"They're with me."

Sara's eyes remained narrowed, her feelings probably not soothed by Yuuka's smiling face and slow wave. She sighed eventually, taking another bite.

"Whatever you say." Alice noted her much redder cheeks, as well as the slight swelling around her eyes as if she'd been crying. "I had a chat with your mother." She tapped her foot on the ground. "Should be down there." Sara drew in a deep breath as Alice felt her eyes twitch wider at the words.

Alice steadied herself, trying her best to fight the emotions. Yuuka flew away immediately, down into the layer below.

"What's wrong with you?"

"What does it matter? You've waited all this time, leave me here and go see her."

"It has been a long time. I can wait a few more minutes."

"I told you I didn't like her," Sara said with a shrug. "Nothing good will happen if I stick around her any longer. Nothing else I can do."

"Thank you."

"Don't worry about it. You've got a bright future."

Alice looked down at Sara. The pink-haired girl's stare was vacant. Almost like hers after Makai's destruction. She drew in a breath, cautiously aware of every word as she reached her arm out.

"We're friends. I can share that 'bright future' with you."

Sara smirked, almost a laugh, in response. "I thought Sariel showed you. All my friends burnt to a crisp. Along with everything else I had." Sara looked up at Alice with an empty smile. "I'd just drag that childish optimism of yours down. No matter what you or I say, we weren't made to be friends."

"You talked to me after the fight. You talked to someone you hate just to make me happy. That's not someone who would 'drag me down'. Besides," Alice drew in a breath. "I felt the same as you do now after leaving Makai. I know what it's like, and I'm not letting anyone else find out how it feels at the end. That's why you did all this too, right? The kindest people are the loneliest."

Sara paused, mouth ajar. She chuckled darkly. "And here I thought I was the one seeing my younger self in you."

"That just means we'd get along well."

Sara's face straightened. Her hand didn't even twitch towards Alice's. "What's the point of this, anyway? We're all Shinki's little art projects. She said we could be friends… but she's the one who made mine to begin with."

"She didn't create you to be her mindless slaves. She made you friends, yes, but that doesn't mean you can't make other friends. In the other world, we're born with nothing. We make friends, and a future, ourselves. With help from others. You have the same will as we do. None of you are any different to the humans and youkai of Gensokyo. Making dolls on strings is my thing, not Shinki's."

"Then what the hell was any of it for?" Sara asked, shaking. "Everyone I was created for. All of them. You want me to just… forget about them? Replace them with a new 'friend'?"

"I'm not asking you to replace them. I know I'd never be like any of them to you. But I can be something new. Someone to rely on and share new memories with. And maybe both of us will be less lonely." Sara's hand twitched, but remained in its location.

"Why even talk to me? Your mother is right beneath us. Right through that canyon. Isn't that… more important?"

"I came here to save everyone. Whether that's getting to the above world or helping to bring you all closer together. Finding Shinki was always just… something extra."

Sara stayed silent, clearly ruminating in her thoughts. The water in Sara's eyes shimmered with the light of the surrounding lava. She closed them, bit her lip, but didn't speak. After some moments, she sighed.

"Oh what the hell, better than living for nothing at all." Sara reached her hand out, grasping onto Alice's. Alice smiled, and Sara's watery smile followed shortly after. "You should smile more."

Alice jumped, feeling her mouth straighten. "I get that a lot."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say your dolls were less empty than you are."

"Well, that's… kind of the point."

"Hm?"

"Ahem…" Marisa said, catching both of their attention. She shuffled awkwardly forward, and Alice could almost feel Sara fill with aggression. Despite that, Alice smiled as she waited for the events to unfold. Marisa about to formally apologise? She'd never let her live this one down. "If uh… if you two're gonna be friends we're… probs gonna see each other a lot. Me and her are kinda close. And uh…" Marisa put a hand behind her head, scratching it a little. "Sorry. For, ya know, back then. I was a dumb kid who wanted ta fight people. Kinda… overdid it a bit, obviously. I'm different now, promise."

"She is," Alice vouched. "Well, she's still dumb."

"Was dat necessary?"

"But she's one of the people who designed a way for Gensokyo to avoid real fighting. And she annoyed me enough until I put up with her."

"We're literally -"

"So she's fine. I promise."

Sara mellowed out a bit. "Fine. If you say so, I'll give her a chance."

"And uh," Marisa started. "Yuuka might not show it… at all, really. And she'd never say it. But she's different nowadays too. I woulda never imagined someone like her just… chillin' all day in a field."

"Then what about the other two?"

"Well…"

"Wait."

Sara pointed behind Alice. A figure in a loose, red, hooded cloak flew away from them and up into the layer above, followed by Yuugen, Senkou, Elis and Yuki. Alice narrowed her eyes at the party. That was….

Yuuka flew towards them, landing on the ground with a powerful thud. The ribbon fairy bounced atop her head as a result."Enjoying your chat?"

"What's happening?"

"I was talking to the god, when she suddenly jumped. An emergency happened on the top layer. Apparently someone breached the boundary."

"Boundary?" Marisa perked up. That choice of emphasis wasn't lost on Alice either.

"That'd be Louise," Sara said. "Sorry for keeping it from you, Alice. She devised a plan for us two - only us two - to escape. I backed out."

"A plan?"

"She's not as friendly as she lets on. She knew using you as a bridge between Sariel and Yumeko would start all this. And that you'd get 'desperate' and bring that 'boat' here. Us 'weaker' people stole it while the strong fought amongst themselves."

Alice accepted her apology. Though, part of her heart felt like it vanished when hearing that. The first person in Makai to call her a friend planned all this? And the way Sara spoke made it sound like nothing short of emotional manipulation. Well… it's not like people from Makai were immune to being like that. If anything, it made them all the more like those from the above world.

"She's in danger," Marisa said, stepping forward with urgency. "We gotta go after them." Marisa looked at Sara. "Ya comin'?"

"Sure. I'll stay out of the way of Shinki, though."

With no more questions, they all chased after Shinki's group.

"Are you a coward?"

Sariel's voice echoed through their projection as it leaned against the wall of Pandaemonium, their non-chalantness not wavering even when Lady Shinki's maid stepped forward, sword drawn with clear intent to 'silence' them for their 'treacherous words'. At least that's how she'd probably phrase it. She only stopped when Lady Shinki raised her hand.

"What makes you say that?"

Sariel threw the diary they found at Lady Shinki's feet, the gods eyebrows twitching when they recognised it. "They kill your old creations and lock you up just for existing, and you sit back and accept it? Who cares about their 'balance'? Fight back! Don't let them do this to us!"

"This was a compromise, Sariel…" Lady Shinki's voice was much more solemn than usual. "They made this space for me to use my power."

"No, they made this space to get you out of their world for an ability you were born with. They killed your creations just because you created them. And they task their sacred guardian with keeping us away from them, and killing us if we refuse. And you're just sitting back and letting them do that. I thought you better."

"What would you have me do?"

"I, for one, won't stand for being locked in a glorified cage just for being your creation. That's what this is, Lady Shinki. This isn't a blank canvas for you to paint whatever you wish. It's a cage that they oh-so-graciously allowed you to decorate. Why do you think this is the first place they sent that monk for her 'crimes'?"

"Sariel." Lady Shinki stepped forward, her maid's impatience clearly growing stronger with each word Sariel spoke. "The people of Gensokyo are not to be trifled with."

"I thought we weren't either."

Sariel snapped, the projection vanishing from Pandaemonium. Their real self stood before the gate to 'Gensokyo'. They knocked onto it. After a moment, the pink-haired gatekeeper, the only one 'allowed' into Gensokyo, and even then only into the cave, opened it from the other side.

"What do you want? Do you have Lady Shinki's permi-"

Sariel dashed past her, through the rocky cave and out from the mountain. The world below them may have been beautiful, but they didn't care for that. They flew down to the base of the mountain, and sitting upon a hill just in front of it was a shrine. They raised their wand at it, and without a second thought, unleashed a blast of light that levelled the shrine.

"Wha… what have you…" The pink-haired gatekeeper floated down next to them.

"I did what I came here for." Sariel said, turning back to the mountain. They gave one last glance at the pile of rubble atop a hill. "Gave them a warning."

Sariel pulled their wand away from the unconscious Yumeko, finishing their healing. They didn't heal everything, just enough so that Shinki, Senkou, Mika or Alice wouldn't bother them over 'leaving her for dead'. Hopefully Mika was okay, too. They tried to hold back with that laser, but in their anger they couldn't be so sure about anything.

Something caught their eye; a red hooded figure, back turned to them, flying up through the air, followed by an entourage of others, both 'friend' and 'foe'. They raised their wand, firing a blast of light to catch their attention. Mai beside them frowned at the sight of Yuki, at the tail end of the group, stepping away and finding an isolated rock to sit on.

Senkou teleported in front of them, eyes blazing. They looked down at Senkou's open palm, a healed Mika resting in it. Guess it's best to get this out of the way first.

"Do you have ANY idea what you-"

Sariel clasped their wand between their palms, pointing the dangerous end towards their body. They bowed, shrinking their huge stature to be lower than Senkou's head. "You have nothing but my deepest apologies." Senkou recoiled, eyes wide. "I acted in a flash of anger, unbefitting the leader I claim to be. It pleases me to see Elis helped. I hope she wasn't too much trouble."

Elis stood behind Senkou, her face changing from one of surprise to leaning back and forth in embarrassment. Senkou's surprised face didn't change. "What, did Yumeko beat some sense into you?"

"You could say that's part of it. Mika herself had me reflect on back then, and how I've approached the role of leader until now. I was caught up not only in my own ideals, but my hatred for the world above. I held a narrow view and projected my own ideals as the ideals of Makai. A leader should…" Sariel looked past Senkou, at the hooded figure crouched down next to Yuki. "Listen to others much more than I did, and place their wishes first. I understand close relations with others from Makai are more important to you - no, many others here - than escaping. I still believe my path to be correct, but I'll try my best to assist with that when the time comes, though I fear there's a leader much more… suited to that role."

"When the time comes?"

"A current circumstance requires immediate action. After that matter is solved, I'll help. I don't ask for nor expect forgiveness. But I hope to at least show myself worthy of another chance. If not, I understand."

Silence followed. Senkou clenched her teeth and kicked upwards into Sariel's stomach, though the action caused nothing but a slight wince. She took one last look at the angel and walked off without even a word of response.

Elis rushed forward, throwing her arms around Sariel. They smiled, giving Elis a pat on the head. "You did good, healing Mika. Sorry I'm not the 'Noble Sariel' you thought of me as."

"You're still pretty fricken great! It took a heck of a lot for me to admit I was wrong… it could only be way worse for you."

"I'm glad you made amends. Sorry, Elis," Sariel pushed the bat away. "I need to talk to her. Urgently." Sariel gestured to the hooded woman. Elis slowly backed away, worry in her eyes. Sariel ruffled her hair as they walked past, closing in on the fallen god.

"... I can't talk to her for you." Her voice was sickeningly soft as ever, a voice unbefitting a mass murderer. "You have to talk about this yourself. You've… been through the end of the world together, right? Nothing could separate you permanently."

Yuki nodded hesitantly. Both of them looked up to Sariel when they approached. "Sorry, Yuki. I'll talk to you whenever you want… I promise."

Yuki looked between the two, before running off to the rock Mai sat on. Sariel spoke first.

"You came here because you felt the boundary open. That's the only explanation. Then let's keep this as brief as it needs to be." Sariel looked down, narrowing their eyes as if to pierce their creator. "Open the gate. You know how much danger she's in. Even if she's already dead, she can still be completely erased. If you're too much of a coward to go out there and save your own creation, then I will."

Shinki's eyes darted away from Sariel, looking around at seemingly anything she could find. A shell of the former god who would always look and listen to those she loved. Eventually, she looked back up. "... You'll bring her back here. And not cause any problems."

"Oh, don't worry, I won't hurt the feelings of those poor little humans and youkai hellbent on either keeping us in a burning cage or killing us on the spot," Sariel said, sarcasm gushing from their mouth. "And you know it doesn't matter who asks. Louise would never return here now that she's out there. That leaves two options. Protect her, and make that place safe for her and the rest of us. Or leave her to die, for real this time. I think we can agree which of those options is more enticing. Or do you want your negligence to lead to another death? Drop in the ocean, I suppose."

Shinki's breaths came out quick and wavering. "... You're asking me to endanger more of you… You lost to the shrine maiden when she was a child. She's much stronger now."

"Why do you think I've been training this whole time? I won't make the same mistake again. I'll thoroughly crush the shrine and shrine maiden this time. Along with any of those sages who want to interfere."

"You don't know how strong they are. You'll be in over your head."

"And if that happens, I'm sure my loving creator will save us." Shinki's eyes showed nothing but hesitation. "You're scared to go up there and protect her. You're scared to be forced into using your full power again, lest you destroy another world. That's fine. It seems you've done well bringing Makai together in such a short time. Keep that up. Leave the dirty work to someone who isn't scared to do what's necessary."

"... Please, lie low as much as possible. Don't cause any chaos." Shinki's eyes showed a seriousness through her worry and hesitation. "Find her and hide. You're only safe as long as you're hidden."

Sariel chose not to respond, leaving the two staring at each other for agonising moments. Moments that, as Shinki herself surely realised, only spelt increasing danger for Louise. She eventually turned away, averting her gaze to the ground and flying off toward the gate, Sariel in pursuit. The angel took a glance behind them mid-flight. Elis followed closely, trying her best to keep up with the two of them and bringing a slight smile to Sariel's face.

They touched down in front of the gate within the ruined cave. Shinki held out a hand towards it and glanced back at Sariel.

"Thank you… for everything you've done for them. And for this…." Sariel walked towards the gate, intent to pressure her into opening it if she didn't get a move on. "You always wanted what's best for them… and always cared."

"What are you stalling for? Open the gate. I don't want to hear another word from you."

The crack between the two doors began glowing. "I'll… make them as happy as possible for when you see them again. It's the least I can do…."

Sariel walked ahead, waiting for the gate to open enough to pass through. They looked down at Shinki, in her eyes a hesitant desire to fix both of their messes. Sariel closed theirs, turning to the gate and taking a step forward. "Come on, Elis."

Elis' small footsteps followed Sariel through the gate, and with a quick glance behind them, the gate closed, leaving them both stuck. Elis walked forward, eyes scanning the inside of the cave with awe.

"Ah, right, this is your first time here."

Elis nodded. "Yep! It's… strange."

"How so?"

"To see a place that's not on fricken fire. Or all that dark mist."

Sariel gazed through the cave, a bright light at the other end. They walked forward, straightening their wings behind them so they wouldn't scrape against the walls. She was right; it felt strange. Like a fog was lifted from their vision. Like a blind person gifted with sight. They raised their hand, twirled it, and removed their illusion regarding the voices of the dead. Nothing but the most peaceful silence they'd ever known greeted their ears. Elis flew past them in bat form, hanging upside down from the cave's roof, her silliness bringing a smile to Sariel's face.

They kicked off the ground, careful so that their wings didn't scrape the edges of the cave, and flew towards the end. Elis followed not far behind, transforming back into her humanoid form. The bright light grew closer and closer, Sariel's eyes unadjusted from the eternity spent in the dark Makai. Their eyes only grew more strained as they closed in on the cave's mouth until eventually flying out. They couldn't see a thing, only an annoying brightness that caused them to raise their arm in instinct above their eyes, as if to block it. Their eyes slowly adjusted until they were able to see the world beneath them, but with little detail.

"It's really fricken bright…"

"The above world's much brighter than Makai. Even before it was destroyed. You'll probably see better at night."

"Night?"

"This world has a sun. After some time in the sky, the moon comes out. When the moon's out, it gets darker. It'd be easier for people from Makai to see then."

"Oh. That sounds so cool! But also… really fricken annoying."

It was. Sariel's vision had adjusted to at least see the terrain clear enough, focusing on the now-fixed shrine atop the hill. They turned to Elis, who nodded in confirmation that she was ready and willing to head out.

Reimu crouched by the pond, holding out some apple slices. After some moments, the water surface near her rippled, an elderly, bearded turtle emerging from beneath it.

"I got you some appy slices! Your favourite!"

"My lady, must you treat me like a hatchling?" Genjii asked, snapping down on the slice of apple and making tiny grunts as he chewed.

"Hey, you get more to eat than me some days. You should be grateful."

"That's not a good thing…."

Reimu sat down, feet just barely out of the water. She threw another slice of apple at Genjii, taking one for herself.

"Besides, my lady, should you not be investigating that boat?"

"Huh? Oh, that." Reimu yawned. "Marisa probably crashed it on the way back…."

"You know the dangers of that place. What if one of them snuck in here?"

Reimu leaned back, stretching as she gazed at the afternoon sky. "Then I'll deal with it later. It's not my problem if I don't know about it."

"My lady, your duties are duties regardless of if you're aware of them or not. It is your job to find and-"

Reimu rolled her eyes, mentally blocking out the rest of Genjii's lecture. She wasn't there to witness this 'destruction', but from the sounds of things there probably weren't any demons left, despite what Marisa seemed to think. Unless the god created more, in which case she'd never let them up here again. One less job for her, and she can use the time for more fun things. Even if they did show up, what's the harm as long as they don't cause a fuss? And if she doesn't know they're here, Yukari can't berate her for it.

"- they are, after all, enemi-"

"Are you done?"

"No, I am not done. Are you even listening?"

"No."

Genjii sighed. "I'm happy you've found more to life than just your work, but please try to take your job seriously."

Reimu tossed another apple slice into the lake.

It was like time reached a standstill, as Reimu gazed into the sky. A peaceful moment - rare in her life full of youkai mischief - that she could lay there without a care in the world. Everything in Gensokyo was at peace, nothing amiss. No work, only the gentle breeze that threatened to lull her to sleep.

A soft glint rang out. Noticeable, but not enough to drag Reimu's attention away from Gensokyo's sky. It echoed again - louder, this time. Reimu grimaced at the noise, glancing side to side. The glint became a full forced gleam the next time it rang, continuing onwards like a siren. Reimu jolted up, scanning the surrounding area, ready to whack whatever was making the sound which disturbed her.

"My lady, the orbs!"

Reimu scrambled through her pockets and retrieved two yin-yang orbs. She stared at the mesmerising glow of their black halves, excitement welling in her chest.

"D-D-Does this mean…" Reimu could almost feel her eyes sparkling. "The Hakurei God is finally gonna speak to me!? It's acknowledging me!?"

She practically hugged the orbs, cradling them in anticipation. Her anticipation slowly died down, as did the glow from the orbs, leaving nothing but disappointment as they fizzled out. She pouted down at the pair in her hands.

"My lady," Genjii perked up. "That was a call to action. The Hakurei God senses a disturbance."

"Huh?" She narrowed her eyes in anger at the orbs. "You mean… the first thing that lousy god tells me is to go to work?"

"I'd advise you not to call your own god lousy…"

"What the hell's its deal, anyway? Am I just supposed to know what exactly is threatening the balance and where it is?"

Genjii said nothing, only looking at Reimu with disappointment, the kind Reimu could only assume a parent would give an underperforming child. After staring back defiantly for a few seconds, Reimu caved and let out an elongated sigh.

"Fiiiiiiiiiiiiiine~. I'll check out the boat."

"With due haste, my lady. Given the circumstances, it's likely Miss Marisa is in dan-"

Genjii hadn't finished by the time Reimu took off in a determined haste.

A gathering of people caught Alice's eye. Everyone except Sariel, Elis, Louise and… Shinki. She landed in front of Senkou, Mika and an unconscious Yumeko, noting that whatever the two witches were discussing seemed important. Senkou glanced at the people behind Alice.

"Brought some friends?"

"Where's Shinki?"

"Went to the gate with Elis and Sariel. She'll be back soon."

"They're going to Gensokyo?"

Senkou leaned back. "Mhm. Because Louise needed 'protection' or whatever." Senkou shrugged. "Not sure why they care so much. She never cared about us, why should we care about her?"

Alice looked back at Sara, who just shrugged in agreement. Mika floated around and placed her hands on her hips, glaring down at Senkou.

"That's a horrible way to think! Louise went through the same as we all did! And you didn't even go with Elis after she agreed to be our friend! What if she dies!?"

"I wouldn't bring you somewhere as dangerous as that against your will."

"It would never be against my will to help someone, you know that."

"You were unconscious."

"Well, I'm conscious now!"

"And now is too late. The two of them will be there."

"You know how dangerous it is up there?" Alice asked.

"Not entirely, but Yumeko said something about a shrine whose job it is to make sure we stay here. If Sariel could beat Yumeko, they'll be fine."

"Dey won't." Marisa stepped forward. "Reimu's one-a da strongest people I know. She's beaten up people way stronger den you could imagine. If it's her job to keep ya in check, den…."

Senkou bit her lip and made a 'tch' sound, glancing down in defeat. Mika floated closer.

"We need to go after them!"

"So we can die too?"

"Senkou!" Mika yelled in a voice loud enough to make Alice flinch at the memories of when they first met. "We finally made progress! Shinki's here, Sariel admitted they were wrong, Elis is our friend! We can't just… let everything slip away immediately!"

"We'll only have the chance to keep making progress if we stay alive."

"Your pessimism is insufferable!"

Alice turned away from them, taking a few hesitant steps as she prepared to take off towards Shinki.

"She's a shell of her former self, you know." Alice turned back to Senkou when she spoke. "She can't be the one to unite us, not alone. You can see it in her eyes, how she acts, how she talks. Broken. Don't expect whatever you had before."

Alice took a few steps forward, ready to fly off. She paused and took another look behind her. "You're not coming?"

"Oh, well," Yuuka said, her ribbon fairy planted square on her head. "I still have business to attend to here."

"Yer the last person I'd expect ta wanna stay here."

"I said I have business. I only got to have a small chat with the god, I can't just leave it at that. I didn't even get my chance to scold her for what she did to those poor plants. I'm even being kind enough to let you fly off and have your chat before our big event."

"Just don't make things any worse than they need to be."

"What's with the mistrust? You'll be thanking me soon. Oh, and for the record, the flower I so foolishly entrusted to you was destroyed by that Sariel." Yuuka's eyes narrowed, her mouth curling into a spine-chilling grin. "I'm trusting you to keep them alive. So I can show you and them just how much pain that flower went through. And you know not to make me look like a fool for giving you a second chance."

Alice quivered at her thoughts. "Sure… if you say so."

Alice took off, flying towards the gate in the mountains with Marisa in tow. It was inevitable now. Soon, they'd cross paths with her. Her eyes threatened to close, as a liquid welled at the bottom of them which she hastily blinked away.

"Please, never cry."

Again, the threat drew near. Again she blinked. Her childhood memories flashed one after the other, like flipping through the pages of a children's book. She'd already cried once, she couldn't let that happen again.

"You're the only one who I can save."

Her fists clenched. Her mind flooded with words that she'd say, but chief among them… why? She knew how dangerous it was out there. That the Hakurei Shrine - the sages of Gensokyo themselves - stood against them. She knew Alice was just some dumb, naïve child. And yet….

"Yo, Alice." Alice looked behind her, unsure how her face would look through Marisa's eyes. "I'm gonna go on ahead and wait for ya. I know dis is… important an' all. But just remember, we don't got all da time in da world."

Alice blinked to hide any liquid that remained. "I know. It'll be fine, I'm over it anyway."

"Ya still don't think I know when yer lyin'?" Marisa asked with a slight smile. She flew closer, then wrapped her arms around Alice and dragged her into an embrace. "Yer not over it. If ya were, we wouldn't even be here. And, ya know… stressful as it's been, I've kinda enjoyed this new side of ya."

"New side?"

"Y'know, actually showin' any kinda emotion. It's cute. Honestly, it's da only thing that made me keep a brave face even if they're up against Reimu. I'm glad ya decided to follow yer heart for once."

Alice blushed with a slight aversion of her gaze. "They're not safe yet."

"I know dey ain't. But nobody's given up, have dey?" Alice remained silent in thought. "Oh c'mon."

"No, no! I'm not giving up! Just… thinking. Even with everything that's happened and all that's stacked against us, I'm not worried. I'm sure… everything will be fine."

"Dat's a rather illogical thing ta think."

"It is." A kind of illogical thought that would've caused her worry just a few days ago. Yet now, her heart was unshakable on that belief.

"Oh, and cry sometimes. It's good for ya. Helps yer skin, or somethin'. But not like, goin' insane cryin' like before."

Alice sighed, though her mouth twisted into a smile after.

"Oh, and Alice." Marisa gave her a quick kiss and a smile as she placed the mini-Hakkero at the end of her broom. "Gensokyo Youkai, Makai resident, whatever. I'd always love ya."

Her mini-Hakkero blasted a laser, sending her rocketing toward the mountain. Alice shook her head, the small smile and blush still plastered on her face. What a thing to do and say to then just rocket into the distance without even giving her a chance to respond. Makai resident. A label she'd thought would never apply to herself ever again now made her heart feel right at home.

She steeled her nerves and flew after Marisa, hoping she was ready for what was to come. It didn't take long for that hope to be challenged. A red and silver dot appeared in her vision, her once slightly elevated heart sinking down below its usual place. Instinct drove her to avert her gaze - look away from her past and rush straight by - but she didn't. Shinki's figure grew closer and clearer, and once it did her mother stopped, gazing at Alice's approach with an uneasy, shocked expression. After a while, she averted her gaze with an aggressive jerk of her head. Alice felt her lip tremble, but kept flying closer. Shinki fiddled, giving a clearly desperate attempt to feign a smile as Alice approached earshot range.

"A-Ali-" Shinki's words cut off as Alice rushed into her, throwing her arms around her. She was surrounded by her own childhood, the familiar scent of roses marred behind layers upon layers of ash. The silk in her hands forced her to grip ever tighter. Her vision of the land below blurred with tears. A couple left her eyes, lined her cheeks, and eventually dripped from her chin into the lava below. All the while, no embrace came back to her. The only movement she could feel was Shinki's chin jutting slightly into her shoulder, as if looking down and accepting this as her punishment.

Alice loosened her grip slightly, holding back any more tears from flowing. Her voice came out a whisper. "Why…?" She said, taking another breath before clarifying. "Why did you let them go to Gensokyo? You knew I was just a kid… that should've known better…."

Shinki leaned her head into Alice's cheek, her soft hair like a pillow. "There was no way you could've known… It was my fault." Shinki drew a shaky breath, one that Alice couldn't tell if it was drenched in tears or nerves. "I was stupid. I thought… Maybe things were different. I wanted to… let a few out, just to see… then speak with the sages. Things got out of hand… everyone rushed out and I couldn't control it." Small bouts of hysterics cut through the broken sentences. "I wanted everything to be perfect… a happy… wonderland, as you'd call it."

Alice narrowed her eyes, loosening her grip more. So that was it. Alice's young, innocent, blindly optimistic self rubbed off on her. If Alice hadn't been there… if she had never stumbled into Makai, or even never been born, all those lives would never have been lost. Her heart was drenched with sorrow.

But… still, shouldn't she of all people have known better? She was the one who made the active decision to endanger people, all because of one little girl's childish delusions. With good intentions, yes, but she had to have known the risks. And with that in mind, she couldn't be blamed for getting angry and going all out in a fight. Her 'good intentions' and wishes for a wonderland turned out disastrously, anyone wouldn't be able to control themselves. Her heart lifted slightly.

"Alice…" Shinki muttered, leaning closer in. "You're not a human anymore…. And you seem so different. Did I… ruin your life… too?"

Alice gently shook her head. "No. I'm still… the same person I always was."

"That's good… that… makes me happy. Do you resent me?"

"No…. I never did." Alice unlocked her arms, gulping down. "Louise, Sariel and Elis. They're in Gensokyo, right?"

Alice backed away slightly, seeing Shinki's face partly swollen with tears. "I'm not… leaving them there. We have a plan… just in case… it just needs time…."

Alice straightened her face. "We need you to open the gate again. For Marisa and I." Alice placed a hand over her chest, narrowing her eyes. "We know Reimu, we'll convince her onto our side. She's not evil, she'll understand."

Shinki paused for a moment, her lip trembling. When she spoke, her voice was almost a whisper. "You… and your friend… you're opposing the shrine and the sages…? Neither of you share my magic… you're completely safe as long as you don't rile her up. That's the only reason I could let you go to begin with…." Shinki cocked a slight smile, clearly one of empty misery. "Louise escaped at the first chance she got… even Sariel, all this time… they were ready to fight back rather than stay safe here…. They can't be safe up there… but here in Makai they are. They can never coexist with them…."

"We can." Alice said, clearly catching Shinki off guard. "I understand how you feel… I never left my bubble until Marisa forced me out of it. Large-scale conflict is the last thing Gensokyo wants. And the youkai that Reimu hangs around with are far more dangerous than anyone here. The spell card rules exist to prevent the need to go all-out and minimise risk of serious conflict." Shinki perked up slightly. "What happened here is partly why they made them. They wouldn't want to risk another incident like this, especially within Gensokyo itself."

Shinki took a moment to absorb the information, giving a nostalgic sigh. "You weren't lying when you said you hadn't changed… reminds me of when you were a kid…. Only… you sound so much more… convincing now."

Convincing. There was only one reason that could be the case. Back then, Alice would simply say the things her heart desired. She had no sense of logic and never once thought things through. Now, the more she thought, the more belief she gained. She could never just back down and choose a safer route because it was the logical thing to do.

"Marisa knows Reimu better than anyone, and I trust her. If Marisa kept helping us knowing where Reimu stands, then there has to be a way."

"... You're certain…?"

"I know it's a risk. But… I don't know… everyone can't just stay here forever."

Shinki drew a breath. Her wary smile turned to one that seemed at least somewhat genuine. She turned towards the mountains that housed the gate. "Alright. If anyone here would know what Gensokyo's like these days it's you, I suppose."

Alice smiled, taking off after her as the two flew side by side towards the mountain. She took a moment to glance to her side.

"Your plan. Will it work?"

"It's not… really my plan." Shinki's face sank, and Alice could only guess she was thinking of all the ways the 'plan' could go wrong. "But… It's probably the best chance we have to convince them we're not a threat."

Alice locked eyes with the mountain cave as it came into view. "Then we'll try it. Marisa and I can keep things from getting too bad in the meantime. We'll stall for as much time as we can."

The two flew into the cave, stopping in front of the gate that Marisa leaned against. When the magician saw them, she closed her eyes and made an exaggerated snoring noise.

"It didn't take that long." Alice flicked Marisa's head.

Marisa laughed it off, rubbing her head slightly. She turned to Shinki and walked over, coughing awkwardly. She gave a trembling bow as Alice took her place, leaning against the gate and watching on with a sense of amusement.

"S-s-sorry… fer what… happened. I hope yer holiness can find it… in yer heart to forgive dis… poor lost soul for her sins against yer world…."

Shinki stared down for a moment, probably taken aback by the awful, dramatised apology. She took one look at Alice and lightly chuckled.

Shinki placed a hand on Marisa's shoulder, an act that caused the magician to jump in fear. She stood before the gate and held her hand out.

Alice stood beside Marisa. "We need to work on your formal apologies."

"I've never done it before!"

"Not a good thing."

The gate slid slowly open, and Marisa spun her broom around and hopped onto it, eager to leave and escape Shinki's 'divine wrath' or something like that. "Alright den! Let's get ta work! We'll… help 'em all in no time, yer holiness."

Alice raised one of her eyebrows. "Aren't you going to ask about… your mother?"

"Hm? Oh, right." Shinki tilted her head slightly, confused. "Well, I was gonna. But, eh, if dere was anythin' I could do, she'd've probably come see me herself. I'm sure wherever she is and whatever she'd doin', it's somethin' super important. She ain't da type ta just up and leave for no reason. Besides, I got you, and Reimu, and all da people and incidents in Gensokyo ta keep me busy, and dat's more important den just one person. I'd love ta see her again, but it ain't important. I guess ya could say I'm over it." Marisa gave a cheeky smile with her last words, and dashed through the gate. Shinki walked forward.

"What were you talking about?"

Alice's gaze remained fixed on the gate. "Nothing important."

Shinki remained silent for a moment, but decided to drop the subject. "I can see why you two get along."

"I don't take that as a compliment," Alice said, walking to the opening in the gate. The two faced each other one more time, Shinki working up an endearing smile. She stepped forward.

"Alice…" She said, then reached her arms out and pulled Alice towards her. "I'm proud… to have raised someone like you."

Alice took the words in for a moment, forming a gentle smile as she hugged back. "When this is over… you and Yumeko should come over to my house."

Shink's tone sounded unsure, despite the words themselves. "Of course… that sounds delightful."

They broke away after a few seconds, Alice toeing the line between Makai and its gate. Brief flashes came over her, of that time Shinki saw her off after Makai destroyed. She thought she'd never see her again, or anybody from Makai. She looked back at Shinki one last time, remembering when she pushed her through the gate.

"I'll see you soon, mother. In Gensokyo."

Shinki tensed. "I'll… see you… soon. Alice…."

Alice gave one last glance to her with a smile before she crossed the boundary.