CompassJimbo
Where’s Your North?
- Location
- The former Rubber Capital of the World
[X] "Midori-san... would it be alright if I got your number?"
Puella Magi Momo Magica
- Thread starter Shinobu Oshino
- Start date
[X] "Midori-san... would it be alright if I got your number?"
So... Noa got herself a Tuxedo Kaman to come rescue her whenever in trouble... all Sailor Moon style. Interesting....
So... Noa got herself a Tuxedo Kaman to come rescue her whenever in trouble... all Sailor Moon style. Interesting....
Walker of the Yellow Path
Ho There!
- Location
- The Land of Memes
[X] "Midori-san... would it be alright if I got your number?"
Episode 1: 7
Shinobu Oshino
Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade
- Location
- Unseen Horizon
"Midori-san, would it be alright if I got your number?"
She huffs, "Oh, sure. You know how to do infared?"
We hold our phones out to each other to exchange information, "Alright, great."
"I should probably get going. It was nice meeting you all!" I wave.
"Be safe, kid," Yuu and Noa-senpai wave at me. Midori-san sees me off with a smile. I turn around and walk back to the cafe. The food is there in a styrofoam box. I leave a tip for the waiter and leave.
_______________________
Mami's Apartment, Sometime After School Ended
I came back home before the afternoon ended. I put the left over food into the refigerator and started studying. I did my best to stay preoccupied or else I'd fall into another spell. Some time was dedicated to remembering Midori-san, other time was spent on how I was going to tell Mami-onee-chan about my day.
The clock struck one in the afternoon.
I read.
Two.
I went out for a run.
Three to four, I took a bath and read on my own in the living room. I put a fan on the floor just below me to cool wind down after the run. "Aaaaaaa!" I yelled into the whirring blades to hear the echo of my own voice. Was only fun for a five or so minutes before I went back to finishing my book.
Now I'm lying back, doing my best not to doze off.
Knock. Knock.
"Huh?" I pull up. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Momo. Open the door!"
"Onee-chan? Okay!" I get up to the door to open it. "You know where the spare key is, don't you?"
"Don't feel like losing it."
"... You might leave with out it."
"Glad you understand. How've you been? Can't be fun sitting around here all day."
"I didn't. I just got back from a run a little while ago."
"Oh, huh... you were always active."
I sit back down on the couch, "What have you been up to today?"
"Hangin' around, witches, sight-seeing, all sorts of stuff."
"Sight-seeing? Is that a new hobby?"
She shrugs, "Just get lost in thought sometimes while looking at pretty much anything."
"Onee-chan's become the introspective type!"
"No, not really," Onee-chan sits down on the couch. "What'd you do today?"
"I ran into a nice girl who treated me to lunch."
"What'd you get?"
"Nothing major. A small salad. Midori-san ate almost the entire steak she ordered."
"Salad? What? Why didn't you order meat? You love the stuff."
"Not as much as you."
"I eat anything I can get my hands on. Not exactly picky," she pulls out an apple from a bag in hand. One big chomp after another, "Want one?"
I take the apple and start eating at a steadier pace than Onee-chan, "Thank you."
"No problem."
"Did you come by just to see me?"
"Yeah. And I-" she pauses, "I thought about visiting Papa's grave."
"Oh."
"Came to see if you wanted... to come with me. Not sure I'd be able to go it alone."
[_] "I'll go with you."
[_] "I don't think I'm ready..."
[_] "What brought this on?"
[_] Custom
She huffs, "Oh, sure. You know how to do infared?"
We hold our phones out to each other to exchange information, "Alright, great."
"I should probably get going. It was nice meeting you all!" I wave.
"Be safe, kid," Yuu and Noa-senpai wave at me. Midori-san sees me off with a smile. I turn around and walk back to the cafe. The food is there in a styrofoam box. I leave a tip for the waiter and leave.
_______________________
Mami's Apartment, Sometime After School Ended
I came back home before the afternoon ended. I put the left over food into the refigerator and started studying. I did my best to stay preoccupied or else I'd fall into another spell. Some time was dedicated to remembering Midori-san, other time was spent on how I was going to tell Mami-onee-chan about my day.
The clock struck one in the afternoon.
I read.
Two.
I went out for a run.
Three to four, I took a bath and read on my own in the living room. I put a fan on the floor just below me to cool wind down after the run. "Aaaaaaa!" I yelled into the whirring blades to hear the echo of my own voice. Was only fun for a five or so minutes before I went back to finishing my book.
Now I'm lying back, doing my best not to doze off.
Knock. Knock.
"Huh?" I pull up. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Momo. Open the door!"
"Onee-chan? Okay!" I get up to the door to open it. "You know where the spare key is, don't you?"
"Don't feel like losing it."
"... You might leave with out it."
"Glad you understand. How've you been? Can't be fun sitting around here all day."
"I didn't. I just got back from a run a little while ago."
"Oh, huh... you were always active."
I sit back down on the couch, "What have you been up to today?"
"Hangin' around, witches, sight-seeing, all sorts of stuff."
"Sight-seeing? Is that a new hobby?"
She shrugs, "Just get lost in thought sometimes while looking at pretty much anything."
"Onee-chan's become the introspective type!"
"No, not really," Onee-chan sits down on the couch. "What'd you do today?"
"I ran into a nice girl who treated me to lunch."
"What'd you get?"
"Nothing major. A small salad. Midori-san ate almost the entire steak she ordered."
"Salad? What? Why didn't you order meat? You love the stuff."
"Not as much as you."
"I eat anything I can get my hands on. Not exactly picky," she pulls out an apple from a bag in hand. One big chomp after another, "Want one?"
I take the apple and start eating at a steadier pace than Onee-chan, "Thank you."
"No problem."
"Did you come by just to see me?"
"Yeah. And I-" she pauses, "I thought about visiting Papa's grave."
"Oh."
"Came to see if you wanted... to come with me. Not sure I'd be able to go it alone."
[_] "I'll go with you."
[_] "I don't think I'm ready..."
[_] "What brought this on?"
[_] Custom
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[X] "I'll go with you."
Nervos Belli
Don't think this means you've won!
- Location
- Murica
[X] "I'll go with you."
Walker of the Yellow Path
Ho There!
- Location
- The Land of Memes
[X] "I'll go with you.
Episode 1: 8
Shinobu Oshino
Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade
- Location
- Unseen Horizon
"I'll go with you," I reach out to take Onee-chan's hand. "It'll be scary going alone."
She freezes.
"You know what?" she takes her hand away. "Forget it."
"What's wrong?"
"Just wanted to see what you'd say, that's all."
"You're lying. You want to go, don't you?"
Onee-chan hesitates. She looks down at the floor, she bites her lip and she starts walking toward the door, "Gotta go."
She's holding something back. I know it.
[_] Let her go
[_] Reach out
She freezes.
"You know what?" she takes her hand away. "Forget it."
"What's wrong?"
"Just wanted to see what you'd say, that's all."
"You're lying. You want to go, don't you?"
Onee-chan hesitates. She looks down at the floor, she bites her lip and she starts walking toward the door, "Gotta go."
She's holding something back. I know it.
[_] Let her go
[_] Reach out
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- Location
- England
[X] Reach out
Episode 1: 9
Shinobu Oshino
Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade
- Location
- Unseen Horizon
I won't let her go. I'm not going to let her do this. I grasp her hand before she makes it to the door. "Onee-chan."
"Let go, Momo."
I shake my head, "No. I know it hurts, but-"
"What do you know?!"
I don't say anything. I hold Onee-chan's hand as tightly as I can.
"I've been wondering this for a while now," she bites her lip. "Why are you always smiling? After everything I did, you just keep on smiling. Why don't you tell me how ya really feel?"
"But this is-"
"Cut the crap!"
"..."
"I'm a horrible sister. I put you through that hell and you still keep looking at me like that," she grits her teeth. She's in a lot of pain.
"That's because I can't hate you. Dad's choices were-"
"Don't PULL THAT! Papa ended up like that because of me. Because I..."
I shake my head, "You didn't make Dad do that. Dad reacted that way because..."
"Of me. No matter how you spin it, it's my fault," Onee-chan scoffs. "Man, we've been through this how many times now?," she shakes her head. I want to cry for her. It's been harder on Onee-chan than on me because she feels responsible.
But the truth is Dad killed.
Dad killed Mom.
He tried to kill me.
He tried to kill Onee-chan.
Was he really that weak? Was it because it was because of Onee-chan's wish for others to listen? I don't know. It's all too complicated. The more I think about it, the more it hurts. The more it hurts, the more I want to do something about it. It isn't fair.
"I still won't let you go," I keep hold. I have to. I think about Midori-san's words. About how a magical girl can just come up missing. With that in mind, I tighten my grip. "I don't want you to go away. Please."
Onee-chan told me to have faith in her. That she's too stubborn to just die. But that isn't enough. I want her there by my side. Even if she hates herself, I'll always keep loving her no matter what.
Her hands are trembling. Her face is red with anger - then she throws her hand back.
"Ah!" her strength exceeds mine. I end up on the ground with a thud.
She looks down at me, fear in her eyes, "Sorry," she apologizes then ... leaves. She darts out the door and over the balcony.
"Onee-chan!" I don't care. I race to my feet and stumble out the door in an attempt to catch up. Of course, I'm too late. For some reason I reach out into open air. If I fall, I'll die - but my body doesn't stop.
"Momo-chan!"
Mami-onee-chan's voice brings me back. I turn toward her, my vision blurred. There are two girls there I don't recognize and Kyubey.
"What on earth happened? Why are you-"
"Mami-onee-chan!" I embrace her. I start crying. I can't control it anymore. I know that I shouldn't let myself cry. I know I have to be there for her.
It's hard. It's really hard, but I have to keep doing my best.
END OF EPISODE 1
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Interlude 2: Rosso Phantasma
Shinobu Oshino
Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade
- Location
- Unseen Horizon
Interlude 2; Rosso Phantasma
There was a time when I thought about protecting others. I took up the idea that Papa and I were doing a service to the world. I would fight in the background, defeating Witches, saving people while he preached his own gospel out in the open. There was no way that wish could be wrong. If people were happy, it was right - right?
"... I'm home," I walked back into the house just after getting home from another witch hunt. This was around the time Papa discovered that I was a magical girl. He constantly called me a 'witch' because he never saw it my way. Or maybe he did? It's not like I can ask him now. I walked through the empty halls with a heavy heart, getting the strength to say what I needed to say. I looked out the window as I passed by.
There was a crowd of people there all listening to my father shouting.
"A witch enticed you! A witch enticed you!"
He screamed about me, warning them, telling them to go away, that it was all my fault.
It hurt. It was a constant reminder that 'this is it, this is the result of your wish'.
I hated it, but that didn't make me want to give up on having Papa understand. I walked into the kitchen with a single hope that he would stop. "Even more sake today," I frowned. "You'll ruin your health."
The table was filled with corques and bottles. It hurt. I still spoke, "Listen, Father. I defeated another witch today. I saved someone who was going to commit suicide," my words weren't fickle. I tried to speak from the heart. "You wanted to destroy the root of all misfortune and sadness in the world. We magical girls are steadily cutting away at that root. That... that can't be bad, right?"
He sat there. He took another drink.
I kept talking. "You know, Father, I still love everything you preached. That's why I was so glad when everyone began listening to what you had to say. After all, you had always been saddened by the misfortune of this fortune. I... I finally got to see you happy," I began to falter. Then he spoke up.
"That was an illusion you created, wasn't it?"
I froze up.
"Everyone who came to this church. It wasn't because of their faith, but it's because they've been lead astray by the powers of a witch. Those poor souls," he slowly stood up. Papa could hardly keep his balance from all the sake he consumed. "Did you then plan to take the lives of those you had bewitched?" he laughed. It wasn't at me, at those I've 'witched' - no, he was laughing at himself. "Were they sacrifices for your contract with the devil? That you, the daughter of a clergymen, would sell your soul to the devil..."
"Kh-!" I grit my teeth. He didn't listen to a thing I said.
The end of this was the same as it always had been. He said he was a useless father, he blamed himself for everything. I was a witch, a pawn of the devil, an evil that needed to be destroyed.
After that - I lost everything. My ideals, my mother, my father - everything but one.
He stabbed me. As I slept, he stabbed me in the stomach. Was it once? Twice? I hardly remember. There was blood on the sheets. I could hardly breathe.
When I woke up, I looked to the side. Momo wasn't in bed. I stood up, blood dripping from my mouth, and reached for my Soul Gem. I rushed down stairs. Smoke had its way with the lower portion of the house. My objective was to find Momo. Find Mom. I had to find them no matter what.
"Mama! Momo!" I yelled. "PAPA! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
Tears formed.
It was a rampant run. But then - I seen her. Momo was underneath Mama. There was blood poured out into a puddle. The color on Mama's face was gone. "MOMO!" The distance between us was a sprint at best. I had already transformed so the distance didn't matter.
"O-nee...chan..."
She was alive.
Momo was alive.
"ONEE-CHAN!"
I ran through the burning rubble. I ran through the smoke. "MOMO!" I grabbed her. I couldn't hold in the tears. I embraced her. Just after that I had to leave. I took Momo and escaped the burning rubble.
Then at the end - I saw him.
His head snapped, rolling around lifelessly on the first floor of the house. Near the table where we spent our time laughing as a family - his corpse lie there, swinging side to side. The creaking of the rope, the flames crackling, and my scream. Those keep me up almost every night.
But this was an experience. I resolved to never use my magic for another person again. Never fight on anyone's behalf - but I couldn't do that. I wanted to leave it all behind, that's easier. Act tough, keep it up, don't look back. But Momo survived. My sister made it through. How could I turn my back on her? She tagged along with me, I made an arrangement with Mami for her to live there. We couldn't return back home. I imagine people think we're dead or missing now.
Now in the present I thought I had the strength to confront Papa. I thought I could go back to put this behind me. I can't keep letting this control me. I talked to Momo, asked her if she wanted to come.
She said yes.
At first, I was happy, but then I realized it again. As if I had to keep reminding myself.
This is all your fault.
Momo was so happy. The way she smiled stirred me inside. I couldn't look, I had to get away. I had to leave or I was going to break. The last thing I wanted for Momo was to see is me cry. I'm the older sister. I'm the one that's supposed to be strong. When did our roles reverse all of a sudden? Man, that girl knows how to drive me up the wall.
But I turned my back on her. I turned around and left. Just adding another tally to why I'm such a terrible person.
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Nervos Belli
Don't think this means you've won!
- Location
- Murica
I guess sometimes trying to be the Pollyanna takes its toll on the people around you. We need to sit down and have a long conversation with Kyouko. Tears and Mami-hugs may be included.
Episode 2: It's No One's Fault
Shinobu Oshino
Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade
- Location
- Unseen Horizon
Episode 2: It's No One's Fault
The two people Mami-onee-chan brought back were named Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki. The two of them were the mall during a witch attack in the basement. They met a mysterious raven-haired girl named Homura Akemi that was after Kyubey. What happened in the end is that Madoka-san and Sayaka-san are elligible to be magical girls. Mami-onee-chan chose to take them under her wing to show them what it means to contract. The plan was to talk at the apartment before seeing the episode between Onee-chan and myself.
I pleaded for them to stay. I didn't want to be hindrance.
Sayaka-san smiled, saying "It's alright. We've all got family troubles. We'll see you tomorrow, Mami-san!"
Madoka-san agreed. The two of them left just a little after the episode.
I apologized to Mami-onee-chan. She said there was nothing to apologize for. Kyubey left with Madoka-san, so now it's just the two of us in the apartment.
______________
Mami's Apartment, Kitchen - Evening
I'm poking at my salad. I can't really bring myself to eat.
"So Sakura-san asked you to visit your parents."
I nod.
"That must have been hard for her, but that's still no excuse to lash out the way she did."
"I want to say it's my fault, but..." this is hard. I know what I said about Dad. But maybe Onee-chan is right? This is confusing. I don't want to admit or even think it. I know Onee-chan isn't at fault, yet at the same time she believes that. "Aaaaa," I grip my head.
"It's hard, isn't it?"
"Uh huh."
"Don't think about it too much. We'll talk to Sakura-san together when she comes back. We're a family, after all."
Mami-onee-chan is the person I can go too for advice. But now I wonder... how should I start this conversation? She should know about Midori-san. They might run into each other since they're magical girls in Mitakihara now.
[_] Tell her about the day at the mall
[_] Tell her about Midori-san
[_] Talk about something else
[_] Custom
[X] Tell her about Midori-san
Episode 2: 1
Shinobu Oshino
Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade
- Location
- Unseen Horizon
"I met someone nice at the mall earlier today."
"You went to the mall?"
"You don't mind me going out like that, do you?"
"I'd like if you told me," she took a sip o fher tea. "-but it's not like you could."
I try to find the right words to say this. "And they were a magical girl. They had the same ring you do and everything."
Mami-onee-chan looks down at the table, "Did they say anything about their intentions?"
"No," I shake my head. "But she was really nice. She bought me food. I didn't want her too but..."
"Momo-chan has more in common with Sakura-san than I thought."
"Eh?"
"You both have hard time accepting favors."
"I don't think-"
"Don't get me wrong. You're more polite about it."
"Hehehe," I fork a tomato and shove it into my mouth. I chew before speaking, "Her name was Midori Chiba-san. She had nice blue hair, a nice dress... she seemed fashionable?" I'm just trying to make her sound appealing to Mami-onee-chan. I don't know how she's going to take this. "We get some time to talk, but not a lot."
"I don't mean to sound rude, but why did she buy you lunch?"
"I had a, uh... something happened and she offered?"
"Momo-chan," a stern glare.
"I had another 'episode', but it didn't last long this time because Midori-san helped!"
"If that would have happened in a-"
"Another place? I know," I nod. "Midori-san said the same thing."
"She seems considerate."
"She's really nice!" Mami-onee-chan doesn't seem very excited. Does it have to do with something that only magical girls understand? "I mean I don't think she's a bad person. Her friends were really nice too."
"You met her friends too?" she giggles. "It sounds like you had quite the adventure."
"Oh, yes! Uh, can boys make contracts?"
"Where did this come from?" her eyes widen. Has Mami-onee-chan ever thought about this?
"Yuu-senpai. He had black hair and green eyes. Oh, and he had a girlfriend!" I try to recall any important details. We didn't talk much, so I just tell her what I do know.
"A magical boy?" Mami-onee-chan furrows her brow. "Kyubey's never said anything."
"I don't think he is one. Noa-senpai used her wish on him. I think it was something about him protecting her."
When I say that, Mami-onee-chan looks down at the table again.
"What's wrong? Is it something I said?"
"No, nothing like that. I was just thinking about a wish being used for another. That's all."
"A wish being used for another? You mean another person?"
"It reminds me of my own."
"Your own wish?" I remember her telling me this a little while after I started living here. Her wish was to 'connect to life', to survive a car accident. "Was it because you wished for yourself?"
"Sometimes I think what my life would be like if I made a different wish. Would my parent's still be here? Things like that."
"Mami-onee-chan..."
"Oh, don't worry," she dismisses my concern with a wave of the hand. "They're just thoughts. I don't regret how I'm living now. Anyway the point I'm trying to make is that if you have a wish, I think... you need to be prepared for what comes after."
"Onee-chan," I look toward the front door. The image of her walking out and pushing me down comes to me.
"Not just Sakura-san. It's the same for all magical girls. I'm wondering how this 'Noa-senpai' lives if her wish was for someone else to protect her."
I'm starting to think the same way.
"Having the strength to stand on your own or wanting to depend on another," Mami-onee-chan refills her teacup. "I wonder if they're the same?" her eyes are half-closed. She's not talking to me. That's more to herself, isn't it?
"I think they're different. It's okay to depend on someone when you need help, but it's also not good to take advantage of another person. And it's not good to take everything on by yourself!"
"Yes, you're right," she refills my cup. "I shouldn't have even asked myself that question when the answer is obvious."
"You can depend on me all the time, Mami-onee-chan! I'll always do my best!"
"Yes, you do. Oh, speaking of that - did you study today?"
I nod, "I always do!"
"Have you thought about what high school you want to attend?"
"Whichever one you go to."
"We wouldn't be in the same year."
"I just want to be near you!"
"Oh, Momo-chan," she laughs. "You're cute."
"Hehe," I laugh. Then I think back on the two that were here earlier today. "Mami-onee-chan. When you were talking earlier about being prepared for wishes. Those two have the capabilities to contract, right?"
"They do."
"Are you trying to stop it from happening?"
"Hm?"
"Stop what happened with me and Onee-chan. Another tragedy."
"If I can," Mami-onee-chan frowns. "But I can't tell them what wish to make. I can make suggestions, but it's ultimately up to them for what they choose."
"Suggestions?"
"Like, I don't know, the perfect boyfriend? A beautiful cake?"
I stare at Mami-onee-chan. I'm a little disappointed.
"It's just a joke, Momo-chan."
"Not very funny."
"Sorry."
Dinner sort of dies down after our conversation. But near the end - "I'll try my best."
"Huh?"
"To get along with them. If I run into them, I'll give my regards."
"Really? Thank you so much."
Mami-onee-chan gets up from her seat, "But now..."
"N-now what?"
"It's time for your bath!"
"But I already took one earlier today."
"Bathing because of sweat and bathing to get clean are two different things."
"But I read if you take too many baths, it can actually dry your hair out."
"Momo-chan."
"Okayyy!"
The two of us join in the bath together. From there the rest of the night flies by.
___________________________________
Momo's Dream, Longing and Hope
I remember the first time Kyubey asked me if I wanted to contract. It wasn't even a week after I came to live at Mami-onee-chan's apartment. I was nothing but a crying wreck. I wanted Mom back, I wanted to Dad back - I wanted everything returned to me. Kyubey stood there at the end of the bed with his tail swaying back and forth.
"You have a lot of potential, Momo! Much more than Kyouko and Mami!"
I listened.
"You can easily bring your family back if you make a contract with me!"
I reached.
If only I could say THOSE words.
I wish my family was back.
If only I could make that wish, everything would go back to normal. But I couldn't. I remember Onee-chan's tears, I could feel her pain. I knew what would happen if I said those words. Onee-chan would cry. She would probably hate me for not listening to her, for not thinking of her.
No matter what I thought or felt, I could not betray her trust and her love.
I buried that desire deep in my heart. Pretty soon I found myself wanting it less and less. My new life isn't so bad. I miss Mom and Dad, but my new life isn't bad at all.
I love Mami-onee-chan. I love Onee-chan. They're the two people I love most!
But that doesn't mean they're the only things I love. I like Mami-onee-chan's cooking, I like visiting Granny's store, I like walking around, meeting new people, running, studying, looking to the future. It's amazing because I can do that.
It's because I'm still alive.
I've lost the happiness I had in the past. I'll never be able to see Mom and Dad again - at least not in this lifetime. I will never be able to hear Dad's sermons or hear Mom laugh. But I can hear Mami-onee-chan laugh and Onee-chan yell. I can see them smile everytime I see them. And not just them, everyone else. Like Madoka-san, Sayaka-san, Midori-san. I just met them - but if they smile too, I feel it. Other people being happy brings me joy too. This might be really selfish, but if I really did wish. If I ever did make a contract, I'd want people to smile. Something like "I wish I could make everyone in the world smile. Not because I forced them, but because I was able to make them happy." No, wait, maybe I wouldn't need a wish for that. I could make myself that 'person who makes everyone smile'.
Just because one sad things happens doesn't mean life lost its meaning. It just means that you have to work hard to get it back. So I keep on fighting everyday to keep my head up.
Dad, Mom, Lord - watch me. I'll make you proud!
___________________________________
Mami's Apartment, Morning to Evening (After School)
The next morning is the same as it always is. Mami-onee-chan made a nice breakfast. I made sure to finish the salad I didn't eat yesterday so it didn't go to waste. I don't want Onee-chan to find a reason to yell at me again if she comes back today. "Have a good day at school!" I waved at Mami-onee-chan as she walked out the door. I smiled, nodded to myself, and started the day.
...
It's the same routine. I study, exercise, and clean-up. I have a lunch that Mami-onee-chan prepared in advance. Time flies by until the evening. Right around then, Madoka-san and Sayaka-san show up. This was my first time really 'meeting' them so I cleaned up extra-well.
"This is my apartment," Mami-onee-chan first walked into the door. I was there in the living room reading a book. It wasn't something I particularly found interesting, but it was something to do to pass the time. "And you met Momo-chan yesterday."
"Yo!" Sayaka-san walks in with a grin. "Nice to meet ya, Momo-chan."
"You too, Sayaka-san," I get up, set the book down on the table and bow.
"Ah, don't have to be so formal," she frowns.
"It's nice to meet you too, Momo-chan."
Madoka-san greets me with a bow.
After that, the four of us sit down at the coffee table. Kyubey was there so that makes five.
"So Witches are born from despair and curses, huh?" Sayaka-san just finished listening to Mami-onee-chan explain what witches and magical girls are. I heard it a bit differently from Onee-chan a long while ago. "So if people stopped being mad and depressed all the time, they'd just disappear, right?"
"It doesn't seem that simple, Sayaka-chan."
"Yeah, then magical girls would already be out of the job."
"To get rid of witches, you'd need to- oh," Sayaka-san blinks a few times. "That seems pretty evil."
"It would be nice having not to fight witches," Mami-onee-chan looks at Sayaka-san. "But it's only a nice thought. If we don't fight them, then more people will die."
"Yeah, yeah, I got that. I wasn't being serious."
"Mami-san, do you fight alone?"
"In Mitakihara? No, not all the time, Kaname-san. Another magical girl stops by every now and then to help."
"That was that red-haired girl from yesterday?" Sayaka-san starts talking about Onee-chan. "That was your sister, wasn't it, Momo-chan?"
I nod, "I'm sorry about that."
"Hey, don't apologize. Siblings fight and stuff all the time. At least I think so... don't you, Madoka?"
"Eh? Uh, no we don't."
"Give it a few years then," Sayaka-san grins. "He's going to be a real handful."
"I-I can't imagine Tatsuya and I fighting."
"Oh, you're right, you're too nice. He's going to steam roll you."
"That's mean, Sayaka-chan," Madoka-san makes a pouting face while Mami-onee-chan laughs.
[_] "You have a brother, Madoka-san? How old is he?"
[_] "Mami-onee-chan, can we have some of your tea?"
[_] "Weren't we talking about Witches?"
[_] Custom
"You went to the mall?"
"You don't mind me going out like that, do you?"
"I'd like if you told me," she took a sip o fher tea. "-but it's not like you could."
I try to find the right words to say this. "And they were a magical girl. They had the same ring you do and everything."
Mami-onee-chan looks down at the table, "Did they say anything about their intentions?"
"No," I shake my head. "But she was really nice. She bought me food. I didn't want her too but..."
"Momo-chan has more in common with Sakura-san than I thought."
"Eh?"
"You both have hard time accepting favors."
"I don't think-"
"Don't get me wrong. You're more polite about it."
"Hehehe," I fork a tomato and shove it into my mouth. I chew before speaking, "Her name was Midori Chiba-san. She had nice blue hair, a nice dress... she seemed fashionable?" I'm just trying to make her sound appealing to Mami-onee-chan. I don't know how she's going to take this. "We get some time to talk, but not a lot."
"I don't mean to sound rude, but why did she buy you lunch?"
"I had a, uh... something happened and she offered?"
"Momo-chan," a stern glare.
"I had another 'episode', but it didn't last long this time because Midori-san helped!"
"If that would have happened in a-"
"Another place? I know," I nod. "Midori-san said the same thing."
"She seems considerate."
"She's really nice!" Mami-onee-chan doesn't seem very excited. Does it have to do with something that only magical girls understand? "I mean I don't think she's a bad person. Her friends were really nice too."
"You met her friends too?" she giggles. "It sounds like you had quite the adventure."
"Oh, yes! Uh, can boys make contracts?"
"Where did this come from?" her eyes widen. Has Mami-onee-chan ever thought about this?
"Yuu-senpai. He had black hair and green eyes. Oh, and he had a girlfriend!" I try to recall any important details. We didn't talk much, so I just tell her what I do know.
"A magical boy?" Mami-onee-chan furrows her brow. "Kyubey's never said anything."
"I don't think he is one. Noa-senpai used her wish on him. I think it was something about him protecting her."
When I say that, Mami-onee-chan looks down at the table again.
"What's wrong? Is it something I said?"
"No, nothing like that. I was just thinking about a wish being used for another. That's all."
"A wish being used for another? You mean another person?"
"It reminds me of my own."
"Your own wish?" I remember her telling me this a little while after I started living here. Her wish was to 'connect to life', to survive a car accident. "Was it because you wished for yourself?"
"Sometimes I think what my life would be like if I made a different wish. Would my parent's still be here? Things like that."
"Mami-onee-chan..."
"Oh, don't worry," she dismisses my concern with a wave of the hand. "They're just thoughts. I don't regret how I'm living now. Anyway the point I'm trying to make is that if you have a wish, I think... you need to be prepared for what comes after."
"Onee-chan," I look toward the front door. The image of her walking out and pushing me down comes to me.
"Not just Sakura-san. It's the same for all magical girls. I'm wondering how this 'Noa-senpai' lives if her wish was for someone else to protect her."
I'm starting to think the same way.
"Having the strength to stand on your own or wanting to depend on another," Mami-onee-chan refills her teacup. "I wonder if they're the same?" her eyes are half-closed. She's not talking to me. That's more to herself, isn't it?
"I think they're different. It's okay to depend on someone when you need help, but it's also not good to take advantage of another person. And it's not good to take everything on by yourself!"
"Yes, you're right," she refills my cup. "I shouldn't have even asked myself that question when the answer is obvious."
"You can depend on me all the time, Mami-onee-chan! I'll always do my best!"
"Yes, you do. Oh, speaking of that - did you study today?"
I nod, "I always do!"
"Have you thought about what high school you want to attend?"
"Whichever one you go to."
"We wouldn't be in the same year."
"I just want to be near you!"
"Oh, Momo-chan," she laughs. "You're cute."
"Hehe," I laugh. Then I think back on the two that were here earlier today. "Mami-onee-chan. When you were talking earlier about being prepared for wishes. Those two have the capabilities to contract, right?"
"They do."
"Are you trying to stop it from happening?"
"Hm?"
"Stop what happened with me and Onee-chan. Another tragedy."
"If I can," Mami-onee-chan frowns. "But I can't tell them what wish to make. I can make suggestions, but it's ultimately up to them for what they choose."
"Suggestions?"
"Like, I don't know, the perfect boyfriend? A beautiful cake?"
I stare at Mami-onee-chan. I'm a little disappointed.
"It's just a joke, Momo-chan."
"Not very funny."
"Sorry."
Dinner sort of dies down after our conversation. But near the end - "I'll try my best."
"Huh?"
"To get along with them. If I run into them, I'll give my regards."
"Really? Thank you so much."
Mami-onee-chan gets up from her seat, "But now..."
"N-now what?"
"It's time for your bath!"
"But I already took one earlier today."
"Bathing because of sweat and bathing to get clean are two different things."
"But I read if you take too many baths, it can actually dry your hair out."
"Momo-chan."
"Okayyy!"
The two of us join in the bath together. From there the rest of the night flies by.
___________________________________
Momo's Dream, Longing and Hope
I remember the first time Kyubey asked me if I wanted to contract. It wasn't even a week after I came to live at Mami-onee-chan's apartment. I was nothing but a crying wreck. I wanted Mom back, I wanted to Dad back - I wanted everything returned to me. Kyubey stood there at the end of the bed with his tail swaying back and forth.
"You have a lot of potential, Momo! Much more than Kyouko and Mami!"
I listened.
"You can easily bring your family back if you make a contract with me!"
I reached.
If only I could say THOSE words.
I wish my family was back.
If only I could make that wish, everything would go back to normal. But I couldn't. I remember Onee-chan's tears, I could feel her pain. I knew what would happen if I said those words. Onee-chan would cry. She would probably hate me for not listening to her, for not thinking of her.
No matter what I thought or felt, I could not betray her trust and her love.
I buried that desire deep in my heart. Pretty soon I found myself wanting it less and less. My new life isn't so bad. I miss Mom and Dad, but my new life isn't bad at all.
I love Mami-onee-chan. I love Onee-chan. They're the two people I love most!
But that doesn't mean they're the only things I love. I like Mami-onee-chan's cooking, I like visiting Granny's store, I like walking around, meeting new people, running, studying, looking to the future. It's amazing because I can do that.
It's because I'm still alive.
I've lost the happiness I had in the past. I'll never be able to see Mom and Dad again - at least not in this lifetime. I will never be able to hear Dad's sermons or hear Mom laugh. But I can hear Mami-onee-chan laugh and Onee-chan yell. I can see them smile everytime I see them. And not just them, everyone else. Like Madoka-san, Sayaka-san, Midori-san. I just met them - but if they smile too, I feel it. Other people being happy brings me joy too. This might be really selfish, but if I really did wish. If I ever did make a contract, I'd want people to smile. Something like "I wish I could make everyone in the world smile. Not because I forced them, but because I was able to make them happy." No, wait, maybe I wouldn't need a wish for that. I could make myself that 'person who makes everyone smile'.
Just because one sad things happens doesn't mean life lost its meaning. It just means that you have to work hard to get it back. So I keep on fighting everyday to keep my head up.
Dad, Mom, Lord - watch me. I'll make you proud!
___________________________________
Mami's Apartment, Morning to Evening (After School)
The next morning is the same as it always is. Mami-onee-chan made a nice breakfast. I made sure to finish the salad I didn't eat yesterday so it didn't go to waste. I don't want Onee-chan to find a reason to yell at me again if she comes back today. "Have a good day at school!" I waved at Mami-onee-chan as she walked out the door. I smiled, nodded to myself, and started the day.
...
It's the same routine. I study, exercise, and clean-up. I have a lunch that Mami-onee-chan prepared in advance. Time flies by until the evening. Right around then, Madoka-san and Sayaka-san show up. This was my first time really 'meeting' them so I cleaned up extra-well.
"This is my apartment," Mami-onee-chan first walked into the door. I was there in the living room reading a book. It wasn't something I particularly found interesting, but it was something to do to pass the time. "And you met Momo-chan yesterday."
"Yo!" Sayaka-san walks in with a grin. "Nice to meet ya, Momo-chan."
"You too, Sayaka-san," I get up, set the book down on the table and bow.
"Ah, don't have to be so formal," she frowns.
"It's nice to meet you too, Momo-chan."
Madoka-san greets me with a bow.
After that, the four of us sit down at the coffee table. Kyubey was there so that makes five.
"So Witches are born from despair and curses, huh?" Sayaka-san just finished listening to Mami-onee-chan explain what witches and magical girls are. I heard it a bit differently from Onee-chan a long while ago. "So if people stopped being mad and depressed all the time, they'd just disappear, right?"
"It doesn't seem that simple, Sayaka-chan."
"Yeah, then magical girls would already be out of the job."
"To get rid of witches, you'd need to- oh," Sayaka-san blinks a few times. "That seems pretty evil."
"It would be nice having not to fight witches," Mami-onee-chan looks at Sayaka-san. "But it's only a nice thought. If we don't fight them, then more people will die."
"Yeah, yeah, I got that. I wasn't being serious."
"Mami-san, do you fight alone?"
"In Mitakihara? No, not all the time, Kaname-san. Another magical girl stops by every now and then to help."
"That was that red-haired girl from yesterday?" Sayaka-san starts talking about Onee-chan. "That was your sister, wasn't it, Momo-chan?"
I nod, "I'm sorry about that."
"Hey, don't apologize. Siblings fight and stuff all the time. At least I think so... don't you, Madoka?"
"Eh? Uh, no we don't."
"Give it a few years then," Sayaka-san grins. "He's going to be a real handful."
"I-I can't imagine Tatsuya and I fighting."
"Oh, you're right, you're too nice. He's going to steam roll you."
"That's mean, Sayaka-chan," Madoka-san makes a pouting face while Mami-onee-chan laughs.
[_] "You have a brother, Madoka-san? How old is he?"
[_] "Mami-onee-chan, can we have some of your tea?"
[_] "Weren't we talking about Witches?"
[_] Custom
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