Faint light from a lamp outside shines through a window in the Palace of the Earth Spirits. The beam lands on Youmu's face as she rests under the covers of one of the many guest beds.

"Mnh… yaaaaaawn," moans the half-phantom as she sits up and rubs her eyes.

"Youmuuuuuuuuu!"

"Huh- mphf!"

Yuyuko, who had been sitting at Youmu's bedside since arriving at the Palace, gives her gardener an overjoyed hug once the latter wakes up.

"Lady… Yuyuko… can't… breathe…" Youmu chokes out.

"You did so well!" says Yuyuko, not hearing Youmu's objections. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Body… hurts…"

"Oh," the ghost says, letting go, "I'm sorry! I was just thrilled to see you awake. You've been asleep for nearly a day. You worked so hard."

"A day!?"

"About twenty hours, to be precise. When you were found, you looked like an absolute mess and had many minor injuries, the worst being a shard in your side. Yuugi located the phone you dropped and answered when I called you. She filled me in on your condition and that you accomplished your mission, so I rushed down here as fast as I could to bring some spare clothes and look after you. Orin already dressed your wounds and removed the shard by the time I got here."

Looking down at herself, Youmu sees that she is wearing a green robe with a pattern of white insignias that match her usual clothes. There are various bandages on her body; her arms and legs have multiple while the largest is wrapped around her abdomen where the shard was.

"I got to see the shard before Orin threw it away," Yuyuko continues. "I could tell at a glance it was from Hakurouken, so I kept it with me. I'll leave it here now that you've woken up. What drove you to such measures was beyond me until Seija told us everything during her interrogation."

"Seija…" muses Youmu, still groggy. "Seija! Where is she!? Is everything alright? What about Yuugi or Koishi?"

"Calm down, she's under careful observation and won't be going anywhere," Yuyuko says while placing a comforting hand on Youmu's shoulder. "Though she's been extremely cooperative since waking up; I don't think she intends on trying anything. Yuugi defeated Shin after what was apparently a very long battle. Koishi is in her room, last I heard."

Their conversation is interrupted by a knock on the door.

"May I come in?" asks a voice Youmu vaguely recognizes.

"Yes, of course. She's awake now," Yuyuko answers.

The door opens and a girl with pale purple hair, a light blue shirt, a light pink skirt, and pink slippers walks in. Red cords, similar to Koishi's bluish-purple ones, wrap around her body with them connecting to an open eye in the front.

"You're Satori Komeiji!" says Youmu, now wide awake.

"Correct," Satori responds, smiling softly. "And you're Youmu Konpaku, the person to whom I owe a great deal of thanks."

Yuyuko stands up before saying, "Satori already told me everything, so I'll go whip up some delicious onigiri for you! You must be starving."

Youmu's stomach rumbles, causing her to blush.

"T-thank you, Lady Yuyuko," she stutters as she looks away.

With a chuckle, Yuyuko takes her leave. Satori sits on the chair she was using.

"I'm sure you have many questions. I will do my best to answer them all."

"The last thing I remember after defeating Seija is a voice," says Youmu. "That was you?"

"Yes."

"Where were you this entire time?"

"In hiding. I surmised roughly how long it would take for things to settle and then went to the Nuclear Furnace through the entrance on Youkai Mountain, where I found you."

"Why were you hiding? Orin was worried about you!"

"Koishi and Orin told you about my… moment of weakness, did they not?" asks Satori, retaining her composure but obviously pained by the memory.

"Y-yeah, they did. While I realize it probably doesn't mean much, I'm truly sorry you have to go through that."

"Your sympathies are appreciated. You see, I noticed Koishi was acting strangely following that incident, so I followed her to the surface the next time she went. I then witnessed her deal with Seija and Shinmyoumaru, reading the latter two's minds to find out their scheme. Normally I would have confronted them right there; however, upon hearing about Koishi's request for a wish, I-" she sighs. "I hesitated. While I cannot read her mind, the circumstances were too perfect. I want Koishi to open her heart to others again more than anything."

"What did you, then? Leave?"

"I was truly considering it and letting them have their way with the Nuclear Furnace - something I fully recognize as selfish given my role as overseer - when I learned about the Miracle Mallet's drawback. As much as I want her to reopen her Third Eye, the consequences of using the mallet were also a concern. The problem was that once Koishi fixates on something, it's nearly impossible to shake her interest until she gets bored naturally. In this case, it was much more important to her than usual. If I tried reasoning with her- well, no, that would be a lie to excuse my cowardice."

Satori averts her eyes from Youmu, her shame clear as day.

I think I know where this is going.

"It was never a matter of whether or not you thought you should stop Koishi," Youmu says, "but whether or not you could even bring yourself to do so."

A sad smile forms on Satori's face.

"Pathetic, is it not? I always wanted to do what was best for her, but when the time came for decisive action, finding the resolve to stop my sister proved impossible for me. She was attempting to reopen her Third Eye for my sake. How in the world was I supposed to get in her way with a clear conscience? And, hypocrite that I am, I always said Koishi should do this only when she felt she was ready. For herself to prove she had overcome her demons. I wanted to respect her past choices while nurturing her growth. That self-righteousness meant nothing here."

I feel like I'm intruding on a deeply personal family matter…

"Please, don't feel bad," says Satori, reading Youmu's thoughts. "I knew you would have to learn these things when I went to you for help."

"Help? So the one responsible for the message-"

"Was me, yes. I knew logically that stopping Koishi was the right thing to do, for both the Nuclear Furnace and her safety, but I was too weak to do it. However, something I make sure to do is keep tabs on Gensokyo's notable individuals. People like Reimu Hakurei and Marisa Kirisame, the various religious centers such as Moriya Shrine and Myouren Temple, and so on. By extension, that includes you, Youmu. You've helped resolve multiple incidents in the past and are known for your straightforward determination."

I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment.

"It is, I assure you. I also picked you because your Hakurouken was the perfect counter to Koishi's abilities."

"Having you answer my thoughts is definitely a strange experience," Youmu admits.

Satori lets out a chuckle.

"I'm happy I haven't scared you off," she says. "Most would have asked me to stop by now."

"I understand you can't entirely help it and that it's in your nature to do so."

…
'Nature' huh? I fought Seija to the last because my nature conflicted with hers. Are we really just slaves to that?

"I don't think that's the case," says Satori. "You were born into a hereditary position as a gardener and guardian for Yuyuko, but through your incident solving you've made an impact that goes beyond your station. Koishi also chose to deny how she was before, for better or worse."

"I do what I do because of my loyalty to Lady Yuyuko, though."

"That's just it, you do it out of care for her, not obligation. Or, if you would prefer, you could say your sense of obligation is rooted in that care. It's where you find your resolve. There is theoretically nothing stopping you from abandoning her and striking out on your own, yet you choose to stay. You two share a bond that goes beyond master and servant. Deciding to tread the path that was laid out for you and making it your own, as you have done, is also an exercise of free will."

"To be honest, I feel some of this has gone over my head," Youmu says while looking down, "but I understand what you're getting at and appreciate it. And I guess even Seija subverted her own nature as a friendless amanojaku by truly connecting with Shin. Back to the original topic, how did you get me involved in this?"

"Beyond reading thoughts, a satori can affect the mind in other ways. Once I decided to enlist your assistance, I went to the Netherworld and stealthily approached Hakugyokurou. You were tending the garden in an odd fashion-"

"T-that's enough of that."

The look on Satori's face is puzzled before morphing into one of understanding.

"As you wish, your secret is safe with me. I am able to induce a mild hypnosis in others, which I did to you after you finished. It made it where, on the day of Seija's plan, two things would occur. First, you would go into a trance when you were alone and write a message on your arm imploring you to go to the Underworld. Second, upon reaching the entrance, you would be attacked by an illusion that utilized all the methods Seija and Koishi would employ. I can also copy the attacks of others by reading their memories, though creating a convincing fake that triggered without me being there took the extent of my skill. Fighting it would preemptively give you an idea of what you were up against and ample motivation to keep pressing forward."

"So the attacker at the entrance was a fake, which explains what Seija said before. This plan seems far from fool-proof, though. There was a decent chance I'd fail."

"I cannot deny that; yet, these measures were the most this coward of a sister could muster the courage to do. Once that was done, I took a leave of absence from the Palace to reflect on what I really wanted for both myself and my sister. …And also because I was too ashamed to face the ones who put their faith and loyalty in me."

The two sit silently in the guest room, Youmu processing their conversation.

"For what it's worth, feeling like you can't go against those you care about is a very common thing," she says. "When Orin surrendered to Koishi's will in the furnace, I was reminded of how far I'd go for Lady Yuyuko. Had it not been for Yuugi's words earlier that day, I very well might have folded under the pressure. Doing everything alone with no one to help you, be it in person or in spirit, will eventually cause you to fail, I've learned. I think you faced that with Koishi and, ever so slightly, addressed it by entrusting the mission to me."

"I used you to escape my own fear!" Satori objects, her stoic façade finally cracking. "My sister's safety was on the line and I acted selfishly!"

"If your fear and selfishness truly controlled you, you could have run away entirely or even sided with Seija. You did neither."

"I-"

"You were faced with an impossible decision and did the best you could. It wasn't perfect, but your love for your sister triumphed. Take the lesson you learned to heart and move forward. Dwelling on the past won't solve anything; you should know."

Satori is speechless in the face of Youmu's words.

After a while, the older Komeiji calms down and says, "You are absolutely right. The past is indelible, but the future is unwritten. Thank you for reminding me of that. It seems I now owe you twice over. While I am no Miracle Mallet, if there is anything you want that is within my power to grant, please name it."

The gardener thinks for a moment.

"How about a dinner party? Even after Lady Yuyuko comes back with food, assuming she doesn't eat it all on the way, I could use a proper meal."

"Consider it done. Who would you like to invite?"

"Everyone directly involved with the incident, including those who helped on the surface. Also, please invite Parsee Mizuhashi and Kisume, if you know of them."

"I'm familiar with those two, yes. And you might be happy to hear that Reimu, Marisa, Sanae, and Yukari are already here. Yuyuko came first out of concern for you, while they arrived a bit later to discuss the details in person. All of them were present for Seija and Shinmyoumaru's interrogation, as well. It was decided their restitution would be community service to fix all the property damage they were responsible for in the Former Capital. Koishi was excused due to her condition."

Considering most incident instigators don't get punished at all, that's more than good enough for me. And, all things considered, their plan wouldn't have caused as much harm as many past incidents potentially could have.

"I will instruct Orin to send out the invitations, gather ingredients, and set up the dining hall right away," Satori continues. "Reimu, Marisa, and Sanae should be willing to help me with the cooking. Please rest for as long as you need. When the time comes for the banquet, I shall send for you."

Satori stands up and walks to the door before turning around and bowing deeply.

"Once again, you have my deepest gratitude, Youmu. Know that you will always be welcomed in the Underworld with open arms."

"Thank you," says Youmu, returning the bow as best she can in her bed.

With that, Satori leaves and Youmu is alone with her thoughts.

It's finally over. After all that, the Komeijis' situation likely won't be changing anytime soon. I'm happy Koishi didn't end up doing something she'd regret.

She lays her head back down and looks out the window. The dim atmosphere and expansive cavern walls, once unpleasant to her, now feels oddly comfortable.

I hope that those sisters can find a solution on their own terms one day.

A stray spirit flies by outside.

B-but they can do that without me here!

The banquet in the Palace's dining hall is in full swing by the time Youmu enters.

I should try and talk to everyone since I invited them.

Reimu and Marisa chat at one end of the room, already halfway drunk, while Sanae contentedly drinks tea next to them and helps keep the two grounded.

"Yo, Youmu! Over here!" yells Marisa with a wave, prompting Youmu to walk over. "How's it feel to be the hero?"

"The attention isn't something I'm used to, I'll admit."

"We were stuck on guard duty at the Underworld's front entrance so Seija wouldn't slip away," says Reimu before taking a big sip of her drink.

"I was at the Youkai Mountain entrance all alone," Sanae pouts.

"Did you see Satori, then?" asks Youmu.

"No, apparently she passed by without me noticing her."

Weren't you supposed to be on lookout?

"Once Yuyuko sent word that you succeeded we were called off," says Marisa.

Reimu takes another swig and says, "By the time it was over, it felt like we had been running around for nothing. Though looking at how roughed up you got, I probably shouldn't complain."

"My side's gonna be sore for a little while but beyond that I'm fine," Youmu responds.

"That's good to hear," says Sanae. "I hope you enjoy the party!"

The three resume their conversation while Youmu turns around to see, near the room's center, Yuyuko and Yukari laughing heartily. The former sits besides a gigantic plate of food, already half eaten.

The gardener goes up to them and says, "Lady Yuyuko, is everything alright? Do you need me to refill your plate?"

"Youmu, you don't need to be worrying about me tonight. This occasion is for you!" Yuyuko says.

"I must say, your performance was impressive," says Yukari. "Congratulations on cleaning up Satori's mess."

"What do you mean?" Youmu asks.

"This was her responsibility that she thrusted on you. She even forced me on a wild goose chase," says Yukari with an uncharacteristic edge of annoyance.

"Yukari dear," Yuyuko interjects, "everything worked out, didn't it? No use getting upset! It's not like you hunted Seija and Shin after the fireworks festival, so they were bound to strike again."

"I suppose you're right. I don't mean to bring down the mood. Speaking of, do either of you know where our gracious host is?"

"Satori's speaking with Koishi right now," says Youmu. "She stopped by before the party to tell me she'd be late because of it-"

"WOOOOOOOOOO!" a loud voice cheers, interrupting the conversation.

Where it originates, Yuugi appears to be having the time of her life drinking entire tubs of sake. However, she is not alone; to her left side is Parsee, quietly milling over her cup. The enigmatic expression on her face leaves her mood ambiguous. Standing on Yuugi's shoulder is Shinmyoumaru, not using the Miracle Mallet to increase her size for the moment. She is drinking a good amount as well. Both the oni and inchling have a few bandages of their own, though not to the extent of Youmu. They are competing in a playful drinking contest, proportional to what each can physically consume. Looking up, Yuugi notices her friend and motions for her to come over.

"Go on, Youmu," urges Yuyuko. "It's not every day you'll get to see everyone."

With a bow to her mistress, Youmu makes her way to the odd trio.

"Youmu! This party was a great idea! I haven't gotten to cut loose like this in way too long!" Yuugi says.

"Oh!" says Parsee, perking up. "H-hello, Youmu."

"Are you doing alright?" Youmu asks.

"I'm sure it's nice to have the luxury to be concer- uh, ahem."

She must have already relapsed.

"I-I-I am doing f-fine," Parsee stutters. "T-thank you for y-your concern."

"Dang, never seen you thank someone genuinely," muses Yuugi.

"Oh shut up- I mean, I owe a great deal to her."

Or maybe she's still fighting it? Hmm, I was originally gonna use this for something else, but…

"Parsee," says Youmu as she pulls a metal shard out of her pocket, "this is a piece of Hakurouken, the sword I used on you before. It retains the properties of the whole thing, so if you'd like to keep it-"

"I… I truly appreciate that offer but must decline."

"Why?"

"What you did for me before was liberating in a way, but it also forced me to grapple with my own actions. I must be responsible for myself, even if I fully revert; relying on that wouldn't be true growth."

"If you're sure, I understand."

Parsee manages a small but truthful smile and nods her head.

"Ahhhh!" Shinmyoumaru exhales, oblivious to the mood. "This stuff is delicious! That dish of yours is something else, Yuugi."

"You hold your alcohol better than I would've thought," Yuugi responds. "Let's see how long you can last!"

"I won't lose this time, even to an oni!"

Youmu is taken aback by the sudden comraderie while Parsee returns to her drink.

D-did I miss something?

"Oh, guess I never got a chance to tell you," says Yuugi. "Shin and I's fight went on for a long time. She was way tougher than I gave her credit for, even discountin' the lantern she was usin'. I still won, of course, but I couldn't afford to hold back."

"Your danmaku encapsulated pure power. It was some of the most amazing I've ever seen," Shinmyoumaru concedes.

"Yours wasn't half bad either."

"I already know that! And next time, you won't be beating me. I'll show you the true power of the small!"

"Ha! I look forward to it! But you're gonna have to prove you can keep up with me here, first!"

The two return to their contest.

"Are all your friends this weird?" says a voice behind Youmu.

"Huh? Who's- WAH!" the gardener yelps.

Three will-o'-wisps dance in front of her in a spiral pattern.

"Kisume! That isn't funny!" Youmu complains.

"So you are scared of them," says Kisume, floating down in her bucket. "Wasn't sure if it was that or you were just caught off guard when they woke you up."

Youmu runs behind Yuugi before saying, "Now that you've proven your theory, can you get them away from me!?"

"Actually, I'm curious about that too. Why do spirits spook ya so much?" Yuugi asks.

"What sane person wouldn't be!? They're departed beings that could wander anywhere! And just look at them!"

"But you have a wisp-like thing floating around you all the time," says Parsee.

"That's different! You wouldn't understand!" says Youmu, gripping the back of Yuugi's kimono tightly.

"And we lost to her…?" Shinmyoumaru asks herself.

"Okay, that's enough teasin'," says Yuugi. "You did good, I mean that."

Youmu lets go of the oni and says, "It was your words that helped keep me going when I was on the verge of giving up."

"Aw, you're flatterin' me."

"Really, I'm extremely grateful. I never would have succeeded without you helping me."

"Same to you. Next time ya come down here, be sure to find me so we can get a drink. It'll be an oni's welcome!"

"I will say," Shinmyoumaru begins, a glint in her eye, "you two showed some real spirit taking us down."

All the Youkai laugh at that, leaving Youmu thoroughly embarrassed.

"I-I'm gonna go get a drink!" she says, running off.

I can't help what I find scary!

Utterly defeated, Youmu is pouring herself a cup of sake when she feels a tap on her shoulder and turns around to see Orin and Okuu.

"Feeling better?" Orin asks. "I'm glad to see you on your feet. I hope you weren't bothered by my treating your injuries."

"Of course not, you did a great job!" Youmu reassures her.

"I… I'm really sorry!" yells Orin, bowing deeply.

"Whoa, what's all this about?"

"For making you fight Seija alone! I couldn't bring myself to do anything, I was utterly useless to both you and the mistresses!"

"I-it's okay! Believe me, I know how you feel. I'd never be able to raise a hand at Lady Yuyuko unless she explicitly forced me to."

Which she doesn't need to know has happened multiple times…

"Ohhhhhhh, Youmu!"

Orin nearly tackles Youmu to the ground with a hug, tearing up.

"I'd like to apologize as well," says Okuu, speaking up for the first time. "I don't remember much, but I was a major hindrance to you, right?"

"It's not like you were in control of your actions," Youmu responds while she struggles to remain standing with a cat Youkai squeezing her.

"Though I do vaguely remember our fight being really fun! I wish I could recall the details better."

I'd sooner like to forget the heat.

Eventually Orin composes herself and lets go.

"Really, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask us for help," says Orin. "Everyone at the Palace really owes you one."

Youmu takes a moment to breathe and says, "Satori offered similar sentiments. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"Oh, Orin, I just got a great idea!" says Okuu excitedly. "Wanna see if I can balance everyone's cups on my control rod? In-house entertainment!"

The hell raven runs off before waiting for a response.

"I should go take care of this before we have another incident," Orin says before hurrying after her companion.

At least Okuu is in good hands.

"I'm glad you're having a good time."

Youmu does an about face and lays eyes on both Komeijis. Koishi is smiling as always, though giddier than usual. Her older sister, while clearly tired, bears a peaceful look.

"Hey miss! Sis and I talked a whiiiiiiile," says Koishi, "but it was fun!"

"Did you two hash things out?" Youmu asks.

"Something to that effect. Koishi does not quite grasp everything, but she expressed her desire to stay as is for the time being if I, in her words, 'wasn't sad anymore,'" says Satori. "While I will not ever be truly fine with it, I can make my peace until she is able to reopen her Third Eye naturally. Using the Miracle Mallet to force the issue could very well have made the problem worse."

"I'm gonna go play with the others!" Koishi says before running off to Yuugi's group.

"Seems nothing ever gets her down," says Youmu.

Satori nods in agreement. "Quite. Also, it appears we have company."

"Reading minds to spoil surprises, huh?" says a voice above Youmu.

Seija levitates above them upside down, holding a cup of her own rightside up. She, too, has bandages on her arms as well as one on her head. A wry smile rests on her face.

"I'd ask if you were fun at parties, but that seems a bit too on the nose," she says.

"You don't have to bother with her, Satori," says Youmu. "Go enjoy your time with the others. I wanted to sit and chat with Seija for a bit, anyway."

Giving the half-phantom a knowing look, Satori says, "Alright. At the risk of sounding redundant, let me say it one more time: thank you so much."

She leaves to meet with Yukari and Yuyuko. Seija descends to the ground, landing on her feet.

"Enjoying your fifteen minutes of fame?"

Youmu takes a large sip. "Not as much as you'll enjoy your time doing hard labor the next few weeks."

"Tch, got me there."

"So how about what I mentioned? I figure this'll be our last chance to talk for a while."

"What's your game here?" Seija asks, narrowing her eyes. "Why invite Shin and me to this?"

"It's a tradition in Gensokyo to close out an incident by sharing a meal, right?"

"Don't you hate me? Don't I tick you off?"

"While you certainly annoy me, it would take a lot more than what you're capable of to make me feel genuine hate."

"Is that a compliment or an insult?"

"Take it as whichever bothers you more."

"Ah, you got jokes now. One win and you get all cocky."

"Besides, I'll at least cut you some slack for not knowing the severity of the issue you were dealing with by getting Koishi involved."

"Hmph," Seija grunts. "Fine then, we can 'sit and chat' if you want."

They go to an unoccupied corner of the room and plop down on a laid-out mat.

"So, what'd you wanna talk about?"

"Two things," says Youmu. "First, I heard you were extremely cooperative in the interrogation. Why? That seems very unlike you. Were you scared of Satori's mind reading?"

"Nah, got nothing to do with her. Once you're caught for real, that's it. No use losing my dignity if I can't see an out."

"Surprisingly mature of you."

"Don't get the wrong idea, I fully intend to figure out a new plan with Shin when we're free. You better not expect some garbage like I'll 'see the error of my ways' or 'turn over a new leaf' or whatever," Seija warns. "But I'll be happy not to come back to this stupid, outdated excuse for a hellhole for a long time. I've had more than enough of it."

That must be her way of promising not to mess with the Underworld or Nuclear Furnace again.

"So that's the only reason you cooperated?" Youmu asks. "You didn't think there was a point to resist?"

"Heh," chuckles Seija before taking a swig. "Someone who flips my expectations at every turn the way you do can figure out the rest."

She's playing nice because I impressed her?

"Anyway, that was the first thing," Seija continues. "What's the second?"

"I want you to have this," says Youmu, holding out the shard of Hakurouken.

"Isn't this what you stabbed yourself with? Why the heck are you giving it to me? Don't tell me this is an offering of friendship."

"Nothing of the sort. I simply want you to hold onto this piece so that, whenever you look at it, you're reminded of the one who caught you. The one who beat you. After everything I dealt with because of your actions, that's my reward for winning our battle."

Seija stares at Youmu. Her eyes flicker between the gardener's face and the shard. Finally, she takes the shard from Youmu's hand.

"I'll be sure to return it next time we fight."

"I'd like to see you try."

"If nothing else, you've got guts. To future animosity," says the amanojaku, holding her cup up.

Youmu returns the favor and clinks her cup with Seija's. As they take their drinks, they see Koishi staring in amazement as Okuu wobbly balances ten cups on the end of her control rod. All the other guests watch with a combination of amusement and horror, but right when the worst happens, Orin catches them all in a flash. The others even give her a round of applause.

"Me next!" Koishi declares.

Snagging the cups from Orin, she begins stacking them on her hat. Satori looks on from a distance and, following an exasperated sigh, smiles.

And to future possibilities.