“Human Resources” Shouldn’t Be This Literal: A PMMM/ProjectMoon Quest

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 108 - Reunion

The Floor of Art is a peaceful place. While most of the Library's corridors and less esoteric floors appear at a glance to be cut and polished wood, Netzach's layer looks like it's been carved out of an actual, still-living tree. Knotted roots weave between thick bark beneath your feet to form a surprisingly stable floor. Thick wooden tendrils wrap around and through bookshelves, which themselves seem less constructed and more just carved out of the walls. Tiny, humanoid things with oddly-proportioned bodies and little in the way of discernible features dot the place, glowing a bright and presumably healthy green. The scattered books and loosely arranged trash scattered everywhere gives the impression of a cobbled-together hideout or shelter, someplace people with nowhere else to go would use for a moment's reprieve before continuing on. And yet, there's a pervasive sense of livedness filling the Floor's halls.

You've been staring at the door to the lounge for at least a minute now. Maybe longer. The upper-layer Department Heads, now the Patron Librarians of the bottom floors of the Library, are resting on the other side. Apparently, it's a common occurrence after they've finished their allotted tasks. Or, in Netzach's case, whenever they decide they're done and want to sneak off somewhere.

Slowly, carefully, you grip the doorknob. You can feel the emotions radiating from the other side. So they're actually here, then. It's be pretty awkward if you worked yourself up just to open the door and find that everyone had left to go do something else while you were on your way down. Of course, that doesn't eliminate the possibility that it's somebody else in the room.

More out of curiosity than anything else, you tune your senses further towards the emotions filtering put from the inside of the room. Instead of relaxation, calm, or anything else you'd expect from a break room, worry weighs down on the people inside. Spikes of anxiety run through the oppressive tension, leaving you with a very unfortunate picture of what's going on. The levels of stress you're detecting aren't more than you'd expect from an ordinary conversation, but it's certainly not a happy talk going on.

Maybe you should just wait for them to finish. After all, it seems like the Sephirot are in the middle of a rather important discussion. Interrupting would just start things off on the wrong foot. You wouldn't want to make a poor impression right away after not seeing them for so long. Then again, jumping in right after a heavy discussion might taint whatever interactions you have next. Maybe you should just leave, and come back l-

"Hi!"

You very nearly tear off the doorknob in surprise at the sudden voice behind you. You turn to see one of the Magical Girls carrying a stack of books nearly as tall as they are, already moving on through the Floor's wooded halls. Seems like Angela hasn't lost the chance to expand her workforce.

Gah. You've been overthinking this. Taking a deep breath, you turn the knob and push open the door.

—————————

"…isn't an excuse for- oh!"

Malkuth, a short, light brown-haired woman wearing a similarly-colored uniform, stands with both hands placed on the large wooden table. The Patron Librarian of History wears a small frown that disappears under an expression of surprise at your sudden entrance. At her side, Hod turns slightly to catch a glance of you. The shorter girl looks more subdued than before, though you suppose she was on that track even when you last saw her. Like her colleagues, the young woman wears a mix of suit and dress that matches the dark-brown color of her hair.

"Manager. We did not expect for you to arrive. Please, take a seat." a new voice says. Your attention is pulled towards Yesod, your former Head of the Information Team. He's still pretty much the same as you remember, cold, a fan of the color purple, and with an unusually high seriousness-to-body mass ratio. Still, he was always one of your most reliable coworkers. The man in green sitting half-drunk next to him, Netzach, perks up slightly. You idly note that he's tied his hair back, instead of just letting it fall all over the place. And that he's been drinking rather heavily, but that's much less of a surprise.

You carefully pull back a chair and sit, scooting in towards the table just a bit afterwards. "Thanks. So… it's certainly been a while. Longer for you than it was for me, I hear."

"Maybe, but we didn't know what had happened to you. Everyone thought you had disappeared into the Light, like Angela almost did." Hod says quietly. You raise an eyebrow at that piece of information.

"Oh? My sister almost disappeared into the Light, you say? How silly of her to forget to mention that to me. I'll have to remind her about it later." you tease. You're not really that upset, even if it's a bit annoying not knowing things. You certainly would've been worried at the time, but knowing that she's alright now takes most of the edge off. That being said, you're definitely going to harass her about leaving things out later.

"That phrasing isn't entirely correct, Hod." Yesod cuts in. "While one could say that we believed that the Manager had dissolved into the Light, but we were mistaken regarding the person that the Manager was and the person we believed them to be."

"And that's exactly my point!" Malkuth says suddenly, apparently having circled back around to whatever she was talking about before you came in. "We were working with Manager for thousands of years, and we never even realized they were a different person! Not even once!"

"To be fair, it's not like we ever remembered much of it at a time. Besides, the Manager doesn't seem too worked up about it." Netzach interrupts, setting aside his bottle of what looks to be a very expensive brand of wine. Somebody's been taking full advantage of their Light construction, it seems.

"Netzach's right," you confirm, to the surprise of anybody who heard he was debating against his fellow Sephirot about a matter other than mind-altering substances. "There wasn't any way you could've known about me. You had to project some of your issues with my father into me so you could deal with them. That's just how everything was set up. It'd be illogical to hold you responsible at all. The only fault in what he's said is the fact that I'm not your manager anymore. If anything, that title fits Angela better than me now."

Malkuth sits down, letting out a weighty breath you didn't know she was holding. Hod rests a hand on her shoulder. Were they really worried you were going to be upset with them?

"Oh? Then what title do you hold now?" Yesod asks. You resist the urge to roll your eyes at his theatrics. Is it really that difficult to just ask somebody's name?

…Well, if you'd known that person for years, that would actually be pretty awkward.

"Legally, I go by Alexandra Thrones now. That's just lack of creativity on the forger's part, though, so I'd rather you not use that name. I'd prefer you just call me X, since it might as well have been my name the whole time."

"X, then. While we are on the subject of you, we have some questions regarding your current state of being." Yesod continues, now taking much the same tone he'd use when requesting your analysis of a new Abnormality.

When you don't respond immediately, Hod decides to clarify. "It's about… well, you being an Abnormality. We're just wondering if you're still okay after something like that."

You're not certain what your expression is at this point. In all likelihood, it's completely blank. After all, there's not much you can really say to that. "It's been alright. I haven't had any breaches, except for that one incident. I can't sleep anymore, and while I haven't gotten the chance to try I don't think I can get drunk. Aside from that, things mostly feel the same for me."

A bit of the tension leaves the room when you finish your diagnosis. As long as your container isn't breached, becoming an Abnormality hasn't affected you much. Not needing sleep has been a net gain, really.

"Now, enough with the serious discussions!" you declare boldly. "My kids need bedtime stories, and I don't know any that don't involve dismemberment at some point or another. Anyone got anything they can share?"

For a moment, there's an awkward silence in the break room as the Sephirot absorb what you just asked. Then, after taking a short breath, Hod speaks. "When I was younger, my uncle would visit for winters. He always told us a new story every year. I think it went something like…"

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

On the subject of fighting Distortions, beating a person into submission isn't a fast track to solving their mental issues. Most of the Distortions we've seen just die when they're defeated. That being said, fighting a Distortion does typically require you to engage with them emotionally in some way. I think my favorite example of this is the Crying Children's second fight, which involves repeatedly forcing Philip's emotions back to the surface and breaking down the emotional barriers he's built up. In the end, Philip loses his immunity to Burn and literally burns himself to death in his final phase, dying not just in battle but because he never actually got over any of his feelings, and when faced with them one last time he can't stand it.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 109 - Bringing To Light

"…and so dad bought the dress anyways, but never told mom. So he just kept it in his office. If it weren't for the fact that the old Facility has pretty much completely ceased to exist so that the Library can replace it, you would be able to check his office and it'd still be there." you say with a chuckle, prompting a chorus of giggles from the Sephirot. Of course, Yesod doesn't so much laugh as he does smirk slightly and incline his head down, as though trying to hide any sign of happiness on his face under that scarf he isn't wearing anymore. Netzach, on the other hand, nearly falls off of his chair. While the former Security Head has stayed clean of Enkephalin since you last saw him, alcohol is apparently still fair game.

"I had no idea Ayin was so… awkward. It just doesn't fit in with the person I knew at all." Hod says once her mirth has subsided.

"My father was a genius, yes, and you would be hard-pressed to find an area where he wasn't an expert. Unfortunately, emotional intelligence and human interaction are two such areas. And we've all seen the consequences of that firsthand," you say, the smile falling from your face with that last sentence. Calling Angela's relationship with your father disastrous would be an insult to disasters. He neglected and abused your sister out of his own grief and ignorance for literal centuries, most of which he spent completely absent. At least you got some closure and acknowledgement for your efforts in the end.

Looking around the table to see the downcast expressions of your coworkers, you decide to change the subject. "Speaking of my sister, what ever happened to that feather dress she had? Not that there's anything wrong with her current outfit, I'm wearing it myself after all, I'm just curious." you ask, prompting blank stares from the others.

"She's asking about what Angela wore during her rebellion. The one with all the black feathers. I haven't seen her wear it since then," Netzach adds before going back to his drink. The other Sephirot stare at him for a second before returning to the conversation.

"I do not believe Angela has worn anything aside from the clothes she is currently wearing since the formation of the Library." Yesod adds. "There was one recent incident in which Roland commented on her lack of wardrobe variety. Isaac found her trying on the Library's various EGO outfits later that day."

"Wait, really?" you half-sputter through barely-repressed laughter. "I'm definitely filing that away for blackmail material."

"Who would you tell? Everyone in the Library already knows. Angela just ignored it really hard for a while and everyone mostly forgot about it." Malkuth responds. You shrug. It's not as though you have much more you actually want out of your sister that you would need to blackmail her over. Still funny to know about, though.

"Well, it's about that time." you announce, checking a nonexistent watch on your wrist. "I have no idea what time it actually is here, but I have a significantly less pleasant conversation to get to."

"You sure you can't put it off? Nobody here would blame you for wanting to take a break." Netzach asks, gesturing with a mostly-empty bottle of wine.

"Sorry, but this is important. My work is never really done and all that." you reply. Malkuth and Hod flash you a look of pity while Yesod nods solemnly.

"Be sure to return soon. Proper rest is essential to functioning at full efficiency."

"He says to the lady who literally doesn't have to sleep." you joke as the first particles of Light begin to coalesce. "But yes, I'll be back. You can bet on it."

And with those words, you are whisked away to Mitakihara, to prepare for a long-overdue debriefing.

—————————

In the bright afternoon light, the Kaname residence would fit perfectly in an architectural exhibit. The building is unusually geometric and mostly glass, surrounded by a massive yard that probably doesn't need to be nearly as large as it is. You walk along a paved path past a small fountain and a planter filled by a slightly oversized bush. Mami trails quietly behind you, taking in the surrounding affluence with wide eyes. Reaching the path's end, the two of you stop just in front of the home's entrance. You raise a hand to the clear glass door and, with a patient smile, knock twice against the transparent surface.

An answer comes almost immediately. Through the door, you can see Madoka's father approaching to welcome you in. You stand patiently as the man reaches out and opens the door.

"Good afternoon! What brings you here?" the man asks cheerfully. You can see the resemblance with his daughter already. Though you can see some key differences. Between the plain shirt and glasses, though, he doesn't exude quite as much enthusiasm as Madoka does. His posture is relaxed and gentle, with a distinctive lack of energy compared to the younger girl. That must come from the other side of the family.

"Ah, did Madoka not tell you we were coming? That's unfortunate, I feel a bit like I'm imposing now that I'm just dropping in out of nowhere." you answer with an embarrassed tone. In truth, while you are most definitely going to be imposing on the Kanames, your embarrassment is mostly just to make an impression.

"Oh? Do you know my daughter?" the man asks, cheerful as ever.

"Yes, she is a good friend of mine. We spend lunches together on most days, along with her other friends." Mami jumps in, seeing a chance to enter the conversation naturally. Madoka's father smiles brightly at her.

"Is this your daughter? Tomoe Mami, if I remember correctly. Madoka has talked about you. And that would make you…" his brows scrunch as he stares at you, trying to remember something. "…X, was it? Apologies, my memory isn't what it used to be."

"It's more of a nickname if anything else. That said, I would prefer you use it over my real name. Pretty much everyone I knew called me that for a while, and now it just doesn't feel right to use something else." you answer jovially. "Though, for the record, my name is Alexandra Thrones. Er, Thrones Alexandra. Sorry, I only arrived in Japan about two weeks ago. I'm still getting used to things."

You didn't actually get your naming orders wrong. You don't think you actually can unless you try to, with the way your magic auto-translate works. But acting a bit sheepish and out of your element will provide a good balance to the upcoming conversation. A little levity goes a long way to making the unbearable bearable.

"Kaname Tomohisa," says Madoka's now-named father. "Please, come on in. I've made the two of you wait outside for long enough."

You and Mami follow the man inside, taking a moment to remove your shoes at the door before progressing into the Kaname Residence. The inside of the house is just as avant-garde as the outside, with something like half the walls made of glass. Perhaps you're just too used to cramped labs and small apartments, but Madoka's house feels overly spacious and exposed. That said, there is a definite homeliness in every corner of the building. Toys, children's drawings, old trinkets of sentimental value, all sorts of memories built up to fill the empty space.

You round a corner and arrive in the dining room, the main table unoccupied and unprepared at this time early in the evening. There are far more chairs set up than the family has people; the Kanames must have large groups of guests over often. That, or somebody just likes collecting chairs. Most of these designs don't seem entirely practical.

Proceeding further into the house, Tomohisa calls out. "Junko! We have guests!"

"I'll be out in a moment!" a polite voice calls back. Madoka's mother, Junko Kaname, you presume. Madoka has spoken a little bit about her, universally in a positive manner and often in comparison to you, Angela, and even Homura once. That certainly paints a picture, but you'll reserve your judgement until you've properly met the woman. It would be impolite to make assumptions, after all.

A door opens, and Junko Kaname steps out. Madoka's mother is a tall, purple-haired woman still wearing her work suit. She stands with a measured confidence, the kind you only get after having successfully asserted yourself over the world around you. If you could see how Madoka's kindness and tendency to apologize came from her father, the girl's determination and stubbornness are definitely inherited from her mother's side.

"So, Tomohisa, who is our guest? I wasn't expecting anyone, and Madoka is in her room with her friend."

"She's the mother of one of Madoka's friends. She only arrived in Japan recently, so I thought I should make something as a welcome." Tomohisa says, to your mild surprise. That's awfully kind of him for somebody he only has the faintest connection to. Junko's gaze drifts from you to Mami, who immediately steps forward slightly to introduce herself.

"Tomoe Mami, I'm a friend of Madoka's. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Kaname." Mami says with a deep bow. Junko smiles approvingly, then returns her gaze to you.

"It's a pleasure to meet the two of you as well. If you're here to speak with Madoka, she's in her room with Homura right now. Our son, Tatsuya, is sleeping in the next room over." Junko says.

"Actually, I have some important information to share with you and your husband. Madoka and Homura should be present as well. This does concern both of them." you reply. Something in your tone of voice makes Junko pause. The easy confidence slides away, leaving a cold professionalism that reminds you of Yesod or Angela.

"What do you have to discuss?"

"It's a rather complicated discussion, but to establish a basic premise: Are you familiar with the Many Worlds Theory?"

———————————————

…and that's how we've ended up here. Again, apologies for not informing either of you earlier. Circumstances did not allow me much in the way of good opportunities." you finish, raising the cup of tea Tomohisa prepared for you around halfway through the conversation to your lips. You're not familiar with the type, though something calming was definitely in demand. Though both of the Kanames hid their anxiety well, the gradual stilling of Junko's posture and the increasing frequency with which Tomohisa asked if anyone needed more tea or something to eat were a dead giveaway. As far as you're concerned, this is an appropriate reaction to learning your daughter was very nearly conscripted as a child soldier and was recently involved in a battle against a body-stealing monster that could level continents.

Knowing that another monster of similar power is currently holed up in a nearby city and was able to do so without a single word getting out is certainly another cause for worry, if a less personal one.

"I see." Junko says solemnly. "Thank you for looking after my daughter, Miss X. I owe you a great debt."

"I don't believe I've done anything beyond what any responsible adult would do in my position. In fact, one might say I have been irresponsible in allowing any of my children out on the field at all." you reply, then scoff. "Not that I think any of them would accept that. Speaking of, you have a decision to make in that regard."

You can feel Madoka's tension rising from across the table. You're not sure what she'll do if Junko chooses to hold her back. She isn't a rebellious sort of kid, but you also can't imagine her sitting out of a conflict even if there's not much she can do. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like it will come to that.

After a man uncomfortably long pause, Junko speaks slowly. "Madoka. Is this important to you?"

Madoka freezes. She glances to Mami, then to Homura, then to you. Steadying her resolve and taking a deep breath, Madoka raises her head and answers her mother.

"I… I'm not sure what I can do to help. I know I can't fight, and I don't want to become a Magical Girl." Homura nearly collapses into herself in relief, though it goes mostly unnoticed. Madoka isn't finished. "But I won't be able to be satisfied if I just keep standing on the sidelines. I could do something, I know I could, I just… yes. It's important. This is something that I have to be a part of."

Junko lets out a long, reluctant sigh. "I can't say that this makes me happy. I wish you wouldn't put yourself in danger. But if you really do think this is something you need to do, then… I won't stop you."

Mami releases a breath you don't think she knew she was holding. Homura jolts to alertness, frustration apparent in her bunched posture despite her lack of facial expression. Sitting beside his wife, Tomohisa turns and gives Junko a worried look.

"Junko… are you sure about this?"

Before the discussion can escalate, you sit up. You have other arrangements to get to today, and this conversation doesn't need you looming over it. At its core, this is a family matter for a family you don't belong to. Mami can mediate and provide context just as well as you can, and Homura will probably be a part of the family sooner or later. They'll be able to sort this out between them. Until then, you have the answer you needed.

"Apologies, but I must excuse myself. I have other people to speak to today, after all. This conversation is becoming personal anyways, and I'd hate to intrude. Please, continue as if I was never here."

A round of farewells reaches you as your teleportation surges. What a nice bunch of people.

—————————

Going from the Kaname residence to the Miki house is a bit of a shock. Not to say that Sayaka's home isn't nice, because it is, but the difference in social class is fairly obvious. Sayaka's house is part of a tightly-packed block, unlike the wide grounds around Madoka's. The building is clearly older in construction, both by the traditionalist design and the signs of wear and tear that have gone I repaired for some time.

You knock on the front door twice, careful not to accidentally cave it in. You've never had any difficulties controlling your body's strength, but the door does look like it go would crumble from a strong breeze. To your surprise, Sayaka is the one to greet you at the door.

Her, Kyoko, and Hitomi are all currently staying at the Miki house. Despite this, you had expected one of Sayaka's parents to greet you. That is usually the job of a house's owner. Sayaka, meanwhile, seems to have run to the door as fast as possible to open it. You can see her panting slightly, nervous energy filling her body.

"Hey, X… I don't think my parents are ready to talk today. We should… wait for later to do this."

———————————————

You…
[] are willing to wait
[] Would rather not reschedule

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

After what feels like an eternity… finally, this chapter is done. I can move on with my life. This was written half sleep-deprived, so please forgive any errors.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 110 - Feeling Blue

Something is very clearly wrong.

It's possible Sayaka just got nervous and decided to back out. She's a brave girl for her age, and absurdly determined once she's gotten an idea in her head, but she's still a kid. Sayaka was the most enthusiastic out of all your children to become a Magical Girl, even exceeding Mami's own encouragement. But that enthusiasm is flawed.

Sayaka wants to be a Magical Girl. She wants the world to make sense, to have a defined good that triumphs over a defined evil. More than that, Sayaka wants to be part of that triumph. She wants to make the world a better place. On its own, you have little room to judge. Aside from the overly simplistic way of looking at things, that is an entirely respectable desire. And even then, such a black and white perspective is expected of a child. Sayaka will grow out of it with a little time and some guidance.

But until then, Sayaka is still a child. And, the Kanames apparently excluded, most parents are unwilling to let their children be put in danger. If Sayaka really thought that her parents would make her give up on being a Magical Girl, would she lie to you to avoid it?

Maybe, but that's a moot point right now. Sayaka doesn't strike you as a particularly good actor. This level of nervousness and anxiety is beyond anything she could fake. While that could be accounted for by the aforementioned worries, you're not confident of that. Sayaka might be trying to delay the inevitable, but she might also have a legitimate reason to not want you to go in.

Hypothesizing is pointless. After all, you have the girl right in front of you.

"What seems to be the problem?" you ask gently. There's no need to take too hard an approach. Unfortunately, Sayaka only seems more nervous now. The little girl is practically shaking, doing her best to interpose her small body between you and the inside of her house. It's not very effective, even if she is taller than the other kids.

"There's no problems!" Sayaka says far too quickly to be believable. "My parents are just tired from work. So you can't come in. Sorry."

A very convincing argument. You raise an eyebrow, mouth set in a thin, slightly upturned line.

"Sayaka? Is somebody there?" Kyoko's voice drifts out from further into the house. The disguised Distortion wanders up to the door, seeming preoccupied, and peers over Sayaka's shoulder. "Oh! X, you're here!"

"Afternoon, Kyoko." you intone. "Mind explaining what's going on?"

Sayaka glances frantically from you to Kyoko. Before the older girl can say anything, she interrupts.

"We were just talking about my parents. It's not a good time for you to meet them."

Kyoko winces, but then sighs and resigns herself. "Yeah, she's right. We can just do this later." You catch sight of Sayaka shooting the older Magical Girl a grateful smile, though Kyoko hardly reacts.

"Well, if that's what you think, I'll leave it be. Just be sure to tell your parents something, because patrols are starting in half an hour." you answer simply. The girls seem surprised by your acceptance of their non-answer to your questions.

As you begin to pull away, Sayaka speaks up again. "Actually, can we just start now? I already finished my homework."

You pause to consider it a moment, then nod. You'll need to rearrange things a bit, but it should work. "I don't see why not. Just give me a second to get everyone on board."

—————————

The patrol is going well. Witches aren't really a threat to you or Kyoko, and with Sayaka's support that little remaining risk vanishes. She claims to have worked on some self-enhancements to let her "fight properly", but between you and Kyoko the time for Sayaka to use them never comes. It's as the fifth Barrier washes away, draining down into the lone Grief Seed that tumbled to the ground, when the moment comes.

"Why didn't you push?"

"What do you mean?" you ask, turning back to look at Sayaka. She's panting slightly, having actually been forced into melee combat by the most recent Witch.

"You knew I was making things up back at my house. Why didn't you call me out?" Sayaka asks between shallow breaths.

"Oh, that's simple. I just thought that if you and Kyoko really thought it wasn't something that I needed to know, it could wait. After all, you've all put quite a bit of trust in me. It's only fair to repay that, no?"

"But it messed things up! You had to change plans because of me!" Sayaka continues. You're a bit taken off-guard by the force of emotion behind her words. You'd expect this sort of self-flagellation more from Kyoko or yourself, not Sayaka.

"Good plans are flexible. I wouldn't be a worthwhile manager if I couldn't improvise. You haven't imposed on anything. So what's this really about?"

Sayaka quiets for a moment, before opening her mouth once again. Beside her, Kyoko is looking more and more concerned. You're starting to feel the temperature of the air rise; it's already gone from a cold night to what one might consider a bright summer morning.

"It's that it doesn't matter." Sayaka hisses through gritted teeth. "Kyubey was lying to Mami for years, Madoka's got some sort of crazy potential that nobody can do anything about, something's wrong with Homura that she never even talks about, Kyoko practically died and you had to bring her back!" The young girl throws her arms in the air, as if to emphasize the magnitude of issues everyone but her is facing. "Everyone else is dealing with real problems, and I'm just sad because a boy doesn't like me or because my mom's having a bad day."

Kyoko rests a hand on Sayaka's shoulder, breathing slowly to try and restrain the outpouring heat. "Hey, you didn't do anything wrong. It's my fault for-"

"It's not anybody's fault, Kyoko." you interrupt before that train of thought can progress. You're not about to deal with Kyoko starting a minor meltdown as well. "Everyone has their own problems, and it's not wrong to deal with them. Whether they seem 'important' or not."

"But everyone else's problems are real problems! I just have… dumb personal stuff." Sayaka answers.

"Just because your problems are personal doesn't make them not real." you counter quietly. A soft approach is more useful here, recognizing the real issue for what it is. "All those problems you listed are personal problems." You incline yourself head slightly towards Kyoko, who thankfully catches the signal. Hesitantly, the older girl begins to speak.

"I… hey, I know what it feels like. I've made mistakes. Lots of mistakes. That's why I… I left Mami. Because I didn't want my mistakes to weigh her down. But that was a mistake too." With each word, anguish as palpable and heavy as smoke rolls through the empty air. But where you've come to expect cloying heat to follow such pain, nothing arrives. "You have to let people help. Even with the things that don't deserve it."

Sayaka takes a deep breath, and her shaking stills. She stands straighter, the nervousness that pervaded her no longer as present. "Right. That's… right." Seeing an opportunity, you jump in.

"We can talk about it now, if you'd like. We have time."

Sayaka hesitates. "I… yeah. Let's do it now. I'm ready." A moment passes. "Maybe we should find somewhere to sit down first."

—————————

A few chained together teleports later, and the three of you are seated at a small bench at a bus stop. A glass tunnel enclosed the waiting area, keeping it safe from the evening chill. It's been months since Winter, but Mitakihara has had rather gloomy weather since the day you arrived.

You and Kyoko sit on either side of Sayaka, the younger girl planting herself a bit closer to her senior than you think Kyoko had expected. Sayaka's always been more prone to physical contact among friends, in stark contrast to Kyoko who's lived alone for what may have been years. Once the bluenette has settled in, you begin.

"So. Where do you want to start?"

Sayaka struggles with the words for a moment before answering. "I… I feel like I'm not living up to my Wish. When I made my Contract, I knew what I was getting into. Or at least I thought I did. That this would be a thankless job, that it wouldn't be glorious, that I'd need help. And I thought I had accepted it all. But now, it just… I wish that it was better."

"Are there any issues in particular you feel this way about?" you begin. Sayaka sighs, and you notice just how drained of energy she seems. Normally, the aspiring Magical Girl stands tall and full of energy. Now, she's subdued and slightly hunched over.

"I have a friend, Kyousuke. He's a musician." she explains. "He was hurt, and I wished that he would get better. I knew I wouldn't get anything out of it, and I thought I was okay with it. Good people don't need something in return for helping others. But a few days ago, I… I told him I liked him." Sayaka laughs, though it sounds more like a sob than anything else. "He turned me down. Said he preferred that we stay friends instead. And I should've expected it. I knew he never really saw me like that. But I still felt…"

You nod silently and gesture for Sayaka to continue.

"I felt like I deserved more! And that's wrong, I know!" Sayaka adds hurriedly. "When I heard I could become a Magical Girl, I had this idea in my head. And I k ow that idea isn't real. I just can't help but feel like it's because I'm not doing enough. Like the reason this isn't like I had imagined is because I'm falling short."

"Hey, you're doing great! Do you know how difficult healing and enhancement like you can do is for normal Magical Girls?" Kyoko assures. In Sayaka's defense, it's not as if you have all that many examples of "normal Magical Girls" on hand.

"Yeah, but that's all just helping you! Without somebody else to back me up, I can't do anything!" Sayaka shoots back. The second the words are out of her mouth, she slumps back against the bench. "I just wish I could be like the rest of you."

———————————————

You…
[] offer to help Sayaka manifest EGO…
-[] Right now
-[] Over time
[] attempt to give Sayaka an Abnormality's EGO
[] offer to have Sayaka trained…
-[] By you yourself
-[] Alongside you, by Geburah
[] Comfort Sayaka

———————————————

Der Freischütz''s Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

We haven't gotten as much Sayaka in this story. It's a real shame, since she's probably my favorite out of the Holy Quintet and has the most in-depth exploration of her character in the main series as far as I'll say.

Oh! And we have a new, similar-ish Quest on site. PMMM Quests aren't exactly as hard to find as ProjectMoon Quests are, but I thought I'd give it a shout-out anyways. For those of you who enjoy being a sealed eldritch abomination, we have Salvation Quest.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 111 - And The Days Go On

"How much have I told you," you begin, "about my time as Manager of the Facility?"

Sayaka looks up at you, pain replaced by confusion. "Not a lot? I know you were in charge of dealing with Abnormalities, and that you were really high-ranking but didn't actually get to make many decisions. You don't talk much about it."

"Those are all true statements. Though they undersell exactly how horrible the Facility was." you continue. Your expression remains unchanged, and yet you can feel the mood darken in concert with your thoughts.

"It was designed as a meat grinder, more or less. Employees would be brought in, they would be sent to placate the Abnormalities, and most of the time they would die. And every time, I would sit in my office, completely safe, and watch. I would note down what happened, and then adjust my approach. And after a very, very long time, things got better.

Not by a lot. Even if I could keep my Agents alive, there were also those I couldn't command. They died every day, and I watched it happen. Year after year, I wanted to do something to change it.

I asked for weapons several times. Asked to lead my Agents on the field, instead of from behind a screen. Stupid idea, obviously. I had no idea how to fight. I'd have gotten myself killed in seconds."

"So how'd you learn?" Sayaka interrupts. "How did you learn how to fight?"

"Actually, I didn't." you say with a slight chuckle, breaking the dour mood. "That came later. On that note, I do not recommend dying and being reborn as a civilization-destroying monster as a way to get stronger. There are far less stressful routes to self-improvement."

Sayaka and Kyoko chuckle a bit at the joke, but the mood is clearly still dark. Still, you've relieved as much tension as you can without getting too far off-topic.

"No, I never got my wish. Instead, I started examining my role more carefully. Finding what loopholes I could, asking my colleagues what they could do, pushing the boundaries of my role. I couldn't defend the people I cared about in person, but I still could keep them safe."

"So where does that leave me? What can I do?" Sayaka asks again.

"You can learn. I know for a fact Mami would absolutely love to teach you more about being a Magical Girl. Frankly, she could use a few more reasons not to regret her decision to make a Contract herself. You can ask Kyoko too, since she's got nearly as much experience."

Your most recently-acquired daughter freezes at the recommendation, staring in surprise before flinching. "I don't think that's a good idea. I wouldn't be a good example for anybody to follow."

"Really?" Sayaka says, incredulous. "But Mami said so many great things about you! You must've been an amazing Magical Girl!"

Kyoko shakes her head. "Just trust me, you don't want to be a Magical Girl like me."

Sayaka still seems doubtful, but nods her head. "If you say so." Kyoko's self-loathing will take more than one conversation to unravel, though every little assurance helps. Hopefully you'll be able to cure Kyoko soon, though you're not optimistic about the near future.

That can come later, though. For now, you have one last offer to make.

"Of course, there's also the basic issue of training. There aren't exactly an abundance of sword-wielders in our little group, and I'm not really teacher material. But! I do know somebody who is!"

Sayaka visibly perks up at the energy in your voice, looking very much like a small child waiting for somebody to tell her a story.

"If you want to get stronger, the simplest way is training! I've already scheduled some sessions with an old friend, and I don't think they'd mind you joining in." You would have to be blind to miss the anticipation on Sayaka's face.

"However!" you say loudly, cutting off any further conversation. "It is very late right now, and you parents will likely be wanting you back. Kyoko and I meanwhile, need to get home before Mami decides she should be the one cooking again."

—————————

You do not, in fact, get home before Mami has started cooking. On the bright side, the Kanames sent Mami a cake and you some wine before Mami left. You can't actually get drunk, but it's the thought that counts.

———————————————

Night falls…
[] Training/Experimentation
-[] With what?
[] Hunt Witches/Abnormalities
[] Investigate Kamihama City
[] Attend to business in the Library

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

Day 2 is wrapping up, and the proper plot and conflicts of Act 3 have been established. So it continues.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 112 - To The Core

The night is cool and crisp as you scour the cities. The evening is low on light, allowing you free reign to leap from roof to roof. Nobody will see you on your search.

The children have all been put to bed. Mami and Kyoko are independent and don't need you hovering over them, yes, but the display of affection will do then good. The same goes for Yuma, with the exception being that your youngest still does need some attention.

Homura is likely awake at this point, watching over Madoka's house either from a nearby hiding spot or from within. Madoka's been inviting the other girl over a lot since they met, more than one might consider normal. You don't know if the time-traveller is staying at the Kaname house tonight, but you wouldn't bet against it. Could there be something going on between those two?

Their personalities do fit together rather well. Both are intensely determined, and Homura cares more about other people than she's willing to admit. Both are self-sacrificing to a fault, but with a little guidance they should be able to curtail that trait in each other. Of course, you're not even sure if receiving Madoka's affection would be a good thing for Homura right now.

She's most definitely not in any state to properly return such feelings, no matter if they exist or not. As a Distortion, Homura's already-intense levels of tunnel vision have been amplified. Her fixation on Madoka has been mitigated by the fact that interacting with you and the others tends to work towards her end goal, but that's only keeping the issue at bay. Sooner or later, you're going to need to address her problems directly before they have any unfortunate consequences.

Kyoko should be easier. Her Distortion was a near thing, and is antithetical to the situation she finds herself in. Surrounded by people who care about and forgive her, you fully expect Kyoko to recover in due time. And it will take time, but as long as things stay like this the end result seems inevitable. Still, you know better than to expect all to go well. It's always when everything seems to be going according to plan that interfering factors arise.

Speaking of interfering factors, your thoughts turn to the other two Distortions you've been dealing with. Argalia and Leonie. The latter will be difficult to deal with. She clearly has issues with independence. This makes any sort of rehabilitation difficult, because you need to get her to do things on her own. Guiding somebody through independence is not exactly an easy task. Not impossible, certainly, but difficult. Even more so when the person in question has no limbs and literally cannot do most things on their own. Hell, Argalia literally has to carry her everywhere.

Helping Leonie recover will most likely have to wait for better conditions. You already have three, occasionally six kids to look after, and you know better than to split your focus too far. You could probably take her in, considering the Distorted girl won't need much supervision in her current state, but actually helping her would be another matter. It might be a better idea to just leave her with Argalia.

Argalia. The other Distortion. Not quite a reliable ally, but he's actually being rather encouraging towards Leonie. You wouldn't trust a person like him with children under any normal circumstances, but these circumstances are anything but normal. The Blue Reverberation has a history of being a stabilizing, if not exactly positive, influence on Distortions. All his interactions with the compass-girl that you've seen so far have been encouraging. There is the possibility that he's just putting on a show to earn your trust, but you doubt it. Argalia seems to genuinely believe that his goals and yours align. For the moment, he is correct in that belief. The Adult Who Tells Lies is digging in and strengthening their position, and needs to be taken out as quickly as possible before they can set up any further than they already have. While the Blue Reverb's motives for helping are notably more personal than yours, it is still an alignment of motive. In the long term, though…

You have no interest in transforming all of humanity into Distortions. You didn't deal with all of Adam's bullshit, with the meltdowns and the clocks and the train and whatnot, just so you could turn around and do his plan yourself. Distortions may not be inherently evil, but they are inherently harmful. Either to themselves or others. Complete freedom for all people to express themselves without any restraints is the kind of thing that only sounds good if you either don't think about it at all or have gone off the deep end. Yes, people do need to accept themselves and be more aware and understanding of their own feelings, but they also need to temper their own desires and opinions. Unshaking beliefs tend to lead to disastrous actions. The whole mess that led to your creation is proof enough of that.

You are not confident in your ability to talk Argalia down, so your alliance with him will be a temporary thing. He hinted at planning against the Incubators as well, but you do want to have reversed some of your children's Distortions by that point and that will likely be a dealbreaker. For the time being, you just want to keep an eye on him. Hence tonight's search.

The eerie light of your Lamp fills the air, pulling the shadows taught into unnatural shapes around you. If anyone were to be wandering around in the middle of the night now, they might mistake it for a streetlight if you were not moving about. As it is, the sight of a strange light would likely be dismissed by anyone who might spot you. More importantly, the EGO's gleam reveals the faint blue traces scattered through the air.

Vibrations.

Argalia's presence is noticeable to Lamp's senses as long as you tune them right. It's quite a convenient ability, really. As long as you know what you want to look for, nothing remains hidden. Presently, you trace the tiny disruptions in the air left by Argalia's resonance-manipulating abilities in combination with his presence as a Distortion. The two together are enough to point you towards the former Color Fixer's location without any wandering around. Argalia did say he'd find you if you wanted to talk, but waiting around for things to happen isn't quite your style.

Crossing a bridge over a confusingly-designed highway, you sense a slight ripple in space ahead of you. For a moment you tense and ready to call up a weapon, only to relax ever so slightly after recognizing the feeling of stagnant resignation that comes with Leonie's presence. A moment later, the excited thrum of Argalia's own signature follow.

"Good evening."

You preempt the Distortion's greeting as he steps out onto the bridge, compass in hand.

"Most certainly, my friend. I was caught up in something, so forgive me for not greeting you right away. Still, this place does make for a more scenic meeting spot, don't you agree?" the man answers, greeting you with the same casual candor one might an old companion.

"I suppose it has a certain air to it. Or maybe that's just Mitakihara at night. All the lights they have up create a rather interesting aesthetic." you answer, entertaining Argalia's question in as natural a way as possible before you get down to business. "Slightly unrelated note, how'd you know when to arrive? I know you said Leonie's able to handle transportation, but how did you know I was looking for you."

Argalia tilts his head up slightly, the swirling clouds within whirling and churning to give the impression of a wandering gaze. "That would be the work of a mutual supporter of ours. Though I don't believe the two of you have ever properly met, have you? Regardless, she's been kind enough to continue guiding me to the completion of my dream." Confirmation that he's still in contact with Carmen. Not unexpected, though a bad sign for things to come. The less your mother is involved in things, the better. With that information delivered, Argalia's attention snaps back to you. "So, what is it that you have come to ask me?"

"Two issues in particular." you begin. "First of all is our collaboration against the Abnormality residing in Kamihama and its allies."

"What is it that we would be discussing?"

"You've been in and out of her territory. The defenses she's set up, how to move around in there, where to start an assault… anything, really."

"Ah, is that all? Well, I'd be happy to oblige." Argalia explains. "The vast majority of Kamihama has been converted into one of those distasteful little domains that Witches hide in. The contents have been altered to make it a more defensible position, so we can expect to be facing traps and tricks of all sorts once we enter. Some are reactive, and some are manually activated by the patrolling Familiars. Additionally, the whole city has been split up into sections of some sort. Everyone stayed in their own little divisions."

You raise an eyebrow. "Really? What purpose does that serve?" Such a thing is common when you're running an actual organization, but the Adult's forces are mostly mindless servants and a handful of Magical Girls from what you've heard. There's not much cause for organizational structures at that level.

"I would presume it's a measure to prevent communication between her subordinates. A control freak like that has no understanding of what makes a good workplace environment." Argalia says with a breathy laugh, though the suggestion is disturbingly likely. Not that she doesn't know how to promote healthy cooperation, but that she's intentionally putting her servants in positions that hurt them psychologically. Hell, Leonie Distorted because of the things she had to do.

"Not to mention it'd let the Adult built up a stronger relationship between herself and the kids than any of them could with one another. It would make it easier to control them."

"Ah, it always saddens me to see such utilitarian approaches to relationships. The world would be a much brighter place if people were to treat one another more genuinely, don't you agree?" Argalia says, leaning forwards and just the slightest bit into your personal space.

"Actually, that leads us quite nicely into my second topic." you announce, causing the former Fixer to pull back. "Leonie."

"What would you like for me to do?" the Distorted girl answers, speaking her first words in this conversation.

"It's less of a request and more of a suggestion, really." you say, trying to disconnect your proposal from the idea of giving an order. While Leonie won't be reaching out on her own, you do want her to have some choice in the matter. "I was just thinking that Leonie should have some more interactions with other kids. We should work out some times when she can spend time around the other children."

To the surprise of nobody who's been paying attention, Argalia agrees. "That would be truly wonderful. I do believe you're correct in saying that children need time to express themselves as children. Why, when we were younger, my sister and I were practically inseparable." Argalia's voice takes on a wistful yet almost manic tone. "Now, we have a much different sort of connection. Ah, but forgive me for becoming caught up. It's very inconsiderate when we're having a serious discussion, I know."

"That aside, I've taken the liberty of purchasing an apartment for you near my own. Use it or don't as you will, though proximity would make it easier to coordinate." you say.

"I very well might take you up on such an offer, my friend. It would certainly be a fortuitous thing for Leonie to have a chance to speak with your children further. What do you think, Leonie?" Argalia offers. Of course, the compass Distortion doesn't have much in the way of input.

"If that's what you want."

With a slight sigh, Argalia returns his attention to you. "Is there anything else?"

"Well…"

—————————

After grilling Argalia further on his escape from the Adult's territory and confirming the deaths of the copies of Eileen, Oswald, Elena, and Pluto, you and Argalia part ways. The Distorted Fixer seemed relieved to hear that you had slain the replica of Greta, and almost proud that you could tell something was off about it. You have a lot to say about the man, but you could never claim Argalia doesn't care about the people who follow him. Then again, caring about somebody and being a good influence on them are two entirely separate things. You're fairly certain that most of the Ensemble would've been better off if Argalia hadn't dragged them into his plans.

After checking to make sure Argalia is long gone, you draw your Invitation and sign. The Library's glow envelops you, and in an instant you stand within its halls.

Specifically, what looks to be Angela's office. Piles of books are scattered around a massive and intricately carved wooden desk into deceptively organized patterns. While at first glance the mess might look like, well, a mess, but a closer look reveals sorting by genre, level of detail, and length all just from the outside. Surrounding the area are rows and rows of bookshelves, each layer back growing higher and higher. A few small candles, perpetually half-melted, shed more illumination on the room than they reasonably should. Behind the desk, a single staircase cuts through the mountains of shelves and trails up into the bright light that fills the top of the room.

Your sister, of course, seems entirely unimpressed by all of this and is lying on her back on her desk, reading.

As you take a few steps forward, Angela disperses her book into particles and swings her legs around to more easily hop into standing position. With all the grace of somebody who definitely wasn't lying on their table just a moment ago, the Library Director greets you.

"Good evening, X. Are you here to-"

Her words are cut off by the sudden, violent retching that seizes you. You fall to your knees and double over in pain, clutching your chest as you heave lungfuls of sickly green fluid onto the ground. With a deep effort, you force the bile down and grit your teeth. Sterile solution continues to flood your mouth and trickle past your lips, though the flow is reduced. Your moment's victory is overturned immediately afterwards by a second, more agonizing bout of coughs. Each wracking motion feels like razor blades being run down your throat. Your skin feels raw and scarred. Every small touch, from the feeling of your hair against your neck to the brushing of your shirt against your back, feels like needles tearing violently in and out of your flesh. An uncanny pressure builds behind your skull and spreads throughout your body, your bones creaking in protest at whatever force is acting against you. Were you less disciplined, you might tear apart your own skin to try and relieve the agonizing building of pressure within your body. As it is, you simply sit silently and leer at the floor. Slowly, shaking, you force yourself to your feet.

And find Angela rushing to grab hold of you, having leap forwards the moment you began to collapse. Your sister loops your right arm over her shoulder, taking advantage of her shorter stature.

"Don't exert yourself. I can carry you just fine."

You do as requested at allow yourself to go slack. The pain recedes, but only slightly. Slowly, careful to not jostle you more than necessary, Angela drags you over to her desk and gently lays you across it.

"Don't move. I can figure out what's wrong." Angela says, calmly, though you can see her hands unusually tight as she rifles through her book and pulls out her own copy of Lamp. A kaleidoscope of different images appear as your sister flicks through the pages at a speed that should reduce any normal paper to dust. You can feel various scanning methods washing over you, flowing through your body down to the component particles and then further. Even at a time like this, you can't help but feel a swell of pride at how competent Angela has become. She's come a long way from being just another actor on your parents' stage. Of course, the fact that she's using that considerable prowess to help you doesn't hurt either.

After a few seconds that feel like they are stretching into an eternity, Angela conjures a different EGO weapon. It looks different from the mass-produced mechanical versions from the Facility, but the sight of Penitence is unmistakable. The oversized black cross, rimmed with tarnished silver, can only be the EGO of the first Abnormality you ever managed. Slowly, as Angela rests a hand on the massive weapon, your pain recedes. The pressure in your bones lessens, slowly becoming manageable. You try to summon some EGO of your own to hasten the process, but the mere thought sends another pair of pain through you.

"Just don't move and let me take care of things. Really, you always did have issues with micromanaging, sister." Angela says, shaking her head as your flesh is mended. With a small grimace, you lie back and try to relax. Remaining idle during times of urgency doesn't come easy to you. Once the last of the pain has vanished, you sit up slowly.

"Sooo… gonna explain what just happened?" you ask casually.

Angela stares at you with a look in her eyes that somebody less familiar with her might almost mistake for pity. Slowly, carefully, she answers. "You are experiencing a consequence of your unique nature, likely exacerbated by your episode last week. If one were to compare it to something more easily understood, you could call it a form of autoimmune rejection."

"Just tell me what's going on, Angela. I expect this sort of roundabout comparison from Binah or Hokma, not you." you respond tiredly.

"If that is what you wish." Angela says, resigned. "Abnormalities are, under normal circumstances, completely immortal. Anything that would destroy them simply forces them to revert to a dormant state, in which harming them is impossible. A proper Abnormality would never suffer sickness or weakness unless it were forced upon them, and even then it would not last. What has happened to you is a consequence of your own dealing of your identity as an Abnormality."

You say nothing. It suddenly strikes you just how quiet it is in Angela's office, the dimensional anomalies that make up the Library keeping it separate from even the faintest echoes of chatter from its other residents. All there is is the faint crackle of the candles' flames and the orderly drumming of your fingers against the wood of the desk.

"The method of healing you've used is highly unusual. Actually transforming an Abnormality into a human would be impossible, so it seems you have instead prevented yourself from fully becoming an Abnormality in the first place." Seeing the way your eyes light up, Angela is quick to finish. "You are an Abnormality still, but one frozen in the final stages of creation. As such, you have more liberty in restraining yourself than the typical Abnormality does. Unfortunately, this state is tenuous. Your own indecision, your active choice to reject the completion of your self as an Abnormality, is killing you."

"I'm sorry, did we forget the part where I'm turning into an apocalypse beast that would probably do the exact thing we both had to fight a lunatic who worships Mom in order to stop? It's not like I can just let it happen." you say.

"No, you are right that such an outcome would be… unfavorable. I would definitely miss these little talks of ours." Angela agrees. "Any decision made in this area will be one for the future, not immediately. Episodes like these will slowly become more common over the course of several years, eventually reaching a point where you will have to chose to either die as a human or live as an Abnormality."

You state at Angela.

She looks back at you.

"Your bedside manner is absolutely atrocious, you know that right?"

A small smile makes itself visible on Angela's face as she looks away to hide her amusement before composing herself and looking back. You return the smirk, and she allows the smile to appear once again. "Whatever. The point is, you should avoid exerting yourself while these episodes are occurring. Any external healing will be sufficient to prevent lasting damage. This issue should be settled for now."

You push forwards off of the desk, hopping to your feet and wrapping your arms around Angela. Your sister freezes at the sudden contact, then carefully returns the hug. There's a notable nervousness to her touch, as though she's not sure if she's doing it right. You hold the position for a second, long enough for Angela to acclimate, then gradually pull away. Angela stares at you, golden eyes wide with confusion.

"I don't think I've said this recently, but you're a great sister. Thanks for everything, really."

Angela says nothing, but the tiny droplets forming at the corners of her eyes tell you all you need.

———————————————

[] Take a break.
[] Receive…
-[] The gaze from the keyhole is fixed on its target without ever stopping.
-[] All things in nature are bound to turn to dust one day.
-[] They cared about each other from the bottom of their hearts.
-[] Pink is considered the color of warmth and love, but is that true?
-[] Fall beyond the bounds of convention.

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

It's been a long time since this story received a proper update. At least, relative to my usual schedule. Have a long Chapter as a reward for your patience.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Whew! Long one there, but I've been away for a while so it only feels fitting. I'm not in a great place mentally right now, so the next chapter probably won't come immediately, but it'll be here soon. Until then, you know the drill.

Post in thread '"Human Resources" Shouldn't Be This Literal: A PMMM/ProjectMoon Quest'

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 113 - Bearer Of Bad News

"Be careful. While your condition is stable for now, you don't want to make it any worse than you already have." Angela chides as you say your goodbyes. You nod absently.

"Yes, I'm aware. I do have an instinct for self-preservation, whatever you believe. Honestly, you'd think I were the younger sister between us." you say.

"In case you've forgotten, I am older than you." Angela responds, a bit confused. You laugh and shake your head.

"I just explained this to Tiph. I'm taller, that makes me the older sister. It makes more sense than trying to sort out our actual ages over all the memory sharing and time loops." you explain matter-of-factly.

"That…" Angela begins to speak, then notices your grin and stops. "Whatever. As far as survival instinct goes, you could do better. I seem to recall you very nearly being killed not too long ago, right after assuring me you had an excellent plan."

Now, it's your turn to be defeated in the arena of logic, it seems. Still, you're not going down without a little protest. "In my defense, it almost worked perfectly. Most things consider no longer having a head to be lethal damage."

"And Abnormalities aren't most things." Angela says calmly, as though she didn't have that smug grin on her face. A moment later, the smile falls.

"I know you can take care of yourself, but I still worry. You're putting yourself in danger constantly, and it would be sad if something were to happen to you."

"Don't worry," you assure your sister. "I know the feeling."

—————————

All in all, you can consider that a fruitful trip to the Library, even if it didn't go as planned. At least you had your little episode there, instead of out on the street or, worse, in front of Argalia. You don't know how your mother's biggest fan would've reacted, but it certainly wouldn't have been good.

Gebura was sleeping when you arrived and waking her just to say that you're bringing someone to training this afternoon felt unnecessary, so you technically didn't accomplish either of your initial objectives in coming, but getting to talk with Tiph again was nice. She's grown up a bit since you last saw her, both physically and mentally, which is nice. She's not quite as mature as she wants to be, but is definitely closer to being a young adult than a teenager. Having been the head of the Central Command Department, you know very well that Tiph can handle herself as well as any of your other coworkers. Not that competence and maturity are necessarily the same thing, or even necessarily related, but reminding yourself that the youngest of the Library's leadership knows what she's doing is fine reassurance.

Chesed did apparently manage to rope Tiphereth into helping out with the Magical Girls you left at the Library. They're still settling in; an understandable state considering they've only been here for a little under two full days. Some of the better-adjusted kids are helping out around the Library, but most are just milling about. No major incidents have cropped up since the first near-fight when you had arrived. In the short-term, things seem good. Tiphereth is closer to their age group and works as a good bridge to the rest of the staff, and Chesed has always been good at keeping people in stressful situations happy. Problems will probably arise if the situation remains as it is without progress for too long, but hopefully that won't be an issue. You have a lot of more immediate challenges to overcome presently, but testing out methods to return Nothing There's victims to their proper bodies has not slipped your mind.

To finish off the conversation, Tiphereth fell asleep, which you take as a sign that it's getting to be early in the morning instead of late at night.

—————————

Kyoko, Yuma, and Mami are drawn out of their respective beds in that order by the smell of breakfast. You tried something Chinese-styled this morning. Keeping to a loose routine is comfortable, but it's good to add a bit of variety into it. You don't actually know how to cook a Chinese breakfast, but that's what the internet is for. Judging by your children's reaction, the result is a success. They're quick to reassure you when you mention not being completely confident in your work, though Kyoko's "reassurance" is half-mumbled through mouthfuls of food. Then again, that's quite an endorsement on its own.

"On a more serious note," you say, dragging the conversation out of the realm of cooking and over to business. "Last night was rather eventful. I don't believe I've told Mami, Yuma, or the others about Argalia yet, have I?"

"I'm afraid I don't recognize that name." Mami says, shaking her head.

"Right! Kyoko, mind helping explain this? You were there." you propose, prompting the girl in question to look up from her food.

"Me? I guess, but I only know what you told me and what I saw. It's not gonna be much help." Kyoko says, picking at a bit of rice with her fork.

Still, despite the protesting, Kyoko does help with your explanation. She describes her first impressions of the Reverb Ensemble's Conductor, an unnaturally flamboyant man whose every exaggerated movement and musical word exuded confidence. You chip in with background information when necessary, but mostly just coax Kyoko to talk. You can practically see Mami's heart sink when hearing about Leonie, though you remind her that nothing can be done at the moment.

Yuma's understanding of the situation pretty much stops at "We need to work with a bad guy for now to stop a worse bad guy," which isn't entirely wrong.

"I see." Mami says when all is said and done, looking down into her now-empty bowl. "Forgive me for asking, but is it really a good idea to have Argalia so close? Surely it would be better to keep him away from civilians if possible."

"Maybe," you admit, leaning back in your chair and pointing with your fork. "But it's pretty much city in all directions. There's not anywhere I can reasonably get him to go that isn't surrounded by civilians. At least with him nearby, we can keep an eye on him."

Mami sighs. "You're right. I just… it feels wrong, working with somebody who's caused so much harm to others."

Kyoko starts to squirm, but Yuma reaches out at puts a hand on her arm. The older girl looks down, then relaxes with a deep sigh. You mentally note to get your youngest some sweets or something else nice for being absolutely fantastic.

"It's an unfortunate necessity. Even if there wasn't a second threat that's higher on the priority list, Argalia won't go down easy. I'm not sure I even can beat him if it came down to it. For now, we just have to stick with the lesser evil and hope a better option presents itself."

That seems to mostly kill the mood. While you're at it, there is one other depressing topic you might want to get out of the way.

Your impending mortality isn't something you'll be able to avoid forever. Sooner or later, your kids will find out about it. At the same time, them knowing won't do any good. There's nothing they can do to help stop your eventual crossroads of fate, and it won't be without psychological consequences to know that.

You should…
[] Tell Them
[] Keep It To Yourself For Now

———————————————

Midday Activities
[] Experimentation
-[] With what? How?
[] Search for Abnormalities
[] Scout Kamihama
[] Write-in.

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

We now return to our regularly scheduled schedule. The third day will probably be shorter than the previous two, just to speed the story up. Please keep any Midday Plan votes separate from votes on whether or not you tell your kids about your time limit for simplicity's sake when counting.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 114 - Diagnostics

There are no obvious advantages to telling your children about your condition. The atmosphere is grim already, and knowing that your time in this world is limited will only worsen things. It weakens the image of you they have built, as an invincible protector who they will always be able to rely on. The idea that you will have to leave some day, especially in such a permanent manner, will almost certainly trigger personal trauma for both Mami and Yuma to some degree. It may also bring up bad memories for Kyoko, though you doubt she's come to consider you family in the few days you've known one another. Furthermore, there is nothing they can do about it. While Magical Girls are capable of healing magic, and Mami is in contention for the most skilled Magical Girl of her generation if not the outright best, that magic pales compared to Angela's resources. If she couldn't determine a way to heal you even with her abilities, the chances of one of your children finding something are infinitesimal. All that this will accomplish is giving them another thing to worry about.

However…

"There is another thing I should mention."

All eyes are on you, the weight that fills your words leaving no room for anything else in that moment. The previously pleasant warmth radiating through the room grows cloying.

"As I've already explained to you, I lost my human body back before I met any of you. Since then, I've been living as an Abnormality, sealed off in this body here. I had hoped to just keep things up the way they are now, but…"

Relationships aren't something that can be approached in a strict cost-benefit manner. At least, not without taking into account all the things that give a proper relationship meaning. Family should trust one another, and your kids deserve to know what's going to happen to you. Better you tell them now than they find out at a worse time.

"I've recently discovered that my current state is unstable. I'll be getting weaker as time goes on, so you'll need to be able to rely on yourselves more by then."

It hurts to watch Mami grip her utensils tightly enough to warp the metal, unable to meet your eyes. To see Yuma state up at her older sister, desperate for guidance or direction. Even if you've softened the message, they know what this means. You don't have to say what the conclusion will be for them to recognize it.

"You shouldn't worry too much. Angela and I will be working to find a solution, and there's still several years before this becomes a serious issue. Until then, though, don't be too surprised if I need to rely on you sometimes."

This is a loss for you. But it's a loss you have to take. Maintaining an illusion of strength isn't even in contention compared to trusting your family. It hurts, but this is a necessary step forward.

Mami is the first one to answer you. She slowly sits up from the table, still staring at the floor. "I'll go get ready for school. I wouldn't want to be late." In spite of her calm words, you can see her body shaking. Slowly, Mami turns from the table and walks away. Kyoko starts to reach for her, then stops and lets her arm drop to her side.

As the door closes behind your eldest daughter, Yuma looks back to you. "Is Mami gonna be okay?"

"She'll be fine." you assure the small girl. "Your sister's tough; she just needs some time to process this. It's just that this is bringing up some painful memories for her."

The three of you sit in silence together for some time, listening to the sounds of Mami gathering her things in the other room. The last remains of breakfast lay uneaten on the table. You'll probably have to toss it, since it'll be cold by later and food is never as good when it's reheated.

"On a related note," you say, hoping to move the topic to something less gloomy, "Kyoko, do you have any thoughts about learning for today? I know you weren't fond of the idea before, but it's not too late to start preparing for proper school."

Kyoko opens her mouth, presumably to refuse again, then stops. She glances over at the door to Mami's room, where her sister is still packing her things.

"I'll give it a shot."

"Good to hear." you say calmly, sitting up to begin cleaning up the leftovers from breakfast. Most of what's here will be alright if refrigerated, so you won't have to throw very much out. "Yuma, could you help me with the dishes?"

Quietly, slowly, the meal comes to an end.

—————————

When Mami returns from her room, dressed in her school uniform, she's smiling again. There's an undercurrent of worry in her expression that isn't usually present, though. It'll take some time for her to fully accept what's going to happen. Perhaps it really would've been better for you to say nothing. Not that there's any point in wondering now.

"You all ready?" you ask, though you already know the answer.

"Of course. I have everything with me." Mami responds confidently. "Yuma, are you ready to go to school as well?"

"Yuma's all ready!" the kid says a little bit more cheerfully than normal, before running over to her older sister and throwing her arms around her. Mami returns the hug without hesitation, then releases her sibling and walks over to you. You kneel down and embrace your daughter.

"It's gonna be alright. Don't worry about me too much." you say quietly, patting Mami on the back. For a brief moment, her embrace tightens, as if holding on to you will somehow keep things as they are.

Then the moment passes, and Mami lets go. She walks past you to Kyoko and pulls her in, the air momentarily filling with an intense her pleasant heat, like a warm fire after a long, cold day. Kyoko seems surprised at first, but then that surprise passes and she returns the hug with an even greater enthusiasm. The two stand there, taking solace in the fact that they are there.

You and Yuma smile at one another from your end of the room. It's nice to have a family.

—————————

After saying your final goodbyes to Mami and dropping Yuma off at her school, you started on Kyoko's catch-up. It's definitely an uphill battle, considering how much learning you're having to compress, but you and Kyoko are managing. She might not have a lot of the expected background knowledge for what's being taught, especially around math and science, but she learns fast and you're a genius. After a few hours of work, interrupted by evenly spaced breaks to avoid fatigue, you leave her with some packets you copied off of the internet and tell her to do as much as she can before you get back from your research.

Chaining a few teleports to random locations to throw off tracking, you eventually arrive at an uninhabited island near the edge of your range limit. It's just barely familiar enough for you to reach, but that's fine. You don't plan on using the same spot more than once anyways.

Conjuring Lamp and turning its gaze to focus on yourself, you mentally note just how useful the watcher's EGO actually is. Setting aside its use in combat, where it might lack in sheer strength but comes with incredible utility, the sheer range of information it provides is incredible. As long as you know what to look for, nothing can be hidden from the burning glare caged within. Not even the state of your heart.

Not that it's entirely necessary. Throwing off your coat and shirt to a summoned soldier, the deep, indelible cracks covering your torso are plain as day. As you stretch, you can see a thick green fluid roiling just beneath your skin. From the thick, chemical scent, you can recognize the stasis preservation fluid. It's a unique compound, meant for keeping Carmen's brain alive even separated from her body and put under the strain of extracting Cogito for millennia, containing a mixture of Enkephalin and various other rare chemicals. For now, the fluid is staying firmly within your body, though you remember it spilling out on two occasions.

At least you have something to look out for.

You cycle through your roster of EGO gear, dutifully noting the lack of change with each summoning. You had expected at least some strain when you got to the Aleph-class weapons, but nothing makes itself apparent. That's reassuring, in the very least. You can continue to use the strongest weapons in your arsenal without limits. As much as you just extolled Lamp's virtues, your love for discovery might be tainting your opinion a bit. Your other weapons are quite versatile as well. A single one would probably have been enough to carry you against most threats, given the sheer variety of applications you could reach if you aimed for it.

With the knowledge that just using a weapon won't make you keel over, you move on to something a bit more intensive. Taking the outline of Mimicry you reach inward and drag out a deep, hungry feeling. The gnawing essence pours into the framework, accepted effortlessly by the base you chose. All at once, your modified Mimicry appears in your grasp.

You wait for the jolt of pain, but it never comes. Interesting. Reinterpretation of EGO gear is a power explicitly tied to your Abnormality self. You had expected some resistance, or some consequences, for using it. And yet, there's nothing. Perhaps because it's not enough of an exertion to be notable? Or maybe it's more of a psychological issue. Angela said this was all caused by you rejecting your transformation into an Abnormality. In that case, the powers that would worsen your condition would be the ones you most relate to your Abnormality form.

Experimentally, you reach for Lobotomy. The results are immediate. A sharp pain shoots through you, though you were expecting it this time. You grit yourself teeth and lean against a second conjured soldier for support, waiting patiently for the feeling to pass. A few seconds later, you dismiss your temporary support. That wasn't nearly as bad as last night, though you were intentionally pushing as little as possible. Actually using Lobotomy now isn't impossible, but there will be consequences and doing so in combat at all is out.

Back to testing. You've used your modified version of Mimicry before, but what about EGO you've only ever transformed completely while you were fully unshackled?

The Knight's rapier, the first EGO you ever wielder, appears in your hand as a dutiful companion. You peer into its shape and offer a fragment of something long forgotten. The blade welcomes the foreign power, and suddenly you are holding something less like a sword and more like a spear. The transformed weapon is a series of bright crimson arms, wrapped around one another to form a single tool. There are other forms, you know this, but the one will suffice for your purposes now. You feel no pain in the alteration of EGO you've never changed as a human before. Aside from the more fundamental Abnormality-based powers, it appears the abilities of yours that rely on reproducing external powers remain unaffected.

That's good to know. You're already facing down some overwhelming opposition in the near future, and you can't afford to be getting weaker while they grow stronger every day.

Soon, you'll need to make the first move. Not today, but soon.

Until then, all you can do is try to prepare.

———————————————

Today's Lessons… (You) and (Sayaka)
[] (You) Combat Prowess
[] (You) Foreign EGO
[] (You) One's Own EGO
[] (Sayaka) Combat Prowess
[] (Sayaka) Life Lessons
[] (Sayaka) Manifesting EGO

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

I've been enjoying the discussion about X's fate and how to potentially change it, so I'll let some information free. There are two main possible endings planned for this story, a "Good" ending and a "Bad" ending, both with their own little variations depending on how they're reached. It won't be a matter of one "Make the right choice or die" vote, but instead the ending will be a path slowly chosen through every decision leading up to the end.

So far, you've done pretty well! Keep it up!

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 115 - Goal Of Education

You have enough information for now. It's a little early to return home, though, so you decide to get some other little tasks done while you're giving Kyoko more time to work.

First is some basic information gathering. You and the kids have been doing patrols and Mami has very efficient paths across the city mapped out, but it's inevitable that you'll miss things with so few people. Having more data is always helpful, so you spend some time combing through local news as well as any social media from people in the area. In the front page, there's an article analyzing the recent drop in disappearances and missing persons cases. Mitakihara had a recent surge in unsolved disappearances just a few weeks ago, followed by a sharp, sudden drop. It's too early for the writer to make any conclusions, they claim, but they're hopeful. A few related articles cite conspiracies such as government agents silencing people or alien abductions, but obviously nobody guessed the actual reason. More active patrols with more people have cut the Witch population in Mitakihara down to practically nothing, with the new arrivals from the migration being cut down before they can settle and begin to hunt. The headline brings a smile to your face. You'll have to show the kids when you get back. It'll be nice for them to know that their work has paid off. You think Mami especially will be proud to see her teammates making a real impact. They all deserve more affirmation for all that they've done.

Also prominent but significantly more disconcerting is another headline, claiming several graveyards have been raided and most of the interred bodies were missing. Argalia had confirmed the deaths of the Eight O'Clock Circus's Ringmaster, the Blood-Red Night, and Yesterday's Promise, but the copy of the Puppeteer is still in the Adult's possession. Maybe worse is the possibility that she's taken the bodies herself to raise as either slaves, living shields, or materials. Nobody but the Abnormality in question knows how her so-called "Magic" actually works. Checking the list of those whose remains were stolen, you initially breathe a sigh of relief to see Mami's parents absent, but that breath hitches upon reading the names of Kyoko's mother, father, and sister.

You set your phone down and glare out across the cityscape from your chosen perch atop a radio tower. That's definitely not an accident. You can think of a few plans the Adult might have in mind, and none of them are good. It'll absolutely have an effect on Kyoko, and considering her current mental state you may not be able to afford such a disruption. Yes, she is in a better place right now and gradually recovering from the self-destructive loathing that had fueled her in the moment of her Distortion, but that's no insurance here. Just the reminder on its own would be distressing, but you, Mami, and Yuma would most likely be able to reassure Kyoko. But this is a prelude to a more significant play, and judging by what you've heard from Angela the Adult Who Tells Lies has a perverse interest in "Tests of Character".

More vexing is the fact that you heard about this through social media. The total loss of contact with Kamihara and the mass exodus from the nearby area demonstrates that the Adult has access to some form of information-restricting spell or ability. This on its own isn't unheard of, considering things like Concept Incineration or even just the Perception Filter from back home. The point of interest is that it wasn't used here. It could be that the effect is localized to an area, and the Adult couldn't use it to conceal their movements outside of their home base. If that's true, than this is just another piece of information to be thankful for. You can act off of it as you would any normal discovery. If it's not, though, then things get tricky. It could be faked, but that's easy enough to disprove by simply visiting the locations yourself. Potential traps can be tripped in advance by using Pinks' soldiers as proxies while watching from a distance with Lamp. If it's fake and just a trap, that's that. If it's just a lie meant to unsettle you, you ignore it. If it's all accurate, though, that's when things get tricky.

If the Adult wants you to know what she's done, then there are two possible scenarios that end poorly for you. You hide it, and the Adult either uses that fact as a wedge between you and your kids or uses the element of surprise to intensify whatever they have planned. The first is unlikely to work, but the second would be rather problematic. If you do tell the kids, they're likely to worry about it until you actually take action against the Adult. That'll get worse and worse the longer you take to actually make a move, but it's manageable. Assuming, that is, that Kyoko doesn't react especially badly. For all her progress, she is still a Distortion.

It would seem you have a rather difficult choice to make.

"But the answer's completely obvious." you mumble to yourself as you sit up and begin your teleportation spell. You've already resolved to be honest with your kids. They're more mature than they should be for their age, they'll be able to handle this much. You believe in Kyoko, too. That she's doing better, that she isn't a danger to everyone around her. That you don't get anywhere by keeping the truth from people you're trying to help.

You'll tell them around dinner. Or maybe tomorrow morning. Spacing these things out to give them time to settle is still a good idea, after all.

—————————

After returning home, you spend some time helping Kyoko with the problems from the packet that she couldn't finish on her own. Teaching this way isn't nearly as difficult, you just have to make small connections or suggest certain ideas and Kyoko's able to do most of the legwork herself. Teaching is actually fairly enjoyable for you, even if you can see Kyoko getting frustrated whenever you point out something she thinks should've been obvious. You're quick to shut down whatever tirade she starts when that happens, assuring her that missing these things is expected for somebody who hasn't gone to school in years. All things considered, Kyoko's progress is very impressive.

Eventually, you finish up, and the time comes for you to pick up your other kids.

"Well, I'm gonna go get Mami and Yuma." you announce, sitting up from your seat across from Kyoko. "You coming?"

Kyoko nods without hesitation, and you start the teleportation spell once again. Kyoko sits up and shuffled over to stand next to you a few seconds before the spell activates, sending the both of you across the city in an instant.

After stopping at the preschool to pick up Yuma, you arrive outside of Mitakihara Middle School where the girls have already begun congregating. Homura is the first to notice you, her gaze passing visible from you to Kyoko to Yuma and then back to Madoka, which is apparently her default position. Not a moment later, Mami spots you.

"X! Kyoko! Yuma! It's nice to see you all." she announces, prompting a chorus of greetings from the other kids. You restrain a small giggle at the scene, instead settling for a polite smile.

"Afternoon, kids. Good to see all of you as well, of course." you return, walking over to the group with your children trailing behind you. Mami seems more at ease than she was this morning, and she's standing ever so slightly closer to Madoka than she usually does. It seems you have the only non-combatant of the group to thank for your eldest's swift recovery from the morning's news.

Or former only non-combatant, it appears, as Hitomi Shizuki has joined the group. You step back a bit and allow Kyoko and Yuma to integrate themselves, waiting patiently behind as the kids chat about regular things while they match towards the school's outer gates. It's nice that they can still be kids, even if these times are brief. Homura, of course, remains silent and continues just staring at Madoka while occasionally scanning the area. That can be worked on, but not at the moment.

No, you have a different task to complete today.

You follow the group in relative silence for some time as they walk home, only breaking your quiet to make some small comments on the idle conversation or to agree with something somebody says. This is their moment of peace, and you don't have a place in that. You don't need peace between your work, anyways.

Right before the group splits up, you cut in. "Actually, Sayaka and I have somewhere to go, so we'll have to part from you all right here."

Madoka looks confused. "Sayaka, what's X talking about? Did you make some special plans?" To this, Sayaka scratches the back of her head and tries for a confident smile, which does not succeed.

"Ah, I guess I forgot to say anything? But yeah, I asked X for ways to get stronger, and she offered to let me join her in training!"

"I also said you should ask Mami for lessons in Magic, since she and Homura are the most experienced here as Magical Girls." you add in. At that, Sayaka smiles brightly and nods.

"Yep! Did that, Mami said she'd be happy to train me."

"Indeed. I have always enjoyed teaching fellow Magical Girls. I already started with some basic spellwork during lunch, and Sayaka has been doing very well." your eldest confirms proudly. It warms you heart to see her so happy, though that might just be Kyoko standing to her left that you're feeling.

"Why is only Sayaka training?" Hitomi asks. "Wouldn't everyone want to be doing so?"

Homura answers before you can, causing Hitomi and Sayaka both to jump about half a foot into the air. The time traveler had apparently been quiet enough that they'd forgotten she was there.

"Training and learned skills can only carry a person so far before they begin to plateau in effectiveness. For those who are already experienced, a day's training will not make as much of a different as it would for one who has less knowledge." The clockwork girl's head tilts slightly to the left in a smooth, mechanical motion before snapping back upright. "Tomoe Mami, Sakura Kyoko, and myself are all already highly experienced. It makes the most sense for Miki Sayaka, who is the least skilled combatant, to receive additional training."

Hitomi nods in acceptance while Sayaka yells in what is mostly-faked indignation. "Hey! I mean, that's not wrong, but you could be nicer about it!"

Mami stifles a small chuckle to agree. "Yes, Miss Akemi. That assessment could've been a bit softer."

Homura turns to her, expressionless as always, and says "The observation is accurate. Nothing else is required but that." For some reason that the girl herself fails to grasp, the other kids seem to find this answer amusing.

As the laughter fades, you cut in once again. "As much as I hate to interrupt this, we are on a schedule. Sayaka?"

The bluenette scrambles for a second to regain her composure before nodding eagerly. "Right! I'll see you all later! Have a good day!"

The children say their goodbyes, and you hand Sayaka the Invitation. It's time to go.

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

This vote's chapter was running rather long, so I decided to split it in two. We'll get Gebura next chapter, I promise.

In the meantime, I've heard it's better when there's something to vote on, so go on and pick an Apocrypha/Sidestory for me to write since I'm feeling inspired by Canto IV.

[] The Judge's Forest Gains Another Tree
[] The Queen In A False Kingdom
[] The Monsters Of The Outskirts Discuss Their New Neighbors

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 116 - Higher Learning

The Floor of Language is not a quiet place. There are offices, and rather well-furnished ones at that, where one might find peace. The rest of the floor is not especially loud, not like the ever-grinding gears of the Floor of Technological Sciences or the overwhelming ticking of the Floor of Religion. But it isn't quiet. Molten steel bubbles and hisses as is flows through pipes and channels. Steam hisses from unseen places beneath the cobbled iron towers and bridges. And right now, the sound of blades clashing together echoes through the air.

"You're reacting too slow. Get up and try again."

Unsteadily, Sayaka pushes herself to her feet once more with her sword as a support. She's panting heavily, pausing to still the tremor in her grip before pulling back into her proper posture and facing Gebura again. She's barely finished nodding to confirm that she's ready by the time the veteran Fixer is on her again, Mimicry's blunt edge slamming into Sayaka's guard and sending her sliding back almost a meter. The momentary gap offers the young swordswoman no reprieve, and the moment her blade is up Mimicry is already grinding against it.

You sigh and shake your head. Even with Gebura holding back by a rather significant amount, it's still a poor match. Sayaka isn't a bad fighter, but her strategy mostly boils down to strengthening herself enough to overpower and outspeed her opponents. It works well enough on Familiars and weaker Witches, but against somebody who can match her, or even just somebody who can dodge and keep a distance, she falls short.

Case in point, this round. Sayaka tries to slide her sword down Mimicry's length and towards Gebura's body, taking advantage of her shorter size to slip in past the older woman's guard. Her costume has already lost most of its frills and decoration, melted away into a wreath of rippling water that swirls around her blade. The enhancement isn't enough to overcome the monstrous strength of her opponent, only let her actually compete. But it comes at the cost of everything else.

Gebura steps back and pushes Sayaka's sword aside, leaving the younger fighter in an awkward position. This blunder is immediately punished by a kick to the side that lifts her up off the ground and sends her flying towards the table where you and the others are watching. The barrier enclosing the combat zone flashes as Sayaka slams into it and you wince. Your warm-up match with the legendary Fixer had been significantly more brutal, but this still seems like a little much for a child.

"Worrying isn't necessary," Angela chimes in, having noticed your concern. "That kid is more durable than she looks. Gebura knows how to limit her strength in order to avoid causing any lasting harm. Besides, can't she just heal? I know that Magical Girls of her kind possess particularly powerful regenerative abilities."

"I think you're missing the point here." you say flatly as Sayaka is sent flying again, pausing to cleanse her Soul Gem before dusting herself off and rushing back in. It's not typically considered responsible to watch a child get beaten up in front of you, even if that child is very determined to continue.

When training had started, Sayaka was practically peppy. Sure, she tried to stay calm and dignified, but it was pretty obvious that the prospect of being trained personally by somebody who you had spoken so highly of was exciting for her. Part of that was your fault, hyping up your old Disciplinary Team Head on the way up the Library, but that served a different purpose altogether.

Sayaka was already prone to hero worship and idealization, and Gebura has issues with self-confidence. She's doing better than she was when you first met, certainly, but those sorts of doubts about yourself don't go away so easily. You know that much. A little more admiration never hurts, and if there's one person in the world who deserves to be called a true hero it's Gebura.

That excitement died out more and more the further the training got going. Gebura had started with simple exercises, measuring Sayaka's reflexes and knowledge of basic stances. At that point, Sayaka was still rather cheerful despite the simple and monotonous practice. Then, things got rougher. First it was simple back-and-forth parry-riposte practice, then trying to break Gebura's guard, then trying to defend against the old Fixer, and finally the actual sparring that's happening now. But by bit, Sayaka's enthusiasm was worn down into a weathered determination. Even if she clearly wasn't enjoying herself like she might've expected, you don't see a hint of desire to quit.

That stubbornness is usually more of an issue than anything else, but now you're thankful for it. Sayaka's been training for quite some time now with only a few short breaks, and you're already seeing some improvement. Not that Gebura's running out of mistakes to point out.

"Your profile is too wide. Keep your side towards me."

"Mind your spacing. You have to measure your advance and how it affects your positioning."

"Don't just react; predict. Watch how my posture leads into different angles of attack."

"Your guard was too obvious and too early. I can adjust my attacks easily when you give me so much time."

"Don't move so much when defending. Against a faster opponent, you have to make your motions more efficient to match them."

Sayaka nods, having long since learned that words are a waste of breath far better used for actions. Her hair is matted to her face with sweat and she's panting heavily, contrasting with Gebura's relaxed, measured demeanor. The older swordswoman stares piercingly at her student as they exchange blows, watching for yet another mistake to correct. One hand remains wrapped around Mimicry's handle, the other free to point and correct errors.

Sayaka's Magic rises around her in an azure veil that quickly coalesces around her body as she charges towards her opponent. For a moment she appears like a great wave, rushing towards Gebura as an immovable, untouchable shore. She begins a horizontal slash, then pulls back and transitions into a piercing thrust. Gebura sidesteps easily and raises her sword, its immense weight handled with merciless ease. Before the counter can come, however, Sayaka presses onwards. The surge of Magic hastening her steps continues, and she rams her shoulder into Gebura's chest. The tide crashes down in a cerulean wave, parted as it hammers the experienced Fixer head-on.

You wince. That maneuver was pretty good, but Sayaka charging Gebura probably hurt about as much as running full-speed into a steel wall. Though in all seriousness, Sayaka'd have better luck with the wall. Walls don't hit back.

Though this time, Gebura doesn't either. Sayaka bounces back from the impact, amassed power scattered around her like the last traces of a heavy rain. Above her, Gebura sighs and shakes her head.

"Good approach, but moves like that won't work unless you're fighting someone closer to your strength and size. Surprise can only do so much to even things out."

The older swordswoman offers a hand to the younger, pulling her up off the ground and allowing her a moment to reset her stance, catch her breath, and ensure her Soul Gem is completely clear before the two begin again.

"Y'know, Gebura's actually a pretty good teacher." you say to Angela. "Not that I expected her to do poorly, but it looks to me like she's done this before."

"That's an astute assessment. Since we had time to prepare training, Gebura procured the book of her mentor from the Library's collection." Angela answers with just a hint of smugness. Sayaka's body strikes the barrier between your table and the fight once against as Gebura throws her bodily after a second, less successful tackle. "She's using the same techniques that her teacher used to train her."

"Gebura's teacher, huh?" you say idly. "And you think I get up to some wild shit. Anyways, we should probably switch off sometime soon. Sayaka's been at this for a couple hours now. How about it?"

"Just one more round!" Sayaka shouts back to you before focusing once again on the fight. You silently nod, even if the young girl can't see it.

The two swordfighters charge one another, and once again Sayaka's Magic rises up around her as a shimmering cerulean aura. She draws the rippling waves into her blade as the approach reaches its end. Her strike is a beautiful thing, a whirling monsoon of strength and determination that is cast aside by the calm strength of years worth of experience. Sayaka's power pulls back as she retreats from Gebura's counter, raising her blade to push aside a clean slash that opens a small cut across her shoulder regardless. As the tide recedes and surges, sword meets sword and the two combatants are locked once again. Sayaka quickly begins to buckle even as her Magic gathers around her. So much of her power has been converted that her costume seems almost made of water, leaving only the plain blue shirt and dress beneath. Then, without warning, Sayaka's sword vanishes. Gebura adjusts quickly, pulling away her sword and backing off instead of pressing the attack. Sayaka capitalizes as best she can, resummoning her sword and pursuing her foe. Gebura raises Mimicry to once again block the Magical Girl's assault, pushing her sword to the side and leaving her wide open as she runs forward. For a moment it appears as though this match will end the same as all the others. But before the conclusion can arrive, you see the fire in Sayaka's eyes. As Mimicry traces its path through the air, Sayaka pools as much of her Magic as she can her free hand. A second sword, gleaming with bright sapphire energy, forms in her grasp and cuts through the air with all the strength and certainty the girl can bring to bear.

It is common knowledge that more experienced, powerful combatants have faster reaction speeds. But it is often understated just how much faster a person can react. Time seems to stop as you observe Gebura's thought process watching the newly formed sword carve its path towards her. The legendary mercenary's first instinct is to respond. Push the sword aside with her free hand, advance into Sayaka's open guard, and punish. Pull Mimicry back and block, then retreat and start the engagement again. Just hit Sayaka first. Options upon options whirl in her mind, and yet none of them are chosen.

None of them teach anything.

Because this is already what Sayaka needs to be learning.

So Gebura sighs internally and, without a hint of fanfare, allows Sayaka's sword to reach its destination in her side.

The blade barely sinks through Gebura's clothes and then stops when it touches her skin.

You can see Sayaka wince from the reactive force of the impact. She sacrificed pretty much all of her basic enhancements for that attack, all to make it faster than Gebura's. If it had failed, she'd have been screwed. But it didn't. She made it.

"Pretty cheap trick, kid." Gebura says gruffly, dropping her comparative posture and pulling out a cigarette. Before her, Sayaka stammers.

"I- I couldn't beat you, not like I was- so I just-" Gebura raises a hand, cutting the girl off.

"That wasn't an insult. You did good. When it comes down to it, thinking outside the box like that is what's gonna keep you alive more than anything else." The respect in Gebura's gaze isn't an obvious thing, not for a woman so good at concealing her emotions, but it's there. Sayaka must notice it too, because she positively beams at the compliment. "Now go get some rest. I've gotta help my old boss out with some things."

Sayaka smiles and nods, too out of breath to verbally answer. But her smile hasn't diminished in the slightest.

Neither has yours. You're proud of the kid.

———————————————

Learn about…
[] The Feeling of one's EGO
[] The Creation of one's EGO
[] The Wielding of one's EGO

———————————————

Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
Porccubus' Sapling - Observation Level 2/3
CENSORED's Sapling - Observation Level EXPUNGED/REDACTED

I'm not good at writing sword fighting scenes, so I apologize in advance to anyone who knows anything about the subject.

Ooh, Naron and I uploaded around the same time! It's been a while since that happened.