Midday - Saturday, January 15th, 2011
"I can't really blame you for feeling that way," you admit. "But I'd like to think that what I'm doing here isn't just
being idealistic." You put your hands on your hips and give Yumi a resolute look. "You said yourself that I might have the power and ambition to hold this territory. Is it so hard to believe I might have the power and ambition to put my ideals into practice?"
"Frankly? Yes."
"Why? Because you think I'm gonna get killed?" you ask. "I can't help anyone if I'm dead. I get it. I knew from the beginning that I'd be risking my life."
Yumi gives you a skeptical look. "Did you, really?"
"Uh, since the person before me was killed, then yeah?" you say. "Kinda obvious."
A pause, then Yumi blinks. "Wait. Kyubey recruited you,
specifically, to replace Kisaragi? That's why you were offered a contract at all?"
"Yes?" you reply, then laugh awkwardly. "I mean I only kinda half listened since I thought I was dreaming at first buuuut yeah." You tap your chin thoughtfully. "Oh! Since you're here, Kyubey, what
did you tell me?"
Kyubey perks up. "The protector of this city has fallen," the creature recites, "and it will soon be overrun by creatures that feed on human despair, and become a battleground for people who seek only their own benefit." Kyubey pauses, cocking its head. "Those were my exact words, before I offered Yui Aikawa the power to protect her city."
"See?" you say. "My ideals aren't just about me, they're about making things better for everyone. I'm in this because I have a goal."
Yumi rubs the bridge of her nose. "Fine. I don't dispute that," she says, then stops to think. "Kyubey," she says slowly, "how likely is it that you would have offered Yui a contract, if not to replace Kisaragi?"
"Very unlikely," Kyubey replies. "Yumi Kaga, you are aware of the balance I prefer to maintain, are you not? My predictions indicate Yui Aikawa being a strongly stabilizing influence, which is why she was recruited to counter major chaotic influences shortly after Momoko Kisaragi's assassination. Under other circumstances, offering her a contract would have reduced overall efficiency, despite her remarkable potential."
Yumi's brow furrows as she digests that, and you're... not entirely sure what she's thinking. Kyubey's phrasing was oddly abstract and convoluted, in a way you'd normally expect from someone who enjoys sounding knowledgeable. (...like Maiko. Tee hee.) Perhaps Yumi was intended to draw conclusions that you're unaware of? Hmm.
Maiko, you say telepathically,
any idea what Kyubey was talking about there? About balances and efficiency?
She doesn't reply immediately.
I have a few guesses, based on things Momoko told me, she says.
I'd prefer not to speculate. She pauses.
However, I'm fairly certain that whatever Kyubey means, you should take it as a compliment.
Consider it done! you say.
So, uh, Yumi seemed pretty clear that even if she leaves she wants to be on good terms with me, and she's pretty honest and sensible, so I'm thinking that means that we can probably trust her to keep some secrets.
You want her to meet me? Maiko replies.
I'm... not opposed. The Shimura Coalition were one of the less unpleasant groups in Tokyo. As far as outsiders were concerned, at any rate--their internal disputes were apparently rather vicious. I also agree with your assessment of Yumi herself, based on information obtained from my grimoire.
"The way I see it is that I need three things," you say, interrupting Yumi's thoughts. "First is enough allies," you say, counting off on your fingers, "which will be easy because of how friendly and lovable I am, and also is why I am recruiting so aggressively. Second is a better understanding of the problem, which is where having level-headed, experienced magical girls on my team would be super helpful. Hint, hint. Third is being strong enough that I won't ever have to compromise on my ideals, and I already
have that."
Yumi looks skeptical. "Why are you so certain that you--" she begins, then stops and raises her eyebrows. "That was what you wished for, wasn't it."
Wait, seriously? Maiko says.
You giggle impishly. "Yep!"
"When I sought Momoko Kisaragi's replacement, Yui Aikawa's karmic potential was well beyond any others," Kyubey says, sounding pleased. "By expending her full potential to realize the wish she made, she has become very powerful indeed."
"How powerful is 'very'?" Yumi asks.
Kyubey hops onto your shoulder again. "Such things are impossible to quantify in terms I could fully explain," it says. "If you will accept an approximate answer to what I believe is the intent behind your question, at least three standard deviations above the mean."
"At least?" you ask.
"The results of your wish are more far-reaching that even you realize, Yui Aikawa," Kyubey says cheerfully. "I believe you are capable of accomplishing a great deal, and I look forward to seeing what uses you will find for your magic."
"Aww, thank you, Kyubey," you say in a painfully cutesy voice, patting the creature's head. "Now aren't you just the cutest and most precious little heartlessly manipulative stretchy-headed alien."
"I don't understand the purpose of that statement," Kyubey says.
Yumi just stares at you. "'Stretchy-headed'?" she asks.
Kyubey hops out of reach as you raise your hands, so you just mime pulling its ears apart. "Stretched out like taffy when I pulled on those floating rings," you say proudly, "and made a really funny 'boing' sound when it snapped back into place."
...Yumi doesn't seem to have anything to say to that.
"I-- I was curious if the rings were attached somehow," you say defensively. "It was really bugging me, okay?"
Yumi sighs, a distant look on her face.
"Well?" you say, giving her your best hopeful, pleading look. "Do you believe me? That I can succeed in doing things my own way?"
"To be honest, no," she says, cautiously. "But I'm not sure it would be wise to turn down an insistent offer from someone who, by my estimation, may be the most powerful magical girl in Japan."
Your face falls. "I'm not--"
Yumi holds up a hand. "Not threatening me, I know," she says, "but it's hard to ignore. A word of advice, advertising that little fact may win you more enemies than friends."
"One more thing," you say. "I wanna talk to you a bit more in private, along with the super mysterious ally I apparently do actually have. After that, if you're still not convinced then... well, you'll always be welcome in Nagamioka. I wasn't gonna do this unless I was sure you'd be staying here, but I can trust you to keep my secrets, right?"
Yumi nods, then looks thoughtful. "So you have secrets you'd want kept from someone who's leaving, then. Someone you might never see again," she says. "Which probably means it's not whether
I know that matters. You're hiding something that would cause trouble if it hit the rumor mill, aren't you?" Yumi pauses. "Something juicy about Kisaragi, perhaps?"
You try to look innocent. "You'll just have to find out, won't you?"
"Fine, you have my interest," Yumi says. "When?"
"Um. Today, I guess?" you say, glancing at the two disconnected bodies and at Rio's group, who have apparently finished their own discussion. "Lemme deal with everything else first."
Yumi nods.
The two of you approach the other girls. Before anyone else has a chance to speak, Kiyomi notices Kaede and Naoko. "Whoa! You actually killed them?"
"No!" you say. "I'm not killing anyone if I can help it."
"Naoko totally deserves it though," Kiyomi says, then looks puzzled. "Are you sure, though? They're not breathing, what did--"
"That's not relevant right now," Fuuka interrupts, giving you a dirty look. "If you'd kindly--" she hesitates, then softens her voice. "I'll explain later, Kiyomi. Please?"
Kiyomi nods amiably. "Sure, fine by me."
You shift uncomfortably, suspecting what that conversation will entail and feeling a little guilty about it. "Anyway, uh, I do have some terms to discuss. These
are negotiable," you say, looking meaningfully at Fuuka, "but I think they're pretty reasonable." Fuuka crosses her arms and scowls slightly.
"Go ahead," Rio says.
"I wanna be super clear on two things first," you say. "First, that I don't want any Tokyo bullshit going on in my town. You don't have to be friends with everyone here, but no backstabbing and no fighting with other locals."
Rio nods vigorously. "I wanted out," she says. "If what Yumi said about you was true, we'll be on your side."
"What
did you tell them?" you say.
Yumi looks amused. "Suffice it to say that based on our prior conversation, I may have understated things significantly."
Rio raises an eyebrow at that, but doesn't say anything.
"Right, anyway. Second thing, you're all working for me now. You can stay together otherwise, and I'm not gonna demand Grief Seeds or anything from you, but I don't want you acting independently. Okay?"
Fuuka looks unhappy, but Rio nods. "I understand."
"I know Yumi promised you territory, but unless you have a good reason for it I don't want to parcel out exclusive territory," you say. "You three will share the core territory of Nagamioka with myself, another ally, and any newly contracted magical girls in the area. You'll stay in touch with me regularly and let me know about any disputes, problems, or concerns you're having. We'll also meet up in person at least twice as week, if only briefly."
"The in-person meetings seem a bit excessive," Rio says doubtfully.
"That's 'cause you're lazy," Kiyomi says. "And shy. Oof."
Fuuka smooths her skirt and folds her hands politely after elbowing Kiyomi. "A perfectly reasonable request," she says. "I assume you will be playing mediator if any conflicts arise?"
"Yep. Speaking of potential conflicts," you say, "two girls I'm aware of have individually claimed territory in southern Nagamioka. Directly south is Koharu, who seems nice--"
"Aside from when she nearly killed me," Yumi remarks dryly.
"Er, well," you say. "Speaking of which, her territory borders Itabashi so maybe you don't want to go there anyway? In the southeast is Chou, who's a little... touchy. She--"
"Oh! Minamori?" Kiyomi says. "I remember her! She was great."
Fuuka looks pained. "The one with the roses and a charming disposition?"
"That sounds like her," you say, eyeing Kiyomi warily. "I guess you were, um, friends with her?"
"She joined the coalition for a few months before moving on," Rio says. "She and Kiyomi hit it off really well, believe it or not."
You... have a hard time picturing that. "Anyway, aside from Chou and Koharu's territories, you're free to go and hunt anywhere. If you find an area you'd like to settle in, let me know," you say. "We can talk about where Witches hang out and work out patrol routes and stuff."
This time Rio is the one with a pained expression. "I'm not sure that's all necessary," she says.
"Oh, I'm quite certain it is," Fuuka says, a disconcerting sparkle in her eye. "In fact, I daresay regular patrol routes will be good for you, Higashiyama."
You hear Rio mutter something under her breath that sounds distinctly like "Yes, mother."
"If you find any newbies or solo immigrants, be friendly and bring them to me," you say. "Right now I'm trying to recruit any local girls and any incoming girls willing to work with me, or at least not cause trouble." You glance back at Kaede and Naoko. "Of course, if someone shows up wanting a fight, try to defuse things if you can but don't get yourselves killed. Back off if you have to and come get me."
"I assure you that we are more than capable in combat," Fuuka says archly.
"She's
way stronger, though," Kiyomi says, earning a glare from Fuuka. "What? Didn't you see how she took out Kaede and Naoko? Like," Kiyomi waves her hands around in a manner you think is intended to evoke your multi-beam attack. "See?"
You clear your throat. "Moving on, I expect you to help anyone allied with you, within reason. Witch hunts, if they're attacked or otherwise in trouble, mundane personal problems, whatever. Feel free to request the same from others, and come to me if nobody else is available to help." You put your hands on your hips and nod firmly. "As it so happens, I am not merely the tiny and adorable Hero of Love and Justice you see before you! In my secret identity as a tiny and adorable schoolgirl I have lots of resources and connections to help you with any problem you may have."
Kiyomi looks confused. "How is it a secret identity if you told us your name?"
Fuuka eyes you skeptically. "Unless you can arrange to get me a decent meal for once, I think we can take care of ourselves," she says.
"Um," you say. "Okay? I can take you all out to eat, if you really want..."
"Fuuka's just a snob," Kiyomi says. "We can get food."
Yumi's mouth twitches in a faint grin. "No, no," she says. "I think you should take Yui up on that offer."
Fuuka gives Yumi a venomous look. "I don't know what you think you're laughing at, you--"
Rio coughs. "Please continue, Yui."
"Right, uh," you say. "The stuff about helping others
especially includes Grief Seed shortages, which should always be brought to my attention. There's a stupid huge number of Witches active right now, though, so that shouldn't be an issue for a while."
"What do you mean by that?" Rio asks. "About the Witches."
"Apparently when there's lots of magical girls around they tend to sleep in a lot and not do anything," you say.
Kiyomi grins at Rio. "Ha, just like you! Wh--oof!"
Fuuka elbows Kiyomi in the gut again. "Not funny, Kiyomi," she says, face hard.
"Aw, c'mon. Why--" Kiyomi trails off and wilts a little under Fuuka's glare.
Rio gives you an intense, searching look, then shakes her head slightly. "Anyway. You were saying?"
"Well, all the established local magical girls were killed the same day, right? Apparently the lazy Witches noticed and right now they're all gonna be going nuts until enough girls settle in," you say.
Kiyomi looks like she's about to say something, then glances at Fuuka and changes her mind.
"Finally," you say, "above all I expect you to support my overall goals of protecting people and being a decent person. All those earlier details are negotiable, but this last bit isn't. Like I said earlier, I want no Tokyo shenanigans here, but also don't do anything to endanger normal people." You look at each of the three in turn. "As long as you can do
that, we'll do fine. Any objections?"
They look at each other, probably communicating telepathically. Eventually, Rio turns to you. "I need to ask, what other experienced magical girls are in town? Aside from Yumi here, you mentioned Chou. I don't want to be surprised by someone we have... unpleasant history with."
"Um," you say.
I've never interacted with them directly, Maiko says, before you can ask.
Their coalition was not overly fond of Momoko, of course, but they didn't share a border and therefore mostly knew of her by reputation. I'm not certain they'd even know who I am.
"There is one other girl," you say. "But she's keeping to herself, and she doesn't think there'll be any problems."
"The 'mysterious ally', I presume?" Yumi says. "The one who seems to be remarkably well-informed about events in Itabashi ward."
"Uh. Yes?" you say awkwardly.
"Okay," Kiyomi says, "So who is this chick, anyway?"
Kyubey hops up onto your shoulder. "As Yumi Kaga has deduced, she is a veteran with inside knowledge of the Itabashi Ward situation," it says, tail swishing idly. "And enemies there, as well, which is why she has chosen to avoid direct involvement. However, she had little to no contact with members of the Shimura Coalition. I do not believe you need be concerned about her presence."
"A'ight," Kiyomi says, apparently satisfied. The other two still seem suspicious, but don't object.
"Anything else?" you ask.
Rio shakes her head. "Your terms seem fair," she says. "If you don't mind, we'd like to rest before finalizing anything. It's been a... difficult day."
"Sure!" you say, then grimace. "I have, uh, chores to deal with anyway. Let's meet up tonight or tomorrow, maybe?"
"Okay," Rio says. "We'll be in contact."
Once Rio's group leaves, you make a disgusted face before turning to Yumi. "I need to figure out what to do with these bodies," you say. "And Kaede's dog, too, I guess." You feel a pang of guilt looking at the dog, hunkered down next to Kaede's body as if guarding it. Kaede might be a jerk, but her bond with her dog seemed genuine and the dog certainly hasn't done anything wrong. You can't just abandon it or get rid of it... even aside from how you'd feel about it, if you mistreat her dog it'll almost certainly be impossible to deal with Kaede after reviving her.
"Need help?" Yumi asks.
"Lemme think about what to do," you say, tapping your chin as you walk over toward the two bodies.
I have a suggestion regarding both, Maiko says, somewhat reluctantly.
But I'll need to detour to my apartment. Do you think you can get both bodies and the dog to north Nagamioka, a bit west of Minami's apartment?
Um, maybe? you say.
Carrying both might be tricky... I could ask Yumi to help, I guess?
Maiko hesitates.
I'd need you to meet me at an address I'll give you. If you bring Yumi along, you can introduce me when I arrive.
Kaede's dog gets to its feet and growls at you as you approach. That's... not going to make things any easier. You have a feeling it's not going to be happy if you try to take her body anywhere...
You glance at Yumi, who just shrugs.
[x] Try being friendly to the dog and see if you can convince it you mean no harm.
- [x] Ask Yumi if she has any dog treats in her mysterious skirt inventory.
[x] Try that thing you did on the bridge and see if it works on the dog?
[x] Kaede was... reasonably cooperative under threat of force. Maybe it'd be better to wake her up instead?
- [x] Have Kaede carry Naoko's body.
[x] Ask for help getting Kaede, Naoko, and the dog to the location Maiko has in mind.
- [x] Ask for Yumi's help.
-- [x] Have Maiko wait until Yumi leaves.
-- [x] Have Yumi stick around and introduce her to Maiko there.
- [x] Ask for Maiko's help. Have her run to her apartment either before or after, whichever she prefers.
-- [x] Tell Yumi you'll talk later, wait until she leaves.
-- [x] Have Yumi stick around, do the introductions first.
[x] Do it all yourself. Awkwardly.
[x] Call a team meeting with Minami and Maiko.
- [x] Brainmail Asami to invite her, though she's probably busy.
- [x] Invite Yumi as well.
-- [x] But only if she decides she's definitely staying after talking to Maiko.
- [x] Invite someone else? (write-in who)
- [x] Meet at...
-- [x] Minami's secret base.
-- [x] Maiko's mysterious destination.
-- [x] (write-in other location)
[x] (write-in?)
Yumi did a bit of research while she was downtown, and (among other things) discovered that the Saburou Aikawa whose name is prominently attached to quite a few things is, in fact, Yui's grandfather. From that she found a few mentions of Yui's father in the news, and several mentions of her brother winning various academic awards. Suffice it say, she's aware of just how wealthy Yui's family is.
Fun fact: The absent fourth member of Rio's group didn't get killed! Wait, nevermind, that's not actually fun at all.
