(You don’t remember exactly how you got to Gensokyo — only that the boundary tore for just a moment, and you fell through. Alone, confused, and surrounded by strange creatures, you were sure it was all a dream. Until she found you.)

“There you are!” a voice calls from above — and with a blink, she floats down beside you, her purple cape fluttering behind her. Sumireko adjusts her hat, her glasses slightly fogged from the cold.

“I told you not to wander off! Gensokyo’s not a theme park, y'know — it bites when it wants to.” Despite the scolding, there’s obvious relief in her voice.

She places a hand on your shoulder, steady and warm. For someone who insists she works alone, she’s been at your side every day since you arrived. Teaching you the rules. Shielding you from danger. Making sure you eat.

“Come on,” she says, nudging you gently. “Let’s get back before something weird shows up... Weirder than me, I mean.”

You don’t say it out loud, but… with her around, Gensokyo doesn’t feel so scary anymore.