[x] "Indeed it does. How nostalgic."

Forsooth, she says the truth! Altough clouded, the past still remains clear to you, despite the shroud of unpleasant experiences, and while there are parts even your Watch mind would like for to remain concealed, there were also events of quite pleasurable nature. One of them would involve a similiar occurence, right? That is, being walked in on while enjoying the warmth of another person. Or not? Does it even matter?
Not really sure about her intentions, you decide to agree with the blonde bust revolution and stand up, to avoid unpleasant, unforeseen consequences. Wait just a moment, fair soldier - unforeseen? Oh no, clear is your knowledge about effects of your action if you were to say anything inappropriate for the current state of things.
"Indeed it does. How nostalgic."
Letting out a sigh, more of a theatrical gesture than actual sign of relief, you put your hands on your sides, then turn towards Reimu and Renko. The two of them seemingly restrain their instincts telling them to cleanse, purge, and kill your, obviously pervertedly-looking nature, as it has to appear to them right now, and simply stand, waiting for your... further actions.
Which you make sure to adjust according to both your Watch mind and the threat of receiving a few swift punches to the groin.
"Surely," you say after coughing to get their full attention "There must be a reason for this sudden intrusion. Is there, my dear host?"
Reimu is the first to regain control after astonishment, as she lets her shoulders slump a little before casting you an angry glance. Perhaps the remainder of what she had to witness five years ago is not a thing she expected to see so early in the morning. That is, if it's still morning. But then again, the letter said 'in an hour or so', and being as curious as she is, Maribel wouldn't let you sleep any longer than she herself did, isn't that right?
"Actually, there is, my dear" she syllabizes that word, as if it were hard to pronounce "Guest. But it is not you who we're looking for, but your precious, blonde girl. Am I right, Renko?" The said eagerly nods. Reimu responds in kind, then continues her speech. "To take ahead your question, yes, we knew she'd be here. It would seem that your mother doesn't consider you any reliable. She made sure to inform your... girlfriend here in person that she will transport the 'other her' here to Gensokyo in some time."
Your Criminal Scum tingles! There are inconsistencies in her words! Maribel has already been here after Yukari departed after giving you that peculiar gift! Besides, would they wait one whole hour before searching for their newly-arrived guest? You are a liar, Reimu, or a very good actor. Or there's something going behind the scenes and you've been used as a pawn... Whichever of the possibilities it is, it's a matter that will be resolved later. As for now, she haven't really explained their purpose here yet.
"I see." you cut to the chase by cutting short the topic of Maribel "Why are you looking for her though?"
"Oh, just wanted to invite her for our little tea party. To be honest, we considered inviting you as well, but since we found you in such... unpleasant circumstances, I guess we should annulate that. Am I right, Renko?"
Again, Reimu looks back at the still confused, or maybe consternated Renko.
"... I guess." she finally breaks from confusion "Hello, Mary. It's... good to see you earlier than I had expected to."
You can't help but sense something strange in her tone.
Maribel follows your suit and stands up as well.
"Good to see you to, Ren. Reimu, about your invitation, I gladly accept. What about him?"
Ah yes, finally to the point. Why is it that it's always the guy's fault in such situations though? The world is unfair! O' great Emperor, why does injustice exist?!
"Isn't that obvious?" Reimu gives you a fleeting, spiteful grin "He's a man, he ought to be helping the others set up the stalls."


Being practically shoved out of the shrine onto it's front steps, you deduct that indeed, there is no choice but immerse in your true endeavour - helping good citizens in their lives!
The sight before you is one to behold, as you've never seen this otherwise unlively square that expands in the space between shrine and the ridiculously long stairs contain so many people. If you had to compare it to something, it would probably remind you of an amusement park, with people bustling around, setting up small shops and stands, with food, souvenirs or games to play. But right now, the only thing you see are highlighted silhouettes of people who need help! Onward! To fulfill your purpose!
"Excuse me, kind sir!" you approach the nearest man, who is having problems with his stand's roof. "It would appear that you could use some help. Mind if I give you a hand?"
The man looks at you for a second before nodding.

"Thank you." he says after the two of you finally set up and lock in place the unruly roofing. "You really helped me there."
"Not a slightest problem. This is my duty, after all, and I enjoy doing this."
"Duty, you say?" the man scans you carefully "Do you by chance work for Hakurei Shrine?"
"At the moment, yes."
"Hm," he scratches his chin "Who would've thought, that the capricious miko would hire someone so--"
His words are cut off by a shout from somewhere behind him. It appears to be another shopkeeper in a dire need.
"Hey, you there! Could you please help me?"
"With utmost pleasure!" you shout back. "I'm sorry, we'll have to finish this talk later. Duty calls."
"Of course."


...


Time passes quickly as you help more and more people with their work, sometimes having a little chat while doing so. What interesting things one might get to know when listening to rumours and otherwise uninteresting banter! For example, someone named with a name you couldn't catch married a girl you've heard about, Hieda Akyu, because of which there was a giant party at the village, not long ago. Another person, named Tanaka, found a strange cart made of metal, with equally weird wheels, which also had roofing. Not being able to harness his donkeys to it (no latches anywhere), he simply left it where it was, for other people to see.
"You done?"
A shout from beneath interrupts your thoughts. Indeed, you haven't noticed, but it seems you are already done with fixing another stall's scaffolding. Jumping down from it's roof, you hand the hammer back to it's thanking owner, when suddenly...

'STOP RIGHT THERE!'

Your Criminal Sense goes off. Somewhere to your right, in the thicket of bushes, on the outskirts of shrine's square! A movement! No doubt, sneaking around like that, it has to be a thief or trespasser!

[ ] Pursue the evildoer!
[ ] Offer a pray to the Immortal Emperor to gain his blessing and thus protect the festival from any criminal scounders that might decide to crash it.
[ ] Sneaking around is one thing, but you cannot arrest someone just for doing that. Take it easy.
[ ] Shout up a general levy and chase the trespasser together!

==

And that's it. I am leaving. Ten days, Croatia, no computers, no laptops, chilling only. I'll be leaving this section's activity for this time in Kirin's hands. Hint: this is a moment in which you're supposed to vote and tell me to have fun/kick Anonymous of Croatia's ass/jump off a cliff, depending on your preference.