Chapter 66 - Not Meant To Know
"Seems like the rest of our guests are here." you mutter as you sit up from the table. "I'll go get them."
You can hear Mami getting up behind you as you make your way to the door, nearly muffled by the argument outside slowly increasing in volume.
"-ld words for someone who's been a Magical Girl for barely a few days!"
"I've met real Magical Girls. You don't hold a candle to either of them."
"Wanna test that theory?"
As amusing as it would be to let this argument continue, you should probably stop it from escalating. Wouldn't want a brawl at your front door, after all.
"Something the matter?" You open the door to Sayaka and Kyoko, both in full Magical Girl regalia, glaring at one another with their faces barely a hand's width apart. Neither have drawn their weapons yet, but they might have actually gotten to that point if you hadn't intervened.
"This crazy girl showed up here!" Sayaka yells. "She says she knows Mami, but she's got to be lying!"
"Actually, that's true." says Mami, stepping up behind you for the second time today. "This is Sakura Kyoko, a very old friend of mine."
"What? No way!" Sayaka squawks indignantly. Beside her, Kyoko smiles with a level of smugness you thought was reserved for Arbiters. "But she's so rude!"
Rather than be offended, an amused smile crosses Mami's face. "Perhaps, but though she can be belligerent at times Kyoko is a reliable partner. We fought together back when I was still a relatively new Magical Girl."
As Sayaka pouts, Kyoko addresses you. "So, you said you've got something important to talk about? Did you find out what that thing we fought earlier was?"
"Come inside, I'll explain everything once everybody's ready. Plus, we've got cake."
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"Everyone, this is Sakura Kyoko. She's a fellow Magical Girl and a good friend of mine." Mami says as the four of you return to the living room. Homura is staring at Madoka, who was shifting uncomfortably in her seat before you entered.
"Hi! My name is Kaname Madoka, I'm very glad to meet you."
"Akemi Homura."
The two introduce themselves, one far more enthusiastic than the other. Yuma isn't paying attention at all, instead starting on a third slice of cake.
"And this is Yuma," you indicate to the greenette. "my youngest daughter. She won't be having any more cake, since she's on her third slice already." you add. Yuma freezes mid-bite, a look of guilt gradually creeping onto her face.
"You're not in trouble, just don't eat any more. You'll make yourself sick if you have too much sugar." you say with a sigh. Honestly, some things never change. It always falls to you to stop people from making poor choices. At least it's only cake this time.
"Wait, why've you got civilians here? I thought this was about some Magical Girl business." Kyoko asks. Homura seems slightly frustrated by the question, more than you expected considering it's one she raised herself only last night. Maybe it's just because she already knows the answer? You know she'd prefer if this were just a matter for Magical Girls, although even then that would probably still include Madoka. Her level of Karmic Potential means she'll be a part of that world no matter what.
"It is to an extent, but there's more to it than that. Sit down, this'll be a long conversation."
You return to your original seat at the head of the table with Mami at your side. Sayaka moves to sit down as well, stopping only to shoot Homura a skeptical glare before taking a seat at Madoka's other side. Kyoko takes the seat between Mami and Homura, immediately shoving a slice of cake into her mouth.
"This's great! Thanks!" the red-haired girl says between mouthfuls.
"I'm glad to hear it." Mami responds graciously. "X, Yuma and I all prepared it together for all of you."
"Thanks! It all looks delicious." Sayaka says before taking a small cake for herself. She's rather enthusiastic in her eating, although much more well-mannered than Kyoko and Yuma.
Everyone is here. You could stall a little more, enjoy the party, but there's no reason for it. You called everyone here with a purpose, and now it's time for that purpose to be fulfilled. Time to tear dow the veil of secrecy, one word at a time.
"So, now that everybody's arrived, here's a question for you all. How much do you know about the concept of alternate universes?"
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"In another world, a crueler and harsher one, there existed a special technology. Well, there were a lot of special technologies back there, but we're focusing on this one in particular. They called it Cogito. The idea behind it was to transform an idea or a concept into reality. You can think of it a lot like how Kyubey's Contracts give you Magic depending on what you wish for. Kyubey can make desires into truth, and Cogito was able to make ideas real. In theory, it sounds wonderful."
Nobody dares speak but you. It seems as though the second you began telling your story, the warmth vanished from Mami's small apartment. Clouds have drifted over the sun, turning a bright noon into a dreary, ominous one. Even Yuma has ceased staring longingly at the remaining confections, waiting eagerly for you to continue.
"Ideas don't just exist naturally. They come from people. So if you wanted to turn an idea into reality, you need to have a person first. Barring a few exceptions, people don't survive this process. At least, not recognizably. In exchange, an Abnormality is extracted from the person's consciousness."
Abnormalities. The mention of them sends a ripple of uneasiness through the assembled group. The sole exception is Kyoko, who remains intently focused on your words. The others have all been touched, in one way or another, by an Abnormality's influence. They know that these creatures are a threat.
"Abnormalities are living concepts. That means that they can have all sorts of esoteric powers. Whatever idea they represent, an Abnormality will have powers that tie into that idea somehow. While these abilities differ from one Abnormality to the next, there are a few constants. First off, they're basically all harmful to everyone around them. Barring one, maybe two exceptions, even the ones that act like or believe that they're benevolent only hurt people around them." As you speak, Mami gives you a look of pity. She rests a hand on yours, and you turn to give her the most reassuring smile you can manage. She returns the smile and squeezes your hand before returning to her tea.
"All the Birds wanted to help people, but they ended up hurting them anyways, right?" Yuma chimes in. Recognition flashes in Homura's eyes, and for a moment you can see her sifting through the memories of her encounter with the Black Forest's Guardian.
"That's right, Yuma." you affirm. "Always keep your guard up, even around Abnormalities that look harmless. The same should go for Witches as well, but any of the veteran Magical Girls here could've told you that already."
"Second, Abnormalities can't die. No matter how much damage you do, how thoroughly you destroy one, it'll always get up again. They don't usually get tired either, at least in the long term."
"But we defeated the bird Abnormality only last night." Homura interrupts. "Is it similar to a Witch, where it is forced into an inactive state when it takes too much damage?"
"Sort of." you respond noncommittally. "Abnormalities normally would just get up on the spot. At the moment, though, it seems like whatever force sent them here doesn't want them to stay. If an Abnormality is defeated or willingly accepts it, it'll be banished."
"Cool," Kyoko chimes in. "So if we see an Abnormality, just bash its head in 'till it disappears? I can do that." Mami shoots her a disapproving glare, and she recedes back to her seat with barely a hint of shame.
"It's not quite that simple. As I mentioned before, Abnormalities are concepts embodied. They can control minds, instantly kill people when certain conditions are fulfilled, reflect attacks, or even just be practically impervious to harm. Madoka," you say, calling to attention the pink-haired girl slowly being filled with anxiety. She jolts back to focus as you toss a small book to her, which she barely catches after a few seconds of fumbling in the air.
"That there is a book with as much information about Abnormalities as I could transcribe. Since you're not able to go into combat, I'll be counting on you to play mission control for the others if I'm not available." Madoka stares at the booklet in her hands. With all attention in the room drawn in the schoolgirl's direction, she suddenly seems much smaller. She stares down at the notebook in her hands and everything it represents, uncertainty clear in her face. For a moment you think she might say no, but that moment passes as soon as it comes. Madoka looks up at you, a new resolve alighting from within.
"I won't let you down, X!"
"Hell yeah you won't!" Sayaka chimes in. "Don't worry, you're gonna do great."
"I'm sure you will, Madoka. We all have confidence in your abilities." Mami adds with a warm smile.
"I think it's decided then. Regardless, there is another reason I thought you needed to know about Abnormalities. I…" The words are stuck in your throat. Your voice trails off into a sigh. Mami and Yuma, as if sensing your distress, sidle closer and lean into you ever so slightly. Another breath, and you ready yourself. Just get it out and deal with what people think later. After everything else you've accomplished, you can do this much.
"I am an Abnormality."
There is no immediate effect. Homura tenses slightly, glancing over to Madoka beside her before settling again. Of course, she's assessing if you're a threat or not. Madoka herself radiates distress, an expression of mixed horror and pity on her face. It's kind of her, really, but you aren't the victim here. There aren't any yet, and you can only hope it'll stay that way. To her side, Sayaka stares at you, uncomprehending. Kyoko barely reacts, looking over at Mami as if to measure her response. An uneasy quiet settles over the table, the girls all glancing between one another, waiting for somebody to make the first move.
Kyoko breaks the silence. "Neat. Is that where all your weapons come from? 'Cause I know you said they aren't magic."
"Is that really all you have to ask?"
"What?" Kyoko seems legitimately surprised. "You haven't killed anyone so far. Mami seems to trust you, so that's good enough for me. Did you expect us to be freaked out or scared of you or something like that?"
To the surprise of everyone present, yourself included, it's Homura who speaks next. "You have already done more good than you know. Whatever your true nature, your presence in Mitakihara has been overwhelmingly beneficial."
"Yeah! It's just like Kyoko and the transfer student said," Sayaka affirms. "You're definitely a hero. So what if you're 'supposed to be' a monster? You aren't, and that's what matters."
That…
…wasn't- isn't-
You really should've expected this. Mami and Yuma did tell you, after all.
Your eldest daughter reaches up to place a hand on your shoulder. "It's just as I said to you before, X. The only person here who doubts you is yourself."
You sit back in your chair. You hadn't even realized you were leaning forward. It had been a bad habit, trying to get a better look at the screen when you felt the facility was going out of control. "Yeah, you're all probably right." you admit. "Still, you can't say I'm completely harmless. You remember the ID Cards?"
Sayaka and Homura both draw their EGO Gifts up from nowhere, presenting the emblem of Lobotomy Corporation clearly alongside their portraits and information.
"You made those… because you're an Abnormality?" Madoka asks.
"EGO Gifts are a phenomenon that occurs when a person fulfills certain conditions with an Abnormality. Usually affection, but not always. It's basically a little bit of the Abnormality's personality made into an item. Ordinarily they'd make whoever carried them stronger, but without the proper mental protection just carrying them around will do things to your mind."
"Mental protection…" Sayaka mumbles. "Can I get that somehow? I know you said these things are dangerous, but… it's a gift. I'd just feel wrong to throw it away or get rid of it. Plus, you said it'd make me stronger?"
"It's possible for me to apply the necessary protections," you admit reluctantly, "but that requires me to use one of my abilities as an Abnormality. It'll basically be magic brain surgery. Are you really comfortable with that?"
"You've done it before," Homura jumps in, solemn as ever. "When you cleansed my Soul Gem, correct?"
"That's right. Grief is psychological in nature, so it's within my bounds to remove. Although that reminds me, the process requires observing your entire 'self'. People might see your memories or feelings while it's happening. Are you really still sure about this?"
"I would prefer to have the operation done in private." Homura says. "There are some memories I would prefer remain unobserved."
"Well, I don't have anything to hide." Sayaka retorts. "I'd rather get this over with sooner than risk getting hurt because I couldn't swallow my pride. You can start whenever you want."
You almost choke. "Wait, you want me to operate right now? In front of everyone?" Sayaka shrugs.
"Why not? Like I said, I've got nothing to be ashamed of." You can hear the uncertainty in her words, though there is a resolute quality to them as well.
Sayaka's Operation
[] (Operation) Right now
[] (Operation) Suggest later
Soul Gems
[] (Soul Gems) The Truth
[] (Soul Gems) Another Time
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Big Bird's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Punishing Bird's Sapling - Observation Level 1/2
So very close to the end of the beginning. Are you excited?
I wrote this instead of sleeping. Apologies for any errors. I'll go back over this chapter tomorrow morning.
