[x] Help talk to Sayaka, send someone else after Mami
-[x] Kyoko
-[x] Yuma
-[x] Kyoko
-[x] Yuma
In the Name of Love and Hatred! [PMMM / LoR]
- Thread starter Naron
- Start date
- Crossover
- Location
- Attached to a wall
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Go talk to Mami, and bring some others to help
-[X] Kyoko
-[X] Yuma
-[X] Kyoko
-[X] Yuma
- Location
- Germany
[X] Go talk to Mami, and bring some others to help
-[x] Kyoko
-[x] Yuma
Hitomi is probably our best bet at handling Sayaka anyway, so I'm relatively fine leaving her. With Mami though, Ai is the one that specifically made a pinky swear about dealing with witches. I'm kind of torn with bringing Kyoko and Yuma along, so I'd probably go with the majority there. Still, the few heart to hearts Ai and Mami did have did pretty much build up to a confrontation about this, so not talking it out now strikes me as a wasted opporturnity.
At least it makes for good drama?
-[x] Kyoko
-[x] Yuma
Hitomi is probably our best bet at handling Sayaka anyway, so I'm relatively fine leaving her. With Mami though, Ai is the one that specifically made a pinky swear about dealing with witches. I'm kind of torn with bringing Kyoko and Yuma along, so I'd probably go with the majority there. Still, the few heart to hearts Ai and Mami did have did pretty much build up to a confrontation about this, so not talking it out now strikes me as a wasted opporturnity.
Progress!
Poor Homura. I still remember the original series when there were like five timelines that flowed into each other and she was still new enough to her whole aloof act that she couldn't anticipate stuff like Mami wrapping her up before the Charlotte fight. It doesn't happen that often that one character needs to carry the cross of a franchise turning into a cash cow that blatantly.
At least it makes for good drama?
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Nottheunmaker
Altman be praised
- Location
- USG Ishimura
My main problem is I just don't see what Ai can say to Sayaka. That this isn't really that much worse then what everyone thought would happen? That at least she's got music now, something else to work on? It all feels limp.I, personally, think that seeing one of her old apprentice that left then returned with her own apprentice is enough and that us coming might distract her from that part, I do think you may be right, so I will have no problems if your vote wins, but I'm keeping mine as is for the moment (and I am not the one you have to convince anyway at this point, since no one voted by names, meaning I can't enact my diabolical plan to change my vote for asking Kyubey at the last second, Muhahahahaha.)
With Mami she has solid ground to approach on. She knows exactly where Mami's coming from, she understand her fears, and she can address them sincerely.
See, Sayaka's upset because she might turn into a monster. Mami is, as far as Ai knows, upset because she's uncertain if any of her friends will stay around and she might also turn into a monster. We've addressed the turning turning into a monster problem as best we're able. Mami's insecurities are something we can still work on.
That's part of why I want to bring Kyoko and Yuma up. Ai has said that of she could return to the library, she's not sure if she would stay here or not. She doesn't want to leave all her new friends, but she misses all her old friends. She uncertain. Kyoko and Yuma though would be happy to stick with her. Even if they sray in Kazamino, they're still close enough to visit. It's something very solid, and that's what Mami needs.
[X] Go talk to Mami, and bring some others to help
-[x] Kyoko
-[x] Yuma
I aggree with Notheunmaker's reasonning but I'm not sure if Naron will accept the write-in.
-[x] Kyoko
-[x] Yuma
I aggree with Notheunmaker's reasonning but I'm not sure if Naron will accept the write-in.
- Location
- Earth
Why would I not? Write-ins are not forbidden on this vote.
Well, she does know what happens if she don't shoot first *tetris theme plays in the background*
Nottheunmaker
Altman be praised
- Location
- USG Ishimura
So why do you want to stay with Sayaka then, if you think Mami will be the problem?
Because I misread it as talking with Mami and leaving Sayaka to other
- Location
- Somewhere!
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Go after Mami, leave Sayaka to the others
They do both need help, although I'm a bit torn on this.
They do both need help, although I'm a bit torn on this.
For the whole 'I wanna be human again' thing, I guess the best bet would be A?
Whether it be Ayin or Angela, they're the ones most likely to come to the solution- if they can be found at all, of course.
Whether it be Ayin or Angela, they're the ones most likely to come to the solution- if they can be found at all, of course.
thelordofmango
may be stupid
- Location
- under a rock
[X] Help talk to Sayaka, send someone else after Mami
-[X] Jester of Nihil
this is objectively the best idea, and nothing will go wrong.
-[X] Jester of Nihil
this is objectively the best idea, and nothing will go wrong.
[X] Help talk to Sayaka, send someone else after Mami
-[X] Jester of Nihil
Jester is a total bro, and should be cherished.
-[X] Jester of Nihil
Jester is a total bro, and should be cherished.
While I have no doubts he wants to help, I think he's more likely to halp than help right now, unfortunately, staring at Mami creepily while staying silent might lead to her getting nervous, for some reason.
- Location
- A Firelit Room | A Silent Forest
I'm just hoping that she isn't gonna start obsessing over dress-up.
We get on the roof:
Ai: *New pendant, get!*
Edit:
Alternatively:
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40. Face the Fear, Build the Future
- Location
- Earth
Go talk to Mami, bring Kyoko and Yuma to help
After a minute or two, Ai decides to act. Leaving Mami to her own devices is just not right. She felt the loneliest of all when synchronised, but that is just it: she is no longer alone. So the foreign magical girl rises. She catches Homura's eye and nods toward Sayaka; the other girl understands. Next Ai taps Kyoko's shoulder and motions to follow, which she repeats with Yuma. Both girls get up and shuffle after her.
"Where are you going?" Sayaka demands as they are halfway out of the room. She is still irate, but also forlorn. Madoka takes her hand, which she pulls away.
Ai offers a reassuring smile. "Checking on Mami," she says. "She shouldn't be alone right now." Kyoko shuffles awkwardly by her side. Ai does not let it bother her. "On that note, please don't bottle it all up. I tried that last week and you know how it ended."
The other blunette winces. While she is distracted, Hitomi whispers something to Homura, who nods and steps out of the room. Hitomi then motions for Ai to go. "Go make sure miss Tomoe is alright," she assures them. "We have things in hand here."
Trusting in her friend, Ai leaves with the other girls in tow. As they climb the stairs, Kyoko speaks up: "I can't help but feel this is my fault, too. If I got my head out of my, err," she throws a glance to Yuma, who pretends not to hear her. "You know, if I'd come around earlier, she might not take it so hard."
"I don't think this could be prevented," Ai muses in response. Then she smiles at the redhead. "Either way, you're making up for it now, aren't you?"
"Guess so." Kyoko huffs and takes the lead as they approach the rooftop exit. Sudden enthusiasm invigorates her. "Alright, let's do this."
Walking outside in an orderly line, the three quickly find Mami; she sits seiza style, back straight. Her head is bent the slightest bit; Ai imagines she is scanning the streets below. The other girl does not react to their arrival at first. An air of desolation surrounds her. Only when three pairs of footsteps approach does she speak: "Did you need something?"
Kyoko rolls her eyes at that. She unceremoniously plops down next to her erstwhile senior. "Yes, we need you to stop running away," she quips. Yuma follows her lead, but emulates Mami's posture instead of crossing her legs like Kyoko does. Ai stops to consider where to sit; she ultimately decides on Mami's other side.
Meanwhile, the blonde has taken to stare flatly at Kyoko. "How do you mean?" she inquires in a mixture of politeness and forced calm. The redhead squirms, prompting Mami's head to turn the other way. After meeting Ai's gaze, she shifts again to look straight ahead instead. "This is a lot to take in, is all." A cloudy Soul Gem is presented, held up for Mami to scrutinise. "That within my soul sleeps a Witch. You may not realise, miss Sakura, but I have tutored dozens of girls over the years. Now I finally know why I never saw them again after sending them on their way."
This time Ai winces as well. Guilt is something she got to know quite personally over the last two weeks.
"I now know that Witches are not necessarily evil," Mami continues idly. "I know they do not need to be malevolent. But I wonder what that actually changes. The vast majority of them remains a malevolent force of some sort or other. The only person who can speak to them is Ai, who may very well return to her Library soon."
Kyoko interjects here: "Hang on, how do you mean? The Library is in another world, how'd Ai get back there?" She looks to the Abnormality, who shrugs.
"Maybe the same way she came here?" Yuma ventures innocently. Then she pushes a little forward so Mami can see her without craning her neck. "Anyway, you're wrong, miss. I can talk to Witches, too."
While both Ai and Mami stare at her, Kyoko rubs her neck awkwardly. "Oh, right. Completely forgot about that. Guess what we figured out?" The other girls level flat stares at her, making the redhead chuckle. "Yeah, uh. Turns out Yuma can somehow talk to Elsa Maria. We tried with Izabel, too. Seems to be a side effect of her wish magic."
Mami's mouth opens, only to close again without a sound. In the awkward silence, Kyoko's embarassment quickly fades. She sighs and leans back a little. "So if you're worried about turning someday, we've got Yuma to look after your Witch. Still sounds weird to say it like this," she admits weakly. "But yeah."
"How can you take this so easily?" Mami inquires softly. She cradles her soul gem, but her knuckles turn white from the force. The crystal seems completely unaffected. "The mere idea I could turn into something that casually kills people is such an awful one."
"You won't."
Yuma hops back up and past Mami. She twirls around and bars the blonde's view forward now, hands pressed to her hips. "Everyone is here, right? It doesn't matter what happens later, right now you are you. Everyone dies one day, becoming a Witch is just like that, right?" Her stern expression melts into a softer one. "I will live as long as I can, and then I will die. And I want you all to be there for it. This is the first time I had other people around me. It makes me... happy." Yuma leaves a long pause there, kneeling in front of the surprised girl. "So please don't talk like that. Everyone is here. Big sis, miss Ai, miss Homura, miss Sayaka. Madoka and miss Shizuki, too."
A single tear runs down Mami's cheek; nobody acknowledges its descent until Yuma wipes it off with her sleeve. Kyoko ruffles her charge's hair before bumping Mami's shoulder. "She's right. And speaking of, I was thinking about using that old church for something new. Make the entire territory neutral ground, where Magical Girls can settle down. With Ai's infinite cleansing, the girls who get sick of fighting can do that safely. But policing a bunch of superpowered brats won't be easy, so I'd like to have you in on that. With Mitakihara and Kazamino merged, that's one big territory."
Yuma cheers while Mami sits dumbfounded. It takes only a moment for her expression to smooth out; lips curl up into a faint smile and she nods. "I would quite like that," she agrees. "It sounds like a wonderful idea, miss Sakura."
"Kyoko."
"Huh?"
The redhead rolls her eyes. "Enough with the last names. You're going to call me Kyoko from now on."
Ai spies a dusting of pink on both girls' cheeks, but has no idea what prompted that. Maybe some cultural matter she has no idea about. Once Mami nodded bashfully, she chimes in with news of her own: "On that note, the Shizukis will probably contact you soon. Reiji says he wants to hire Magical Girls to keep the city Witch free. He probably also wants to get some superpowered enforcers for whatever his Yakuza do, but he won't force that one."
Now all three girls hang on Ai's lips, though Mami is clearly perturbed by the mention of Yakuza. Ai just giggles and shrugs. "It seems times are changing. Oh right, on that note: Elsa Maria should be able to cleanse your Soul Gems. Any Witch, really. I'm the same as them after all. So even if I do have to go back someday, things will work out."
"I see," Mami murmurs into the following silence. "The prospect of payment for something I have taken as a duty for so long is certainly... intriguing. But at the same time, why would you return to that Library? It does not sound like a good place. How would you even return? What would force you to?"
"What she's meaning to say," Kyoko summarises with a laugh, "is if you'd not rather stay here. Would be cool to have you around."
Ai can not help but smile. It feels a little like the conversation she had with Sayaka a few days back. "I thought about it for a while and I still don't know. In the best case for me, I get to go home and come to visit you every day. I have no idea what I'd choose if it came down to it. If I could, I would just take you all along. There is nothing really holding you here, is there? Except each other, I mean."
Yuma and Mami nod thoughtfully, though it is Kyoko who shakes her head. "Nah. Sounds interesting, but I wouldn't go for it. First of all 'cause I'd rather never see the City." Which is more than fair, Ai admits to herself. "Second is that I realised I can do more than I have. There's people here who need help. Hapless girls that get into this mess and have no one to turn to. I wanna give them somewhere to belong." Yuma wordlessly nestles against Kyoko, who wraps an arm around her. The redhead shrugs weakly. "So yeah. If you'd offered this time last month, I would have jumped on it. But now I've got something to achieve here."
Ai has the feeling there is more than Kyoko says. Probably related to making up for her past deeds, like she admitted some time ago. Guilt once again, something all but Yuma share. Ai accepts the unspoken words with a smile and a nod. Mami does, too. "It seems I too am bound here," she adds wrily. Meanwhile, Yuma takes her and Kyoko's hand. Ai beams right back.
"I guess so. Now I need to go back to figuring out what to do. But for now, I know exactly what I want to do." So saying, she explodes forward and bowls everyone else over. Mami squeaks in surprise, sandwiched between Ai and Kyoko. Yuma simply goes along with the surprise hug. Kyoko shakes her head at the whole thing, but lets it happen.
Mami is slowly cheering up. It may take some time until she makes a full recovery, but Ai is confident. Much the same, Hitomi and Madoka talked to Sayaka, who seems a bit more stable when the other group returns. Unfortunately, no one is in much of a state to make plans anymore. Kyoko still insists on the combat practice, mainly so everyone can focus on something unrelated for a while. With Ai present to cleanse Soul Gems, they can cast magic to their heart's content.
The rest of Saturday and all of Sunday pass like this. It is a brittle peace, but it holds. Plans and positions are prepared under Homura's direction and Mami's advice. Grief Seeds are gathered. Ai tries to talk more Witches around, but the three who deign to answer have little interest in coexistence. In the end, they join Homura's collection for now. Due to her time magic, she is designated the main supporting beam of the strategy; moving girls and material in a heartbeat will be important to their victory.
Throughout it all, Ai can not help but feel a sense of trepidation. She talks confidently to reassure everyone else, but worry still creeps into the deepest recesses of her mind. What if it is still not enough? What if they fail? What if they win, but fail in protecting the city? All their ambitions will be crushed. Madoka and Sayaka will become orphans like the rest. Hitomi will die. So will Reiji and Saki. The three unanimously decided not to leave town; they live or die with their clan.
Their determination impresses Ai. Their trust in her and the other magical girls humbles her. She knows she can not fail. She refuses to fail. Her shadow writhes in anticipation; the first time she can truly unleash her full power. It will be necessary.
Monday dawns far too soon. Five more days until Walpurgis arrives. Ai goes through the motions until she receives a message just around noon; its content surprises her, but she agrees nonetheless. And so instead of making for the Sakura church to help rebuild the place some more, she meets Madoka at the mall. Alone.
"This was a surprise," Ai starts once the two sit with their meals. Madoka insisted on treating her after asking for a meeting on short notice. "You could have just asked later, couldn't you?"
The pinkette squirms nervously, glancing this way and that. Ai starts to dig in to give her time; Madoka eats a few fries as well before she speaks. "I could have, but I don't want to worry them. And, well, it is a bit more personal. I'm not sure if Sayaka or Hitomi will like it. Or Homura, at that." That certainly draws Ai's curiousity. She motions for Madoka to continue. The pinkette averts her gaze. "There is something I want to do. I know I am a burden on everyone right now. I can't change it in time for Walpurgis, not without forming the contract with Kyubey. Homura told me what kind of Witch I will turn into." She shivers. "I don't want that."
"You and I together can still make something of your potential," Ai reminds her gently. In turn, Madoka slumps.
"I know. But I always have to depend on someone else to do these things. It may be selfish, but I want to do them on my own. I want to be someone I can be proud of being."
Madoka leaves a long pause and gathers her courage. Ai stops eating in acknowledgement, patiently waiting for the other girl. When Madoka's eyes next open, all the skittishness has fled of her expression. "When this is over, I want to go to the Library. I want to meet Angela and learn how to cast magic on my own. You said she may be able to figure it out, right?" Ai nods and makes to speak, but is cut off when the pinkette forges on: "And I want to learn how to, how to manifest my own E.G.O.!"
She falters halfway through, only to finish the sentence with a second wind of courage. Ai has no idea what to say to that at first. Yuma is the only other person who expressed any interest in proper E.G.O. once Ai mentioned the effort involved. "You know that isn't easy at all, right?" she ventures carefully. To her surpise, Madoka nods.
"I know. I thought about it, but I want it anyway. With all the potential I have, not using it would be wrong. I want to bring it all here and help the Magical Girls that fight on their own. So please, teach me everything you know about E.G.O.. And when the time comes, introduce me to people who can teach me more."
Madoka bows so deep her face almost mashes into the food. Meanwhile, Ai sits frozen in indecision. She knows the bare basics of human E.G.O. and how to achieve it. Assuming she finds a way to return to the Library, should she really allow Madoka to go there? Without knowing if they can return? When even Ai does not know if they still live? At the same time, her pink-haired friend wants it so very much. Always standing at the sidelines while her friends risk their lives must have worn on her.
Amusingly enough, Kyubey was wrong. They said Madoka would never affect the entire world. Yet here she sits, speaking of what must be a globe-spanning revolution. At the same time, Kyubey was right: it is her great potential that brought Madoka on this path; without it, she never would have made such a choice in the end.
Even her shadow seems to lean forward in anticipation of Ai's response.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K18v7pjnk7A
Madoka gained a trait!
The Desire For A Better Tomorrow
[] Accept her wish
weight: x1.5
[] Reject her wish
weight: x0.75
After a minute or two, Ai decides to act. Leaving Mami to her own devices is just not right. She felt the loneliest of all when synchronised, but that is just it: she is no longer alone. So the foreign magical girl rises. She catches Homura's eye and nods toward Sayaka; the other girl understands. Next Ai taps Kyoko's shoulder and motions to follow, which she repeats with Yuma. Both girls get up and shuffle after her.
"Where are you going?" Sayaka demands as they are halfway out of the room. She is still irate, but also forlorn. Madoka takes her hand, which she pulls away.
Ai offers a reassuring smile. "Checking on Mami," she says. "She shouldn't be alone right now." Kyoko shuffles awkwardly by her side. Ai does not let it bother her. "On that note, please don't bottle it all up. I tried that last week and you know how it ended."
The other blunette winces. While she is distracted, Hitomi whispers something to Homura, who nods and steps out of the room. Hitomi then motions for Ai to go. "Go make sure miss Tomoe is alright," she assures them. "We have things in hand here."
Trusting in her friend, Ai leaves with the other girls in tow. As they climb the stairs, Kyoko speaks up: "I can't help but feel this is my fault, too. If I got my head out of my, err," she throws a glance to Yuma, who pretends not to hear her. "You know, if I'd come around earlier, she might not take it so hard."
"I don't think this could be prevented," Ai muses in response. Then she smiles at the redhead. "Either way, you're making up for it now, aren't you?"
"Guess so." Kyoko huffs and takes the lead as they approach the rooftop exit. Sudden enthusiasm invigorates her. "Alright, let's do this."
Walking outside in an orderly line, the three quickly find Mami; she sits seiza style, back straight. Her head is bent the slightest bit; Ai imagines she is scanning the streets below. The other girl does not react to their arrival at first. An air of desolation surrounds her. Only when three pairs of footsteps approach does she speak: "Did you need something?"
Kyoko rolls her eyes at that. She unceremoniously plops down next to her erstwhile senior. "Yes, we need you to stop running away," she quips. Yuma follows her lead, but emulates Mami's posture instead of crossing her legs like Kyoko does. Ai stops to consider where to sit; she ultimately decides on Mami's other side.
Meanwhile, the blonde has taken to stare flatly at Kyoko. "How do you mean?" she inquires in a mixture of politeness and forced calm. The redhead squirms, prompting Mami's head to turn the other way. After meeting Ai's gaze, she shifts again to look straight ahead instead. "This is a lot to take in, is all." A cloudy Soul Gem is presented, held up for Mami to scrutinise. "That within my soul sleeps a Witch. You may not realise, miss Sakura, but I have tutored dozens of girls over the years. Now I finally know why I never saw them again after sending them on their way."
This time Ai winces as well. Guilt is something she got to know quite personally over the last two weeks.
"I now know that Witches are not necessarily evil," Mami continues idly. "I know they do not need to be malevolent. But I wonder what that actually changes. The vast majority of them remains a malevolent force of some sort or other. The only person who can speak to them is Ai, who may very well return to her Library soon."
Kyoko interjects here: "Hang on, how do you mean? The Library is in another world, how'd Ai get back there?" She looks to the Abnormality, who shrugs.
"Maybe the same way she came here?" Yuma ventures innocently. Then she pushes a little forward so Mami can see her without craning her neck. "Anyway, you're wrong, miss. I can talk to Witches, too."
While both Ai and Mami stare at her, Kyoko rubs her neck awkwardly. "Oh, right. Completely forgot about that. Guess what we figured out?" The other girls level flat stares at her, making the redhead chuckle. "Yeah, uh. Turns out Yuma can somehow talk to Elsa Maria. We tried with Izabel, too. Seems to be a side effect of her wish magic."
Mami's mouth opens, only to close again without a sound. In the awkward silence, Kyoko's embarassment quickly fades. She sighs and leans back a little. "So if you're worried about turning someday, we've got Yuma to look after your Witch. Still sounds weird to say it like this," she admits weakly. "But yeah."
"How can you take this so easily?" Mami inquires softly. She cradles her soul gem, but her knuckles turn white from the force. The crystal seems completely unaffected. "The mere idea I could turn into something that casually kills people is such an awful one."
"You won't."
Yuma hops back up and past Mami. She twirls around and bars the blonde's view forward now, hands pressed to her hips. "Everyone is here, right? It doesn't matter what happens later, right now you are you. Everyone dies one day, becoming a Witch is just like that, right?" Her stern expression melts into a softer one. "I will live as long as I can, and then I will die. And I want you all to be there for it. This is the first time I had other people around me. It makes me... happy." Yuma leaves a long pause there, kneeling in front of the surprised girl. "So please don't talk like that. Everyone is here. Big sis, miss Ai, miss Homura, miss Sayaka. Madoka and miss Shizuki, too."
A single tear runs down Mami's cheek; nobody acknowledges its descent until Yuma wipes it off with her sleeve. Kyoko ruffles her charge's hair before bumping Mami's shoulder. "She's right. And speaking of, I was thinking about using that old church for something new. Make the entire territory neutral ground, where Magical Girls can settle down. With Ai's infinite cleansing, the girls who get sick of fighting can do that safely. But policing a bunch of superpowered brats won't be easy, so I'd like to have you in on that. With Mitakihara and Kazamino merged, that's one big territory."
Yuma cheers while Mami sits dumbfounded. It takes only a moment for her expression to smooth out; lips curl up into a faint smile and she nods. "I would quite like that," she agrees. "It sounds like a wonderful idea, miss Sakura."
"Kyoko."
"Huh?"
The redhead rolls her eyes. "Enough with the last names. You're going to call me Kyoko from now on."
Ai spies a dusting of pink on both girls' cheeks, but has no idea what prompted that. Maybe some cultural matter she has no idea about. Once Mami nodded bashfully, she chimes in with news of her own: "On that note, the Shizukis will probably contact you soon. Reiji says he wants to hire Magical Girls to keep the city Witch free. He probably also wants to get some superpowered enforcers for whatever his Yakuza do, but he won't force that one."
Now all three girls hang on Ai's lips, though Mami is clearly perturbed by the mention of Yakuza. Ai just giggles and shrugs. "It seems times are changing. Oh right, on that note: Elsa Maria should be able to cleanse your Soul Gems. Any Witch, really. I'm the same as them after all. So even if I do have to go back someday, things will work out."
"I see," Mami murmurs into the following silence. "The prospect of payment for something I have taken as a duty for so long is certainly... intriguing. But at the same time, why would you return to that Library? It does not sound like a good place. How would you even return? What would force you to?"
"What she's meaning to say," Kyoko summarises with a laugh, "is if you'd not rather stay here. Would be cool to have you around."
Ai can not help but smile. It feels a little like the conversation she had with Sayaka a few days back. "I thought about it for a while and I still don't know. In the best case for me, I get to go home and come to visit you every day. I have no idea what I'd choose if it came down to it. If I could, I would just take you all along. There is nothing really holding you here, is there? Except each other, I mean."
Yuma and Mami nod thoughtfully, though it is Kyoko who shakes her head. "Nah. Sounds interesting, but I wouldn't go for it. First of all 'cause I'd rather never see the City." Which is more than fair, Ai admits to herself. "Second is that I realised I can do more than I have. There's people here who need help. Hapless girls that get into this mess and have no one to turn to. I wanna give them somewhere to belong." Yuma wordlessly nestles against Kyoko, who wraps an arm around her. The redhead shrugs weakly. "So yeah. If you'd offered this time last month, I would have jumped on it. But now I've got something to achieve here."
Ai has the feeling there is more than Kyoko says. Probably related to making up for her past deeds, like she admitted some time ago. Guilt once again, something all but Yuma share. Ai accepts the unspoken words with a smile and a nod. Mami does, too. "It seems I too am bound here," she adds wrily. Meanwhile, Yuma takes her and Kyoko's hand. Ai beams right back.
"I guess so. Now I need to go back to figuring out what to do. But for now, I know exactly what I want to do." So saying, she explodes forward and bowls everyone else over. Mami squeaks in surprise, sandwiched between Ai and Kyoko. Yuma simply goes along with the surprise hug. Kyoko shakes her head at the whole thing, but lets it happen.
Mami is slowly cheering up. It may take some time until she makes a full recovery, but Ai is confident. Much the same, Hitomi and Madoka talked to Sayaka, who seems a bit more stable when the other group returns. Unfortunately, no one is in much of a state to make plans anymore. Kyoko still insists on the combat practice, mainly so everyone can focus on something unrelated for a while. With Ai present to cleanse Soul Gems, they can cast magic to their heart's content.
The rest of Saturday and all of Sunday pass like this. It is a brittle peace, but it holds. Plans and positions are prepared under Homura's direction and Mami's advice. Grief Seeds are gathered. Ai tries to talk more Witches around, but the three who deign to answer have little interest in coexistence. In the end, they join Homura's collection for now. Due to her time magic, she is designated the main supporting beam of the strategy; moving girls and material in a heartbeat will be important to their victory.
Throughout it all, Ai can not help but feel a sense of trepidation. She talks confidently to reassure everyone else, but worry still creeps into the deepest recesses of her mind. What if it is still not enough? What if they fail? What if they win, but fail in protecting the city? All their ambitions will be crushed. Madoka and Sayaka will become orphans like the rest. Hitomi will die. So will Reiji and Saki. The three unanimously decided not to leave town; they live or die with their clan.
Their determination impresses Ai. Their trust in her and the other magical girls humbles her. She knows she can not fail. She refuses to fail. Her shadow writhes in anticipation; the first time she can truly unleash her full power. It will be necessary.
Monday dawns far too soon. Five more days until Walpurgis arrives. Ai goes through the motions until she receives a message just around noon; its content surprises her, but she agrees nonetheless. And so instead of making for the Sakura church to help rebuild the place some more, she meets Madoka at the mall. Alone.
"This was a surprise," Ai starts once the two sit with their meals. Madoka insisted on treating her after asking for a meeting on short notice. "You could have just asked later, couldn't you?"
The pinkette squirms nervously, glancing this way and that. Ai starts to dig in to give her time; Madoka eats a few fries as well before she speaks. "I could have, but I don't want to worry them. And, well, it is a bit more personal. I'm not sure if Sayaka or Hitomi will like it. Or Homura, at that." That certainly draws Ai's curiousity. She motions for Madoka to continue. The pinkette averts her gaze. "There is something I want to do. I know I am a burden on everyone right now. I can't change it in time for Walpurgis, not without forming the contract with Kyubey. Homura told me what kind of Witch I will turn into." She shivers. "I don't want that."
"You and I together can still make something of your potential," Ai reminds her gently. In turn, Madoka slumps.
"I know. But I always have to depend on someone else to do these things. It may be selfish, but I want to do them on my own. I want to be someone I can be proud of being."
Madoka leaves a long pause and gathers her courage. Ai stops eating in acknowledgement, patiently waiting for the other girl. When Madoka's eyes next open, all the skittishness has fled of her expression. "When this is over, I want to go to the Library. I want to meet Angela and learn how to cast magic on my own. You said she may be able to figure it out, right?" Ai nods and makes to speak, but is cut off when the pinkette forges on: "And I want to learn how to, how to manifest my own E.G.O.!"
She falters halfway through, only to finish the sentence with a second wind of courage. Ai has no idea what to say to that at first. Yuma is the only other person who expressed any interest in proper E.G.O. once Ai mentioned the effort involved. "You know that isn't easy at all, right?" she ventures carefully. To her surpise, Madoka nods.
"I know. I thought about it, but I want it anyway. With all the potential I have, not using it would be wrong. I want to bring it all here and help the Magical Girls that fight on their own. So please, teach me everything you know about E.G.O.. And when the time comes, introduce me to people who can teach me more."
Madoka bows so deep her face almost mashes into the food. Meanwhile, Ai sits frozen in indecision. She knows the bare basics of human E.G.O. and how to achieve it. Assuming she finds a way to return to the Library, should she really allow Madoka to go there? Without knowing if they can return? When even Ai does not know if they still live? At the same time, her pink-haired friend wants it so very much. Always standing at the sidelines while her friends risk their lives must have worn on her.
Amusingly enough, Kyubey was wrong. They said Madoka would never affect the entire world. Yet here she sits, speaking of what must be a globe-spanning revolution. At the same time, Kyubey was right: it is her great potential that brought Madoka on this path; without it, she never would have made such a choice in the end.
Even her shadow seems to lean forward in anticipation of Ai's response.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K18v7pjnk7A
Madoka gained a trait!
Madoka has made up her mind. She will always strive to improve the lot of those who suffer. No matter how long it takes, no matter the hardships she will face. It is never wrong to have hope. Even if there were none left, she will simply become hope herself to guide the rest.
[] Accept her wish
weight: x1.5
[] Reject her wish
weight: x0.75