Arc 4 – Chapter 3: Consequences
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At Patchouli's bookstore, Marisa expressed her thoughts, "I thought she was going to meet another girl for a few days, but she ended up not meeting anyone else other than us..."

Marisa continued, "Though I'm glad you're back to your normal personality and not playing the tragic heroine."

Patchouli responded, her tone holding a hint of possessiveness, "If you suspect that I had a hand in it, you're correct... I don't appreciate others coveting Reimu, but it's acceptable if it's you, Ina, or Iroha."

Marisa chuckled, understanding the sentiment, "Good thing I'm on your side this time. Meeting Kuro in the last life was like encountering Origin because of a certain someone."

Patchouli's expression softened as she muttered, "She was the very first and the very last one I will ever love."

Marisa nodded, respecting the unspoken depth of Patchouli's emotions, "I won't disturb you any further, then."

Suddenly, the door vanished into thin air, catching her attention.

Patchouli's voice grew stern, "Return the books hidden under your skirt, and I'll let you go."

Marisa grinned mischievously, summoning her broom and hakkero, "I guess we'll settle this the old-fashioned way."

With determination, they engaged in a duel, their magical powers clashing until one of them finally landed a telling hit on the other.

--

In the confines of the Hololive HQ, Reimu delved into the intricate topic, her gaze focused as she discussed the potential fusion of the two worlds with Yagoo.

"Essentially, if the two worlds successfully fuse, you and the other higher-ups will announce the existence of another world, is that the plan?" Reimu inquired, her voice steady.

Yagoo nodded in affirmation, his expression serious. "Yes, that's the general idea."

Reimu's thoughts raced as she contemplated the implications. (Most of the fusions I've witnessed have been catastrophic, leading to the destruction of both worlds.)

Curiosity piqued, she voiced her concern, "And what if the fusion fails?"

Yagoo's response was tinged with uncertainty, "We're not entirely sure how to prevent it from failing, so we haven't dared to speculate on the consequences of a failed fusion."

Reimu's words were resolute as she began to paint a vivid picture, "Allow me to illustrate what could happen. When two worlds fuse, they typically become larger due to the added mass. However, the fusion process itself triggers spatial distortions, massive earthquakes, and the total annihilation of life on the planets involved."

Her gaze held an unflinching intensity as she continued, "The aftermath leaves the planet in a state of recovery for hundreds of years, indicating that the fusion process is inherently destructive and highly lethal."

As Reimu spoke, the seriousness of the situation hung heavily in the air. A-chan, sensing the significance of the discussion, sought permission to record the conversation.

"May I record this conversation?" Ai-chan asked, her tone respectful.

Reimu's response was measured, "If you wish to do so."

Without delay, A-chan activated the camera, and its lens focused on Reimu and Yagoo as they engaged in this critical exchange. The weight of the topic, coupled with Reimu's calm analysis, created an atmosphere of urgency and importance within the room.

The realization hit Yagoo like a sudden gust of wind. "So that means..."

Reimu's response was firm and unwavering. "Yes, fusing is an inherently perilous event, resulting in the annihilation of all life within it. However, if the planet's consciousness is mature or possesses the knowledge, the fusing process can be slow and casualty-free, albeit with irregular weather patterns."

She paused, her gaze steady. "Fortunately, Gaia's consciousness is mature, while Alaya's is not. If Gaia takes the lead, the fusion can proceed safely. But if Alaya resists, it poses a danger that could potentially destroy Gaia due to the interrupted fusion process."

Yagoo's concern was palpable, and he watched as Reimu reached for his untouched tea, a wry smile forming on his lips.

As Reimu took a sip of the tea, she continued, "The most effective approach, I believe, is to separate the two worlds initially."

Yagoo's reaction was incredulous. "Separate them? But is that even possible?"

A-chan chimed in, voicing the skepticism that hung in the air. "Indeed, that sounds impossible."

Reimu's response was composed, her tone carrying a hint of assurance. "It can be done, under the guidance of a deity capable of such feats. However, once the worlds are destined to fuse, separation becomes unattainable."

She continued, her voice carrying the weight of her knowledge. "The key is to separate them temporarily, allowing Alaya's consciousness to mature. Once both worlds are ready, the fusion can occur without endangering their consciousness. It's crucial, however, not to separate them too far apart, as it could damage their consciousness and exacerbate the problem."

Reimu's gaze met Yagoo's, her words resolute. "Your task is to delay the eventual fusion by approximately eight years. This should provide enough time for Alaya's consciousness to mature and for the necessary preparations to be made."

Yagoo's concern was evident as he posed a final question. "And if we are unable to accomplish this?"

Reimu's response was laced with determination. "If that should happen, I will take action when the time comes."

Reimu's gaze met Yagoo's, her question hanging in the air. "Does that satisfy your question?"

Yagoo nodded, a mix of gratitude and relief evident in his expression. "Yes, thank you very much."

As the conversation drew to a close, the shrine maiden finished the remaining tea in her cup.

Reimu stood from her seat, her tone polite yet determined. "Well, I believe my stay has been quite lengthy. I should take my leave now."

Yagoo's response held a sense of sincerity. "Not at all, your insights have been invaluable. You've helped shed light on this matter."

He added, "A-chan, could you please escort our guest out?"

A-chan readily agreed, accompanying Reimu as they exited the office. Once the doors had closed behind them, another presence appeared in the room.

"Omega, did you hear the conversation?" Yagoo inquired, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern.

Omega, a figure of significance, responded with a measured tone. "Yes, I heard everything."

Yagoo's next question revealed his astonishment. "Is it all true?"

Omega's response carried an air of gravity. "The individual you just encountered is indeed a celestial being."

Yagoo's incredulity was apparent. "A celestial being? Are you referring to those entities from higher planes?"

Omega confirmed with a nod. "Yes, precisely. However, it is rather unusual for one of her kind to be present in this particular universe."

As the implications of their conversation settled, the room was steeped in a sense of intrigue and mystery, leaving Yagoo to contemplate the newfound knowledge he had gained.

Omega's revelation added another layer of complexity to the situation. "She is a celestial body, not a mere facade or consciousness," Omega confirmed.

Yagoo's astonishment was palpable. "Wait... are you telling me that I encountered a being of the highest order?"

Omega affirmed his understanding. "Indeed, do not be deceived by her human appearance or seemingly ordinary demeanor. She is an ancient entity of immense significance."

Omega offered a reassuring perspective. "It is comforting to know that she is willing to offer assistance if our efforts to separate the worlds fall short."

Yagoo's voice carried a note of apology. "I apologize for burdening her with this task."

Omega's response was understanding. "There is no need for apologies. Your conviction has convinced us to follow this path, and her involvement is a testament to the gravity of the situation."

With a sense of purpose, Omega concluded, "I shall relay this information to the council. Together, we can formulate a plan to address this challenge."

As their conversation concluded, Omega vanished from the room, leaving Yagoo with a sigh of contemplation. "I hope that our endeavors will yield positive outcomes."

However, another presence made its presence known, a silhouette emerging from the shadows.

The silhouette's voice was cryptic as it addressed Yagoo's words. "Did you just utter the word 'hope'?"

Yagoo's startled reaction was immediate. "!!!"

The figure introduced itself with an air of mystery. "Hope, my dear Yagoo, is a concept that holds both promise and uncertainty."

Yagoo's tone carried a mixture of apprehension and exhaustion. "Irys, what are you doing here?"

--

Inside a concealed chamber, a group of individuals gathered, their emotions ranging from concern to curiosity. Among them, a young girl with prominent horns was seen shedding tears, her distress evident. Another figure offered comforting words, attempting to console the distressed child.

Amid this scene, a pink-haired girl endeavored to lift the spirits of the crying child, her efforts focused on bringing a smile to the young one's face. Meanwhile, a gray-haired girl observed the interactions with an enigmatic expression, her gaze seemingly fixed upon a blonde samurai in the room.

Addressing the emotional turmoil, the distressed child questioned, her voice tinged with worry, "Iroha, are you leaving?"

Seeking to reassure the child, Iroha responded with determination, "Not at all, Lap-sama!"

Inquisitive and hopeful, the child sought further assurance, "Really?"

Iroha's commitment was unwavering as she reassured the child, "Yes, I won't leave, so please don't cry."

A sudden revelation elicited a surprised reaction from one of the observers, prompting a query, "Why do you think Iroha-chan will leave, Lap-sama?"

The young girl's response revealed the source of her distress, "Because Me, Koyori, and Sakamata saw Iroha being kissed by a girl."

The room's dynamic shifted as the conversation continued, introducing new voices into the mix. A spirited interjection came from Chloe, who playfully asked, "Yaaa~ Lui, can we kiss too?"

Lui, however, responded with a firm refusal, leading to a playful exchange between the two.

In the dimly lit secret chamber, a palpable tension hung in the air as the interactions among the five individuals continued to unfold. The grey-haired girl's gaze remained fixed on the blonde samurai with an evident sense of reluctance.

Attempting to soothe the worried child, Koyori's voice carried a comforting reassurance, "Lap-sama, you don't need to worry because Iroha won't leave us, okay?"

Lap-sama nodded, though her concern lingered, leading to a further question, "But still, Iroha already has a partner. What if she forbids Iroha to stay with us?"

Iroha's response was swift and filled with conviction, "No, Reimu isn't that kind of person, so don't worry about that, Lap-sama."

Amidst the varying dynamics, Chloe interjected with a playful query, "Hey, Lui, can we become official now?"

Lui, however, maintained a businesslike demeanor as she responded, "No, we are only business friends."

The tension in the room escalated as the grey-haired girl's emotions overcame her, resulting in tears streaming down her face. Chloe's vocalizations took on an expressive quality, echoing through the chamber.

Chloe's display prompted a scolding from Lap-sama, who urged, "Sakamata, stop that."

Despite the emotional complexities at play, the five individuals continued to engage in heartfelt discussions. Their conversations revolved around Iroha's relationship and the unwavering support they were ready to provide, demonstrating a deep bond among the group. As they shared their thoughts and reassurances, the atmosphere gradually shifted from tension to one of understanding and solidarity.

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