MagusDream

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Nightmare Unitia - Hakurei Shrine

The Maestro htook the hit from Rayla's attack directly. It broke into dark shards and flew away with the wind.


Jin: We did it! Hell yeah!!

Umbra: I can already feel some fluctuations. We might get out of here soon enough.

As Umbra commented, Marina looked behind and saw the town they were living. The sky was enshrouded by a complete dark red with black clouds filling it. The moon was barely visible and while trying to find, it looked shattered.


Marina: I wonder if this is the same town as it is from reality.

Auror: I think this is a good time to ask. Where exactly are we, anyway?

Ictio: This is the Nightmare Realm. Pretty ugly, right?

Auror: Nightmare Realm?

Marina: Oh, I have read about it at home! This is the world where Nightmares live in, right?
Umbra: Correct. This is the world where Nightmares exist and consume people's spirits while they are asleep.

Auror: I see... so for us to have those horrible visions at night, a Nightmare eats our spirit. That explains why we wake up so disheartened and the day seems like a drag.

Alice: This leads to another question I want to make. What happened to the Dream Realm?

Ictio looked surprised as Alice mentioned the Dream Realm. She seemed to know about it, which made him curious.


Ictio: You know about this stuff?

Reimu: It's a very long story but yes, we do. In any case, what happened to it?
Umbra: It has been devoured.

Cookie: Devoured? Then...

Jin: The Nightmare Realm took all of it!

Kiragi: That's so cruel... why would they do such a thing?

Auror: It's not hard to imagine, actually. If Dreams are supposed to bring hope and joy, Nightmares are supposed to bring despair and sadness. It's like Yin-Yang, opposites that never match.

Ictio: Hey, that's not true at all! I get along with my brother all the time! Right, Umbra?

Umbra: Don't pin this on me.

Auror: Right... along all the time, you say.

Marina: Maybe this is the reason why that Nightmare demon attacked this morning.

Kaito: She did say something about how Nightmares will devour hope and no one will dream anymore.

Auror: It's because of that we labeled this as an incident. If people don't dream anymore and only have Nightmares at bedtime, their spirits will grow weaker and weaker until they don't want to live anymore.

Marina: The result of the growing pessimism will be a crisis...

Location: Spring Zone - Streets Near the Hakurei Shrine

BGM: Dance to the Death still playing

Upon hearing the call, Xaizor rolled over as the stones came flying down in the group of monsters attacking them.


Xaizor: Nice hit! Let's send those guys packing!

Xaizor: Marina ain't the only one who knows magic! Dark Firaga!!

Xaizor shot a ball of dark flame upon a group of monsters. It exploded once contact was made, sending them flying.

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Nightmare Unitia - Hakurei Shrine

BGM: In the Shadows still playing

Auror kept his rhythm of fast attacks at the drum. The barriers, who came at a slow rate, were almost non-existent. The drumsticks were also pretty much unable to hit him. After a last spear strike, he evaded a drumstick attack and transformed his spear into a big ice hammer.


Auror: Time for the finale!

He went downwards, spinning vertically. When he reached the drum, he smashed it strongly with the help of the centrifugal force created by the motion, enhancing the power of his attack. The instrument broke into bits and vanished, with the drumsticks following it.


Auror: Drum and barriers down!

The trumpet had no easy time either. With Kaito, Jin and Cookie fighting at close combat, the lasers were completely unable to hit them.


Jin: Ha! This thing cannot even hit us! This is going to be a piece of cake!

Cookie: Don't get cocky! Here comes a swing!

At Cookie's warning, the three evaded a smashing swing from the trumpet. They gave a little of space for it to shoot a laser, but Cookie blocked it with a keystone.


Jin: So you can still control those things!

Cookie: Now's your chance! Go!

Jin: Let's go, kid! History "The Great Emperor's First Fist"!

Kaito: Right with you! Going up!

Jin charged his ki and darted at the trumpet, hitting it at the keystone and plunging it even further. Kaito, who had leaped in the air, descended at it and attacked with a flurry of kicks. Once he ended, he tossed his flaming chakrams at the inside of the trumpet.


Cookie: This is farewell.

Cookie closed his fist and the keystone broke apart inside the instrument. The reaction of the flames and the keystone's still active core generated an explosion that blew the trumpet apart, as its remains scattered to the wind.


Kaito: Alright, trumpet down!!

Jin: Let's rejoin the others!

The violin was probably the most problematic. It kept releasing its noises, so it paralyzed the team on its tracks. Its bow actually functioned like a sword, trying to slash them.


Reimu: This noise won't quit playing for a second!!

Marina: I have an idea! Miss Alice, can you use some sort of electrical power?

Alice: I think I do, through my wires. Why?

Marina: Place the dolls in a position where they can be covered in wires!

Alice: Alright then, give me backup!

Alice went running around as Reimu and the others shot their bullets at the violin in order to distract him. Once the dolls were positioned, she returned back to them.


Alice: What now?

Marina: At my signal! Watera!

Marina used a spell and invoked water bubbles, shooting them on the violin and the bow. It damaged them a little, but some of the water remained. With the plan done, Alice used her Spell Card.


Alice: Focus Sign "Trip Wire"!

Alice's wires began emitting a laser. The soaked surface of the instruments allowed an electric shock to be dealt at them. Using the opportunity, Kiragi ran behind them with the Sprites and attacked.


Umbra and Ictio: Light-Dark Combination!

Kiragi: Kiragi Fist!!

Kiragi summoned a giant fist that punched the violin away. Reimu backed off with a sommersault and used a Spell Card as well.


Reimu: Wild Sign "Wild Exorcism Dance"!

Giant needles started to pierce the violin as they were shot at it. Eventually, the instrument broke and the Maestro was left there.


Auror: Now, Rayla!!

Location: Spring Zone - Hakurei Shrine

BGM: Dance to the Death starts playing here

Xaizor arrived the beginning of the shrine stairway, only to see it overrun by monsters who didn't seem to let the way open.


Xaizor: *unsheathes sword* Get out of my way, you goddamn freaks!

The monsters ran at him and he entered battle stance. They tried to leap at him, but Xaizor dealt quick slashes to take them away. However, he knew that the number was big and that he wouldn't be able to do it alone.


Xaizor: I don't want to admit, but there are too many for me to handle!

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Nightmare Unitita - Hakurei Shrine

BGM: Dance to the Death still playing

The giant Nightamre used its instruments to attack. The trumped was the first one to move, shooting a big beam at the group. Reimu and Alice counterattacked with danmaku, but the drum beagn to play, creating a barrier and shielding the attacks.


Alice: A barrier?!

Reimu: That drum generated it. Unless we beat it first, we're not getting close to it.

Umbra: The Maestro use those instruments to attack. The Trumpet shoots that beam we evaded, the drum creates barriers and the violin-

Jin: The drum creates barriers, huh? I'm on it!

Ictio: Wait, you shouldn't!

Jin charged at the drum, in hopes of hitting it. However, the violin started to play a cacophonic note that paralyzed him it his tracks, alongside everyone else.


Kiragi: Aaah!! My ears!!

Cookie: This loud noise...!!

Umbra: This is what the violin does...

Alice: J-Jin, get out of there!!

But he couldn't move. That gave the drumstick enough time to knock him away. Jin was sent towards them, but Kaito managed to stop him.


Kaito: You good?

Jin: Yeah. Thanks, man.
Kiragi: H-How are we going to reach it?!

Reimu: I don't know... we need to break off their formation, but how?

A blue blur went flashing through them and towards the drum. Since the Maestro was distracted with the trumpet attack, the drum couldn't generate a barrier and it was hit. When it stopped, Kaito recognized the flash instantly.


Kaito: Auror?!

BGM: In the Shadows

One of the drumsticks tried to hit Auror but he jumped away before that could happen. Holding a spear of ice, the weapon he used to attack the drum, he looked back at them. Marina soon arrived as well.


Marina: Miss Reimu! Everyone! You are safe!

Cookie: Well, seems like help came earlier than I thought.

Auror: *sigh* Why I had a feeling you'd come here and why did I have to be right, Kaito?

Kaito: Well... that's...

Reimu: Save the discussions from later. Your name is Auror, right? Thanks to you, we managed to knock the drum for a while, so the barriers will stop spamming quickly.

Alice: It'll still generate them, though.

Auror: I'll distract it and you all go after the instruments, if I am to say they're te targets.

Alice: That's right. Before we can hit their leader, we need to deal with the instruments first.

Auror: Got it. Leave the drum to me.

Using his wind magic, Auror went at fast speeds towards the drum in order to attack it and distract it. It generated barriers, like Alice said, but at a slower rate. However, with it focused on a target, the other instruments would be left unprotected.


Reimu: Now we need to take care of the other two instruments. The trumpet shoots lasers and the violin seems to disrupt us with its sound.

Alice: Then let's divide it like this. Those who fight in close combat go after the trumpet and who fight at the distance go after the violin. What do you think?

Jin: Sounds like a good plan. Then it's me, the kid and Cookie against the trumpet then!

Cookie: You can count on me.

Kaito: Heh, you can call me "kid" but I'll show you how it's done!

Reimu: Marina, Alice, the little boy and the spirits, let's get the violin. Be careful of the sound it makes!

Alice: Got it!

Marina: As you command!

Ictio: Let's do this!!

Umbra: Why are you so excited for this?

Kiragi: Let's go, everyone!!

They split up according to the plan. Marina, Reimu, Alice, Kiragi and the twin sprites went after the violin as Jin, Cookie and Kaito went after the trumpet. Auror, alone, attacked the drum.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Entrance

The bell finally rang and the students began to leave one by one. Frustrated, Mia planned into leaving by herself. However, that plan was cut short, since someone came to escort her back. He walked towards her direction, beaming a cool smile.

???: In low spirits today, little Mia?

Mia: *sigh* Yes, Lieutenant Sieghart...


Unknown Prime Knight
Ercnard Sieghart

When she joined the knights, Mia had expectations to be trained under Krantz's wing. However, Sieghart was the one who trained her. She had no idea of taking upon the sword from the beginning, as the Aegis is one of her family's heirlooms. Still, he trained her with the usage of the shield. And while Mia admits he's skilled, her superior's attitude irritates her a bit.


Sieghart: Come on, don't make that sad face. Beam a smile, it fits you more.

Mia: I'm not up for jokes today, Lieutenant.

Sieghart: Really now? Well, you're never up for jokes anyway.

Mia: If I am to be escorted somewhere, why did Sir Krantz sent you? Couldn't he have sent Captain Ronan or Major Quaid?

Sieghart: Ow, how cold. Why do I, your superior and master, need to be mistreated like this?

Mia: Don't start a drama here. Leave that for when we're back at the base.

Sieghart: If you say so. By the way, Ronan and Quaid are busy with other missions so they couldn't come to fetch you. And Krantz is kinda busy as well, so we'll have a sparring session today.

Mia: Fine, I understand. Let's just go already.

Mia and Sieghart left the school perimeters and went towards the Winter District. With their images away from the sights of the students, Lilina, Masaru and Drake came down next.


Drake: That was a hell of a day, damn... I'm tired...

Masaru: Drake, you need to put some more backbone into it. Your grades are really low, so you got to make through the semester or else you'll fluke.

Drake: Whatever, man... who cares about grades. I'm just gonna head home.

Masaru: If you say so. We should be going too, Lilina.

Lilina: Actually, I'll take a detour. I need to go see something at the Guild before I can go home.

Masaru: Really? Well then, shall we go there?

Lilina: About that, I need to go alone.

Drake and Masaru looked at each other. They started to suspect a little about what Lilina wanted there and why she needed to go alone.


Drake: Hey, you know it's dangerous for you to be walking around undefended like you intend to, right? Also, what do you need to see there?

Lilina: Oh, I was hoping to talk with Sir Kail about the help he offered earlier.

Masaru: If that's the case, then why can't I come along?

Lilina: Look, I'd rather talk about this alone with him. It'll be fine, I'll be careful!

Drake: Lilina...

Lilina: Just this once! I need to go alone this time!

They were still suspecting her, but Lilina was insistent on the idea. Both of them sighed.


Drake: You're lucky I got something to check today, so I can't come along.

Masaru: I'll let you go this time, but phone me if something happens.

Lilina: I will. Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine.

Drake and Masaru left, each to their own way. Lilina breathed a little, wiping off a little of sweat.


Lilina: (And here I promised I wouldn't lie again. I can't just tell them the truth... not until I can confirm something.)

Lilina left the school and walked towards the World Crossers Guild, blending in the rest of the students for safety. In the moment she was out of vision range, another group of students came down.


Veronica: Where's Big Bro? I thought he'd be here, waiting for me.

Xaizor: Marina wasn't there with you to as well and she isn't here. Where the hell did she went off to?

Veronica: I mean, did something happen? There didn't seem to be happening any sort of attack around here, though.

Sayaka: Maybe they were called by the Guild or something?

Veronica: But the Guild doesn't have much contact with Ancestor families and they would've contacted my father, not Big Bro, if that were to be the case.

Xaizor: If they did, why Marina would go there with them too? Where's even the point?

Sayaka: What could have happened? Do you think they're OK?

Veronica: I'm pretty sure they're fine.

Xaizor: Well, if that's the case, I'm heading home now. See you all tomorrow.

Xaizor left Veronica and Sayaka at the gate and went towards the shrine. But when he looked at it...


Xaizor: What the hell...? What the actual hell?!

Seeing as it vanished, he darted towards his home in this world. It had vanished, for reasons unknown.

Location: Kanzakai School - Entrance Gate

After a while, they managed to evacuate all the students. Outside of the school, Fuindor and Orie took breaths. Sumireko, still injured and unconscious, was taken outside.


Fuindor: Good... we managed to evacuate the students...

Orie: I'm going to call an ambulance for Sumireko. Fuindor, go back inside and see if there's no one left behind.

Fuindor: G-Got it. The others haven't left yet, so I'll check if any of them is injured too.

Fuindor went back inside the school. As Orie began to call an ambulance, a single girl stood behind.


???: He went back in... and the attackers are still there. This is not good at all.

??? (I need to be quick. Focus, Melissa, focus. Just go and fetch everyone. I need to help them!)


Snow White of Humble Thoughts
Melissa C. Maestra

Determined to help, Melissa ran inside the school while Orie was distracted in order to help them. Even as a powerless human as she is, she might be able to do something.

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Spring Zone - Hakurei Shrine Entrance

BGM: Sea of Aspiration (Flow) still playing

Marina and Auror agreed with Rayla. Abandoning Lucent was the last thing they should do at this momennt. After running for a while, they finally reached the shrine's entrance.

Auror: Finally, we're here.

Marina: The shrine lies up the stairway. Once we climb it, we will reach the grounds.

Auror: Hmm? Hey, look over there!

They looked at a strange crack in space, similar to some sort of dark portal opened in the middle of space.

Auror: What's that supposed to be? A portal?

Marina: If it is one, it might lead us to the shrine.

Auror: Then let's take the chance and go right in.

Location: Nightmare Unitia - Hakurei Shrine

BGM: Vim and Vigor still playing

Alice and Jin fought hardly, but they were still surrounded. The wave of Nightmares never seemed to end.


Jin: God damn it, there's no end to those things!!

Alice: This is getting ridiculous... are we going to be trapped here forever?

As she spoke it, blasts of fire and light came at their direction. When they saw it, Kiragi, Kaito and the Sprites were coming at their direction.

Alice: You two! I'm so glad you're safe!

Kiragi: Yeah! We can fight too! We can fight too!

Jin: You can?

Kaito: Both me and Kiragi were breaking our way through those monsters. It doesn't seem like there'll be an end, though.

Alice: Seriously...

*BGM fades*

Suddenly, the shrine's front door broke with Reimu and Cooking coming flying towards the team. The other Nightmares all ran towards the shrine's interior.

Alice: Reimu! Cookie! Are you two alright?

Reimu: Yeah... somehow...

Cookie: We managed to survive that beast's attack at least...

Alice: Beast? What beast?

BGM: Dance to the Death


Strange instruments began to float out from the shrine's interior and its conductor also appeared. The Nightmare seemed to be more powerful than the previous ones.

Alice: W-Whoa... it's big!

Reimu: And it's powerful too. If we're not careful, he's going to beat us all alone.

Jin: Heh, the bigger the target, the bigger the fall.

Cookie: Aren't you overconfident as always...

Umbra: Once we beat it, we might be able to bring the shrine back to reality.

Ictio: Then let's send that thing packing with our big blasts!!

Kiragi: Yeah!! Let's go, Big Bro Kaito!!

Kaito: Hell yeah! We're bringing this thing down and we're saving Lucent!!

Reimu: On your toes, everyone!

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Entrance

BGM: Sea of Aspiration (Flow)

Once Rayla descended, they left the school perimeters and ran towards the shrine's direction. Auror decided to question Marina and see what she had found out.


Auror: So what are the bad news you have for us, Marina?

Marina: The theory I had thought at lunchtime proved to be correct at the end. I know what is attacking Mr. Lucent.

Auror: What is it then?

Marina: It is a Phantom. All the doubts and fears taken by the darkness and given form... this is what Mr. Lucent is fighting.

Auror: Then what Theo said at lunch about him distancing from us all...

Marina: He might not be too far off...

Auror: That little bastard... why he keeps doing this?

Auror: Anyway, how do we beat it?

Marina: ... We cannot interfere. Only Mr. Lucent is able to defeat his Phantom.

Auror: Wonderful... *sigh* We might as well focus on saving the shrine. I still don't get why it has disappeared.

Marina: I wish I could have known, but-

Auror: Mia didn't give you space, I know. Well, we'll discover it later then. Right now, we need to save them.

Marina: Agreed. Let us hurry!

From afar, sitting above a streetlamp, Azrel watched them run away.


Azrel: Seems like he isn't here. I didn't want to go to the Hakurei Shrine, but it seems I don't have much choices. Might as well pay a visit to Reimu, even though she's not going to be happy about this.

Location: Kanzakai School - Third Floor


Fuindor: Whoa! Where'd you guys-

Orie: Explanations later, Fuindor. Right now, we need to evacuate the third years.

Fuindor: Oh! Alright then, I'll be fast as a fox!

Nodding at him, they went each to a way, going through the classrooms to warn others about the dangers and ordering their evacuation. As he did it, Fuindor opened a door to a classroom where a single girl stood.


Fuindor: H-Hey, what are you doing here? You gotta run!

???: O-Oh, I just... I thought I felt something coming from here and I wanted to check it...

Fuindor: Well, now's not the time. Follow the other students and get out of here right now!

???: Did something happen?

Fuindor: It did and it's happening. Now hurry up!

???: Y-Yes, I will! Thank you for warning me.

The girl left the room. As she did, however, Fuindor felt a little strange.


Fuindor: That girl... what was that I felt just now? Chakra...? No.... but it definitely sounded like an aura or whatnot...

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Library


Marina: Certainly. I will tell the results of my search in the way.

Auror: Bad or good news for us?

Marina: ... There is nothing good of what I have to tell you.

Auror: Sheesh, then we better go fast. We don't want to waste any more time-

Mia: Wait just a moment!! All that you said about me just now... are you mocking me?!

Auror: Took you long enough to notice.

Mia: Grrr...

Auror: Don't give me that look, Ms. Knight. You know full well how we don't have any sort of positive sentiment towards the Holy Order, the World Crossers Guild and all sorts of security organizations in this town. Besides, like Rayla said in softer words, you have only yourself to blame.

Mia: Why you three-

Marina: ENOUGH!!

BGM: Sea of Aspiration

While trying her best not to reveal herself out, Marina called out to the situation in a way befitting of a princess.


Marina: We have no time for this bickering!! The shrine is in danger and even if Miss Reimu can fight, she will never be able to do anything alone! Violating as it may be, let us depart to the shrine with the utmost urgency!!

Auror: Alright then. Let's move out.

Auror opened the window and jumped off from it. Before landing, he created an ice slide for a safe descent.


Auror: Hurry up, you two!!

Mia: ...

Marina: Miss Mia, I am an outsider so there are many things in this city and about its people that I am unable to comprehend yet. I would like to say one thing based on what my father has told me once.

Marina: "The life of the people are more valuable than something called 'order', which need those lives to function."
Mia: The life of the people...

Marina: Right now, inside that shrine, two people are in great danger. Both of them are doing their hardest, having the risk of not returning to us. That is why we will leave the school perimeters and save them, just as Miss Rayla has instructed.

She had no argument to retort, yet she couldn't hide her expression of anger for having the Holy Order and herself criticized by Rayla and Auror. However, she was in no position to order them... not at this moment.


Mia: ... I will ignore all that has transpired here and that you are leaving school earlier than the obligatory.

Marina: ...

Mia: Mark my words... I'll prove to you that I want to do justice as much as you do. I won't take those statements quietly forever.

Marina: We will be prepared for your resolution. I must warn you, ours will not surrender.

Mia left the library, provoked and angered by the words directed at her.


Auror: Hello?! Lives in danger at the shrine calling for us three!!

Genji: Hurry up, you two. Auror can be pretty annoying when antsy.

Genji: Also, bring those people in danger to safety, like you always do.

Marina: Understood, Sir Genji!

Marina jumped off the window and used her wind magic to descend safely. Once she landed, she waited for Rayla to come.

Location: Kanzakai School

After bringing Sumireko to the nursery, Orie hurried back to the third floor in order to save Fuindor. She reached the second floor, only to find Hyde and the others.


Orie: Hyde, everyone! I'm glad you're safe!

Orie: Long explanations will come in due time, so I shall be quick! A mysterious girl appeared at the third floor corridor and attacked us out of nowhere. I tried to fend her off and the first-year Sumireko Usami has tried to aid me, but we ended up beaten. She's currently at the nursery, unconscious and resting.

Orie: This aura you are feeling belongs to Fuindor Akaikage, a first-year who started today! He is alone with the assailant on the floor above and I am terribly worried about him-

Before she could continue, an explosion could be heard coming from the floor above.


Orie: Oh no, this sounds ill...! Fuindor!!

Orie hurried over to the stairs so she could reach the third floor and rescue Fuindor.

BGM: The Tiger-Patterned Bishamonten still playing

As for him, Fuindor held himself against Melina, who proved to be far more violent than what he initially expected. Her skills were of a long-term assassin and her dark powers made things even worse.


Melina: Fortra Lamina!

Fuindor: Fire Formation: Ghost Lantern!!

She released six of knives, infused them with dark magic and shot them all towards Fuindor. As a response, he generated six floating fireballs and shot at her direction. Both of the attacks collided and nulled each other.


Melina: This is beyond a mere skirmish. How can someone so young as you be so powerful like this?

Fuindor: I can say the same. You're nowhere near as some run-of-the-mill brat you find on the streets.

Melina: Please, I have been trained for this my entire childhood. Do you think I had the leisure to spend it with dolls and such things?

Fuindor: An assassin princess since day 0, huh... well, it doesn't matter! I'm taking you down here, right where you stand!

Melina: Funny for you to say that...

Before he could chase her, the six knives that she sent earlier went at him again. He dodged them and dashed towards Melina. She turned back and ran, towards the destroyed Student Council room.


Melina: I admit this was fun enough, but I must take my leave now.

Fuindor: You stay right where you are, you goddamn killer...!!

He tried to slash her but Melina jumped off from the hole before the sword could hit her. She transformed into butterflies mid-air and left to the skies.


Fuindor: Shit, she ran away! Damnit, I was close to get her...

Location: Summer Area - Ryokan Tsurugiya Inn

BGM: Space Ship: Strut still playing

Lizzy and the ninja-looking boy arrived at the inn, receiving the welcome from Chizuru.


???: Hello there, Miss Kashiwagi. Seems like the inn is full.

Lizzy: This is the place?
???: Yeah, it is. Now you speak with Miss Kashiwagi over here and see what you can do.

Lizzy: Wait, you can't just leave me here-

???: I can and I have to. Be not seeing you around.

Lizzy: Hey, wait-

However, he quickly left the scene, leaving Lizzy behind at the inn.


Lizzy: Oh come on!! I just got here in town, I don't know the place that well!! You can't just leave me here, that's so rude!!

Lizzy: *sigh* Oh well... got any rooms...?

Welcome to the World of Nightmares - Part II

Location: Nightmare Unitia - Hakurei Shrine

BGM: Vim and Vigor still playing

The Nightmares came at no signs of stopping. The wave of enemies was big and they were separated from each other. Alice unleashed her dolls all of them equipped with swords and lances in order to attack the monsters.


Alice: They keep coming and coming, no matter what we do... this will never end if we don't leave!

The dolls she was using fell down and exploded like bombs, opening a path for her to leave the area.


Alice: There's my opening! Here I go!

She ran at the open path as the Nightmares followed her ever still. She placed more dolls in order to block them, but their danmaku was able to defeat some, not all of them.


Alice: This is officially too much for my first fight here...!!
Jin: Alice!!

Jin descended and punched the ground, creating aa spiky elevation so they wouldn't progress. He also summoned magatamas and generated a barrier to block the path.


Jin: You all right?

Alice: Yeah, sure. What about you?

Jin: Feeling fine, but this is completely ridiculous! The more we beat, more come to replace!

Alice: I know. We need to find the source of this or else...

Jin: Yeah, but that gets incredibly difficult without flying!

The magatama barrier broke and the Nightmares coming from Alice's side went back into charging at them. Jin's side also went forward, surrounding them.


Alice: Good, we're surrounded...

Jin: Well, you know what we gotta do!

Alice: For sure I do! Magic Sign "Artful Sacrifice"!!

Jin: History "Durandal's Just Strike"!!

Alice shot a single doll that generated a big expolsion once it made contact with the ground, defeating a big number of Nightmares. Jin, on the other hand, went at the Nightmares with a chop strike that affected a big area in front of him, defeating those who stood at it.


Alice: Where are the boys?!

Jin: I don't know! I lost sight of them!

Alice: We have to reunite with them! They don't know how to fight!

On the other side of the shrine, right at the backyard, Kiragi, Kaito and the Sprites were trapped by a big wave of Nightmares.


Kiragi: T-They're getting closer...!!

Kaito: W-What the hell are we going to do now?!

Umbra: Lord Kiragi, use our power! With our pact, you can use magic on your own now!

Kiragi: I can?!

Ictio: Yeah, you can! Now let's go, Lord Kiragi! Try chanting something!

Kiragi: U-Uhh... O-OK!! Let's see... uhh...

While Kiragi was thinking, a Nightmare leaped right towards him.


Kaito: Kiragi!!

Kiragi: Kiragi Missile!!

Suddenly, the little boy shot a light sphere out of his hand. To help him, Ictio shot two smaller spheres that swirled around the bigger ones. They hit the Nightmare and blasted it away.


Kiragi: Wow, that was so cool!!

Ictio: You did it!! You did it!! YAAAAAY!!

Umbra: No time to cheer. Next move, my Lord!

Kiragi: O-OK!! Uhh... oh! Kiragi Hammer!!

A dark hammer floated in front of Kiragi. Together with Umbra, they used the hammer to smash some Nightmares and defeat them.


Kiragi: Wow... this is so neat!! I can't wait to show this to the others!!

Umbra: We'll talk about that later! Right now, let's keep fighting!

Ictio: Alright!! Time to bust up some moves!!

Kiragi began to chant a lot of things and fight the Nightmares with Umbra and Ictio. Kaito looked at how brave he was getting and felt anger.


Kaito: Kiragi is doing his best for Lucent... and look at me. Powerless and without any means to fight back... and I even have the gall of telling some sort of story for them to believe that I'm a hero or whatnot...

Kaito: If anyone were in my place, they'd be fighting and doing their best!! This is so frustrating... and irritating...!!

Kiragi: Big Bro Kaito, look out!!

A Nightmare tried to attack Kaito... but was defeated. Not by Kiragi's magic, but by a burning slash coming from Kaito's new chakrams. He got up, spinning one of the flaming rings at his index finger.


Kaito: You guys had your fun in making me scared. Heck, I'm still trembling a bit...

Kaito: But I'm going to burn you all... and I'm going to save my family!!

He tossed the chakrams as they slashed a group of Nightmares at his front before returning to him. He still didn't quite understood how to use it, but he was going to do his best.


Umbra: Let's open a way and reunite with the other two!

Ictio: You got it!

Kiragi: Let's go, Big Bro Kaito!

Kaito: Hell yeah! Let's send those things packing!

They kept fighting to open a way back to Alice and Jin. They had no idea what has happening inside of the shrine, since there were no notice of Reimu and Cookie yet.

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Kanzakai School - Third Floor Corridors


???: Since this is your end, I will engrave my name upon your body. Be honored to die under my blade.

Orie: (N-No, this can't be... I...!)

Sumireko: ...!!

???: I am Melina, Sixth Princess of the Bariura Empire... and the blade that will kill you.


The Sixth Princess who Wears the Mask of Death
Melina

But before Melina could attack Sumireko, a fireball came flying at her direction. She blocked it but was sent away from the girl and right behind Orie, who ran towards her hurt friend.


Melina: Oh? I wasn't expecting this.

Orie: That fireball... but who could have...?
Fuindor: That would be me.

Fuindor got out of the wall and looked directly at Melina. She didn't seem very surprised, yet was unable to not show bother.


Melina: I can't say I was surprised out of this possibility. Still, it would be nicer if I just killed her.

Fuindor: ... Orie, take Sumireko out of here.

Orie: W-What? I can't just leave you behind like this!

Fuindor: We don't have time to discuss! Just take her out before something happens with her!

Orie: ... Understood. But please, be careful...

Orie took the injured Sumireko with her downstairs while completely worried about Fuindor. As for him, his gaze went back towards Melina, who seemed unfazed as always.


Melina: My, oh me... the knight in shining armor joins the fray. What will you do alone?

Fuindor: ...
Melina: Going silent? Well then, I'll just end you here and-

BGM: The Tiger-Patterned Bishamonten

Suddenly, flames started to envelop Fuindor. His current form was exchanged with another form... his true human form.


Fuindor: (My unnatural aura will give me away... oh well, I think I can hide the truth with something... all I need to do is to call attention with my power and someone might come...)

Melina: Hmm... your power rose up. Now that is certainly interesting...

Fuindor: You're not leaving this place.


Fuindor extended his arm and the flames around him revealed a sheathed blade. Taking it out of the scabbard, the fire that surrounded the sword burnt almost like lava. Seeing the sword's power actually made Melina step back a little.


Fuindor: Shion-no-honō, the Sword of Draconic Blaze... I'll unleash this and lock you into an inferno until you get reduced to cinders!!

Melina: (This power... the sword and his own aura...!)

Fuindor: This is for my friend...

Fuindor slashed the ground, releasing a flame wave towards Melina. She jumped and shot knives, but he took an Iai stance and deflected the blades with three quick draws.


Melina: H-How did you...?!

Fuindor: There's more from where it came. You're going down!!

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Library

BGM: Anima mala still playing

Soon, the door opened once again with Mia, Auror and Rayla coming in. Genji, who was sleeping on another table, woke up quickly and went there. The librarian, decided to quickly leave. Auror looked briefly at Marina, as she gave him an apologetic face before turning back to Mia.


Auror: So... what's the idea of the scandal, Mia?

Mia: I suppose you remember the video I've shown you at lunch, correct?

Auror: I do. What about it?

Mia: You knew this was a serious incident, but you decided to be nonchalant about it and dismiss it as an attack... you even asked me to back off.

Auror: Except the part about me knowing something, I don't deny any of that. So what's the point? I don't know anything about the incident at all-

Mia: For once, can you STOP ACTING AS IF THERE WAS NO PROBLEM?!

Genji: Eeeek!!

Marina: M-Miss Mia...

Mia: The victim, Lucent Vermillion... he was taken to the Hakurei Shrine, correct?

Auror: Mia, first of all, you agreed to back off-

Mia: ANSWER ME!!

Auror sighed hardly, starting to get a little irritated with the situation.


Auror: If he was taken there or not, what are you planning to do?

Mia: Oh, I don't know! Maybe you can also explain to me why has a shrine vanished out of nowhere!!
Auror: Vanished? What do you mean...?

Marina: She is not lying. The Hakurei Shrine vanished. Look over there.

Auror looked at the direction that Marina pointed out and she was right: the shrine was nowhere to be seen. It was as if nothing was there except an abandoned gate.


Auror: Hold the phone... how the hell did that...

Mia: So you knew it all along this was more serious than it would be...!! *grabs Auror's tie*

Auror: Gghk!

Marina: Miss Mia! Please stop!

Mia: I should lock you away for obstructing an investigation! You gave me false information to lead me off the tracks and dismiss this as a normal occurrence!

She tossed him away and looked back at Rayla.


Mia: And what about you, Rayla? Since this involves someone who lives with you, I suppose you know something about this. After all, you were at the scene!

Mia: What are you two trying to cover?! Something that should matter only for Ancestor Mages?!

Auror: That's... beside the point...

Mia: QUIET!! You had your chance to talk!!

Auror: ...

Genji: Uhh, maybe we should get out, Marina...

Marina: ... No, this involves me as well. I shall remain here where I stand.

Location: Summer Area - Streets

BGM: Space Ship: Strut

The girl walked alone in the streets of the Summer Area, the touristic point of the town. For some reason, she just arrived there. She had her bags all accounted and ready


???: So this is Unitia... it does look like a beautiful place. Maybe I'll get some extra fans around here.

???: But honestly, what's with the sudden call?! "Oh, I need you to go to Unitia ASAP and try to check the situation there!" I mean, come on! I was about to call Agni to see if I could make a visit to Lacrima, for hell's sake. That throws a bummer in all of my plans!! Damn that annoying Necrox and his stupid Multiversal Overlord position...

She was somewhat angry, but her sights soon caught a young man walking around. He seemed to be searching for something... and since she was bored, messing up with a human might get her into a better mood. After approaching him, she leaned and whispered in his ear.


???: *whisper* Hey you, pretty boy...

???: W-WAAAH!! T-Too close!!

???: Oho, did I scare you somehow? In any case, you live around here, right?

???: Y-Yes, I do, but I'm very busy at the moment so if you could move along.

???: What the hell?! Hey, for your information, I'm a tourist! TOURIST!! I don't know anything about the place!!

???: Really...?

???: What do I look like, some sort of nobody citizen to you?!

???: Well, you're the one calling yourself a nobody here. Besides, it's very clear that you're not from here.

???: So it's settled then. Take me to the closest hotel.

???: What?

???: I should be asking that. Aren't we going to move along already?

???: Lady, I'm in the middle of an important search... can you please not bother me now?

???: First of all, "lady" is your grandma! Second, I have a name! It's Elizabeth!


Not-so-Noble Demonic Idol
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Bathory


Lizzy: But you can call me Lizzy. And third, a man's the one responsible for helping a woman! That's the rule!

???: Wait, what rule?! I don't know anything about this-

Lizzy: Hurry up! I don't have all day long and this sunset's bad for my skin!

???: Ugh, fine... I'll take you to an inn close to here...

Lizzy: Why thank you very much. Now, lead the way!

???: (Reminder: in the next time, ask Kev to send me somewhere else but the Summer Area!)

They started to walk towards the path, leading to the Ryoukan Tsurugiya Inn.

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Kanzakai School - Third Years Corridor

Once arriving in the third floor, Orie could see the debris from afar. Also, while a little distant, she could feel many auras in place, including...


Orie: Hyde! Oh no, he's in danger... I got to help him!

BGM: Theme of Alexia Type 1

Before Orie could step towards the classroom, knives flew into her direction. When she looked, a small girl walked forward and greeted her.


???: Good morning. I'm very sorry, but you can't trespass this point.

Orie: W-Who are you?!

???: It doesn't matter right now. Just don't get in the way of the fight, if you could. This is their account to handle.

Orie: You leave me no choice.

Orie tossed her uniform away and had her dress already equipped. She took out her rapier and pointed it towards the assailant.


Orie: You who obstruct the path of justice, step aside or I will take drastic measures against you.

???: I will take the drastic measures, thank you very much.

The small girl shot more knives in order to stop Orie. She evaded and deflected some with her rapier, while advancing.


Orie: Taste my blade!!

She tried to attack with a thrust, but the girl dissolved in butterflies the moment the blade got close.


Orie: What?! Where did she go?!

???: *reappears above Orie* Amateur.
Orie: !!

She descended at full force, covered by knives. Orie backed off to evade it, but was instantly caught into a quick dashing slash.


Orie: Agh!

???: Did you really think you could escape? Well then-

The girl leaped in the air to attack Orie, but a flying rock came into her direction. She was hit, but dissolved into butterflies again and returned to the ground.


???: My my, more intruders into accounts that doesn't matter...

Orie: Sumireko! Fuindor!

The two first years stood side to side with Orie as they all stared at the little girl.

Orie: What are you two doing here?! The orders-

Sumireko: Look, you can scold us later when we defeat this strange girl.

Orie: Can you fight too?

Sumireko: Hehe, of course I can. Who do you think that threw the rock?

Orie: Very well. Fuindor, stand back while we fight.

Fuindor: F-Fine... be careful, you two.

He stepped back as the two girls kept looking at the girl who didn't seem to move.


???: Well now, this is troublesome. Two against one is not fair.

Sumireko: You don't look that astonished, that's for sure.

???: Hmmhmm. Be prepared. My knives have been lusting for blood.

Orie: Be as it may. As the Fifth Executor of Licht Kreis, I shall take you down where you stand!

Sumireko: Tremble in fear of my power!

Sumireko used ther power to throw more debris at her opponent. Orie followed the attack to get her in between the rocks.


???: This is as far as you go.

The little girl jumped in between the rocks and dashed at Orie, ready to slash her.


Orie: Tanatos!

Suddenly, a spirit appeared and defended against the attack with a giant sword. Orie took the advantage and attacked with some aerial thrusts, finishing with an axe kick.


Sumireko: Did that do it?

However, she got herself back with a handstand and charged her power.


???: Blood Lamina.

Her red knife glimmered as she shot it towards them. However, for once, it wasn't going after Orie.


Orie: Sumireko!

Sumireko: !!

There were few remaining, but she shot more debris at the knife... all to no avail. Nothing seemed to stop the blade. Once it arrived, it began to ricochet around the walls and slash Sumireko from all directions.


Sumireko: Gaaaaah!!

Orie: Oh no! I am coming to aid you-
???: I don't think so.

The little girl reappeared and kicked Orie towards the area she planned to reach. She shot more knives in order to keep Orie away, while the red knife dealt the last slash on Sumireko and returned to her hand.


Orie: Ugh... this can't be.

???: Well well, I thought you could put more of a fight. Alas, it seems I overestimated you.

???: That being the case, I think I shall take my time and end the life of this girl.

Orie: No, wait!

But before Orie could even try to walk, more knives were headed her way. In the meanwhile, the girl looked at the grounded Sumireko.


Sumireko: ...

???: This has been fun while it lasted. Any last words...?

Awakening the New Warriors of Darkness

Location: ???

BGM: Aurora of Darkness

Amalia watched over the scene with the two other men she brought with her. She decided to put them to work, starting with the girl.


Amalia: Well, isn't she cruel... that is exactly what I need.

???: So now that we're awake, what are we supposed to do?

Amalia: Be patient. Your turns will come soon enough. For now, only her will be sufficient.

???: If you say so. Well then, I'm going to check if I'm fine after all those years being dead.

The white-haired extravagant one left. The other one stood still.


Amalia: You seem to be in doubt.

???: Well, I didn't know I'd be brought back... much less without a reason to...

Amalia: Oh no, I have a reason. You see, you want to be reunited with him, don't you?

???: Him...?
Amalia: You know... Agni Artwaltz.

Upon hearing that name, the green-haired man rose his head in interest.


???: A-Are you serious? C-Can I really meet him?!

Amalia: Of course you can and you will. Just... follow what I tell you and you'll be together soon enough.

???: ... Hold on. You don't seem to be that benevolent. What do you want with me?

Amalia: Listen. I brought you back and I am here to fulfill your wish. Is that sufficient for a reason?

???: ...

Amalia: This is your only chance. Let it escape and you'll regret it.

He was somewhat suspicious of Amalia, but his emotion was taking over reason. If this was the chance he had to meet Agni once again, he was going to take it.


???: ... Alright then. If this will lead me to Agni, then I'm following you.

Amalia: Pleasure that we came into an agreement. Now, wait warmly until I can give you my orders...

He gave a nod and left too. Amalia laughed as she watched him leave.


Amalia: Hahaha... what a fool. Have you ever heard that will may not always be the answer over reason?

Amalia: The impossible desires you three carry are just the right manuevers for me to control you all...

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Kanzakai School - 2nd Year Corridors

Sumireko reached the second year corridors and looked around to see if no one was around.


Sumireko: Hehe, everything empty. Well then, next is the third floor.

Then, she somewhat felt her cape being tugged from behind. It could have been stuck on the handrail. She looked back to untug it and then...

BGM: Believe in Possibilities


Fuindor: Got you.

Sumireko: Waaaah!! F-Fuindor?!

Fuindor: There are bathrooms in the first floor, so why are you here on the second?

Sumireko: U-Uhh, I just wanted to see if it's anything different from ours! Yeah, that's mostly it!

Fuindor: Uh-huh, yeah... and after that?

Sumireko: D-Don't invade a girl's personal life! That's rude, you know!

Fuindor: Sure, sure, whatever. So as long as you don't plan on chasing a murderer, I guess.

Sumireko: Why would I even do such a thing?

Fuindor: I don't know. Maybe because you were curious about it back in class.

Sumireko: ...

Fuindor: This doesn't have anything to do with us, so just come back to class with me and let's leave this to them.

Sumireko: Aww, this sucks... and I was so close to the third...

Fuindor: Now now, there's going to be a lot of other things to pursue, so...

BGM: Living in Lazy Parallel World

However, Fuindor started to tell that something was off. Mostly because he heard a loud sound from the floor above.


Fuindor: Did you hear that?

Sumireko: I did. It was really loud.

Fuindor: Something's definitely happening with the investigation. No student would do such a noise for fun.

Sumireko: I think so too. Do you think it could be another murder?

Fuindor: I have no idea. But I can smell something awful in the air...
Sumireko: My occult app is beeping crazily. It's sensing some sort of power and it's indicating the third floor.

Quick steps could be heard from the stairs and they were getting closer. Sumireko looked around and saw a classroom open and empty.


Sumireko: ...!! Fuindor, inside that classroom!

Both went into hiding as quickly as possible. When they spied, the one who was quickly climbing the stairs was Orie. She was rushing to the third floor as fast as she could do.


Fuindor: That... it was Orie.

Sumireko: If Orie's that desperate, then something really happened and the guys up there are still trying to get it under control.

Sumireko: Fuindor, let's go after her! Maybe we can help with something!

Fuindor: Do you want a detention that badly? There are a lot of people there already and the police's already there, right?

Sumireko: Maybe you don't know, but the police and nothing are the same thing in this town. If we don't do something, we're done for.

Fuindor: ...

Sumireko: C'mon, it's going to be a single peek! I promise I won't do anything strange!

Fuindor: *sigh* Alright, alright, you win. This is bothering me, anyway...

Sumireko: Yes! Well then, let's follow Orie!

Fuindor and Sumireko left the empty classroom and followed Orie to the third floor.

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Library

Marina kept searching in her books as Mia got a book of her own to read. Genji was sleeping profoundly in a table far from theirs. The princess suddenly stopped at a page that caught her interest and began to read all of it. Once she finished, she couldn't hide her worry and it was caught by Mia's sight.

BGM: Anima mala


Marina: ... Oh no... oh no...!

Mia: Marina? What's wrong?

Marina: My theory... what I feared to be right... is correct in the end...

Mia: Wait, is it that bad? When you do such a search, isn't it normal for you to wish to be right?

Marina: This is not the case... this is a case where I hoped to be wrong in the end. But if this is not the case, then... at the shrine...!

Marina looked at the window of the library, which faced the direction of the shrine. She gazed at the distance, trying to find the cliff where her current home stood. As she observed a little more, she finally found the direction where it was... only to find it completely empty.


Marina: The shrine... is gone... the Hakurei Shrine is gone!

Mia: What? Gone?

Mia also looked at the direction Marina was gazing at. She confirmed it: the Hakurei Shrine vanished.


Mia: How... how can a shrine just vanish like that?! Marina, explain to me what is happening immediately!

Marina: ... It cannot be... unless there is a relation to the attack that happened earlier...

Mia: Attack? What attack?! Who was attacked?!

Marina: ... Please sit. I shall explain it.

After sitting, Marina told what she heard from the attack that Lucent had suffered from the others. Mia listened to everything, only to get herself enraged.


Mia: I see... I see...!!

Marina: M-Miss Mia...?
Mia: Do not leave the library and wait until I return.

Marina: Y-Yes... (Sorry, everyone... I made a mistake...)

Mia left the library and went back to the second years floor. She passed right through her class, leaving her furious impression on the other students. Lilina couldn't help but comment it with Kaori and Andorina, since they sat rather close to each other.


Lilina: I can't help but have the impression that Mia found something out. What do you think it could be...?

Lilina's impression was confirmed when Mia opened the 2-C class door strongly, leaving the students in shock.


Mia: Rayla Celest Lilly and Auror Dias Intermezzo!! To the library RIGHT NOW!!

Auror: Oh wonderful, she's pissed...

Welcome to the World of Nightmares

Location: Spring Zone - Hakurei Gate

BGM: The Secret Whispers -0.2 Ver.- still playing

Jin kept its focus while trying to find a weak spot on the barrier, but it seemed to no use. As Alice have said earlier, the power coming from the barrier was unnatural and different from theirs. He soon stopped and looked back at them.


Alice: Did you find something?

Jin: Not a single thing... this damn barrier is too complex...

Kaito: Does that mean we can't enter it at all?

Alice: Unless we find another way, that's correct.

Kaito: No way... Lucent...

Jin: Chin up, man. I'm going to try again, so don't lose hope now.

Alice: Are you sure? From the looks of it, this barrier is not going to break anytime soon.

Jin: I'll try once more. Give me some time.

Jin returned to focus. After seeing Kaito's disheartened face and his worry towards his friend at the shrine, he decided to try it out once more. Suddenly, Reimu's voice started to echo around.

Reimu's Voice: Is someone there?

Alice: Reimu?! It's us, Alice and Jin!
Reimu's Voice: H-Hold it. The Jin you're talking about...

Jin: Oh, come on! Don't tell me you just forgot me!

Alice: I found him lost on the streets. I was going to tell you that over the phone but the call was cut.
Reimu's Voice: I see. Listen, I think we're locked in some sort of alternative world. We can't get out of the shrine, so we're stuck here.

Alice: From the outside, it looks like the shrine vanished. Only the gate is here.

Jin: There's a barrier blocking us and we can't open it. Do you think there's any chance of you opening it from there?
Reimu's Voice: No can do. Like I said, we're locked in the shrine and the door's shut tight.

Kaito: Hey, what about my friend?! Is he OK?!
Reimu's Voice: One of the kids from back then with Doremy? I can't say for sure. Something's going on inside of his room and it seemed ready to unleash havoc so I sealed it.

Kaito: And you sealed him inside the room with this... something?!
Reimu's Voice: I had no choice. Whatever's happening to us has a direct relation to his power and I can't even get close to him.

Kaito: Damnit... why won't this stupid barrier break already?!
Reimu's Voice: Well, you'll need to try it from the outside, because we won't be able to do-

The call was cut once again. More steps could be heard coming from the shrine's stairs. As Kaito, Alice and Jin looked behind them, Kiragi arrived accompanied of Umbra and Ictio.


Umbra: Here's the place where I felt the irregularity.

Kaito: Kiragi?!

Kiragi: Oh, Big Bro Kaito! Good afternoon!
Kaito: What are you doing here?!

Kiragi: Umbra felt something bad coming from this direction so we came to check it out and solve it.

Kaito: Wha- are you trying to put yourself in danger like this?! You're crazy!

Jin: I have to agree with him! Kids like you shouldn't be facing danger like this!

Alice: I'm pretty sure we have no right to say that after we didn't say such things to him, Jin.

Jin: O-Oh...!

Without giving too much concern to what they said, Umbra and Ictio flew towards the gate.


Umbra: A barrier of the Nightmares... I knew it. The border's weakening over here.

Alice: Border... do you mean the border between dreams and reality?

Umbra: Exactly. A powerful Nightmare did this. The real space is locked on the illusion space, with both of them merged. This is why it disappeared out of reality so suddenly.

Ictio: When a place on reality merges with its illusion counterpart, the place immediately vanishes and gets locked completely on the Nightmare Realm. It stays there until the Nightmare responsible for such a thing is defeated.

Jin: So the shrine will come back to reality if we defeat the Nightmare, right?
Umbra: Correct. Now, we'll open a crack so step aside.

Jin nods and steps out of the way. Umbra and Ictio began to concentrate as they used their powers to force a crack on the barrier.


Alice: Reimu said that your friend has a power related to such things. In that case...

Kaito: Lucent would never do such a thing! He would never trap people in such a world!

Alice: It doesn't need to be out of his volition. It might be accidental.

Kaito: Tch... it has to be, then.

Kiragi: Big Bro Kaito, did something happen with Big Bro Lucent?! Is he hurt somewhere?!

Kaito: Well, you see...

But before Kaito could answer, a loud cracking sound was heard. Soon, the barrier had a hole on it, leading to the inside.


Ictio: Yosh!! Barrier cracked!!

Kiragi: Great! Let's solve this!

Umbra: I can feel a bad vibe from the inside. Let's be careful.

With firm nods, they began to enter in the space inside the barrier. Before Kaito could enter, Jin stopped him.


Jin: You're seriously going in?

Kaito: Yeah. I need to see my friend. I won't be at ease if I don't.

Jin: I see. Well then, in that case...

Jin hands over a pair of chakrams to Kaito.


Kaito: What are those things?

Jin: Chakrams that belonged to me. They were like a sort of alternative weapon, but I don't need them. My fists are enough.

Jin: Bummed that I can't teach you now, though. You'll have to learn on your own for now.

Kaito: O-Oh, sure...

Jin: Now let's go. Your friend and the others are waiting.

Location: Nightmare Unitia - Hakurei Shrine

BGM: Sacred Moon -2.5 Remix-

As they stepped inside the barrier, they saw the Hakurei Shrine at last. The sky was completely dark, with dark clouds and an eerie scarlet moon bathing them. They looked back for a second and saw a heavy black fog surrounding the area.


Jin: Holy hell...

Umbra: Welcome to the Nightmare Realm.

Alice: So this is the world of Nightmares, huh...

Kaito: ...

Kiragi: This is... actually scary!

Ictio: Y-Yeah... I'm really scared too!

Alice: Nevertheless, we need to go inside the shrine and save Reimu and the others. How should we proceed then?
Umbra: We need to fight the Nightmare responsible for trapping the shrine here. Doing that will expel the area back to reality and us with it.

Alice: Got it. Let's go then.

Jin: I'm not so sure if we're going right now...

BGM: Vim and Vigor -2.5 Remix-

Suddenly, a lot of small creatures began to rose from the ground all around the group. They seemed ready to attack them.


Kaito: W-W-What are those things?!

Umbra: Wild Nightmares... knew it wouldn't be so easy.

Alice: It never is, honestly. Still, we only have one way out of this.

Jin: Damn right it is! Time to bust out our weapons and fight them!

Ictio: Lord Kiragi, are you ready?!

Kiragi: W-Well, I'm still scared... but I'll do my best!

Umbra: Hmph. It's not like those monsters will actually reach you anyway, for as long as I'm here.

Ictio: Let's do our best, everyone! CHAAAAARGE!!

Resolves UNITED under one SKY - Kael Taiyou X Magus Dream

Location: Fleeting Memories School - 2nd Year Classroom C

The teacher was already in class, but he hasn't started the lesson yet. This gave time for the students to chat. That was also sufficient time to Auror get curious and ask about Marina to Veronica.


Auror: I got a message from Vivi and I got good and bad news. The good news is that it seems like Marina is going to stay the second period in the library, studying. This means we're one step ahead of getting some info about the Nightmare incident.

Auror: The bad news is that Mia's supervising her with Coach Genji. I bet he's there to hit on Marina so it's his own bad luck, but I really didn't want the Holy Order involved in this now...

Location: Fleeting Memories School - Library

Just as Auror said, Marina waas in the library, alongside Mia and Genji. She needed both of them to gain the permission of being absent during the second period. However, while she was trying to get the information she needed, she had to be cautious with them. She couldn't let the truth slip out, especially with Mia in the same room.


Marina: ...

Genji: So uh, why do I need to be here again?

Mia: Even if I am a knight and a member of the Student Council, only the President has the authority to be alone with a student when a period starts. The other members need a teacher.

Genji: I see. Well then, what are you studying?

Marina: There is something I need to discover so I can confirm an hypotesis of mine. While I am here, I need to do reports back to my homeland so I must use this time.

Mia: I see. Well, if this will not bother your studies here, then I have no objections.

Marina: I assure you that it shall not. Now, I must continue so I humbly request moments of silence.

Genji: A'ight. I'll just hang around the rest of the library.

Marina returned to her focus while Genji decided to walk around the library, seemingly bored. Mia, on the other hand, was curious about what Marina was studying.


Mia: Marina, if I may ask, what exactly are you pursuing in those books?

Marina: This... I cannot answer until I reached a conclusion.

Mia: But can't you just tell me what is this hypotesis of yours?

Marina: I am very sorry but it will remain confidential until the answer has been breached.

Mia: Understood. This is a particular matter of yours, but I only wanted to know. I shall inquire about it no further until you've achieved it.

Marina: Well then, if you excuse me.

Marina: (I need to discover if this is truly the case. If it confirms to be, then this will become a problem...)

Location: Spring Zone - Streets

Kaito, who had been gone from school ever since lunch, actually left for the Hakurei Shrine. He wasn't able to think on classes, only worrying if Lucent was OK.


Kaito: (I need to confirm if he's OK or not. It's the only way of putting my mind at ease. Even if the others will pull my ear later...)

He followed the directions and arrived at the shrine. However, upon climbing the stairway, he found nothing.


Kaito: Wait, where's the shrine? Wasn't it supposed to be here?
Alice: Hmm? What is this?

As he heard the voice, Alice and Jin were right behind him.


Alice: This is where the Hakurei Shrine is supposed to be, isn't it?

Kaito: Uh... y-yeah.

Alice: But there's nothing here. It's just an empty space.

Kaito: I'm finding it weird too, miss. I came to see if my friend was OK, but now there's nothing here.

Jin: ... Alice, there's something going on.

Alice: What do you mean, Jin?

Jin: Don't you feel like something's really off? Like there's a force right here blocking the shrine?

Kaito: A force?

Alice: Hmm...

Alice walked forward and tried to touch the thin air. Suddenly, she felt something like a wall. It was a barrier. A complex and unnatural one which she wouldn't be able to break.


Alice: A barrier? And this isn't from Reimu at all...

Jin: I felt this high spiritual force... but it's completely dark. It's different from what Reimu's able to do.

Alice: Our contact at the phone was cut short, so I thought something was off. Now with this barrier here, it's certainly abnormal.

Alice: The problem is that I think I can't break the barrier. It's from a power that's very different, compared to ours.

Kaito: Then... the shrine is just beyond this barrier, right?

Alice: It seems that way, but we're currently not able to breach it at all.

Jin: Let me try something out. Maybe there's a way to open a crack on it.

Alice: Sure, go ahead.

Jin stepped forward and began to meditate. His energy began to charge as he tried to figure out the barrier's weak spot.

Location: Glory Star Orphanage - Kiragi Starlight's Room

Kiragi was petting Ictio at his room. Suddenly, Umbra felt something.

BGM: The Secret Whispers -0.2 Ver.-


Umbra: !!

Kiragi: Did something happen, Umbra?

Umbra: It did. I felt a hidden fluctuation in reality not too far from here. This is definitely not good...

Ictio: Uh oh, bad thing is happening! Bad thing!

Kiragi: Oh no, if that's the case then we gotta help!

Umbra: We need to get after the source and stop it. If it's a Nightmare, we might be able to push it away. Lord Kiragi, we'll leave and we'll be back soon-

Kiragi: No way, I'm going with you!

The twins looked at each other and then looked at Kiragi, totally against his decision.


Umbra: I don't want to disrespect your wish, but Amara will definitely scold you if you leave.

Ictio: She'll get really, really angry! It's best if you don't go, Lord Kiragi!

Kiragi: Nuh-uh, I'm going too! I know Lady Amara will be angry with me lots, but now I wanna help too! I can't let my brothers and sisters in danger!

The twins looked at each other once more and while Ictio smiled, Umbra sighed hardly.


Umbra: Just don't blame me if she gets angry with you...

Kiragi: I won't, don't worry!

Ictio: Then what are we waiting for? Let's go, guys!

Kiragi: Let's escape through the back! There's a secret route I know!

Umbra: Why would an orphanage need a secret route...?

Kiragi jumped from his window and led the sprites to the scret route he knows.

Location: Hakurei Shrine?

BGM: The Secret Whispers -0.2 Ver.- plays here too

Reimu had the kids' room sealed somehow. She and Cookie were unable to understand what was happening, since all phone lines were cut.


Reimu: I managed to get their number from the kid's cellphone, but we don't have any signal in here somehow. My conversation with Alice was cut down too...

Cookie: But all electricity was working a while ago. What could have happened?

Reimu: I don't know... and for some reason, we can't get past the front door.

Cookie: This might be an alternative shrine.

Reimu: It could be... after all, I'm feeling spiritual hostiles in the vicinity and I swore I put up a barrier to guard us from those sorts of threats.

Cookie: Yeah, not to mention the big amount of darkness around us... what this could even mean...?

Reimu: What we do know is that it has some relation to the power of the boy... as a dream eater.

Cookie: Can't you make contact with someone? Anyone?

Reimu: I can try, but if we're locked in a parallel dimension, this will take some time.

Cookie: Well then, take your time. I'll guard you if anything happens.

Reimu: Are you sure? You've just returned recently...

Cookie: Don't worry. Just do it.

Reimu: Alright then, brace yourself.

Reimu began to concentrate in hopes of reaching someone else. Cookie stood steady and on guard to attack any opponent that would come in their way.

Phantom Phenomena: Lucent Vermillion - Part II

BGM: Aqua -0.2 Ver.- still playing

Lucent kept fighting against his reflection, who seemed to attack endlessly against him. The last batch of projectiles coming from it seemed fierce. Even if they had the same attacks, something made the reflection stronger.


Lucent: No matter what projectlies I hit, they don't reach it in time. It doesn't seem to be getting tired either...

The reflection vanished twice before attacking him from behind with crows. Lucent managed to shield on time as the reflection vanished once again.


Lucent: W-Where did it go now?

Suddenly, an amount of 10 copies appeared, walking around Lucent. They kept repeating words, all of them equivalent to Lucent's innermost doubts.


"I'm nothing more than a murderer."
"There's no way I can uphold my promise with the others."
"My power hurts people and I can't even control it..."
"To suffer like this must be my punishment..."
"My friendship with the others is nothing but a lie."
"Who am I to save the future of the town?"
"My parents hate me... that's why they left."


Lucent: Stop it... stop it...!

"No one will miss me if I disappear..."


Lucent: I said STOP!!

At his scream, wolves appeared and dashed at all of the copies until no one was there. Soon, the true reflection came out of the mirror once again.

Lucent: Y-You're lying... none of this... is what I think... none of it!

The reflection suddenly charged and then started to gleam. Lucent prepared himself, though still in shock.