Libra's Lament, a Magical Girl Quest [Complete]

[Naron]

Fort Wayne was what they called it, but Kaede only saw ruins. No fort in sight anywhere, not that she would have cared much.

For all the fun talking to conservative people like this court was, she needed the break; just sitting around in silence for an hour or two, contemplating her choices and decisions. What made it even better was that doing this was helping her task; Sam, Magical Girl Platinum Throne, had frequent trouble with rogue Magical Girls intruding on her territory.

Some, like that weird chick Arbiter Fane living off to the west, were happy just settling down somewhere and being left alone. Some others she could recruit... and then there were a few like the one Kaede herself was here for. The platinum throne had received several notifications about a previously unseen intruder; she wandered the land and spoke to no one, staying to herself but also never taking from anyone. Fair enough, they had thought. One of Sam's retainers went to talk to her... only to get shot at as he neared. It was only a warning shot, but the message was clear.

Then they sent that Gavin person in. Nice fellow, if a bit stiff. Also indestructible by day, and Kaede knew this by heart; she checked with her fists, after all. He lost that spar anyway, though; being indestructible is useless if your opponent can just wait you out.

Or, in this other girl's case, she simply evaded him and ran off at speeds not even their horses could match. So far they refused to bring in lethal force because she had done nothing to them, but she was traveling ever closer to the platinum throne's stronghold, Detroit. The center of Samantha's empire.

So, nice person that she was, Kaede had volunteered to try talking to her... okay, that was a lie. She already assessed all the retainers and found them lacking, none of them particularly interesting as an opponent. The boss girl herself refused to spar with her and she already beat up her brat of a sister after she tried to be condescending once too much.

For Kaede, the funniest part about that afternoon was how Sam actually thanked her in private for disciplining her sister.

All in all, diplomacy was going well... and exactly that bugged her. There was no one here she could hope to actually fight and Kaede was itching for a good fight; she actually had done so for a while now. Her friends had most of the diplomacing down pat, she mostly decided to come along because she was hoping for some trouble she could beat down.

And when the girl came in sight, she could feel her tail starting to wag in excitement.

Maneuvering the battlefield for as long as she did, Transcendent Strength knew exactly how to read an opponent. The one she now saw approaching was... skilled. Very skilled and very dangerous. A thin, muscled frame shrouded by just a tiny sweater. Sharp blue eyes had already spied her, narrowing slightly in response; they were still a hundred metres apart, an open field between them amidst all the ruins. Kaede raised her hand in greeting, spreading steel fingers as far as possible to signal her intentions of not wanting to start a fight before they talked.

Unbeknownst to either of them, Platinum Throne and all of her retainers had gathered nearby to keep an eye on this exchange. With them were the other three envoys, though none of them looked particularly concerned about their leader. Samantha had seen Strength fight, yet she could not understand why those girls were so nonchalant. Her own retainers were always worried when she decided to go into battle herself, even though she came out on top every time.

Perhaps it is because they are all adults.

It was the only explanation she had, seeing that Strength out there never showed much more power than what the young queen herself could bring to bear.

"You really aren't concerned at all?" Her brother Samuel's voice cut through the silence. His question was directed at the three outsiders, whose gazes turned to him for a moment... before going back to the scene far below. The oldest one, Spring's Dream, offered a response while the other two nodded in agreement: "I am one of the Four Seasons, a group that brings the chaos of small natural disasters with every one member. I fought many battles, many monsters, many heroes. Except for one, none were like Strength; if this girl seeks a fight, she will lose."

Down below the steep hills, the two girls had finally reached each other and Kaede appreciatively let her eyes roam for a moment.

Spoiler: Magical Girl ???

Then she forced them back up, ignoring the frivolous amount of exposed belly and legs. A sideway glance went to the large cannon her new acquaintance carried on one shoulder before she spoke, though: "Yo, nice to meet you. Are you around often?"

The other girl did not react to the joke, so Strength dropped her own smirk with a sigh. "Alright, alright."

She did not like the vibes this girl was giving off. If her opponent was scared and hurt like that, fighting them was not as good as it could be. Not that she was not going to fight.

"... why can't you people just leave me alone?"

Kaede blinked a few times while processing the accusation, then pointed one finger over her shoulder. "You mean the middle ages people? I'm not with them, just here to negotiate with them. What brings you here?"

"..."
No response; to make it worse, Kaede could read more than enough out of this girl's body language. She was a formidable fighter without doubt, but the rest of her...

"Look, I mean no harm, but I've got to ask. Those guys aren't that bad and you have been coming right at their home, so of course they get worried if you don't talk to them."
"Their home? ... that way?"

She pointed in the same direction Kaede had indicated before, to which the smaller girl nodded. "Yup, that way. Let me guess, you're going to go elsewhere now?"

"Yes. I don't want anything to do with anyone."
"..."

Now it was for Kaede to sigh; she really wanted to scratch her head right now, but each of her fingers was currently big enough to cover half of it. She heard this kind of thing before and even thought it before. At least she could easily get her to fight and help her at the same time. It just needed the right words. But for now... she needed to stop the other girl from leaving. "No can do."

Her opponent-to-be stopped to turn a glare at the smaller girl, which did little to faze her. If anything, it only made Strength's anticipation rise. "No human can be happy without anyone. We're social creatures by our very nature."

"Our nature brought this fucking war," the taller girl drawled in response. "Leave me-"

(Heartbreaker: +12000 Base Damage, +14 dice = 12,014 Total Damage

Attack negated.
Azure disarmed, counter attack failed)

"-alo-huh?!"
She drew and swung her sword while making her demand, yet the swing was easily redirected, passing by right before the large zipper on Kaede's chest. She immediately turned her wrist for another swing, only to realise the weapon was no longer there. Kaede offered a catlike smirk while waving the weapon with her mechanical tail; it elongated with clacking noises before constricting around the thin, smooth blade. "You know... I like your spirit, but I don't like your words. Refusing to believe things can get better makes it a self-fulfilling prophecy. But whatever, what's your name? I'm Transcendent Strength."

Up top, their observers were stumped as to how this happened; maybe half of them was perceptive enough to even see how fast Strength's tail lashed out to bring the attack off course. What confused the court even more was the fact their unnamed intruder reluctantly shook their guest's hand, her delicate limb vanishing completely within Strength's hand of steel.

"Unwavering Azure," the girl said, giving Kaede another hint to go off of. Fast, comparably strong and with an iron will. That was her impression. She did not even mind the immediate dismissal afterward. "I still disagree with you, though. If you would just let me- Hm?"

Kaede raised one hand with her palm flat and pointed at Azure, a universal gesture to ask for a moment. Then she sighed and gave the girl a flat look. "I will be honest here, we aren't going to agree on this matter, at least not just like that. So I'm going to use one of my big sister's strategies. Step one is punching you in the face, step two is hugging you. So prepare yourself, my dear. Today," the smaller girl closed with a predatory smile, "defeat means friendship."

Her opponent's eyes dilated and she immediately jumped backward, only for a shockwave to follow right after her and rupture the ground where she was landing; Azure twisted her body around to do a flip over the torn earth, but another shockwave messed up her footing. Kaede dropped her captured weapon onto the grass and made to pursue, fists pulling back and snapping forward to produce yet another shockwave. Her opponent only had a gun left, so she must not let her take distance between them.

Jessica's next spin finally allowed her onto yet undisturbed ground and she pushed herself off, away from the nearing juggernaut. Her Rainmaker was directed with one hand and the girl carefully waited for the right moment while taking up speed. When Strength next pulled back her fist to stop her short, the girl smirked and fired. If only she had seen the much more feral smirk directed her way, she might have guessed the second shockwave coming to send bullets flying everywhere.

(Intercept!
Modifier Roll: 59

Rainmaker: +12000 Base Damage, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku = 179,000 Total Damage Attack Negated

Essence of Pain: +33600 Base Damage, +9000 Overwhelm, +42000 Godlike Strength, -20000 Shockwave, -40000 Not Aimed At Target, + 1140 dice = 25,740 Total Damage

25,740 Difference, Essence of Pain wins! Sunder negated because Rainmaker was not hit.

Essence of Pain: +25740 Intercept Damage, +25740 Punch Through, +25740 Queen of the Mighty, +32175 Godlike Strength, +3161 dice = 112,556 Total Damage
Unwavering Azure: +50 Base Resilience, +8 dice = 58 Total Damage Reduction Unstoppable

112,556 Total End Damage
The Insurmountable Gap triggers!

225,112 Total End Damage
I Refuse: Damage Negated

No damage)

A current of air violently made the hail scatter, planting deadly lead into the ground left and right. Jessica did not know what happened next. First she was running, gunning, and trying to get distance... then she was flying, together with pieces of debris thrown into the air by the pure force that impacted the ground. Pain cursed through her body even though magic repelled the shockwave itself; it still thought it was hit when impacing with something like that.

No, that was no actual impact.

The thought wormed its way into her mind while Jessica twisted and aimed her cannon at the -once again- charging girl. As it started to bellow and produce more bullets to fill the air, Jessica wondered how a girl that small could be so terrifying an opponent.

(Modifier Roll: 100 10 due to difficult position

Rainmaker: +12000 Base Damage, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku, +3000 Danmaku = 72,000 Total Damage

Transcendent Strength: +13600 Base Resilience, +200 Saw it Coming, +2720 Speed Gap, +3570 dice = 20,090 Total Damage Reduction

51,910 Total End Damage
Last of the Trinity: 2, no negation
Last of the Trinity (50%): 25,955 Total End Damage

Transcendent Strength Health: 138,600 - 25,955 = 112,645)

It was insane to watch from the outside. Despite having been sent flying, the intruder managed to twist around and lie down a whole volley of steel; the force she shot with was so great her weapon propelled her further into the air and away from her opponent, right into the maze of buildings surrounding them.

Samantha, Platinum Throne, however looked at Transcendent Strength. She knew full well that most of her own would be easily felled by a hail of lead like this one, yet this girl did not even slow down in pursuit. She simply grabbed for the ground and pulled herself forward, after the fleeing Magical Girl, ignoring the faint trail of red splatters following her or the earth she tore with her hands.

While Azure had to jump over buildings and care not to lose her footing, Kaede simply bulldozed through old wood and brittle stone without slowing down. She chose right to wait for her opponent in the middle of a township, making it more difficult for her to build up speed. Although now that she lost her temporarily, Kaede knew she needed to bring out the big guns lest she lose her prey.

"Bullet Hell!"

Her hands clicked as bullets were pushed into place, muzzles opening in each fingertip before a hidden mechanism started to rotate. Nice.

Oh how she loved getting extra ammunition from her magic. Her fingers spread further and she made sure to give a proper response for the tide of steel Azure tried to drown her in before.

(Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, -25500 Widespread Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +592 dice = 153,592 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, -25500 Widespread Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +8421 dice = 161,421 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, -25500 Widespread Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +7283 dice = 160,283 Damage
Echo: 1, No Echo

475,296 Unified Damage, x3 Hail of Lead = 1,425,888 Total Damage

Nearby Town: Blown to pieces

Unwavering Azure: +50 Base Resilience, +103 dice = 153 Total Damage Reduction

1,425,735 Total End Damage
The Insurmountable Gap (x2): 2,851,470 Total End Damage
I Refuse: Damage Negated

No Damage)

Where Azure's shots had been carefully aimed and precise even while she was incompromised, Kaede's were bigger and more brutal than any bullet she could fit into her little toy. She twirled around twice to make sure to hit absolutely everything around, bringing Armageddon over every last building, tree and hill within hundreds of metres easily. Where one bullet punched through them, dozens and hundreds followed to riddle everything but the earth and the heavens with holes.

When the dust settled, her eyes easily found Azure picking herself out of the rubble. The taller girl quickly swerved her head to find Kaede, who waved cheerfully before starting toward her.

Soon the chase got out of Samantha's sight; only one of them managed to follow them further than a kilometre... but even he was too shocked to comment on it much. They had all seen what just happened and the young queen was still too shocked to even be indignant. Something like that, so much power wielded so casually, was enough to end her reign in but one swoop and annihilate near anyone. Strength knew this, even asked whether there was anyone living nearby and only accepting the location after she was told no.

Magical Girl Platinum Throne sat down on the dirty stone without another word, eyes closed and in contemplation. The others left her alone, though their guests exchanged knowing looks.

Jessica ran, but did not dare using her full speed; something kept nagging at the back of her head, a quiet voice asking why she was running; this girl, Strength, she wanted to be friends. One foot pushed down into another trench so she rolled out of it with her remaining momentum, carefully considering another salvo. The first one was basically meaningless, though a moment of focus would be enough to end this.

But... she did not want to end this. Adrenaline pumped through her veins like never before, a heart used to battle beating with newfound intensity. She had fought often since awakening, but never someone like her. Bandits, guards, travelers, so many... and she left alone any that did not mean harm. This one... this one also meant no harm, ultimately.

For some perverse reason, Jessica found herself starting to enjoy this battle against an opponent who could murder her with a casual flick of her wrist. The excitement of the next second, predicting and reacting to Strength's attacks... it was elating.

This tangent cost her, as yet another shockwave impacted the ground and made her stumble to the ground; while falling, Jessica saw how far Strength fell behind by now. She almost shook her off and still, somehow, she felt dread at looking upon how those hands moved.

Then this dread reaffirmed itself because the other girl slowed down; Jessica pulled on her Rainmaker to stop the fall and twist back onto her feet, but she could hear the words being spoken behind her back: "Bullet Hell!"

She heard them before and knew what was coming. Yet she was not at all prepared for it.

(Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +2677 dice = 181,177 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +2573 dice = 181,073 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +6292 dice = 185,192 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +8169 dice = 186,669 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +8296 dice = 186,796 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +191 dice = 178,691 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +1314 dice = 179,814 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +3428 dice = 181,928 Damage
Echo: 2, Echo Activates!

Bullet Hell: +51000 Base Damage, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +12750 Danmaku, +4896 dice = 183,396 Damage
Echo: 1, No Echo

1,644,736 Unified Damage, x3 Hail of Lead = 4,934,208 Total Damage

Unwavering Azure: +50 Base Resilience, +126 dice = 176 Total Damage Reduction

4,934,032 Total End Damage
The Insurmountable Gap (x2): 9,868,064 Total End Damage
I Refuse: Damage Negated

No Damage)

What followed felt as if the world was ending. A terrifying stream of steel that put anything Jessica could ever create to shame; lead impacted her body in a torrent, sending spikes of pain into even the smallest parts of her as she was thrown backward like a doll with its strings cut. Grass, dirt, stone, wood, even the water of a nearby lake was cut away by this merciless hail that propelled her forward.

There was so much steel in the air, it even blotted out the afternoon sun and veiled everything below in darkness for a terrifying moment.

Jessica impacted the ground at meteoric speeds at the wave's head, any attempt to get her legs under her overwhelmed by pain. She even lost her grip on the Rainmaker, her trusted weapon lost somewhere on the way.

As pain threatened to overwhelm her mind and her will began to focus on keeping herself together, Jessica wavered. She wondered just why she even resisted in the first place. The prospect of having a friend again was... nice.

It was at this point that she stopped rolling sideways and came to lie quietly, staring up at the bright blue sky and waiting. Her body soon stopped hurting once it realised there were no wounds despite everything, yet she did not move. It was a first for her; mind and body never disagreed like that even before her transformation... or maybe it was mind and heart?

She only opened her eyes when she heard footsteps and the heavy clicking of machinery, turning them to look at Transcendent Strength. Then however, she saw what lay behind the tiny juggernaut: a trench metres deep and dozens of metres wide, gouged into the earth and vanishing behind the horizon. Strength stood in its center, a pleased smirk on her face.

Both girls pushed themselves up at the same time, though Strength took some extra height to get out of the trench. Jessica quietly took in her ruffled appearance, the now closed wounds where her outfit was torn. "...I give up. You win."

She stood here with no weapons, no damage dealt and no determination to continue this fight. Much to Jessica's confusion however, the smaller girl shook her head. "That's good to hear, but I still need to actually punch you."

Kaede's mirth grew once she saw understanding blossom in Azure's eyes; the other girl immediately became defensive, but relaxed after a moment. Then she sighed and stood straight. "Okay."

Success.

She won again, this time against someone who could have beaten her if she actually wanted to. And to commemorate the occasion, Kaede figured she should not use an ordinary punch. Azure's magic made her shrug off damage at times, no matter how much there was. Which meant it was time to use her trump card again. That was only fair toward a girl that strong. "Alright. Stay still."

Jessica knew something was wrong the moment Strength began to emit steam; her eyes became pools of molten amber, a flame burning from one of them like the power of her own spell did. Each digit on Strength's mechanical hands jerked back and clicked. Then... then the smaller girl offered her a gentle smile that was somehow far more terrifying than anything she showed before.

"One, two, EON CRUSHER!"

And suddenly, Jessica's existence became pain.

(Target is not mortal, Obliterate does not apply.

Spoiler: length

Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage
Eon Crusher: +450000 Base Damage, no dice = 450,000 Damage

20,250,000 Unified Damage
Unwavering Azure: +50 Base Resilience Unstoppable, -66 Smited = 66 Extra Damage

20,250,066 Total End Damage
The Insurmountable Gap (x2): 40,500,132 Total End Damage
I Refuse: Damage negated

No Damage)

It was not one punch, it was dozens. Jessica could feel her magic struggling against the titanic force attempting to break her... no, to evaporate her with every strike. Shockwaves from each swing tore deep gouges into the countryside as they both sailed through the air; one was propelled by force, the other by her magic as the spell kept her in striking range. Each of Strength's swings let loose another miniature storm; small forests, hills, lakes, and ruins alike were erased as they went by until, finally, she landed her last punch and catapulted Jessica into the ground. Her body tore that apart as well and a moment later, the sonic boom reached her ears as sound finally caught up with them.

It took a long time until this pain faded, as if something had tried to rip her apart on a level deeper than ever before. Strength walked up and sat by her side in contemplative silence, though Jessica only took note of her without reacting. For now she just wanted to lie down and get her bearings, then... sleep. The last few months were tiring. It had been about as long since she had an actual conversation, too. It was harder than usual to power through the pain.

"You know... I know your magic did some trickery there, but you're still the first person to ever survive my Eon Crusher. Congratulations."
"...fuck you... too."
"That's the spirit!"

It was so surreal, so unbelievable how this situation had come to be. Jessica's feelings continued to roar around and contradict each other until the only thing left was to laugh. Laugh at the absurdity of it all.

She laughed for a long time before rolling up into a small bundle and falling asleep.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

It was in the middle of night that the two girls returned, both pristine but also with content expressions on their faces; Unwavering Azure immediately detransformed once they entered the city of Detroit, revealing... a malnourished teenager. While Strength sighed, Samantha swallowed her tirade for a minute longer and basically ordered the girl into the dining hall. Then, once she had left, the young queen rounded on her guest with eyes narrowed so far they were barely visible any longer. "Do you have any idea what you did?"

"Um... terraforming?"
"How very funny. How far did your fight go?"

She memorised a map of the area and already dreaded the additional work this would have brought her. Samantha had thought long and hard about how to proceed before realising she was absolutely justified in being indignant. After talking to Spring's Dream in private to make sure she would not insult Strength, there was no holding back now. That resolve was stumped by shock over the response she got, though: "Well, that sign I saw said 'Indianapolis', I think?"

Indianapolis. Abandoned but still useful. Almost two hundred kilometres from Fort Wayne, where they started. How in the world, she wondered, did they fight until over there?

It also meant a lot of work. Rivers they disrupted had to be rerouted, streets and maybe even bridges needed to be (re-)built... but first of all, she had to assess the damages starting tomorrow. Sam could already feel the vein on her forehead throbbing, though that was only a reminder of how she felt right now.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Sun dawned when Kaede finally left the queen's presence. Some repercussions, a lot of lecturing... that was worth it in her opinion. She had a good fight and made a new friend. And, most of all, she managed to save yet another girl.

"I'm surprised that girl is still alive," a high female voice interrupted those thoughts. A little to the side stood Dame Martha, clad in full armour despite the early hour. Platinum Throne's younger sister, the very same brat Kaede beat up just two days ago. "I wouldn't have thought you to be more than a brute."

Kaede wondered if this was supposed to be a compliment, but ultimately did not care much. She just shrugged and rubbed her tired eyes. "Not every fight is fought with your fists. Azure... Jessica would have easily destroyed me in a fair fight with no holds barred, but she wasn't her best yesterday. I got to put some more doubts into her mind beforehand, so she lost to herself first. It was the truth, mind, but this just shows how much power words have over others."

"Well said. My apologies for my previous behaviour."
Strength just offered a weak "heh" in response before wandering past the younger girl and giving her shoulder a friendly clap. "It's fine."

With that, she left the girl to find her new friend.

. . . . . . .
. .
. . . . . . .
The Challenger​

Magical Girl Unwavering Azure

Jessica Burke
a.k.a. Enough Dakka


​

Stats

Health: 6,000
Base Damage: 12,000
Base Resilience: 50
Magic Modifier: 145


Affinity: Will | Skill | Legend

Weapon

Rainmaker
Level 8
Attacks per Turn: 3
Affinities: Will
Ability: Danmaku | Punch-Through


Heartbreaker
Level 29
Attacks per Turn: 6
Affinities: Will | Skill | Legend
Ability: Execute

Spells

True Glory of Blue
Multiply your Base Damage with this Spell's Level
Level: 5
Base Damage: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinities: Will
Ability: Single Turn Effect | Boost-Self | Boost by Level | 5-Turn Cooldown

Abilities

Unending Hail
-When using the Rainmaker, add an additional number of Danmaku ticks equal to a basic attack's modifier roll

I Refuse
My time hasn't come yet.
-Ignore lethal damage once per turn. Ignore Body Damage Modifiers and reset your Health back to its maximum at the beginning of each turn.

Curtain of Steel
-To your ranged attacks, any derivative of Skillful Dodge counts as Skillful Dodge

Avalanche Unbroken
-If an attack of yours gets negated, gain a free attack against the person who did it

Peerless Warrior
-Your ApT can not be lowered by outside effects

It Rains Death
-Can spread any number of Danmaku ticks to different targets

Sprint
Level 14
-Can run at up to 130mph

High-Speed Combat (lvl 2)
Capable of tracking objects moving at up to 180mph

Will given Form
Level 12
-Increases Maximum Health

 

[Naron]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Go on a 'date' with Ming

"You girls really are sweet," Ming offers absentmindedly; her focus is on your hair and Rico's hair and Ana's hair, with three of her braiding while the other two groom Ludger. You giggle a little while working through one Ming's hair, too; she looks a lot like Strength when untransformed, in general that is. Asian.

"You totally are", "Yup", and other confirmations are given while Eva finishes another braid; it is a nice atmosphere here, a little bit outside the city. Cloudy sky offers mild temperatures and a gentle breeze kisses your skin once in a while. When Ming first told you she wanted to spend a day with all of you, you were confused why she might want that or what reason there was for it. Now you realise she was just looking for an excuse to take a day off and relax, or at least guess that this is her reasoning.

You have a picnick basket, a tablecloth, some sweet-smelling flowers, and no less than ten girls sitting around talking; not so much of the latter right now, though. All Mings are focussed on their tasks and you already said everything Eva and Rico could be told in public.

Thinking of Rico, she is incredibly thrilled about this for some reason... scratch that, you just realised she thinks this is a date or something. Your older self almost hums as she asks a question: "Say, I've been wondering. You have been here for a few years, so... how do you not get sunburned, or at least tanned?"

You risk a few gazes in Ming's direction to check, noticing how Ana does the same and finding that Rico is right; Ming is not tanned or anything. Not particularly pale from sitting indoors all day, but her skin is still a creamy white. Which it should not be with the sun being this merciless here.

For some reason however, the question leads to a collective chuckle before two Ming's start talking at once, "That's-" "Actually-", before the second one stops and lets the first speak: "It's a neat little thing that only needs a bit of care. See, I usually go out transformed, but I always keep the same me back here in the temple for administration. Then, when another comes back, I merge that one into the me here before making a new one." "Which means," another takes over as she pauses for air, "that most of the exposure I get to sunlight vanishes. Some stays behind from merging together, but that just makes my skin look healthy instead of pale like a ghost. I'm not detransforming all that often, anyway."

You listen intently while wondering how it must feel like once again. Ming can create up to four more instances of herself as a person, but they are not linked together. "So does that get rid of sunburns and stuff, too?," Rico interrupts your thoughts rather quickly. Her curiousity goes for near-everything magical, though; so far she asked about Ludger, about Ana, about Ming and Fate, basically everyone you have on hand. This is her first actual exposure to magic not her own with how wonky her memories are, so you can kind of understand her. Plus, she seems to have fun chatting with Ming.

You gently finish off another braid and slightly brush over your finished work; it looks a little bit sloppy, but is ultimately okay. Eva is not much behind you and all Mings are keeping up just fine, too. Ludger pants from their ministrations, happily lying flat on the ground and wagging his tail.

"I was thinking," the one braiding your hair starts after finishing, "how exactly is our alliance going to work? I know we will stay in contact, but what exactly am I to do later?"

You turn around with a slight shrug and motion for the older girl to do so, too; now it is her turn to get braided. "I'm not entirely sure, but I think what big sister wants is the knowledge that you won't backstab efforts for peace later on. I know you won't," you immediately cut off her indignant response, reducing it to a huff, "but we had to make sure. This is too important to take risks like that, no matter how small. I'm sure Bianca wants to reconnect what is left of humanity, so the people here need someone who can represent them toward the other remaining nations."

Ming hums in thought, letting you work on another tuft of ebony hair as she thinks.

You spend a whole day like this, relaxing and chatting. It is actually sad how fast it goes by.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Spoiler: Unbalanced Reflection

[DISBELIEF/ASSAULT/MORTALITY]
I can't believe a mortal slapped me!

[CALM/NOTHING/UNDERSTANDING]
[CURIOUSITY/POSSIBILITY]
Please calm down, Void. I know it's infuriating, but she had a good reason.
I am more interested in how she did it, though.

[AGREEMENT/CALM/LOVE]
So am I, but you should let it slide, my dear.

[UNDERSTANDING/LOVE/REALITY]
You're right, Cosmos.​

You have the distant feeling you should apologise to someone for something, but no idea who or what for. The feeling is washed away moments later and you finally crack open your eyes; one throat is sore, both of you are basked in sweat... it really is too warm here. Ana seems to take the heat a little better, or at least it does not seem to bother her all that much; she is curled up between you, breathing faintly with her nose in the pillow.

How can anyone sleep on their belly? Or, looking at Rico and Eva you wonder, why would you ever want to stop sharing a bed like this? Those two have separate beds, with Eva getting up and rubbing her eyes as you watch. Rico slumbers peacefully, though.

"Good Morning!"
""Good Morning!""

It is almost a chorus as you greet each other cheerfully, though the sleepyheads grumble in response. Ana's eyes blink open a moment later and she stretches with a light groan. "Ugh, I want my bed."

There is a collective giggle before you pat her head a few times, much to her annoyance. "Good thing we're going home today, right?"

Your sister nods quietly and crawls out of bed to get her comb, followed by you; Eva gets up but stays with Rico to wake her. You completely forgot how much of a task that used to be, good thing this is no longer a problem for you. At least... some part of you is glad about that, disregarding the fact you still need to force yourself out of bed some days. Napping is always tempting, too.

You are already halfway through washing up and making yourself presentable when your older sisters wander in, both in borrowed clothes and obviously uncaring for the fact they are halfway nude. Eva slaps herself with a few handfuls of water while Rico just grabs for the brush you hold out to her, grumbling a greeting before ignoring you and your giggles.

"Were you... uh... was Rico always like that?," Ana whispers when she thinks no one but you can hear her, to which you nod. "Whoa, I had no idea. You were always... uh... pristine at school."

That is true; you tried to keep up a good image of yourself, so you stood up early enough to not be groggy in school. Right now you shrug, though; it is ultimately not important. "Bianca always put so much effort into it, so I wanted to do it, too. Being drowsy and mopey is for when you're at home."

"Huh..."

She keeps quiet to think over that for a while, which you use to finish getting dressed and bringing out your older selves' clothes. Chi will be so confused when you visit her for their outfits, the mental image alone amuses you already. Ana just throws you a sideway glance, but keeps quiet over the surge of mirth; she is still pondering, the completion of her morning ablutions being done without much care or thought.

Two of Ming are already waiting for you in front of the temple after breakfast; they wear matching smiles and offer kind greetings, though one of them looks a little more tense. "It is good to have you here now; are your preparations complete?"

You pause for a moment, going back through what you did the previous evening.
Packed our bags, check. Fed Ludger, check. Walked Ludger, check. Called Bianca, check. Said goodbye... uh...

You blink as your ears begin to heat up. You packed up and called ahead, but completely forgot to say goodbye to Heaven and Fate. "More or less, yes. I, uh..." "Forgot to talk to us?," an amused voice cuts in. You turn around with growing embarassment but also relief, taking in the resident Magical Girls... and one more.

Spoiler: Magical Girl ???

She feels odd to look at, slightly off in a familiar way. You can not put your finger on what is wrong, though. If Strength's wardrobe is anything to go by, this girl's clothes are asian; her face is completely pristine and unblemished, much unlike you who is hiding a mosquito-bite under her hair.

After taking in her initial appearance, you quickly shake off the bewilderment and greet the older girls with a happy slash embarassed wave. "Yes, pretty much." "Hey there."

Heaven's expression does not change in the slightest, though. "Not that it matters, we were out of dodge to coordinate with the other realms. Which brings us to her," she notes with a gesture to the new girl. "Fairy Knight is the only Magical Girl in her place and thus can't send an envoy, but Stygian Sovereign insisted on sending one of her girls for her grace's entourage."

As if on cue, the new girl introduces herself with a too-fluid bow. "A pleasure to meet you, I am Chitin Star."

You blink in response while she goes on to show a deeper bow to Ming, who seems faintly amused by the whole thing. You in turn are confused, mostly because you have no idea what your friend needs an entourage for. Meanwhile Heaven grows pale, with her eyes glued to Rico... who blows her a kiss once she notices, though it does not prompt a reaction. At least that gives you some time to make sense of what is going on, though Chitin Star already gave you a big hint for what is with her, namely her name.

"Wait, you mean you're coming with us?", Ana interrupts the chatter with curiousity surging through the link; you finally understand as well and throw Ming a hopeful look. She is a nice girl and you would like to have her around some more.

Her response makes you beam collectively: "I have five of me to run all of this, so I can spare one body to come along and see things for myself."

""Yay!""
Throwing professionalism out the window, you squeal and tacklehug her. ""That's great!""

Styx' girl is indignant somewhere behind you, but the girl you are hugging only squeezes back and slowly floats upward to get out of the dirt. "I am looking forward to meeting all the people you told me about."

"Same here," Rico chimes in before her hands gently pull you off the older girl. Ana's sight shows that Heaven went over to gaping at Eva by now, though your sister is already next to her; once she snaps out of her stupor, Ana will ask her not to tell anyone what she saw.

Now you have to deal with Chitin Star, though. She still looks a little indignant, but mellowed out once she realised Ming is not angry. You offer her another smile and hold out a hand to shake. "Nice to meet you, miss. Do you have any problems with spiders?"

She stops dead in the middle of grasping your hand, eyes focussed on you with yet unseen intensity. "W-What do you mean?," she asks, though her words betray that she knows exactly what you mean. Ming notices the shift as well and so does Fate, but you quickly distract them with your response: "Our seamstress back at home is Magical Girl Chitin Dancer, so you're probably sharing a theme. She's got tons of spiders running around everywhere and I'm sure she will want to meet you if you come, so-"

You continue chattering a little bit about the spiders while suppressing a shudder at the topic, noting how the other girl relaxes. She understood the message, that you have an idea what is going on with her; everyone else seems to have bought your distraction and does not seem to mind your conversation. Star shakes your hand in the end, a sense of interest notable in her gaze. "I'm fine with spiders as long as they don't try to eat my own crawlies... and I'm kind of curious what this girl is like."

"You will like her, I promise."

After that, you hug Fate goodbye and shake hands with Heaven, hoping to see them again in the future. If this journey taught you anything, it is that this world is a big place and nothing is for certain.

And then the atmosphere changes when, instead of the Autumn you expected, Bianca arrives right above the shrine. Her presence only presses down on everyone for a moment, but you can see them all go stiff and stare in fright at your big sister, whose gaze carefully wanders over everyone gathered. The only one unpertubed is Ming, who gently rises upward to meet her. "I take it you will be transporting us? Thank you for your hard work, I appreciate it."

She fearlessly holds out a hand, acting as if the fearsome presence was not there in the first place. Bianca is your beloved big sister and even you can not shake the fear entirely, which makes you wonder how she does it.

"Do not mention it," she finally responds with a gruff voice while shaking the offered hand. "I brought them all here, I am bringing them back. Now..."

She pauses when her gaze drops from Ming and to you below, staying fixed on Eva and Rico who are still frozen in place at her sight. Fate started to hide behind your backs by now, but even she is watching as Bianca lowers herself to the ground and gently puts down her waraxe. Her eyes never leave your older selves, so you quietly interject and reluctantly tap her armoured shoulder; fearsome red orbs snap to you, making it oh so tempting to flinch away. But you know what that kind of reaction would do to your sister, so you crush all instincts and pull up a little so you can whisper into her ear: "Long story short, uh... we kind of crashed reality and kept those two from vanishing again. They are exactly what they look like."

Your sister's eyes narrow for a moment, the image more terrifying than it ever was in her normal form. Then she relaxes her features and ruffles your own blue hair. "I see; we will talk about it later. Everyone to me."

There is some hesitation with Chitin Star and your older selves, but ultimately everyone gathers around Bianca. The Ming coming with waves at the one staying behind and then you are gone, moving as fast as Bianca can possibly speak the words.

Whether it was the rapid transit or something else, you feel the familiar heaviness settling in your bones. Colours become dull and tiredness overcomes your mind; Bianca's eyes are on you immediately, for some reason you suspect she knows what is happening. Not that you could stop it even if you knew.

---

Operation Godspeed - Mission Report

People Dead: 0
Magical Girls Dead: 0

Magical Girl Forsaken God: Allied
Magical Girl Fairy Knight: Allied
Magical Girl Stygian Sovereign: Allied


Magical Girl Primordial Sun: Unscathed
Magical Girl Primordial Moon: Unscathed
Magical Girl World Eater: Unscathed
Ludger: Unscathed

Magical Girl Benign Rogue: Alive and real
Magical Girl Benign Guardian: Alive and real​

​

"Do you see it now, Gaia? Conflict is our nature because of you. Conflict has brought us as far as it has. But conflict also now brought us to the brink of annihilation, your plan of thousands of years compromised by a handful of bad decisions. How did you not see it ahead of time despite your omniscience to everything on your surface?

Take it as a lesson, yes? Conflict is a wonderful tool for you if applied properly, but taking too many risks with it can burn everything.
...
No matter. We have a lot of work to do piecing this mess back together."

-Magical Girl Primeval Earth​

Mission Rating: Outstanding

=====​

"Pris? What's -|- on?"
"She can't respond right now, show me to her room."
"Is it -|- -|- again?"
"I will explain later."


+4xp A Relaxing Day
+10xp Met Chitin Star
+500xp Completed Operation Godspeed

EXP gained: 514 + 514 + 514 = 1,542

Total EXP: 3,874

Is this ever going to stop feeling so weird? You can feel yourself being carried.
​

=====​

​

(Unlocked Level 1 Character Sheet: Magical Girl Chitin Star)

"Here, lie down and rest."
You do as told, the voice and your remaining vision vanishing before you even hit the ground pillow.

. . .
?
. . .
.....


.....


The reflection gains balance​

 

[Naron]

War and Peace.
Light and Darkness.
Life and Death.
Beginning and End.

Pairs of two; opposites, yet siblings. And just a few of many such pairs.

It had always been that way.

Nonetheless, the existence of a counterpart always meant that neither could stay supreme. Or so was the idea.

There were not many occasions that warranted a direct intervention before and even less where a suiting champion could be found. But that was merely an obstacle to [BALANCE]. It had chosen before and it would choose again.

This time however, the situation was more... difficult than ever before. What the short-lived called the 'Eternal War' had been raging for far too long a time; no eternity, but long enough.

It was time for peace, be it either by crushing both sides, only one, or forcing them to put down their weapons. Yet there was none suitable to the task among the myriad of beings in the local area.

And then, [LUCK] seemed to have favoured its fellow. For while [BALANCE] still pondered who to exalt as its champion, an anomaly began to clear. A space free of magic since long before the problem appeared, dissolving. A divine entity that thrived in this realm.

A new race.

The moment [BALANCE] perceived Gaia and humans for the first time, it knew they were perfect for its plan. A weapon crafted to surpass all other beings on their stage, created by the deity that birthed it and gave it thought. Evolution of Warfare.

And once it noticed strands of [MAGIC] floating into their realm to fill the void left, so did this Concept. Humans were unusual in how they utilised their magic, only the few capable to achieve it. And even less were capable of unleashing the full strength of Gaia's weapon.

It quickly scanned for them, girls that had the qualities to reach this high a station. There were a few it might choose from, but... the most suitable it found were too young. Freshly born, too young to be exalted. But definitely an interesting hint. A pair of two sisters.

And through their blood, [BALANCE] found what it was looking for: genetically connected to the newborns was another one, with the perfect age and potential to achieve greatness. Not as suited as them, but nonetheless one that the Concept pondered before.

Thus, a thread of power weaved forth to instill itself into the girl it had chosen. Pristine white light shone as she transformed... and [BALANCE] knew that it could not give much for now, lest its machinations were discovered too early. Instead of doing so, it gave her the potential to grow faster than any other. Evolution of Warfare indeed, condensed and sped up for this one instance of a weapon that was an entire species. It had some side-effects and Gaia definitely took notice, with one of hers being bound stronger to her than any other. But this one would not speak of it.

Its task done, [BALANCE] ceased its influence and waited. It did not need to wait long.

Within but an infinitesimal amount of time, the Concept's champion had far exceeded all of her peers; she grew strong and brought not a definite end to the 'Eternal' War... but she tipped the scales far enough for it to be resolved soon. She was successful.

Unfortunately, her own race had descended into a tragic comedy of hatred in the meantime. When she returned and Gaia managed to regain control of her failed plan, the two bounded together.

Intrigued, the Concept whispered. Whispered conversation and question to Void, the progenitor that brought so many with her. Beloved of Cosmos, who came into existence for her sake, she was all that was empty, [NOTHING]. Void would know an answer to this Concept's concern, as her predictions were the most accurate.

Seeing the future had always been impossible, even for old Chronos, the guardian of [TIME]. Yet Void managed to accurately calculate future events with but a minimal margin of error. With her assistance, [BALANCE] learned of a future full of additional work. Work brought forth by the death of two.

That, as well as the fact its champion succeeded in her task, made [BALANCE] decide to set its original plan into motion anyway. As a last gesture of aid to this dimensional cluster and all around it, so that Void's prediction shall not come to pass on a miniscule detail.

The two it originally chose were still not old enough, yet [BALANCE] exalted them. One was given access to the power of the star that nourished all life on Gaia with warmth. One was given the power of the loyal body orbiting Earth and protecting it from harm. Neither had ever had thought of its own, so rerouting the dormant power within both to their new hosts was an easy task.

When the time came, those two would awaken and achieve their destiny. And in time, it knew, they would surpass even their sibling.

Ultimate equality gained from being different, the scales tipped and realigned as was favourable to regain equilibrium. That was what [BALANCE] always was.

How ironic that, in order to enforce its rule, the Concept had to break it first.

---

+250xp What May Have Been, What Will Be (Only Pris)

EXP gained: 250 + 250 + 0 = 500

Total EXP: 4,374​

 

[Naron]

.....​

.....​

.....​

The reflection lost its balance​

​

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Things begin to make sense by the time your eyes open once again. You blink up at the ceiling before looking down, finding all four of your sisters gathered in front of your bed. They sit in a closed circle though, quietly talking to each other about what happened in Africa. So you let them finish explaining before poking Ana, whose head snaps around the moment you do. "She's awake!"

All of them turn almost as one, giving you a very weird show of three almost identical Vescovis moving in synch. Is that how you appear from the outside when you have to focus?

Bianca is with you first, leaning over the bed to check your temperature; her hand rests on your foreheads a little longer than necessary, a little hint to how worried she was. Eva and Rico hover to her left and right while Ana scurried over to the bed's other side to make sure you are alright. The sight makes you grin and the fact you have so much family now floods you with joy. It is a family of misfits by now, but you love it anyway.

""I'm okay. I hope you don't mind that I'm adopting more girls, Bianca?""

You are only half serious; it is doubtful that she would mind, but the atmosphere is a little too tense for your liking. The question makes Rico giggle and Bianca grin, though Ana just sighs and slumps forward a little bit to grab your hand and squeeze. "Could you please stop suddenly passing out like that? I was worried."

""As were we,"" Eva and Rico add with their own synchronised tone, a mixture of mirth and concern in their voices, though they still step aside to let you get up and sit. Bianca takes a seat next to you before motioning for the others to sit on the other bed opposite to you. Weird, no Julia?

"What did you dream of?"
"Huh... uh... You, I think. And a...a Concept?" "And myself? And Gaia? It was all weird and hard to explain."
"...you know," Ana interrupts thoughtfully before Bianca can say any more, "you make it sound as if you knew what's going on. Do you... big sister?"

There was a notable pause before the last part, she is still working on it. Bianca for her part throws around another measuring glance before sighing heavily. "Yes. This probably was your final dream, if it was the same I saw back in the day. Each Affinity imaginable is based on a Concept that exists beyond our understanding. If you managed to kill that Concept, whatever it embodies ceases to exist. Kill Death and nothing can die anymore, for example."

"Uh..."

"Shush," she shoos Rico, who looks faintly unhappy about it but keeps listening anyway: "Priscilla and I both have Balance-Affinities, based on one of the biggest meddlers in mortal affairs you can imagine. Most Concepts really don't care or can't even perceive something as small as us... or our solar system. Balance is different, though it mostly cares about reaffirming itself. That is why it sometimes adds itself to a being and leads them to do whatever it is supposed to do. In my case, it was to end the war rampaging through the Local Dimensional Cluster, in yours... I have no idea. There shouldn't have been any need for doing this to you."

This might have been more words in one go than you ever heard from Bianca, and they make your head hurt from trying to follow. Some you already knew, but the implications...

"I guess that makes sense," Rico allows. Eva takes over when her twin does not elaborate: "We, uh... remember that there was something at work, but not what or why. It's-" ""You would have died."" "-what?"

Eyes turn back to you, so you try your best to meet their gazes and explain: "What I saw and felt and thought... there was something about you and me. You would have died is what it saw, probably before ever getting as strong as you are now. So it turned you into me to prevent that."

There is a heavy silence after that, though you already figured something like that. All of you did ever since you found out this is not how you were originally.

"Hm... our growth is remarkable in that it starts out the slowest, but grows faster and faster. With what those two told me," Bianca explains with a motion for the twins, "they would have been strong already upon awakening. Had I not turned the UES around by that point, they would have hunted you much more vigorously than they ended up doing."

Your oldest sister sighs again and lowers her head while you quietly agree; the only reason you got out of all this alive was luck and the fact Julia ignored you for being not much of a threat at the time. Rico and Eva can not fly either, so they could not have run away as fast as you ended up doing once you met Igni... speaking of... "where is Ming?"

"We left her with Autumn to make introductions," Ana provides in an instant. The others need a moment longer to the sudden change in topic, though no one tries to go back to it; this is really not something you want to linger longer than necessary. Now all of you know and that is enough. With Ming accounted for, that left... "How late is it? And where is Julia?"

Bianca is the first to respond now, providing information with her usual stoicism back in place: "Afternoon, you missed lunch. Julia was understanding of giving the family some time in here and left; I think she said something about visiting Patricia, that is Unyielding Paladin."

"Oh, I see."
You are not particularly hungry right now, so it is fine. Your sister's dark expression tells you there is still something to talk about, though. How did you not notice the slight frown before? "What else do you need, Bianca?"

She hesitates for a long moment, fist clenching and relaxing a few times before she speaks; everyone else keeps to the side for now and her eyes are on you alone. "You can revive the dead?"

"...yes. But I need a part of the person and a full week to recharge and can't use any spells during that time."
"I see."

She stays contemplative and you can tell she does not like the topic at all. Just like you thought, this is a difficult and problematic thing. Rico interjects herself into the conversation here, leaning over your shoulder from behind to look at your sister. "Is this the spiel about never telling anyone they, uh, she can do that?"

"Yes and no. I think we all know the reasons for keeping this particular capability to ourselves. No, rather... I have something selfish to ask of you, Pris."

Those words make you perk up in realisation. Bianca needs you for something right now, which she can not do herself. It makes some sense to be reluctant to ask, but you love her and will never hesitate if she asks for something. "Who do you want revived?"

Whether she expected you to be that straight-forward or not, Bianca smiles with a weak "Heh" before gently taking one of your hands. "Thank you. I will need some time to get the remains, you just need to be available once your week is up."

""'Kay.""

You do not want to ask who it is again, seeing that she did not tell you the first time. No one else asks, either. Bianca probably knows you know, but it is better not to be addressed.

You talk a little longer, but your oldest sister soon has to leave and get back to work. She leaves the city from within your room.

Then Ana shoos Eva and Rico out of the room to get to Chi's place for clothes, leaving you by yourself and wondering what to do.

---

An afternoon and evening to spend, what to do? Choose two:

[] Go find Julia and do something with her

[] Visit Flower's 'Kaiju-pen' and say hello to her beasties

[] Soul and Truth have to be somewhere and you are back, time to track them down

[] Spend some time with Judge and whatever she ended up doing

[] Iron, Mirror, and Igni ought to be around here, it would be nice to tell them Fate is well


[] EXP-Plan
-[] Write-in what to buy
-[] Save it

=====​

+5xp Stories of Balance

EXP gained: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15

Total EXP: 4,389​

 

[Naron]

Now that you saw its perspective properly, have a sheet.

BALANCE

When Cosmos came into existence for Void, she became a counterweight to the vast emptiness of all that is. [BALANCE] was born alongside so many others as a side effect of her love, the beginning of all Existence.

It was not first, but it shall be last to pass when all returns to being [ ].​

Stats

Health: 111,111,000,000,111,111
Base Damage: Enemy Base Damage + Enemy Magic Modifier
Base Resilience: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A



Affinity: Infinity | Curiousity | Responsibility | Harmony | Analysis | Change | Manipulation | Chaos | Order | Courage | Will | Nurture | Divinity

Weapon

Libra
Level N/A
Attacks Per Turn: 1
Affinity: Change | Manipulation | Harmony
Ability: Scale To Target | Auto-Counter

Spells

Scale Overturn
Level 5,555
Base Damage: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinity: Analysis | Manipulation | Chaos | Change
Ability: Ability Negation

Ability

Abstract Vision
-[BALANCE] can perceive existence by accessing any other existing entity's senses without their notice and without negative consequences.

Reversed Offset
-Whenever an attack hits [BALANCE], the attacker receives the same Final End Damage and all additional effects.

Harmony
-[BALANCE] can interact with any and all beings amicably, capable of instantly changing its behaviour and attitude to be to their liking even without having any knowledge about them.

Tip The Scale
-[BALANCE] is capable of affecting and manipulating lesser beings efficiently and accurately down to and including the mortal level.

Grand Equilibrium
-[BALANCE] cannot be harmed unless the attack is capable of enforcing Permanent Conceptual Change onto Reality itself.

Unbalance Existence
-[BALANCE] is capable of enforcing Permanent Conceptual Change upon Reality.

 

[Naron]

Spell Upgrade

Baleful Eclipse
Level 13 -----> 14 -----> 15
Base Damage: 81,281 -----> 134,113 -----> 221,286
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinity: Sun | Moon | Balance

Ability: Unstoppable | Smite | Non-Lethal | (Synchronize Only)​

Primordial Sun: Spell Upgrade

Scorching Sunlight
Level 14 -----> 15
Base Damage: 327,680 -----> 655,360
Magic Modifier: 335 -----> 360
Affinity: Sun | Balance
Ability: Melt | Armor Removal | Ordnance
Can turn the Melt-effect into Unstoppable (False)

Primordial Moon: Spell Upgrade

Soothing Moonlight
Level 13 -----> 14 -----> 15
Base Damage: 40,939 -----> 73,690 -----> 132,642
Magic Modifier: 435 -----> 470 -----> 505
Affinity: Moon | Balance
Ability: Heal | Status Recovery | Target by Level
Can unify up to 1 threads to heal the same target

---

Spoiler: Winning Votes

[X] Go find Julia and do something with her

[X] Iron, Mirror, and Igni ought to be around here, it would be nice to tell them Fate is well

You quickly decide how to spend your afternoon, and even faster who you will look for first; between Julia and the Yggdrasil-girls, the latter are more difficult to find and thus your priority.

Iron started helping Winter with Kibo's tech-support over the last few weeks; her being a machine works wonders for her capability to write working code. Mirror works the gardens and Igni... took over teaching while Spring is gone. Strength's group is not back just yet either, though you have the suspicion that Igni will keep at it once they are back.

You find the three of them together at a table outside, ignoring the wind in favour of chatting; Igni actually looks alright by now, a sight that immediately calms your concern and makes you consider jumping her. Then calm settles back in and you remember that not everyone likes being touched.

Iron raises her head once you come closer, prompting the other two to follow her gaze and find you waving at them. ""Hey there!""

Hands are raised in response and the Mementos shimmy aside to make room for you, neither of them transformed at the moment but only one of them with a smile. Igni offers a weak smile of her own, which you match easily upon sitting down. "How are you?"

"Same old," "Same old," "Could be better," is what you get in response. Mirror just looks at Igni with a betrayed look, as she was the one who said something different. Her mock-indignation goes ignored, though the sight makes you snort. A few seconds pass like this before the black-haired girl sighs and turns back to you. "Anyway, good to see you back. How was Africa?"

With how Iron flinches almost unnoticeably, you find yourself wondering if talking to those two right now was really the best idea. They were on the way to Africa when Bianca happened to them, after all. There is no going back now, though; you can only go along and hope for the best, so you start explaining what happened, and the people you met.

At some point you pause, though; leaving out your older selves and going around the topic was easy, but there is something else you meant to bring up. "Say, do you remember Hand of Fate?"

All three nod, though you can see they are confused about why you bring it up. As far as they know, Fate is very much dead and buried under New York's rubble. You are quite glad about having a somewhat useful analogy to describe the situation. "Well, uh... you know how Truth can regrow from her slime even if she dies? Fate has something like that, so she got out of New York alive. Kind of... uh..." "each time she is killed, she reincarnates into another girl who then becomes a new Hand of Fate." "She awakened right in front of me, I was really surprised."

You notice their intrigued expressions, though the interest soon fades again; Magical Girls having unusual powers is not really that... unusual anymore for any of those three. It is similar with you, all things considered. All the girls you met have been diverse and interesting, but being super excited about it is starting to lose its novelty to you. Except if it is about Ludger, of course.

"That's good to hear," Igni allows after a while; the Mementos are eyeing her carefully, though she does not show any hints of having noticed. In fact, she just ruffles your hair and gets up. "Anyway, I don't have the time to hear the rest right now, there is still some stuff I have to prepare for tomorrow's lecture. See you around, girls."

"Aww." "See you around!"

One advantage of having two bodies is that you can pout and say goodbye at the same time; Igni waves back at you before vanishing around a corner. However, Mirror sighs once she is out of sight, shaking her head as she gives you an apologeptic look. "Sorry about that, she is... hard to be around these days. Meeting Brave Heart at the training grounds a few days back did definitely not help the matter."

Her admission makes your heart plummet and eyes widen. "They didn't fight, did they?"

That is your first concern, thankfully dissolved immediately by Iron: "There was no fight, neither with their weapons, nor with words. We think that seeing her led to flashbacks, though."

"Oh..."

You can guess that this is not at all good for your friend. Though Mirror just shrugs and gives you a pat on the shoulder. "Not like it's your fault, girl. Don't think about it too much," she offers soothingly before checking her wristwatch and raising an eyebrow. "Huh, time flies. You have to finish the story for me some other time, I have to get back to my work."

"Me too," Iron adds and the two of them get up, as do you. Goodbyes are said and everyone is on their way again.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Julia is easy to find in comparison; she always spends her free time either in your room or on the training grounds. Seeing that she was not with you before, there is only one place for her to be; you are not particularly surprised to be right. Your friend exercises and practices a lot, though there is a certain agitation to her usually calm swings. Her muscles are tense.

""Julia!""

She does not react to your words just like usual, wanting to finish her sequence first. You notice the tension fading from her body, though. It is the most obvious sign of concern you noticed on her so far; Julia keeps her emotions to herself most of the time, so your experience in reading Bianca helps a bit to guess her moods.

Once Julia is done and lowers her sword, you go over to talk to her; knowing your friend, she has not spoken to anyone by herself while you were gone... again. "I'm back!"

"I noticed. Are you alright? How was your journey?"
"I'm fine, don't worry." "Africa was too warm... but the people are nice."

You take her by the shoulders and lead her away from the trainings grounds, conveniently falling back to the story you told the other girls before to pass the time until you reach the dorms. Julia probably noticed what you are doing, but you will just pretend not to know unless she mentions it. She does not complain, which is a good sign. Or so you think, seeing that she uses the moment you are distracted by Ana to chime in: "Actually, there was something I wanted to do today. I had an idea how we could work together and wanted to test it."

Meanwhile, your sisters are busy sorting through the spare clothes Chi has ready just in case; Ana is still reluctant to interact with Eva and Rico, though they have started to slowly warm up to each other. Not that you can keep your attention on what they are doing, though that sundress Rico holds looks cute. Shaking off the distracting thoughts, you throw Julia a curious look and ask what she has in mind. Anything that might make her go around her self-imposed pledge to only start socialising once she made up for her past deeds is good in your books.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

You should have known.

"Are you absolutely sure, little lamb?", Summer asks once more. All of you are transformed, with a small crowd forming around the field already. You even spy Autumn and Winter a little further to the back.

Your friend just challenged Summer's Dream. The girl who probably still outmatches you in regards of spellpower... and versatility, that is for sure.

"Yes, absolutely sure."
"Alright, your funeral. Do those preparations, I don't mind waiting for whatever handicap you need."

Julia nods in thanks before turning to you with a determined expression. "Okay, please use your strongest spells on me."

"..."

You just stare at her, starting to understand what she has in mind. Just... "Um... I didn't get to mention that yet, but I did some things that block my spellcasting for a while. I can't use any spells, so... uh..." "how about you try hitting me instead?," you offer in the end. It is the best you can do and she thankfully moves into an attacking position. The baffled look on her face is a little funny though, you have to admit that.

"Alright, here I go."

Summer stands there with a smug smirk, though it quickly vanishes when you casually flick the sword aside with your scepter.

(Blade of Judgement: +495 Base Damage, Magical Girl Slayer suppressed, +54 dice, +100 Hostile Story Effect Out of Balance = 549 Total Damage

Intercept!

Moonlight Scepter: +116915 Base Damage, +247 Overwhelm, +58457 Superior Discipline, +146143 Godlike Strength, +23383 Speed Gap, +796 dice, +100 Rebalanced Existence = 346,041 Total Damage

345,492 Difference, Moonlight Scepter Wins!

Moonlight Scepter: +345492 Intercept Damage, +172746 Superior Discipline, +431865 Godlike Strength, +922 dice, +100 Rebalanced Existence = 951,125 Total Damage
Brave Heart: +600 Base Resilience, -300 holyshitwtf, +146 dice, +100 Story Existence Out of Balance = 446 Total Damage Reduction

950,679 Total End Damage
Heroes Never Die: Damage Negated

No Damage
Absorbing Aegis total: 950,679)

Even Julia is shocked when your swing sends her flying, the force of your blow shattering the concrete below; she is sent up to the city border's transparent screen, where she bounces back and lands on her feet right next to Summer... who is openly gaping at you.

"That's the best I can do for now, sorry," you note with an apologeptic look while inwardly snickering at the alienation over what just happened. Julia takes a deep breath before getting up and taking a stance, her sword appearing in her hand once more. You can tell she is still shaken by what just happened, but will bring it up later. "I am done. Shall we?"

A shroud of magic washes around your friend now, not as bright as your own but incredibly intense; it runs through your every fibre like static even from twenty metres away, making Summer shudder. You watch how her posture straightens after a moment and she gives her opponent a nod. "Very well. It honours you to not exploit my moment of distraction, but there is no honour on the battlefield. Fallen Ember!"

Julia is moving the moment Summer shouts, but does not manage to reach the older girl before a wave of near-blinding light surges over the battlefield from Summer's scepter.

(Fallen Ember: +34500 Base Damage, +8245 dice, +520 dice, +19208 Spell Boost, +19208 Spell Boost, +19208 Spell Boost, +500 Hostile Legend Effect = 101,389 Damage
Fallen Ember: +34500 Base Damage, +33997 dice, +2201 dice, +11783 Spell Boost, +11783 Spell Boost, +11783 Spell Boost, +500 Hostile Legend Effect = 106,547 Damage

207,936 Total Damage

Brave Heart: +600 713834 Base Resilience, -356617 Unstoppable (False), +102 dice, +100 Story Existence = 357,419 Total Damage Reduction

No Damage)

While everyone else covers their eyes, you can see how the light harmlessly vanishes into Julia's already powerful shroud after trying fruitlessly to tear through it. It is less radiant than your own sunlight now, but even that would have trouble passing through.

Summer does not have time to start another attack or take to the air, seeing that Julia already reached her. Your friend swings with the flat side of her blade.

(Blade of Judgement: +495 951174 Base Damage, Magical Girl Slayer suppressed, -903615 I'm Not Killing Today, +132 dice, +100 Hostile Story Effect, x2 The Mighty Have Fallen Equality! = 47,791 Total Damage
Summer's Dream: +5000 Base Resilience, +5643 dice, +500 Legendary Existence = 11,143 Total Damage Reduction

36,648 Total End Damage
The Peasant's May Crawl (-5x400 = -2,000): 32,648 Total End Damage

Summer's Dream Health: 25,000 - 32,648 = -7,648
Summer KO
Avatar of Regency: DoT applied to Brave Heart)

Everyone can see it; how Summer's attempt to get out of the way affords nothing, how surprise grows on her face... and how it contorts in pain when the blade actually hits her abdomen and smashes her over the field until she comes to lie on the ground.

The shroud around Julia writhes and wobbles, being held under control born from countless hours of practice; she held back near all of the offensive power you just provided her with, though you helped out by suppressing her magic when it wanted to act up.

There is cheering for the victor while Autumn helps Summer to her feet; you can tell by their expressions that much teasing will happen once they are alone and feel a little bad for having caused that. Summer is proud but nice... and a good teacher to boot.

(Curse of Summer: +11500 Damage
Heroes Never Die: Damage Negated)

Julia just nods to herself after a few moments of her shroud acting up, then turns and wanders to Summer. They shake hands and Autumn even ruffles her hair, which she takes... much more composed than you used to.

After that, you drag her off to watch that movie after all. No escaping the relaxation!

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

Star Wars is an interesting movie; the vast space up above always interested you a bit, though never all that much. It is interesting to imagine all the things one could do with a spaceship, though. You are even more thrilled to hear that there are two more movies playing after the one you watched; each following afternoon is spent with one of those, and Julia, and Ana, and the twins, and Ludger. Watching movies together is fun, you decide.

A few more days pass and the week is soon full; your magic is once again useable and you are ready for whatever may come... except that Bianca has yet to call and seems busy... and you noticed your thoughts wandering. It has been months now since you left home, but everyone back there still exists. Their lives went on just like before, which makes you wonder what they would think if they heard of all the things you did. You ponder how meeting Bruno or Elisa or anyone would go, maybe even with Ana by your side.

It is on that evening that you decide, knowing that Kibo is already above Europe. You will pay a visit to Verona before this journey ends. Nobody should mind that for as long as you keep quiet about what is currently going on.

That particular evening is thus spent planning the trip... sadly, Autumn already said she does not have time to bring you. You do not really want to bother Bianca about it because she is so busy, either. Which means you have to find another way to go.

But you will!

---

[X] [Group] Primordial Sun, Primordial Moon
-[] Write-in group members, no limit

[X] [Travel Plan] How do you get to Verona?
-[] Fly there
-[] Write-in
(you will travel 666km (~414 miles), do not bother thinking about stealth)


[] EXP-Plan
-[] Write-in what to buy
-[] Save it

=====​

+25xp Helped With Stomping Summer (Only Pris)
+5xp Helpless to Big Sister's Teasing (Only Ana)

EXP gained: 25 + 25 + 5 = 55

Total EXP: 3,764​

=====​

Fun Fact: due to the war starting in 2001, Star Wars' prequel-trilogy never reached its second installment in Libra's reality. Make of that what you will.

 

[Naron]

Primordial Sun: Ability Removed

Advanced Catalyst
-The Sunlight Scepter's Magic Modifier is doubled.

Primordial Sun: New Ability

Event Horizon
-(Passive) Primordial Sun's Magic Modifier is doubled; this Ability can not be negated while active.
-(Active) Become immune to any means of detection and all outside influences while this Ability is active; directly interacting with something deactivates it. Once deactivated, this Ability can not be reactivated for 3 turns.

Primordial Moon: New Ability

Lit Moon (Lvl 3)
-During the night, Moon may cast an additional number of Spells equal to this Ability's level per turn.
-This Ability's level is a fifth of the lower level between Soothing Moonlight and Become Whole Again, but not lower than 1

Primordial Moon: New Ability

Reflected Godlight
-Take no damage from your own Spells. Whenever Primordial Sun casts a Spell, Moon may auto-cast the same Spell at halved effectiveness as a free action; this does not count toward your Spell-limit.

World Eater: Spell Upgrade

Prepare the Feast
Level 10 -----> 11 -----> 12 -----> 13 -----> 14 -----> 15
Base Damage: N/A
Magic Modifier: N/A
Affinity: Horror | Food
Ability: Boost Self | Shapeshift | Stat Explosion

World Eater: Ability Upgrade

Life Sense
Level: 5 -----> 6 -----> 7 -----> 8 -----> 9 -----> 10
Range: 500m -----> 600m -----> 700m -----> 800m -----> 900m -----> 1,000m

World Eater: Ability Upgrade

Life Sense
Level 10
-Can sense living beings within 1,000m of yourself; capable of distinguishing different beings, exactly determining their size, distance, and movements; can not sense anything smaller than a mouse
-Remains active even when untransformed and during Caterpillar Mode

---

Spoiler: Group and Plan

Group:
-Primordial Sun
-Primordial Moon
-World Eater
-Benign Rogue
-Benign Guardian
-Brave Heart
-Ludger


Travel Plan:
-Ride on Ana's caterpillar-form

It takes half a day to prepare everything, but Arc does leave you with a harness to put on Ana's caterpillar-form; she is the only one big and strong enough to carry three people and a corgi, though she does grumble about being your packmule half the time.

Your choices in who to take along are rather intuitive too, without counting Julia, that is. All your sisters and your dog are coming. And your current roommate, who was pretty bewildered when you asked her to come along. You do want her with you, though; maybe the trip will help clear her head a little.

"I'm not sure this is safe..."
It is now dusk as you finish outfitting your sister; Julia seems decidedly unhappy about these arrangements, though Rico and Eva seem more than thrilled about the ride. Ludger wags his tail but probably has no idea what is actually going on. He is just happy to get out a bit more.

Spikes of annoyance and pain come from Ana as well; her sense for all things alive doubled in range over night and became much more clear for her. The only saving grace for the poor thing was that you are far above ground and she can only pick up things from a small amount of surface area, so the amount of sensations is not much increased at the moment, only their intensity. Another headache for Ana.

"Don't worry, Julia. We will be fine," you reassure your friend with a slap on her shoulder and a smile. "I'll catch you if you fall."
"Joy..."

You are rather sure this is sarcasm, the fact she uses it at all giving you an idea how unhappy Julia actually is. She does come along with you, though. Everyone mounts up and you steadily rise into the sky a moment later, three girls huddled into the impromptu seating around you and Ludger in the middle. Rico whoops and you join her while spying Autumn take off a little to the side; she raises her scythe at you in greeting before vanishing, magic whisking her away.

You wonder whether she is going to get Strength now, but push the thought aside to enjoy your ride. Ana needs a while to get it right, bumping you from time to time when she wants to go higher or lower. Journeying above the clouds is incredible and also allows you to stay mostly undetected. Wind picks up at times, but the girl who made this thing is called Grand Architect for a reason; it holds perfectly fine.

Further and further you go west, passing plains and hillsides and even the Adriatic Sea separating Italy's southeast from the continent proper. Navigating is not really difficult with everyone helping out; the travel map you drew up becomes useful already, as does the compass.

And then, long before noon, you think you finally reached it. The Adige is your first big clue... and the only one, really. Everything looks much different when seen from above, though the city in the distance has a few abandoned, crumbling districts and vast fields surrounding it. People are getting to work, but you see no children. Looking at the time... oh.

"It's Monday, isn't it?"
"I think so, why do you ask?"
"...all my friends are in school now."

There is a moment of baffled silence before Rico and Eva both break into laughter, which you respond to with a doubled pout. Ana keeps hovering as you asked her to, allowing everyone to get a good look. You ponder what to do now, how to make sure this is the place. Then you remember the thing your magic did over the last weeks. "How about we get to the ground for now and I take a look around?"

That immediately wipes the mirth away from your sisters and makes them make strange faces. Julia raises an eyebrow at you as well, nodding at Sun's bright shine. "And how exactly are you going to stay unseen?"

Now it is for you to smirk. "Like this. Event Horizon!"
And just like that, you are gone... and not. It is a really, really weird state you are in now. Primordial Sun is no longer visible even to Primordial Moon's eyes, having become perfectly invisible and intangible. You gently slip right through Ana's belly -with your eyes closed because eww- while everyone else stares at the place your brighter body used to be. So while you descend to the ground unseen, you use the time to explain properly: "I got it some time last week and had no good opportunity to show you before. Event Horizon makes Sun vanish to all senses; not even Ana's life sense could pick her up now and nothing can hurt her, either. That is a two-way street, though; I can't interact with anything or anyone. If I do, it immediately dissolves. But it is neat for scouting... and I can phase through walls and all the other stuff just like that as long as I want to go through."

You are already halfway down, the connection with Ana the only thing still working; it is a powerful combination, one body completely imperceivable and another far away to relay your findings. You are a little sad about getting this only now, seeing that it would have been great to have sooner... but there is no sense crying over it.

"That is... well, a little niche in its applicability, but I can still think of a few interesting ways to use such an Ability," Julia allows while slowly relaxing again. She continues to ponder quietly, though you refrain from reminding her how niche her own stuff is. Reaching street levels, things start to look familiar and you quickly go through two houses before landing in front of a building you know well.

"This is Verona. We can go down, Ana."
Your sister hiccup-groans in response, which is basically a relieved sigh in that form, before gently lowering herself. You are far enough outside of the city not to get noticed despite how fast you descend... and there is mist coming up. Probably Gaia covering for you.

Meanwhile, you look around the school with interest; classes are going on as usual, some a little more difficult than your own in Kibo, some easier... and your own classroom looks just like you remember it, with a history-lesson going on at the moment. The girls are all here, except for Elisa for some reason. You decide to spend a little longer in here while tuning out the teacher, looking around what everyone is doing and giggling over a few funny doodles.

Then you hover through the roof and out to the fields, where the boys are helping out. People are joking with each other as they work, with workloads distributed by age and most being chipper. Someone complains about having too little rain these days... but ultimately, this is it.

So you carry on to find the missing girl; Elisa is always diligent and friendly, so you can not imagine her skipping classes for any normal reason. Maybe, you reason, she became a Magical Girl as well or ran away from home for some other reason. But four Magical Girls at around your age within four months, in the same place? That does not sound right. While Eva and you take off the harness, you also set course to Elisa's house. Your sisters seem eager as well, though they wait patiently. Julia still appears as if she does not fit in, carefully standing guard while the caterpillar flakes away and Ana drops to the ground. "Ugh, remind me not to do that again after we are back. I still want to wiggle..."

"Sad that there's not much to wiggle with just yet," Rico tells her coyly, though she looks away with a snicker once Ana's gaze turns to her. "What?" "Nothing!"

You have the feeling you are missing out on something... and the feeling it was something lewd, considering how Eva and Julia roll their eyes at Rico. They did that a lot lately, though your other self started to mellow out over the weeks. She kept talking to Ming a lot, though.

Your thoughts pause as you finally lay your eyes on the inside of Elisa's house; she is right there at the table with uneaten breakfast in front of her, her father opposite to her and with badly hidden concern on his face. You can understand that, with how listless your friend appears right now. Ana tenses from the sight as well, both of you recalling the kind smile Elisa always offered anyone. This is not like her and neither is her disheveled state.

"You should eat at least a bit, dear. It's not healthy."
"I know, I'm just not hungry..."

Despite her words however, your friend's left hand grabs for the bread... and then you realise what is going on here. Elisa is right-handed... but that hand is not there. It cuts off in a stump halfway hidden by the table and clad in bloody bandages.

The sight breaks your heart almost in an instant, your own sorrow evenly matched by Ana. This is not right and you know it; whatever happened to Elisa was definitely undeserved, be it by people or by bad luck.

"I'm going to compromise my stealth in a moment," you warn the others. Ana just closes her eyes and shrugs, but everyone else looks surprised. "There is at least one thing I need to do right now. How about we just get the reveal over with and head over? You can all detransform, it will be enough if I stay like this."

Then you sit down on the chair in-between father and daughter. "How did this happen?," your voice carries into the room; magic snaps away and weakly dimmed sunlight fills the room, blinding the surprised family. Elisa squeaks in surprise while shielding her eyes, her father doing much the same. You wait patiently and note how your friends and family drop their transformations.

They are already walking when Elisa lowers her arms to squint at you, which makes you feel a little bad. "I'm sorry about the light, I can not really dim it any more."

"W-Who are you?," her father demands as he gets up and around the table to his daughter. "And how did you get in here?"

Elisa shivers in fear, clutching the adult's back with wide eyes... so you simply detransform, taking the light with you and kicking your legs. "An old friend coming for a visit... and as for the how... well, magic."

You offer a sheepish wave while both of your unexpecting hosts gape at you; Elisa did not bring you to her place that often in the past, but her family was always happy to have you. They seem to remember you well enough, though their faces are rather similar to what your sisters get on their way into the city; Moon stays above everyone's heads and somehow avoided detection so far. It makes sense with everyone's attention either on the ground or on the girls wandering down main street.

"Rico? That's you, but... but when? How? I thought-I mean-I..."
Elisa looks like a funny fish and you have to do your hardest not to laugh at her disbelieving expression. Instead you shrug and twirl a strand of hair around your fingers to busy yourself. "Long story... the gist of it is that I was already like this when I left for Germany. And I never reached the place, then traveled around the world because I was found out. Right now I'm back to see everyone here again and I don't like what I found here."

"A-And Eva? What about her?"
Elisa slowly calms down, though her father still looms nearby; you can see how torn he is between welcoming someone who can distract his child, and fear for dangerous magic flying around. You smile up at him. "It's okay, I really am just visiting. I won't pick any fights except to defend myself."

Then you fluidly switch to your old classmate. "It's complicated with Eva and me right now. I can't explain it in short though, but she will be around soon enough. And I brought Ana along, too."

Dropping your sister's name has the intended effect and immediately makes Elisa go along with the change of topic. Before she can ask however, you already start elaborating: "It took a while until I met her again, but she made it away fine. She worked through her problems... mostly," where you poke the snorting Ana with mirth, "and is alright. We are basically living door to door these days and I adopted her as my sister, so she's a Vescovi now."

The stunned silence holds for a while, long enough for a commotion to start up outside; of course you know it is because people started noticing Moon, though the response should be slow at this time of day. You rap against the door from the outside a few times while smirking at father and daughter. "That's the rest of my group, by the way. How about we go outside so you can meet everyone?"

"Wait, I don't-" "Nope!," you interrupt her earnestly and with a boop to the nose, even though you have to lean onto the table to do it. Elisa recoils from the touch and you frown at her. "I can tell something bad happened with your hand, but that doesn't mean you can hole up inside all the time. So either you go get dressed, or I carry you outside like you are."

"Yes, Ma'am!"
And off she goes to her room, almost whimpering while you watch. That was unusual; either she really does not want to be seen in her nightgown, or you finally managed to figure out Bianca's commanding tone. Elisa's father is standing by now, though his expression relaxes with a deep sigh the moment you notice; he calmly walks over to the door and opens up to you, taking in the group with rising eyebrows. Ludger is already running around sniffing his surroundings, but you just let him be for now and smile up at the adult. "Good morning, sir."

Rico salutes playfully while Eva just shakes her head and leans against a nearby wall; a few people are watching from the distance and you use the moment to transform and get out to yourself, immediately banishing all nearby shadows. There is bumbling further down the house before a hastily dressed Elisa comes running; she stops the moment she spots Rico next to you, who gives her a cheerful wave. "What..."

"As I said, a long story. Here, hug Ana instead."
With that you push your sister into Elisa; it is gentle for Moon's new standards, but easily enough to tell her this is a mandatory action and refusal will not be tolerated. Ana sighs before bringing her arms up and around the older girl, who slowly returns the embrace. "Um..." "Yes, I know. She got incredibly weird over the last two months. Thank you for taking care of me all the time, Elisa. I never really said it before."

Once they separate, you switch the Moonlight Scepter to Sun in order to have both hands free. "Now for that hand of yours."

Elisa's expression immediately falls, but she holds out her crippled arm without a fuss. More people are watching by the minute, though you ignore them; the soldiers you keep an eye on, but none of them appears willing to engage you just yet. Elisa relucantly starts while you peel off the bandages: "I... uh... we were scavenging two weeks ago and I... I got it caught in some falling rubble. The doctors said they couldn't do anything to save the hand, so they took it off. I..." "Shh, it's okay. You will be okay," you soothe her while gathering magic. It is easier than ever before. "Become Whole Again," your whisper almost echoes through the quiet street. Magic surges from your fingertips, running through your friend. Elisa tries to squirm, but your other hand keeps her in place.

(Become Whole Again: +1556 Base Heal, no dice = 1,556 Total Damage Healed

Elisa Health: 100 + 1,556 = 1,656
Missing Hand Restored)

Everyone gathered watches in awe as Elisa's flesh begins to grow out of the unappetising stump, glowing with actinic light as energy surges through her entire body. Fingers reform within moments and the Spell completes, leaving behind a faintly glowing girl staring at the restored limb in shock. Elisa slowly flexes her fingers one by one and you let go so she can turn her arm to inspect the back. Your vice-like grip left a few bruises on her arm, which you quietly apologise for.

"I love my magic for things like these," is your final comment while the crowd continues to watch from a distance and more soldiers appearing by now. Once they get explained what is going on however, most of their aggressive stances drop and a middle-aged man walks up to you with just the tiniest bit of hesitation. "What is the meaning of this?"

He was talking to one of the older girls, but they all just quietly point at you for explanations. So you rise into the air a little bit and offer a friendly smile. "Just visiting my old home, sir. There will be no trouble and we will leave at sunset, if that is okay?"

He keeps quiet at that for a long moment, looking from you to your group and to Elisa, who is hugging her father and crying in relief. Then he closes his eyes and turns around. "Make no trouble. Not like we could stop you in the first place."

"Of course."

You barely have time to get back to the ground before being hit by a ballistic Elisa, teary-eyed and beaming with an amount of joy usually reserved for Rico. "Thank you! Oh, thank you thank you thank you-"

You just sigh and rub soothing circles over her back while detransforming. Helping people is what the moonlight does after all.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

You spend the morning talking to Elisa, who continues to grasp things with her restored hand and caresses it like a long lost treasure. Julia and your older selves are looking around in the meantime, but you are content with relaxing for a bit. Seeing that you are equipped with sandwiches for lunch, there is no problems at all.

"It's nice to have you around again, even if it is only for today," she notes with a happy smile. "Everyone was missing you."

"Aww, how sweet." "Even the boys?"
She giggles before nodding, telling you that "Yes, even the boys".
This time Ana chimes in with a teasing poke: "Were you thinking of someone in particular, Pris?"
"...no?"

You really were not, but the assumption tints your cheeks pink; just because Bruno is one of your best friends does not mean you like him that way. Thankfully neither of them says anything and Elisa changes the topic. "I'm a little surprised that you didn't get arrested, though. I mean, I thought..."

She trails off with an embarassed expression, which you wave away. "I guess helping you helped us in that moment... and he was right, you know?" you add with a motion to yourself and Ana, "even though I think he just said it so nobody can blame him for cowardice or somesuch... all the soldiers in the country could not take us down."

"Hm..."

You talk some more about one thing or other until it is time and you get up. "Okay, school let out a few minutes ago. Let's find everyone else!"

And with that you are off, Elisa and Ana tagging along as you reunite with the older girls. Ludger ran off to somewhere else, but you are not worried about him. He is a strong boy.

. . .
Line Break Recognised
. . .​

The first thing you hear from Bruno once Ana located the others is "Oh there's two of you! Uh... four I mean..."

Rico rolls her eyes at him while you and Eva giggle; everyone else looks a bit more surprised and you just forego the upcoming questions by distributing hugs to them.

The rest of your afternoon is spent with Ana and you recounting your respective journeys. Julia chimes in at times, but mostly leaves it to you. It turns out none of your friends really cares that you are Magical Girls and they even welcome Ana back; they must have thought about this for a long while since you left.

Then everyone goes scavenging together, with you and Eva easily pushing through rubble and clearing streets. It feels as if you were never gone, nice and relaxing and exciting. Some teenagers and adults watch you from time to time, but nobody stays around.

You consider visiting your house, but all personal belongings are no longer there and seeing it empty might make you sad, so you decide not to do it.

The day sadly ends much too soon, with sunset and even an hour of the night passing before you actually move to leave. Your friends stay around to see you off, so now you are all transformed on the main street with people observing from a distance. More hugs are had and you promise to come visit again sometime.

Ana cuts off the sentimentality by sliding to the ground right in front of you, to many gasps from the boys and girls around. Eva and Rico climb her back the moment she stills while you let out the loudest whistle you can. It is answered by a yip and Ludger darting out of the dark a moment later. He comes to stand in front of you, waiting for whatever comes next, so you quickly pick him up and rise to the seats to tuck him in.

Everyone waves as you take off, leaving the city behind with a smile. You will have to take a long detour and go down to rest up a few hours in case someone follows you, but that will be alright. Maybe you can be back in Kibo at noon.

All in all though, you are content with today's events. Elisa is well again, your friends are still your friends... and the people stopped being as jumpy around Magical Girls. Bianca's and Gaia's work are showing.

Time to head back.

 

[Naron]

Finding Kibo from the outside is near impossible, that is how well the optical camouflage works; the only reason you actually do find your way back is the tracking device they gave you on the way out. Whatever Arc did, she did it incredibly well.

You are already expected by a mixed group of people once inside; anxious Spring who relaxes once you land in the main plaza, curious Chi who was talking to Chitin Star but turns to you the moment you land, and Bianca. Seeing your big sister makes you understand it is time, though her grave expression is not one you like seeing. She is carrying a bag in her hand, which probably holds some things you really do not want to think about right now.

Ana returns to her regular form and you are quickly approached by Spring, who welcomes you back and seems overall glad you are alright. Next up is Chi, who takes the twins along for outfitting and will not take no for an answer. Ana tags along to make sure they will be alright, considering that "Rico Vescovi" and "Spiders" does not mix well.

Which leaves you alone with Bianca, as Star took her leave after having but a single look at your sister's face. You all exchange nods and turn to get going, Bianca taking the lead deep into the city's innards. You are treading toward the gardens, to a place out of sight where you can be sure nobody will see; Ana's sixth sense helps you with that, as she mutters under her breath when someone is nearby and you redirect Bianca.

Ultimately, the three of you stand together in a barely-used storage room. Your sister looks around a few times before nodding to herself, then she closes the door and has you transform.

"I'm not feeling well asking this of you, but... it is the least I can do for her. Could you guess what I'm having in mind?"

Her voice is weaker than usual, almost breaking under a weight you can not even imagine. Bianca uses the moment you take for pondering to get a grip of herself, though you gladly give her that. As for what she is wanting to do... well, you could make a few guesses. The first one, which you still hope for but can not believe in, is the revival of Yggdrasil's girls... or maybe just Abyss Knight. It makes no sense for Bianca to ask for that, though. Your other idea is much more likely: "You want me to restore Strength's sisters?"

It was something Strength only told you recently, after you spent more time playing with and talking to her. Maybe she just needed someone to listen, or she did not want you to think too badly of her dislike for Bianca. Whatever the reason, she told you how your big sister murdered hers, only to then spare her for a reason she never understood.

Bianca just nods solemnly while her hand snakes into the bag, rummaging carefully. "I tried my best back then, but that doesn't mean much when all I was taught was how to kill most effectively. Discipline and skill I always had, but the most important thing I learned in the Eternal War was that fighting the common grunts is useless for anyone but the most powerful. To make an enemy surrender or flee, one has to cut off their heads; destroy their commanders and heroes to fill them with fear. So I did what I did best to end the war on Earth, by moving to crush everyone powerful."

She pauses for a moment, her hand still; you do not dare interrupt, realising that this is the first time your sister ever told this to anyone. This is important to her.

After a few more deep breaths and a bout of shivers, your sister continues: "I failed to realise that while the idea is sound, its morals are not. Fabienne got around most of the trauma because she never saw their faces, but I did. I remember each girl I killed in those days, each man and woman slain. It wasn't difficult before because my targets weren't human, that's much easier to justify. For those people, I could only stop myself from thinking and carry on. The Transcendent Trinity was third to last on my list, followed only by the Seasons and Nightmare Child. Kaede... Strength... was the last left alive after her oldest sister pushed her aside and took my attack instead. I..."

You quietly walk up and rub Bianca's shoulders, taking the bag from her and gently putting it aside before sitting her down and nestling into her sides. No words are spoken, but the force she squeezes you with tells you all you need to know. A shudder goes through her entire body before she continues: "She screamed at me to kill her, too. Without her sisters she would rather die than run or fight. But when I heard her and saw... I couldn't stop thinking. How would you have felt if I were gone just like that, I wondered... and I couldn't do it anymore. I ran away and tried to drown myself as deep into the ocean as I could, but my damn magic wouldn't let me asphyxiate."

It horrifies you to hear this, but you stay as calm as you can and offer comfort, quietly glad that Bianca's attempt on her own life did not work. You can faintly imagine how Strength must have felt that day, if your own feelings for your big sister are any indication. Ana is horrified as well, but she does admirably in keeping a grip on herself so nobody notices.

Your sister lets out another shuddering breath before leaning on you, suddenly feeling so much smaller in your arms. "Discipline is really all that keeps me going. Making things better is only a first step in atoning for everything I did, but I will. This... this is a personal apology to her, because she managed to stop me before I ruined everything even more. She deserves it."

You sit quietly for a few minutes longer, then Bianca's muscles suddenly tense and she gently wipes the wet traces from her face. The bag is picked up and she carefully produces two dull grey shards coated with white ash, which are placed on the ground about four metres from each other. "They were cremated, so this is basically all that is left of them."

These are bone shards, the last remains of two humans. You carefully consider your options before making a decision; before crouching down next to the shards, you pull Bianca down by her shoulders and kiss her cheeks. "It's okay." "I love you nonetheless."

With yourselves in position, you transform and raise your hands. Magic roars within your bodies, the light quickly fading as all your power is drawn into this single spell each. ""Become Whole Again!""

And on your order, it rushes out and into the remains of these two girls; you can feel something pulling just like before, though it goes much more smoothly this time. The bones begin to shine and quickly reset into whole skulls, which grow the rest of their skeletons and everything up to the skin in but a single moment. It takes maybe an entire second until there are two girls lying on the ground, nude but whole. Both have ebony black hair just like Strength and you can see big similarities in their facial structure already. You try your hardest to keep your eyes there to stop yourself from ogling.

Both girls blink up at the flickering ceiling lights, disoriented and obviously confused. Bianca signals for you to detransform, which you do without hesitation; Moon looks like the last person they saw before dying, so that might scare them.

"...what?"

One of them gets up and looks around, spying you but not saying anything as her eyes are drawn by the other figure. "Yukari, are you okay? What happened?"

Her voice is quiet yet firm, immediately shaking the other sister out of her state and making her grow pale. "Miyuki?"

She gets up as well to take a proper look while Miyuki sighs in relief, only to squeak when Yukari squeezes her tightly. "Miyuki, you're okay! Oh, I'm so glad!"

"Ah, sis, stop! It's embarassing and we're-why are we naked?!"
"Huh, wait, what? Ah!"

The sisters stop hugging to try making sense of the situation; this moment Bianca takes to clear her throat and gain their attention. "I forgot to bring clothes for you, so the best way you have to get decent is to transform. I will explain what happened afterward."

Her voice is level and soothing, easily managing to make the two calm down and comply with her suggestion. The sisters look at each other, but then speak their phrases without complaint.

"Perseverence is all there is against hardship. I am Magical Girl Transcendent Will!"
"A single spark of kindness may go long ways. I am Magical Girl Transcendent Heart!"

Dust swirls as they transform, neither as imposing as Fabienne but both appearing as steadfast as Strength herself. Yukari's hair turned blonde and she is now clad in a form-fitting suit complete with cape while Miyuki became a brunette sporting a white and blue combat dress.

Spoiler: Magical Girl Transcendent Will

Spoiler: Magical Girl Transcendent Heart

After another moment spent looking each other over however, Yukari looks around with growing dread. "Wait, where's Kaede?"

"In a moment," Bianca tells her while you carefully inch away in case something happens. Neither Magical Girl looks threatening at the moment, but one can never know. They are confused and you can not be transformed for the time being. Your sister becomes relucant for but a moment, then almost furrows her brows before getting a grip. "I rather be blunt with this so we can get it out of the way. The bad news for both of you is that you died five years ago. The good news is that we found a way to bring you back, and that your sister is alive and well."

Her tone does not allow interruptions, which might have been the only thing to stop Transcendent Will, Yukari, from actually chiming in immediately. Bianca gives her an understanding nod, but carries on regardless of how pale the sisters are getting: "Believe me or not, these three facts are the truth. Whatever happened last in your memory before waking up here truly took place."

"Five years? How in the world..."
The oldest sister sinks to the ground first, followed directly by her sibling. You feel a little bad for them, but do not have the heart to say anything. Then Yukari looks up at Bianca. "You say our little sister is well. Where is she, can you lead us to her? What else happened?"

"That," your sister offers with a weak grin, "I will let Transcendent Strength explain to you. This way, if you would. Priscilla, Celeste?"

""'kay!""
Two heads turn to you as if noticing your presence for the first time. Bianca shoos you out of the room, telling you to find Strength and bring her to the gardens.

Ana heard her as well and you can sense she would love to help, but she is currently busy waiting just outside Chi's workshop; you can hear screams from the inside. Her senses are very helpful by themselves, though. Now that she can distinguish different people from each other and see their actual shapes instead of just blobs of life force, she has a very easy time finding the girl in question.

As you follow her mumbled instructions however, you run into three other girls in the hallway; only Ming is chatting while the others listen, but that is more than enough to keep a conversation going. The other two are unknown to you, though. One is black-haired and way-too-indecently dressed, the other blonde and clad in plate mail.

Spoiler: Magical Girl Unwavering Azure

Spoiler: Magical Girl Platinum Throne

Once she notices you approaching however, Ming offers a friendly wave. "Oh, hello, Priscilla. I was just telling those two about you and how friendly everyone here is. They came back together with Miss Tachibana, those two are Unwavering Azure and Platinum Throne."

You wave back and smile up at the more serious-looking girls, though hearing Throne's name makes you slow down to curtsy. "Nice meeting you misses." "I'm sorry, but I'm busy right now." "We can talk later if that's okay?"

While it does alienate Azure when you start speaking in tandem, Throne shows no unease at all and even lets a fond smile slip through her guarded expression. The blonde nods at you while fighting her lips back to normal. "That is perfectly fine. Surely we will meet again sometime soon."

"Yup!" "See you!" "Bye bye, Ming!"
Only Ming waves you goodbye, though you have the feeling this was a well-enough first impression on the upcoming ruler of North America... and whoever Azure is.

Your next stop is in front of a bar, where Strength and Night are playing darts for some reason; there are also glasses on the counter and you can smell some sweetly scent in the air. Night pauses in her throwing motion once you enter while Strength raises her head from her bridged hands. "Oh, you're back. Are you here for that conversation about opsec?"

The question makes you blush a little, but you quickly shake your heads. "No, Bianca wants to show you something in the gardens. Only you," you add with a sideway glance at Night. Strength's brow furrows immediately, though she relaxes a moment later and gets up with a sigh. "So much for the drunk makeouts, we're getting back to that later."

"To drunk I agreed," Night counters drily, "but not to making out."
"Not yet."

Strength winks at the other girl before sauntering out of the room; her behaviour makes you wonder if this is always how flirting looks like, or if it is just her. Night sighs with a mixture of exasperation and fondness before turning her attention back to you. "May I ask what is going on?," to which you can only shake your heads even though you would like to tell her. "It's a secret." "But Strength will probably tell you, so let's call it a surprise instead?"

The raised eyebrow you receive for that makes you decidedly uncomfortable, but Night drops the matter.

It takes several days before you see Strength again, a wide smile etched into her face and with at least one of her siblings right by her side at all times. The other two are introduced to Kibo as a whole a week later and received with the same warmth as anyone else.

You have no idea if she forgave Bianca by now, but can not shake the nagging feeling that your sister would not even ask forgiveness in the first place. She might not feel like she did enough just yet.

Maybe she will get to that point soon; as some more time passes, Berlin appears on the horizon. Everyone begins to feel restless as the final act in this journey approaches.

 

[Naron]

Dusk has arrived by the time you actually get in range of the city, its people having grown from ant-sized to actually visible.

There is a notable tension in the air as everyone gathers in the main plaza, from youngest to oldest. Boys and girls stand mixed as you watch Kibo descend gently, coming down on an unsuspecting city. Berlin itself still thrives, barely touched by the last war and densely populated; there are lights going on all over the place, a single district probably holding as many people as your entire hometown.

You watch quietly how the people below gather in front of a large stage prepared for Bianca's speech, none of them truly knowing what it will be about just yet. Soldiers patrol the streets in groups of two to three, their green and brown outfits standing out among the sea of colours. Most of them are relaxed and chat while walking.

And then, of course, there is the open area; a large sector on Berlin's outskirts that has been cleared of old buildings and is yet to be reused, Kibo's destination. Strength explained that the city will anchor itself on that field, then return to its regular form under watch of Nightmare Child, Grand Architect, and the Seasons. Aside from them and the boys who will stay inside until the landing completes, everyone else is heading out. Ming hover-bounces around her bit of space with a mixture of anxiety and expectation while Platinum Throne just waits quietly. As does Strength, though she is huddled together with her sisters just as she was all the time since they came back.

Despite it though, everyone knows. Everyone is aware. All of this, the separation, the hunting, the fear, it will end today.

Ringing noises cut through the silence like a knife, making a few of the younger girls jump in surprise while Strength picks up her phone and listens for a few seconds. She hums a few times before hanging up and turning to meet everyone's expectant gazes. You quietly squeeze Ana's hand and send her reassurance, though it does little to quell her unease.

"It's time," she calls with a strong and loud voice while raising a hand. "We have endured much pain over the past years, but also found many things good in our respective journeys. Each of you has seen the worst that life has to offer, things no one should want to see happen at all. So act on it, girls! Let's show them that we're better than what they believe we are! Today marks the end of our long exile!"

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, with even the foreign leaders and yourself joining in. Strength lets you carry on for a few seconds, then opens the raised hand to signal silence; a smirk is blossoming on her face now. "That said, we're currently two hundred metres above ground. Last one to Berlin has to clean up after the party!"

And with that, she just lets herself fall backwards... right off the edge... where she stood the whole time. Damn it!

While there is a lot of chuckling over her antics, everyone quickly moves to leave the floating city and follow Strength; her sisters are already airborne and even Soul participates in the competetiveness, soaring below the edge as you take up Ana with Moon. Eva and Rico fall behind quickly, as do most others. Chitin Star simply jumps, as does Chitin Dancer. Everyone who can fly soon swoops down toward the ground where people are staring up at your display.

Looking back, you realise that the thingies were turned off and Kibo is openly visible to everyone outside. That makes sense.

Then you notice a blur shooting past and impact the ground near where Strength already crouches, the parting cloud of dust revealing Eva in her own small crater. Rico appears out of nowhere right by her side and starts looking around while more and more girls reach the ground safely. Many are carried by friends who can fly, some others are more creative or simply jump if they can take the impact. You notice Flower sliding down on a long tail that reaches out of another city part, going into a gliding descent on her spread leaves once she reaches its end.

All in all, it takes maybe five minutes for everyone to assemble below. Sky is among the last to join up with the group, but she does not make last; someone you do not know gets that place, to much teasing from her friends. There are still passersby standing on the sidewalk and gawk at you, though no cars are driven anywhere nearby; this street was shut off from traffic for the time being, so you are still on course.

Strength stands on her fingertips to look over the crowd and maybe counting heads, looking for all those around like an eager child waiting impatiently to go play. While her arms are perfectly still, the rest of her bounces eagerly and she soon finishes. "Yup, that's everyone. This way!"

A hand is raised and points down the street, which means she somehow still stands in front. You do not question it too much, Strength just does that kind of thing at times. As you start walking and the first people shrink away as if hoping you had not seen them, Bianca's voice becomes audible; it is projected to the whole city via loudspeakers. "Many of you have been wondering what today's announcement will be about."

She continues with stuff that sounds like stock phrases about the unity of humankind and horrors of the war and the like, which you do not pay much attention to. Instead you make sure to wave at anyone you pass, with others soon following your example. The most diverse group ever seen wanders through Berlin, horrific figures next to beauties next to plain girls, tall and small and bright and dark.

By the time Julia and Unyielding Paladin appear by your side after having taken to the groups rear at first, a whole squadron of soldiers takes position in front of everyone; the few faces you see are not at all happy with their current position, but none of them hesitates as they open fire immediately.

(Soldiers 1-10: +150 Base Damage, +30 Full Auto, +30 Full Auto, +30 Full Auto, +30 Full Auto, +30 Full Auto, no dice = 300 Total Damage

Fuck you, all negated)

Not that it does much; Rico is already in front of you, slinging Kunais that easily divert dozens of bullets at a time. Strength does her part by punching the air; shockwaves stop the remaining bullets in their tracks and make them drop to the ground as if they just hit a wall.

The men and women are openly gaping and trying to reload despite their shock, but do not manage before Strength reaches them. The woman in front closes her eyes in acceptance of a perceived death, though they snap open again when Strength wraps her arms around her in a hug instead. As if on cue, Bianca's voice carries over the whole proceeding: "I believe that it is time to change, that humans should stop hating humans and embrace in camaraderie instead."

You immediately follow the idea and soon all twelve soldiers have been hugged; you let go one by one, letting the men and women blink at you. All of them lower their gazes to the ground and step aside, letting you pass. Children are chattering behind a fence and even wave once you notice them, which is a good sign.

Your whole group makes a turn at the next intersection, coming face to face with more soliders who simply tip their heads and keep their weapons aimed at the ground. You think you recognised some of their faces, maybe you met them in Kursk?

With them stands someone else, though. A girl just slightly smaller than yourselves, though her face is a white mask with empty eyes and mouth.

Spoiler: Magical Girl Assassin

Her purplish robe swishes gently in the breeze and she is holding a dagger, though one of the women keeps a hand on her shoulder. Empty holes where eyes should be are directed at your group, any possible movements hidden. "Alicia!," a voice calls from right behind you and the girl's head snaps to your side, where Unyielding Paladin is darting ahead. The other girl takes off about as fast as the woman lets go of her, almost flying into her sister's arms as they reunite ahead of the group. Strength just pats their heads as she passes and by the time you reach the point, they let go and join Julia once again. Your friend gives her friend an understanding nod, but does not say anything else. Alicia's mouth is drawn into a big, scary smile while tears silently roll down her cheeks.

Ever more people see you passing by, but at some point they no longer try to run away. Curiousity draws them in, born by your peaceful behaviour and your sister's words.

Then the Brandenburg Gate comes up, a large archway leading to the plaza Bianca is holding her speech in. You can see the mass of people from far down the street already, but your awe is on the large structure before them. The gate has survived three world wars now and will soon herald your return to humanity.

The large tide of people parts before Strength while Bianca finishes, her eyes on the Magical Girls now. "Thus, today will be the day we reunite with our Magical Girls. Despite everything we did to them, they are willing to forgive. So in turn, we should give them a chance as well to show us how much good they can do. Some," she notes with a sideway glance to some middle-aged people in fine suits, "may call this treason. They might even be right. However, what I found when I took office was not the UES I imagined we could be. Something better, something greater than just a remnant of war. So I did what is the purpose of politicians in the first place: I made things better."

There are some unhappy faces, but no one speaks up and some of her colleagues even smile. One old man begins to clap, a gesture that is taken up by the entire crowd in an instant. Strength joins in, as do most of the other Magical Girls.

"Today is when all the ruling parties will sit together in peace. The presidents of China, Australia and Japan, the UES Supreme Council, and-," she pauses and holds out a hand for Strength's group of rulers, who purposefully stride onto the stage. "-North America's aspiring queen, Africa's young goddess, as well as the guardian of all Magical Girls we led astray over the years."

She shakes hands with Platinum Throne, Forsaken God, and Transcendent Strength in that order while presenting them to the people and... is that a camera crew over there? You quickly dim Sun's light as best as you can, hoping you did not bother them too much.

Applause thunders through the plaza once more as each of the three Magical Girls greets the crowd in her own way; Throne inclines her head, Ming waves and Strength bows.

"As many will have noticed by now, they brought not only themselves, but also their entire infrastructure along as to not burden our own for the time being."

The sound of rolling thunder is heard in the distance, Kibo setting down for good as if to accentuate her statement. "I believe this is all for now. Please welcome the girls back warmly; they have been gone for far too long."

Everyone around you breaks into chatter almost immediately, with quite a few high-fives shared among the diverse group. The regular people around are still looking a little suspicious, but you are sure they will come around. Gaia will make them, if nothing else.

As the crowd begins to disperse and Bianca leads all the rulers away for some kind of conference, you find yourself feeling a little empty. This is it, the goal you were working for. But what next?

"Somehow... I thought this would be harder," Ana notes from your right, which you quietly agree with. It was almost too easy in the end.

On the other hand, you had to work hard before that point. And you are pretty sure that all the adults are doing the heavy lifting instead, so the only thing you can do right now is shrug. "Not everything is a big battle or something. We did good and now everyone can be a little more happy."

You turn to ask Julia's opinion, but she and Sky are busy cooing over Paladin's sister, Assassin. Perhaps your ideas have been screwed with more than you thought, considering that you agree in her being cute despite her literally blank face.

Your thoughts are interrupted by the urge to yawn, which you oblige before looking up at the sky. "Maybe we should go back and have some sleep? We can talk to big sis tomorrow."

There is a nudge of agreement from Ana, but Eva and Rico look much less tired than you; maybe they actually managed to get enough sleep last night, or they are more curious about the city than you are right now. Looking around shows that there are a few children petting Flower's leaves, and some teenagers watching the whole thing with worry.

In fact, quite a few people are watching your older selves with intrigued expression. Most of them blush or look away when Rico notices and blows them a kiss. Eva sighs at her sister's antics and you would, too. Except that you actually find it funny... at least partly.

Ana and you say goodnight to the twins before taking to the air and heading back to where Kibo landed; it was a long day, even though little happened in the end. People below look up as you pass, Primordial Sun's own glow now much stronger than the fading sunlight. Men, women, boys, girls, everyone seems more at ease now. There are still some scared faces, but it is ultimately much less than you would have expected. Speaking of, there is a small crowd around the area Kibo landed in; people young and old take in the sight of the high-tech city, smaller even than a single district of the capital it is now a part of.

Among the onlookers however, you find two familiar faces. One of them very familiar. Your mother looks up at the shine without even realising it is you; she never saw you transformed. Next to her, Night says something or other and leads her along and onto the abandoned pathways. No one else follows and you decide to poke some fun at her by orbiting above; despite wanting to rush down and hug it out, you know this is not the right time. Plus, your sister is noticeably anxious; calming her takes a minute.

Only right before the two adults reach Kibo's streets do you leave the spot above them, going to ground and gently setting Ana down before standing to meet all three of them. Magic vanishes as all of you cancel your transformations and only you beam up at your surprised mother. ""I'm home!""

Then you jump into her arms before she can even say anything.

All in all, you are happy with how this turned out.

 

[Naron]

In her temple in Africa rests Magical Girl Forsaken God, the Fivefold Goddess. Not one of her, not two, but all five of her bodies have gathered together to relax. Cold tea is served to them as well as their guest, one who appears without her armour for a change. Magical Girl Platinum Throne gracefully accepts the beverage, her blonde hair swaying gently by minute movements. Neither of them speaks, for all negotiations are complete for the time being. Enjoying the silence is as important as valuing the spoken word.

Far away from them, in Berlin, a procession marches through the streets. In the lead is Solar Saint Brave Heart, freshly announced to become chief of the police department's special division for magical crimes and Magical Girl related matters. Where once an average-sized teenager tried to fill shoes too big for herself, now a tall and proud woman walks as people cheer for their protectors.

Further to the west, in North America, the remnants of Yggdrasil are lying down with tired sighs. As per consensus of all parties, they are in their last year of social work to repent for past crimes against humanity. Soul Queller in particular takes a large interest in humanitarian work at this point, being the first to work and the last to leave, looking for people not yet reintegrated into civilisation and relocating them to the new centers of humanity. Among their greatest successes was the reopening of communications with Greenland, which had survived the war quite well but became reclusive for its own safety.

Further that way, toward Japan, a young woman is in the process of leaving for work; she gives her girlfriend a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out. A vigorous "I'm off!" from Transcendent Strength as she goes to assist with construction efforts, while a more subdued "Take care" from Nightmare Child hints at how she is already planning her next shopping trip for groceries instead of paying proper attention. Strength wanders down the street and exchanges waves with her older sisters, who live just a few houses away.

But what interests you the most out of this is where everyone else is. Back in Verona, Italy. A single room in a homy house filled with no less than five Vescovis and an aged corgi napping by their feet.

Bianca is for once not drowning in paperwork, as she took some time off to be with her family for the time being. It is a rather special occasion for all of them after all, Evangeline in particular. Granted, she is probably the most bothered at the moment as well. "Rico, can't you stop that for once?"

"Nope!," her twin sister all but sings, happily and carefully rubbing Eva's round belly. "I'm gonna be an auntie soon, let me have that."

Ginevra and Bianca are both smiling over their antics while Anastasia, Lunar Saint World Eater, only looks on wistfully. This is your cue, appearing in-between a single blink and sadly startling nobody. You must have pulled that trick too often, especially because it is not even surprising in synch with your sister any longer. ""Why hello there, are we late to the party?""

Gaia's [AMUSEMENT] is easily audible and you make sure to flip her some solar winds, but your attention is with the five people greeting you. High fives are exchanged and everyone is merry, except Eva once you follow Rico in cradling her belly for a moment. Even now, seeing her pout is adorable.

"Anything from the Seasons?"
Your sister giggles at Bianca's question and you follow her example a moment later. You oftentimes forget to look beyond Gaia, so sometimes the few specks of vision flee your attention. "They reached Thirteenth Hell yesterday and everyone is losing it out of fear."

Of all the things you thought those four might do once everything was over, no one expected them to go on an interdimensional tour to see as many worlds as they can. Both the Unified Light and Unified Dark agreed to let them be for as long as they do not interfere in the last throes of war, not that it particularly bothers you anymore.

The Eternal War is coming to an end at last, far away from Gaia. Neither of the factions is likely to come any closer for as long as Bianca safeguards this world. Your introduction to the Local Dimensional Cluster did its part in convincing the other races to leave humanity be.

Not everything is wonderful, of course. Many hardships are yet awaiting, but you are positive that it will be alright. With the trinity of Heaven and Earth keeping watch, as well as an immortal guardian ready to intercept any danger, humans will thrive once again. And with time... who knows? Perhaps you can have a hand in the next war; it will come without doubt, sooner or later. Eternal peace would not be really balanced, after all.

But for now, you will enjoy the cessation of hostilities nearby and keep your gaze focussed inward, on the people you left behind and yet will always be with. They are content now, though Anastasia still misses being a part of you. She will come around in time, though. She is strong.

Today you can rest a little easier as your shine continues to advance to ever further reaches; the most important thing right now is your nephew, Eva's husband, and the fact the woman who birthed you is happy. Even with the new perspective, you are still attached to all of them somewhat.

According to Gaia, it will fade in time.

[ACCEPTANCE/RELIEF]​

And that is fine with you.​

---

---

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(Luna & Gaia) Sol

The Primordial Sun

Spoiler: Body

Stats

Health: 22,550,000
Base Damage: 3,000,000
Base Resilience: 5,250,000
Magic Modifier: 3,000,000



Affinity: Sun | Determination | Sky | Magic | Passion | Light | Star | Will | World

Weapon

Scorching Sunlight
Level 300
Attacks Per Turn: 1
Affinity: Sun | Light | Star
Ability: Unstoppable | Omnipresent


Solar Saint
Level 77
Attacks Per Turn: N/A
Affinity: Sun | Magic | Light | World
Ability: Auto Assault | Autonomous Combat | Instant Recovery

Spells

Baleful Eclipse
Level 300
Base Damage: Target's Health
Magic Modifier: 3x Target's Magic Modifier
Affinity: Sun | Moon | Sky | Magic
Ability: Supremacy | Smite | Scale To Target | (Synchronize Only)

Ability

Event Horizon
-Once her body collapses and goes supernova, Sol may become a black hole instead.

Radiant Shine
-Sol can directly observe anything that her light has ever touched, as well as its surroundings, without any negative effects.

Intertwined Duality
-If Luna is dead at the end of battle, resurrect her.

Beyond Good and Evil
-Sol cannot be directly targeted by any attack that lacks sufficient range to effect a global change. Anything that falls short of such a scale is rendered ineffective and ignored.

Celestial Combat
-Sol is capable of waging combat against planetary bodies and godlike beings.

​

(Sol & Gaia) Luna

The Primordial Moon

Spoiler: Body

Stats

Health: 30,000,000
Base Damage: 50% of Sol's Base Damage
Base Resilience: 8,500,000
Magic Modifier: 50% of Sol's Magic Modifier



Affinity: Moon | Love | Sky | Magic | Protection | Beginning | Guardian | Purity | World

Weapon

Reflected Godlight
Level N/A
Attacks Per Turn: 1
Affinity: Moon | Sky | Magic | Purity
Ability: Juggernaut | Judgement


Lunar Saint
Level 77
Attacks Per Turn: N/A
Affinity: Moon | Magic | Purity | World
Ability: Auto Assault | Autonomous Combat | Instant Recovery

Spells

Soothing Moonlight
Level 200
Base Damage: 2,000,000
Magic Modifier: 500,000
Affinity: Purity | Love | Magic | Guardian | Beginning
Ability: Heal


Baleful Eclipse
Level 300
Base Damage: Target's Health
Magic Modifier: 3x Target's Magic Modifier
Affinity: Sun | Moon | Sky | Magic
Ability: Supremacy | Smite | Scale To Target | (Synchronize Only)

Ability

Lady of Oceans
-Luna can observe the surroundings of any water that was ever on Earth, as well as any water it mixes with, without any negative effects.

Intertwined Duality
-If Sol is dead at the end of battle, resurrect her.

Beyond Good and Evil
-Luna cannot be directly targeted by any attack that lacks sufficient range to effect a global change. Anything that falls short of such a scale is rendered ineffective and ignored.

Celestial Combat
-Luna is capable of waging combat against planetary bodies and godlike beings.