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

[Lepidoptera]

Sidestory 6 - Those Without

When Kyousuke made his recovery, Hitomi couldn't have been happier. The doctors had claimed it was impossible, that the nerve damage was too extensive to ever truly heal, but even knowing this a part of her had always hoped for a miracle. And one day, that miracle had come. Nobody knew how it had happened, but Kyousuke didn't seem to care and neither did Hitomi. While the hospital had decided to keep him in for a few more days to try and determine what had happened, Sayaka had told her that he would be released soon after. The week after that, he had a recital planned. It seemed like everything was going to be alright in the end.

Hitomi's feelings on Sayaka's relationship with Kyousuke were complicated, to say the least. Even if Kyousuke hadn't noticed Sayaka's blatant affection, Hitomi had. She knew her friend had loved him for a long time now, but never found the courage to actually confess to him. Even now, she remained nothing but a friend. Considering how bad Sayaka usually was at concealing her emotions, it was getting to the point where Hitomi had to consider that Sayaka had actually asked him and was simply turned down. While that would make things easier between them, it didn't seem likely. Even if Kyousuke had chosen not to tell Hitomi out of respect for Sayaka's privacy, the bluenette wouldn't have been able to just move on from it like nothing had happened. This left Hitomi in the unenviable position of being the one to break the stalemate between the three of them.

That morning, Hitomi had decided to deliver an ultimatum. If this dragged on too long, there was a chance somebody else would confess to Kyousuke before either of them. He was a prodigy, after all, and a very kind and gentle boy on top of it. Hitomi had hoped to speak with Sayaka that day after school, when everyone had split off to head home, to confess to her about her own feelings for Kyousuke. If Sayaka didn't confess to him within the week, then Hitomi would do so first. Even as this was a way to force Sayaka to confront her own feelings, a small, selfish part of Hitomi hoped that her friend would not come forwards. She knew it was wrong to feel that way, that Sayaka was far closer to Kyousuke than she was, but those feelings existed regardless. At least it would be over soon.

Hitomi had gone to approach Sayaka after school, but stopped at a strange sight. Sayaka and Madoka were speaking with Akemi Homura, the new transfer student, as well as an upperclassman who Hitomi was ashamed to admit she didn't recognize. This in itself was an oddity, as for a reason unknown to Hitomi Sayaka thought quite poorly of the new girl. She knew Sayaka wouldn't act that way without a reason, but it was still unusual. What reason would they have to all be grouped together like that?

That was not what struck her most about the scene. The strangest thing was the woman that was with them.

The first thing Hitomi noticed was that the woman was tall. Of course an adult would be taller than them, but this woman would have easily stood a head or so above Hitomi's own parents. This seemed a relatively minor detail compared to the woman's hair, a not unite messy but still unkempt mane of bright red that faded into a cloud of shimmering starlight. Perhaps some sort of fashion thing? It stood out against the woman's simple black clothes and white coat, the only other accessory Hitomi could see being a small red hair clip that mostly blended in with the woman's hair. Perhaps this was somebody's mother?

It was inconsiderate to stand there and spy, but Hitomi couldn't help her curiosity. Something about this scene felt unnaturally, otherworldly. Important. After a short exchange that Hitomi couldn't catch, Miss Akemi headed off and the rest of the group trailed behind her.

There was something odd going on with her friends, Hitomi thought as she rode home. For the past few days, they had been sharing strange looks and disappearing whenever they had free time. It left Hitomi wondering what it was that they were doing without her. She was the odd one out between the three of them, yes, but Sayaka and Madoka practically always included her in whatever it is they did. It hurt, feeling left out. What were they doing that Hitomi couldn't be a part of?

As Hitomi's shoes clacked against the marble floor of her home's foyer, it occurred to her just how large her house was. It has never felt daunting in this way before, but today the sheer size made Hitomi feel even more alone. Her parents were away, of course, on a business trip that would last through most of the week. Madoka and Sayaka were busy with something, and despite her popularity Hitomi didn't really have any other close friends.

At least there was always the garden.

—————————

Maintaining the manor's garden was one of the few tasks Hitomi had that wasn't attended to by somebody else. What had started as a small distraction to relieve stress had grown into a dedicated pastime. There was always something to attend to, always something that Hitomi could use to keep herself busy. In a city so dominated by construction, the Shizuki family garden was one of the few preserved areas of nature left.

The garden felt quiet today. Perhaps Hitomi had simply come earlier than usual, but the birds and insects that usually gathered to rest here were nowhere to be found. Regardless, Hitomi didn't think much of it as she moved between each of her plants. The roses were doing very well, as were the cacti, but the hydrangeas could probably use some watering. The blueberries weren't quite ready yet, but the raspberries looked fine. The poppies-

Wait. Poppies? Hitomi bent down for a closer look. Indeed, a large stretch of poppies had sprouted out of what had been previously determined to be unsuitable soil. They looked healthy, all things considered. As Hitomi inspected the anomaly, she noticed light reflecting off of something within the greenery. Curious, the girl reached out to push aside the brush and get a better look, heedless of the unseen thorns awaiting her touch.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 46 - Not Really Cause For Alarm

You wince internally at Sayaka's declaration. The last thing you want is for her to reinforce the idea that being a Magical Girl makes her a hero. That ideal is what lured her and so many others into Kyubey's system without a chance to question what they were offered, and if she holds onto it too tightly she'll get herself killed. You and Mami won't always be there to support her, and you already know Sayaka wants to prove herself on her own. You were lucky to catch her when she snuck out, but what about next time? Or the time after that? You have to put an end to these delusions before they get out of hand. This world might be a kinder one than the City, but some truths hold true no matter where you are. There are no heroes, only people asked to do more than they ever could. For every person who excels, a thousand more fall into mediocrity. The dream of becoming a hero is just that, a dream that drives people to grind themselves to nothing shouldering an ever-growing burden. You can protect Sayaka, keep her safe and healthy and alive, but only if she doesn't put herself in danger. You should say something, anything, to shut down her fantasy right now.

But you don't. It's just too cruel.

Your gaze settles on the kid, an uncertain, questioning smile on her face and the last traces of starlight gleaming in her eyes. She needs this right now. Needs to believe that she's doing something good, that she has a purpose, that she can do something about the nightmares she just saw. And she can, with help. Maybe the world has no place for people who think themselves heroes, but it still needs someone to make sacrifices for others. As long as you can shoulder most of that burden, Sayaka can share some of it with you. If believing that she can be a hero who saves people is what Sayaka needs to keep going, you won't take that from her. At least, not right now. There's always time to develop a healthier worldview. Until then, you can let her live her fantasy a little bit.

"We certainly did," Mami answers in your stead. "Kyubey will remove their memories of the Witch's Barrier, and the hospital will be able to take care of them," Then, after a nigh-imperceptible pause, she continues. "You did great for only your second hunt, Sayaka. I feel much more confident about our chances with the three of us working together."

Sayaka relaxes with the affirmation, a slight blush coloring her face as she dismisses her transformation in a flash of marine light. A gold flash follows as Mami does the same, leaving the two in their ordinary school uniforms.

"You were all amazing!" Madoka exclaims, practically glowing with praise. "I hope I'll be able to be as strong as you all one day," she continues, far quieter. Of course, that's when Kyubey takes the opportunity to insert himself into the conversation.

"If you make a contract with me, you'll be an incredibly powerful Magical Girl!" it declares in its fake, syrupy voice. You're glad Homura already left to head home, because you don't think your fellow time-traveller would have been able to resist putting a few holes in the rat for that comment. She hasn't explained to you the specifics of her relationship with your other kids, but you have a detailed enough picture by now. You know well enough that she can be… protective, to say the least, of Madoka in particular. As you are here now and she is not, you'll have to stick with more subtle deterrents.

"I'd advise caution before you rush into making a contract. Doing this means sacrificing most of your free time as well as pretty much any chance of holding down a steady life and putting yourself in danger for the sake of people who will never knew what you did for them. You get one Wish as compensation, so if you're serious about this you should make sure it's a good one."

Mami nods along with your words. "Your Wish is very important. You should make sure not to waste it on something that you'll come to regret one day." Her expression is dampened ever so slightly at the mention of Wishes, a fact that clearly goes unnoticed by the other girls.

"What'd you Wish for, Mami?" Sayaka asks, ignorant of her senior's discomfort. The bluenette doesn't miss the expression that passes over Mami's face at the question, and immediately backpedals.

"Ah, If that's too personal, you don't have to-"

"It's fine," Mami cuts her off. "My Wish was a simple thing made in the heat of the moment. I don't regret it, but I'll always wonder if I could have made a better choice if I had more time."

Sensing the older girl's sadness, Madoka leaps forwards and throws her arms around the veteran Magical Girl. Mami freezes in shock, unused to the action, before slowly lowering her arms around her junior in turn.

"Don't worry, Mami. I'll be sure to make a Wish I can always be proud of."

The two pull away from one another, revealing the barest traces of tears in Mami's eyes. Seems as if Madoka's more perceptive than you thought. That or she's just very quick to get attached to people.

"I bet the transfer student wished for something bad. They seem like the type to want something selfish," Sayaka says, completely killing the moment. It seems you'll need to go on damage control again.

"All Wishes are selfish; if you don't want something then you can't really Wish for it, now can you? Besides, Homura's not that bad," you remand. Honestly, what is it with Sayaka and Homura? Some sort of fated rivalry?

"She's so creepy about everything, though!" Sayaka insists. "Did you see the way she was back in that Barrier? She didn't even flinch at it!"

"Everyone copes differently, Sayaka. Miss Akemi may simply be a more withdrawn person. Regardless, we should keep going," Mami interrupts to your great relief. "Witches have been getting more active recently, and there should still be time to find another today if we want to keep up with them. If you are all ready for it, of course."

"Actually, could I stay back with X and talk about something?" Madoka pipes up. "It's important, and we won't take long!" she insists frantically. The display of emotion earns her a strange look from Sayaka and a patient smile from Mami, but the pair acquiesces and heads off in search of their next Witch. You're worried about them heading off without you, but they both just cleansed their Soul Gems and Mami's been fine on her own for years. She can take care of herself for a few minutes. Once the two Magical Girls are out of earshot, you lean down towards Madoka.

"So what'd you want to tell me?"

A beat passes as she struggles to get the words out. "I… well… it's something strange I noticed during school. I tho if they you might know more about it."

Well, knowing about strange things is one of your talents. It'd be worrying to find an Abnormality making itself at home near a school, but if it's been there this long it might be one of the less hostile ones.

"This morning, I noticed Mami and Sayaka both had these cards around their necks. I didn't really think about it, but then I saw that Homura had one too! I thought they might be a Magical Girl thing, so I asked Mami, but she said she didn't know where it came from. Homura and Sayaka said the same thing, but none of them thought it was important! I know they're probably right and I'm worried about nothing, but I just have this feeling that there's something wrong!"

You don't recall anything that fits that description, at least nothing that has any reason to be in Mitakihara. Could it be some sort of Gift? A card is small enough to be one and seems like the kind of thing an Abnormality might give out.

"Did you get a good look at any of these cards?" you ask. Madoka nods, looking worried.

"Oh, Sayaka showed me hers! It had her name and her picture on it along with a bunch of personal information. I'm really concerned that all this happened and none of them seemed to worry about it. I didn't even know some of the things on Sayaka's card!" And then, almost as an afterthought, she adds: "There was a symbol too, like a red circle with an L going through it?"

"What?"

Madoka shrinks back from you; your voice flat and devoid of inflection while still roiling with a mess of emotions. It seems you may have overreacted. How could that be here? Why do the kids have them?

What do you do about this?
[] Confront them immediately
[] Wait for later
[] Write-in

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 0/3
Madoka Kaname: Exposure I -> Exposure II
Totally nothing to worry about.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 47 - Take Things One Step At A Time

Questions can come later. Right now, it falls on you to give answers as opposed to receiving them.

"That's the mark of an old company I worked at once," you exposit to a frightened Madoka. "They were supposed to have fallen, and even if the Corporation were active it'd be odd for Mami and Sayaka to have anything related to it. You said Homura had one as well?"

Madoka nods, her body still shaking. On her shoulder, Kyubey waits passively for you to continue.

"I'm glad you told me about this. Keep an eye out for anything else strange that you spot, even if you think it might be nothing. Better to be cautious about these things," you say sternly. Madoka's shaking ceases, and she gives you a resolved nod.

"Anyways, we should catch up with the others. Safety in numbers and all that."

—————————

You and your tag-along make the easy trek through Clarise's Barrier, having torn open the entrance to follow Mami and Sayaka. The pair has clearly made short work of the inhabitants that once lived here, with not a single Familiar remaining amongst the great glass spires that peak from the ocean of pale green clouds beneath you. Honestly, you're a bit worried to have them having gone ahead without you. They couldn't have gotten that far in while you and Madoka were talking, could they?

You follow the trail of shattered glass and the sound of gunshots, occasionally picking up Madoka to leap from one of the glass towers to another. She yelps in surprise the first time and clutches close to you and you soar through the air, her legs shaking as you set her back down.

"Ah… could you warn me next time, X?"

As the pinkette steadies herself against a shattered glass pillar, careful not to cut herself on the broken edges, you allow yourself a small grin. Fair enough, although she's gonna need to be a bit more assertive if she's serious about involving herself in this conflict.

True to your word, you do make sure to warn her next time.

"Up."

"Wait, does that mean-"

You do not, in fact, interrupt her and make the jump while she's still speaking. Instead, the interruption comes from a gold-clad shape crashing through the opposing tower's wall, skidding across the fragile floor, and conjuring three rifles out of nowhere to fire at the enormous rusted copper cockroach that leaps down after her. You pull Madoka away and behind you as Clarise crashes into the ground, antenna lashing out at Mami as she dodges back. She gives you a wink and retreats further, drawing the Rampant Witch away from you. A second later, Sayaka crashes to the ground beside you and leaves a small crater in the weak floor. Seems she hasn't quite mastered that skill yet.

"Sayaka!"

Madoka calls out, seeing the large gash across Sayaka's face. It's already healing, but slowly. She's expending too much of her Magic enhancing Mami for her own powers to work at full strength, then.

"Don't worry, it's just a scratch. Isn't this Barrier creepy?" Sayaka attempts to divert the topic, but a transparent attempt like that isn't going to do anything. Luckily for her, you have other topics to discuss. The admonishment will have to stay to a minimum now.

"Don't disregard your own health, Sayaka. People can't help you if you don't let them." As she looks away from you, you continue. "Anyways, I heard you've got some sort of card. Can I see it?"

Sayaka gives you a puzzled look, as if she doesn't know what you're talking about. All of a sudden, it dawns on her. "Oh, you mean my employment card! Yeah, here you go." Casually, as if the act is completely normal, the kid reaches towards the spot above her heart and grabs ahold of nothing. When she opens her hand, a plain card sits in her hand. She hands it to you, and you bring the anomalous object up to your face to look closer.

Your grip tightens, although the offending object remains stubbornly undamaged. It's an exact replica of the badges once held by your employees, although the name is something illegible. Next to the Corporation's logo is a picture of Sayaka, smiling placidly against a blank background.

"When did you get this?"

Sayaka shrugs. "I dunno. It's been… a day, or so? It just showed up this morning."

"And you don't find anything odd about this?"

"Why would I? It's my card, so of course I'd have it with me," Sayaka continues, although her casual demeanor drops when she sees a worried Madoka lean over from behind you.

"I already said there's nothing to worry about!" she assures, almost frantic. "It's… I… gah, why can't I explain this?"

Your conversation is ended by the abrupt cry of "Tiro Finale!", a geyser of magically-enhanced energy piercing the sky in the distance. The Barrier closes in on itself all at once, and Mami steps into the conversation carrying Clarise's Grief Seed.

"This one should go to you as well, Sayaka. It's always good to have some reserves to fall back on."

"But I barely even did anything against that Witch!" Sayaka protests. Seeing an opportunity, you jump in.

"Supporting is an essential role in combat. It might not make the most obvious contributions, but nobody should understate your efforts. Least of all yourself."

Slowly, Sayaka nods and accepts the Grief Seed. That will probably be it for the hunts today.

There's still time to do something.
[] Press about the cards
[] Go hunting
-[] Bring somebody with you
[] Wander Mitakihara for a bit
[] Head home

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 0/3
A shorter chapter this time, with a totally improvised out of nowhere Witch.

You can fit in the Press vote alongside any other activity, but two of the others at once won't work.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 48 - Proof Of Employment

"That should be enough for today," Mami announces. Sayaka hides her relief well, but you're fairly certain Mami also noticed the slight release of tension in her body. Honestly, you're impressed that she's held up so well so far. It's been what, a day since she Contracted? Since then, Sayaka's been in combat nonstop. A break should do her good.

Unfortunately, that break will have to wait a moment longer. You still have important work to get to.

"Madoka, will you need an escort home? I'd like to talk with the other two."

Your command is phrased as a question, polite and without force, but it isn't. Maybe it was the reminder of your life that led you to fall back into old habits. Maybe you're worried enough that you feel it necessary to assert your control. Maybe the shock has just unsettled you enough that the words slip out on their own. Whatever the reason, the order is given.

"Don't worry; I can walk back myself. I'll be sure to be careful." Madoka assures. Sayaka is perhaps not completely convinced, but nods in affirmation regardless. Goodbyes and courtesies are exchanged, and Madoka begins the trek back home. It is safer not to involve her more than necessary, while she still has a chance to remain unscathed. You are alone with the remaining children, who look towards you awaiting your next words.

"I'd like to talk about those ID cards you have," you start. As the words leave your mouth, Mami gives you a small frown.

"As we already told Madoka, there is nothing to worry about."

"And I'm not telling you to be worried," you respond. In an instant, the kids' demeanors relax. That on its own would be worrying. It's never a good sign for somebody to start getting defensive about a strange item that appeared out of nowhere. You learned that well enough from the doctor.

"But I'm a bit curious. What company are they actually from? I didn't think either of you had jobs."

The pair shuffles uncomfortably, drawing the objects in question to stare at them, as if hoping the answer will be written there somewhere. A moment passes as they grow more unsettled, the finally Sayaka speaks.

"I… can't remember what it's for. I think I found it… a day ago?"

Sayaka's distress grows as she grips the card harder, the plain plastic remaining unblemished despite the force exerted. As the kid becomes more and more panicked, pacing back and forth while muttering, Mami stares down at the card in her own hand.

"It was… something good. Wasn't it? Something important."

Sayaka freezes, and all at once the panic drains out of her. She returns the card to its place on her chest, mumbling assurances that nobody but her can hear. A visceral sense of disgust ripples through you, and you must resist the urge to retch. Why does this scene feel so horrible? As disturbing as it is, you've seen far worse.

Those words. So very familiar, in the life you lived and the one you did not. They filled the small labs of the outskirts, the halls of the facility, the small chamber where you oversaw your domain. First spoken with faith and determination, an unshaking belief that your works would make a difference. Once that failed, it was a desperate plea. Because all that suffering had to mean something. Had to make a difference. Had to accomplish what you worked for for so, so long.

And in the end, it was nothing but empty words.

As long as you don't press them on it, they're fine. At least for now. Even if you could be certain that this small influence won't be leveraged into something worse one day, the very idea of leaving things as they are disgusts you. Without any tools or equipment, you have no way of measuring or examining the offending items. There is one other way to learn more, but…

"Kyubey?"

The chalk-white creature steps out from behind a lamppost, tail flicking back and forth.

"Good afternoon, Kyubey."

"Hey, Kyubey."

The two Magical Girls politely greet their contractor, the last traces of uncertainty or discomfort having finally washed away.

"Good afternoon, Miki Sayaka, Tomoe Mami, X," the ferret responds in a positively saccharine voice. It's a bit unsettling how it goes from that to a dead monotone when you're alone. Guess it's just not worth the effort trying to fool you when you already know enough to see through the facade.

"Do you know anything about the ID cards the girls have? Apparently they just showed up one day."

If anything, the kids seem a bit exasperated at the constant focus on the cards. Regardless, they once again draw out the anomalous accessories for easy viewing. The Incubator stares for a moment, then its head swivels towards you.

"The objects appeared at different times between each Magical Girl. Their composition is indiscernible, but readings match previously observed Abnormalities."

That settles it, then. Sayaka, Homura, and Mami all somehow managed to wind up with EGO Gifts. Whether the Gift itself actually exerts mental influence or this is just the consequence of carrying one without proper safety procedures, you don't know. Gifts are smaller and less powerful than EGO gear is, but they're still fragments of being drawn from creatures fundamentally damaging to humanity. Wearing one, especially one from a particularly powerful Abnormality, could have side-effects.

But what Abnormality could it be?

Leaving aside that you don't know any Abnormalities that give an EGO gift matching this one, when would they even have gotten them? Neither Mami nor Sayaka seem to remember how they obtained their ID cards. Homura's never even seen an Abnormality as far as you know, and depending on what Mami told her Sayaka might not even know about them. What one Abnormality could all three of them have been in contact with long enough to receive a Gift?

Your thoughts are cut off by another message of Kyubey's, this one directed only towards you.

"I had initially believed you were responsible, given the similarities in composition to your own body. It was a much closer match than any of the other Abnormalities we have observed so far. Is that incorrect?"

Other Abnormalities.

No, that's… Kyubey has less knowledge about L Corp's Singularity than you do. You'll need to do your own testing before jumping to any conclusions.

"I think that's all. I'll head home soon, just need to take care of some other business first," you announce to the two Magical Girls, repressing the trembling of your body for a few moments longer.

"Of course. Until then, X."

"Bye!"

The second the girls have said their goodbyes, you are already off.

—————————

This is perhaps not the most rational decision.

In your defense, you have done your best to take precautions in case anything goes wrong. The industrial site is once more completely empty of people, cast in a dull red by the evening sun. Your soldiers are set up around the secluded shed you've chosen, ready to alert you if anyone approaches or if you take too long. You lay on a rusty old table, the clutter and machinery that once were left on it now sitting outside in a heap.

Regardless, this very well could be a mistake. You have so little information, and what you're about to do is risky. A nameless, unknown instinct whispers to you, assures you that everything will go as expected, but you ignore it. You have only ever had your own judgement to rely on, and that will not change today.

Your own nature is a mystery to you, and you have been given a tool that can extract information on people's identities. To use one to solve the other would be logical if you fully understood either of the subjects being worked with. The unknown EGO, which may not truly be EGO at all, has only been used twice and both times on humans. To use it on yourself, when you may not be, leaves so much room for the unexpected. It is, quite frankly, a terrible plan.

And yet, some part of you reject the idea of leaving yourself as an unknown. You have to known what you are.

[] Reach inwards
[] Do not
[] Write-in

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 0/3
And here we are.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 49 - Trumpet

You steel yourself and prepare to reach inwards, ready to…

To what?

You already know what you're going to find.

It's been staring you in the face this whole time, but you chose not to acknowledge the truth.

You know what you are, but you don't understand what you are. And right now, that lack of understanding is getting people hurt. If you had accepted it earlier, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Did you really forget so quickly? The first step when encountering a new abnormality is always to gather information, not leave it alone and hope it does nothing.

Now you'll have to make up for lost time. You reach inwards and ask for understanding.

—————————

Once upon a time, the was a man. The man knew a great many things and could work miracles through his genius, but he did not. For the world was large and even such miracles were small in comparison to the immensity of mankind. The man knew this well, and so he chose to do nothing.

One day, the man met a woman. She was passionate and hopeful and as bright as the sun, and the man loved her. She had a dream, that one day the world might become a better place than it was then. The man did not believe in this dream, but he believed in the woman, and so he pursued it along with her. It would be the work of a lifetime, perhaps longer, but what else did he have worth doing?

The two became many, and a tiny seed of hope was planted within the great vastness of the City. The woman dreamed that one day, if people understood themselves and one another, they could begin to make the City a kinder place. The man, the woman, and their followers worked tirelessly to bring about this great revelation for humanity, whatever the cost. It was harsh, slow work, but it was meaningful. The man had someone who he loved, who could take him forward. He had a role to play beyond the drudgery of the world. He was surrounded by people who were like him, inspired to change the way of things. It was a life worth living. And so, for a time, the man was happy.

—————————

Once upon a time, there was a husk in the shape of a man. The light, so beautiful and precious, had been torn from his world. All that remained were scant embers, and with those embers the man forged a hell on earth. In that twisted place he grasped at the dream that was never his, but without the true drive behind it his attempts were doomed to failure. And so the man sank and allowed himself to shatter, so that the pieces left behind could do what he could not.

—————————

Once upon a time, there were many things in the shape of a man. They had been sent away to a cold, dark world deep beneath where sunlight could never reach. There, they toiled alongside those the man had once called colleagues and friends, souls sealed in circuits and machinery. Along with them was a thing in the shape of a woman whose nascent light had been smothered long ago by cold indifference. Together, they suffered in the name of a dream they had once cherished.

The first was as the man once was, austere and immovable and without the will to go forwards. He could never bring about the dream, for he lacked the desire to do so. Instead, he decided that it was forever out of reach.

The second was all that the man locked away, great sorrow and misery that drowned out the light that had warmed him. He could never bring about the dream, for his hope had burned out and with it the strength to push forwards. In his sorrow he sought to bring an end to it all, and grant rest to the frozen world.

The third took the dream that the man had been shown and made it their world, the center of all existence. They too could do nothing, because for all their faith in the dream they did not understand it. They imagined humanity unleashed, careless of the disaster it would bring.

The fourth knew nothing of the man and his life, but cherished the few things they had been given. And they made a dream of their own, where those few they held precious could live free and happy. They willingly accepted the burdens of the past, carrying them forwards into the future.

Many years passed, too many for one to count. At last, under the weight of blood and tears and death, the world was forever changed. The man and the things he had made faded away, their long mission ending at last. Unfortunately, an aeons-old grudge born of the man's unkindness would once more smother the light, and the woman's dream would go unfinished a time longer.

—————————

Once upon a time, there was a thing with no shape floating in a well. The thing's purpose, the one it had been given, was expended. It could do naught but leave with its best wishes those it had loved as family as it drowned in the vast sea. But the thing could not stand this, and so it drew upon its work and received enlightenment. It wrapped itself in a flesh of withering steel and blood of gleaming rot and became an embodiment of all it had experienced.

The thing understood that it knew only the cold and painful world it was born in, and that its touch would make that world again. But the thing had always dreamed of a world better than the one it was born in, where those it cared for would not suffer. It did not hate its home, not when so many precious memories had been born there, but it knew that such a place brought only despair to those within. It refused as well allowing itself to remain in submergence, for it could not bear to be alone and without purpose. So it tore off a piece of itself, as had been done for so many of its new kin, and crafted from that piece a cage to be locked away in.

First the thing shaped its cage as it once had been shaped, in the form of the man who had vanished from the world. But this was not a shape the thing wished to take, and so it sculpted itself as it wished it could be. It remembered one of its companions, who had strength enough to protect those close to them, and made itself in their image. Satisfied, the thing sealed away its grandeur and began to drift.

The current drew the now-shaped thing through the depths, to the edges of a world tainted by rot. The world's borders were worn down by long twisting and folding. This withered wall could not bear the weight of the creature, and collapsed in on themselves. Through this breach, the thing tumbled down into a kinder world than the one it had been born to.

—————————

You are too small. It is not right for your body to be this small. Everything feels tight and constricted, it hurts to move and to speak and to breathe. Your insides roil and twist and stretch and fold under your skin. Your wings are folded up inside you, crushed and contorted to fit within your body. Why are you so small? You lift an arm, glaring hatefully at the slow, clumsy movement. Everything is wrong. The air is thick and warm, clinging to your skin. It is too soft, too vulnerable. You are more than this. Should be more than this.

Right, the container. Need to keep it down. Don't want to ruin everything again. You shouldn't have opened up this far in the first place. As much as it hurts, you'll have to-

—————————

A crashing sound wakes you with a start, gasping in the stale air. Flakes of rust drift above your head barely visible from the last rays of evening light scattering through the shed's entry. A tinge of embarrassment colors your face as you look around; the table you were laying on appears to have broken under you. The rusted furniture, neglected for years, gave out at last. All four legs have broken at some point or another, leaving only the top still below you. Perhaps you should have been more careful picking your resting place.

You push yourself up off the ground with one arm, the other holding your coat closed like a shawl. A lab coat isn't really made for that, unfortunately, so you don't quite succeed. Again standing on your own two feet, you try and sort through the facts of your situation.

You are an Abnormality. You have been for some time now, and looking back it actually seems rather obvious. The change happened sometime after you were dissolved into the Light, as a necessity to avoid vanishing as the others did. But you were- are- incomplete, and would have brought disaster if you had arrived as you were. Instead, you took your EGO and made it into a body you could inhabit. From that false shape, your influence would be restrained and only manifest as you allowed it. Clearly, you weren't thorough enough in doing so. None of this was done consciously, considering you don't actually remember it. The though is enough to make you laugh. It's a dull, empty sound that echoes in the small rusted room. You became an Abnormality, but you don't even remember it happening. You didn't even notice it happening. You…

Why does this hurt so much?

You know Abnormalities well, better than anyone else barring a few possible exceptions. Enough to know that you aren't an ordinary Abnormality. You still remember when you were human, and reflecting upon how you are now you are still that person. All that's different is your body, and even that you managed to twist in your favor. You're stronger now, strong enough to make a difference without relying on the sacrifices of others. So why?

Shouldn't you be happy?

Maybe it's because you didn't notice. Because you didn't change. Because if you can lose your humanity and still be the same person as alway, were you ever really human to begin with?

You're no fool. You know that "being human" is a very vague and imperfect definition to pin down, especially in an abstract sense. You also know that being human and being a good person have no relation whatsoever. But there are good people in the world, as horrible as it is. While you're under no illusions as to the purity of your heart, you still always wanted to believe that you always did what you thought was right.

Every Abnormality, without exception, has only ever hurt people. No matter how kind or gentle or generous they appear on the surface. What does that say about you?

You must have always been the same as them.




No, that's not right.

You had a choice, even if not consciously. You chose to restrain yourself, to lock away your strength, because you didn't want to hurt people. Because you wanted to live in a world better than that empty facility you were born in. You may be an Abnormality now, but you still chose to be human.

Now, how to deal with your EGO Gifts? You don't know how you can remove them, or if that's even a thing Abnormalities can do. Convincing the kids to willingly part with the ID cards seems similarly unlikely and might even cause further damage given how stressed they've become just from your questioning. That'll have to stay as a last resort for now. The alternative would be to apply the necessary modifications to improve their resistance to mental corruption. It will mean further accessing Lobotomy, but now that you know what you're doing you should be able to control the side-effects better.

Your planning is interrupted by the sound of gunfire outside. Damn, you'd hoped that the guards wouldn't have been necessary. Better go see what it is.

—————————

You didn't believe in the idea of karma before now, but looking at the scene before you you have to think that you're being punished for your past failures.

One of your soldiers is currently holding a small child with green pigtails in a firefighter's carry. Judging by her outfit, she's probably not a Magical Girl. Her clothes are old and worn out, covered in dirt in some places. She lies limp in the soldier's arms, not nearly as nervous as you'd expect from a child in this situation. Around her neck is a small gold chain attached to what looks like a tooth of some kind.

"Oh! Miss Manager! Mister Bird is looking for you!"

…
[] Nope. Not dealing with this right now.
[] Hear out the strange child.
[] Write-in.

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 1/3
Alkahest information updated.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 50 - Why Do I Keep Finding Lost Children?

Would it really have been too much to ask for a break?

"Hold on, kid. I'm gonna need a bit more explanation than that."

You can actually understand quite a bit from what you're seeing now. The kid hasn't been cared for for some time now, judging by the state of their clothes. They clearly aren't a Magical Girl, lack of a Soul Gem aside she was just shot at and if she were a Magical Girl she'd have transformed by now. That necklace she has is an EGO gift, fortunately for you from a lower-grade Abnormality. Punishing Bird is easily angered but otherwise mostly harmless, and seems like this child is on good terms with it. But even so, being more informed never hurts. You just made one mistake in neglecting to learn about your own situation, you won't repeat that failure again with a child on the line.

"Right, Yuma's name is Yuma, and Mister Bird is a friend! They said they were looking for the Manager, who was somebody really tall with sparkly hair! So you must be that person, and Yuma found you!" the now-named Yuma cheerfully recounts.

You raise an eyebrow. "And where is Mister Bird right now? Leaving a child to wander around the city seems very irresponsible."

For some reason, Yuma looks embarrassed. "Yuma thought it would be faster to split up."

Ah, yep. That's certainly something to be embarrassed about. Honestly, you're more disappointed in Punishing Bird right now. It clearly had some affection for this kid, and while you can't get mad at a ten year old for having a dumb idea you thought the Abnormality would at least be smarter than that. Then again, Punishing Bird did always have a rather childish sense of morality. Maybe it just never matured past that point?

"Well, it hardly matter now. You know why Mister Bird was looking for me?"

If there's any question you want answered, this would be it. Der Frei and Army already hinted at it, but neither actually gave a straight answer. If Punishing Bird is as childish as you're expecting, maybe obfuscation will be beyond it.

"They said they had to find you, but Yuma doesn't actually know why. Maybe Miss Manager could ask them?"

Well, that's about what you expected. Not what you hoped for, but still what you expected. This doesn't seem like a trap, and Punishing Bird shouldn't be a threat to you as long as you don't really screw up.
neverfrozenbottomflows
"Lead the way, then."

—————————

Yuma gets lost a few times, but eventually manages to spot Punishing Bird flying around overhead. From there, the two of you follow it back to a small clearing where nature has started to reclaim the area. Seems like this district actually was abandoned, not just under-maintained. Patches of grass press their way through the concrete and tangling vines are draped over a chain-link fence. There's even a small tree beginning to sprout from the spot where the ground meets a building's wall. Punishing Bird descends to rest on one of the branches, eyes fixed on you. It's an unassuming critter, a plain white bird of indeterminate species with a small, round body. Even the patch of red feathers on its chest could be mistaken for mere aesthetic traits, were it not for the fact that you know better.

"Hi, Small Bird. I hear you've been taking care of Yuma here?" you begin tentatively. This is going to look really stupid if it can't actually talk. To your relief and surprise, the Abnormality responds.

"Yes. It was the right thing to do. I must ask that you look after her when I am not here."

The voice is clearly that of a young boy's, but something about it is unnaturally smooth and controlled. Punishing Bird's beak does not open, but the red splotch on its chest twitches slightly as it speaks. You try very hard not to think about what would happen if it were more aggressive.

"You're… gonna leave?" Yuma asks, sounding like an abandoned child for the first time since you've met her. Punishing Bird tilts its head towards the green-haired kid.

"Don't worry. The Manager is very good at taking care of people. I'm sure they will keep you safe." And with that, the Abnormality stretches it's tiny wings and readies to dive down.

"Wait!"

Your voice is loud, commanding, but not an Order. You've learned better than that, and you don't expect to be able to give orders to Abnormalities anyways. Punishing Bird halts mid-movement, beady eyes once more fixed on you.

"I want to know why you're here. Others mentioned they were sent?"

Punishing Bird pauses, as if contemplating the answer to your inquiry. Just when you think your get nothing, it once more speaks.

"I'm not sure who asked us to follow you. The other Guardians were told different things than I was, but we were all told that you had found a new place and needed help. They might know more about what's going on."

And with that, Punishing Bird dives towards the ground and vanishes in a burst of glowing white feathers. In his place is a tiny Sapling, shining-

CHANGE/COMEUPPANCE

-between the tree's roots.

What to do about Yuma?
[] Try and find her a home…
-[] With you and Mami
-[] With Homura
-[] Ask around among your kids
-[] With Kyoko
[] Try and enter her into the foster care system
[] Kyubey Hell no, you're not leaving an emotionally vulnerable child with that rat unattended if you can help it

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 1/3
Punishing Bird's Sapling - Observation Level 1/2
This chapter was a bit of a rush job, I hope it's not too apparent.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 51 - Are We Back With The Adoption Thing?

Well, that went about as well as it could have. You have a new Sapling, Punishing Bird is safely away from people who could accidentally aggravate it, and you have some indication that the other two Birds might be out as well. Admittedly that last part is actually bad news, but it's better you know about it than you don't. In the meantime, you now have a ten year old child to deal with. This may not have been an ideal trade-off, but you're already looking after four other children. One more can't be that much harder, can it?

Yes.

Yes it can.

For one thing, Yuma's probably been declared missing if she's been gone for as long as you think. You don't have any avenues to gain custody of her without enlisting Kyubey's help, and that would necessitate making him aware of the kid. If she has the potential to become a Magical Girl, that's one more person you have to do your best to talk out of Contracting. Even if she doesn't, it's unlikely Kyubey won't try and extract some sort of compensation in exchange for his interference. You could leverage Mami's presence against that, but that feels a bit manipulative to start out with. Yuma will need somebody to take care of her, and you're short on options.

"Miss Manager?" Yuma pipes up, interrupting your calculations. "What happened to Mister Bird?"

"He just went back to wherever he came from. It would be dangerous if he kept wandering around," you answer with more confidence than you actually have. You're not exactly sure what happens to Abnormalities who return to their Sapling, but that seems about right. The Saplings themselves feel more like passages than cages, so you don't think the Abnormalities are trapped in them. If that were the case, you would have released Blue Star when its Sapling disappeared. Your answer is apparently enough for the child, whose sadness is almost completely dismissed. While she's just a bit less confident than she was before, it seems the greenette has bounced back from their previous caretaker's disappearance rather quickly.

You tear out a chunk of the earth and the Sapling along with it, gently placing it in Yuma's hands. She stares at the glowing flora with wonder, occasionally poking at its branches and watching the scattering golden dust vanish in the still air. After having toyed with the anomalous object for a few seconds, Yuma looks up at you.

"What's this?"

"It's a Sapling. They're sort of like storage mechanisms for special equipment," you answer. She really does like asking questions you don't really know the answer to, doesn't she?

"So, where do you want to go now? Is there somewhere you've been staying recently?" you start. While you're pretty sure Yuma doesn't have a place to stay, making assumptions at this point would be a horrible error. Even if the kid's been resilient so far, she looks barely ten. Her stability can only go so far. Luckily, she seems to be doing fine so far.

"Yuma doesn't have anywhere to stay. Please, will you take care of Yuma like Mister Bird said?" the girl pleads, eyes wide and staring up at you. Well, that settles it easily enough then. Mami has an oddly well-stocked pantry from what you've seen, so supporting a third person shouldn't be too difficult. If it comes down to it, being an Abnormality means you probably don't need to eat.

"Alright then, hold on tight." you announce as you scoop Yuma up. The small girl gives little sign of surprise and clutches the uprooted Sapling to her chest with one arm, wrapping the other around the back of your neck. With the setting sun painting the small grove a warm, soft red, you push off the ground and head home.

—————————

When you arrive, Mami's door is unlocked and you can smell dinner already prepared. It seems she wins this round. You open the door to see Mami stepping into the main room to greet you, having switched into casual clothes some time since you parted. The second she sees you, her eyes light up.

"X! I'm glad to see you again, it feels like you were gone for a long time. Were you alright? You seemed…" her voice trails off and her smile dies when she sees Yuma. A small girl in dirty and worn-out clothes, younger than she is, clinging nervously to your side. "Who is this?" she asks, switching to a softer, gentler smile. Yuma leans out slightly, gazing hesitantly into Mami's apartment.

"This is Yuma. I found her being taken care of by an Abnormality, and apparently she doesn't have anywhere else to go. I was hoping we would be able to take care of her at least for a little while."

There is no hesitation before Mami answers. "Of course. I'll go set up a third plate!" And with that, Mami disappears back into the kitchen.

You step into the apartment, Yuma following just behind you. Her nerves are steadily disappearing, Mami's general friendly and welcoming attitude going a long way towards putting her at ease. She hesitantly plants herself on the couch, then almost immediately flips down onto it. A low chuckle escaped your lips at the scene.

Soon, Mami returns from the kitchen with three plates. Yuma is nervous at first, but the second she takes a bite the last traces of fear vanish. She digs into the dinner with great enthusiasm, which leaves Mami practically beaming with pride. Between mouthfuls, Yuma manages to exposit a bit more of her life as you and Mami carefully prod at her history.

Apparently, her parents were either absent or abusive. Yuma had been staying with them up until a few days ago, when her mother was killed by Punishing Bird. After that, she left and ended up wandering the streets along with the Abnormality until she ran into you. It seems a bit odd that she just decided to travel with the same Abnormality that killed one of her parents, but then again "odd" has never been… well, odd for you to encounter. As far as the strangest things to happen recently, it hardly even breaks the top ten. Mami seems far more unsettled by the story than you or Yuma, and it takes some reassuring that the Abnormality in question has already been dealt with. The Sapling has been replanted outside the apartment in an alley behind a dumpster where nobody should find it, as has the other. Hopefully you'll be able to resolve them soon.

Eventually the conversation drifts onto legal issues with Yuma's custody. Her father is still alive and technically has guardianship over her, and as neglectful as you've heard him to be he will probably come looking for her eventually.

"X can adopt Yuma, and then Mami can be Yuma's Big Sis!" the small girl announces cheerfully, as if she'd just discovered the secret to eternal life. Mami's face goes red and she turns away, embarrassed.

"X isn't… she isn't actually my mother. We just live together." she admits, ashamed. Yuma stares at her in confusion.

"Oh." Yuma's momentary enthusiasm is extinguished, leaving Mami even more ashamed and practically sinking into the floor. "Well, X can still adopt Yuma!"

Then, as if waiting for the exactly that moment, Kyubey appears out of nowhere. He's in full "good first impressions" mode, hopping down into Mami's lap and curling up like the pet he isn't. Yuma stares in wonder at the alien, completely unaware of its true colors.

"What's this?"

Mami smiles at Yuma, gesturing down at the contract-maker. "This is Kyubey. He is a good friend of mine."

"Okay. Hello Kyubey!" Yuma chirps cheerfully. Nothing really fazes this kid, does it?

"If you would like, I could arrange for X to be given custody of Chitose Yuma and Tomoe Mami." Kyubey relays in its saccharine voice. You don't mind too much, since that would make things much more convenient for you.

"Yes, that would certainly be very hel- wait, what was that?" Mami chokes mid-sentence, having realized exactly what Kyubey proposed. For the second time that day, Mami's face turns scarlet. Her composure falls completely, much to Yuma's confusion and your amusement.

"I couldn't- X wouldn't want to- It would be such an imposition-" Mami scrambles to say something, unable to string together a sentence. You decide to chip in and be unhelpful.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind. I probably would've proposed it at some point as well." you add casually, keeping the laughter on the inside. You can't help but smile, though. You only have vague memories of Ayin and Carmen's experiences raising children, but you know enough to know that it's an immense responsibility. But that's never stopped you from doing what's necessary before, and it won't this time either. Mami deserves it.

Your declaration cuts off Mami's frantic speech, leaving her in stunned silence. She sits there, unmoving, expression frozen on her face, for a few seconds. It seems like you broke her. Yuma crawls down to pole at the older girl's side, shaking her out of her reverie.

"Are you alright?" the younger girl asks. Mami shakes her head slightly, then answers.

"I am fine, thank you. I just… didn't expect that, is all. If she would have me, I would be happy to accept X's care."

Dinner goes on from there, but there is much less eating and much more talking.

—————————

Dinner finishes, and Mami steps back into the kitchen to clean up. Yuma retreats into the guest room, and you follow Mami.

"Did you… really mean what you said?"

Her voice is even and calm, but you can hear the tremor.

"Of course. I wouldn't have said something like that if I didn't mean it."

The kitchen is silent but for the keening of the tap and the muffled sounds of Yuma's joy from the guest room.

Reveals…
[] Card EGO Gifts
[] You are an Abnormality
[] Write-in

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 1/3
Punishing Bird's Sapling - Observation Level 1/2
I decided to go along with X adopting Mami outside of vote since I'm pretty sure I already know what to expect. If people are against it I'll rewrite the chapter and take it out.

Oh, and feel free to vote for more than one thing. You aren't going to run out of time unless you really go overboard on the exposition.

Detailed write-ins specifying exactly what information you are and are not giving away are encouraged.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 52 - Seeking Enlightenment

"It just… are you sure? I don't want you to feel obligated to…" Mami's voice is filled with trepidation. There is hope there, yes, but repressed. Because Mami has known hope before. You've seen her memories, and all the times that hope wasn't rewarded. She lived alone in this apartment for years with only Kyubey for companionship, the few others who entered her life vanishing just as quickly. And now here you are, offering everything she wants but doesn't have. Promising, on some level, that you will always be there. So of course she'd be afraid. Because Mami Tomoe learned a long time ago how much it hurts to hope.

You learned that, too. But you also learned that however much it hurts to have those hopes crushed, it will always be worse not to hold any at all.

"Do you want me to adopt you?" you begin diplomatically, leaning back into the counter next to Mami and gesturing towards her with one hand. "Because I know you can take care of yourself, and if you would prefer to maintain that sort of independence then-"

"No!" Mami's voice cracks as she shouts. Yuma's voice goes silent in the room beside you, and you can clearly picture her wondering what's going on. "I want you to, I just- why?"

"Why?" Your eyebrows raise, although your voice remains as gentle as you can make it. "Why what?"

Mami opens her mouth, then closes it. She struggles to speak, glancing around the kitchen and eventually settling her gaze on the floor. You step forwards and lay a single hand on her shoulder, allowing just enough pressure to be reassuring. She looks up at you, on the verge of tears.

"Why do you want to stay with me? I'm not as strong as you are, I don't know as much, you don't need me. So why would you…" Her voice trails off as she chokes back the tears.

"Because you deserve it. Because I care about you, and I want to be able to be there for you when you need me. That's all there is to it." you say, crouching to stand at eye level with her. She sniffles a bit, but pushes back the fear to give you a weary but genuine smile.

"Then I'll do it. X, I want us to be a family," she says, the tremor finally gone from her voice. You manage a smile and stand back to full height.

"Then that's all there is to it. We'll talk to Kyubey and he'll get everything else sorted."

Your smile fades just as soon. You need to be open about something, especially if Mami is going to be part of your family, but it won't be a pleasant conversation. Hopefully you can blunt the shock.

"But," you begin as softly as you can. "If we're going to commit to this, then there's something I need to tell you. It won't cause any problems," you assure when you see Mami once again start to panic. "It's just something about me I thought you should know."

Mami stands waiting for your explanation, nervous despite your reassurances.

"I told you earlier that Abnormalities are concepts and ideas given physical form. This is true. What I didn't explain is how they're made. While some Abnormalities came into being naturally, most of the ones the Corporation held were extracted from people."

Mami gasps in horror and steps back. "Then… all those Abnormalities used to be people?"

"No." You continue. "An Abnormality might represent an idea or concept from a person, but not a whole person. There are even multiple, different Abnormalities that were all extracted from the same person. In almost every case, the Abnormality is an entirely separate entity from the person it originated from," you deliver clinically.

"You said almost every case…"

"Some time ago, before we met, I very nearly died. I'm not completely certain how it happened, but instead of dying… I became an Abnormality." Mami gasps sharply, while you simply close your eyes and lean back against the counter again. "From there I landed in Mitakihara, and well, you know the rest."

You wait for the distrust, the horror, the betrayal. They would all be reasonable feelings in response to what you just revealed. You knew how you would have handled any of those reactions.

Instead, Mami steps forwards and throws her arms around you.

"I'm so sorry," she says through tears. "It must have been horrible."

You tousle her hair in assurance, and she turns her head up to look at you. There are tears in her eyes, barely held back from full-on sobs.

"It's not actually that bad. I didn't even notice what had happened until earlier today. The real issue here is what that means about the ID Card you have."

Mami's sadness morphs into confusion and she withdraws from the hug, pulling out the card to stare at it.

"When an Abnormality grows close to a human, an EGO Gift is created," you explain. "They're harmless and can actually be beneficial if you have the right protection, but as of now it'll only be dangerous to keep with you."

"I suppose it would be better to destroy it, then," Mami admits reluctantly. "If it is truly more dangerous to keep with me. Or-" She perks up again. "You mentioned that there was a way to protect yourself from the side-effects. Is there some way I could use that?"

Before you can begin to contemplate that decision, you hear a voice. Telepathy, but not Kyubey as you're used to.

"Hey, X! Remember how I asked you to help if I ever bit off more than I could chew?" The contact pauses abruptly, then resumes. "Well, I could really use that help right about now. It's weird too, so it might be that thing you're looking for."

The EGO Gift…
[] (Gift) Destroy the EGO Gift
[] (Gift) Provide necessary Modifications to resist the EGO Gift's side-effects
[] (Gift) Ask Mami what she prefers

Call for help…
[] (Help) Go help and bring Mami
[] (Help) Ask Mami if she wants to come with you
[] (Help) Go without telling Mami
[] (Help) Do Nothing

———————————————
Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 1/3
Punishing Bird's Sapling - Observation Level 1/2
So… much… dialogue…
Reminding Mami to clean her Soul Gem will happen automatically.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Sidestory 7 - The Great And Terrible

It had been only moments after she had arrived that Leonie knew everything was off. She had aimed for Kamihama City, close enough to the center of the Migration to catch the torrent of Witches but out of the way enough to avoid conflict. Her Magic had reassured her with previews and visions; all showing the City as a simple and uneventful place. And so she had appeared there in a hidden back-alley, ready for a few short hunts.

Instead, she had found this.

The streets were empty save for glittering statues of emerald, the sky the color of pond scum. Leonie had been ready to disappear and escape, but something had forced her to stop. A creeping, cold sensation that reached through her body and Soul on a level deeper and more intrusive than she could have imagined. It was horrible and wrong and yet something about it felt kind and encouraging, even as Leonie's body refused to allow her even to scream.

And just like that, the sensation was gone and the Magical Girl was gasping for air on the well-paved road.

"Some congratulations are in order. It's very impressive for you to have snuck your way in here so early." said a voice cut and polished to perfect shine. "I'm more impressed than upset, really. How about a reward?"

—————————

Leonie hated the Mill.

It wasn't often she could really say that about something. Witches were creepy and disturbing and all kinds of wrong, but in her months of time as a Magical Girl she'd never seen any that were more than animals. Even if an animal did something brutal or horrible, it was still just an animal. It was just its nature to do horrible things, and there was no point in hating nature. Other Magical Girls could be cold and ruthless, yes, but Leonie could never find it in her heart to hold it against them. They all did what they had to just to survive, the same as she did. That was nature too, people just doing what's necessary. So Leonie couldn't hate them either for doing their best to stay alive whatever it took. And they couldn't blame her either. Kyubey… well, Kyubey wasn't really much more than an animal either. Sure, the cat-rabbit-alien thing might've acted high and mighty and intelligent, but it was just as much a slave to its nature as the Witches were. So Leonie couldn't hate the thing that had tricked her, no matter how much she wanted to.

She hated the Mill, though.

The blonde Magical Girl tossed another filled Grief Seed into the contraption and stared in disgust and fascination as the tiny crystal was crushed, pressed, ground into a fine powder. Maybe she'd get used to the screaming and howling as the imprisoned Witch was reduced to dust one day, but only a few hours into her duty the noise still clawed at her Soul. The sight of murky darkness tainting the sea-green of her Soul Gem was less of a cause for alarm now, given the new access to a practically endless supply of Grief Seeds she was free to use before they were tossed away to the Mill.

Leonie had been able to reach the center point of the Migration faster than others thanks to her Magic. She hadn't expected to stay for long, just to kill a few weak Witches to make up for her losses and then head back to Kerry and wait things out. As useful as it was, her Magic didn't give Leonie the means to do anything more than run away from the stronger Witches. That had been less of an issue when she had a team with her, but it had been a month since then. Maybe if Georgia, Nadia, and Amber survived the Cleric Witch they could have gotten back together, but that was a slim hope now. Why would any of them want to see Leonie again after she left them?

The wailing of the Mill cut through the Magical Girl's thoughts, tearing her from her the memories and back into reality. She nervously siphoned off the dregs of darkness that had already begun to grow and tossed the half-spent Grief Seed away. The Mill howled and screamed along with its prey as it ground onward. The sickly black veins of the thing pulsed beneath the thin layer of crystal, and Leonie repressed her gagging. This thing, in all its glory and terror, used to be a person. Maybe it had been somebody horrible, somebody who deserved this. Somebody Leonie could have hated instead, who would have deserved it. But it wasn't anymore. It was a thing, a thing that chewed up monsters and spit new ones out. And Leonie hated it, because it was easier to hate the thing than to hate herself for letting it exist.

 

[Lepidoptera]

Chapter 53 - A Dish To Die For

Your expression shifts. Of all the times… Well, no point complaining about it now. You did agree to help Kyoko if she needed it, and she's asking now.

More importantly is Mami, who has clearly noticed your change in mood. The nervousness from before returns, weaker but still there.

"Have I said something wrong?"

You shake your head. "No, I can perform the necessary modifications easily enough. I just received a message from Kyoko Sakura asking for support."

You've barely finished your sentence and Mami is already transformed. An empty Grief Seed is raised up to her Soul Gem and then stored again the second it had finished siphoning away the accumulated darkness. You probably should've expected this reaction. Mami is already protective of others, and adding onto it the fact that she and Kyoko haven't seen one another in a long time of course she'd be eager to help. You'd do much the same thing if any of your old coworkers were in danger.

"Where will we be going?" Mami announces in a steely voice. Well, no arguing with that. You push back towards the telepathic link, responding to the red-haired Magical Girl's cry for aid.

"I can be there soon. Is it alright if I bring Mami Tomoe?"

You feel a bit bad just dropping the news on Kyoko out of nowhere, regardless of how you feel about the girl in question. While telepathy doesn't really convey all the nuances of a normal conversation, you can feel a confused and uncomfortable silence settle over the connection. Eventually, Kyoko releases some kind of growling sound and speaks up again.

"Yeah, go right ahead. I'm in a Barrier just above a bakery near the south border of Kazamino."

"Then I'm on my way."

You march back into the main room and tap a button to open one of the apartment windows. The glass slides out of the way, letting the crisp night air flow inside. Just as you are about to leap out, you remember.

"I'll check on Yuma; you can get a start. It's a Barrier in Kazamino's south border."

Mami nods, anxiety well-hidden not by her usual persona but instead the hard steel that showed itself in the Fossil Witch's Barrier earlier that day. She kicks off from the edge of the open window and heads off into the night.

You crack open the door to the guest room that had become yours in the past few days. It might be a more permanent residence, considering what you promised Mami. It's much nicer than the simple, near-military bunk you had back at the facility to sleep for the scant few hours when you weren't working. Currently it is home to Yuma, who is fast asleep only half-concealed by the covers. She's had quite a day, so she can get her rest. You have work to do.

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As you and Mami leap from roof to roof on your way towards the imperiled Magical Girl's location, you pull back the telepathic connection established earlier and add in Mami as well. Like much else Kyubey has created, the telepathic network is intuitive and easy to use. It requires little to no knowledge or talent to manipulate save an intent and knowledge of who you are connecting with. Whether this is a feature of the technology itself or due to Kyubey's active efforts, you're not quite sure. Regardless, your next question is heard by both children.

"Kyoko, what should we be expecting when we arrive?"

There's practically no delay before the red-haired Magical Girl responds, although she sounds a bit distracted.

"Felt something on the edge of my territory and decided to check it out. It was something weird, too, like somewhere between whatever shit you're using and a regular Magical Girl. Then I found a Barrier, and-" Kyoko's message is cut off, and though nothing is sent actively you can feel the hiss of pain from across the link. Mami gasps at your side and nearly missed her jump towards the next building, wheeling on the edge before conjuring a single ribbon to stop her descent towards the streets below and pull herself back up.

"Kyoko! Are you okay?"

You slow your pace and prepare to reassure your daughter, but it's not necessary. Before you can do anything, Kyoko's voice sounds again. You can barely make out the twisted mess of emotions behind it.

"Were you always so protective? Relax, I just wasn't paying enough attention. Anyways, the whole Barrier was some sort of mix of a big party and a butcher's shop. Familiars weren't much to write home about, but the Witch is different. It's some kind of shark thing and its skin is too tough for me to get a good hit in."

That doesn't leave many options for Abnormalities. The Dreaming Current is childish but still a terrifying threat, easily able to clear out whole swathes of people who end up in its way. Of course, that's assuming this really is an Abnormality and not just a Witch. Kyoko hasn't seen an Abnormality before to your knowledge, all she said was that the Barrier felt weird. That's not a lot of description to go off of.

It seems like you'll be able to get answers on your own soon enough. The shimmer of the unknown Barrier is visible in the air before you and Mami. She lets her facade drop, showing you a face full of fear and concern. You return to her a reassuring smile and enter the Barrier as one.

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The Barrier's insides are, quite frankly, a horror show. Towering buildings rise up all around you, dim red light emanating from within each one. Inside you can see plain brown sacks hung up on walls and lain out on counters, some spilled open to reveal piles of organs. Slabs of unknown meat, lungs and kidneys, and even one sack where you can see what might be brain matter inside. The residences bend and twist unnaturally as they reach upwards, losing all semblance of shape as they climb towards the sky. Clotheslines are hung between them, more various meats strung up along them. Shelves and trays line the sides of the massive streets, stocked with bags of herbs and salts, pots of simmering broths and sauces. Enormous tables fill the center of the street, mismatched chairs set unevenly along the sides. A bountiful feast is set out, steaks and soups and pastas and more dishes that you couldn't name are piled high. The scents mix together into an aroma that would be irresistible if it were not emanated by such a disgusting source. As disgusting as the Barrier itself is, it's not the scenery that most unsettled you.

You had gotten used to the ever-present sensation of disgust and revulsion you felt when near Witches or their Barriers. As unsettling as the feeling was, putting it out of mind had been easy enough. Which is why you found yourself surprised to enter this Barrier and find it completely absent. In its place is a faint warmth, a familiar presence you can't quite name. Whatever your reaction is, Mami takes notice.

"X, is something wrong?"

"Kyoko was right; there's something weird with this Barrier. I should be asking you the same thing though, are you going to be all right?"

Mami nods resolutely.

"It won't affect my performance. Besides, if this is going to be the first time I see Kyoko after so long, I'll need to make a good impression." She tries for her usual confident, placid smile, but you can see the effort is only half-there. You return a smile of your own, and Mami's becomes the slightest bit more natural.

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You keep a quick pace, Mami's anxiety pushing her to move faster. It's easy to follow Kyoko's trail. There are huge chunks torn out of the buildings and pavement in some places, tables of food overturned and spilled into the street. The sound of combat echoes in the distance, choruses of roars and deep chuckles drowning out the clanging of metal. In the end, you don't have to wait long.

A torrent of red light pours through a building, tearing a hole and sending a marble-white shape crashing into the middle of the street in front of you. Kyoko's spear retracts from the creature to return to her hand as she leaps through the newly-made hole. She's bleeding in several places, her left arm is bent in a way that looks wrong, and she's panting heavily, but her predatory smile remains as sharp as usual. The gems that adorned her costumes are missing, leaving only a cross between a jacket and a short dress. On the opposite end of the street stands the creature that definitely isn't a Witch.

Whatever it is, it's not any Abnormality you recognize. A muscular, towering humanoid the size of a small bus with slate white skin dotted with gaping mouths filled with bloodstained teeth. Its head is sharklike, clusters of glassy red eyes on either side of the snout with gills opening along either side of the neck. Its tail slaps against the ground, mouths gnashing as it twists and thrashes. Something about the creature is unmistakably familiar, but you don't have time to think about it now. The creature laughs deeply and charges forwards once more.

Tactics
[] Approach
-[] Stay Defensive and observe
-[] Try and rush it down as quickly as possible
-[] Retreat
[] Individual Actions (Optional)
-[] Mami
-[] Kyoko
-[] X

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Der Freischütz's Sapling - Observation Level 1/3
Punishing Bird's Sapling - Observation Level 1/2