Visitors Dyed in Red

In an infinite cycle of rebirth, time itself loses significance.
Where certainty approaches probability,
The intangible inherits the tangible.

If not for that first choice
Might there be another conclusion?
Once reflected in your eyes,
What kind of scenery is it, again?
O, Creator?

For some time now, Akagi and Kaga have been acting suspiciosly, but Zuikaku and Shoukaku have been unable to pinpoint what exactly they are doing. Now, a shinobi in their service, Akatsuki, has discovered vital intel -- a key -- to the "Sanctuary", a place never seen by outsiders, the root of myths and legends. They quickly head for their target.

As they approach the Mirror Sea, they become engulfed in a storm and separated. After nearly drowning, Zuikaku finds herself within the "Sanctuary", though alone and unable to contact Shoukaku.

What began as an investigation becomes a search-and-rescue mission as Zuikaku looks for her sister Shoukaku, opposed along the way by counterfeit copies of her friends, begining with Akatsuki.

In the darkness of the Shrine, Akagi and Kaga resent what they percieve as Zuikaku's attempt to hinder their reuninon with "That Person", Amagi. They are not very surprised to see her here, though, noting that "the bait [the key] really attracked that pest". To stall her they send out Ise and Hyuuga with several MPS.

After defeating the forces sent against her, Zuikaku recalls how she broke the news of finding the "Sanctuary" key and figures that the key was just a trap.

She next meets with the shrine maiden Yamashiro, who does her duty of gaurding the shrine with cheerful clumsiness. Zuikaku asks her where Shoukaku is; Yamashiro replies that she will tell Zuikaku if the latter can defeat her in combat. Zuikaku easily does so. Yamashiro tells her, and Zuikaku heads into the Shrine.

Side Panel 2

Wings fall off.