*You lay on the ground. Limbs ache and your head pounding, this wasn't your first fall from a great height.

"Hey! Watch where you were flying! You almost landed on me, you moron!"

*It may be due to your lightheaded state or the excessive amount of blood leaving it, you thought you heard an unfamiliar voice call out to you.

"Eh!? A human!? What's a human doing out here? Hey, gals! Come out, it's just a human child! If you're still alive, move or say something."

*You try to move but your body feels numb, and you can only shift slightly. You barely hear the rustle of leaves and another voice calmly spoke

"I told you something was heading this way, Sunny. You should have hidden like Luna and I."

"Yeah, but you didn't say that it was above us! I had an illusion prepared just in case!"

*As you wonder how they were ignoring a person in a catatonic state to bicker with each other, one more voice exclaimed in shock.

"Ah! There is a pool of blood! How can a human lose so much!?"

"Oh, that should be important. How much more would they lose before passing on?"

"Stop it, that's not funny Star! Sunny, what should we do?! The human might die at this rate!"

*The ground is slowly growing colder, but you are too Determined to fall unconscious. Not yet, but the darkness was slowly encroaching.

"Ummm.. OK! Treat it like a leaking pipe, right? Luna! Find something to stop the leak! Star! Use Detection to find Reimu! We're heading to the Shrine! I'll carry the kid!"

"Got it!"

"Right!"

*You feel that you're lifted off the ground. The grass, stained with what you assume was your blood, distanced away from you. A grunting noise made not by exertion but by annoyance from the one who lifted you.

"Damnit, I just got my clothes washed! I need to ask Marisa for a cleansing potion later! Hang in there a little longer, we'll get you some help!

*Sunny, the one holding you, may appear calm, but her hands quiver at the anxiety of this situation. Under her confidence is a person overwhelmed, but deciding to persevere through it. Along with the others trying to save someone they don't know, it fills you with Determination.

*As Luna returns with a strip of bark to stanch the head wound, small hands holding on to give you precious seconds, the darkness slowly consumes your vision. You decide to fight to the very end, even as the void takes you.

It's another boring day in Gensokyo.

Reimu looked at the donation box that was collecting more dust than currency. The shrine maiden huffed at this familiar lack of funds as she found herself without work. There has been no news of any rogue Yokai as of this month.

Now all she does is sweep the Hakurei Shrine for the fourth time today of falling leaves. Having nothing to do as of late during the autumn afternoon. At least Reimu could watch the fluttering orange hues as the leaves danced in the breeze.

It's another boring day in Gensokyo.

As the shrine maiden dusts statues and the tribute box, her stomach grumbles. She looks down with indignation. "Hope there is some leftover food in the market. I might have to visit the discount stall again." The markdown stall is a familiar acquaintance to Reimu, filled with produce that hasn't been sold and has become stale.

Wondering if she might have to eat rice crackers for dinner again, she hears footsteps coming from the stone pathway. "Hey Reimu! How's it going?"

Reimu looks up to see Aunn Komano, the Temple Beast Yokai walking up and waving enthusiastically. "Not much, just some cleaning and a trip to the Village. Are you here to guard the shrine?" As she put away the dust cloth, Aunn nodded with simple enthusiasm. "Yup yup! I'll just take my shift. Tell me if you need anything!"

Without permission, she gets on an empty pedestal and starts her voluntary vigil. Reimu knew this Yokai wouldn't cause much trouble as she was content with guarding places of worship, so it wasn't necessary to deny this Yokai's help. Reimu looks out towards the forest, the trees swaying in the wind. A leaf landed on Aunn's head, she didn't notice it as she was focused on her duty. Reimu says nothing out of slight amusement.

It's another boring day in Gen-

"REIMU! HEY! WE HAVE A PROBLEM!"

A voice shouted from the treeline.

'It just started to get quiet…' The shrine maiden thought with exasperation. She knew that voice belonged to Sunny Milk, a mischievous fairy that always caused her trouble as Reimu was a target of her constant pranks. Reimu debated if this was a trap or not as a few fairies flew into the glade where the shrine stood in its center. As they get closer, Reimu's gaze intensifies as Aunn sniffs the air. "Reimu, I smell blood.."

Reimu, as if she wasn't at the shrine at all, was already halfway toward Sunny's position in a single second. Her ribbons flutter as she flies, forgoing running altogether. The fairy, her maid dress covered in more red than usual, paled at Reimu's quick approach. Her friends' eyes widened in fear.

"Reimu! I-"

"GIVE THEM TO ME, QUICKLY!"

The fairy trio scrambled to lift a human child into Reimu's arms. The shrine maiden looks at the body of the kid who looks not even nine years old. Their purple-striped sweater was covered in blood, their brown hair slick and obscuring their eyes, and their breathing only labored gasps. Then Reimu saw the huge gash on the child's left temple, oozing and unclean.

She didn't hesitate to call on Aunn. "Clear the table in the shrine! And get my first aid!" The Temple Yokai nodded and went inside.

Reimu looks back at the three fairies that brought the child, then decides that some things take priority over others. "When this is done. You are going to talk." Reimu's anger didn't explode like usual, the child in her arms was what kept her from outright killing the trio. Her eyes were judgmental and her words clipped with malice. The fairies gulped in fear, knowing if they said something wrong, the wrath of the Hakurai would descend upon them.

*You awoke not on hard ground nor a hill of flowers, but on a soft bed and under a comfortable blanket.

*You tried to lift your body, but you wince in pain, a stinging sensation coming from your head that was now bandaged. You look around, trying to make as little movement as possible. You're in a small room with very little furniture. The spartan bedroom only has a bed on the matted floor, a dresser and a trunk for storage, and a polished bronze mirror on the wall.

*Before you look around more, you hear footsteps approaching from the other side of the room.

"I'll check on the kid, Rei. You worry too much, you did the best you could. It's not like they will wake up anytime soon…"

*A door slid open from the paper divider that gave the only privacy in this bedroom from the rest of the building. The person who opened the door was a young human woman in what seemed like stereotypical witch's attire, with a pointed hat and a poofy dress to match. She seemed to not notice you staring at her until at the end of her sentence, her voice cutting off to stare back.

*After an unprompted staring contest that lasted for a few seconds, the girl regained her composure and smiled at you before speaking again.

"Hey kid, you already awake? Quite surprising, since you were so battered around. Hey, Rei Rei! The kid is up!"

*After yelling over her shoulder, hurried footsteps answered the call. As the girl moved to the side to let another person through, you saw another girl around the first one's height. The second person is in a red and white dress with ribbons, cloth tubes tied to their dark brown hair and a big, red bow sits on top of her head. They sit on their knees by the bedside, looking over you with inquisitive brown eyes. you turn your head to see her knitting their eyebrows.

"Can you see me?"

*You nod in response. They look a bit confused.

"With your eyes closed? How is that possible?"

*You shrug. The other girl laughs.

"Hahaha! That is your first question, Reimu? Start with names before anything unusual, Ze."

*The other girl, Reimu, pouted at the Witch's commentary.

"Either sit and be quiet or clean something. I'll take care of the patient."

"Fine, fine. It's not like you asked to use my potions to help."

*Reimu narrowed her eyes and the other girl raised their hands in mock defeat. After the brief dispute is resolved, the girl in red looks back at you and continues to talk.

"Can I ask for your name?"

*You tell her your name.

"Frisk? Okay, simple but it will suffice."

"Yeah. Knowing you, anything longer than two syllables would be too difficult."

*You see Reimu stare daggers at the other girl, her hands resting on her knees clenched. She looked like she wanted to hit the Witch for that obvious jab, but decided to calm down. She continues while not taking her eyes off the girl leaning against the wall with an innocent smile.

"Hello Frisk. I'm the current caretaker of the Hakurei Shrine, Reimu Hakurei. I forgot the name of my friend here, call her Blondie or something or other."

"Hey! You know my name, Rei!"

"Really? I can't seem to recall how, as it's longer than two syllables... Makes it quite difficult for me."

*Blondie Something-or-other huffed at the retaliation her friend pulled off and decided to speak for herself.

"I'm Marisa Kirisame. A mage who unfortunately knows a shrine maiden. I came over 'cause of a favor, and used my potions to assist in your recovery."

*You nod and thank Marisa for her help. She preens at your gratitude. Reimu looks a little downcast at the shift of attention. You thank her as well, her mood becoming a bit brighter.

"It's not me who found you, but you had a nasty head injury. I cleaned it to the best of my ability and had to stitch it closed. You lost a lot of blood. I had to call Marisa for assistance with this problem and she brought some elixirs to help."

"Yep! I'm no doctor, and my medicine is nothing like Eientei could do, but I made something to help with blood development. But you lost a LOT of it, so I suggest not moving for a few days other than eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom."

*You nod in affirmation, but there is a lingering question in your mind. Where are you? You decide to ask Reimu, her confused look returning only to be replaced with realization.

"We are in Gensokyo. Do you know what that is?"

*You shake your head and Marisa appears surprised.

"You're an Outworlder?! How did you get through the barrier? I mean, you're either lucky or very unlucky for this to happen. Be glad that you were found by Sunny and her cronies. They are annoying but good company. Other Yokai wouldn't hesitate to eat you on the spot. An outworlder that is a child, who would've thought that was the case? I didn't think so because of what you're wearing."

*You look down at yourself to see that your original wardrobe was replaced. What covers your body is a two-piece dress that has a cloth belt tied to the waist. You notice it is a white top and a red dress that goes down to your ankles. The clothes were meant to be worn by someone bigger than you, refitted to your size. you look towards the girl clad in identical colors. Reimu answers your silent inquiry.

"I changed your clothes due to how filthy they are. They are currently outside until they get cleaned and repaired. Until then, you can wear my old Hakama. It's better than nothing and protects you from the elements."

"Hmm.. Oh! I remember that thing. Ha! What a trip down memory lane! I thought you threw away your old get-up. Always thrifty, Rei Rei!"

*As Marisa was acting nostalgic, you thanked Reimu for the clothes and she smiled to indicate there was no problem. You ask about Sunny and the others. Reimu looked a bit guilty but answered.

"When Sunny found you, I thought they were the cause of your state. After giving you needed care, I… Asked a few questions about how they came across you."

*You have a sinking feeling it was more than 'asking.' You questioned if they were harmed.

"What? No, no. They told me everything. How they met you, how they helped, and how they brought you to me. I'm… thankful that they tried their best to help a human of all things."

*You ask if they were not human.

"Eh? Of course, they're- Oh right, Outworlder. No, they are not human. They are creatures called Yokai, they look similar to humans but they can cast powerful magics."

"Ahem…"

"MOST humans don't cast magic, we're the exception."

*Marisa gave a complicated look and sighed. She let Reimu continue.

"Sunny and her friends are fairies. Spirits of nature. They are known for tricking others for fun, but they can be dangerous if you are caught off guard. There are other Yokai similar to different creatures of myth, and can be more deadly."

*She stopped, patiently waiting for you to understand your circumstances. You assume that Yokai is similar to Monsters, which you are familiar with. You nod and give your answer. Strangely, they both reacted with variations of bewilderment. Marisa interrupted.

"Wait, 'Okay'? You've been told that fairies and other mythical creatures exist and could physically harm you, and your answer was 'Okay'!? I mean, show us a little bit of shock and awe!"

"Marisa, quiet. I'm sure they're taking it seriously."

*Reimu looks back at you, eyes still questioning, but decides to emphasize instead.

"Like I explained: Sunny and the other fairies are relatively friendly. However, other Yokai won't be as kind or merciful. They are dangerous, and you should avoid them as much as possible. I'm saying this for your safety while you're currently here.

*The shrine maiden stares at you expectantly, and you nod in understanding. She reminds you of Toriel. Someone who has been through tribulation and learned from their hurt, and they use it as motivation to help those around them.

*It fills you with Determination. To survive and make friends and allies regardless. To show Mercy, with or without being given it in return. You try to sit up to show Reimu that you are driven to keep living, she looks shocked at your attempt to rise from your bed.

*You feel lightheaded and your vision blurs, a hand is placed on your chest and slowly pushes you back into the pillow's soft embrace and another hand holds your own. Reimu speaks calmly as her thumb makes soothing circles on the back of your palm.

"No. I understand how you feel, but you need to rest. You still lack blood, and your body needs time to refill it."

"Trust her on this, it's for your own good. You got fire, Frisk. I like that! You'll fit here pretty well."

"No, they won't. After a full recovery, I'll send them back home, back to Earth."

*Reimu decides to let go of your hand and stand up from her position as she looks over to Marisa and nods. The Witch stopped leaning against the wall and was first at the doorway.

"See ya later, Frisk! I'm going to get more medicine for you. Maybe I should visit Eientei and 'borrow' from that arrogant hag, Ze."

"Please try to ask before you start taking stuff without permission. I don't want Eirin at my doorstep."

"No promises! I need some bamboo for an experiment anyway. May fortune favor you both!"

*You watch as Marisa leaves the room and possibly the building, for the desirable outcome of burglary someplace else. Reimu walks to the door as well, their ribbons swaying as she makes herself absent.

*You call out to thank her once again and ask to pass your thanks to the ones who saved you. Sunny, Luna, and Star.

"I'll do that if I see them again, they always bother me anyway. Get some rest, I have to prepare for dinner. If you need anything, a girl named Aunn is outside. She's a Yokai, but only protects temples and those who reside in them. So, she is okay to talk to."

*Reimu, Maiden of the Hakurei Shrine, leaves you alone in the bedroom. By the light outside, it seems to be the afternoon, but you feel tired. In safety only under a blanket will give, you drift off to sleep.

Reimu walks out of the shrine. Now the child, Frisk, is awake, she has one more active mouth to feed. There was something strange about that child, she couldn't put her finger on what, but something about the child just awoke and seemingly unbothered about their condition and surroundings is… unusual.

What Reimu learned quickly about the children in the village is that they cry. A lot. Apparently, it's a natural response to being injured, finding something unknown, when they are scared and confused, or they don't get what they want. The list goes on, but they all cry for one reason or another.

Frisk didn't cry. They probably knew that they were in an unfamiliar world, away from their parents or any family and friends, and there was a chance that they could have died. But Frisk accepted their circumstances quickly. Concerningly quickly.

They don't seem melancholic, just... Content about what's happening. At least they have the will to keep going, Frisk seems self-assured in what they do and trusts in those around them. Reimu shakes her head. 'Who am I kidding? If they trust strangers so readily, they are definitely a child. A very odd child, but one nonetheless.'

She watches over the leaves as they fall, she hears Aunn yawn as she stretches, and she can feel the breeze in the afternoon air. Reimu Hakurei decides to head to the village for groceries and starts to float up. She flies toward the Human Village, leaving Aunn to care for Frisk while she's away.

It's another day in Gensokyo.