- Location
- Attached to a wall
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Attempt to synchronise with...
-[X] Kyoko
-[X] Homura
-[X] Madoka
-[X] Yuma
-[X] Kyoko
-[X] Homura
-[X] Madoka
-[X] Yuma
In the Name of Love and Hatred! [PMMM / LoR]
- Thread starter Naron
- Start date
- Crossover
[X] Make the attempt with everyone
Honestly, there is no reason to not try when city extinction is 9 days away. Any potential benefit that allows us to get past wally outweighs the risk by a good margin.
The only real concern I can see is Madoka, due to her ridiculous high potential + being a normal human being an unpredictable wild card, which the others can surely understand.
I see the concerns about the unforgettable melody, but it's frankly too insubstantial a reason currently and singling Sayaka out after deciding to encourage her to try and replicate the melody in a non-murdery way literally the last update is an incredibly dick move.
Honestly, there is no reason to not try when city extinction is 9 days away. Any potential benefit that allows us to get past wally outweighs the risk by a good margin.
The only real concern I can see is Madoka, due to her ridiculous high potential + being a normal human being an unpredictable wild card, which the others can surely understand.
I see the concerns about the unforgettable melody, but it's frankly too insubstantial a reason currently and singling Sayaka out after deciding to encourage her to try and replicate the melody in a non-murdery way literally the last update is an incredibly dick move.
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Legend of Ruina
Growing eyes on the inside
Honestly, I think Homura is the most important sync on a strategic level, because it determines if Ai can piggyback on the loop if things go wrong.
Nottheunmaker
Altman be praised
- Location
- USG Ishimura
We already know if we flub hard enough we Homura will go back, and will be there, and the story so far will pretty much repeat until we get back to this point.
There is no need to sync to go back with her, just touching her when she uses it is enough, some supplemental material implies that this is how she was supposed to use it, convince her friends then come back with them if things go wrong during walpurgis to have more time to prepare, but circumstances got in the way when they all died before she could turn back, meaning she never had the occasion to discover it, one of the manga is about her doing just that with Madoka and getting a good ending, Homura's revenge if you want to check.
There is a point to retaining Ai's character progression from loop to loop.
[X] Make the attempt with everyone
Just goin' with my gut
Just goin' with my gut
"He's Got No Context" (Non-Canon Omake)
He's Got No Context
Alternately: Third Time's the Charm?
The black-suited man has been following her for several minutes now. Hitomi cannot help but be concerned. Her recent kidnapping is fresh in her mind, and while it did not start quite like this, the similarities are impossible to ignore. Strangely well-dressed men, ones she only noticed in hindsight, following her, striking when she was alone. This man seems to be waiting for a similar opportunity.
He does not seem Japanese. More European, perhaps even American. He does not seem to be carrying any concealed weapons, but Hitomi is not confident enough to trust that he isn't armed. A mercenary? Ai's... spree may have cowed her family's rivals, convinced them to be more cautious and hire out. She does not fancy her odds.
"Hey, lil' miss. How are you doing?"
Hitomi turns with a jolt, the black-suited man now right beside her. She'd been keeping an eye out for him in the corner of her eye, trying not to let him know she knew of his presence. But she'd lost track of him for a straightaway stretch, and he'd closed the distance.
His tone and manner of speech is casual, his hands at ease in his pockets, his smile surprisingly disarming. Hitomi relaxes, slightly, her hand drifting away from her hidden knife. She gets the feeling that this foreigner doesn't intend her harm, unlike the men that kidnapped her before. Especially since there still a number of witnesses around. He is still, however, a stranger.
"Hello," she replies, without slowing. "Can I help you with something? If you are looking to kidnap or otherwise prey upon me, I would appreciate it if you told me in advance this time."
The man scratches shrugs sheepishly, smiling like a child whose hand got caught in the cookie jar. "Ahh.. now you've made it awkward... Nothing like that, miss. I was just hoping you could help me find somebody. Got it on good authority that we've got a mutual acquaintance."
Hitomi has a bad feeling about this. She only knows so many people. Most of the strangers looking for them would not have good intentions.
"Really?" she hedges. "I cannot imagine knowing many people in common with someone of your age. Are you sure you are asking the right person?"
"Maybe not... I'm as surprised as you, honestly," he admits. "Didn't expect to need to talk to anyone. Definitely didn't figure I'd be talking to someone young enough to be my daughter..."
The man pauses for a moment, vaguely smiling expression frozen on his face. If Hitomi had not been paying close attention, she would have missed it completely. Both Madoka and Sayaka would have, she is certain. But she has more experience in these matters of reading people and judging expressions. She catches the briefest flash of grief that goes over the man's face, and her heart drops into her stomach.
Hitomi is not so naive to believe that Ai's rampage would have no consequences. She left behind dozens of grieving families, orphaned and widowed a number of children and parents. She would not be surprised if those children became Magical Girls solely to seek revenge on her friend.
She is not surprised that this parent is seeking his own revenge.
Her suspicions are only confirmed as the man lets out a chuckle, still in that (false) easygoing tone, continuing, "Anyway, I'm looking for a girl, looks a little older than you, with blue hair in twintails. Yellow eyes, goes on and on about love and justice to anyone who'll listen. Sound familiar?"
Hitomi feels for the man. She really does. If her parents were killed by a mysterious assailant out of the blue, she'd stop at nothing to avenge them, even if they deserved it. Lord knows they probably do. But her loyalties are set. She does not know this man.
She needs to warn her friend.
Hitomi changes course. Before, she was walking towards home as fast as she was able, hoping that the mysterious figure wouldn't risk attacking her in her own home. Now that she knows his true target, she needs to go anywhere else. She likely cannot put off their confrontation forever, but she can at least stall him. Give Ai time to prepare, not catch her at her house by surprise. She makes a sharp turn at the next intersection, heading towards Sayaka's house.
"I'm afraid that I do not know anyone matching that exact description," she lies, trying to keep her voice calm, not betray her inner worry. "May I ask why you are looking for this person? Perhaps I may be able to help."
"Hmm..."
She can hear the skepticism in his voice. He does not believe her. Hitomi traces his slightly-narrowed gaze, focused on her hair.
No. Not her hair. Her hairpin. A black heart rimmed in pink. Identical to the one Ai possesses. Her E.G.O. Gift.
Hitomi curses herself. This is the second time that her insistence on wearing it has gotten her friends into trouble. Her pride in her friendship with Ai might end up causing her untold strife. Even if, as an Abnormality, Ai cannot die, she cannot imagine this kind of unnecessary violence is pleasant. Not to mention that it is obvious that Ai is guilt-ridden enough as it is; this grieving specter can only hurt her further.
"She's a runaway," the man eventually says, no longer easygoing, much more serious. "Angela and I had a bit of a quarrel. Queen ran off while emotions were running high. We're ashamed it took this long to find her again."
His words were chosen carefully, undoubtedly leaving out a lot of context. Hitomi realizes something he just let slip.
"Queen?" she asks. "Her name, I assume. Is that how you name children in other countries?"
She's being overly forward. Her parents would be ashamed. But she couldn't help but fixate upon that small detail.
It's a small thing. Maybe he made it up. But Hitomi finds it unlikely... Ai had called her snakelike alternate form/personality/mount(??? It had been a really strange day) the Queen of Hatred. How did this man know about that? Hitomi very much doubted that the Magical Girl Abnormality outright told others about it, even before her strange Realization.
Hitomi started recontextualizing the evidence. She wasn't Sayaka, fixed upon a single conclusion to the exclusion of all else. Besides, her old theory was looking less likely by the moment. The man knew too much about Ai for him to be a mere revenge-driven widower.
"Sometimes. But she's a bit of a special case, her and her sisters. I'm not the one who came up with it, in any case."
As they turned another corner, the man casually made a remark, freezing her in her tracks.
"You've turned around. One hundred and eighty degrees. Where are you taking me?"
She couldn't believe he'd noticed. Sayaka's house was in the opposite direction of her own, true. But she'd thought that her casual (if somewhat fast) pace would've disguised her intentions. She should've realized the man was so observant.
"I-" she started, but the man cut her off, joking attitude completely gone.
"You're smarter than I gave you credit for. So I'll stop treating you like a child and ask you straightforwardly, with no more roundabout speech: where is the Queen of Hatred?"
Hitomi, put on the spot, frantically tries to draw together the disparate clues together, determine if helping the man would hurt her friend.
He had some inkling of Ai's nature as an Abnormality, her dual nature. He'd mentioned an 'Angela', and come to think of it, hadn't Ai also mentioned such a person in conjunction with that horrifying black-masked figure? And her sisters... Justice, Happiness, and Courage?
It was far from a sure thing. A shout into the wind, more like. But she still felt confident to warrant a guess, in lieu of an answer.
"You're from the Library. The City."
The man--the librarian--raises an eyebrow, not in confusion, but in surprise. He has confirmed her guess. "...You really do know quite a bit more than I expected. In that case, I guess I really can just be honest: I just want to bring the Queen of Hatred home, back to her book. She's our responsibility, and in particular it's my fault she got loose in the first place. It's dangerous, letting her loose here. This world is not equipped to deal with Abnormalities. That reason enough for you to stop your obfuscating?"
Hitomi hesitates.
Ai had mentioned the Library a number of times with fondness. It was her home, where her family was. But she'd done the same for Roland, called him a friend, and, well. He clearly wasn't a good influence, if a fragment of his memory was so destructive, hateful... Furious.
This has to be Ai's decision, Hitomi decides. She cannot ward this man off forever. And she does not know nearly enough to make the decision for her. And she would like to talk to the girl, besides. Things have abruptly become quite complicated.
Sighing, Hitomi nods, mind made up.
"Apologies for all the frustration. It's been a very hazardous week, both for me and my friends. I wanted to ensure you had good intentions. I currently believe she's with friends. I can take you to her."
The librarian smiles, vaguely carefree once again. "No worries! Glad to see this whole bit of unpleasantness is over. I just hope she hasn't killed too many people yet."
"Well..."
Homura responds promptly to the knock at her apartment door, revealing the other five Magical Girls of Mitikihara City, plus Ai. The librarian takes a hand out of his pocket to wave hello, and Hitomi's blood turns to ice in a split second at the sight.
That glove. She recognizes that glove.
How did she not realize before?
"Roland?"
Alternately: Third Time's the Charm?
The black-suited man has been following her for several minutes now. Hitomi cannot help but be concerned. Her recent kidnapping is fresh in her mind, and while it did not start quite like this, the similarities are impossible to ignore. Strangely well-dressed men, ones she only noticed in hindsight, following her, striking when she was alone. This man seems to be waiting for a similar opportunity.
He does not seem Japanese. More European, perhaps even American. He does not seem to be carrying any concealed weapons, but Hitomi is not confident enough to trust that he isn't armed. A mercenary? Ai's... spree may have cowed her family's rivals, convinced them to be more cautious and hire out. She does not fancy her odds.
"Hey, lil' miss. How are you doing?"
Hitomi turns with a jolt, the black-suited man now right beside her. She'd been keeping an eye out for him in the corner of her eye, trying not to let him know she knew of his presence. But she'd lost track of him for a straightaway stretch, and he'd closed the distance.
His tone and manner of speech is casual, his hands at ease in his pockets, his smile surprisingly disarming. Hitomi relaxes, slightly, her hand drifting away from her hidden knife. She gets the feeling that this foreigner doesn't intend her harm, unlike the men that kidnapped her before. Especially since there still a number of witnesses around. He is still, however, a stranger.
"Hello," she replies, without slowing. "Can I help you with something? If you are looking to kidnap or otherwise prey upon me, I would appreciate it if you told me in advance this time."
The man scratches shrugs sheepishly, smiling like a child whose hand got caught in the cookie jar. "Ahh.. now you've made it awkward... Nothing like that, miss. I was just hoping you could help me find somebody. Got it on good authority that we've got a mutual acquaintance."
Hitomi has a bad feeling about this. She only knows so many people. Most of the strangers looking for them would not have good intentions.
"Really?" she hedges. "I cannot imagine knowing many people in common with someone of your age. Are you sure you are asking the right person?"
"Maybe not... I'm as surprised as you, honestly," he admits. "Didn't expect to need to talk to anyone. Definitely didn't figure I'd be talking to someone young enough to be my daughter..."
The man pauses for a moment, vaguely smiling expression frozen on his face. If Hitomi had not been paying close attention, she would have missed it completely. Both Madoka and Sayaka would have, she is certain. But she has more experience in these matters of reading people and judging expressions. She catches the briefest flash of grief that goes over the man's face, and her heart drops into her stomach.
Hitomi is not so naive to believe that Ai's rampage would have no consequences. She left behind dozens of grieving families, orphaned and widowed a number of children and parents. She would not be surprised if those children became Magical Girls solely to seek revenge on her friend.
She is not surprised that this parent is seeking his own revenge.
Her suspicions are only confirmed as the man lets out a chuckle, still in that (false) easygoing tone, continuing, "Anyway, I'm looking for a girl, looks a little older than you, with blue hair in twintails. Yellow eyes, goes on and on about love and justice to anyone who'll listen. Sound familiar?"
Hitomi feels for the man. She really does. If her parents were killed by a mysterious assailant out of the blue, she'd stop at nothing to avenge them, even if they deserved it. Lord knows they probably do. But her loyalties are set. She does not know this man.
She needs to warn her friend.
Hitomi changes course. Before, she was walking towards home as fast as she was able, hoping that the mysterious figure wouldn't risk attacking her in her own home. Now that she knows his true target, she needs to go anywhere else. She likely cannot put off their confrontation forever, but she can at least stall him. Give Ai time to prepare, not catch her at her house by surprise. She makes a sharp turn at the next intersection, heading towards Sayaka's house.
"I'm afraid that I do not know anyone matching that exact description," she lies, trying to keep her voice calm, not betray her inner worry. "May I ask why you are looking for this person? Perhaps I may be able to help."
"Hmm..."
She can hear the skepticism in his voice. He does not believe her. Hitomi traces his slightly-narrowed gaze, focused on her hair.
No. Not her hair. Her hairpin. A black heart rimmed in pink. Identical to the one Ai possesses. Her E.G.O. Gift.
Hitomi curses herself. This is the second time that her insistence on wearing it has gotten her friends into trouble. Her pride in her friendship with Ai might end up causing her untold strife. Even if, as an Abnormality, Ai cannot die, she cannot imagine this kind of unnecessary violence is pleasant. Not to mention that it is obvious that Ai is guilt-ridden enough as it is; this grieving specter can only hurt her further.
"She's a runaway," the man eventually says, no longer easygoing, much more serious. "Angela and I had a bit of a quarrel. Queen ran off while emotions were running high. We're ashamed it took this long to find her again."
His words were chosen carefully, undoubtedly leaving out a lot of context. Hitomi realizes something he just let slip.
"Queen?" she asks. "Her name, I assume. Is that how you name children in other countries?"
She's being overly forward. Her parents would be ashamed. But she couldn't help but fixate upon that small detail.
It's a small thing. Maybe he made it up. But Hitomi finds it unlikely... Ai had called her snakelike alternate form/personality/mount(??? It had been a really strange day) the Queen of Hatred. How did this man know about that? Hitomi very much doubted that the Magical Girl Abnormality outright told others about it, even before her strange Realization.
Hitomi started recontextualizing the evidence. She wasn't Sayaka, fixed upon a single conclusion to the exclusion of all else. Besides, her old theory was looking less likely by the moment. The man knew too much about Ai for him to be a mere revenge-driven widower.
"Sometimes. But she's a bit of a special case, her and her sisters. I'm not the one who came up with it, in any case."
As they turned another corner, the man casually made a remark, freezing her in her tracks.
"You've turned around. One hundred and eighty degrees. Where are you taking me?"
She couldn't believe he'd noticed. Sayaka's house was in the opposite direction of her own, true. But she'd thought that her casual (if somewhat fast) pace would've disguised her intentions. She should've realized the man was so observant.
"I-" she started, but the man cut her off, joking attitude completely gone.
"You're smarter than I gave you credit for. So I'll stop treating you like a child and ask you straightforwardly, with no more roundabout speech: where is the Queen of Hatred?"
Hitomi, put on the spot, frantically tries to draw together the disparate clues together, determine if helping the man would hurt her friend.
He had some inkling of Ai's nature as an Abnormality, her dual nature. He'd mentioned an 'Angela', and come to think of it, hadn't Ai also mentioned such a person in conjunction with that horrifying black-masked figure? And her sisters... Justice, Happiness, and Courage?
It was far from a sure thing. A shout into the wind, more like. But she still felt confident to warrant a guess, in lieu of an answer.
"You're from the Library. The City."
The man--the librarian--raises an eyebrow, not in confusion, but in surprise. He has confirmed her guess. "...You really do know quite a bit more than I expected. In that case, I guess I really can just be honest: I just want to bring the Queen of Hatred home, back to her book. She's our responsibility, and in particular it's my fault she got loose in the first place. It's dangerous, letting her loose here. This world is not equipped to deal with Abnormalities. That reason enough for you to stop your obfuscating?"
Hitomi hesitates.
Ai had mentioned the Library a number of times with fondness. It was her home, where her family was. But she'd done the same for Roland, called him a friend, and, well. He clearly wasn't a good influence, if a fragment of his memory was so destructive, hateful... Furious.
This has to be Ai's decision, Hitomi decides. She cannot ward this man off forever. And she does not know nearly enough to make the decision for her. And she would like to talk to the girl, besides. Things have abruptly become quite complicated.
Sighing, Hitomi nods, mind made up.
"Apologies for all the frustration. It's been a very hazardous week, both for me and my friends. I wanted to ensure you had good intentions. I currently believe she's with friends. I can take you to her."
The librarian smiles, vaguely carefree once again. "No worries! Glad to see this whole bit of unpleasantness is over. I just hope she hasn't killed too many people yet."
"Well..."
Homura responds promptly to the knock at her apartment door, revealing the other five Magical Girls of Mitikihara City, plus Ai. The librarian takes a hand out of his pocket to wave hello, and Hitomi's blood turns to ice in a split second at the sight.
That glove. She recognizes that glove.
How did she not realize before?
"Roland?"
- Location
- Earth
Obviously not canon, but definitely nice to read. You did really well with both Roland and Hitomi.
- Location
- Earth
Alright, closing the votes.
Everyone it is. As an aside, I counted: even if I did a by-line count, Everyone would have beaten out Homura in second place.
Next timeon Dragon Ball, we will have fusion dances wait no. Next time, we will see Ai getting deep into a bunch of girls no wait, that's wrong, too. Errr... let's just stop here, this is not going to get any better.
Update soon!
Everyone it is. As an aside, I counted: even if I did a by-line count, Everyone would have beaten out Homura in second place.
Next time
Update soon!
Next update, Ai will prove that you can get very close while staying platonic without any irony.
Next update, Ai will get to learn more about all the girls.
Next update, Ai and the girls all try new clothes.
Next update, Ai will either validate Madoka, or make her wish on the spot. ("I wish to be able to synchronize with Ai without any bad effects!")
Next update, I actually manage to beat Holma without my muscle memory screwing me over, wait, wrong story.
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37. The Hearts of Humans
- Location
- Earth
Make the attempt with everyone
Alone with her thoughts, Ai keeps debating back and forth. They need everything they can get, but the risks are substantial. She does not want to hurt her friends any more. But in the end, they will get hurt regardless.
"Okay."
Her quiet answer is heard; the room quiets down. All eyes turn Ai's way, who glares at her lap. "I don't like it. This can go so wrong. But we need to know if it can be used against Walpurgis. So I'll try to synchronise with you. All of you." Madoka perks up while Homura becomes notably more grim. Ai immediately addresses the pinkette: "If even just one of the Magical Girls can't take it physically, you don't get a turn. We're not taking that kind of risk."
Madoka flinches back in surprise before sheepishly playing with her skirt. "O-Okay."
That done, Ai turns to the rest of the group. "We will go somewhere quiet, where whatever may happen won't be noticed. Sayaka, I want you ready in case someone's body gives out. Mami, you will restrain anyone who loses control. I don't expect the Queen to come back, but just in case she does...."
She does not finish the sentence, but there is no need. Firm nods come from the other girls. Then Yuma hops up. "I can go first, I'm immune to E.G.O.!"
"No," Kyoko interjects. "You won't. I'll go first." She stands as well and meets Ai's gaze. "If anything goes wrong, I'll take it the best." The Abnormality nods back and her friend smirks. "Anyway, let's get out of town for this. Don't wanna tip anyone off."
An impromptu expedition over the rooftops soon has them leave Mitakihara; a dirt road leads into the countryside and a small woodland, where Sayaka takes over. "We used to hunt bugs out here!" she explains cheerfully. Madoka grimaces in remembrance, far less excited about the prospect. Ai does not mind the various critters and Yuma cheerfully runs around. Mami is uncomfortable, though she makes a valiant attempt to mask her feelings.
Once they found a clearing in the woods to set up shop, the girls get to work. A nearby log is carried over by Sayaka and Kyoko while Homura provides refreshments from her buckler. Next, Mami and Sayaka take position nearby; they stand on opposite sides so as to not hinder the other. Madoka, Homura, and Yuma all settle on the log while Ai faces Kyoko.
"Are you ready?" The blunette asks quietly. All she receives is a firm nod. "Alright. Here I go."
Ai approaches Kyoko slowly and, after one last moment of hesitation, wraps her arms around her. The redhead stands befuddled as she is embraced. Nothing happens for a moment while Ai reaches deeper into herself. Kyoko's soul resonates with her body from up close, a font of power. She aligns and pushes herself forward. Slowly, Ai's body starts to lose coherence; the gasps from their observers are ignored as both girls begin to glow.
Kyoko belatedly wraps her arms around Ai; foreign emotions assault her mind. Trepidation and fear pulse the strongest, followed by anticipation and hope. Her own feelings open to Ai in turn. Determination, guilt, and hope echo along. They cascade into a pool belonging to both. Ai fully dissolves into Kyoko, whose hair gains a purple tint; her robe turns from crimson to pink, skirt from pink to light blue. Her eyes gleam amber. And within her crimson Soul Gem gleams a pink heart that devours the taint.
Kyoko Sakura takes a shuddering breath. Upon her every thought rides another. Emotions not her own make her legs shake; the redhead's guilt is reflected back magnified by an order of magnitude. But so is her hope.
"How are you feeling?" Mami inquires after a minute. The radiant figure turns her way, slowly clenching both hands into fists. Everyone waits in worried anticipation while Kyoko works out her body. The grass beneath her feet sprouts higher at a rapid pace; flowers bloom and wind around her legs.
Then Kyoko begins to float away from the greenery. She flies around before ultimately taking a seat in mid-air. "Weird," she says. An echo of Ai's voice follows her own. "Super weird. She's in my head, she hears what I'm thinking. I think. And I can hear what she thinks?" She blinks once, twice, and her voice changes. Now it is Ai's, with an echo of Kyoko's: "I am keeping us as equals. But yes, this is super weird. At least her body can take it?"
She grasps a spear and staff from nowhere. Stars shine around Kyoko as she flutters around the clearing. Gleaming spheres float on their own paths before combining into one that the polearm pierces through. Kyoko runs through a number of exercises and suplexes a boulder, just because she can. The whomp of its impact draws a laugh out of her. "I'm even stronger than-"
At which point she bends forward and coughs up blood. Ai immediately flows out of her, reforming nearby; Sayaka is already on the case and heals Kyoko. Homura holds up a stopwatch she brought out earlier. "Seven minutes and twenty-two seconds," she declares. Kyoko gives an absent thumbs-up while Yuma and Sayaka fuss over her.
Ai pants also. Beads of sweat line her forehead. She did not expect it to be so taxing; just keeping herself in equilibrium with her host was an almost insurmountable task. Kyoko's state of mind is similar to her own, but sometimes a stronger wave of feelings almost upset their balance. Be it Ai about to dominate her friend or vice versa, she did not want either.
"It works," she finally murmurs. Madoka comes to wipe off her sweat with a handkerchief, earning a grateful smile. "Give me five to recover, then I'm doing Homura."
"How does it feel like for you?" the pinkette asks after nodding.
Her question gives Ai pause; how does she explain a disembodied state of being to someone who always had a fully physical body? How could Madoka understand being adrift amidst a stream of conciousness? To be a passenger in another's body, essence tied with theirs? She can not, so Ai merely shrugs. "I have no idea how to put it into words. I don't think a human could understand. But like I said earlier, it's super weird."
Homura approaches them as well. "Is it different from when you were synchronised with Roland?"
This draws a pained grimace from Ai. "Very different. But I'm a different person, too." She can no longer recall the utter loathing Roland held for the world and himself, at least not vividly. Only a faint impression still remains. "Back then, it was him in total control. But the Queen and I whispered over his shoulder, or something like that. It's more involved this time."
She takes another deep breath and straightens up. Then she opens her arms with a goofy grin. "You'll get to find out now. Time for a hug!"
She only knows Homura is embarassed by that last bit because the feeling echoes into their synchronisation. Kyoko's will was strong, but this time Ai is at a loss for words; Homura Akemi's mind resonates with such devotion and love, yet none of it ever shows on her face. The emotion touches a part deep within Ai, the Magical Girl of Love's original self. In the same breath, what was once the Queen of Hatred is drawn in by her friend's utter self-loathing. And even further in, long forgotten and locked away in the deepest recesses of her mind... Ai finds a bottomless pit of despair. She only gives it a peek before slamming the metaphorical door shut; locks of an unbreakable will seal it once again.
The same practice as with Kyoko repeats. Homura only manages five and a half minutes before her body begins to succumb, though. Yet once Ai leaves and her friend was seen to, she studies her clear Soul Gem curiously. Then a blade of purple light projects outward, half a metre long. She stares at it much like everyone else, then her gaze seeks Ai's. "It seems I kept some of your knowledge," she explains. The blade winks out and a thin beam follows; it cuts straight through the boulder Kyoko suplexed earlier. "I never thought I could make anything of this."
She receives some congratulations and encouragement from the others, then it is soon Mami's turn. Upon entering her, Ai quickly finds herself suffocated by loneliness. It weighs down on her like an iron blanket. Even just staying afloat requires great effort. What is more, an avalanche of doubts and worries follows; Ai has to fight yet moderate her strength, lest she suffocate her friend in turn. Mami only lasts a single minute before a splitting migraine takes her down. Her body is perfectly fine, but her mind could not bear the strain.
Impression-wise, Yuma ends up similar to Mami. Afraid of being left alone, yet also overflowing with adoration for the people who made her life better. Her mind is more homely, but carries a sense of dysphoria that revulses Ai. She has to eject herself after about ninety seconds, unable to bear it; even afterward she shudders. But she tells no one why, not even Yuma. The child's mind is too much like hers used to be. It is as if Love and Hatred returned, calling for Ai to come to her senses.
While Yuma sulks, Ai takes tea and a whole box of cookies to recover from her ordeal. This was supposed to be straining on her friends, not on her! Even the practice does not help when her partners keep changing!
Alas, she gave her word and will stay to it. Once she is done eating, Ai approaches her second most risky partner. With Sayaka synchronising, there is no one who can heal in a pinch. Not that her fellow blunette ends up needing the healer; Ai only gets a vague impression of awe, trepidation, and joy. Then the song fills her being. It echoes throughout Sayaka and reverberates into their link. Ai listens, mesmerised by the unforgettable melody. Then she ejects herself, having lasted no more than twenty-two seconds in Sayaka.
"Never again," she heaves, trying to massage the song out of her head. Her abnormal mind slowly buries the melody, much to her relief. "Sorry, Sayaka. I can't stay in there."
"Come on, it's not that bad. And stop laughing!" she shrieks at Kyoko. The redhead only keeps going; she soon has to flee an irate healer, but easily stays ahead of her.
Yuma and Madoka crouch with Ai, who lies on the ground to recover. Mami settled some distance away to nurse her migraine. Meanwhile, Homura is frowning at a sheet of notes. She glances from her stopwatch to the resting Abnormality.
Once Ai is done burying the song under a hundred other considerations, she sits up. Madoka looks at her so hopefully that she can not bear say no. Not after everything worked out. Her friends are all fine. Some of them even turned the tables on her in terms of backlash. "Okay," she simply says. Then she shouts for Sayaka, who bounds back to them. Kyoko follows a moment later.
Leaving Mami in peace, the group prepares for the day's final synchronisation. Madoka fidgets a little, but does not retreat from Ai. If anything, she hugs the magica girl first. Pink sparks fly every which way from where they touch; they grow into actual magical fireworks as Ai begins to align herself with the other girl. Madoka breathes slowly, evenly, and feels something oily flow through her veins. Her heartbeats become rapid, almost thumping out of her chest. Crimson rivulets run down her arms and legs from broken skin, but she remains steady. She listens into herself to find the Abnormality.
For her part, Ai feels at peace. Madoka's mind is gentle. Plagued by self-doubts, but overall kind and sweet. Full of hope for the future. Pure in a way none of the others were. Ai almost wants to lose herself, but remembers not to do so.
Madoka takes a shuddering breath and raises one hand. Ai's staff materialises easily. However, before she can so much as say a single word, it sends a bright beam heavenward. Several metres thick and pink. The power runs through her from top to bottom. A mere moment later, pain explodes across her entire body. The aftershock of channeling such might.
Ai immediately leaves Madoka, who bends over with a wheeze. Bloody tears flow down her cheeks. Her ears and nose leak crimson. She curls up with a pained moan, only for the noise to hitch. Madoka's stomach lurches, then she spews out her lunch. The bile is streaked with discoloured red.
Sayaka is with her sobbing friend in a heartbeat. Homura is even faster. Kyoko and Mami help Ai while Yuma stares at the sky in awe. The clouds up high sport a massive hole.
"Her body can't take the strain for long," Ai finally judges. She kneels next to Madoka and casts some magic of her own; ruined clothes turn pristine once more, vomit and blood cleaned off her skin. The pinkette stares up at her with wide eyes while her friends tend to her; she is not injured anymore, but the pain still echoes. Ai slowly shakes her head. "You have so much power that channeling it will kill you far too soon. You didn't even need to do anything to cast that, right?"
"I, I wanted to?" Madoka whispers hoarsely. Homura presses a glass of water to her lips, steadying the poor girl. She slowly sits up, crestfallen.
Once the glass is gone, Ai cups both her cheeks with a gentle smile. "Listen," she starts, voice soft. "I can't let you fight like this. But we can still use that if all else fails. You have one spell in you. It will hurt, but we can do that much. Okay?"
A final measure, just in case. Madoka nods.
"Okay," Kyoko shatters their moment. Her hair stands on end as if loaded with static. "Let's not have a heart-to-heart right now. We've got to go. All of Japan must've seen the lightshow." Her reminder creates hectic work as everyone gathers their things. Ai quickly cleans up the remaining traces of blood and teleports everyone to the Sakura church.
There is no immediate relief, seeing that Homura, Sayaka, and Mami all stiffen. Their Soul Gems gleam and they whirl around with weapons drawn. Elsa Maria pays them no mind, continuously bent over in prayer. Her dozens of shadowy appendages bob lazily in the breeze.
Sayaka stares at the Witch. "Okay," she ultimately says, "what am I looking at?"
"Ai's latest friend," Kyoko quips. The other blunette averts her gaze in embarassment when everyone looks at her. Thankfully, her friend helps defend the Witch: "She's fine, honestly. Doesn't really do much beside praying." Then she glances at Homura, who studies the shadowy figure intensely. "You've seen her before, miss time traveler?"
"Yes."
Homura does not elaborate. Rather, she settles down on a nearby bench and begins to draw up training plans. Mami leans over its back to assist, though her migraine makes that difficult. Kyoko joins them as well; everyone knows a week is not enough for meaningful progress, but it will be enough for basic teamwork. That will be paramount.
Meanwhile, Madoka sits down quietly to recover. Sayaka strides up to the dais and examines Elsa Maria, who pays her no mind.
And Yuma approaches Ai again. She squirms a little, eyes big and wide. The other magical girl knows exactly what she wants, considering Yuma asks every day Ai comes to visit. She wordlessly offers her staff, which is taken with a cheer. Then however, Yuma stops. She peers down at the staff and back at Ai. Then she returns it, only to bound up toward Elsa Maria.
Ai's befuddled stare follows her ascent. Yuma comes to stand behind the shadow Witch and taps her shoulder. When Elsa Maria turns, Yuma waves; the Witch waves back. She pauses when Yuma's hand enters her chest area, curiously staring down. Ai's eyes widen and Sayaka exclaims, which brings everyone else's attention to Yuma. The younger girl slowly sinks her hand further into Elsa Maria, roots around a bit, and pulls it back out. Liquid shadows cling to the limb, slowly forming into a black hammer. It takes solid form while Yuma presents it proudly. "Tada!"
She then hugs the bemused Elsa Maria and bounds back down to show everyone else. Everyone is confused by the sequence of events, but their younger friend refuses to explain. Her new toy's consistency is like shadow, flowing back and forth. It can adjust its weight at will. It can hit through armour, Yuma explains. She then has Kyoko hold the weapon, whose brows shoot into her hairline. "This is E.G.O.," the redhead declares. "I immediately knew how to use it!"
Ai can do nothing but stare. Not only did Yuma's wish get her immunity to E.G.O. equipment, she can also extract it from Abnormalities. Then she sighs and smiles; what else can she do? The weapon is passed around before finding its way back to Yuma.
Of course she then insists on extracting gear from Ai as well; upon mulling it over, she realises there is no reason not to. She gathered enough Enkephalin to make a full set. The extraction process feels weird, though; having someone root around in Ai's ribcage is alienating. At least there is no blood?
Yuma's new gear comes out as yet another hammer, this one pink. She does not get skirt and vest, but rather a long, pastel dress. Once fully formed, the E.G.O. flows into her own hammer and dress, to be called upon at her wish. She is immediately the envy of Sayaka. Kyoko praises and chides in the same breath.
Meanwhile, Ai has to explain the whole matter to Elsa Maria. Her friend does not mind the process so much as that it was unannounced; Yuma dutifully apologises and promises to ask first the next time.
After that, the group slowly settles down. It was an eventful afternoon. Ai is happy enough with the results of their test; Mami, Sayaka, and Yuma are all unsuitable for synchronisation. Madoka even more so, but she has enough raw power to make do as a last ditch effort. Homura and Kyoko, she can work with. Ai has no idea if they appreciate her learning so much about who they are, but none of them said anything. So instead of fretting, she resolves to keep their issues to herself as well.
Now that everyone is winding down, she wonders what to do next. Perhaps she should talk to someone?
Mami and Homura are finishing up the training plans. Kyoko oversees Yuma testing her new toys. Sayaka sits with Madoka now, watching over her friend. The pinkette's shadow tilts its head at them for some reason. Meanwhile, Elsa Maria oversees the room with unusual attention.
[] Join Kyoko and Yuma
weight: x1
[] Talk to Mami and Homura
weight: x1
[] Check on Madoka and Sayaka
weight: x1
[] Approach Elsa Maria
weight: x1
[] write-in
Alone with her thoughts, Ai keeps debating back and forth. They need everything they can get, but the risks are substantial. She does not want to hurt her friends any more. But in the end, they will get hurt regardless.
"Okay."
Her quiet answer is heard; the room quiets down. All eyes turn Ai's way, who glares at her lap. "I don't like it. This can go so wrong. But we need to know if it can be used against Walpurgis. So I'll try to synchronise with you. All of you." Madoka perks up while Homura becomes notably more grim. Ai immediately addresses the pinkette: "If even just one of the Magical Girls can't take it physically, you don't get a turn. We're not taking that kind of risk."
Madoka flinches back in surprise before sheepishly playing with her skirt. "O-Okay."
That done, Ai turns to the rest of the group. "We will go somewhere quiet, where whatever may happen won't be noticed. Sayaka, I want you ready in case someone's body gives out. Mami, you will restrain anyone who loses control. I don't expect the Queen to come back, but just in case she does...."
She does not finish the sentence, but there is no need. Firm nods come from the other girls. Then Yuma hops up. "I can go first, I'm immune to E.G.O.!"
"No," Kyoko interjects. "You won't. I'll go first." She stands as well and meets Ai's gaze. "If anything goes wrong, I'll take it the best." The Abnormality nods back and her friend smirks. "Anyway, let's get out of town for this. Don't wanna tip anyone off."
An impromptu expedition over the rooftops soon has them leave Mitakihara; a dirt road leads into the countryside and a small woodland, where Sayaka takes over. "We used to hunt bugs out here!" she explains cheerfully. Madoka grimaces in remembrance, far less excited about the prospect. Ai does not mind the various critters and Yuma cheerfully runs around. Mami is uncomfortable, though she makes a valiant attempt to mask her feelings.
Once they found a clearing in the woods to set up shop, the girls get to work. A nearby log is carried over by Sayaka and Kyoko while Homura provides refreshments from her buckler. Next, Mami and Sayaka take position nearby; they stand on opposite sides so as to not hinder the other. Madoka, Homura, and Yuma all settle on the log while Ai faces Kyoko.
"Are you ready?" The blunette asks quietly. All she receives is a firm nod. "Alright. Here I go."
Ai approaches Kyoko slowly and, after one last moment of hesitation, wraps her arms around her. The redhead stands befuddled as she is embraced. Nothing happens for a moment while Ai reaches deeper into herself. Kyoko's soul resonates with her body from up close, a font of power. She aligns and pushes herself forward. Slowly, Ai's body starts to lose coherence; the gasps from their observers are ignored as both girls begin to glow.
Kyoko belatedly wraps her arms around Ai; foreign emotions assault her mind. Trepidation and fear pulse the strongest, followed by anticipation and hope. Her own feelings open to Ai in turn. Determination, guilt, and hope echo along. They cascade into a pool belonging to both. Ai fully dissolves into Kyoko, whose hair gains a purple tint; her robe turns from crimson to pink, skirt from pink to light blue. Her eyes gleam amber. And within her crimson Soul Gem gleams a pink heart that devours the taint.
Kyoko Sakura takes a shuddering breath. Upon her every thought rides another. Emotions not her own make her legs shake; the redhead's guilt is reflected back magnified by an order of magnitude. But so is her hope.
"How are you feeling?" Mami inquires after a minute. The radiant figure turns her way, slowly clenching both hands into fists. Everyone waits in worried anticipation while Kyoko works out her body. The grass beneath her feet sprouts higher at a rapid pace; flowers bloom and wind around her legs.
Then Kyoko begins to float away from the greenery. She flies around before ultimately taking a seat in mid-air. "Weird," she says. An echo of Ai's voice follows her own. "Super weird. She's in my head, she hears what I'm thinking. I think. And I can hear what she thinks?" She blinks once, twice, and her voice changes. Now it is Ai's, with an echo of Kyoko's: "I am keeping us as equals. But yes, this is super weird. At least her body can take it?"
She grasps a spear and staff from nowhere. Stars shine around Kyoko as she flutters around the clearing. Gleaming spheres float on their own paths before combining into one that the polearm pierces through. Kyoko runs through a number of exercises and suplexes a boulder, just because she can. The whomp of its impact draws a laugh out of her. "I'm even stronger than-"
At which point she bends forward and coughs up blood. Ai immediately flows out of her, reforming nearby; Sayaka is already on the case and heals Kyoko. Homura holds up a stopwatch she brought out earlier. "Seven minutes and twenty-two seconds," she declares. Kyoko gives an absent thumbs-up while Yuma and Sayaka fuss over her.
Ai pants also. Beads of sweat line her forehead. She did not expect it to be so taxing; just keeping herself in equilibrium with her host was an almost insurmountable task. Kyoko's state of mind is similar to her own, but sometimes a stronger wave of feelings almost upset their balance. Be it Ai about to dominate her friend or vice versa, she did not want either.
"It works," she finally murmurs. Madoka comes to wipe off her sweat with a handkerchief, earning a grateful smile. "Give me five to recover, then I'm doing Homura."
"How does it feel like for you?" the pinkette asks after nodding.
Her question gives Ai pause; how does she explain a disembodied state of being to someone who always had a fully physical body? How could Madoka understand being adrift amidst a stream of conciousness? To be a passenger in another's body, essence tied with theirs? She can not, so Ai merely shrugs. "I have no idea how to put it into words. I don't think a human could understand. But like I said earlier, it's super weird."
Homura approaches them as well. "Is it different from when you were synchronised with Roland?"
This draws a pained grimace from Ai. "Very different. But I'm a different person, too." She can no longer recall the utter loathing Roland held for the world and himself, at least not vividly. Only a faint impression still remains. "Back then, it was him in total control. But the Queen and I whispered over his shoulder, or something like that. It's more involved this time."
She takes another deep breath and straightens up. Then she opens her arms with a goofy grin. "You'll get to find out now. Time for a hug!"
She only knows Homura is embarassed by that last bit because the feeling echoes into their synchronisation. Kyoko's will was strong, but this time Ai is at a loss for words; Homura Akemi's mind resonates with such devotion and love, yet none of it ever shows on her face. The emotion touches a part deep within Ai, the Magical Girl of Love's original self. In the same breath, what was once the Queen of Hatred is drawn in by her friend's utter self-loathing. And even further in, long forgotten and locked away in the deepest recesses of her mind... Ai finds a bottomless pit of despair. She only gives it a peek before slamming the metaphorical door shut; locks of an unbreakable will seal it once again.
The same practice as with Kyoko repeats. Homura only manages five and a half minutes before her body begins to succumb, though. Yet once Ai leaves and her friend was seen to, she studies her clear Soul Gem curiously. Then a blade of purple light projects outward, half a metre long. She stares at it much like everyone else, then her gaze seeks Ai's. "It seems I kept some of your knowledge," she explains. The blade winks out and a thin beam follows; it cuts straight through the boulder Kyoko suplexed earlier. "I never thought I could make anything of this."
She receives some congratulations and encouragement from the others, then it is soon Mami's turn. Upon entering her, Ai quickly finds herself suffocated by loneliness. It weighs down on her like an iron blanket. Even just staying afloat requires great effort. What is more, an avalanche of doubts and worries follows; Ai has to fight yet moderate her strength, lest she suffocate her friend in turn. Mami only lasts a single minute before a splitting migraine takes her down. Her body is perfectly fine, but her mind could not bear the strain.
Impression-wise, Yuma ends up similar to Mami. Afraid of being left alone, yet also overflowing with adoration for the people who made her life better. Her mind is more homely, but carries a sense of dysphoria that revulses Ai. She has to eject herself after about ninety seconds, unable to bear it; even afterward she shudders. But she tells no one why, not even Yuma. The child's mind is too much like hers used to be. It is as if Love and Hatred returned, calling for Ai to come to her senses.
While Yuma sulks, Ai takes tea and a whole box of cookies to recover from her ordeal. This was supposed to be straining on her friends, not on her! Even the practice does not help when her partners keep changing!
Alas, she gave her word and will stay to it. Once she is done eating, Ai approaches her second most risky partner. With Sayaka synchronising, there is no one who can heal in a pinch. Not that her fellow blunette ends up needing the healer; Ai only gets a vague impression of awe, trepidation, and joy. Then the song fills her being. It echoes throughout Sayaka and reverberates into their link. Ai listens, mesmerised by the unforgettable melody. Then she ejects herself, having lasted no more than twenty-two seconds in Sayaka.
"Never again," she heaves, trying to massage the song out of her head. Her abnormal mind slowly buries the melody, much to her relief. "Sorry, Sayaka. I can't stay in there."
"Come on, it's not that bad. And stop laughing!" she shrieks at Kyoko. The redhead only keeps going; she soon has to flee an irate healer, but easily stays ahead of her.
Yuma and Madoka crouch with Ai, who lies on the ground to recover. Mami settled some distance away to nurse her migraine. Meanwhile, Homura is frowning at a sheet of notes. She glances from her stopwatch to the resting Abnormality.
Once Ai is done burying the song under a hundred other considerations, she sits up. Madoka looks at her so hopefully that she can not bear say no. Not after everything worked out. Her friends are all fine. Some of them even turned the tables on her in terms of backlash. "Okay," she simply says. Then she shouts for Sayaka, who bounds back to them. Kyoko follows a moment later.
Leaving Mami in peace, the group prepares for the day's final synchronisation. Madoka fidgets a little, but does not retreat from Ai. If anything, she hugs the magica girl first. Pink sparks fly every which way from where they touch; they grow into actual magical fireworks as Ai begins to align herself with the other girl. Madoka breathes slowly, evenly, and feels something oily flow through her veins. Her heartbeats become rapid, almost thumping out of her chest. Crimson rivulets run down her arms and legs from broken skin, but she remains steady. She listens into herself to find the Abnormality.
For her part, Ai feels at peace. Madoka's mind is gentle. Plagued by self-doubts, but overall kind and sweet. Full of hope for the future. Pure in a way none of the others were. Ai almost wants to lose herself, but remembers not to do so.
Madoka takes a shuddering breath and raises one hand. Ai's staff materialises easily. However, before she can so much as say a single word, it sends a bright beam heavenward. Several metres thick and pink. The power runs through her from top to bottom. A mere moment later, pain explodes across her entire body. The aftershock of channeling such might.
Ai immediately leaves Madoka, who bends over with a wheeze. Bloody tears flow down her cheeks. Her ears and nose leak crimson. She curls up with a pained moan, only for the noise to hitch. Madoka's stomach lurches, then she spews out her lunch. The bile is streaked with discoloured red.
Sayaka is with her sobbing friend in a heartbeat. Homura is even faster. Kyoko and Mami help Ai while Yuma stares at the sky in awe. The clouds up high sport a massive hole.
"Her body can't take the strain for long," Ai finally judges. She kneels next to Madoka and casts some magic of her own; ruined clothes turn pristine once more, vomit and blood cleaned off her skin. The pinkette stares up at her with wide eyes while her friends tend to her; she is not injured anymore, but the pain still echoes. Ai slowly shakes her head. "You have so much power that channeling it will kill you far too soon. You didn't even need to do anything to cast that, right?"
"I, I wanted to?" Madoka whispers hoarsely. Homura presses a glass of water to her lips, steadying the poor girl. She slowly sits up, crestfallen.
Once the glass is gone, Ai cups both her cheeks with a gentle smile. "Listen," she starts, voice soft. "I can't let you fight like this. But we can still use that if all else fails. You have one spell in you. It will hurt, but we can do that much. Okay?"
A final measure, just in case. Madoka nods.
"Okay," Kyoko shatters their moment. Her hair stands on end as if loaded with static. "Let's not have a heart-to-heart right now. We've got to go. All of Japan must've seen the lightshow." Her reminder creates hectic work as everyone gathers their things. Ai quickly cleans up the remaining traces of blood and teleports everyone to the Sakura church.
There is no immediate relief, seeing that Homura, Sayaka, and Mami all stiffen. Their Soul Gems gleam and they whirl around with weapons drawn. Elsa Maria pays them no mind, continuously bent over in prayer. Her dozens of shadowy appendages bob lazily in the breeze.
Sayaka stares at the Witch. "Okay," she ultimately says, "what am I looking at?"
"Ai's latest friend," Kyoko quips. The other blunette averts her gaze in embarassment when everyone looks at her. Thankfully, her friend helps defend the Witch: "She's fine, honestly. Doesn't really do much beside praying." Then she glances at Homura, who studies the shadowy figure intensely. "You've seen her before, miss time traveler?"
"Yes."
Homura does not elaborate. Rather, she settles down on a nearby bench and begins to draw up training plans. Mami leans over its back to assist, though her migraine makes that difficult. Kyoko joins them as well; everyone knows a week is not enough for meaningful progress, but it will be enough for basic teamwork. That will be paramount.
Meanwhile, Madoka sits down quietly to recover. Sayaka strides up to the dais and examines Elsa Maria, who pays her no mind.
And Yuma approaches Ai again. She squirms a little, eyes big and wide. The other magical girl knows exactly what she wants, considering Yuma asks every day Ai comes to visit. She wordlessly offers her staff, which is taken with a cheer. Then however, Yuma stops. She peers down at the staff and back at Ai. Then she returns it, only to bound up toward Elsa Maria.
Ai's befuddled stare follows her ascent. Yuma comes to stand behind the shadow Witch and taps her shoulder. When Elsa Maria turns, Yuma waves; the Witch waves back. She pauses when Yuma's hand enters her chest area, curiously staring down. Ai's eyes widen and Sayaka exclaims, which brings everyone else's attention to Yuma. The younger girl slowly sinks her hand further into Elsa Maria, roots around a bit, and pulls it back out. Liquid shadows cling to the limb, slowly forming into a black hammer. It takes solid form while Yuma presents it proudly. "Tada!"
She then hugs the bemused Elsa Maria and bounds back down to show everyone else. Everyone is confused by the sequence of events, but their younger friend refuses to explain. Her new toy's consistency is like shadow, flowing back and forth. It can adjust its weight at will. It can hit through armour, Yuma explains. She then has Kyoko hold the weapon, whose brows shoot into her hairline. "This is E.G.O.," the redhead declares. "I immediately knew how to use it!"
Ai can do nothing but stare. Not only did Yuma's wish get her immunity to E.G.O. equipment, she can also extract it from Abnormalities. Then she sighs and smiles; what else can she do? The weapon is passed around before finding its way back to Yuma.
Of course she then insists on extracting gear from Ai as well; upon mulling it over, she realises there is no reason not to. She gathered enough Enkephalin to make a full set. The extraction process feels weird, though; having someone root around in Ai's ribcage is alienating. At least there is no blood?
Yuma's new gear comes out as yet another hammer, this one pink. She does not get skirt and vest, but rather a long, pastel dress. Once fully formed, the E.G.O. flows into her own hammer and dress, to be called upon at her wish. She is immediately the envy of Sayaka. Kyoko praises and chides in the same breath.
Meanwhile, Ai has to explain the whole matter to Elsa Maria. Her friend does not mind the process so much as that it was unannounced; Yuma dutifully apologises and promises to ask first the next time.
After that, the group slowly settles down. It was an eventful afternoon. Ai is happy enough with the results of their test; Mami, Sayaka, and Yuma are all unsuitable for synchronisation. Madoka even more so, but she has enough raw power to make do as a last ditch effort. Homura and Kyoko, she can work with. Ai has no idea if they appreciate her learning so much about who they are, but none of them said anything. So instead of fretting, she resolves to keep their issues to herself as well.
Now that everyone is winding down, she wonders what to do next. Perhaps she should talk to someone?
Mami and Homura are finishing up the training plans. Kyoko oversees Yuma testing her new toys. Sayaka sits with Madoka now, watching over her friend. The pinkette's shadow tilts its head at them for some reason. Meanwhile, Elsa Maria oversees the room with unusual attention.
[] Join Kyoko and Yuma
weight: x1
[] Talk to Mami and Homura
weight: x1
[] Check on Madoka and Sayaka
weight: x1
[] Approach Elsa Maria
weight: x1
[] write-in
- Location
- Earth
Not pretty, I will say that.
Man
A Magical Girl that could get equipment/powers from Witches is broken
Yuma is stonk
A Magical Girl that could get equipment/powers from Witches is broken
Yuma is stonk
- Location
- Germany
And thus Kyoko Sakura has become a true hero. That deserves celebrating.
[X] Join Kyoko and Yuma
But yeah, I am curious on what got Elsa Maria's attention, but I have to pick one here and can rarely say no to these two and it seems like there might be some stuff to talk about.
Ah, the woes of being too powerful for your own good. Still, one boss killer laser without the risk of witching out isn't bad. There probably isn't much more she'd contribute to the fight as a magical girl either. On which note, if the synchronisation has Ai destroy the taint of their soul gem, I guess witching out isn't really a concern for all of the girls anymore short of big bursts of despair ala witchbomb. That's a neat little bonus.
So it's hammers all the way down for Yuma. At least she's on brand, even if letting Ai make the E.G.O on her own probably would have added more to her versatility. As is, they kind of strike me less as entirely new weapons and more as special modifiers for her base weapon. At least as long as she doesn't star multi-wielding them, or handing them out to some of the others. Still pretty neat.
P.S. Anime is real.
- Location
- Earth
Even after many years, that line with the boulder may be my favourite one in all of Undertale. It is just so needlessly extra, I had to use it.
How the fuck is Sayaka still functional? Something tells me she's far past the point where normal people decide that the best instrument are those you make with friends.
Yeah, it has always been the problem with Madoka after enough loops; she cannot control her power, so she uses everything in one shot and goes far past her limits, at least this version is not instantly killing her or witching her, making it usable in the direst of circumstances, but we'll have to make sure Sayaka is alive and close if we ever do it.
Surprised Homura didn't look at Sayaka when seeing Elsa Maria, her poker face still is top notch.
Well, it is too bad our ,lord and savior, White night, is not here, her getting it's EGO would've been cool.
The other main thought that came to mind was: "Time for the apocalypse".
"Synchronising with an Abnormality can severely hurt your psyche!"
Yuma and Sayaka:
Meanwhile, Mami's the walking demonstration right now.
Really hope she'll get to encounter Servant of Wrath one day, after reading wonderlab, I can't help but want to see more of her.
[x] Check on Madoka and Sayaka
I want to check Madoka's shadow more than them actually, but it is with them, so...
- Location
- earth
[x] Check on Madoka and Sayaka
