> Let's try imagining up Compass the Crow again.
>"Oh well."
>Close our eyes. and try to feel the direction Yukari would be in, then proceed in that direction. If we don't feel anything, just pick whatever direction our intuition tells us. Then open our eyes.
>"Huh."
>Prod the wall a bit. Is it visible?
> Who the heck is handling us like a kitten?!
>Look around, particularly for people.
>"I believe you have my property."
>"Now you can unconfiscate it."
>"Unless you've come up with some better ideas since the last time I was here, I don't care what you think."
>"It's a good thing I'm not her, then!"
>"I'm better."
>"Well, for one thing, I beat you down, and I'm about to have to do it again by the way things are going."
>"I think that's all I need to say, actually. I'm not like her, don't hold me up to her standards, and stop getting in the way of actual efforts to save Gensokyo."
>"Because I can handle it."
>"I've handled some of them already, so it looks like I'll be fine. And we're getting away from the main point, which is you stealing my things and getting in the way of trying to fix Gensokyo."
>"Oh come off it already, suicidal nothing! You just know I can fix this without you profiting from it, and you're doing everything you can get away with to stop me. If you thought you could get away with it without showing your hand to the world, you'd lock me up somewhere. "
>"I don't need to read minds. I just need to look at how you've behaved, and how you've done less to be helpful than Ran."
>Take a step back and prepare our gohei in case we need to decorate the floor with her teeth.
>Looks like we were right after all, it was important.
>Observe.
>"How much can that hold?"
>"That'll last for awhile, but aren't there a bunch of oceans outside?"
>"No. Now, was it you that made that mural thing?"
>"No, I mean the chalk one with the two worlds and the wings and stuff."
>"It was in Sanae's world."
>"Well, it was done in what looked like chalk, and had the two worlds on each side, with wings, and there was a gap between them..."
>Go into the finer details of its appearance and how it felt to touch.
>"What about the wings, and all the weird feelings."
>"So what's this about a gap bridge? And what would it even do?"
>"Okay, how does it fix the problem?"
>"Yeah. It'd be interesting, but probably not helpful. Would it work the other way around, though? I remember Yuuka pulled something like what you're saying, a long time ago."
>"Here's another thing. How are we going to get back to our proper point in time, anyways?"
>"Sure, I'll show it to you."
> "Is it always angry like that?"
>"I suppose."
>Follow her.
>"What're you looking for?"
>Follow that sukima!
>"Yeah, I was kinda playing it by ear."
>Try not to fall over when we collide with her.
>"Find it?"
>Step through, and take a moment to regain our bearings.
>Is Compass still around?
>"Okay, before we go any further, there's something important you need to agree to."
>"Sanae's here. And if you meet her, I want you to put your hands out in a non-threatening manner and assure her you aren't here to cause her any problems and mean it. Otherwise I'll feed you a gohei so fast you won't have time to get halfway through itadakimasu. Got it?"
>"You can tell yourself I'm joking if you want. But if you try anything I won't be the one tasting wood."
>"Anyways, it's this way."
>Head back toward the city by air. Will Compass to follow along.
>Head for that mural. No time to appreciate scenery with her around.
>"Yep, there it is."
>Follow along to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.
>"So, what do you make of it?"
>Give her a minute. Pet Compass in the meantime.
>"Compass, point towards Sanae."
>"What do you want her for?"
>Welp. Sanae's not going to be happy about that.
>That Cafe across the street had some tables under the awning, right? Let's go have a seat at one and wait for them to get back.
>"Hey, point your beak where Sanae is. Then do a spin and point toward Yukari."
>Be ready for shrieks, just in case.
>Was Yukari always this impulsive?
>Look in that direction. There doesn't happen to be danmaku in the air?
>Welp.
>Pick up Compass and cradle him in our hands. "Okay, if either Sanae or Yukari change directions, give me a big loud squawk."
>Take to the air and fly in the direction indicated. Give ourselves another massive but isolated tailwind to speed us along, and keep an eye out for either of them or danmaku. Stop if we get any squawks.
>"They still this way? Give me a chip if they are."
>"Are they through the tunnel?"
>"How about you fly toward them for me. But don't let me fall behind!"
>Follow!
>Follow, hover if we can.
>Do we hear anything?
>Has the crow stopped here? If not, keep following. If so, look around.
> Hold out a arm for Compass, then enter the grove.
>Do we hear anything?
>Float so that we can see around the tree without getting too close to the hem.
>Any sign of Yukari?
>Whisper to Compass.
>"Point to Yukari."
What do you think, Sect?Ask her if she's calmed down, then tell her about the mural and meeting Yukari, as well as the beginning of the draining of Gensokyo and Yukari being in the dream looking for her. Giving her something to focus on might help, instead of apologies that look empty from her perspective.
> "So. Yukari's draining Gensokyo right now. Also, we might have a lead on how to fix things. Up for hearing about it?"
>"I was afraid she was after you when she vanished on me suddenly."
> "Did you make that chalk drawing?" She probably didn't, but we need to get her attention and provoke her into not being sulky.
>"Sanae. People aren't going to leave you alone. That isn't an option."
>"Alright, the important is that you're safe. Yukari's here, and I don't know what she's planning or what she wants with you. But at the same time, I don't want to badger you anymore. So, I'm just going to leave you here and let you work things out as well as I can. When you're ready to come back, you know how to find me. In the meantime, I'm going to find her."
>Unless she says something, go toward where Compass told us Yukari was. Have her lead again, and hover after her.
>This is the one Kasen and Konngara like to haunt, isn't it?
>Approach and see if anything interesting is happening.
>No point in trying to be sneaky now.
>Meet that gaze. If she wants some, she's going to get all she can handle.
>"You didn't know? I figured news would have traveled pretty fast."
>A few hours? Didn't Yukari just do that a little bit ago?
>"Sorta, but not really. Have you seen Yukari around?"
> "We must have passed by each other. So why are you 'awake' now? It was a thing and a half for me to become aware here."
>"I suppose you can't just go back, huh?"
>Do we remember Kikuri from our recently uncovered childhood?
>"Which way did Yukari go?"
>Has Compass pointed us that way?
>Whisper to Compass: "Which way is Yukari?"
>"Thanks!"
>Head that way.
>Once we get away from Kikuri, add a bit to Compass's orders. "When Yukari moves, I want you to move your beak so you're still pointing at her, not just where she was beforehand."
>Do we see Sanae, as well?
>Can we hear them?
>Let's hover closer, and see if we can overhear. Don't try to stay visually hidden, but try to avoid making any sounds.
>Approach.
>"Oh, she found you. She hasn't done anything, has she, Sanae?"
>"Good."
>"I think it works the other way around, too. I managed to get my way to Yukari's place from here."
>"And what is this, exactly? Something about pushing it out of the way?"
>Nod.
>"You did, but I mean, had the idea been developed Or refined any further?"
>"Yeah. As long as you have something to go with."
>No pressure or anything, just sands running out...
>"So what's the next few steps, then?"
>"But will it stop the boundary from getting worse?"
>...Thanks for explaining.
>Nothing much to do but wake up.
>Look around. Any sign of Sanae?
>Well, she didn't elbow drop us on the way out. That's a good sign.
>...Maybe we better check a mirror before leaving, just in case.
>Lovely.
>Is there a brush? If so, let's take a minute to put that to use.
>Sanae better look just as terrible...
>Wander out.
>Sniff a little. Do we smell anything like breakfast?
>Shame. Let's just slip out quietly, then.
>Do we happen to see any sealife in that waterspout?
> Hm. We might want to get to work on a pool or something for Satori's new pet before all the water gets sucked out.
> How far away are we from the Scarlet's mansion? We could ask Yuuka some pointed questions about keeping dreamworlds away from realworlds.
> Would we get to the mansion any faster if we were to, say, freefall?
> Of course we can catch ourself, we can fly.
> Go to the edge of the floating island, then leap off.
>Angle ourself, so that the travel forward toward the SDM as well as downward.
>When we feel close enough, fly against the fall to slow our descent.
> Lie there for a while and try to breathe, then try wriggling our extremities and our head to check for injuries.
> Try to get to our feet without using our left arm, float if we have to.
> Well, at least we aimed well. Let's carefully float to the mansion, then see if Sakuya's willing to grab the magic healing teapot from our shrine or something.
> Well, hopefully that's Meiling and not someone we'll need to smack around. We're sort of in no mood to mess around. Approach.
> Be as nonchalant as someone that's probably fractured a fifth of her everything can be.
> Only not, because that would mean that we'd be on the ground in pain.
> So, just act casual. "Rough landing. Is Yuuka still around? I wanted to pick her brain a bit."
> "Yeah. Can you, uh, ask Sakuya if she could run to my shrine? I have a magic teapot in..." Recall where we put that thing, and tell Meiling. "It should help. I'll owe you two if you can do that."
> "And, uh, if someone here has medical experience..."
> Float on in behind her.
> Let's idly chat with Meiling to pass the time and to not pay attention to the massive amounts of pain we're in. "So, uh, how was Koishi?"
> "That's, erm, that's good. And don't feel bad about not noticing her. She does that."
> "Koishi doesn't have sticky fingers like Marisa does." We think.
> Try to not keel over before someone else arrives.
> Keep it short. "Magic healing teapot."
> Wiggle our right fingers as a farewell to Meiling, then turn to Sakuya. "Library?"
> Oh, right. Vampires. Bleeding. Not the best of combinations.
> Nothing to do but wait. And hope they remembered to lock up Flandre.
> "If you think this looks bad, then you should see the other tree."
> Do we hurt anywhere else at the moment, now that we're being seen to?
> 'Only'? What else is broken?
> Don't wince too much while she does her thing. And don't ask what she's doing: we annoyed her last time and she was good for her word then.
> Wince. "Still better than it was a couple minutes ago. What do I owe you?"
>Just say the first sentence for now.
> "I'll try not to. I asked Sakuya to get something that might help heal me faster though."
> Use the sink to clean ourself up the best we can.
> Clean the mess as best we can, and find Patchouli. Might as well make it easy for Sakuya to find us if she comes back, and we can poke ideas at Patchouli while we wait.
>Probably shouldn't disturb Alice when she's this busy. Do we have any idea what ritual her circle-dancing dolls are performing?
> Go around the books to see if Patchouli's behind them.
>"Hey thanks Patchy. Anything I can do for you?"
>"Sure thing. What's Alice doing, by the way?"
>"What for?"
>"Ah, good. With luck, you'll be able to start out on it soon."
>"Also, while I'm here, I encountered a strange kind of drawing last night, and I was wondering if you could tell me if you recognize anything significant from it if I sketched it out for you?"
>"I'll go get that coffee."
>Look for Cocoakuma.
> Wander through the forest of books to the right.
> "Hey." Wait for Koa to acknowledge us. "Patchy wants some coffee. She asked me to bug you about it."
>Why would someone need a ladder when they can fly?
> Follow Koa. Patchy doesn't want to talk to us right now and bothering Alice seems like a bad idea and Sakuya hasn't got back yet.
> Shrug. "Probably because of me."
>"Huh, didn't know this was here."
>Nose around a little bit, see if anything interesting pops out.
>"Kay."
>Stop and observe.
>Contemplate the koakuma.
>"What'd you just do?"
>"A little. But I'm just trying to work up the willpower to go deal with Yuuka two times in the same week. Also, admittedly, kind of hoping Sakuya gets back."
>"Though I admit, I'm a little curious now. I always thought this stuff was like tea."
>"Nothing, probably."
>Head out as well. Glance around for signs of the maid. If we don't see any, bit Koakuma farewell and head toward the garden.
>Look around for signs of Flower Youkai. Or that one girl with the scythe.
>Head further inside.
>Head toward the light and the field.
>Oh great, so we have to wake the dummy up.
>Any sign of that scythe girl?
>Approach her sunflower field. Let's see if she stirs or not.
> Are we able to enter the dreamworld at will now, or does it depend on Sanae being near us?
>"Hey, Yuuka."
>Kneel down reasonably close to her, but not too close, and try not to mangle the flowers in the process.
>"Hey. Yuuka."
>How close are we to her?
> Do we have our gohei?
>Let's creep forward a bit and gently shake her shoulder. Mind the flowers.
>Gently: "Hey, wake up."
>Dodge that arm.
>"Yukari's up to something, and I need you to help me figure out what."
>Shake her shoulder again. Be wary of possible retaliatory strikes and be ready to dodge them.
>Let's keep both anger and trepidation out of our voice now.
>"Good morning."
>We'll ignore the wrist tightening for now.
>"I need to talk with you, and it can't wait."
>"I am suspicious that Yukari is up to something, and you're the only person I know and can find that might have the knowledge I need to be sure about it."
>"I need to know about the dream world, because it's involved with this whole affair. And you're the only person I know and can trust who has experience with it."
>"Enough that I can ask the right questions. It'd be best if we got comfortable and I summarized what's happened."
>"Not letting Yukari continue to exploit this situation for her own whims is a pretty big favor already, but I'll consider it. What do you have in mind?"
>"Eh, fine. Maybe I'll come up with something myself in the meantime. Sooo, let's start at the start. Do you know what Sanae has been up to lately?"
>"Yep. Good, you know the basics, at least."
>"Somehow, that universe rammed into our universe, and everything ended up like you've seen. Apparently, we also got knocked out of time, and ended up far enough into the future that the outside world had already been destroyed."
>"Of what happened? Yeah."
>"Well, no one knew this except for Yukari. Which she conveniently kept for herself while everyone else was faffing around trying to figure out what was happening and how to solve it. Then when I finally found her, one of the two solutions she proposed was, and I use her own words, have Sanae "removed from the picture". You can see why I wouldn't agree with that."
>"Wouldn't have addressed the problems at hand. Anyways, I started looking into other ideas, and found that Yukari didn't really know much about the situation at hand. Then she stole my orb when it became clear that releasing its power might work. Anyways, that left us stranded for awhile, while I looked here and there, trying to find information. While searching the dream world, I came across a weird mural; tell me if anything in it is familiar."
>Describe it to her.
>"I'm half convinced she let it happen, to be honest, in order to try to leverage things. Anyways, I finally clawed my way back to her after that, and ended up showing it to her, since she made some gestures of wanting to actually clean up this mess. Upon seeing it, she went after Sanae, saying something about pushing the dream world away. And that's what I really want to talk with you about."
>"Because you're the only person I know of and can find that has any knowledge about this dream stuff. Heh, I'll be honest though, Yukari's behavior lately has done a lot to make me think better of you in comparison."
>"First this is whether that actually work, as far as you know? Yukari seems to think it'd relieve pressure off the borders, which sounds reasonable. And also that it would return us to our proper point in time, which sounds unlikely. But is what she's thinking actually doable, having Sanae move the whole place? And, is it safe?"
>Nod.
>"And if it's not just hers?"
>"Is there any good way to tell if it really is just Sanae's world?"
>"What would I be looking for, then?"
>"How would I tell, though?"
>Nod.
>"Okay. This may be related, it may not be. But, when you dream, and then you realize you're dreaming, you can do things, right? Like, Sanae gives herself a bunch of wings."
>"Not especially. But I was kinda on business. Now...let's say I did something there, such as put feathers on the back of your hands, is that supposed to curse you, which follows you into the waking world?"
>"Nothing. But I had to purify myself after I woke up. And I kinda coughed out the feathers."
>"I don't intend to do it at all. But what I want to know is why that whole cursing thing happened, and what it means."
>"There's another weird thing I encountered, maybe you could shed some light on it?"
>Summarize the story of the awful room at the shrine that we ended up purifying.
>"Why would bad spirits be there, and what are bad vibes?"
>"What are they like, this vibes?"
>"So you wouldn't see anything or hear anything, just feel them? Okay."
>"I suppose this all leads to the final question, what would have made her world slam into ours in the first place?"
>"Was it always too close? Because it seems like it should have happened the moment she made the thing, then."
>"I...don't think so. It's been there for months, at least, and stuff only happened a couple days ago."
>"Which suggests something made it happen. Which is what I've been asking, and more to the point, what?"
>"I don't know, which is why I'm asking you. What made it drift? Does that just happen? Did something make it happen? I don't know how any of this stuff works."
>"I don't even know what the evidence would look like. Just it seems odd things were fine for months, then suddenly catastrophe with no warning."
>"Yes it matters! We need to know what caused it so we can stop it from happening again! And if there's stuff in Sanae's world, it's going to be a problem if she tries to move it."
>"I'm just not willing to accept until everything's been explained, given how bad the situation. Because there's also the much more likely chance that something made it happen."
>"Maybe so. But it's just too suspicious!"
>"I mean, it didn't just move. It moved in a way that made it collide with our world. There's all kinds of other directions it could have gone. It's too much of a coincidence to have just happened for no reason. So that suggests something or other made it happen, even if that something wasn't malicious or anything."
>"Well, is there any reason to think it just happened for no reason?"
>"Yes. Because otherwise things would go nuts and it'd be a problem."
>"Am I wrong?"
>"Anyways, you've given me a few angles to think about, and I thank you for that. Now, as for that favor..."
>"Weeeell...I did notice you got rather flustered when Alice showed up the other day."
>"It's not often anyone gets to see you flustered."
>"Very true, but I'm not the topic here, am I? So, have you seen her at all since you've both been invited officially?"
>"So how do you two know each other?"
>"Oho! When did that happen?"
>"Heehee, don't beat around the bush now!"
>"Well, I would like to do something helpful on your behalf, as I agreed to." Grin. "I'm just getting information on how to do it best.
>"Are you worried I'm going to blab to a tengu reporter?"
>"So Alice would be mortified if it got out, you're saying. Anyways, I don't have any concrete plans just yet., I'm just learning the details of the situation. And it's adorable!"
>"Then I'll just have to give you no cause for worry."
>Nod.
>"I do feel there is a lot of potential for this favor I owe in this. And, like I said, it's adorable."
>"You are terribly unhelpful sometimes."
>"Sorry but I thought it was important to check with someone who would know if Yukari was lying or not."
>"Why? You know about dreams and worlds. "
>"After all, you did colonize the place."
>"Good night."
>It's funny how we've known her for a long time but we don't really understand her.
>Let's meander back to the main mansion. Perhaps Sakuya will be back. Or Alice will be done and we can bother her about this.
>Hassle a faerie that doesn't seem too busy or involved with something breakable: "Hey, is the head maid around?"
>"Thanks!"
>To the library!
>Head toward megamaid.
>"Lousy."
>"Yeah, fill it up and pour me a cup, please."
>"What a pain."
>Once it's done, have some tea.
>Sip it.
>"Ah, that's the stuff. Thanks, Sakuya."
>"Not as effective as it was, but it's something."
>Hold out the cup. "Another, please?"
>"You wouldn't happen to know a place where I could get that fixed, would you?"
>"I kinda already ruled that path out."
>"What've you got in mind?"
>Drink our tea.
>"Oh jeez, are you okay?"
>Is there a towel nearby? Let's get that hot tea off her hands and set the pot aside.
>Clean off her hands, and check for burns. If they look burned at all, be extra gentle.
>"Did it zap you or something?"
>"Well, the teapot itself is magic. Maybe that's why?"
>Didn't Patchouli try to buy it off of us previously? Or was that someone else...
>"It's something I picked up from Kourindou a couple days ago. When you drink tea from it, it soothes wounds. Then some bright spark decided to put on top of a stove and it cracked. Still kind of works, though."
>Not like they need to know who that bright spark was...
>"Short-sighted."
>"Think you could get around that, Patchouli?"
>"I didn't say would, I said could."
>"Well, I know who you are. I'm just wondering if you can best a teapot."
>"I dunno, I have my doubts. It did best Sakuya, and who can best Sakuya?"
>Chuckle.
>"I'm just messing with you. It's been one of those weeks."
>Polish off that tea. Has it had any effect?
>Does it seem to have done anything at all?
>What is Alice up to?
> "What're you up to, Alice?"
>"Looks like you need a lot of stuff for that. Do you have everything here?"
>"Is it just a case of gathering up all the components then casting the spell, or is it more complex than that?"
>Nod.
>"Probably not. But what should I expect from you guys once the salt clean-up really gets going?"
>"Got it. So it'll be a quick thing, rather than a days long process?"
>"And everyone else, I assume."
>"And what is in the way? And place that was underwater?"
>Nod.
>"When should it be expected? It'll take me awhile to get the word out everywhere. And...what happens if someone is in the way?"
>"Right, sorry."
>Look toward Sakuya.
>"Just keep it for now. I don't have a good way to carry it."
>Patchy still seem busy?
> Oh well: if they're worried about people interfering with the spell when they cast it, it's likely going to be something flashy. No one should really be underwater at this point, anyways.
> Recall what Yukari said about that heir business. Does it have to be someone in this Gensokyo, or could it be someone from Sanae's?
>What's that Koa up to at the moment?
Alright gang. This is what we're gonna do. We're gonna make a new-ass barrier. And it's gonna have all the latest barrier features like defrost and wi-fi.Why don't we just fix the one we have right now and save that for "Reimu Quest 2: The Search For More Money"?
>Flag that batgirl down.
>"Hey, what kinds of books do you guys have on the Great Hakurei Barrier?"
>"Let's see 'em."
>Follow batgirl!
>"Wow. You really do have this place memorized."
>Accept them and glance at the book's cover, and the scroll's first page.
>Let's haul these back to a table and get to looking over them.
>If Koa is around, call her over.
>"I need a good glossary that explains some of these terms."
>Gesture toward the magic jargons.
>"And some stuff to take notes with, please."
>Refamilairize ourself with some of this new information while waiting for her to come back. And if we can, let's see if we can get an idea of who all would be needed for such a rite. Likely Yukari and Ran...
>"Not just yet, but I'll probably need something in a few minutes. Thank you."
>With the glossary in hand, attack the section on base mechanics one more time.
>Do any of the writings at home we might have on the topic go into these kinds of details?
>Let's try to map out, in plain language, how many circles and conjurings and such that it looks like this kind of endeavor would take, into a flowchart.
>Start noting down these ingredients.
>Who wrote this scroll, anyways?
>Also, how much of our own knowledge of barrier creation has this touched upon?
>Don't we have a fairly considerable skill in actually making barriers ourself? Did nothing written here sound familiar in those regards?
>Now that we have this list of spells within spells and components, let's try to figure out how many people we'd need for this, minimum, and the skills they would need. And then if we can squeeze in more to make the work less arduous or more efficient/effective.
>Also what's the rest of the library up to at this point?
>How many of these people need to be skilled magicians vs people who are just powerful?
>Start trying to refine that list, so we can figure out where the most powerful people need to be, and where the second most powerful, and so on. Don't worry too much about being exact, just try to get it down to a tier list.
>Flag down Koakuma again.
>"A couple questions. First, can you read this?"
>Point to the words on the scroll handle.
>"Who is this person and why does she know about the barrier?"
>"Well, it's probably not important now. Okay, what can you tell me about these things?"
>Show her the component list.
>"Fix things. Okay, the ones you don't recognize, you wouldn't happen to know of any books that would mention them?"
>"What's she up to right now?"
>Glance over, to see if she's shifted at all.
>"Hey Patchy, you got a minute?"
>"It is."
>Approach her with the component list. "I need to know what some of these things are."
>"Fixing the barrier."
>"Obviously not. These calculations show the need for at least twenty people."
>"Depends. Are you just preparing? Does it need to be cast at a certain time?"
>"Might have to put it on hold for a bit, then. We can get rid of the salt afterward, but we've only got a little bit before the barrier's going to be a problem."
>"Unless you have a better idea, then yes."
>"Don't worry, Alice. Your name will be going down in the history books. Probably literally, because Patchouli is definitely going to want to write about this when it's done, and I can't imagine she'd leave you out."
>Once they huddle up, fill them on the plan.
>"Well, there may be a slight better one. But I don't know how possible it is."
>"What would be even better would be to modify it to fix the existing barrier. But I don't know if that's even been tried, let alone recorded..."
>"Not make a different barrier, but use this to fix the damage in the old one and restore it to its proper state. Which...might not actually be any easier."
>"We don't, until Yukari gets off her duff and decides to be useful, and hopefully doesn't try to sabotage the whole thing to get more leverage for herself. Until then, we just have to wing it."
>"And a few more besides."
>Show them to Patchouli.
>"Yeah, these were more just memory aids and keeping my thoughts from getting too jumbled. But they'll probably help when applied to the real thing."
>"Also, while I'm thinking about it, Patchouli, who was Angrec Windghast? Because she seemed to know an awful lot about how the barrier was made to start with."
>"Did she ever come here, or watch the barrier get put up? Because there were definitely a lot of details in that scroll."
>Nod and wait for Alice to get back with the books, and for them to look over stuff.
>Give them a minute to work things out.
>"Not like you guys weren't busy or anything. And I think I did pretty well, thank you very much."
>"Hey, I'm plenty good at making barriers, just I didn't learn it like this. But yeah, this project isn't going to be one we can take lightly. So, the first question is, do you think it can be altered so that it can fix the damage in the one we have? That feels like it should be easier."
>"So what we we need in order to be able to tell what needs to be modified?"
>"I don't suppose either of you would have any idea where to find that without going through Yukari?"
>Boy you really screwed this one up by not keeping a copy around, Hiro.
>"Think you could get me a quick list of what we need? And maybe include the materials that the lesser spells don't summon up themselves? I might be able to get Rinnosuke on those; going to have to warn him about the salt spell since he was already knee deep in it."
>Nod.
>"So, any advice on who I should round up for this? I am thinking that Byakuren ought to be helpful, at least. She's kind of a magician, isn't she? And maybe some of the hermits."
>Nod and glance over the sheet.
>Do we know what all of these things are? Particularly those plants and the ghost ore?
>"How fresh does this magma need to be? And can you tell me what ghost ore, stixima seeds, and phylangea flowers are?"
>"How much of this stuff do you need?"
>"Gonna be okay there?"
>Give stripes a moment to confirm and answer the rest of the question.
>Nod.
>"Alright, I'll see what I can do about these things, and about inviting people to get involved. In fact, why don't we start with Remilia herself, I'm sure she'd be thrilled to pitch in. Would you be so kind as to properly announce me, Sakuya?"
>"Space might be difficult, this is one of the largest buildings in Gensokyo."
>Begin to mentally plot out the fastest path to hit major locations in Gensokyo from SDM.
>"If you guys need to relocate outside, that's fine with me. Just don't get rained on, I suppose."
>Follow them out, and keep an eye open for Sakuya.
>Help Patchy out as well as we can with our wrist, and then close the door behind her.
>Keep pace with them magicans.
>"Yeah, that was that thing with the shards I was asking about beforehand."
>"I am pretty sure that's what Kikuri used to be sealed into, until back a few years ago.
>Peer out toward the lake while talking, and see if we can figure out what that glittering thing is.
>Have we seen any mermaids around there before? Interacted with them?
>Observe the general goings on around the lake and the manor while waiting for Sakuya and/or Remilia to show up.
>Damnit Sakuya you're useless.
>Hurry after them.
>"Charisma Remi, charisma! Keep it together."
>"Not now, Remilia. You have seen the hole in the sky, right? I need your help to deal with that."
>"Sakuya, can I get you to take to to Patchouli to explain things, because it doesn't seem like she cares to listen to me right now."
>If we knew a butcher, we could have some fun with that...
>Take to the air and head toward the shrine, unless some happenstance goes on at the lake that catches our attention.
>Approach the box and have a look at these cats. Are either of them familiar?
>"Good timing. I've been wanting to have a word with you, Orin. And hi, Chen."
>"Do you have any evil spirit skulls laying around? I need some."
>"Dealing with that."
>Point up toward the hole with a thumb.
>"Also, we're gonna need Utsuho to melt a rock or something, because we'll need magma."
>Is Utsuho fireproof enough to cart that kind of thing around?
>"And, how are things down below? Is Satori alright?"
>"Actually, can she move it around? Heat doesn't bother her, right? I never dug too deeply into how that works with her. And good to hear things are getting better down there."
>"Yeah, that's no good. Well, if needs be, Patchouli can come up with something to move it, or make it exactly where we need it."
>"She's a magician. Alright, before you go, do you know how to get to Scarlet Devil Mansion from here?"
>Do we know of any other people who live underground that would be useful in this process? Do Yuugi or Konngara strike us as powerful enough in a mystical sense to make a difference?
>"Wanna really help me out? See if you can drag a Deva or two up here with you as well. I'm certain they'll be useful in dealing with this barrier problem, and it'd save me time going down there."
>Considering saying we could write a letter to help convince people, but let it go, she's confident enough.
>"Now, as for you, Chen... Is Ran around anywhere?"
>Put on an encouraging smile.
>"You didn't do anything at all, don't worry. But, I do need need you to find Ran and bring her to the Mansion as well. We'll definitely need her. And, you wouldn't know where Yukari is, would you?"
>"Good. Hmmm, let me give you a letter to pass on to Yukari, okay? And tell her she owes you a nice fish."
>Assuming Chen assents to wait, go inside and dig up some writing supplies. And see if Suika is around.
>Write down a quick letter: "We're fixing the barrier. Find me, we don't have much time to fool around. -Reimu"
>Roll it up and take it back out to Chen.
>"This'll make it easier on you, I think. And thanks. Be sure Yukari gets you that fish, too."
>With that handled, let's go join Suika for a bit.
>"You did good last night, Suika."
>"No, but we're getting it there. Did you overhear me talking with Orin and Chen?"
>"We're trying to fix the barrier. And I need to find some things to make that happen."
>Show her the component list. "Know what any of this stuff is?"
>"I was hoping you'd know what that was, at least. Shame Orin didn't, I just sent her off underground to go and find some of these things."
>"What's it for, anyways?"
>"Probably a good double handful."
>"No, I need to go find a whole lot of talented people, quick. When you get it, bring it to Scarlet Devil Mansion. From there, they may need you to pitch in. And, I kinda want you to pitch in. It'd be a relief to have someone I can full trust involved with this. Drag the Devas up with you, if Orin hasn't already."
>"Thanks, you're the best partner I could ask for."
>Contemplate how the quickest way to make a loop between through all the major currently-inhabited places in Gensokyo from here, ending back at the SDM.
>Let's head toward Eientei then.
>We're still wearing the charm, are we not?
>Let's peek under the water and see if we can see any familiar landmarks, or swimming rabbits.
>"Hey rabbit, are you going to Eientei?"
>Close in on her.
>"Hey there! Which way to Eientei?"
>"Thanks!"
>Might as well follow.
>Do likewise, since we're probably in normal clothes.
>"Thanks for leading me here."
>"I'm a shrine maiden. ...Though I guess I could use a change of bandages."
>How's the activity around Eientei at the moment?
>"Yeah, I definitely need to see her."
>Head inside once we've properly demoisturized, if Rabite doesn't have more to say.
>Approach Reisen.
>"I need to talk to Eirin about important stuff."
>Oh good, she still remembers what happened when she tried to stop us during the whole sealing away Gensokyo incident.
>Let's follow that rabbutt.
>"Hello, Eirin."
>Head inside and have a seat.
>"That'd be nice, not not exactly. First, let me ask you do you have any writings stored around here on how the Great Hakurei Barrier was created?"
>"That's a same. Because we've decided to try and either fix or replace the barrier using more or less that method, and the more information we can get on how it works, the better."
>"Related to that, I would like to ask you to lend your considerable expertise to the project, if you can safely leave here at all. With you working with us, I'm sure we'll put the the original casting to shame!"
>"That's good, that's good. If possible, I would like you to bring the Princess with you, too. I am sure her talents will come in handy, at the very least."
>Nod.
>"And if it won't take too long, maybe swap out these bandages? I kinda waterlogged them getting here."
>"Yeah, but I don't want people thinking I just cut in line for this. How do I keep it dry on the way out? And, thinking on it, how did you get all those sick people down here?"
>"I see."
>Let her do that thing.
>"So how do I keep it dry on the way up?"
>"Not right now."
>"Oh, nice. Thanks!"
>"Before I go, you wouldn't happen to have any Stixima Seeds, Phylangea Flowers, or Lily of the Valley, would you?"
>"That's what I thought, but it's spent the last few days being flooded out by seawater, hasn't it?"
>Who do we know that Yuuka trades with, aside from possibly Rinnosuke?
>"Mmm, good point. Thank you."
>Say proper goodbyes and head out the back way.
>Onwards toward Human town!
>Oh for the love of...
>Close in and observe the efforts for a moment, see if we can tell if anyone is directing them or not.
>"Wait! Hold it! It's not time to go back yet!"
>Get closer, shoutingin a manner not unlike Phoenix Wright
>"It's not safe to go back yet!"
>Let's go help those people who fell.
>"Why, what happened?"
>Nod.
>"Okay, who gave the word to pull out? You guys keep at it, then."
>"Alright. Yeah, this changes things. Thank you. Where can I find miss Kamishirasawa?"
>Nod.
>"I assume Hijiri is on the ship?"
>"Alright, thank you. We'll get things sorted out, sorry to have bothered you."
>Head toward the forest were Keine was indicated to be hiding.
>Wave to attract her attention while approaching.
>"The Tengu finally get sick of everyone?"
>"Urgh. Well, it's not surprising, I guess. Where are you planning to go?"
>"That won't work. We need to get all the salt out still, and we can't have people in the middle of the spell we're using to do it, they'd get hurt."
>"Mmmmaybe not to far from the Scarlet Devil Mansion? They're on dry land."
>Nod.
>"What'd she have to say?"
>Nod.
>"I don't suppose you happen to have any records of the border's creation laying around, do you?"
>That was horrifying try not to stare.
>Fail.
>"...Okay, what's it say?"
>"Wait, who died? Why?"
>"Do you have anything more detailed about it?"
>"What do you have?"
>Frown.
>"I...don't think writing is supposed to work like that."
>"Something wrong with it?"
>"Alright, if you say so. The reason I'm asking is because we're trying to fix that-"
>Gesture toward the hole
>"And the best way to do it is to try and modify the spell that created the original barrier to fix it, or replace it. I was hoping you'd have something on the topic that had been lost. Regardless, once you've guys have evacuated, if you feel that you have something to contribute, the preliminary work is being done at the Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>"And you keep up the good work. Thanks for watching the rear."
>Head toward the ship.
>Do we know the ship well enough to know where Byakuren or any of the rest might be lurking?
>Look for a entrance into the ship's interior that isn't being used by the majority, and head for that.
>Ponder where they are powering these things from.
>Then ponder if that could work for power generation for the upcoming ritual.
>Whilst pondering, make our way out of the nearest door.
>"Hey, you dropped a sock! Let me get that for you."
>Go nab that sock.
>Oh right, Echoes the pup.
>Toss the sock into the basket.
>"Is Hijiri around here anywhere?"
>Nod and follow the not-a-dog.
>Nod to Kyouko. "Thanks."
>Approach Hijiri. "Hey, got a few minutes?"
>"Think Shou can handle this? It's a bit awkward to talk in a crowded hall."
>Follow that colossus.
>"A few things. First off, do you know about the desalinization spell that has been planned?"
>"Good. She told you about how you can't be in the salty areas while it's being cast, right?"
>"Yeah. I might suggest landing around Scarlet Devil Mansion. Because we need you there, we're going to fix the barrier."
>"Just between you and me, she loves opportunities to show how noble and hospitable and magnanimous she is."
>"The other thing that is going on is that we are gathering to try to fix the barrier, by modifying the spell that put it up to begin with. And I want your help in doing that just that."
>Nod.
>"Good. I'm trying to involve as many powerful and knowledgeable people as I can. Having you there will be a big help. And if you think anyone else among your followers can help, bring them too."
>Nod.
>"You wouldn't happen to know where Marisa or Akyuu are at the moment?"
>"Alright, I'll see if I can find her. Thank you."
>Head up on deck. If the obvious way seems too crowded to get through, head back out the laundry room window.
>Approach Akyuu.
>"Have you been holding up alright?"
> "Eh, just some rough spots here and there. I have a few quick questions about the Boundary to ask you, though."
>"Just how detailed is your knowledge about how it was made?"
>"That is a shame, I need as much information on it as I can get."
>"That's alright. Aside from Yukari and Patchouli, who would you recommend asking for more information?"
>"I figured. Thanks!"
>Say proper goodbyes, and make our way toward the mountain, and toward Kappa town.
>Make our way toward where Nitori was last time. Let's not try to pay any especial attention to other kappa right now, lest we make them uncomfortable. But do stay reasonably aware of them just in case one tries something funny.
>Last time she was in some kind of house, wasn't she? Let's go find it and knock on the door. Or a window or something.
>Knock on the doorframe.
>"What, do your neighbors just barge in or something?"
>"Huh. So, did those two get back to wherever in good shape?"
>"Good, good."
>"Alright, I'm about to ask you some weird things. Do you think that your machines and stuff could contribute to working magic?"
>"So you're saying they cannot assist with more classical magic, or that you've not considered the problem?"
>"Mmm, that's a shame. See. we're working to fix the border back up, and I've been inviting as many knowledgeable and powerful people as I can. I was hoping you've be able to add to the effort, I'd like to see a kappa have a stake in this too."
>"The other people working on it, or the other kappa?"
>"I'm pretty sure they'll be thrilled that the border has been fixed."
>"I'd like to be. But I have to find her, first."
>Grin.
>"Want me to tell her to keep an eye out for you?"
>"You got it!"
>Nod.
>"As soon as I round everyone up."
>Make proper goodbyes, and make our way toward tengu territory.
>Pause, and let the patrols approach.
>Oh well. If they aren't going to stop us, let's head onward.
>Let's assess the crowds, if any, at both.
>And at the Moriya shrine?
>Let's get closer, then.
>Do we see any signs of Suwako about?
>If not, check the pond.
>Settle down near the edge of the pond.
>"Are things going well here?"
>Have we jarred loose any memories about Rika and Meira since yesterday's events?
>So we don't think they would make any noteworthy contributions to the project?
>Whatever happened to Mima, anyways?
>"I'm sure she'll do alright. Kind of a weird job shift for her, though, if I remember right..."
>"Yeah, it seems like she's fitting in at a glance."
>"Anyways, I came here to talk to you about something important. We're gathering up to fix that."
>Gesture toward the sky crack.
>"Precisely. We're trying to modify the spell that created the barrier in the first place, and we're going to need all the help we can to cast it."
>"Related to that, you wouldn't happen to have any Stixima Seeds and Phylangea Flowers, would you?"
>"Bring them with you to the gathering. We are at Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>"That's alright. Just don't take too long."
>"Also, how is Sanae doing?"
>"That's less than encouraging. The last I saw, she and Yukari were trying to do something about the collision that broke the barrier to begin with."
>"Some time this morning, in the dreams. When I woke up, she was gone. We were both staying in the same room."
>"Have you checked that new shrine of hers today?"
>"That's the only idea I had. Well, with luck I'll be able to ask Ran something about it, soon."
>Nod.
>"I don't blame you. Where are you going to start?"
>"Bhava-Agra."
> "Actually, before you go, could you carry a message to Iku for me?"
>"I'd like you to invite her to come too. And to bring anything they have written on the Barrier's creation. And to bring any scholars or magicians or whatever they have that she thinks will contribute."
>"Good luck! And if you find Sanae tell her about this, but also let her know I'll understand if she doesn't want to be there."
>Ponder; does it seem like Mamizou would have anything to offer to the Barrier Summit?
>That's good enough, let's proceed back toward the other shrine and assess things.
>Approach Mamizou, see if we catch her attention.
>Gesture for her to join us.
>"Sorry to interrupt the family reunion, but I have have of a weird question: Do you have much experience with magic? Like, the magician kinds of magic?"
>"We're gathering up at Scarlet Devil Mansion to fix up the barrier, and we need all the help we can get in plotting out the spell and casting it."
>Nod. "That'd be nice, if you have anything to contribute."
>What do we know of relations between foxes and tanuki?
>"Right, if you think she has anything to add, I'm all for it. Just as long as she plays nice."
>"That's all I need, then."
>Glance over.
>"I hope so."
>Which is the next closest place where we would expect to find people, Hakugyokuro, Higan, or someplace else?
>Let's head toward Hakugyokuro then.
>Fly right up the stairs.
>Look around for familiar faces.
>Head toward that someone.
>"Heeey!"
>"Is Yuyuko available? I need to talk with her. Well, with the both of you, probably."
>"Not so much wrong as I need you both. We're going to fix the hole in the barrier."
>"Though...I do need to talk to Yuyuko about something else private, while I'm here."
>Follow that ghost!
>Float behind Yuyuko, let's see what she's sketching, and if she notices us.
>"Hate to bother you, but I need to talk for a little bit."
>"First, would you happen to have or know of any literature on the creation of the Great Hakurei Barrier?"
>"Precisely. But we need all we can get. We're working to fix the hole in it, and we're going to try to modify that ritual to do it."
>"Then I'd like to ask you to come personally. I'm sure your talents and experience would give us quite a boost."
>"A whole lot of things. It's a number of rituals that are rolled together. And I'm not sure how we'll be altering them yet, right now I'm just gathering up people and materials."
>"Yeah. I want as many people as I can get there, so we can spread out the workload. Would you join us?"
>"Thank you. I always had something personal I wanted to ask you."
>"Did you know about what Yukari did to me, practically my whole life?"
>"So, you're saying she never went into details?"
>"Yep. She stole my past and my family."
>"I expect it's not the first time."
>"Indeed. I was just wondering if this were unusual, or if she makes a habit of playing with peoples lives for laughs and driving their families to suicide."
>"Oh, I have no doubt the last bit wasn't according to plan at all. It's just a result of the plan."
>"Well, I've recently learned quite a bit about my mother, and foster mother. Well, it's more correct to say everything I learned about them I learned recently, as Yukari stole the memory of them from me."
>"Not much I can do right now. I'm just curious how well know it was."
>"Related to that, you wouldn't have happened to have had a Tamiko Hakurei pass through here, would you?"
>"Left for where? Or was it not a where she went to?"
>"Heh. I think I like that idea. She deserves something nice after what she had to put up with. I don't suppose you've seen a <father's name>?"
>"It'd be nice if they did. They both deserve to have something good happen for once."
>Nod.
>"Anyways, that's what I wanted to ask, whether you knew about this or not."
>"I don't know. So the sooner, the better. We have about a week, I think."
>"Scarlet Devil Mansion."
>"I have a stop or two left, yet. You haven't happened to have seen Marisa lately, have you?"
>Nod.
>"Didn't think so, I figured I should check."
>Nod. "Yeah."
>Make proper goodbyes and take our leave. Make for the shores of the Sanzu River.
>Not bad. Let's swim down to the docks.
>Swim toward Komachi. Wave to get her attention.
> "So. We figured out the mystery of our time traveling ghosts."
>"Gensokyo got knocked out of its place in time by the incident that made that hole in the sky. That's being worked on."
>"Bit by bit. I was kind of hoping you guys could help in that regard."
>"Yeah. Normally, I'd respect that and not have said anything at all. But this affects both our world and yours."
>"If the Hakurei Border falls, which it's in the process of doing, you guys aren't going to be any better off than we are."
>"I imagine she has a vested interest in the continued existence of Higan. Can you contact her?"
>"Can I come and make my case directly?"
>"I figured. Maybe do it the other way around and bring her here?"
>"Alright."
>"I know. Just business, for all of the few days that'll be left for business."