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Magia Resurrection (PMMM Quest)

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[X] … help Lexi find a more permanent solution for her housing problem.
 
Adhoc vote count started by Shinobu Oshino on Dec 24, 2023 at 10:59 AM, finished with 11 posts and 9 votes.
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Tallied votes. Will leave voting open until 6 PM EST. Afterward, I'll close voting and begin writing.
 
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Episode 3 - 1
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    • The first day back to school dragged on. It was as if you were trudging through a swamp of math equations and long lectures. It certainly didn't help that you snuck a look at the clock every second of the day. Despite some complications, you paid as much attention as your daydreaming would allow. You recited passages when called on, answered questions as they came up, and did your best to meet your own expectations.

    In your downtime, your mind drifts back to the allure of magic. Mimicry was such a broad concept. What were the limitations? What could you copy? You knew how to create weapons from thought alone. During the fight with the witch, it felt as though you were able to mimic 'magic' as well. So, if that much was possible, what was next? Jumping and weaving around the battlefield like Mami? What about standing resolute against the armored witch like Midori?

    Despite the anxiety, the prospect of learning magic actually seemed fun. Because it seemed fun, you were excited, and because you were excited, it was taking that much longer to get through the day.

    The bell rings. You snap your neck back toward the clock, an expecting smile on your face.

    No. Not even close. Four more hours to go. This was for lunch.

    You scoff, resting your head on the desk.

    "Hey Mami." You try to speak to Mami through a telepathic link.

    "Ah, Ms.Kaname. Hello."

    "Are we still on for tonight?"

    "Yes, as far as I'm aware. Why do you ask?"

    "Just wanted to make sure. I'm kind of excited, that's all."

    "That's good, but don't get your expectations up too high."

    "Come on, it's magic. Are you telling me it's boring?"

    "Not precisely."     You can practically see her grinning. "You'll just have to wait and see."

    That just fires you up even more.

    You manage to quell your habit of staring at the clock. It was rough, but staring at the clock wasn't going to make the day go on any faster. You kept busy with conversation with your friends and by putting all of your attention on your school work.

    The reward for all your effort is the final bell, signaling the end of the school day.

    You stretch your arms high into the air as you stand up. "Aaah! Okay, I'm off to my friend's place. I'll talk to you guys later."

    "You're not coming with us, Momoka?" Hitomi asks.

    "Nah." Sayaka interjects. "She's already got plans with another friend of hers."

    Madoka nods. "I'll see you later, Momo."

    "Yeah. I'll see you at home, Madoka. You guys have fun."

    You leave the classroom and dash straight for the school entrance. There, with fatigue etched across her face, is Mami. She stifles a yawn with one hand and waves with the other. The contagious yawn forces you to cover your mouth. "Hey, now you've got me doing it."

    "Sorry."

    "What's wrong? Is Lexi causing trouble?"

    "Yes and no."

    That was concerning. Though, apparently Lexi had been spending most of her time out of the apartment. That on its own wasn't the concern, but you recall the conversation on Saturday at the dinner table.

    "Witches just seem attracted to me." Lexi said. "I dunno if it's something I'm putting out there."

    Mami frowned, exchanging a worried glance with Kyubey. Kyubey surmised that since witches pray on negative emotions, and Lexi, despite her attempts at grandeur, has a lot of those. So, Lexi shouldn't be leaving the apartment unsupervised. The only available magical girl around on a consistent basis is Mami. So, pair the two together and it's a recipe for disaster.

    "I'm sorry." You sigh. "I didn't really know what I was asking when I asked you to take her in."

    "It's not your fault." Mami shakes her head. "And it's a temporary arrangement. If it's only for a few days, I believe I can manage."

    "Don't wear yourself out. You still have to hunt witches, right?"

    "Of course, but there's no need today."

    "Really?"

    "I've cleared my schedule for today."

    "What, how?"

    "Miss Sakura will be making the rounds in Mitakihara tonight."

    "Oh, well then."

    It seems like Mami had everything settled before you even needed to ask. It was excellent foresight on her part, at the very least. As long as your lessons won't be interrupted, you could learn without having to worry. It would be a lie to say that you weren't nervous about lessons beginning. You didn't want to let Mami and Momo's faith in you go to waste.

    You follow the familiar path toward Mami's apartment. Once inside, you sit your bag down, and get to studying. Not your school work, but the notebooks that Mami had been gracious enough to offer. A simple look over was enough to understand that you knew nothing about this. In search of understanding, you flip to the next page.

    Nothing.

    All you have been made aware of is your own ignorance. The knowledge imparted to you about the Soul Gem was hardly scratching the surface. Part of you felt tempted to pull on it more, but something told you that would be disastrous. If doing that once was enough to put you out for a day or two, what would happen the next time? Or the time after that? Sweat drips from your brow just thinking about it. It was important for you to pull your own weight and not rely on your future self too much.

    "Miss Kaname, are you skimming or…?" Mami says, sitting down across from you.

    "Mostly just trying to see what I understand."

    "And?"

    "Nothing."

    "That's what I figured." Mami flips back to the first page. "I started writing down my own theories here." Her finger outlines a block of text written in neat strokes.

    "You have your own theories?"

    "Magic is magic, after all. Each magical girl's abilities are as different as the wish they make."

    "I didn't get a wish, so…"

    "But you know what your 'magic' is, correct?"

    "Yeah, it's mimicry.."

    "'Mimicry' implies you're copying something." Mami places a hand to her chin. "Do you mimic other magical girls?"

    "I think…?" You frown. Again, you had no idea. You were pulling memories from the Soul Gem in order to do the things you were doing. You weren't sure if that was a detail you wanted to reveal to Mami just yet.

    "So, the spear and the cleaver. Have you seen those before?"

    "I…" Well, that wasn't good. "Yes and no? They just sort of came to me."

    Mami narrows her eyes. "It could be related to the circumstances of your contract."

    "Oh, hey Momoka." Lexi walks in from the kitchen, wearing a white shirt that's a little too big. "What are you doing?"

    "Learning magic." You lean back. "What are you doing?"

    "Freeloading." Lexi says. "I'll probably be getting out of here in a day or so."

    Mami sighs in exasperation. "I said you could stay a week, Miss Tanaka."

    "Yeah, but you look like you're about to rip my head off half the time. I think I'd rather take a chance with a witch."

    Mami twitches. "Miss Tanaka, I won't allow that. Just wait patiently. We're figuring something out."

    "Not much to figure out." She shrugs. "I appreciate the help, but I'll get out of your hair."

    She's certainly obstinate in her death wish. If she attracts witches, couldn't she help the others actually go on witch hunts? Then again, endangering a civilian, even one who couldn't die, wasn't something that anyone should consider.

    Lexi didn't seem like a bad person. She was somewhat apathetic, and stubborn, but not a bad person. You did your fair share of reading online last night about possible solutions for Lexi's problem. She couldn't get an apartment if she didn't have identification or a job. The only practical solution was actually just living with someone, or at least something better than an industrial warehouse.

    You considered asking Sayaka, but something told you that wasn't going to work out. The thought of asking your parents came up but, again, that wasn't likely. You were limited in what, exactly, you could do for her. Even if you had magic, you didn't know the first thing about using it properly.

    "Can we discuss this later?" Mami says.

    "Nothing much to discuss, I'm--"

    "Miss Tanaka."

    Lexi clicks her tongue. "Okay, yeah, I got you. Loud and clear."

    "Thank you."

    The tension was thick. It felt like they were two seconds away from a shouting match. "I'm going to take a shower." Lexi says, shrugging as she walks back toward Mami's room.

    "You guys … don't get along, do you?" You speak to Mami through telepathy.

    "I wouldn't say that." Mami closes the notebook. "She doesn't want to be a bother, but she's less of a bother for me here than out there by herself."

    "I didn't know you cared that much."

    "If I can help someone, I will, but there's some practicality to it. What do you think would happen if another witch found her?"

    "She'd be witch food, right?"

    "Yes, but think back to the fight with the armored witch. Its regeneration was heightened to an absurd degree." Mami says in your mind.

    Mami recounts her own fight with the witch to you. She had managed to land what should've been a fatal shot to its head. Of course, since you arrived shortly after, it didn't do the deed. If it hadn't been for Lexi being devoured, Mami would've been able to slay the witch. Mami agreeing to take her in made more sense in context. It wasn't just to protect Lexi, but other magical girls, including herself.

    "You're making it sound like no matter where Lexi goes, she's going to cause problems."

    "I don't think it's that simple." Mami exhales. "It's as I said, it's a unique problem with no easy solution. We have to take things one step at a time. The first step is finding a place for her to stay."

    "You can't keep her here?"

    "No, not with Miss Sakura and Momo to consider."

    "She doesn't need to eat, does she?"

    "It's more that Miss Tanaka could attract a witch to this apartment while Momo is here by herself."

    That's another reason why Mami has been keeping such a close eye on her. The more you talked about this, the less solutions there actually seemed to be. To you, it seems like the best option was to …

    [_] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.
    [_] … tell Mami that it might be more practical to just let Lexi go. She won't die, obviously, and she's been around longer than either of you. She'll get by.
    [_] … tell Mami that you'll ask your parents to see if you could keep her for a while. You might have to actually lie, but hey, first time for everything, right?
    [_] Write-in
     
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    • [X] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.

    And to expand on this.

    [X] Go to the cake shop (Recompense) and see if Mabayu could get a recommendation for Lexi to work there as one of the maids.

    Madoka, Sayaka, and Hitomi are regular customers, and Mabayu is acquainted with them, and now us. It's probably one of the best ways to have multiple people have eyes on Lexi while allowing her to earn some money.
     
    [X] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.

    [X] Go to the cake shop (Recompense) and see if Mabayu could get a recommendation for Lexi to work there as one of the maids.
     
    [X] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.

    [X] Go to the cake shop (Recompense) and see if Mabayu could get a recommendation for Lexi to work there as one of the maids.

    I see what you did there and I approve.
     
    [X] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.

    [X] Go to the cake shop (Recompense) and see if Mabayu could get a recommendation for Lexi to work there as one of the maids.
     
    [X] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.

    [X] Go to the cake shop (Recompense) and see if Mabayu could get a recommendation for Lexi to work there as one of the maids.
     
    [X] … despite your experience, it might just be best to help her find a job. There had to be some place willing to hire someone in high school without an ID. Somewhere.

    [X] Go to the cake shop (Recompense) and see if Mabayu could get a recommendation for Lexi to work there as one of the maids.
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Shinobu Oshino on Dec 26, 2023 at 1:04 PM, finished with 7 posts and 6 votes.
    Click to expand...


    Votes tallied, writing.
     
    Episode 3 - 2
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    • Getting a place to stay involves an income. Having an income meant getting a job. Getting a job meant brown nosing, or as your mother called it, 'networking'. So, with all of this in mind, it was fair to say that a fourteen year old middle schooler didn't have much sway in helping someone get a job. Much less a girl who is practically homeless and, to your knowledge, probably not a lot of practical job experience. However, drastic times call for drastic measures.

    There was one place that came to mind that could probably use the help. "Mami, I think I have an idea."

    "An idea?"

    "Yeah, it's a long shot, but it's at least worth trying.    "

    Afterward, Mami refocuses your attention to the notebooks splayed out in front of you. Your zest for knowledge slowly waned as a realization hit you. This wasn't going to be easy, nor was extravagant as you were making it out to be. The first lesson was conjuring weapons without transforming using your ring. All you could really get it to do was shine just a little more than usual. Your attempts at 'shaking' a weapon loose didn't work, and neither did straining yourself to the point of losing breath.

    "Am I doing something wrong?" You stare at the Soul Gem, unsatisfied.

    "I'm not particularly sure. Being able to conjure a weapon is fairly basic magic. Most magical girls can do it upon forging a contract."

    "I don't think I'm 'most magical girls', Mami."

    "That's true." Mami ponders with a hand to her chin. "Considering your magic, it might be possible that you don't have a weapon to call your own."

    "Really?"

    "Let's start small." Mami brandishes her ring, conjuring a faded yellow ribbon. "Try to recreate this."

    You stare intently at the ribbon. Studying its length, its hue, and the magic that comprised it. With your hands outstretched, the ring shines.

    When you used magic before, it had a particular feeling. An ebb and flow that you couldn't quite recapture. Without depending on borrowed experience, you focus your mind on the ribbon. Unlike treading water in a torrent, this was like walking through the dark with no path and no light.

    Garbled voices echo in your ears. Harsh, haggard breathing. A hand extending forward and a face you couldn't quite make out.

    A yellow ribbon appears in your hands. Its edges are frayed and the fabric torn. Mami reaches out to touch it. Upon contact, the ribbon vanishes into golden sparkles.

    "Interesting." Mami whispers to yourself. "Can you transform for me, Miss Kaname?"

    "I can try."

    The ring bursts into light, reforming into the familiar egg-shaped gem. In an instant, you were adorned in a pink, armored dress. Your Soul Gem glimmers with a golden sheen at the base of your neck. You move your fingers, savoring the metallic sound of your clinking gauntlets. After tapping your boots and spinning in a pirouette, you stare at Mami.

    "Uh." You hide a blooming blush. "Sorry, I didn't… really have time to savor this during the fight. It's actually kind of cool."

    Mami nods with a knowing smile. "I know how it feels."

    "Really?"

    "Yes. Well, then again, I also name my--" She stops short.

    "... Yeah?"

    "N-nothing." She coughs into her hand. "Can you remake the ribbon?"

    "Sure."

    You repeat the process. Your mind focuses, you steel your resolve, and you reach deep.

    The same vision. The static slowly clears. A clear picture of the freeway. Cars lay over one another as they burn in a smoldering flame. A graveyard of bent steel and upheaved concrete. A lone girl sits in the wreckage, a hand outstretched toward a strange white creature. Its tail flickers and its ears reach outward.

    A wish to live.

    To connect to the life that had been lost.

    The intent was clear, and once known, the 'magic' had become clear.

    Ribbons.

    In response to your revelation, a ribbon sits in your hand. While it still looks weak, at least compared to Mami's, it didn't vanish on contact.

    "Good job." She pokes and prods the ribbon. "You can turn back now."

    Your armor dissipates with the memory. The fight with the armored witch quickly replaces it. During the fight, you pulled memories forward from the Soul Gem. The spear used to impale the monster was a memory from the Soul Gem. It was something you reached out for. It was a weapon called forth from your desperation. The Soul Gem wasn't 'yours. They were borrowed memories and experiences.

    There were no memories associated with the spear. Was it because you weren't grasping the magic contained within the spear, its intent? No, it couldn't be that simple, could it? Nothing about the past week has been simple.

    The cleaver wasn't the same. There was a static memory that you remembered with some clarity. A girl speaking to Midori. The girl who used the cleaver. But, that girl wasn't Midori - Midori's weapons were, as far as you knew, a white sword and a silver shield. Her 'familiar' used a black sword.

    So, where did the cleaver's memory come from?

    A weight forms in your chest. A creeping dread prompts a question.

    "Hey, Mami."

    "What is it?"

    "I feel like I should've asked this earlier but… what was your wish? I mean, why did you become a magical girl?"

    "Ah, you know, now that you mention it, I should've started with that." Mami says, frowning. "I'm sorry. To put it plainly, I wished to live."

    That lines up with the memory from the ribbon. "I see. Thanks for sharing."

    "Why do you ask?"

    "I saw something like this … vision?" You were embarrassed just speaking the word aloud. You've grown used to contemplating these concepts to yourself, but sharing them with others? That was another experience entirely. "I saw cars piled up on a freeway. Kyubey was there, and I think I saw you too."

    "That was when I made my contract."

    "Yeah."

    "I see." Mami furrows her brow. "So, you gain insight into the magical girl that you mimic?"

    "It seems that way."

    "Interesting." She nods in satisfaction. "So I suppose that means we can--"

    "Done with the shower!" Lexi yells as she exits the bathroom.

    "Miss Tanaka, Momo is asleep." Mami reprimands.

    "Oh." Lexi freezes. "Right, sorry."

    You glance at Mami.

    "This is as good of a time as any." You think. "When Lexi gets dressed, I'm taking her to Récompense."

    "This is as good of a place to stop as any.    " Mami's shoulders sag. "I wish you luck, Miss Kaname."

    "I'm probably going to need it."


    Luck had nothing to do with it. Actually, you were beginning to wonder if you had fallen into a trap. Getting Lexi to agree to come along wasn't that hard. The girl was looking for an excuse to leave the Tomoe Residence. No, what you were shocked about was the ease of which your plan had actually worked. You walked in, and the moment you said the words 'looking for a job', the owner was listening. As soon as you mentioned that Lexi was of an age to work, the manager, Sakie Aki, pushed Lexi into the backroom.

    You stand at the counter, completely dumbfounded. Why did that work? Was she this desperate? Did no one want to work here? You slide a glance toward Mabayu,"Is … is she normally like that?"

    "Yeah."

    "I'm sorry."

    "Thanks." Mabayu tilts her head. "So, are you eating in?"

    "No, I was just here to ask about the job for my friend."

    "Oh, well, that makes sense."

    "Yeah."

    The two of you stand there.

    It was just like the arcade.

    "So, has it been busy today? Has it been slow…?"

    "I started an hour ago, so can't say for sure."

    "When do you guys close?"

    "Depends on the day. We can stay open til six in the evening, or it can go as far as nine." Mabayu yawns. "The earlier I get off, the better."

    "Honestly, I'm surprised you even work here. I thought we couldn't hold jobs? You know, school policy and all."

    "Agh." Mabayu grimaces. "It's … not a job, it's more just helping out, you know?"

    "With a uniform?"

    "Y-yeah. Have to look the part, right? Eheh."

    "Actually, wait, are you paid?"

    "Yeah."

    "So it's a job?"

    "I-I mean, no, not really." Sweat forms on her brow. "Y-you get an allowance, right?"

    "Yeah?"

    "It's kind of like that, except I work for it."

    "So are you saying I'm lazy or…?"

    "Wait!" She catches herself. "No. No, I'm not. I imagine you work very hard. It's just uh…"

    "We're back, Mabayu!" Sakie returns, her hands on Lexi's shoulders. "What do you think?"

    She was wearing a maroon colored dress accented with yellow stripes. A string ties the white apron to her back. Lexi has no reaction. Instead, she just kind of stands there, hand on her hip. "Can I start working now?"

    "Oh! Yes. How about you take Momoka's order? Does that sound alright to you?"

    You frown. "I'll just have a piece of peach cake and a soda."

    Lexi writes down the order before passing it off to Sakie. Sakie nods before darting around the counter and into the back. Afterward, Lexi takes a seat across from you.

    "So, you got a job."

    "Yeah." Lexi rests her head on the table. "Yeah, I did."

    "What? Is something wrong?"

    "Want the full answer?"

    "Sure."

    "This is honestly a waste of time, but if doing this gets you guys off my back, I'll have to deal." She turns her head. "No other way about it."

    "I mean, we're just worried about you. That's all."

    "And I keep telling you--"

    "'Don't worry about you', yeah, I've heard it already. I don't need to be reminded." You look out the window into the busy street outside. Cars breeze past. People in business suits walking home for work. How late actually was it? "I didn't realize it was getting dark."

    "What, you have to go?" She asks. "You just ordered food."

    "It's not like I wanted to."

    You check the time on your phone. Yeah, it was getting close to around six. The sun was still up, but part of you didn't want to stay out this long. You didn't even expect Lexi to literally start working within the first half an-hour of walking into the place. It was way too convenient. How desperate was the owner for help? Well, if she has Mabayu working here after school, then that question answers itself.

    For now, it was probably best to…

    [_] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
    [_] Call Mami to ask her to come and get Lexi after she's done working. You had to get home before your family got concerned.
    [_] Lexi was an adult, despite her attitude. She's lived on her own for who knows how long. Best to just leave and let her go home by herself.
    [_] Write-in
     
  • Threadmarks
    • Im thinking we stay, and probably text our parents about being late.

    [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
    -[X] Text your parents what you're doing and that you'll be a little late.
     
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    Shinobu Oshino said:
    "Uh." You hide a blooming blush. "Sorry, I didn't… really have time to savor this during the fight. It's actually kind of cool."

    Mami nods with a knowing smile. "I know how it feels."

    "Really?"

    "Yes. Well, then again, I also name my--" She stops short.

    "... Yeah?"

    "N-nothing." She coughs into her hand. "Can you remake the ribbon?"
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Mami likes to act like a Cool Senpai, but in reality, she is almost more excited than everyone else about it.

    Shinobu Oshino said:
    The two of you stand there.

    It was just like the arcade.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Conversations with Mabayu are still awkward, I see.

    Shinobu Oshino said:
    "Honestly, I'm surprised you even work here. I thought we couldn't hold jobs? You know, school policy and all."

    "Agh." Mabayu grimaces. "It's … not a job, it's more just helping out, you know?"

    "With a uniform?"

    "Y-yeah. Have to look the part, right? Eheh."

    "Actually, wait, are you paid?"

    "Yeah."

    "So it's a job?"

    "I-I mean, no, not really." Sweat forms on her brow. "Y-you get an allowance, right?"

    "Yeah?"

    "It's kind of like that, except I work for it."
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Just don't ask questions, Momo.

    [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
    -[X] Warn your parents and Madoka that you will be a little late to help your friend.
    --[X] Madoka from the present, you mean. Madoka from an alternate future probably already saw everything.

    Since both Madokas are her sister, it seems a little funny if Momoka confuses them sometimes.
     
    [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
    -[X] Text your parents what you're doing and that you'll be a little late.
     
    [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
    -[X] Text your parents what you're doing and that you'll be a little late.
     
    [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
    -[X] Text your parents what you're doing and that you'll be a little late.
     
    Adhoc vote count started by Shinobu Oshino on Dec 27, 2023 at 4:52 PM, finished with 5 posts and 5 votes.
    • [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
      -[X] Text your parents what you're doing and that you'll be a little late.
      [X] Stay until closing so you could walk Lexi back to Mami's. You don't want to leave her by herself.
      -[X] Warn your parents and Madoka that you will be a little late to help your friend.
      --[X] Madoka from the present, you mean. Madoka from an alternate future probably already saw everything.
    Click to expand...


    Votes tallied, voting closed. Post will be up later tonight.

    Edit: Going to put the post out tomorrow. Work sort of killed me.
     
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    Episode 3 - 3
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    • A lashing from your parent's was annoying, but nothing compared to the guilt of leaving Lexi by herself. You pull your phone out, sending a text to Madoka and your mother that you would be home a little later. You explain the situation in as few words as possible, given the character limit. The phone slips into your skirt pocket, and you lean forward. "I'll stick around for a while."

    "You don't have to. I can make it back myself."

    "Yeah, I don't doubt that, but--"

    You wanted to say 'you're my responsibility'. Lexi was probably tired of hearing that as much as you were tired of her saying 'don't worry about me'.

    "But what?"

    "Nothing." You sigh.

    The tension in your shoulders laxes as you fall back into your chair. Being tended to by someone ten years your junior may be patronizing. You didn't want to draw any attention to it, so it was best to let it go.

    A cursory glance around the room told you that Récompense wasn't particularly busy today. It was a Monday, so it made sense. Though, you were here Friday and didn't notice much in the way of business. Granted, you were only here for a few minutes at a time before speeding off. Not nearly long enough to make a judgment on their business. It was enough to question why the owner was so desperate for help. If you asked, you could probably get a job here just as fast. Nevermind the fact you were underage, and didn't have permission. Actually, the most enticing part of hiring Lexi might be the lack of I.D.

    That raises many more questions and red flags. Regardless, you were fourteen, what did you know? All you knew is that you weren't allowed. Whether or not the owner was breaking the law wasn't any of your business. The outcome for Lexi was more important than the circumstances surrounding the job. As long as she wasn't hurting anyone, or, you know, selling contraband, then it was mostly okay? If Lexi got paid a somewhat livable wage, then it was fine. Of course, this line of thinking could be its own problem, but beggar's certainly couldn't be choosers. As long as she had a roof over her head, and wasn't alone, that was all you could ask for. Better solutions would come with time.

    After waiting a few moments, your order was done. A simple slice of pie with a soda. Despite your love of sweets, you find yourself picking at the cake instead of devouring it. Idle concerns spoil what little appetite you have.

    "Not going to eat?" Lexi says, hugging the empty platter to her chest. It was a natural movement, as if a force of habit.

    "I mean, I am, aren't I?"

    "You're poking that pie like you'd pick your nose." Lexi frowns.

    "I told you I wasn't hungry." You narrow your eyes. "Also, pick my nose?"

    "Ah." Lexi freezes. "I used to say that to my sister. She'd never actually eat when-... forget it."

    "Right." You frown.

    It might be a sore topic. It was best not to pursue it. That wasn't the point, anyway.

    "What's wrong?" Lexi sits down across from you. "Did something happen or is it just your time of the month?"

    "W-what?" You stare.

    "What?" Lexi sits, completely unfazed. "What is it?"

    "Can you talk like a normal person for like, two seconds? Please?"

    "This isn't normal?"

    "No. No, it isn't."

    "Actually, now that I think about it… that's one of the perks of my predicament."

    "Stop talking."

    "Alright, I'll stop talking when you start."

    Lexi was doing this on purpose. She can be apathetic one minute and annoyingly manipulative the next. It was almost like being inside of that witch for a month never fazed her. Perhaps this was her way of getting even, considering you were a little forceful with your desire to help. She never asked you for help.

    You sigh.

    "I'm a little concerned." You whisper.

    "Concerned about what?" Lexi leans in. "If you say me, I'm going to--"

    "Not you. Not right now, anyway." You wave a hand. "Just been having thoughts about my magic."

    "Your magic? Well, you're talking to the wrong person about that." Lexi leans back, resting her foot on an unoccupied chair. "I don't know anything about it."

    "I mean, what do you call your ability to 'not die' then?"

    "Neat."

    "Just 'neat'?"

    "Yep. Nice, neat, convenient." She shrugs. "I can't call it a curse or a burden. That'd be a lie."

    She must be talking about the person who made the wish for her. With what little you knew about her, that was likely her sister. The small mention she made a bit ago was enough to at least hint toward that. The burden she carries wasn't a light one. How much of her old life was gone? Were there any remnants that she could call her own? She was homeless, so the answer to both those questions is likely 'no'.

    "You don't seem too happy about it."

    "I mean, it definitely has its downsides." She lifts another foot up onto the empty chair. She reclines back in her seat, balancing on its hind legs.

    "Lexi, you're going to--"

    "Going to what?"

    "You're going to fall and bust your--"

    Almost as if on cue, the chair begins to fall.

    You clasp Lexi's hands and pull her forward.

    The chair skids, but doesn't fall.

    "What happened?" Sakie dashes out from behind the counter. She must have heard the skidding rubber of the chair.

    "Nothing!" Mabayu stands behind the counter, a wet dishrag in her hand. "Nothing at all." She says, going back to cleaning the plate in her hand. She drops the plate into the sink, splashing soap and water all over the countertop.

    "Oh, Alexus! Please, get your feet off of the chair. It's poor etiquette for a maid." Sakie reprimands before she vanishes back into the kitchen.

    "Ah." Lexi blinks, slowly nodding as she removes her legs from the chair.

    "Told you." You narrow your eyes.

    "Would've been alright." Lexi shrugs.

    You have to clench your palms to halt your temper. Not many things made you mad. Frustrated, yes, but mad? Not particularly. It was a trait that you shared with Madoka. Ever since you were kids, you were quicker to cry than raise your voice. Why did Lexi get under your skin so much? It was a question you didn't have a quick answer for.

    "You? Yes. Your chance of keeping this job? No." You channel your feelings into words.

    "Bah. You worry way too much." Lexi throws her hands behind her head. "If she was this desperate to hire me, I doubt she'd be this quick to let me go."

    "That's not a gamble I want you to take." You facepalm.

    "Anyway…" Lexi leans in, lightly slapping her hand on the table. "Your magic?"

    "It's mimicry."

    "I think I heard that much when I was drying off." Lexi tilts her head. "So, what can you, like, … mimic? Or copy?"

    "I think I can copy a magical girl's weapons and their magic. But, that's sort of what's bugging me."

    "Why would that bug you?"

    "I'm not so sure about it myself."

    It was hard to put into words. The worry manifested only earlier today, when discussing your magic with Mami. It starts with no magic being attached to the spear, but memories flowing forth when summoning the cleaver. Midori was in the memory. She didn't sound as self-assured, but she was present. That was her voice. The logical assumption would be that you were mimicking Midori, but that likely wasn't the case.

    When you copied Mami, the memories flowed forth like water. It wasn't painful, and it didn't strain your body. It was something you could do without any reservations. It was a result of your own 'power' and not the borrowed experience from the Soul Gem.

    It could be a needless worry. After all, you only had two examples to pull from. Mimicking Mami, and utilizing the cleaver.

    It felt as though you were mimicking something in your vicinity. It was a deep dive into the Soul Gem's memory for experience, for power, but how that manifested wasn't something you could predict.

    It was a similar sensation with Mami.

    Why was this bothering you so much? It felt as though you were approaching a door that you couldn't close. You were fiddling with the key in your hands. But, the question was, what do you do when you find the right key?

    You could ask Madoka. The future one, not the present one, about it. But, that very idea fills you with dread.

    Your question was simple.

    What did you mimic?

    You pulled the spear from memory, and the experience to use it. Creating the weapon was easy enough. There was no purpose to it other than existing as a weapon. There was no memory attached, no special magic. It was by the Soul Gem's power you were able to manifest it.

    The cleaver was different. It belonged to someone, it was burdened with the weight of memory. The same weight that Mami's ribbons carried. Was it by the power of the Soul Gem that made that memory manifest, or was it because the person you copied was nearby? The sensation was the same. It didn't help that there were a limited number of ways to actually test that.

    Digging that deep into the Soul Gem again wasn't something you wanted to do. You could still feel your blood burning, your body throbbing in pain. That was never happening again if you could help it. Just thinking about it was enough to make you feel lightheaded.

    "You're not sure about what's bugging you?"

    "No. Well, yes? It's kind of hard to put it into--"

    Ding. Ding.

    "Oh, sorry, Momoka. Welcome to Récompense!" Lexi gets up to greet the customer with a forced smile.

    Alone, you focus your attention back on the cake. You swallow your lack of an appetite and begin eating. You expected it to be sweet, something to take your mind off of your own worries. But, no, much like your expectations for the day, it turned out to be bitter and disappointing.


    Récompense closed at eight, thankfully. Giving you enough time to get home before nine, at the very least. You walk Lexi to Mami's apartment, having small talk. You took care not to mention the topic from earlier in the evening. Lexi thanked you before heading off into the apartment.

    Alone, you begin your walk back toward your house. Your thoughts wander as you press on through the cold night air. Artificial lights mark your path down the sidewalk. There wasn't a single car on the road. It wasn't rare for this time of day. The quiet ambience was appreciated, considering your racing thoughts.

    "Momoka?"

    "Madoka?" You turn to look behind you.

    No. It wasn't Madoka. Well, again, it was, but it wasn't.

    Your 'guardian angel', the goddess Madoka, floats there with ear muffs and a white fluffy coat.

    "Snrk." You laugh.

    "What? I-it's cold, right?"

    "Yes, yes it is." You tighten your scarf. "Wanted to look the part?"

    "Yes. I wanted to feel included, so…"

    "You're good."

    Regardless of where she came from, this 'goddess' Madoka was definitely awkward. Just as awkward as your sister. You were fairly sure she didn't need to consider what clothes she was wearing. The fact she wanted to match with you was enough to bring a smile to your face.

    "So, what's up? Did you get lonely?" You smile.

    "No, not at all. I just noticed that you're…"

    "Not looking so good? Yeah." You frown. "Not having a good time."

    The transparent Madoka remains quiet.

    If she was here, now was your chance. You could…

    [_] … ask her about your worries concerning the cleaver. Open the door. See where it takes you.
    [_] … best to avoid the topic. Keep the door closed. It was a question you didn't really want answered.
    [_] Write-in

    This choice is SUPER important. It's going to influence every single interaction you have for the rest of the quest going forward. Literally every single one. Pick carefully.
     
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    • [X] … ask her about your worries concerning the cleaver. Open the door. See where it takes you.

    Sure sometimes knowledge is a curse, but I don't want to close any doors just yet.
     
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    [X] … ask her about your worries concerning the cleaver. Open the door. See where it takes you.

    I wanna know, and I want Momoka to be able to stop worrying...even if this might just give her more to worry about.

    Shinobu Oshino said:
    It's going to influence every single interaction you have for the rest of the quest going forward.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Ominous. I hope Momoka will be okay, and not, say, have her present self be overwritten by her past timeline self, or something.

    Shinobu Oshino said:
    Also, figured I'd post this here. Here's some artwork I got commissioned for this story concept a little bit ago.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    Is it just me, or do they look a couple years older than canon in this?
    And Momoka kinda has big sister vibes here...it's probably the "Hi, Madoka's friend! I'm sure everything's going to go fine but if it doesn't I know at least a dozen ways to kill you on the spot~ <3" smile, and Madoka's "Onee-chan, you're embarrassing me..." face.

    ...or is it a "This isn't how I wanted the first meeting between these two to go at all..." face?

    (I'm chronically terrible with faces.)
     
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