Remove ads

Puella Magi - Memento Mori (PMMM quest)

Reader mode
Remove ads
Chapter 2 - Take a break 21
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Talk to Uncle. (And Kishi/Mariko as appropriate)
    -[x] "Yeah... I'm beginning to think eventful days are the new normal."
    -[x] "Um... well, I'm really happy about how things turned out... but, after you left I kinda caused a misunderstanding and things didn't quite get off to a good start. That was all my fault."
    --[x] "It took awhile to clear everything up but I'm glad we did. Kishi and Mariko talked things over, and they've really come a long way since this morning. And I'm really proud of them for finding the courage to make things right again. I know that was really hard for both of you."

    [x] After that, we went back to the apartment to clean up and at that point it was obvious we were going to be really late for school. And... that's also my fault.
    [x] With everything that happened, we all just agreed to skip today. Sorry Uncle. I really wasn't intending to skip, it just happened.
    [x] So... after talking about it, we decided to spend the morning hunting witches instead.

    [x] Suggest talking about the witches during dinner.
    -[x] Emphasize Kishi and Mariko's contributions during the witch fights
    [x] Talk about the library, rejoining Evelyn (You are not a kidnapper!) and then going to Ariane's.

    That would be putting it mildly to say at least, you decide. Between all the drama in the morning, the witches you fought during the day, and everything that came afterwards, you certainly wouldn't mind just flopping into your bed and sleeping for the rest of the evening and night. You are already starting to feel the weariness from the day.

    But that is ultimately something for later. You can calm down and enjoy the dinner with everyone now, even if you need to explain what you've been doing the entire day.

    "Yeah… I'm beginning to think eventful days are the new normal," you inform your uncle while walking towards the kitchen with your friends. You can't remember the last time you had a day without any drama or witches off the top of your head.

    Your uncle simply raises his eyebrow questioningly as he guides you to the already set table, "Oh, do tell?"

    "Um… well, I'm really happy about how things worked out… but, after you left, I kind of caused a misunderstanding and things didn't quite get off to a good start,"     you explain, suppressing a grimace at the memory. In hindsight, that was not a very good decision, "That was all my fault."

    You throw quick, apologetic glances at your friends at the same time. It seems to take both of them a moment to click just what you meant. "I-it's okay, Tamiko, I know the scare wasn't on purpose," Kishi tries to console you, while Mariko nods almost unnoticeably in agreement.

    "We all make mistakes sometimes," your uncle says, refraining from prying into your comment, "It's part of being a human. And since you're all here alive and well, I suspect it didn't end in a full-scale catastrophe."

    You nod animatedly in response while you sit down near the table, "Yeah. It took a while to clear everything up, but I'm glad we did. Kishi and Mariko talked things over, and they've really come a long way since the morning!" Coming from open hostility/fear relationship to an awkward and shaky tolerance of each other definitely counts as a long way!

    Although, it feels quite strange to talk about your friends while they are sitting right there around the same table. Neither one is very talkative about this particular subject, but still… "And I'm really proud of them for finding the courage to make things right again! I know that was really hard for both of you."

    As you say this, you also feel the sudden urge to just reach for the two girls and hug them as tight as you can. However, this isn't really the place to do that… Curses be on that table for being in the way of pulling everyone into a group hug!

    This is probably for the best, though. Both of the girls seem to have turned really embarrassed all of sudden, with Kishi fidgeting on her seat with a light blush adorning her cheeks. Mariko is a lot more subdued, but it isn't difficult to notice how her gaze has started to wander aimlessly around the kitchen.

    At the same time your uncle grabs the pot brings the stew to the table. He has an understanding smile on his face as he takes off the apron and sits down himself. "True, letting go of things in past is very difficult. Never undervalue the worth of the ability to forgive," he says and takes off the cover from the main course, "Also, dig in!"

    There is a quick chorus of very quiet and bashful 'thank yous' around the table before people start reaching for their shares of the meal. At the same time, between your bites, you continue to explain your day, "After that, we came back here to clean up, and at that point it was obvious we were going to be really late for school. And… that's also my fault"

    You take a quick break and throw some guilty glance at your friends again, "With… well, everything that happened, we all just agreed to skip today. Sorry, Uncle, I really wasn't intending to skip, it just happened."

    You let out a nervous laugh and rub the back of your neck awkwardly. If the plain look your uncle is giving you is of any indication, then you are probably going to be hearing about this later.

    "Mhmm… On a personal level, I can understand why you'd choose to this. Heck, I can't say I didn't do my fair share of playing truant when I was a kid…" your uncle carefully allows before his expression turns completely serious, "But as your uncle and a mostly responsible adult... We are going to talk about this later, young lady."

    You doubt your uncle is actually angry with you, but it doesn't stop the feeling of shame bubbling inside you. Good reasons or no, you don't like being scolded by your uncle.

    "Yeah… Sorry about this," you say with a bit subdued voice, and you can see how his expression shifts back to the usual, more relaxed one.

    "All is still forgiven here," your uncle says, "I was actually curious about why you didn't take your lunch with you. Just don't let this become a thing. The same goes for all of you girls. School is an important part of your lives."

    Kishi nods furiously alongside you, and you suspect she might be feeling even more guilty than you are. Mariko on the other hand is consciously averting her gaze from your uncle.

    "But still, what did you girls do if you weren't in school?"

    "Well, we didn't just sit around, that's for sure… after talking about it, we decided to spend the morning hunting witches instead!"     you say and held up your hand with your fingers safe for the thumb held up, "Good thing too, because there were four scattered around the city!"

    Your uncle's raised eyebrow and the folded hands under his chin are enough of a reason for you to launch into a long tale about what you and your friends in particular did.

    You tell about the newspaper octopus, and how it didn't stand a chance against Kishi once Mariko had blinded it.

    You tell about the headless horsewoman, and how you had to fight it alone while your friends kept its familiars at bay.

    You tell about the gold-formed genie which got wrecked by Mariko.

    And lastly you tell about the giant tree and how it shook the ground and tanked his far longer than anything before it. You don't mention killing its familiars, its children… Not yet.

    Although, there is a certain worried aura to your uncle, you are happy to see that he seems to be quite proud of how you handled and managed your fights. But all this crashes when you tell him what happened afterwards.

    "So after we were done, we took a trip to the library to borrow some books for later while we waited for school to end and Evelyn to join us! It took a bit, so I decided to play a prank on her, telling her to prepare for an upcoming abduction from the school," you explain with great enthusiasm, but pause for a moment to address one very important point.

    "Also, I'm not a kidnapper!" you exclaim loudly to make sure everyone gets it. The result is immediate, but not the one you were really expecting. Granted, you didn't really know what you were expecting in the first place...

    Kishi buries her face in her hands to hide her expression. You can hear her groan from behind her fingers. Mariko seems mainly confused, and you take a note that she hasn't really eaten that much here with the very slow and hesitant pace combined with an already small portion.

    Your uncle on the other hand seems utterly neutral about the issue, "Really now, what could have brought out this particular outburst? That is quite specific..."

    "It means that I'm not a kidnapper!"     you explain, further driving the point home, "But after picking up Evelyn, we all went over to Ariane's to spend the afternoon and evening. We had a snowball fight and played board games before having to leave… And that's about it, really?"

    "Maa~, it certainly sounds like a really interesting day you've had,"     your uncle notes with a nod and starts to rise up from the table to gather the empty dishes. You are somewhat pleased to note that he hasn't pursued the kidnapping line any further for reasons unknown, "But it seems to be getting late... Are you two going to be staying for the night here?"

    "N-no, I think I'll be going home,"     Kishi notes after a moment's thought. She seems like she wouldn't be entirely opposed to just staying, but she probably has things to do tonight.

    "The same... Thank you for your hospitality again," Mariko follows after Kishi with a curt bow. She is frowning heavily and seems to be ready to leave for your room for the wardrobe change.

    What do you do?

    [] Last minute talks!

    [] Offer to escort Kishi.

    [] Insist on escorting Mariko, even if it might mean you'll be staying up way too late.

    [] Stay home and talk with uncle.

    [] Call someone.
    -[] Evelyn.
    --[] Ask about the homework you completely forgot about.
    -[] Ami.

    [] Write-in.

    ===

    You guys are really insistent on the kidnapping line, aren't you :V?
     
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Insist on escorting Mariko, even if it might mean you'll be staying up way too late.
    -[x] What's wrong, Mariko? You look bothered.
     
    [x] Insist on escorting Mariko, even if it might mean you'll be staying up way too late.
    -[x] What's wrong, Mariko? You look bothered.
     
    [x] Insist on escorting Mariko, even if it might mean you'll be staying up way too late.
    -[x] What's wrong, Mariko? You look bothered.
     
    Given what we can guess from what's going on with Mariko, I can't imagine she'd be at all comfortable with us pushing her into us seeing her home.

    That's got disaster written all over it. I highly advise against insisting on escorting Mariko home right now.

    Now we can ask (do not press too hard though) if she's okay. She didn't eat very much at all. Second, I do think we should invite Mariko to more witch hunts. She seemed to rather enjoy fighting on a team.
     
    [x] Insist on escorting Mariko, even if it might mean you'll be staying up way too late.
    -[x] What's wrong, Mariko? You look bothered.
     
    Guys I really think this is a bad idea.

    Everything I've read about Mariko hints that she either comes from an impoverished family or a broken one. Or both. And she's embarrassed by that.

    Insisting on the escort is the same as trying to force Mariko to reveal something she really doesn't want to reveal right now.

    It's a bad call. We have better ways to go about this without outright embarassing someone. Please reconsider that vote.
     
    New:

    [x] Stay home and talk with uncle.
    -[x] Mariko seems to be bothered. Any advice on how to help with that?

    [x] Call someone.
    -[x] Evelyn.
    --[x] Ask about the homework you completely forgot about.
    -[x] Ami.
    --[x] How are you? It's been quite a while.
     
    [x] Stay home and talk with uncle.
    -[x] Mariko seems to be bothered. Any advice on how to help with that?

    [x] Call someone.
    -[x] Evelyn.
    --[x] Ask about the homework you completely forgot about.
    -[x] Ami.
    --[x] How are you? It's been quite a while.
     
    Vote Tally : Puella Magi - Memento Mori (PMMM-Quest) | Page 392 | Sufficient Velocity
    ##### NetTally 1.7.3.2

    [x] Stay home and talk with uncle.
    -[x] Mariko seems to be bothered. Any advice on how to help with that?
    [x] Call someone.
    -[x] Evelyn.
    --[x] Ask about the homework you completely forgot about.
    -[x] Ami.
    --[x] How are you? It's been quite a while.
    No. of Votes: 9
    UbeOne
    Always Late
    Dirtnap
    Jrin
    mistfist
    MrLZRS
    Muramasa
    Nervos Belli
    RexHeller

    [x] Insist on escorting Mariko, even if it might mean you'll be staying up way too late.
    -[x] What's wrong, Mariko? You look bothered.
    No. of Votes: 2
    EtchedSteel
    Unitveras

    [X] The Uber One.
    No. of Votes: 1
    The3rdCorinthian

    Total No. of Voters: 12
    Alright, going to close votes here and start writing.
     
    Chapter 2 - Take a break 22
  • Threadmarks
    • [x] Stay home and talk with uncle.
    -[x] Mariko seems to be bothered. Any advice on how to help with that?
    [x] Call someone.
    -[x] Evelyn.
    --[x] Ask about the homework you completely forgot about.
    -[x] Ami.
    --[x] How are you? It's been quite a while.

    Well, it's getting very late, and all of you still have to wake up for school tomorrow. It's no wonder they're both ready to leave already, but you can't help but to feel a small tinge of disappointment. It would be nice to have people staying over for the night some time, preferably without being labeled as a kidnapper because of it.

    A girl can always wish, though…

    "Oh, I guess I'll be seeing you around tomorrow then," you says and slowly rise to stand up while throwing a quick glance at the clock on the wall. It's nearing half past eight, it seems. Yikes, time sure flew by fast!

    "Y-yeah... I-I'll come meet you tomorrow morning as usual, okay?" Kishi says and rises up from her hair to give a quick bow to your uncle, "T-thank you for the dinner!"

    "Heh, you're welcome!"     comes the somewhat pleased answer, "Have a safe trip home, the two of you."

    Kishi nods hastily at the man before turning to look right back at you as you answer her back yourself. "Of course, see you then!"

    You and Kishi exchange quick smiles and appreciative nods with each other, before the latter hastily leaves towards the apartment's entrance. You take the chance to turn to address the slightly uncomfortable Mariko, "S-so, uh…"

    "Right… I'll just..."     she interjects you with haste, but pauses all of sudden in uncertainty, "But um… I-if it's not too much of a bother, could I use your room for a second first? I still need to return these, and… well..."

    "Huh, naturally! Take all the time you need!"     you exclaim and nod at the girl. She doesn't need any other prompt, and disappears from the kitchen very quickly. You can hear the door to your room being opened and closed very carefully, as if Mariko didn't want to disturb you with the noises.

    You sigh wearily and rub your forehead. There is something on Mariko's mind, you're sure of it. But at the same time, you are not really sure how to best approach this... You might need some help here, "Uncle, can I ask you something?"

    "Hmm? Go right ahead,"     comes the answer, with your uncle sounding like he has already guessed what you're going to say.

    "Mariko really seems… bothered by something?" you say slowly, lowering your voice slightly to prevent her from overhearing you by accident, "I-I mean, with the way she was during dinner… I don't know… Do you have any advice on how to help with that?"

    Your uncle stays silent for a moment, looking somewhat contemplative about your question. Does it mean even he can't help you here, or- "Well, it's not exactly easy to say anything without knowing much about miss Fuyousawa in the first place," the man admits all of sudden, and your heart seems to drop a little at the words you hear.

    "Oh…"

    "Still, don't take this the wrong way, kiddo. I'd say just be there with her and talk with her, something you certainly seem to have done just fine so far,"     your uncle continues, and you lift your gaze to look directly at him with wide eyes, "However, don't push for things too quickly, and let it come naturally. Don't pressure her into explaining things… at least without a very good reason."

    So just try to be a friend to Mariko and socialize with her? That doesn't sound too difficult. "But… What do I do now then?" you ask. You get an odd feeling that your uncle is not voicing everything he could say here. Not yet at least.

    "I'd say don't push the line just yet. Just let miss Fuyousawa know that you're willing to hear her out. Having the ear of a peer is invaluable," your uncle says and moves to pick up the dishes left behind. At the same time, you can hear the door to your room being opened and closed again.

    You immediately rush out of the kitchen to face Mariko, who seems to be very intent on leaving as quickly and with as little fanfare as possible. That is probably why she seems to be taken aback by you appearing right in front of her with a warm smile. It takes a bit of an effort to avoid looking at her small clothing, though.

    "Huh, so you are going then?" you ask her awkwardly, feeling a bit unsure about how to best start a conversation with her in the light of our uncle's words.

    "Yeah… I really don't want to bother you by staying here late," Mariko says almost evasively, "T-thank you for this too…"

    "Aww, it's fine!"     you announce, "It was fun getting to spend time with you! And I'm looking forward for tomorrow too!"

    "Uh, right, right…"     Mariko says, attempting to smile slightly at your words, "But it's still getting late, so I'll just take my leave for now, okay? I-I… well, see you tomorrow. I guess..."

    Mariko gives you a quick nod and hastily walks past you to the entrance to your home to pick up her shoes. You follow after her to at least see her off, bidding her farewell as she open the door" "Bye bye!" you exclaim cheerfully, and take a small pause before continuing with more somber tone, "And uh, also, Mariko… Just… Remember that I am always willing to help. I promised you that much today, and I won't go back on my word."

    Mariko doesn't say anything to your words, but she stops for a moment at the doorway, as if contemplating on your words. However, she seems to decided against whatever was on her mind and closes the door with a quick wave of her hand. You now have the the rest of the evening for yourself.

    Well, most of it at least… Your uncle still has some words for you, but given how he seems to be busy with the dishes, you think you have some moments for yourself. You could probably do your homework, actually, and-

    You freeze as you realize that you have no idea what you have for homework. Evelyn did promise to share, but both of you kind of forgot in the middle of all the fun over at Ariane's. You bury your face into your hands at your own forgetfulness and quickly jog to your room. You really need to call her now before she is going to sleep!

    Fortunately, your friend is quick to answer your call today, and it takes only a couple of beeps for your phone to connect to Evelyn's. "Hello, Evelyn here!" she answers you, sounding somewhat distant. There is the distinct sound of an engine going on in the background. She is probably on a bus at the moment

    "Hi Evelyn~!" you chime to the phone, "It's Tamiko here! So uh, listen… I know it's getting late and all, but I didn't remember to ask you about today's homework! So if it isn't too much of a bother, could you please list everything now? Pretty please?"

    There is an awkward pause on the other hand, and you think you can hear Evelyn slap herself in the face. "God dammit, I forgot about that myself in the middle of everything!" she moans in exasperation, "Okay, we had some pretty chaotic stuff today, and since I'm not there, I'll need to send you pictures. It might take me a moment, though… Can you wait for a minute or two for me to get everything in order?"

    You sigh in relief. Looks like the crisis has been averted for the most part. "It's fine, I'll let you do that in peace. Hear from you soon!"

    "The same! Just a minute or two, I promise!"     Evelyn exclaims and closes the call. And now you just have to wait… and wait...

    Minutes are too long!

    You flip open your phone to check your numbers. Many of the ones you still have are dead ends these days, there is no one to talk with on the other side. But with the contacts you have gained recently, there are some exceptions…

    Your scrolling stops at one of these names, and you can't help but to feel somewhat guilty. You have been forgetting about Ami far too often. it's probably because she is not aware of you being a magical girl. But that is not really an excuse to neglect old friends you've supposedly reconnected with, now is it?

    You let out a long sigh at your own thoughts and press the call button. Actions matter, not thoughts. It doesn't take very long for the girl to pick up the phone either, nearly catching you off-guard with the sudden greetings, "This is Tsubasa Ami speaking!"

    "Evening there Ami! It's Tamiko here!"     you speak up, smiling a bit at hearing your old friend's voice despite everything, "It's been quite a while already since we last talked."

    There is a moment's silence on the other hand that is soon broken by very noticeable fit of giggling, "Oh, Tamiko, it's been only two days, silly… It did feel like a long time, though."

    "Hey, it felt like months to me!"     you try protesting. You've been really busy here! "But still, how have you been? And uh, sorry for not calling you earlier. These days have been really hectic and I don't know how I've even managed…"

    "Oh, don't worry about it,"     Ami tries soothing you with her calming voice, "It's still nice to hear from you. Just don't let yourself fall down under all the stress. You're just too adorable-" Oh, don't she dare, "-to be lost under the workload. The world needs its precious Tamimoe~."

    Your eyes twitch uncontrollably at the words and you feel like screaming. This may actually have been a contributing factor to not calling her… "I'm not a moe! That's just lies! Lies and slander! All of it!"

    "Aww, it's okay, I believe you,"     Ami tries placating you, but you're not buying the act. You can just imagine the knowing, playful smirk on her face, "But I suppose it's been good on my side. It was a pretty tough to move around the school at first, but you get used to the crutches after a while! And actually, were you planning on coming over this week?"

    "I, uh…"     you mutter unsurely. You did kind of promise to visit Ami, now that you think about it. But with the weekend's trip and the idea of hanging out with everyone tomorrow…

    "Oh, that also reminds me," the girl continues with a low voice, sounding almost… conspirational? What is she planning to do here- "Did you know that Yuujin and Matsuko are probably in a relationship with each other?"

    You are glad that you're not drinking anything, because you probably would have ruined a perfectly good carpet with the disbelieving spit-out. "I-I, uhhhh…"

    What do you do?

    [] wat.

    [] But that's forbidden love!

    [] Girls can't love girls!

    [] What. How. Why. When.

    [] Look, a distraction topic!

    [] Write-in.

    ===

    It's actually been over four months since the last call you had with Ami :V. It's been very long two days in-quest.
     
  • Threadmarks
    • DrZiztah said:
    "Oh, that also reminds me," the girl continues with a low voice, sounding almost… conspirational? What is she planning to do here- "Did you know that Yuujin and Matsuko are probably in a relationship with each other?"

    You are glad that you're not drinking anything, because you probably would have ruined a perfectly good carpet with the disbelieving spit-out. "I-I, uhhhh…"
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    YES!

    YES!

    [Q] Tell me more, In great detail!
     
    Reader mode
    You must login or register to reply here.
    Remove ads
    Back
    Top