What, you're saying not being a jerk means being a-
(Event Theme) ♫ The SilvaGunner Christmas Comeback Crisis OST - Event ~ Delusions of an Absolute Madman ♫

SHUT YOUR MOUTH.

NOBODY SEES WHAT I SEE. I LOST THIS POWER, AND THIS PAGE...
Mega Beedrill points to a paper on a carved wooden stand. The edges give off a slight red glow, the front and back covered in poison used as improvised ink.

...THIS PAGE GAVE IT BACK. AND IT'S HERE TO GIVE ME WHAT I DESERVE A HUNDRED FOLD.

BUT YOU DON'T AGREE. THE FREAKS IMADE DON'T AGREE. I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO'S RIGHT IN THIS WHOLE DAMN WORLD.
Don't call them-

ZIP IT, BRAT.

You know what? We ain't the wrong ones here, buzz-

NO. DON'T YOU SAY THAT I'M WRONG. I'VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH GARBAGE AS IT IS.
Mega Beedrill's body flares up, flames changing between every color around him...

WHAT I SAY GOES, AND I WILL DO WHATEVER I GOTTA TO GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS!!!

---

*Reference: The Gen 8 Pokémon games (Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl) removed Mega Evolutions, of which Mega Beedrill was one of many.
†RECAP: As in a hypothetical page of the "Character Book", a plot element of the Zalgo Arc where certain characters had their existence modified by then-villain Princess Bloodmoon using spells on the book.
‡For mobile users, the first 2 flashbacks refer to Page 18, Post 5, and Page 13, Post 19, both from Part I.

(Event Theme) ♫ Kamex - "Pokemon - Drought And Flood fused" ♫
The swarm drops Mack, Yuugen-V, and Terumi on the cold, hard metal floor in the middle of the room. Mega Beedrill hovers in front of the three.

I have a story, and you're gonna listen.

Do any of you know you're in Dimension 2? As in, the one that wasn't always here?
With your attitude so far, I feel like you'd insult us whichever answer we gave.

Indecisive dunces...It's simple. Dimension 1 is your run-of-the-mill world. But if you're from Dimension 2, 99% of the time you're a Pokémon.


But it wasn't built that way. At some point, it was probably just like Dimension 1. I was around then, and even then I was a Pokémon. Trainers, spray potions, Poké Balls...just that bit of time was enough for me to know so many things that this Dimension doesn't have.

And I saw visions of what the world saw in Beedrill, besides from Pokémon who've never seen a trainer in their lives.
So you saw yourself under someone's command and-

I AM TALKING, BUTTER KNIFE.

And no, I ain't bitter about trainers or catching or any of that trash. Matter of fact, what I saw was a blessing.

Power. Something that could take a Beedrill like me and make him more than a face in a swarm. He could be the swarm. He could stand with legends.

But then? That power just vanished*. For NO REASON. Besides maybe reality itself yanking my chain.

Even a lump of dirt could figure out I was not happy. And I had to accept that it was just gone, and I was back to being dime a dozen!

Couple years pass, I found something. Looked like paper from a book†, like one of those blank pages they put before the title or...

ANYWAY. Found it, it had this glow or something like it was magic, but I wasn't impressed. I was bored, wrote a bit about what I wanted to be again on it...

Boom. The power was back. And it was here to stay.
But taunting me with that power before giving it back...why should I be satisfied with just that? I deserve more.


So I gave myself more. I gave myself more power, an army for conquest...I even used a couple stray memories of when this world began to build troops, to represent the power I had, and that I'd be getting more of by the day. You already know how those wimps handled it...

(Event Theme) ♫ THE SONIC STORM REJECTS - Kate ♫
Mack, Yuugen-V, and Terumi enter the room, looking straight ahead at Chillbuilder, the four sharing a similar sense of doubt.
...What were Battlewing's final moments? Before she was erased?
...
...we, uh...we didn't stay to see that if it happened...would make sense, though...
...but either way, she was in top shape. If she's gone now, she left as herself.
Mack looks over to Terumi.
A-and if she isn't, she's still the person she wants to be.
...
...I will say it is done, then.
...?
The Seekers...we were meant to impede people, and yet with all that's happened it feels like neither your side or ours holds any enmity.
I see no reason to fight for what the leader allegedly wanted. None of us truly stand for it...not you, and not us.
Cold, airless silence.
...so now your leader is the only one left in this goal of conquest.
I would say-
*CRASH*
⚫ No music ⚫
The silence is violently broken by a figure shattering through the ice ceiling, right next to Chillbuilder!

Shut it, ice pop.
(Event Theme) ♫ Pokémon Sapphire - Heavy Rain (Remix) ♫
As everyone who can jumps back, the 5-pointed figure dead-eyes his opponents...before dead-eyeing Chillbuilder.

Y'know, I really thought you holes would at least buy me more than TWO DAYS. Let alone actually kill any morons who didn't agree with me.

Oh, wait, three of my own creations count as that now! And the fourth ain't any better, wherever it is.
Stop treating her like she was just your "look at me, I'm so cool" sign!
She walked, she talked, she was a-
The leader cuts Mack off by darting right up to him. Holding a drill-like arm in front of Mack's face, a deathly glare can be seen on his own insectoid face.

NO. YOU LISTEN.


These Seeker whatevers were a bust, and if this one ain't even gonna do his job, I'm doing it myself.
A swarm of tiny, unidentifiable creatures carry the trio out of the cavern, through the broken ceiling!

---

*For the sake of both making the plot seem less chronologically drawn out and not having its end take place around the winter holidays (because even by CZ standards I feel that'd be no fun in this case), I've retroactively given the time in this plotline from Mack entering Dimension 2 himself (Page 37, Post #4 ) to the present be within the month the former post was made (the date meant to match that post's starting day plus the passage of nighttime on Page 91, Post #2 ).

Having found a fast route back to Gensokyo, Yuuma is now standing in wait. Sure enough, as the sun rises four days after they last met...
Good morning, Toutetsu.
...
Well, I gave you more than enough time to think this over...I'm glad we can agree-
I'm not taking your deal.
...pardon?
You heard me. I ain't takin' your orders watchin' the "black water" pools. Doesn't matter what you were gonna give me.
...
...Have you already forgotten the risk that would bring?
What risk? It took flooding Former Hell for anyone to get to me when I snuck down there, and we both know anyone who still thinks that stuff's worth it by then is gonna get what's comin' to 'em.
And given your track record, I ain't ready to say you're all that worried about the "risk". Not if it gives you attention.
And what exactly do you mean by that?
People didn't keep their mouths as shut about you as you probably wanted. Between the seasons, the fairies, and the firework show, I'd believe it if you were why the black water got to the surface, so you could get people back on your "good" side...
The Hidden Figure folds her hands, contemplating Yuuma's speculation...
...and either way, I don't care how many riches a goddess like you would give the alliance if joining you meant giving me more enemies.
So you'd rather live with being loathed for your past here in Gensokyo, and below in the Animal Realm?
Quit playin' dumb. Even if I never recover from what I did back then, there's more to this world than Gensokyo.
So you'd rather test the trust of others in a world you don't belong in than-
Don't even bother finishing that. I'd rather I find a fresh start by my own choice than leech off you. Let alone you leeching off me.
Yuuma turns her back to the Hidden Deity, her posture halfway to being upright as she holds her spork over her shoulders instead of letting its weight push her down.
She stops after a moment, turning to the Hidden Deity one last time.
Four days ago, you were talkin' to someone who didn't give half a damn what happened to those around them, and sat around doing nothing 'til they could treat themselves to power they didn't earn.
If you wanna talk to someone like that today, go find a mirror.
Yuuma continues walking away, her sights far from Gensokyo.

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man X7 - Our Blood Boils~VS Sigma 1st ♫
Mechabit leaps out of the HYPE TRAIN's path just in time, slamming down right in front of Coda Alarm, who in turn is blasted by Volt Man, revealing himself after a Beam Warp Δ!

---

The spring's bounce sends Coda Military slamming into a barrier shaped like a welding mask, a scarf-wearing figure with a halo standing behind it.
Boy, y'got yer words mixed up. See, our brother Wave just used a buff.

Wasting no more time, Rho-volt Torch blasts Military at point-blank range with a Burning Photon!!
That was a debuff.

---

Beam Warp RECAP: (Laser/Space) Teleports Volt Man almost anywhere in an instant. Additional functions depend on the power level:
Variants: Default (Only warps Volt Man), ...Β (Can warp up to 2 allies), ...Γ (Can warp up to 100 allies), ...Δ (NEW) (Deals heavy damage to opponents in range of the warp)
Burning Photon RECAP/REWORK*: (Flame/Laser) A searing stream of bright fire. On hit it deals heavy damage, and reduces the accuracy of the opponents attacks to 25%. If the target is not hit by the actual attack, but is within a certain radius around the flame (effectively double its size), accuracy will still be reduced, albeit to 75%.
Welding Barrier RECAP: (Flame/Shield) The user creates a welding mask that emits an energy barrier that deflects most attacks and absorbs Flame or Cutter type attacks.

---

*Burning Photon's original description ("A searing stream of fire bright enough to blind its targets.") was completely story-dependent, and had more of an "I win, shut up" kind of feel to its ability; I want to avoid that going forward.

---

NEW SUMMARY DATA

Yuuma pulls herself back upright after the initial surprise, almost fetal in her sulking sitting posture.
...did you hear what I asked or-
What's it to ya? I'm just a dumb wretch, so beat it.
Dual Lamia slides down to the pillar, curling her serpentine body to sit next to Yuuma.
Well, if you're gonna call yourself that, then something must be up.
Yuuma says nothing, only speaking up as she notices Lamia about to tap her shoulder half a minute later.
Okay, fine, sheesh.
Shakeup happened where I live, found something I figured would gimme power when nobody was lookin', power messed with my head, a bratty vampire blew me up...
And I got a whole region dead-eyein' me even before that - living with folks who say might makes right does that to ya - and the lady who dumped the li'l devil on me wants to make a deal.
Dual Lamia doesn't speak up, looking over genuinely invested in the story.
I try to grab other deals before sayin' yes to hers, n' all I get is two folks with 3 horror stories total 'bout her.
...so, you're changing your mind?
Ain't that easy, legless. She's one problem, dealin' with the mob in n' outta my main spot is another. I'm picking a poison at this point.
Dual Lamia thinks for a moment, a lollipop stick spinning around her lips.
...what was that about "might makes right"?
That's how they roll in the Animal Realm. You join an alliance or you're dead meat. Unless you're with me, 'cause the Gouyoku Alliance...well, it ain't really an "alliance", it's just I do what I want and everyone who "joins" me does what they want. When you don't get the job done by rushin' in, you get dirty looks from rival gangs. "You" meanin' "me".
Not sayin' I was some sorta misunderstood innocent lookin' fer buddies, but if that one plan didn't go south, I'd be singin' a whole 'notha song.
If you don't like them and they don't like you, why are you there?
...
...yer questions ain't makin' this any easier, stringtail.
Well, it's not like that's the only place in the world. Honestly, you don't sound like the best person to be around right now, but...I dunno, maybe it's what you've been sticking to?
Like, even if you have to move somewhere else for a while or more, wouldn't cutting ties with those other groups help? You barely put up with each other now.
I dunno, maybe you can find a fresh start or something. Find a place where you can do what you want without doing...whatever the heck got you in this mess.
Then you don't have to deal with that freaky mafia-sounding place, or that lady you have problems with...
It feels like forever before Yuuma seems to come to a decision.
...
...Y'know what? Worst thing about your idea is I ain't got anything to lose.
Yuuma hops off the broken pillar, her spork back over her shoulder, though less overhead.
If I ain't back tomorrow, assume I'm either dead, or dead to you.
Yuuma sprints off in the direction she came from.

Yuuma wanders aimlessly, dragging herself along as sloppily as she drags her spork along the ground, skidding behind her.
She stops at a toppled pillar of carved stone, dropping her weight like a heavy bag to sit.
(Sheesh, this Hidden Figure chick...it's one thing for her to try to get me on her side after she got the hired guns to stop me, but everything else...rancid .)
(All while I have worse PR in Gensokyo than anywhere else...Animal Realm isn't gonna be welcoming, nobody even likes how I less lead the "Gouyoku Alliance" and more sit around while they smack everyone over the-)
Hey, what's up?
GYAIGH!
Yuuma almost falls off the pillar, clutching her spork as she sees what's up over her head.
The figure she sees dangling upside-down from another broken stone structure is clearly humanoid from the waist up, adorned in a light armored vest of green and silver with gold edges. Below the waist is a serpentine body/tail with a white underbelly and a silver bow at the tip. Both her wild hair and scaly lower half are mainly purple, unusual streaks of red between them.
Oh. Yeah, guess that was a bit sudden for a gal I hadn't even met.

---

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man IV - Unnamed fortress boss/Wily Robo Iron Golem theme (Remix) ♫
!
R-Avi is flung all the way to the back of the fortress' solar panel, clearly recovering from the blow to the head even as he teleports back to upright flight.
So that's how you wanna do it, cringelords?
I didn't get where I am now through fair play.
A strange digital aura surrounds the now-battered Mango Sentinel, his eyes glowing as it dissipates...
"ING INFINITE" FUNCTION HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
With a surprise Rocket Punch flinging one closer to the other, Mango Sentinel proceeds to leap towards Gilgamesh and Dachone, unleashing a Freaking Infinite as R-Avi surrounds himself in a Cryo Circle!!

---

Freaking Infinite (Attack/Damage): The user attacks with a rhythmic series of 4 jumping attacks (often described as "LIGHT PUNCH, MEDIUM PUNCH, LIGHT KICK, HEAVY PUNCH"). Can hit up to 59 times if uninterrupted and done perfectly. Is not actually called the Freaking Infinite, but will be referred to as such to limit obscenities.
Cryo Circle RECAP: (Freeze/Shield) Inherited from Cryosphere's simulation data. Remnant Aviator creates a barrier of frozen spheres, deflecting any attacks that strike them. The spheres can also be expended to shoot powerful streams of water at an opponent.

---

*Reference: Puyo Puyo~n
†Was Crystal/Damage type in Part II.

---

NEW SUMMARY DATA

Cluster Drill RECAP: (Earth/Explode) Inherited from Seismic's simulation data. Remnant Aviator shoots a gigantic drill-shaped missile that explodes on contact, splitting into six smaller drill missiles that home in on opponents.
Foot Hold RECAP: (Neutral/Defense†) The user carries the ally, protecting them from knockback so long as the user isn't knocked back.
Sentinel Launcher: (Steel/Impact) The user (almost guaranteed to be some variation of a Sentinel robot) attacks with a high kick that launches opponents straight up several meters into the air. If the opponent is hit late into this kick, they cannot block it.
Reverse Blade RECAP: (Swift/Cutter) The user zips through the target, cutting them with a sharp blade.
Variants: ...Mach 2 (Power Level 2)
Form Summon RECAP: (Water/Copy) Demyx strums his sitar, creating a swarm of watery clones that attack the opponent(s). Demyx is invincible until all the water copies are destroyed.
Demyx's Skill: Water Dancer: Any Water-type abilities used by Demyx will have an additional Sound typing. If the ability already has two or more types, Sound will be added alongside them. Immunity to the Sound type will translate to the ability being 75% as effective (before other modifiers).

---

*Both of the events Daiyousei goes on to describe (Touhou 16 and Chapters 14-15 of Visionary Fairies in Shrine) are speculated to take place in the mid-late 2010s (and officially released 2017 and 2019, respectively); Chaos Zone itself canonically started June 2020, and the earliest mentions of Touhou events (Part I, Page 75, Posts #3 and #19 ) indicated Touhou 17 had already happened.
†This ability was first listed as being "None/Defense" type. This was back when "None" was the formatting equivalent to "Neutral"; now that both {neutral} and {none} work in forum formatting (even if None has yet to see use in Chaos Zone as a type on its own), I have changed the type, though I didn't call it a re-type since it's intent has always been to be this type.

Yuuma tries to hide her bitter face from Daiyousei, even as the small fairy latches onto her, pulling her back as if a dangerous path lay in front of them.
...do you know the door gal or something?
Stayawayfromheryoudunnowhatshedoesyoudunno-
Kid, take some deep breaths for 's sake!
Daiyousei spend a second alternating between gasping and wheezing until her breathing actually calms.
Now run what you just said by me again. From the top.
...
...I dunno how long ago it all happened, but...I know I met some friends after it happened*, and that was 2 years ago, so... ...I mean, I got better, but...I keep thinking more and more, and I'm more and more scared of that.
I don't think she even cared! Like she just thought it was funny to mess with us!
Yumma lets out a small sigh, much softer than her usual groan.
I, uh...I'll think about it. What you said, I mean. Maybe I'll ask her why she did that, I ain't got a clue either..
...
Daiyousei gives the tiniest wave to the back-turned Yuuma as she starts to fly off.
(I mean, can't blame Hidden Figure that much, the little pixies are dime a dozen...)
(...then again, there's also what the umbrella said about the fireworks show...come to think of it, that sugar high the kid just rambled about sounds like the season thing-)
(Wait...the hell is up with this lady?!)

---

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man IV - Unnamed fortress boss/Wily Robo Iron Golem theme (Remix) ♫
"Water Wizard Enters Illegal Tournament, Permanent Brain Damage Ensues"...bruh, you're giving me material without trying!
Foot Holder rushes to Meandra, trying to prop her onto him for a Foot Hold as he flies off, barely dodging a Cluster Drill that flies off into the distance, trying to help Meandra with another Solar Recharge!
Mango Sentinel sees an opportunity, rushing toward the two, prepared to hit with a delayed Sentinel Launcher...
...that Reverse Man ends up taking instead (albeit in a failed attempt to interrupt with a Reverse Blade), the small dragon robot being comboed into 4 more hits, ending in a Rocket Punch!!
Reverse Man clings to the edge of the platform, frantic wing flapping being all that holds him up, as Mango Sentinel lands in the middle of a 6-count Form Summon knocking him back and forth in a small ring!

(Area Theme) ♫ Kingdom Hearts III - Labyrinth of Ice ♫
Questions slowly filling his mind as he reflects on the opposing team's perspective, Chilbuilder holds up his left hand to his braille face, a small whirl of cold air forming in his palm.
Two voices can be heard from within the cloud.
Wh-Builder?
Builder?
...Hello. I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?
Uh...not on my end, hee-ho.
I...well, to tell the truth, I feel comfortable having someone to talk to right now. I simply wished not to risk anything by asking.
This might sound odd, but...those three...what was it like meeting them?
Three? I...only met two.
Rottentest clears her throat, sounding as if she's choking up.
My apologies. Continue if you wish, Warp.
Well, I met this little red fellow on a sword...or maybe a sword fellow with a red thing on it...or both...anyway, it was all going as planned, even when he joined up with a strange wireframe lady I pranked earlier...
...then they activated one of the portals in the wrong order, and it screwed it all up, and-
From Willowarp's end comes the sound of a hollow glove hitting a rock.
...sorry.
So, you can probably guess I had to tell the boss about it, and...well, he treated me like he usually does, and told me to go tell Wing she was going to get more troops. I didn't have many, but I think he wrote hers over mine...
How did they act to each other?
Like strangers heading down the same road. Well, the sword helped the wireframe one time, I think...
Uh, Test...do you know why Builder saw three-ho?
More throat-clearing from Rottentest's end, deep breaths mixed in as she tries to calm herself.
The tin man and glowing woman seemed loosely...affable to each other when I met them. They never reacted to my displays...when we met I would say I was like a joke in their eyes...
Rottentest's voice starts to blubber.
...and then I learned of the child...
The one in purple?
I swear on life and undeath, her torture wasn't my intent, the troops leader sent trapped her without asking me...
Heavy breathing, and a couple of sniffles from Rottentest.
I blame them not for scolding me, they knew nothing, I knew nothing, I...I-I DIDN'T WANT TO TORMENT THE INNOCENT, LEADER MEG-
A minute of silence.
I-I apologize, I simply...well, I suppose I have given you the tale of what happened after. And when I told leader afterwards.
The child...neither of her allies seem as if they intend to be a parent, but they do wish the best for her. And they wish well for each other, I presume.
...Test, I really wish I could be there to tell you how sorry I am.
...I could come over if you want, RT.
What would be another minute of silence is broken when Chillbuilder realizes...
Wait, Wing? Are you there?
No answer.
I heard her give the message from her script, think I saw her backup ships scattering from her site...never saw her own ship, though...
And...neither of you have heard from her?
Not since we were cast out to our bases of operation...
Silence again, albeit with a sense of gloom casting over the three.
...if the leader truly acted on his threats...I will do the most I can to respect what she wanted.
I suppose I'll...um...let you go back to what you were doing.
Good luck, friend.
I wish you good luck.
The whirl fades, the voices with them. As the "opposing" team makes it through the final rooms, Chillbuilder thinks about his parting words to Willowarp and Rottentest.

(Area Theme) ♫ Kingdom Hearts III - Labyrinth of Ice ♫
As Mack and Yuugen-V try to find anything out of place in the flat-walled, flat-floored room, they rush to Terumi as she accidentally pushes a wall on the opposite end, opening a doorway.
I swear these rooms make less and less sense each time...even the pumpkin had his fancy gimmick.
Well, if he was to be believed, whoever's here is the last Seeker of Strength.
Besides their leader...
The passive mention of the Seekers' leader prompts a heavy delay until the next question:
...Mr. Mack, wha'd'you think the person's gonna be like?
You mean the leader, or the Seeker here?
The...um...the Seeker.
Mack ponders the question as the three find themselves in Room N.

---

Chillbuilder listens in on the three, surprised to hear himself being discussed.
I-I mean, I'm guessing they're interested in water, or ice, or something. The other 3 Seekers seemed like they were setting up a Four Fiends kinda posse, so that'd make sense...
As for attitude...I mean, it's been hard enough trying to read the other 3. The bug at least told us she liked fighting more than warring...the moldy gal was being a drama queen, no getting around that. And I think the magic pumpkin was going for some sorta "cool magic guy" style, but...nah, that can't be his usual attitude, he kinda...
Threw a tantrum when something went a little different than he planned?
Yeah. We haven't heard a peep from whoever's in here, so-oh, wait, this block slides when you push it-look, I ain't a psychopath*, I don't know if they're thinking about going full ham on us or if they're a big giant who doesn't speak or...
...Let's just get this over with and find out. Honestly, with what the last two said about the leader, I'm more worried about him.
I think we need to slide the block to that corner. By the way, it's "psychic", "psychopath" means something else.
Wait, does it*?
...

---

Ice unit, I want you to listen to me very carefully. You've got what it takes to be bulky even if someone throws a rock or piece of metal or whatever crap they want at you. Others don't.

You might not look like me the way the Wind unit does, but your concept is pretty darn close to everything I stand for. I want what I stand for to ring out across dimensions, so if you don't serve your purpose, I have enough paper to write up someone who will.

---

Chillbuilder folds his hands in deep thought...

---

*Reference: Super Mario RPG - Mallow's Psychopath move, which, given surrounding context (the move can be used to read the mind of the targeted opponent), was likely meant more to refer to mind-reading (like a psychic) than a person with a particular negative mindset (what a psychopath actually is)

(Right, so Hidden Figure's far from a saint. Dunno what the heck the umbrella was talkin' with the festival, but I guess I ain't dragging her PR down any lower than it already is...)
('Course, she ain't never heard the Gouyoku Alliance being as much free birds as we are, so I'm probably more like Bowsette or Applejack* in her eyes and not-)
Yuuma's body almost petrifies again at the sight of a vague figure in the distance...quickly regaining her composure as she somewhat realizes who it is this time.
(Oh. Just another fairy. Well, even if she ain't one o' those with the memory of a goldfish, she's still a li'l runt-)
Before Yuuma can walk past, the figure is now over her shoulder. In her peripheral vision, she can make out a childlike figure with gold-tipped wings and a simple blue and white outfit.
Um...hi?

(...whiiiiiiiich means I can smooth-talk her easier, I guess.)
Yuuma turns over to Daiyousei, switching to a smile as non-threatening as she can look without looking desperate.
Heyy, kid! Whatcha wanna ask me 'bout?
Well, it just seemed kinda...empty? I was on my way to a friend's to go play some games...
Yuuma puts Daiyousei back on the ground (holding back the urge to simply drop her), then ruffles the fairy's hair as if she was being a cool aunt.
Well hey, you go ahead with what you're doin', sweetie. I got...uh..grown-up stuff I'm off to do.
Yuuma tries holding back her hunch as she speedwalks off, looking less like a sniveling baddie and more like a 4-year-old chupacabra.
Like what?
Yuuma doesn't bother turning around, her face already re-adjusted as if for her it took more muscles to frown than to smile.
Stuff you wouldn't get. Strong lady in a chair who uses doors, stuff like-
WHAT?!
Yuuma begins pulling on her own wooly hair as Daiyousei rushes back over, jarred by the nameless mention of the Hidden Figure.

---

*Reference: Touhou 17 - Yachie Kicchou (a tortoise-dragon creature girl) and Saki Kurokoma (a winged horse girl in a cowboy outfit), two other major leaders in the Animal Realm.

---

NEW SUMMARY DATA

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man X7 - Our Blood Boils~VS Sigma 1st ♫
While the last flash didn't add to it, the sound of the Star Crashes making contact sets off a hidden stash of 11 Tsade Sonic Mines!!
The weakened feeling doesn't last long for the heroes, either, as a sudden shower of water envelops each of them, bringing them back to tip-top shape!
As Mechabit escalates things to a Heavy Sprint, the source of the water appears, surfing on his bare feet.
Speak for yourselves, kooks. We ain't planning to wipe out to the likes of you.

Riptide Directors and Psychoblasts fill the air, as...
...wait, where's Volt Man?

---

New Sonic Mine Power Level: Tsade... (Power Level 18)
Power Wash RECAP: (Shield/Water) Soaks the user's teammates in water that undoes any negative stat changes, and heals them back to full health.
Heavy Sprint RECAP/RETYPE: (Impact/Swift -> Grapple/Swift) The user dashes into the target, and drags them along the nearest solid surface (usually the ground).
Riptide Director RECAP: (Water/Wind) The user creates a moving rip current, trapping any opponent caught by it as it moves forward.
Psychoblast RECAP: (Mind/Explode) An ability learned from Advancing* Dynamite Blast. Dyna Man uses sheer willpower to create a psychic explosion at a location of his choice.

---

*Recap: Part 1, Page 344, Post #16

---

NEW SUMMARY DATA

(Area Theme) ♫ Kingdom Hearts III - Labyrinth of Ice ♫
In the deepest depths of the ice-laced labyrinth, far from anyone - for now, anyway - a figure as icy and blocky as the terrain around him sits in silence.
Barely able to fit in the room (he'd stand an entire five meters if he could), he keeps his crystal tree trunk legs crossed as he watches the one thing not made of ice: A monitor, displaying a trio. A bouncing blade, a living outline, and between then a child not dead, but not "alive" in the traditional sense.
*sigh*
(Just remember what the Leader told you.)
(Don't let them foil his plans. Don't let them insult the power he wields. Or that I represent.
The ice sculpture looks down to his hand.
(...if only I understood what he meant by the latter...)
He looks back at the monitor.
(Well, if nothing else, I know how I can control this palace. To an extent, anyway.)
(If the few minions I've been designated aren't enough, maybe the geometry will.)
(They can solve Warp's puzzles...face Test's fears...I don't know how they overcame Wing, but I must remember that...)
(...and if I must show them great dangers to keep them away from me...from risking the lives of my siblings, whoever may end them...)
(...I truly wish it didn't have to come to this, but so be it.)

---

Rocket Punch RECAP: (Impact) The user extends their arm forwards at the elbow, punching the opponent before the arm returns to its initial length.
Flutter Kick RECAP: (Swift) The user flails their feet rapidly, dealing rapid damage to opponents below them that builds up for an overall powerful attack.
Propeller Chaingun: (Wind/Missile) Inherited from Aviator's simulation data. Remnant Aviator fires a barrage of small but powerful bullets from his arms.

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*Reference + Note: Okina Matara's appearances in Touhou 16 and Grimoire of Usami (the latter being a book with a story Kogasa also had a bit role in). I've been purposefully withholding Okina Matara's name because I do not have any plans for the character besides this plotline specifically, and so I do not plan on properly reserving the character.

...so, yeah. Nothin' you didn't already know to the rest of the story.
...I'll be honest, I knew something was wrong with that petrol before I even headed back to Gensokyo to find the source, so I'm not sure how much I have to say about what it did to you.
...besides that it isn't enough that I'm gonna act like this never happened...
...but hold on, who was that you said brought Flandre to you? And gave you the offer?
Hidden Figure? Why? What about 'er?
...nothing. She just...makes me uncomfortable.
I wasn't paying attention, but I heard about something she did to the seasons once...and then there was that danmaku festival where she showed up without asking, and things got really dangerous*...
...of course, I'm talking to you now, so...
...I dunno. I mean, if making a deal with her is the way you wanna go, I wouldn't stop you even if I wasn't scared it'd kill me.
Kogasa sighs, and walks off without a parting word.
(...is Hidden Figure just that good about dealing with people?
(No, hold on, I barely know the umbrella 'sides our first run-in and today...but whatever he is, she ain't a troublemaker.)
(...)
(...whatever, I got better places to ask myself this stuff.)

---

(Event Battle Theme) ♫ Mega Man IV - Unnamed fortress boss/Wily Robo Iron Golem theme (Remix) ♫
Mango Sentinel begins with a quick but huge beam from his mouth, most dodging it, Gilgamesh blocking it, but Demyx caught straight in it, prompting the giant to prepare a Rocket Punch...only to be blindsided by a Flutter Kick from Yoshi before the punch can reach!
As Mango Sentinel is stunned, R-Avi tries to pelt Yoshi from behind with a Propeller Chaingun, only for Nero to step in and block as many shots as she can with her sword!

Gensokyo well behind her by now, Yuuma struts on confidently, her hunch raised enough that her ears are "only" at shoulder level (instead of, say, elbow level).
Heh! The fella at the village didn't even think this thing counted as a weapon...I'm a complete nobody outside the fantasy world!
A nobody who could find any place she wants to find a better deal than the black water, even...
Yuuma's thoughts are broken and scattered as she notices a figure turn to face her in the distance, wielding a familiar purple umbrella. Familiar enough that Yuuma knows one could also say the umbrella is holding itself.

---

---

(Crap! No way in hell that thing doesn't remember last time...)

---

†

---

Yuuma darts behind a rock, digging through a few tough blocks of dirt to hide in a pit...Kogasa right in front of her at the bottom, in the way of a wider cavern.
...okay, look, we can talk this out, I get my analogy wasn't the best, I know dead zooplankton ain't the same thing as-‡
I want to talk this out.
(......)

---

*Reference: Shovel Knight
†Reference/Recap: While Kogasa serves only a minor role in Touhou 17.5 proper, she served a larger role off-scene in Chaos Zone, having a "scenario" equivalent to Kanako's in the official game (Kanako being absent from Chaos Zone's version of the events for unrelated reasons). The full story is in the "MMRPG Unseen Stories" document linked in the intro post (Content Warning: Mentions blood, albeit no gore).
‡Reference: Touhou 17.5 - A comparison Yuuma makes between petroleum and the "black water" (actually the blood of vile souls); she used this analogy on Kogasa in the aforementioned section of the "Unseen Stories" doc.

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NEW SUMMARY DATA

(Character - Theme of...) ♫ Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories - Thirteenth Discretion ♫
...
Barbariccia taps her finger on a windowsill, looking out a window as if something was there besides an endless sea.
You need to understand this is the cost of stagnation.

Just because I barely do anything about what goes on there doesn't mean half of everyone else hasn't!
And where's that taken us?! A year* with next to no progress on this overarching Agony bull!!
...I wasn't trying to blame you, but truthfully, I can't disagree with any of that. Besides the insults.
Well, every time someone tries to do something, something else says "no"! Are we just stuck between trying to tear it down or waiting for more problems to happen?!

A fourth figure chuckles.
The only "problem" is that you see this as a problem.

Chaos is why we're all here, isn't it?

Which doesn't justify-
"Lasting conflict without confusion", yes, I've heard it a thousand times, balancing act.
Speaking of which, you seem to forget the balance that all four of us uphold.
Your stance on letting someone win if the show goes on, Barb's indifference to it all, Sodoma's stance that all must end well...
And my stance. Which is that as long as something is in someone's way, all is as it should be.
This "arc" has been going on forever!!
You and your "arcs"! Why do you think this "Agony" has to end?
Because with conflict comes resolution. That's how things are.
...fine, I won't deny that. But why do you think it has to end for good?
Look at Beta Devil! Look at Surge Man! Look at Grey Matter! All people or things who had time being the source of disarray, but weren't wiped out!
Not every story is like Beta's precious Dragon Ball. In some stories, small conflicts are solved bit by bit, while disorder lingers with no end in sight. Who's to say that isn't what Agony is meant to be?
And if none of you soft-hearted fools like it? There's more to this world than what people call the "main" conflict. Be happy you have that.

---

Chaos (First introduced by Beta Shadow; description quoted from Part II, Page 180, Post #8 ): An Artificial Element that derives from the use of Chaos Energy produced by specific objects (ie. Chaos Emeralds, Super Emeralds, the Master Emerald).

---

*Agony was first introduced in Part II, Page 344, Post #10, then mentioned by name in Part II, Page 345, Post #7.

Minutes pass. The trio is long gone, Battlewing by herself waiting for the inevitable.
Her vacant mind is filled when she hears a voice from the communicator she turned on before the fight.
...the punks got through the wind troop. Great.

Now I gotta write more for-wait, no, the ice troop can handle himself just fine, he's got his toys...

Well, whatever. Wind troop ran away, whatever happened to it ain't my problem. I'll drag it back here if I gotta set up a boss rush or some garbage if things go by too fast...

...wait, why the heck is this radio on? Eh, I'll turn it off, the bug doesn't need to tell me any-

*SHKSH*
Battlewing stabs right through the communicator with a claw!!
(So that's it, huh?! I ain't even a part of his story anymore?!?!)
(To Hell with his bickering. If he's gonna give me enough time that I can give him a piece of my mind, fine by me.)
Battlewing flies out the tree, darting off to somewhere roughly parallel to the path she pointed to earlier...

---

NEW SUMMARY DATA

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*Part II, Page 28, Post #15

Battlewing breathes roughly, clenching her fist, still lying on the ground.
...well, what are you waiting for?
...wait, what do you mean?
I lost. I'm gonna be gone any second, so might as well put me down with a bang.
Terumi timidly walks up to Battlewing.
...why would you fade? Or...be gone? Or...?
*sigh*
Battlewing pushes herself up to a sitting position.
You don't get it. Our leader doesn't just tell us what to do, he's how we're alive.
He's never told me the details, but when I'm working with someone who can take that away from me, I'm not prodding for questions.
But I just wanted a good, fair fight. I'm not one to lead a big army or any trash like that.
I wanted to live my way. Dying standing is a heck of a lot better than living kneeling, and if nothing else it'd mean the leader would actually recognize me.
Willowarp and Rottentest are bonuses to him. The ice rep and I? We're living messages of what the boss wants. And if I can't even be a good figurehead, why make him waste ink?
...
I-is this what you really want? To be kicked while you're down for doing what you want?

If we can't control what your leader does, I'm truly sorry.
But...we don't want to kill you. You have standards - you didn't want to hurt Terumi - and your leader is clearly the one pushing this conquest agenda and not you.
...what does it feel like to go away?
Beats me. I barely even noticed when I came to life, I probably won't even notice when I'm gone.
...
This is gonna sound stupid, but hear us out.
Mack pulls out an E-Tank.
If you really think this guy's gonna erase you either way, why not spend your last moments at full strength?
Pffh...what would I even get to use it on? Just 'cause I'm fast doesn't mean I can overthrow him in seconds.
Well, it's gonna hurt a lot less, for one.
Other thing, though: If you can live any longer, you're showing even if your boss is gonna call you disposable, you ain't gonna accept it.
Even if it doesn't change his mind, you're still gonna be you. Not his "wind troop", not his "figurehead", you. Even if just for a moment.
I'd say that's a way better message than saying you want to die for him.

*sigh*
Battlewing begrudgingly grabs the tank and drinks it. As she regains her energy, she stands up.
The ice troop is in a cavern through that hole over there. Get past him, and the boss is the only one left.
Mack and Yuugen-V quietly follow the path, looking back to Battlewing as she sits across the tree. Terumi waves to her with a look like they might meet again someday before following Mack and Yuugen.