Chapter 11
On a sunny afternoon, fifteen girls gathered in the depths of the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library. Remilia had specifically cleared out the space, even dismissing Koakuma, making it clear that this gathering was no ordinary meeting. The girls sat around the tables in small groups, the atmosphere unusually tense.
Yuyuko's eyes showed a rare trace of confusion, while Patchouli flipped through an ancient book she had never read before, trying to find some kind of explanation.
This gathering was initiated by Reimu, and its purpose was to discuss something that none of them could make sense of.
Reimu stood in the center, her brows furrowed, her tone more serious than usual. "Has anyone else felt like there's a period of time that's completely blank in your memory? No matter how much you try, you just can't recall what happened."
As soon as she said this, the room fell silent. The girls exchanged glances, as if they all suddenly remembered experiencing the same thing.
Marisa adjusted her hat brim and was the first to speak. "Now that you mention it… yeah, it does feel like something's missing. I remember things being really… off, but I can't recall the details."
"That's right…" Sanae nodded, her eyes filled with doubt. "And even though those memories are blurry, it feels like something really important happened. I vaguely remember… someone protecting us in the darkness."
"It's not just you," Mokou said, frowning with a hint of irritation in her tone. "I have the same feeling. And in those hazy fragments, there seem to be three figures… always by our side."
"Three people?" Patchouli looked up, closing the book in her hands, her tone grave. "Now that you mention it, I think I have the same impression. They stood in the darkness, saying something, but I can't remember anything clearly."
"No way, right?" Aya quickly jotted down these details, her tone as sharp and excited as always. "You're saying we all had the same dream? Or is it some kind of collective illusion?"
"The problem is, we're not ordinary people. How could something like this happen to us?" Remilia spoke calmly, crossing her arms. Her crimson eyes showed a trace of unease. "Someone capable of this… there aren't many in Gensokyo."
"Speaking of those three people…" Flandre raised her hand suddenly, her face full of confusion. "Don't you think it's strange? I feel like they said something really… moving."
"Yes!" Yuyuko nodded gently, her tone tinged with a trace of wistfulness. "I think they said something like, 'Don't be afraid, we'll always be with you.' Those words… they felt so comforting."
"Comforting?" Suika crossed her arms, her tone laced with teasing. "Think carefully—when they said that, their attitude… doesn't it feel like something more than just ordinary friends?"
"Who's to say it doesn't?" Sakuya spoke softly, her expression as composed as ever, but the slight wavering in her gaze betrayed her thoughts. "If those three were really the so-called 'ordinary' tsukumogami we know, this whole situation becomes even more suspicious."
"But the real question is—" Kaguya spoke coldly, her tone carrying traces of doubt and wariness. "Why can't we remember? What kind of power erased our memories?"
"Exactly. This kind of power is far from simple," Youmu added quietly, her brows furrowed. "If we really experienced something, it must have been extremely dangerous. Otherwise, why would someone go to such great lengths to erase our memories?"
"But there's one thing we can be sure of," Reimu said firmly, cutting through the murmurs of the group.
"This has something to do with those three. I don't believe it's just a coincidence that everyone had the same dream, and it just so happens to involve them."
Yukari gently waved her fan, her tone carrying her signature slyness. "Reimu, are you saying we should confront them about it? Even if we do, with their personalities, do you really think they'd tell us the truth?"
"Yukari has a point," Remilia nodded slightly, her crimson eyes glinting with cold light. "Those three… they act so 'ordinary' all the time, but this doesn't seem like something 'ordinary people' could pull off."
"But no matter what, we should observe them a little longer," Patchouli said calmly. "Instead of confronting them directly, it's better to see how they act moving forward. Perhaps fragments of those memories will surface."
"There's one thing I need to make clear," Sanae suddenly raised her head, her tone resolute with a hint of undeniable conviction. "Whatever happened, we know for sure they were protecting us."
"That's right," Yuyuko softly agreed, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. "I feel the same. Even though the memories are blurry, the feeling of being protected… that's real."
"So… what's the conclusion here?" Marisa asked impatiently. "Are we just going to let this slide?"
"We're not ignoring it," Reimu said, crossing her arms, a determined glint in her eyes. "We need to tread carefully. This isn't something simple."
"But one thing is certain—" Remilia added quietly, her crimson eyes deep in thought. "Those three are far from 'ordinary' tsukumogami. Whatever they're hiding, we'll uncover it sooner or later."
In the silence that followed, each girl fell into her own thoughts. The fragmented memories, the guardians in the darkness, and the words that touched their hearts—all of it left their feelings unusually complicated.
As for those three ever-pretending tsukumogami, they were becoming an increasingly unavoidable presence in the minds of the girls.
The Scarlet Devil Mansion's banquet hall was filled with a quiet tension as the girls sat around the table. Plates of light snacks and drinks were scattered on the table, but the main attraction—the three tsukumogami—were still busy in the kitchen.
Their usual laughter and banter could be heard faintly through the door, along with the occasional clatter of cooking utensils.
Reimu crossed her legs, tapping her fingers impatiently on the table. "Those idiots," she muttered. "They always hide in the kitchen to cook whenever we have something important to talk about. Are they avoiding us on purpose?"
Yukari covered her mouth with her folding fan, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Reimu, aren't you the one who always insists they're just ordinary tsukumogami? If they're ordinary, how could those blank memories and dreams possibly have anything to do with them?"
Flandre twirled a strand of her hair with her fingers, pouting. "Why don't we just wait until the food is ready? At least the desserts will be worth it!"
"But those blank memories… something feels off about them," Sanae said softly, her voice tinged with unease.
As the atmosphere grew heavier, Marisa suddenly jumped to her feet, slamming her hand on the table. "Hey! Are you all just going to sit here and wait? Why don't we do something fun?"
"What harebrained scheme are you cooking up now?" Mokou asked, narrowing her eyes.
Marisa grinned mischievously, beckoning the others to follow her. "The library's basement! Patchouli and I have been working on a new spell—it can reveal someone's memories and true thoughts! Why don't we take a peek at what those three idiots are really hiding?"
"What!?" Reimu's eyes widened, her voice sharp. "You've got to be kidding! That's an invasion of privacy!"
Patchouli stood up slowly, her calm demeanor unshaken but her curiosity evident. "What Marisa said is true. The spell can do that. But we should carefully consider the consequences before using it."
"Carefully consider?" Marisa stuck out her tongue, brushing off the concern. "Oh, come on, Patchouli. Don't act so prim and proper. You're just as curious as the rest of us about what those three are hiding, aren't you?"
"That's true." Patchouli's gaze swept across the room, her tone as measured as ever. "Their behavior has been far from ordinary. How many 'ordinary' tsukumogami can solve our problems so effortlessly and show up at just the right moments?"
Reimu crossed her arms, letting out a scoff. "Fine, go ahead and peek if you want. Just leave me out of it. For all we know, those three might be hiding some dirty secrets."
"Dirty secrets?" Suika laughed heartily, her voice loud and cheerful. "If they do, I'd love to see them! Maybe we'll finally find out why they always 'accidentally' lose when sparring with us."
Sakuya frowned slightly, her voice calm but firm. "Regardless, peering into someone's memories is unethical. I'll only consider it if the mistress approves."
"I don't mind," Remilia said lazily, a playful smirk on her lips. "But you'd better brace yourselves. If you see something strange, don't come crying to me."
Yuyuko sipped her tea, her smile gentle but tinged with thoughtfulness. "It might be a bit intrusive, but perhaps it could lead us to the truth about our missing memories. Don't you think so, Youmu?"
Youmu looked conflicted, glancing between Yuyuko and Marisa. "Yuyuko-Sama, I don't think this is a good idea…"
Frustrated by the indecision, Marisa waved her hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. If you're too scared, don't come. Patchouli and I will do it ourselves!"
Patchouli rose to her feet, her voice calm. "This is an opportunity to uncover the truth. The choice is yours, but we're going to prepare the spell circle." With that, she and Marisa headed toward the library.
The remaining girls exchanged uncertain glances, their feelings mixed. In the end, Reimu, Sakuya, and Youmu decided not to participate, while Yukari, Remilia, and Suika quietly followed Marisa and Patchouli.
Reimu called out after them, her tone a mix of concern and irritation. "Whatever you find, I hope it's worth the risk."
Marisa paused and turned back, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, come on, Reimu. Aren't you at least a little curious? Don't you want to know what's behind those blank memories we all share? Or what those 'ordinary' tsukumogami might be hiding?"
Sakuya remained stoic but felt a subtle ripple of doubt within her. Marisa's words had struck a chord.
The gaps in her memory weren't something she could ignore. And she, too, wondered why those three always seemed to know so much about all of them and appeared at precisely the right moments.
Reimu sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "Fine. I'll go, but only to stop you from making a bigger mess of things. If those three get angry because of your snooping, don't expect me to clean up after you."
"Oh, but don't you want to know what Kyouya really thinks of his dear shrine maiden?" Marisa teased, raising an eyebrow. "What if he's been secretly badmouthing you behind your back?"
Reimu's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a cold scoff. "Even if he is, it doesn't matter. But… fine. I'll come, just to make sure you don't do anything reckless."
Sakuya finally spoke, her voice calm but firm. "If Mistress is interested, I'll go as well. But if this crosses any boundaries, I'll put an immediate stop to it."
Youmu lowered her head, lost in thought, before looking up with resolve in her eyes. "If this helps us regain our memories, then I'll go with Yuyuko-Sama. After all, those missing memories… they don't feel right."
Marisa grinned triumphantly as the reluctant participants followed her and Patchouli. "That's more like it! Don't worry—we're just here to find the truth. Nothing will go wrong!"
Patchouli added, her voice as calm as ever, "Just remember, if the spell reveals something shocking, you have only yourselves to blame."
As the girls headed toward the basement, curiosity, apprehension, and nervous anticipation filled the air.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the three tsukumogami seemed to sense the subtle shift in the atmosphere. They exchanged a knowing look but said nothing, focusing instead on the dishes they were preparing.
In the Scarlet Devil Mansion's library, Marisa and Patchouli stood within a glowing magical circle, faint purple light swirling around them as the spell took form. The others stood nearby, some filled with anticipation, others with trepidation, but most infected by Marisa's burning curiosity.
"All right, quiet down! We're starting now," Patchouli commanded, her tone calm but tinged with impatience. She raised her hands and softly chanted the final incantation.
The light flared brightly, and for a moment, everyone felt a wave of dizziness. Slowly, a familiar yet distant scene began to materialize. What they saw was nearly two years ago—the moment when the "ordinary tsukumogami" first arrived in Gensokyo.
At that time, Gensokyo welcomed three outsiders. They called themselves "ordinary tsukumogami" with peculiar names: Kyouya Amaba, Kengo Tsuchimikado, and Tamami Shiomi.
As they appeared in Gensokyo, their early encounters with the girls played out before their eyes, like fragments of a slideshow.
Kyouya, with a "coincidental" weather prediction, helped Yukari stabilize an unstable gap. From that moment, he became the "middle schooler idiot" on her lips but the reliable presence in her heart.
Kengo, through a "happenstance" opportunity, leveled the ground for one of Suika's parties. From then on, she saw him as dependable, though she grew increasingly suspicious of his "coincidental" explanations.
Tamami's first visit to the Scarlet Devil Mansion and his perfectly baked cake conquered both Patchouli's and Flandre's taste buds, marking the first time they felt a sense of warmth toward an outsider.
Kyouya's sparring matches with Reimu always ended with him sprawled on the ground, but he would cheerfully say, "The shrine maiden is amazing as always! This is a valuable learning experience!"
Kengo, in his contests with Marisa and Suika, always "just happened" to lose, afterward clapping them on the shoulder with a laugh: "Next time, let me cook for everyone as a loser's gift."
Tamami's friendly challenges with Sanae and Yuyuko invariably ended with him "coincidentally" subdued, but he always diffused any tension with a carefully crafted meal.
Watching these memories, the girls couldn't help but chuckle.
"So these guys were this silly when they first arrived…" Reimu muttered, trying to sound unimpressed, but a smile tugged at her lips.
"They really worked hard to blend into our world, even letting us bully them without complaint," Patchouli said softly, a gentle glimmer in her eyes.
"Yeah, silly or not, that cooking of theirs… really sticks with you," Suika laughed heartily but quickly lowered her head.
Then, the next scene stopped everyone cold.
Without warning, an ancient and terrifying figure loomed over Gensokyo: the Yamata no Orochi, the colossal serpent of Japanese myth. Its arrival shattered the Hakurei Barrier, and the world seemed to collapse.
Flames, toxic mists, and lightning wove together in apocalyptic fury. The sky was eclipsed by eight massive serpent heads, the ground fractured into countless fissures, waters boiled, forests burned, and villages were reduced to ash.
Reimu's eyes widened, trembling as she clutched her gohei. Her voice carried a mix of shock and guilt: "The barrier… it broke?"
"The Yamata no Orochi? Impossible!" Yukari stood at the edge of a massive chasm, her folding fan trembling in her hand. The monster, long thought to exist only in legend, now towered over Gensokyo.
"This thing… its presence is overwhelming!" Remilia glared at the writhing serpent in the distance. Beside her, Flandre gripped her hand tightly, her expression showing an uncharacteristic tension.
Yes, the girls were finally beginning to remember—the memories that had been erased.
Dark smoke engulfed the sky, mingling with the acrid stench of scorched earth and ash. The Yamata no Orochi's roars echoed across the land, each bellow shaking the earth and tearing apart the once-tranquil Gensokyo, leaving it a desolate wasteland.
From a vantage point above the battlefield, Kanako and Suwako poured all their divine power into holding the serpent back. Yet, the Orochi's might was far beyond their expectations. Each of its thunderous roars was accompanied by gusts of razor-sharp wind and tremors that splintered the ground, repeatedly shattering their protective barriers and leaving their bodies battered and broken.
"Sanae… Reimu… lead the others and evacuate the residents of Gensokyo…" Kanako's voice, hoarse and filled with resolve, cut through the chaos as blood dripped from a wound on her forehead.
Suwako, barely able to stand, added weakly, "Please… protect this land… don't let anyone else get hurt…"
Hearing their desperate pleas, Reimu and the other 14 girls exchanged determined glances.
Despite the fear and pressure weighing on them, they divided into groups without hesitation, doing everything they could to evacuate Gensokyo's residents to safety.
Hakurei Shrine Maiden Reimu, tasked with maintaining the final barrier, also took charge of the crucial task of directing the evacuation efforts.
"Hurry! Get the villagers out! Yukari, open more gaps!" she shouted, her voice commanding as spell cards glimmered amidst the fiery chaos.
Yukari continuously opened massive boundary gaps, swiftly transporting the injured and immobilized youkai to safety. "Hold on tight, don't move around!" she called out to the gathered crowds, her calm demeanor betraying the urgency in her heart.
Around the Scarlet Devil Mansion, now surrounded by scorched earth, Remilia led Flandre, Patchouli, Koakuma, and Meiling in assisting the evacuation of nearby residents. "Meiling, secure the gate! Patchouli, check on the injured!" She fought back her own pain, radiating the aura of a queen to inspire those around her.
Mokou, using her immortality and flames, dashed into the ruins repeatedly to rescue trapped humans and youkai. "Go! Don't look back!" she yelled, her body battered but unwavering as she carried frightened children out of the inferno.
Aya soared through the skies, her tengu speed enabling her to scout for those still in danger. "The western mountains still have villagers! Suika, help me bring them out!" she shouted below, her notebook continuously documenting the calamity.
Marisa, armed with her Mini-Hakkero, blasted away collapsed buildings and debris to clear escape routes. "No one's going to get stuck here!" she declared, her face smudged with soot but her confidence undiminished.
Suika, wielding her oni strength, moved boulders and rubble to free those trapped underneath. "Ha! Don't underestimate an oni's strength!" she laughed, masking her growing worry with her usual bravado.
Sakuya, Youmu, and Komachi guarded various escape routes. Sakuya used her time-stopping abilities to manage critical situations, Youmu wielded her blade to cut through massive falling debris, and Komachi directed spirits to assist overwhelmed evacuees.
Sanae, leading the Moriya Shrine followers, both evacuated the people and used her divine power to calm panicked crowds. "Don't worry, we'll protect everyone!" she called out, her trembling voice veiling the immense pressure on her shoulders.
Yuyuko guided wandering spirits away from the fire; Kaguya used her lunar powers to maintain small protective barriers in her area; Patchouli deployed large-scale magical shields to assist in the evacuation; and Flandre carefully escorted young youkai and children toward safe zones.
Momiji, Ran, and Chen swiftly traversed the mountains, aiding Aya in scouting and directing evacuees.
Keine held the human village together, issuing urgent announcements: "Everyone, head to the shelters immediately! No one is allowed back into the battlefield!"
Hina gently placed the doll in her hands onto the ground, her lips softly chanting an ancient incantation. The poisonous mist and raging flames surrounding her momentarily dispersed.
"Misfortune will become my weapon," Hina's voice was soft but imbued with unwavering determination.
Yuugi stood at the edge of the town, wielding her overwhelming oni strength to block the aftermath of destruction, ensuring the evacuating crowds were unharmed.
"Keep moving forward! I'll handle the falling debris!" she shouted, hurling a massive boulder far into the distance with one hand.
Alice maneuvered her dolls through the ruins, searching for survivors.
"Don't be afraid! I'll help you!" she called out, her doll squad weaving through cracks and rubble. Whenever they located someone crying out in pain, they guided Alice to the rescue.
Tenshi unsheathed her Sword of Hisou Thought, plunging it forcefully into the ground. With a thunderous sound, the collapsed road was raised into a safe path. She urgently directed the fleeing crowd.
"Move quickly! Nitori, how are things on your end?"
In the flooded areas, Nitori was busy draining water and transporting evacuees.
"I've set up a pumping system with kappa technology. Everyone, keep moving—I'll take care of the water!"
Accompanying Nitori, Elly and Reisen used barriers and illusions to guide the injured out of danger as quickly as possible.
"Next batch of patients, bring them here quickly!" Eirin shouted, working tirelessly in a makeshift medical tent, mixing medicines at a frantic pace. She turned to Yuuka.
"Help stabilize the patient's breathing!"
Yuuka's usual calm demeanor was replaced with intense focus. Carefully, she lifted a severely injured individual and placed them beside Eirin.
On the chaotic roads, Kasen summoned spiritual beasts with her phantom limb to carry the injured and encouraged the crowd to press on.
"Don't give up! Just a bit further, and you'll be safe beyond the barrier!"
At the eastern evacuation route of Gensokyo, Byakuren Hijiri stood under a half-collapsed stone arch. The flames and thick smoke surged toward her but were dispersed by the sacred aura she emitted. The golden barrier she projected was like the rising sun, providing a protective passage for the panicked evacuees.
"Do not fear—keep moving forward! The teachings of the Buddha will shield you!"
As her voice rang out, a heavily injured youkai collapsed nearby. Without hesitation, Byakuren released a golden light, healing the injured youkai before handing them off to the next support team. Her steadfast gaze shone like a beacon in the darkness.
Behind her, Toyosatomimi no Miko stood atop a hastily constructed wooden platform, wearing ancient attire and her signature Prince Shoutoku-style cap. She surveyed the entire evacuation route, using her ability to "hear voices" to track the crowd's movements swiftly.
"Move further to the left ahead! There's a wider path that can accommodate more people! And you, stop bunching together—spread out!"
Miko's voice echoed like a loudspeaker, resonating through the streets, calming and guiding the frightened crowd. Beside her, Soga no Tojiko darted into the rubble, lifting collapsed beams with electrified hands.
"Over here! There are survivors trapped! Come help!"
Tojiko's fingertips flickered with blue lightning as she used her power to break through barriers, clearing paths for more people to escape.
In another alleyway, Mononobe no Futo chanted an ancient spell, causing paper talismans to spin in the air and form layers of confusion barriers. These barriers blocked Yamata no Orochi's encroaching heads. Her expression was focused and grave, knowing that one mistake could doom the entire evacuation route.
"I can't let it advance even a single step further… Miko-sama should be holding up fine over there." She muttered under her breath, enhancing her charms to give the fleeing people a brief respite.
On the mountain paths, a fleeing group suddenly fell into panic, with rumors spreading that Yamata no Orochi was approaching. The crowd began scattering in terror, cries filling the air.
At that moment, Satori Komeiji stepped forward, closing her eyes to sense the crowd's fear.
"Do not be afraid… I can feel your despair, but this is no reason to give up."
Koishi, holding the hand of a child, spoke softly, "Don't worry; I'll stay with you." Her calming voice gradually soothed the crying child.
In the most dangerous fire zones, the flames burned the buildings to cinders, leaving residents and youkai unable to escape in time. Rin Kaenbyou stepped up, leaping across the rubble and moving debris with her bare hands.
"Hold on! I'll get you out of here!"
Rin carried two severely injured children on her back, her flaming tail lighting the way through the darkness. Working alongside her, Utsuho Reiuji hovered above, casting nuclear reaction fireballs. These explosions served to illuminate the area and push back the toxic smoke and fog.
"Come on, you giant snake!" Utsuho taunted from the skies, releasing another radiant sphere to draw Yamata no Orochi's attention. Despite the danger, her laughter brimmed with defiance.
Meanwhile, Hong Meiling, though worried about the Scarlet Devil Mansion, was under Remilia's strict orders to cooperate with the Hakurei Shrine's evacuation team.
"Stay close to me! I'll protect you!" Meiling reassured the fleeing crowd as she led them to safety.
Akyuu, typically a documenter, was tasked with checking maps and household registers to ensure every resident was accounted for.
"I've confirmed—there are still a few households unaccounted for. Go find them quickly!"
The Prismriver Sisters (Lyrica, Lunasa, and Merlin) used their music to calm the terrified evacuees, offering them a brief reprieve.
"Don't be afraid! Our melodies will ease your fears, even if just a little!"
Cirno and the Three Fairies of Light wanted to rush back to fight the great serpent but were stopped firmly by Reimu .
"I'm the strongest!" Cirno shouted, but Reimu scolded her harshly.
"Idiot! You're not going back! You'll stay with the fairies and guard the eastern village exit!"
Though begrudgingly, they obeyed and focused on guiding lost residents to safety.
As the evacuation progressed, many capable youkai and others wished to return to the battlefield to face Yamata no Orochi directly. However, these impulses were firmly suppressed by the 15 heroines and their supporters.
Yuugi blocked the path of eager youkai. "You're not strong enough! Going back is suicide! Get to the frontline and help escort the civilians!"
Suika shouted at the reckless younger youkai. "Can't you see how destructive that snake is? Stay in the safe zone and stop making things worse!"
Alice used her dolls to erect barriers, preventing overly enthusiastic fairies from charging into the battlefield.
"We're already stretched thin! If you go back, you'll only ruin the defensive line!"
Reluctantly, those who wished to return instead focused on protecting the remaining evacuees or maintaining the safe borders, prioritizing the safety of innocents above all else.
In the midst of chaos and relentless flames, the efforts of the 15 heroines and their allies ensured that all civilians and most injured youkai were safely transported beyond the barrier.
"…That should be most of them," Miko and Byakuren confirmed with each other over communications.
"The evacuation is nearly complete. Now, it's up to them…"
Taking a deep breath, Byakuren looked toward the distance, where fire and smoke intertwined with the silhouette of the colossal serpent, Yamata no Orochi, clashing against the stormy skies.
"No matter the outcome, Gensokyo will not fall to this beast."
Miko, steeling her resolve, raised her voice to address the gathered crowd of youkai and humans.
"Everyone, retreat to the rear! Our final defensive line is about to collapse—proceed to the designated safe zones immediately!"
When the last trapped fairy child was successfully rescued and escorted out, the 15 heroines exchanged silent glances, knowing it was time to return to the battlefield. Kanako and Suwako were still fighting the great serpent.
They sprinted back through the ruins and scorched earth. The buildings had all crumbled into rubble, and the thick stench of blood and smoke filled the air, making it nearly impossible to breathe.
Reaching the battlefield, they found Kanako and Suwako gravely injured, barely clinging to life after exhausting their powers.
The Yamata no Orochi loomed nearby, its eight massive heads roaring, blood-red eyes locking onto the girls with predatory intent.
Standing amidst the desolation, the 15 girls exchanged solemn glances. There was no turning back now.
They understood they could no longer defeat this monster, but neither could they retreat. Thus, they chose the most direct method: using their lives to reclaim a sliver of hope.
Patchouli's grimoire trembled amidst the storm of flames and wind, its open pages stained with the blood and soot of the battlefield. She stood at the eye of the storm, her gaze filled with resolve.
As her magical energy drained, her body grew weaker, but she continued to sustain a protective barrier with sheer willpower.
"Tamami... if we survive this, you'll have to teach me your cooking secrets next time." She murmured softly, her voice swallowed by the howling wind.
When the Yamata no Orochi's tail swept toward her, she chose to face it head-on. Without even the chance to close her grimoire, she was consumed in a deafening roar, her body turning to dust in the air.
Flandre used her shattered wings to shield Remilia's figure, her frail body facing the Orochi's teeth. She still smiled radiantly, as though it were all just a game.
"Tamami-niisan... protecting my sister is my responsibility! You have to take good care of her for me, okay!" Her last words were spoken with a bright and cheerful tone. As the teeth came down, she burst into countless points of light, like a cruel display of fireworks.
Yuyuko soared through the sky, spirit butterflies trailing behind her in a radiant glow. Facing the Orochi's fangs that tore through the heavens, her expression remained calm and composed with her signature serene smile.
"Tamami-san… next time, don't hide the desserts from me..." she whispered, using the last of her butterflies' light to block the fatal attack. When the glow faded, her figure disappeared along with it.
Aya's wings had already been broken, yet she still pushed herself to fly, shielding an injured Reimu from a deadly strike. Even though her body was torn and battered, her speed remained unmatched.
"Kyouya! If you dare call yourself an ordinary tsukumogami again, I'll come back and knock some sense into you!" Her tone was defiant but tinged with reluctant affection. Using the last of her strength, she dove toward the Orochi, vanishing in a streak of light.
Suika swung her gourd, using the strength of the oni to face the Orochi's attacks head-on. Each blow shook the earth, but her stamina was nearing its limit.
"Kengo, this time I'm definitely stronger than you, huh?" She laughed heartily, delivering one last strike that shattered a section of the Orochi's tail. Her figure then disappeared into the swirling smoke, her laughter echoing long after.
Komachi's scythe churned wave after wave, with the phantom of the Sanzu River faintly visible behind her. She gazed at the Orochi with eyes full of weariness, but her lips curved into a faint, resigned smile.
"Kengo, next time I'll let you drink at the riverside for free... just make sure you come." She spoke softly, swinging her scythe one last time to slice off a scale from the Orochi before collapsing to the ground. Her figure dissolved into the misty haze.
Mokou's flames burned brightly, consuming her life with each passing moment. Her body, engulfed in fire, became a blazing meteor charging toward the Orochi.
"Kyouya… if we meet again, and you still pretend to be ordinary, I'll… never let you off!" She shouted her final words through gritted teeth. The flames erupted in a violent explosion, transforming her into infinite light and heat.
Reimu, as the Hakurei Shrine Maiden, knelt before the ruins of her shattered shrine. Her hands formed seals as she poured all her remaining spiritual energy into the barrier.
Her body was already on the brink of collapse, yet she stubbornly raised her head."Kyouya… If you dare waste all the shrine's offerings, I'll crawl out of this seal to settle it with you." Though her words sounded harsh, the sorrow in her eyes was unmistakable.
Yukari, half-kneeling on the ground, struggled to mend the broken boundary with the last remnants of her power. Her gaps tore violently around her, threatening to tear her apart.
"Kyouya… Now that I'm gone, you'd better take good care of Gensokyo…" Her voice was soft, her final strength fading into a fleeting glimmer as she disappeared into the gaps.
Remilia, standing amidst the blood-soaked courtyard of the Scarlet Devil Mansion, channeled her energy into the sealing circle. Her crimson eyes reflected unwavering determination and bitter regret.
"Kyouya… If you let Flan's sacrifice go to waste, I'll never forgive you…" Her words were resolute, and as the seal was completed, her figure dissipated into the misty haze of blood.
Youmu, with the last of her sword energy, carved a radiant line into the sealing array. Her twin blades anchored her trembling body as she knelt on the ground.
"Kengo… I hope one day… you'll teach me how to care for flowers again…" she whispered softly, vanishing into a radiant burst of swordlight.
Sakuya froze time itself, sacrificing her life force to repair the ruptures in the barrier. Her expression remained calm, yet a gentle, serene smile appeared on her lips.
"Kengo… I hope you'll stop saying you only 'dabble'..." Her voice lingered softly in the air as she disappeared into the ripples of time, completing the seal.
Sanae, kneeling within the prayer circle at Moriya Shrine, clasped her hands together with reverence and unspoken longing, pouring her final spiritual power into the barrier.
"Tamami… This time, please… remember my final prayer…" Her voice trembled as the seal activated, her form dissolving into a tender, comforting light.
Kaguya, brandishing a glowing bamboo branch imbued with moonlit energy, directed her final power into the sealing circle. She smiled faintly, her tone carrying a trace of playful mischief.
"Tamami… Next time, make me bamboo-leaf rice again…" With the completion of the seal, her figure faded into the endless moonlight.
Marisa, her body covered in wounds, lifted the Mini-Hakkero, its magical light flickering intensely. Her hands shook, but her defiant smile remained, her eyes blazing with unyielding resolve.
"Kengo! Stop talking about farming and 'dabbling'... You're the guy who can fix everything! If we're not here anymore, you'd better… keep watch over this land for us!"
She gritted her teeth, channeling the last of her magical power into the seal's core. As the light erupted, her figure dissolved into the brilliant starlight.
As the girls relived their final moments, their memories unveiled the moment Kyouya, Kengo, and Tamami arrived on the battlefield.
The Yamata no Orochi, a monstrous beast from ancient legend, ravaged the lands of Gensokyo. Its colossal jaws carried fragments of broken barriers, symbolizing the destruction of the Hakurei Boundary. The overwhelming youkai energy darkened the sky, creating an apocalyptic scene.
The three stood in the distance, silently taking in the devastation. Kyouya's usual playful demeanor was nowhere to be found. He raised his head, his eyes filled with guilt and anguish.
"…We're too late… I'm sorry…" His low voice trembled with sorrow, and as he looked up, his gaze burned with twisted fury.
Kengo clenched his fists tightly, his heart shattered, tears falling onto the scorched earth.
The ground beneath him trembled as his voice, deep and resonant, growled like distant thunder: "…You damned beast…" His words, almost a snarl, carried raw grief that transformed into seething, overwhelming anger.
Tamami clasped his hands together in silent prayer, his usual gentle gaze replaced by a cold, unyielding glare, as frigid as a god of war.
"This monster… is unworthy of existing on this sacred land…" Every word he spoke dripped with pain and uncontainable hatred.
At that moment, the three tsukumogami lifted their heads to the heavens and roared, their voices like the wrath of vengeful gods:
"I swear, I'll destroy you! YOU MONSTER!"
The memory continued to shift dramatically. The three tsukumogami displayed entirely different postures as they faced the Yamata no Orochi.
Kengo, standing upon trembling earth, summoned countless massive boulders from the ground with a wave of his hand, forming a colossal stone blade.
With a powerful swing, the blade transformed into sharp sword energy that instantly sliced the Orochi's massive body into fragments.
Kyouya raised his right hand, conjuring fierce winds that turned into blades, shredding the fragmented remains of the Orochi into pieces. The force of the wind tore its flesh apart completely.
Tamami, his palms pressed together, created an immense water cube that enveloped all of Gensokyo. Torrential waves and crushing pressure, combined with piercing cold, reduced the Orochi's body to nothing more than mush. His gaze remained icy and emotionless as the creature was completely obliterated.
Finally, Kyouya raised his hand again, summoning tens of thousands of lightning strikes from the heavens. The bolts of lightning descended mercilessly, obliterating the remains of the Orochi into dust, leaving nothing behind.
In mere moments, the Yamata no Orochi, a being capable of destroying the world, vanished entirely from Gensokyo.
The memory dissipated, and the library fell into a deathly silence. The 15 girls were completely stunned, unable to say a word.
Marisa was the first to break the silence, her voice trembling:
"That… that was the Yamata no Orochi, wasn't it? The one from legend, capable of destroying worlds… And they…"
Patchouli lowered her head slightly, her gaze avoiding the mirror of memories. Her voice was unusually calm, but it couldn't hide her astonishment:"They erased it… completely, in mere minutes? What kind of power is this?"
Reimu stood frozen, her fists clenched tightly, her lips trembling.
"This… this kind of power…" Always considering herself the central protector of Gensokyo as the Hakurei Shrine Maiden, she now felt utterly insignificant:"So they… they were the true guardians all along…"
Yukari closed her folding fan, her eyes fixed on the images of the tsukumogami in action. Her usual composure and elegance had completely vanished, replaced by utter shock:"This kind of power… it surpasses all the rules of Gensokyo. Kyouya, you've been hiding all of this…" she murmured, her fingers trembling slightly.
Remilia crushed the teacup in her hand, her ruby-red eyes filled with disbelief and shock:"This… is absolute power? Even I… couldn't approach such an opponent. Kyouya… who are you, really?" Her pride shattered in an instant, but what hurt her even more was realizing she had never truly seen Kyouya's true self.
Mokou clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms without her noticing. Her voice quivered, and a bitter smile of self-deprecation crossed her face:"This… this is true power…" she growled under her breath, full of frustration:"I thought I was strong enough, but compared to them… I'm nothing!"
Aya stood frozen, her notebook slipping from her hand to the floor:
"That… that monster, the Yamata no Orochi, torn apart like paper under their hands…" Her legs wobbled as she took a step back:"So they've been far above us all along… This… this is the real miracle!"
Marisa, staring blankly at the scene of the Yamata no Orochi's destruction, felt as if her throat was blocked, unable to speak for a long time. Finally, she muttered:"Kengo… I thought I could spar with you… but what is this level of power… I…" She couldn't hide her inner turmoil and unease.
Suika, clutching her gourd tightly, had lost her usual carefree demeanor. Her expression was unusually grave, mixed with awe:"Kengo… you bastard… What level of power is this? Even I, Suika, have never seen such destruction…" She chuckled bitterly and shook her head:"We're… we're not even on the same level."
Sakuya stood stiffly, her pocket watch slipping from her hand unnoticed. Her usually composed expression was completely gone, replaced by disbelief:
"Kengo… is this your true strength? I thought I understood you, but… you've been hiding all of this."
Youmu's hands trembled slightly, her grip on her sword so tight that her knuckles turned white:"Kengo… this kind of power… it's a realm I could never reach in my lifetime…" Her voice was hoarse:"I see now… I've only ever been sparring with a shadow…"
Komachi, leaning against the wall, felt cold sweat forming on her forehead:
"Kengo… you… You've always been so calm and easygoing. Turns out it's because you never even needed to try…" She felt a weight pressing on her chest:"I can't believe I ever doubted you… What a joke."
Sanae, biting her lip, her eyes reddened with unshed tears:
"Tamami… why did you hide all of this? If you had told me, I…" The scene before her was too much to bear. For the first time, she felt a vast, unbridgeable distance between herself and Tamami.
Yuyuko, staring at the memory, remained silent for a long time. Her usual graceful smile was gone, and the teacup in her hand trembled lightly:
"Tamami… Why did you pretend to be ordinary? Why didn't you let us know the truth?" She looked down at her hands and murmured:
"I always thought… we were equals, friends…"
Patchouli slightly parted her lips, all her usual calmness and composure shattered:"Tamami… this kind of power… it defies all magical theory… You… What are you?" Her voice carried a sense of powerlessness:
"We… we could never reach your world…"
Flandre, clutching her skirt tightly, her eyes full of confusion and disbelief:
"Tamami-niisan… How… how can you be this strong? Were you just pretending all along? You said you'd protect us… but why hide it?"
Kaguya's fingers trembled as she struggled to maintain a calm tone:
"Tamami… What kind of monster are you? You're this strong, but you didn't tell me sooner… What are we to you?" Her voice trailed off into a whisper.
Despite their vastly different personalities, the girls were all overwhelmed by a mix of indescribable shock and complicated emotions. Their memories of the past and the moments they shared seemed to be cloaked in a new, dazzling light—those three tsukumogami, who always appeared silly, carefree, or clumsy, were beings far beyond their imagination.
Shock, guilt, confusion, and helplessness intertwined, making it impossible for them to ignore the deep reliance—and perhaps even more profound emotions—they felt for the three.
In the memory, the girls saw the three tsukumogami kneeling on the devastated battlefield, clutching the remnants of their belongings, their faces full of grief and guilt.
Kyouya's usual playful persona was utterly shattered. His gaze was hollow and lifeless as he gripped Reimu's red ribbon, trembling slightly, murmuring to himself:
"I'm sorry… Reimu, I promised to protect you…" His fingers tightened inch by inch, as if trying to embed the ribbon into his palm, his eyes filled with regret.
He held Yukari's folding fan, Mokou's ribbon, Remilia's hat, and Aya's notebook in his hands. Raising his head to the sky, he let out an anguished roar:"Why! Why couldn't we have arrived sooner?" The fierce winds howled with his cries, carrying an unbearable weight of self-recrimination and anger.
Tamami, no longer the gentle soul he once appeared, held the girls' belongings with trembling hands. Sanae's hair ornament was stained with blood, Patchouli's burned grimoire was in tatters, Flandre's hat was shredded, Yuyuko's broken fan lay in fragments, and Kaguya's warped bamboo flute remained in his grasp.
"I promised to make the best dishes to make you happy…" Tamami's voice was hoarse with pain:"But now… you're all…" He slammed his fists into the ground, water elements surging around him, blending with his tears.
Kengo, standing atop the scorched earth, clutched the girls' remnants—Marisa's hat, Suika's gourd, Youmu's shattered blade, Sakuya's pocket watch, and Komachi's copper coin.
His gaze was heavy with sorrow and despair."Sakuya, Komachi, Youmu, Marisa, Suika…" He whispered their names, his voice filled with endless regret and fury:"We… have no right to call ourselves your friends… We couldn't even protect you…"
At this scene, the girls felt as though countless arrows pierced their hearts, the pain suffocating.
"Kyouya..." Reimu's voice trembled as her gaze locked onto Kyouya's anguished figure. She had always masked her reliance on him with indifference, but she never imagined that after her sacrifice, Kyouya would blame himself to the point of breaking.
She bit her lip hard, tears streaming down uncontrollably."Idiot… This isn't your fault…"
Yukari's usual carefree smile had completely vanished. Her hands gripped her folding fan so tightly that her knuckles turned white."Kyouya… why…" she murmured, as though wanting to say something, but seeing his shattered state, she couldn't utter a single word of comfort. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
Remilia's gaze was hollow as she muttered to herself,"My hat… and Flan's hat…" Her heart felt like it was being shredded by countless blades.
Watching Kyouya clutching the relics with such pain-filled eyes, she felt, for the first time, the helplessness of being a "vampire queen."
"It was supposed to be my responsibility… Why did you have to bear this pain instead?"
Mokou clenched her fists tightly, her eyes fixed on Kyouya. She had always mocked his "chuunibyou" antics, but she never thought he would break so completely for their sake. Through gritted teeth, she muttered:"Kyouya, you idiot… You've already done enough. Why do you still blame yourself?"
Aya hugged her arms, tears blurring her vision. She had always recorded Kyouya's funny antics, never realizing he had such a deep and somber side.
"So, you've always… placed us in the most important position in your heart…"
Sanae, seeing Tamami's grief-stricken expression, was already sobbing uncontrollably."Tamami… I'm sorry… We only dragged you down…"
She clutched at her chest as though her heart was being crushed by an invisible hand."Why do you blame yourself like this… This isn't your fault…"
Yuyuko gripped her fan tightly, her serene smile utterly shattered.
"Tamami… Why… Why are you so heartbroken…" she murmured.
"We were just friends…"
Patchouli, watching Tamami clutching her damaged grimoire, began to cry softly."Tamami… You're such a kind person… Why do you have to bear this pain…"
Flandre gripped her skirt, her eyes filled with guilt and sorrow.
"Tamami-niisan… I'm sorry… It's because I'm useless… that you're in so much pain…"
Kaguya's expression was full of shock and guilt. She had never imagined Tamami valued them so much."Tamami… You… Why… Why would you go this far?"
Marisa stared at Kengo's form, feeling as though her heart had been struck by a heavy blow. Her voice trembled with suppressed sobs.
"Kengo… I'm sorry… You were never supposed to carry all of this…"
Suika forced a dry laugh, but tears slid uncontrollably down her cheeks.
"Kengo, you idiot… This isn't your fault… Why are you hurting so much…"
Sakuya lowered her head, murmuring softly:"Kengo… all of this… We couldn't even face it ourselves. Why do you blame yourself?"
Youmu looked at the image of Kengo holding her broken sword, tears blurring her vision."Kengo… This sword can be mended… but your heart? Who will heal your heart?"
Komachi held her coin tightly, her expression full of struggle."Kengo… You're always so steady and reliable. Why… Why do you bear all this pain on your shoulders…"
As the girls reacted to the memories, the scenes continued.
When the Yamata no Orochi's remains were completely obliterated, Kyouya, Kengo, and Tamami knelt silently in the middle of the devastated battlefield.
Clutching the girls' relics, they were shrouded in grief and guilt under the broken sky. Suddenly, a dazzling golden light split the heavens, like the dawn breaking over the horizon.
Amaterasu Omikami descended.
She was adorned in majestic and sacred attire, draped with the radiant Sun Wheel Divine Emblem, her serene gaze tinged with an inescapable sorrow.
As she descended, the smoke-filled skies were gradually dispelled, and warm sunlight once again bathed the land.
Amaterasu extended her hands, and light surged from her fingertips like a warm river, enveloping the devastated Gensokyo. The cracks in the earth rapidly healed, ruins were rebuilt, trees and flowers grew anew from the scorched soil, the sky returned to a brilliant blue, and the air filled with the scent of rebirth.
Amaterasu knelt gently, placing her palms on the near-lifeless Kanako and Suwako. She spoke softly:"You gave everything to protect this land. Your efforts should be rewarded."
As her voice fell, the two deities' wounds healed rapidly, and their life force was restored. However, they remained deeply asleep, their expressions peaceful.
Then, Amaterasu withdrew her hands and stood, her tranquil gaze sweeping over the rejuvenated Gensokyo. Her eyes betrayed a deep sadness as she sighed and spoke softly:"This calamity… must not be remembered."
Amaterasu stretched out her hands once more, and from her palms radiated a gentle and profound light. This light flowed like a tide, covering every corner of Gensokyo, seeping into the hearts of every living being.
The sleeping Kanako and Suwako briefly showed confusion on their faces but soon returned to calm. The memories of flames, pain, and despair faded from their minds, replaced by the pure purpose of protecting the land and its faith. Their sense of mission remained, but the soul-deep scars were completely erased.
The humans and youkai of Gensokyo experienced a brief moment of haze within the light before regaining clarity. In their memories, all traces of the Yamata no Orochi's invasion, battle, and devastation vanished, replaced by the familiarity and peace of everyday life.
Amaterasu sighed."This is not cowardice, but a way to grant you the courage to face the future… Even if you cannot remember, trust that this land will endure because of your protection."
But at that moment, Amaterasu's expression did not relax. Her brows furrowed slightly as her gaze fell on the girls' relics.
Kyouya choked out his words:"Big sis… Isn't your power enough? They… They gave everything for Gensokyo… even their lives!"
Amaterasu shook her head gently, her eyes filled with heaviness and regret.
"I can restore this land, and I can heal the gravely injured gods, but… life and death are beyond the reach of creation's power."
She ran her fingers over the girls' relics, her voice somber and sorrowful:"The divide between the living and the dead is the unshakable foundation of heaven and earth. Even I cannot bring them back from the Yomi no Kuni…"
The three were overwhelmed by despair and anguish, yet they did not waver. Instead, they clenched their fists tightly, suppressing the sorrow in their hearts.
Amaterasu looked at the three and sighed softly:"However, there remains one slim possibility… You may cross the Yomotsu Hirasaka and enter the Yomi no Kuni to negotiate with Mother—Izanami. But…"
She paused, her expression growing even graver:
"Mother, having fallen to Yomi through death and estranged from Father Izanagi, harbors a deep hatred for the living. She does not easily entertain requests from the living, let alone your desire to reclaim fifteen lives from her hands."
Amaterasu's words struck like thunder, and the girls, watching the memory, felt as though their hearts were being struck with heavy hammers. They stared, stunned, at Amaterasu's sorrowful expression.
Kyouya stood abruptly, his gaze blazing with determination:
"No matter what, we must go. Their lives are more important than ours, more important than the entire world!"
Kengo slowly raised his head, his eyes shining with unwavering resolve:
"If this is the only way, then even facing Mother, we will not falter."
Tamami lowered his head, staring at the girls' relics in his hands, and murmured:"They gave their lives to protect this land… How could we not go?"
Amaterasu gazed at the three, her prolonged silence broken by a soft nod. Her voice was full of reluctance:"Since you have decided, then go. But the path to Yomi no Kuni is a journey with no return. Prepare yourselves."
Seeing the determination of the three in the memory, the girls' hearts were shaken to their core.
Reimu's eyes grew moist, and her lips quivered softly:
"These fools… Why do they always…" She whispered, her voice laced with an indescribable mixture of pain and gratitude.
Yukari covered her mouth, trying to conceal her inner turmoil. Closing her eyes, she murmured softly:"Are they truly… unafraid of death?"
Remilia gripped the arms of her chair tightly, her nails digging into the wood.
"What are they thinking! Why go this far…"
Mokou's face turned pale as she muttered under her breath:"These idiots… Who asked you to go to such lengths for us!"
Aya's notebook fell to the floor as her gaze grew unfocused:"Their resolve… Is this truly… all for us?"
Sanae's tears wouldn't stop as she clutched her mouth, choking back sobs:"Tamami… How could you…"
Yuyuko bit her lip gently, her face rarely showing unease:"They… How could they… go this far?"
Patchouli's book slipped from her hands as her fingers spread open. Her voice was barely a whisper:"Tamami… Why…"
Flandre clutched her hat, tears streaming down like raindrops:"Tamami-niisan… Why are you pushing yourself so hard!"
Kaguya gripped the phantom of her bamboo flute tightly, her gaze filled with shock:"This… What kind of emotion drives them to this…"
Marisa remained silent for a long time before finally muttering:"Kengo… You idiot… Is this… really worth it?"
Suika slammed the table with trembling hands:"Kengo… Are you crazy?"
Sakuya's expression grew incomparably complex as she murmured softly:
"Kengo… Why would you go this far…"
Youmu closed her eyes quietly and spoke in a soft voice:"Kengo… Do we truly… deserve this from you?"
Komachi's smile had completely vanished, her voice full of shock:"These three fools… They're risking so much…"