> The first page of the book of infinite thickness opens with the sound of a single strike of a hammer upon the world-anvil.
> The divine existence, the measure of celestial power greedily takes hold of its host - a girl, barely more than a child caught in the right place at the right time - now forever-bound to a doom surpassing that of mortals.
> The girl utters a silent scream as power courses through a body far from ready to handle a fragment of a god descending upon it. Her torment is unimaginable...
> ...For all except you, Akyu, last scion of the Hieda clan, having recently awakened to untold celestial power through the existence buried deep in the core of your soul.
> Now your ancestors' memory is your memory, and their destiny is yours to meet.
> You, Akyu, Are. You Are the progenitor of your entire clan, and it is your being that will sow the seeds of Gensokyo's salvation.
> But for now, Are of the Hieda clan can only live out the suffering of the mortal child that she is as fate-threads connect her little destiny to far grander designs...
> ...
> Time passes like the endless lines of soldiers march across the plains before you, mercilessly trampling the wildgrasses and fieldflowers in their path. The life-spirits of the green and gold fields have long been placated and compensated for this intrusion into their territory. It was a simple negotiation - their cooperation would mean this world's survival.
> Your loyal aide stands at your side, ready with her report as you ponder your best strategy.
> ...
> You delve deeper into your memories. No detail must be overlooked. You must remember everything there is to yourself as Are.
> You try to remember the essence of your celestial power. Was it:
> The burning Golden Flame of hubris and perfection?
> or
> The shining Crimson Light of majesty and dark contracts?
> or
> The pulsing Black Void of corruption and wisdom?
> You delve deeper still.
> You try to remember everything there is to know about your most trusted lieutenant.
> Was she:
> Obviously, she was
> A fiery ruffian, violent and scornful, but fiercely loyal to her few friends?
> or
> A solemn bodyguard, ever at her general's side through fire and hardship?
> unbefitting, this treatment, still she
> or
> A wise and proud spirit, hiding a compassionate nature under a cold exterior?
> she accedes
> or
> A stray thought, elegant and attractive, a great lover, highly intelligent and supremely modest?