[X] Join Hitomi and meet her friends
In the Name of Love and Hatred! [PMMM / LoR]
- Thread starter Naron
- Start date
- Crossover
- Location
- Germany
I don't think there was much strategy involved. The invisible hand of karma is simply guiding Ai towards true justice. Or a blood bath. Sometimes it's surprisingly hard to tell the difference.
10. Between the Lines
- Location
- Earth
Join Hitomi and meet her friends!
"So," Kyoko begins over lunch. "Any plans for today?"
She already inhaled most of her own box and Ai wordlessly offers half of hers; Saki made more than even a magical girl with a magical tummy could ever eat. "A friend invited me to something at the hospital. I wanted to see my handiwork up close anyway, so I'm going. How about you?"
"Hm?" The redhead pauses, another piece of omelet halfway to her mouth. "Oh, nothing much. Making my rounds, doing the do. You know." She does not sound too convinced of her own answer, but Ai is uncertain as to why. While her friend keeps gorging herself, she consideres if Hitomi would be mad about a plus one. Probably not.
"Do you want to come?"
Her offer is turned down immediately. Kyoko waves her off and swallows. "Nah. I've got a territory to hold. And some thinking to do."
"Oh, okay."
The remainder of their meal is quiet, although Kyoko keeps sneaking glances at her. She looks away whenever Ai acknowledges them. Befuddled but ultimately at a loss, she gives the other magical girl some space. Kyoko takes until it is time to leave to speak up: "Hey, uh, mind telling me something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Just curious: what keeps you going?"
Ai stops, halfway turned back to her friend. Kyoko is genuinely curious, but her question hits unexpectedly deep. Ai fought for love and justice for so long, only to understand she is the greatest evil around. Then Roland came and showed her there is hope for a better tomorrow. Only for it all to come crashing down in the end. Her chest constricts, throbbing painfully. "I don't really know," Ai admits without meeting Kyoko's gaze. "I once thought I did, but now... all I still know is that there are good people out there, people who deserve being protected from evil. So I smite the evil where I find it, and hope I can find a place for myself along the way."
Yet where is there a place for a being like her? Ai knows, deep down, that an anomaly, an Abnormality even, has no home. Nowhere to belong. It is a sobering thought. But at the same time, the memory of Angela's determination shines through as well. The administrator turned librarian, forging ever onward in pursuit of her desire.
"And if there isn't," Ai finishes softly, "maybe I can make one."
She smiles and leaves behind a thoughtful Kyoko.
The journey back to Mitakihara is uneventful. Ai could teleport, but it is still over an hour before school lets out. So she rather takes the scenic route across the bridges connecting both cities; a smattering of people does likewise. Ai enjoys the sight and atmosphere for a time on her stroll. She trips up a purse-snatcher on the way, but that is all the not-good stuff she finds. She still has trouble accomodating something between good and evil in her worldview, but so far the issue let itself be ignored. If it is good, protect. If it is evil, destroy. If it is neither, do nothing. Or, well, almost nothing. In this case.
After settling down on a bench near Mitakihara Middle School, Ai stretches and waits for a few minutes. A throng of students soon surrounds her, more than a few throwing her curious looks. Just a few, though; she switched into a casual, dark pink blouse and cream-coloured skirt on Hitomi's suggestion. Before her friend finds her however, another familiar face appears from the crowd. Ai blinks owlishly as Homura comes to stand in front of her.
"Um, hello?"
"What are you doing here?"
Quite a few more eyes are on them now, but Ai pays them no mind. This makes three meetings without assault. Kyoko may have been the first magical girl to be nice to her, but Homura remains a solid second place. She smiles at the taciturn girl. "I'm waiting for a friend. I think she's in your class?"
For just a moment, Homura's eyes narrow dangerously. Ai notices, but nobody else catches the minute change before it is gone. "I see. Shizuki, I presume?" The seated girl nods. "Very well. As a token of good faith, you should know that the accessory you gifted her is noticeable." The ring on Homura's middle finger flashes gently, conveying the message clearly. Ai nods, suddenly worried but uncertain how to respond. A moment passes in silence, interrupted only by the chatter surrounding the two. Then Homura inclines her head. "Have you had any trouble since arriving in town?"
"All good," Ai reassures her with a fake smile. Whether it convinces Homura, she does not know. "And yourself?"
"I am doing fine, thank you."
It is at this point that Hitomi saves them from further pleasantries. She arrives with a polite smile and two others in tow. "Ah, Ai. You made it. And miss Akemi, good afternoon."
While Homura returns the greeting, Ai hops to her feet. "Heya! Of course I made it, you invited me in the first place. How was school?"
"Oh, the same as usual, I would say." Hitomi nods to Ai, then looks between her and Homura. "I did hear the two of you were acquainted. Would you care to accompany us as well, miss Akemi?"
"No way she's coming along!" one of the girls behind Hitomi interrupts. The blunette glares daggers at Homura, and has in fact done so since they arrived. She crosses her arms, unmoved by the pleading look from her pink-haired friend. "Get lost, transfer student!"
Hitomi somehow manages to radiate disapointment as she turns halfway. "Sayaka, please," she admonishes, only to bounce off the same wall of angry contempt the other girl's attempt did. By the time their standoff ends in a draw, Homura already made to leave.
"I appreciate the offer," she says, "but I am clearly not welcome. Have a good day, Shizuki, Madoka, Ai."
Ai waves lamely until the girl vanishes in the crowd. Hitomi looks after her as well, then throws another disappointed look at her friend. This girl is about the same height, sporting blue hair that barely reaches her shoulders. She immediately is in Ai's face, disgruntled. "And how do you know her, huh?"
Two calls of "Sayaka!" do nothing to deter her. She likely means to intimidate, but what is she to Ai? Not evil, at least not so far. Just very rude. "We met," the magical girl retorts slowly. "And is there a reason you are this mean to her? She never did anything to deserve that."
'Sayaka' snorts and mutters something under her breath. That is, until she realises Hitomi is basically glaring, and ducks her head. The green-haired girl allows herself an undignified sigh and motions for her friends. "Anyway, Ai, meet Sayaka Miki and Madoka Kaname. The three of us have been friends for many years."
Sayaka mutters something and leaves it at that. Madoka, meanwhile, smiles as brightly as Ai does. "Nice to meet you, miss Ai!" she cheers; she is a good bit smaller than the other two, sporting a cute pair of pink pigtails. "Hitomi talked about you before. You made that cute hairclip, right?" She points to the piece of E.G.O. still attached to Hitomi, who touches it self-conciously. Ai nods and Madoka beams. "It's super cute! I've never seen Hitomi wear one of these before."
"Heh, yeah." Sayaka seems to have overcome her bad mood. She cheerfully joins the conversation with a cheshire grin. "Our refined lady never went full cute before."
"Oh, you two...." Hitomi says that, but she is certainly pleased with the compliments. Ai can not help but agree; it looks a bit out of place, but she wears it well. "Oh well, let us get going."
"To the bus stop!" Sayaka cheers, hand pointed forward. Madoka giggles and follows her lead; Hitomi does the same with an indulgent smile. Ai makes to follow, but motion in her peripheral vision draws her gaze to ground level. Then she stops, befuddled, and stares at Madoka's shadow. It waves at her. Before she can so much as make a noise, it pushes a finger to its lips and shakes its head. Then it is just a normal shadow following its owner, and Ai has to hurry to catch up.
Her careful observation of that same shadow yields no further insight. Sayaka is joking around with Hitomi and Madoka while Ai pretends to listen; her attempt to understand what is going on remains unsuccessful, though. And to add more questions on top, Kyubey rides atop the bus as it approaches. They leap down the moment it stops, landing on Madoka's shoulder.
Hitomi gives no indicator of having seen the bunnycat. Sayaka and Madoka, however, clearly look at him. No words are spoken, though.
The four of them pay the fare and barely find seats, what with the bus being cramped right after school let out. Hitomi's friends throw each other a variety of looks, most of them worried. This prompts a meticulously arched brow. "Again with this. What exactly happened, that you two are so close all of a sudden? Is there something you are not telling me?" It sounds like teasing, but the way Madoka tenses tells Ai all she needs to know. Just as the pinkette opens her mouth however, Sayaka interrupts with false cheer.
"Oh, you know how it is. I'm sure you and I are gonna be there soon, too! Just you wait, you're going to read my mind really good! Like this!" Then she proceeds to stare intensely at Hitomi... and make faces. Madoka and Ai giggle while Hitomi cracks a smile.
Kyubey stares at Ai for a long moment, then back to Madoka. Ai looks at the secretive duo too, but neither seems inclined to tell Hitomi what is going on. Conversation soon changes track and Ai lets them be; who knows, maybe it will be fun to watch their attempts?
Sayaka is first to address her: "So, Ai, what class are you in? I don't think I've seen you before."
"Oh, I-", she begins to respond, only for Hitomi to cut her off.
"You have to understand that Ai is still new to Mitakihara. As such, she is currently not attending any school. She is, in fact, part of the workforce."
It is a bit of an odd statement, but neither Madoka nor Sayaka seems to realise. The blunette's eyes widen and she leans over. "Oh, wow. You're older than us? I had no idea!" She then stage-whispers to Hitomi: "Since when do you hang out with adults? Aren't we cool enough for you anymore?"
The banter that follows between the two draws smiles from Ai and Madoka. Their gazes meet and both nod to each other, simply enjoying the display. Ai's may be a bit more mischievous though, being the only one who does not have to hide anything.
The visit to the hospital itself is uneventful, if illuminating. Some news crews and reporters are still around, taking interviews and statements. Visitors and patients chatter excitedly to anyone who cares to listen. Even the staff is in high spirits. Hitomi makes certain to ask their opinions whenever she can, all for Ai to hear. Not a single one has something bad to say.
The bountiful praise offered to their mysterious benefactor makes Ai's heart soar.
"It's kind of weird," Sayaka admits as they ride the elevator upward. "They say it's like magic. But there's no way that's a thing, right?" She laughs and Hitomi inclines her head while Madoka guiltily glances at Kyubey on her shoulder. The pinkette swiftly looks away when she realises Ai is watching her.
"Indeed," Hitomi comments, "magic does sound far-fetched. Perhaps they are secretly testing some kind of wonder drug? Or a new medical procedure?"
By the time they leave on one of the higher floors, Ai is grinning again. Watching the three factions at play is kind of fun; only herself and Kyubey know that everyone knows. The other three try to keep talking the other side around the subject, too busy obscuring it to realise something is off. How long will they keep it up before someone slips?
The particular friend Sayaka visits, Ai does not know. She does not enter the room either, instead opting to wait outside. It feels rude to intrude. Instead, she listens to some more gossip; just like she expected, only physical injuries were healed. No infections, sicknesses, or genetic conditions. There are some miscellaneous cases that were unaffected, too; whatever 'cancer' is, most patients remained unaffected. Anyone who had organs removed found them back in place, however; all in perfect condition.
"He is in a much better mood," Hitomi tells Ai when the three friends return. Her smile is a tad softer than usual. "I am glad."
Sayaka nods along, as does Madoka. The blunette looks back with great relief. "He was devastated when they told him he can never play again. It's like he has a guardian angel or something. I wonder what happened, though."
That explains that, too; a glance to Hitomi confirms this is the one she asked about healing. She nods subtly.
The quartet is about to leave when Sayaka misses a step, almost stumbling. She makes some kind of excuse about being clumsy, but Madoka's gaze goes to a wall along the building. Hitomi glances that way and pauses. "Ah, nevermind that. I believe the bus will be here soon." She forces her gaze away while Sayaka does the same with a laugh.
Ai looks, and finds a Grief Seed stuck into the wall. It is difficult to see at this distance, but the faint cloud of black fog around it is indicative enough. A live Witch.
She glances between the three friends, all of which are trying to distract each other from the sight. Then Ai begins to walk. Madoka notices after a mere few steps. "Huh? Miss Ai?"
Her friends catch on quite quickly.
"Where are you going?"
"Ai? What are you doing?"
All three quickly follow. Ai turns around to face them, walking backward with her hands clasped behind her back. She grins at the three. "You are all awful at keeping secrets from each other, you know that?" The owlish looks actually draw a giggle from her and she continues: "But it was fun watching you try. Let's stop it now: all three of you know."
Silence reigns between the quartet. Hitomi exchanges nervous looks with Sayaka while Madoka glances down at Kyubey. The bunnycat transitioned into her arms at some point. Seeing them reminds Ai of that particular conundrum, though. "Do you have a cognition filter active?"
"Who, me? No? What is that?" Madoka's confusion bleeds away once she realises Ai is looking at Kyubey, who in turn nods.
"Hitomi Shizuki was deemed an unsuitable candidate by reason of personality, so she is excluded from perceiving me."
"Who are you talking to? Is this another, erm, magic-related matter?"
The mental and physical voices overlap in places. Ai's brow twitches. "Yeah, no. I'm not doing that. Either you include her, or I do it." Kyubey nods and a moment later, Hitomi's eyes widen. Ai grins impishly. "Yes. Hitomi, meet Kyubey. He makes the magical girls around here."
"Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
The awkward tension is dispelled when Ai turns around, having reached the wall. From this close, she can feel a vague sway to the air. Different than the static she noticed for the last hour or two, but still distinct. "Now for this. Hmm."
While Ai studies the Grief Seed to no effect, Hitomi quietly explains to her friends that she picked up a magical girl. A sigh from Sayaka draws Ai's attention, though. "Well, that's something. We didn't get Mami's phone number and she wasn't at school. Good thing there's at least one Magical Girl here!" She then notices Ai's scowl. "Whoa, is something wrong? Is it hatching?"
"...no. She's napping, I think. The Grief Seed only shows up when a living Witch sleeps." Izabel's Seed weighs heavy in her pocket. Ai absently runs her fingers over it to assure herself it is still there.
When she says no more, Hitomi steps forward. "But why is it here?"
"To feed on the weakened patients, presumably." Kyubey's tail swishes back and forth. They jump from Madoka's arms to Hitomi's shoulder, carefully balancing themselves. "Hospitals are often a focal point of negative emotions, to which Witches are drawn."
That sounds wrong, but Ai only ever met Izabel. Sayaka nods along with the explanation, though. "Yeah, and magical girls take them down before they hurt anybody. Mami was super cool last week! You should have seen her, Hitomi!" Ai frowns again, but nobody notices. Sayaka waves her hands excitedly as she recounts some kind of battle. Then she interrupts herself and looks to Ai. "Uh, say, do you mind if we come too? Just to see what this one's like? You're going to fight the Witch, right?"
There is a trace of wariness in that last question, for some reason. Ai simply nods and it is gone, though her own mood lowered by now.
Should she take three unaugmented, untrained humans into this barrier? Hitomi can defend herself, but the other two may as well be helpless.
"We could go get Mami?" Madoka offers shily, but Ai shakes her head no at once. "Huh? Is something wrong with that?"
"Yes. I don't like her."
"Wha-" "Aha! So that's what's going on!"
All three of them stare owlishly at Sayaka, whose finger is pointed straight at Ai. "You're working with the transfer student, aren't you? Mami is great and super polite, you've got to be plotting against her!" The accusation comes so sudden that Ai has no idea how to respond. Sayaka's implications make her eye twitch though. Sayaka's grin turns victorious. "I knew it! Let's go get Mami and let her know!"
She takes Madoka's and Hitomi's arms to lead them away; both argue, but she does not listen. Hitomi looks back worriedly. She could tear herself out of Sayaka's grasp, but is hesitant to do so. Ai scowls at the entire blasted situation.
She can go meet that Witch and focus on making a friend. Or she tells the three to come with her, so that Mami does not come after her head again just yet.
[] Go alone
weight: x1
[] Take them along
weight: x1
Unlocked Character Sheets: Madoka Kaname, Sayaka Miki
"So," Kyoko begins over lunch. "Any plans for today?"
She already inhaled most of her own box and Ai wordlessly offers half of hers; Saki made more than even a magical girl with a magical tummy could ever eat. "A friend invited me to something at the hospital. I wanted to see my handiwork up close anyway, so I'm going. How about you?"
"Hm?" The redhead pauses, another piece of omelet halfway to her mouth. "Oh, nothing much. Making my rounds, doing the do. You know." She does not sound too convinced of her own answer, but Ai is uncertain as to why. While her friend keeps gorging herself, she consideres if Hitomi would be mad about a plus one. Probably not.
"Do you want to come?"
Her offer is turned down immediately. Kyoko waves her off and swallows. "Nah. I've got a territory to hold. And some thinking to do."
"Oh, okay."
The remainder of their meal is quiet, although Kyoko keeps sneaking glances at her. She looks away whenever Ai acknowledges them. Befuddled but ultimately at a loss, she gives the other magical girl some space. Kyoko takes until it is time to leave to speak up: "Hey, uh, mind telling me something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"Just curious: what keeps you going?"
Ai stops, halfway turned back to her friend. Kyoko is genuinely curious, but her question hits unexpectedly deep. Ai fought for love and justice for so long, only to understand she is the greatest evil around. Then Roland came and showed her there is hope for a better tomorrow. Only for it all to come crashing down in the end. Her chest constricts, throbbing painfully. "I don't really know," Ai admits without meeting Kyoko's gaze. "I once thought I did, but now... all I still know is that there are good people out there, people who deserve being protected from evil. So I smite the evil where I find it, and hope I can find a place for myself along the way."
Yet where is there a place for a being like her? Ai knows, deep down, that an anomaly, an Abnormality even, has no home. Nowhere to belong. It is a sobering thought. But at the same time, the memory of Angela's determination shines through as well. The administrator turned librarian, forging ever onward in pursuit of her desire.
"And if there isn't," Ai finishes softly, "maybe I can make one."
She smiles and leaves behind a thoughtful Kyoko.
The journey back to Mitakihara is uneventful. Ai could teleport, but it is still over an hour before school lets out. So she rather takes the scenic route across the bridges connecting both cities; a smattering of people does likewise. Ai enjoys the sight and atmosphere for a time on her stroll. She trips up a purse-snatcher on the way, but that is all the not-good stuff she finds. She still has trouble accomodating something between good and evil in her worldview, but so far the issue let itself be ignored. If it is good, protect. If it is evil, destroy. If it is neither, do nothing. Or, well, almost nothing. In this case.
After settling down on a bench near Mitakihara Middle School, Ai stretches and waits for a few minutes. A throng of students soon surrounds her, more than a few throwing her curious looks. Just a few, though; she switched into a casual, dark pink blouse and cream-coloured skirt on Hitomi's suggestion. Before her friend finds her however, another familiar face appears from the crowd. Ai blinks owlishly as Homura comes to stand in front of her.
"Um, hello?"
"What are you doing here?"
Quite a few more eyes are on them now, but Ai pays them no mind. This makes three meetings without assault. Kyoko may have been the first magical girl to be nice to her, but Homura remains a solid second place. She smiles at the taciturn girl. "I'm waiting for a friend. I think she's in your class?"
For just a moment, Homura's eyes narrow dangerously. Ai notices, but nobody else catches the minute change before it is gone. "I see. Shizuki, I presume?" The seated girl nods. "Very well. As a token of good faith, you should know that the accessory you gifted her is noticeable." The ring on Homura's middle finger flashes gently, conveying the message clearly. Ai nods, suddenly worried but uncertain how to respond. A moment passes in silence, interrupted only by the chatter surrounding the two. Then Homura inclines her head. "Have you had any trouble since arriving in town?"
"All good," Ai reassures her with a fake smile. Whether it convinces Homura, she does not know. "And yourself?"
"I am doing fine, thank you."
It is at this point that Hitomi saves them from further pleasantries. She arrives with a polite smile and two others in tow. "Ah, Ai. You made it. And miss Akemi, good afternoon."
While Homura returns the greeting, Ai hops to her feet. "Heya! Of course I made it, you invited me in the first place. How was school?"
"Oh, the same as usual, I would say." Hitomi nods to Ai, then looks between her and Homura. "I did hear the two of you were acquainted. Would you care to accompany us as well, miss Akemi?"
"No way she's coming along!" one of the girls behind Hitomi interrupts. The blunette glares daggers at Homura, and has in fact done so since they arrived. She crosses her arms, unmoved by the pleading look from her pink-haired friend. "Get lost, transfer student!"
Hitomi somehow manages to radiate disapointment as she turns halfway. "Sayaka, please," she admonishes, only to bounce off the same wall of angry contempt the other girl's attempt did. By the time their standoff ends in a draw, Homura already made to leave.
"I appreciate the offer," she says, "but I am clearly not welcome. Have a good day, Shizuki, Madoka, Ai."
Ai waves lamely until the girl vanishes in the crowd. Hitomi looks after her as well, then throws another disappointed look at her friend. This girl is about the same height, sporting blue hair that barely reaches her shoulders. She immediately is in Ai's face, disgruntled. "And how do you know her, huh?"
Two calls of "Sayaka!" do nothing to deter her. She likely means to intimidate, but what is she to Ai? Not evil, at least not so far. Just very rude. "We met," the magical girl retorts slowly. "And is there a reason you are this mean to her? She never did anything to deserve that."
'Sayaka' snorts and mutters something under her breath. That is, until she realises Hitomi is basically glaring, and ducks her head. The green-haired girl allows herself an undignified sigh and motions for her friends. "Anyway, Ai, meet Sayaka Miki and Madoka Kaname. The three of us have been friends for many years."
Sayaka mutters something and leaves it at that. Madoka, meanwhile, smiles as brightly as Ai does. "Nice to meet you, miss Ai!" she cheers; she is a good bit smaller than the other two, sporting a cute pair of pink pigtails. "Hitomi talked about you before. You made that cute hairclip, right?" She points to the piece of E.G.O. still attached to Hitomi, who touches it self-conciously. Ai nods and Madoka beams. "It's super cute! I've never seen Hitomi wear one of these before."
"Heh, yeah." Sayaka seems to have overcome her bad mood. She cheerfully joins the conversation with a cheshire grin. "Our refined lady never went full cute before."
"Oh, you two...." Hitomi says that, but she is certainly pleased with the compliments. Ai can not help but agree; it looks a bit out of place, but she wears it well. "Oh well, let us get going."
"To the bus stop!" Sayaka cheers, hand pointed forward. Madoka giggles and follows her lead; Hitomi does the same with an indulgent smile. Ai makes to follow, but motion in her peripheral vision draws her gaze to ground level. Then she stops, befuddled, and stares at Madoka's shadow. It waves at her. Before she can so much as make a noise, it pushes a finger to its lips and shakes its head. Then it is just a normal shadow following its owner, and Ai has to hurry to catch up.
Her careful observation of that same shadow yields no further insight. Sayaka is joking around with Hitomi and Madoka while Ai pretends to listen; her attempt to understand what is going on remains unsuccessful, though. And to add more questions on top, Kyubey rides atop the bus as it approaches. They leap down the moment it stops, landing on Madoka's shoulder.
Hitomi gives no indicator of having seen the bunnycat. Sayaka and Madoka, however, clearly look at him. No words are spoken, though.
The four of them pay the fare and barely find seats, what with the bus being cramped right after school let out. Hitomi's friends throw each other a variety of looks, most of them worried. This prompts a meticulously arched brow. "Again with this. What exactly happened, that you two are so close all of a sudden? Is there something you are not telling me?" It sounds like teasing, but the way Madoka tenses tells Ai all she needs to know. Just as the pinkette opens her mouth however, Sayaka interrupts with false cheer.
"Oh, you know how it is. I'm sure you and I are gonna be there soon, too! Just you wait, you're going to read my mind really good! Like this!" Then she proceeds to stare intensely at Hitomi... and make faces. Madoka and Ai giggle while Hitomi cracks a smile.
Kyubey stares at Ai for a long moment, then back to Madoka. Ai looks at the secretive duo too, but neither seems inclined to tell Hitomi what is going on. Conversation soon changes track and Ai lets them be; who knows, maybe it will be fun to watch their attempts?
Sayaka is first to address her: "So, Ai, what class are you in? I don't think I've seen you before."
"Oh, I-", she begins to respond, only for Hitomi to cut her off.
"You have to understand that Ai is still new to Mitakihara. As such, she is currently not attending any school. She is, in fact, part of the workforce."
It is a bit of an odd statement, but neither Madoka nor Sayaka seems to realise. The blunette's eyes widen and she leans over. "Oh, wow. You're older than us? I had no idea!" She then stage-whispers to Hitomi: "Since when do you hang out with adults? Aren't we cool enough for you anymore?"
The banter that follows between the two draws smiles from Ai and Madoka. Their gazes meet and both nod to each other, simply enjoying the display. Ai's may be a bit more mischievous though, being the only one who does not have to hide anything.
The visit to the hospital itself is uneventful, if illuminating. Some news crews and reporters are still around, taking interviews and statements. Visitors and patients chatter excitedly to anyone who cares to listen. Even the staff is in high spirits. Hitomi makes certain to ask their opinions whenever she can, all for Ai to hear. Not a single one has something bad to say.
The bountiful praise offered to their mysterious benefactor makes Ai's heart soar.
"It's kind of weird," Sayaka admits as they ride the elevator upward. "They say it's like magic. But there's no way that's a thing, right?" She laughs and Hitomi inclines her head while Madoka guiltily glances at Kyubey on her shoulder. The pinkette swiftly looks away when she realises Ai is watching her.
"Indeed," Hitomi comments, "magic does sound far-fetched. Perhaps they are secretly testing some kind of wonder drug? Or a new medical procedure?"
By the time they leave on one of the higher floors, Ai is grinning again. Watching the three factions at play is kind of fun; only herself and Kyubey know that everyone knows. The other three try to keep talking the other side around the subject, too busy obscuring it to realise something is off. How long will they keep it up before someone slips?
The particular friend Sayaka visits, Ai does not know. She does not enter the room either, instead opting to wait outside. It feels rude to intrude. Instead, she listens to some more gossip; just like she expected, only physical injuries were healed. No infections, sicknesses, or genetic conditions. There are some miscellaneous cases that were unaffected, too; whatever 'cancer' is, most patients remained unaffected. Anyone who had organs removed found them back in place, however; all in perfect condition.
"He is in a much better mood," Hitomi tells Ai when the three friends return. Her smile is a tad softer than usual. "I am glad."
Sayaka nods along, as does Madoka. The blunette looks back with great relief. "He was devastated when they told him he can never play again. It's like he has a guardian angel or something. I wonder what happened, though."
That explains that, too; a glance to Hitomi confirms this is the one she asked about healing. She nods subtly.
The quartet is about to leave when Sayaka misses a step, almost stumbling. She makes some kind of excuse about being clumsy, but Madoka's gaze goes to a wall along the building. Hitomi glances that way and pauses. "Ah, nevermind that. I believe the bus will be here soon." She forces her gaze away while Sayaka does the same with a laugh.
Ai looks, and finds a Grief Seed stuck into the wall. It is difficult to see at this distance, but the faint cloud of black fog around it is indicative enough. A live Witch.
She glances between the three friends, all of which are trying to distract each other from the sight. Then Ai begins to walk. Madoka notices after a mere few steps. "Huh? Miss Ai?"
Her friends catch on quite quickly.
"Where are you going?"
"Ai? What are you doing?"
All three quickly follow. Ai turns around to face them, walking backward with her hands clasped behind her back. She grins at the three. "You are all awful at keeping secrets from each other, you know that?" The owlish looks actually draw a giggle from her and she continues: "But it was fun watching you try. Let's stop it now: all three of you know."
Silence reigns between the quartet. Hitomi exchanges nervous looks with Sayaka while Madoka glances down at Kyubey. The bunnycat transitioned into her arms at some point. Seeing them reminds Ai of that particular conundrum, though. "Do you have a cognition filter active?"
"Who, me? No? What is that?" Madoka's confusion bleeds away once she realises Ai is looking at Kyubey, who in turn nods.
"Hitomi Shizuki was deemed an unsuitable candidate by reason of personality, so she is excluded from perceiving me."
"Who are you talking to? Is this another, erm, magic-related matter?"
The mental and physical voices overlap in places. Ai's brow twitches. "Yeah, no. I'm not doing that. Either you include her, or I do it." Kyubey nods and a moment later, Hitomi's eyes widen. Ai grins impishly. "Yes. Hitomi, meet Kyubey. He makes the magical girls around here."
"Nice to meet you."
"Likewise."
The awkward tension is dispelled when Ai turns around, having reached the wall. From this close, she can feel a vague sway to the air. Different than the static she noticed for the last hour or two, but still distinct. "Now for this. Hmm."
While Ai studies the Grief Seed to no effect, Hitomi quietly explains to her friends that she picked up a magical girl. A sigh from Sayaka draws Ai's attention, though. "Well, that's something. We didn't get Mami's phone number and she wasn't at school. Good thing there's at least one Magical Girl here!" She then notices Ai's scowl. "Whoa, is something wrong? Is it hatching?"
"...no. She's napping, I think. The Grief Seed only shows up when a living Witch sleeps." Izabel's Seed weighs heavy in her pocket. Ai absently runs her fingers over it to assure herself it is still there.
When she says no more, Hitomi steps forward. "But why is it here?"
"To feed on the weakened patients, presumably." Kyubey's tail swishes back and forth. They jump from Madoka's arms to Hitomi's shoulder, carefully balancing themselves. "Hospitals are often a focal point of negative emotions, to which Witches are drawn."
That sounds wrong, but Ai only ever met Izabel. Sayaka nods along with the explanation, though. "Yeah, and magical girls take them down before they hurt anybody. Mami was super cool last week! You should have seen her, Hitomi!" Ai frowns again, but nobody notices. Sayaka waves her hands excitedly as she recounts some kind of battle. Then she interrupts herself and looks to Ai. "Uh, say, do you mind if we come too? Just to see what this one's like? You're going to fight the Witch, right?"
There is a trace of wariness in that last question, for some reason. Ai simply nods and it is gone, though her own mood lowered by now.
Should she take three unaugmented, untrained humans into this barrier? Hitomi can defend herself, but the other two may as well be helpless.
"We could go get Mami?" Madoka offers shily, but Ai shakes her head no at once. "Huh? Is something wrong with that?"
"Yes. I don't like her."
"Wha-" "Aha! So that's what's going on!"
All three of them stare owlishly at Sayaka, whose finger is pointed straight at Ai. "You're working with the transfer student, aren't you? Mami is great and super polite, you've got to be plotting against her!" The accusation comes so sudden that Ai has no idea how to respond. Sayaka's implications make her eye twitch though. Sayaka's grin turns victorious. "I knew it! Let's go get Mami and let her know!"
She takes Madoka's and Hitomi's arms to lead them away; both argue, but she does not listen. Hitomi looks back worriedly. She could tear herself out of Sayaka's grasp, but is hesitant to do so. Ai scowls at the entire blasted situation.
She can go meet that Witch and focus on making a friend. Or she tells the three to come with her, so that Mami does not come after her head again just yet.
[] Go alone
weight: x1
[] Take them along
weight: x1
Unlocked Character Sheets: Madoka Kaname, Sayaka Miki
DvulikiuGolod
You are gold, I am gold... Are we all gold?
[X] Go alone
- [X] With Homura..?
- [X] With Homura..?
1337Procrast
Fire Emblem Enjoyer
- Location
- Australia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Damnit Sayaka.
[X] Take them along
weight: x1
Let's show them how a real magical girl of love and justice does things.
[X] Take them along
weight: x1
Let's show them how a real magical girl of love and justice does things.
[X] Take them along
Mami hasn't witch out right.... right?.
And kyubey have told mami about us right, after the fight I mean.
Mami hasn't witch out right.... right?.
And kyubey have told mami about us right, after the fight I mean.
Nottheunmaker
Altman be praised
- Location
- USG Ishimura
So uh.
This could be Gretchen somehow, but that doesn't feel right. I there something from Project Moon that could live in a person's shadow? Maybe this Jester fellow?
Checking this reveals that neither of them have a fragment of the Seed of Light in them. Madoka has her usual bullshit, but nothing else of note.
[X] Take them along
Sure. Charlotte is nasty if you piss her off, but she mostly seems inclined to just sit around otherwise. Should be safe to talk to her. The familiars can be dangerous, but with Ai around that should also be fine. If she even has any at the moment.
I feel like we should probably warn Hitomi about the hair clip possibly upsetting Mami if we go alone.
- Location
- Somewhere!
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Take them along
Running into Mami right now does seem pretty bad, and getting some credibility with her kouhais might establish better grounds for talking?
Running into Mami right now does seem pretty bad, and getting some credibility with her kouhais might establish better grounds for talking?
- Location
- Who Knows Where
[x] Go alone
Mami's probably still sore about her leg, hearing about Ai taking down Witches should be worth something.
It also keeps Sayaka and Madoka out of Contract-danger zone (Charlotte is rated at WAW). Should have a better chance of talking things out too.
Mami's probably still sore about her leg, hearing about Ai taking down Witches should be worth something.
It also keeps Sayaka and Madoka out of Contract-danger zone (Charlotte is rated at WAW). Should have a better chance of talking things out too.
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- Location
- Germany
[X] Take them along
Well, I guess we have no choice but to show them how a real senpai does things. Also, I'm not going to vote for meeting them only to immediately let them run away. Sayaka sure didn't wait with causing trouble tough. I bet that's why she doesn't even get any traits.
Meanwhile, Hitomi is actually being a rather sweet friend and making sure Ai can get her proper praise without compromising herself for it.
Well, I guess we have no choice but to show them how a real senpai does things. Also, I'm not going to vote for meeting them only to immediately let them run away. Sayaka sure didn't wait with causing trouble tough. I bet that's why she doesn't even get any traits.
Meanwhile, Hitomi is actually being a rather sweet friend and making sure Ai can get her proper praise without compromising herself for it.
I wonder, is spite close enough to hatred to count?
Wow, so much progress in so little time, why, just a couple days ago we would've probably made sure the trip was *down some stairs*
You know, got killed by Mami and almost killed her, the usual.
Shenanigans begins!
Ok, I know I said shenanigans begins, but that's a little too soon and too blatant! The timing is off!
But many are thought.
I wonder what our age count as?
That's the kind of shenanigans I was talking about!
Well, it does technically count as genetic disease so it's consistent.
Enter nagisa!
Ummmm, are we going to fight?
Sayaka and her jumping to conclusions… sigh, she's going to be a pain, once she made her mind it's difficult to change it.
Ooorrrr, we can go after Mami's head, we wouldn't be the only ones, it's practically tradition even!
[X] Take them along
This is our best bet if we want to change Sayaka's mind, or make sure she has an *accident*, I'm not picky.
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- Location
- Earth
I strongly doubt this hospital is currently a locus of negative emotions.
Too many people are currently very happy to be healed.
Add one notch to the "incubator planted it" theory.
[X] Go alone
Let's not.
That's a very good point about the place not currently being a hotspot of negative emotions. Still think we shouldn't let them get Mami, I think that's what the cabbit wants.
dragonx99
Actually Satan
You can make a worryingly strong argument that it's over 10,000 by now thanks to lob corp
Not as much as normal, but there are still people suffering. Hell, it's possible those Ai didn't heal are actually feeling worse and envious because They didn't get whatever magical make people better miracle decided to heal the other patients around them.
- Location
- The Grandcypher
I would argue that there are plenty of patients thinking "Why them and not me?" which can be a lot of negative emotions.
[X] Take them along
Edit:
It might be that Naron switched to truly hiding the Hidden Traits.
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- Location
- Earth
While honest, Homura is not helping here by excluding Sayaka.
Nottheunmaker
Altman be praised
- Location
- USG Ishimura
No, otherwise he would've removed hidden traits on the other characters. A good GM is not inconsistent with how they parcel out information.
- Location
- Earth
Nope, I-
Yeah, basically this. I am not going to hide traits all of a sudden. Sayaka has none and Madoka only has the one due to shenanigans.