It happens a lot if the GM gives votes with [ ] instead of [] that I've seen.
Mostly because it takes like 4 pokes to delete the space and put an X rather than 2
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Renascence: A Homura Quest
- Thread starter Higure
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy Mystery
Mostly because it takes like 4 pokes to delete the space and put an X rather than 2
AnonymousRabbit
Rabbit Faced
This confirms that there's something strange with the Vessel (this Homu) that makes her different going by her nature. How do I weed it out?
The Vessel's unknown nature is related to Akemi Madness.
The Vessel's unknown nature is related to Witches.
The Vessel's unknown nature is a byproduct of the Incubator's plan or closely related to it.
The Vessel is the Witch Homulily hatched from her seed but retains her facade of Akemi Homura and is unaware of this.
The Vessel's unknown nature is related to Akemi Madness.
The Vessel's unknown nature is related to Witches.
The Vessel's unknown nature is a byproduct of the Incubator's plan or closely related to it.
The Vessel is the Witch Homulily hatched from her seed but retains her facade of Akemi Homura and is unaware of this.
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Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
The Vessel has an unknown nature related to Akemi Madness; this is not the same as the unknown nature related to Witches and the Incubator's plan.
The Vessel's unknown nature is related to Witches.
The Vessel's unknown nature is a byproduct of the Incubator's plan or closely related to it.
The Vessel's Seed is currently unhatched.
The Vessel's unknown nature is related to Witches.
The Vessel's unknown nature is a byproduct of the Incubator's plan or closely related to it.
The Vessel's Seed is currently unhatched.
Huh. Guess those spaces are going away next update.
Its one of those weird little things that come down to UI design principles. E.g. :
[] -> [X] One tap to select the space(+1 if you are fatfingered and hit to the left or right on phone), one tap to hit X
[ ] -> [] -> [X] One tap to select the space(+1-2 if you hit the wrong side of the space or the outside of the brackets and need to retry), one tap to press backspace, one tap to hit X
or another case:
" - []" can be selected as any of "- []"(copy paste), or " -[]"(typed)
AnonymousRabbit
Rabbit Faced
Tied you down. I'm okay with this for now
Entropy Judge
Recurring Bouts of Misanthropy
Magic.
Kyouko is a specialist in illusion. Illusion hard enough and you fool the world into accepting your version of reality. Kyouko illusions food into existence and the world thinks its actually real, so it is. Note that she has "Food" in her inventory - nonspecific type and indeterminate amounts - and not, say, sixty boxes of Pocky and thirty pieces of taiyaki. There's always going to be something there, because that's how her magic works.
[X] Just stroll up and act like everything's normal. Appeared from nowhere? No Homura around? Another Kyouko? Not worth talking about.
As much as Homura is likely a bit possessive of her rookie, she needs a bit more rest, and Koko needs time to be Koko. We haven't had enough Koko lately.
As much as Homura is likely a bit possessive of her rookie, she needs a bit more rest, and Koko needs time to be Koko. We haven't had enough Koko lately.
Crow
Falling is a Pleasure. Regardless of its Fate
Also wonder if the sanity we get carries over. if it does then its really worth it to let Homu take five and let Koko handle the wheel.
[X] Just stroll up and act like everything's normal. Appeared from nowhere? No Homura around? Another Kyouko? Not worth talking about.
[X] Just stroll up and act like everything's normal. Appeared from nowhere? No Homura around? Another Kyouko? Not worth talking about.
Hyp3rB14d3
Gotta catch 'em all!
[x] "Thank you, Koko. That's my rookie, though."
???
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
"Hey, what are you doing?! Let me go!"
I hold the idiot up by his shirt, pinning him to the wall. Madoka probably won't approve, but I'm not exactly feeling nice, seeing as his wife's unconscious on the floor.
Feeling around for his Soul, I eventually get a grip on it--Human bodies are pretty inconsistent, in terms of where and how their Souls are contained. It's a mess, of course--happiness is running low, despair and hate are running high, and anger is Overloaded. It's honestly not a wonder he turned violent, but it's still messed up that he vented it on his wife, of all people.
I'm tempted to break a couple of bones while I'm here, but, of course, I don't. Even if he did something wrong, it wasn't all his fault, and there's still Hope for him.
"Never Give Up Hope, right?"
The man, still thrashing, seems too confused and terrified to understand me, "What the FUCK are you talking about you-you monster! LET ME GO!"
I rip the excess Anger out of his system, and prune away some Despair and Hate while I'm at it--no point in letting something else get Overloaded in a week, after all. It pulls away like thorns, painfully clinging to his Soul, but it comes loose, and I draw it into the empty Seed in my pocket.
"Listen." He does, eyes focused on me as I speak, the calm I've imposed on him giving me the chance to talk properly, "You've failed. Your wife will not be happy tomorrow--especially if you've done this before. I don't know what your situation is, exactly, but you need to get your life back in order while your head is clear. If you've got a bad job, find a new one. If you don't have a job, get one, even if it's not your dream job. If your wife hates you, let her go--keeping her here won't make you happy. Most of all, find a way to deal with the anger--get a support group, or medication, or find somewhere to vent it, whatever. Don't try to drink it away. Don't drink at all. Understand me?"
He nods slowly, still looking scared, but also…well, hopeful might be the wrong word, but you can tell he's actually thinking your words over.
"Good. If you don't, and you end up like this again, I won't be as nice next time. If it's even me. Elsa might just kill you."
He pales a bit, and I hold back a smile, knowing that it's wrong to enjoy his fear. Even if he's a bastard.
"I'm glad you understand. You will not speak of this. Or else." With those words, I stroll out of his home, closing his front door behind me.
'You were a bit rough there, Homura. It's not his fault his body's like that.'
I sigh, glancing over at Kyubey, who is sitting on the man's mailbox in that mascot form Madoka likes so much, "He can't help his anger issues. He chose to hit his wife, instead of finding some other way to cope."
Kyubey sighs, shaking his head, 'And you chose to scare him to death, because he pissed you off. You may have been in the right, but that doesn't make the needless violence okay, Homura. We're here to help people, not punish them.'
I glance away, feeling a bit guilty, "I may have gotten angry, but I didn't let it stop me from helping. I gave him the advice he needed to hear, and my threat should help him stay the course."
'Let it never be said you can't justify your actions.' His thought reeks of sarcasm and disappointment, and I sigh in response, pulling the Seed from my pocket, flicking it to him. He pulls it into that slot on his back, as usual.
"How much more until I hit my quota for this month?"
There's a pause, during which I get an impression of quiet analysis from him, then he answers, 'You're almost there. Maybe a couple more stops, to meet quota. Then you can start saving for next month, or just focus on your studies--you still need to keep your grades up, you know, if you want to keep living a Human's life.'
I nod with another sigh, "I know, and I know Madoka would complain if I didn't, but I'm honesty not sure it's worth it anymore. I…I'll keep it up until we graduate, at least."
He nods, 'Whatever you want to do--as long as you're happy, and you hit your quotas, then I'll support you either way.'
Smiling, I turn myself invisible and begin making my way home, "Thanks, Kyubey. Still need to think it over, though. See you later?"
'See you then, Homura-chan! Say hi to the others for me!'
"I will!"
I hold the idiot up by his shirt, pinning him to the wall. Madoka probably won't approve, but I'm not exactly feeling nice, seeing as his wife's unconscious on the floor.
Feeling around for his Soul, I eventually get a grip on it--Human bodies are pretty inconsistent, in terms of where and how their Souls are contained. It's a mess, of course--happiness is running low, despair and hate are running high, and anger is Overloaded. It's honestly not a wonder he turned violent, but it's still messed up that he vented it on his wife, of all people.
I'm tempted to break a couple of bones while I'm here, but, of course, I don't. Even if he did something wrong, it wasn't all his fault, and there's still Hope for him.
"Never Give Up Hope, right?"
The man, still thrashing, seems too confused and terrified to understand me, "What the FUCK are you talking about you-you monster! LET ME GO!"
I rip the excess Anger out of his system, and prune away some Despair and Hate while I'm at it--no point in letting something else get Overloaded in a week, after all. It pulls away like thorns, painfully clinging to his Soul, but it comes loose, and I draw it into the empty Seed in my pocket.
"Listen." He does, eyes focused on me as I speak, the calm I've imposed on him giving me the chance to talk properly, "You've failed. Your wife will not be happy tomorrow--especially if you've done this before. I don't know what your situation is, exactly, but you need to get your life back in order while your head is clear. If you've got a bad job, find a new one. If you don't have a job, get one, even if it's not your dream job. If your wife hates you, let her go--keeping her here won't make you happy. Most of all, find a way to deal with the anger--get a support group, or medication, or find somewhere to vent it, whatever. Don't try to drink it away. Don't drink at all. Understand me?"
He nods slowly, still looking scared, but also…well, hopeful might be the wrong word, but you can tell he's actually thinking your words over.
"Good. If you don't, and you end up like this again, I won't be as nice next time. If it's even me. Elsa might just kill you."
He pales a bit, and I hold back a smile, knowing that it's wrong to enjoy his fear. Even if he's a bastard.
"I'm glad you understand. You will not speak of this. Or else." With those words, I stroll out of his home, closing his front door behind me.
'You were a bit rough there, Homura. It's not his fault his body's like that.'
I sigh, glancing over at Kyubey, who is sitting on the man's mailbox in that mascot form Madoka likes so much, "He can't help his anger issues. He chose to hit his wife, instead of finding some other way to cope."
Kyubey sighs, shaking his head, 'And you chose to scare him to death, because he pissed you off. You may have been in the right, but that doesn't make the needless violence okay, Homura. We're here to help people, not punish them.'
I glance away, feeling a bit guilty, "I may have gotten angry, but I didn't let it stop me from helping. I gave him the advice he needed to hear, and my threat should help him stay the course."
'Let it never be said you can't justify your actions.' His thought reeks of sarcasm and disappointment, and I sigh in response, pulling the Seed from my pocket, flicking it to him. He pulls it into that slot on his back, as usual.
"How much more until I hit my quota for this month?"
There's a pause, during which I get an impression of quiet analysis from him, then he answers, 'You're almost there. Maybe a couple more stops, to meet quota. Then you can start saving for next month, or just focus on your studies--you still need to keep your grades up, you know, if you want to keep living a Human's life.'
I nod with another sigh, "I know, and I know Madoka would complain if I didn't, but I'm honesty not sure it's worth it anymore. I…I'll keep it up until we graduate, at least."
He nods, 'Whatever you want to do--as long as you're happy, and you hit your quotas, then I'll support you either way.'
Smiling, I turn myself invisible and begin making my way home, "Thanks, Kyubey. Still need to think it over, though. See you later?"
'See you then, Homura-chan! Say hi to the others for me!'
"I will!"
TheBleachDoctor
Secretly a Cat
- Location
- The Plane of Infinite Kittens
- Pronouns
- She/Her
What even...
Accursed timeline
Accursed timeline
AnonymousRabbit
Rabbit Faced
What does it mean. What does it mean?!
Spectral Waltz
Scatterbrained Writer
- Location
- Walking the Endless Corridors
Seems like an alternate timeline, though I can't see how it's related beyond 'also being PMMM' as far as timelines go...
The Crimson King
It's possible to eat an orange with just teeth.
- Location
- America
Ohh boy, tinfoil conspiracist time.
- Location
- Voidbetweenstars
...
...
...
Madoka what the utter loving hell did you wish for,...
...
...
i'll be frank that sounds like outright soul manipulation magic.
So… Can homura still do that?
...
...
Madoka what the utter loving hell did you wish for,...
...
...
...
i'll be frank that sounds like outright soul manipulation magic.
So… Can homura still do that?
Nachtprophet
Registered Lurker
- Location
- Germany
So, is this an alternate universe where the Incubators skipped the whole Witches part of their system and magical girls are drawing negative emotional energy directly from people?
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
There's not much you can't do with Magic, at the end of the day. Homura doesn't know how to do this, though, if it IS possible.
You're on the right track, at least.
TheBleachDoctor
Secretly a Cat
- Location
- The Plane of Infinite Kittens
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Cake, Cake, who is the cake?
Humans are the cake!
Humans are the cake!
Maybe this is the Homu from the same reality that Clara Doll came from? And either
A.This is prior to that reality's Homulily with Homu's contemplation of discontinuing school being foreshadowing and Madoka's wish allowing her to take control of some of QB's system, or
B. This is Homulily's PoV and she's reverse witch kissing people to feed. Or
C. Homu's loops have broken reality to the point where I can throw pretty much any hypothesis at the wall and it won't seem too unlikely.
A.This is prior to that reality's Homulily with Homu's contemplation of discontinuing school being foreshadowing and Madoka's wish allowing her to take control of some of QB's system, or
B. This is Homulily's PoV and she's reverse witch kissing people to feed. Or
C. Homu's loops have broken reality to the point where I can throw pretty much any hypothesis at the wall and it won't seem too unlikely.
- Location
- Poland
- Pronouns
- He/Him
... I wonder if it happened during our!Homura's previous loops, somehow. Probably after an odd variation of Cycles, that reforms Incubators rather than ending Witches, but still removes Madoka (hence depressed Homura).
Or if this timeline/world exists on it's own, still containing it's own Homura? She could cross over, then.
There are some Blues to be suggested, and I am not sure what to ask.
Or if this timeline/world exists on it's own, still containing it's own Homura? She could cross over, then.
There are some Blues to be suggested, and I am not sure what to ask.
[Sayaka's Story] Shopping 2 | Yuuko's Shop
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
'This should be weird…right? Homura's not exactly someone I've known for a long time.'
The girl in question, nervous as she is, is sitting next to me in my Mom's car, laptop open in her lap and turned to face me. We're going shopping, so that she can have some stuff for her temporary room.
'…Huh. Actually, we really haven't worked out how temporary it is. I pretty much just invited her to stay forever. Uh…now that I think about it, that's kinda a crazy thing to do.'
"U-um, you should take a look at this, Sayaka. I think you might like them."
I focus on the screen; it's a website for a symphonic metal band I've never heard of: "Clockwork Serenade."
"T-they're really good! They have some really cools stuff they do with clock-controlled instruments, and clockwork components as instruments, but they ALSO use violin and other strings really well, so some of their songs will be good for a classical fan like you! P-probably, I mean."
I nod, pulling out my headphones, "Wanna listen together?" She nods hesitantly, and I plug them in, handing one earbud to her, and start up the song she's brought up.
It's good. Like, not the same as classical. Not at all, but…it's interesting, and the music is a proper composition, not the simplicity I tend to expect from rock music. I hum along a little bit, and Homura smiles a bit at that--I smile back, feeling a faint warmth at her expression, "It's good, Homura. The violinist knows what he's doing, and…I don't quite get the mechanical parts, but they seem to be well done, I think."
She nods quickly, almost squeaking out her excited answer, "T-they are! You, um…clocks really are special because of the regularity and order, you know, and they manage to keep that while still using them musically. A lot of bands, even if they use mechanical sounds, use them like any other instrument. Serenade uses distinct clockwork devices, each timed consistently, to provide accompaniment without--" She pauses, "U-um, without making them irregular? It would be really bad if they did, but they don't; every note's timed perfectly, which is what makes them so special. They show proper respect for their clockwork, instead of just using it as a gimmick."
I'm unable to stifle a laugh at her sudden enthusiasm--I'm not sure if she really likes the band, really likes the genre, or just really likes clocks, "H-honestly, Homura, I didn't know clocks were used in music that widely. You're saying there are multiple bands that do this kind of thing?"
She nods firmly, "Yes. I-I know of only a couple that use it regularly, but lots of bands use clocks in one song or another."
"Huh. I'll let you know if I find any more, then, huh?"
"T-that'd be great!" She seems genuinely excited at the prospect, and I catch myself just short of patting her on the head.
The car pulls to a stop, and we pile out, Mom turning to Homura as we do so, "So, Homura-chan, what's our first stop? Anything you're looking for in particular?
Homura looks around, nervously considering her options, and I start thinking it over, trying to figure out what we should get for Homura first--she probably won't be up for taking the initiative, after--
"M-maybe that shop over there? The one with the crescent moons?
'Uh…what? Crescent moons?'
"Crescent--? Wait. There's no shop like that." Mom says, sounding incredulous, but Homura simply points.
I turn to see what Homura's pointing at, and find myself staring at a wholly unfamiliar shop--it's a weird one, seeming to be some fusion of local and European styles. It also wasn't here a few days ago, and there's not a single sign of construction work.
Glancing at Mom, I see her staring at it, clearly befuddled, "Wait, that's not supposed to…I guess that I forgot about it."
'You didn't just forget about it, Mom.'
Your mother seems determined to ignore the impossibility, though, looking back at Homura, "Are you sure you want to go there?"
I almost object--it's kinda creepy--but…
"Yes."
I can't say no to that determined expression on Homura's face. As nervous as she normally is, she seems really firm in her decision. She looks a bit like Madoka, actually--when Madoka's decided to dig her heels on something, at least.
Stepping close to my new friend, I take her hand in mine, chuckling slightly, "Heh, first time I've seen you so sure about something. Alright then, let's go!"
With that, I start pulling her towards the creepy shop, ignoring Mom's laughter--even if Homura knows what she wants, that doesn't mean she won't be nervous. Anyone can be nervous. If I run ahead with a smile, though, then maybe she won't be.
Thinking like that, it's easy for me to smile for real.
Leading the way, I step inside the shop, and find a pair of creepy kids waiting for me. Suddenly, I'm not so sure this was the time to teach Homura how to be brave…
...because I think this might be the right time to run for my life.
Too bad I can't bring myself to walk away. Not sure if I'm just frozen in fear, or surprise, or what, but I just can't seem to turn around.
"Welcome! Master's been waiting for you!" They declare proudly, speaking as one. I'm assuming they mean the shopkeep, but who the hell calls their boss "Master" in this day and age? Maybe's it's just a gimmick, like being creepy and appearing out of nowhere. Marketing.
A girl can dream.
"Um…master, you said? You mean the shop keeper?" I really hope they just mean the shop keeper.
They nod, to my partial relief, and begin walking, "Right this way!"
Exchanging glances with Homura, who has caught up, I notice Mom strolling off into the shop alone, "Well, what are you two girls waiting for? You came here to shop, right?"
I try to tell her I want to leave, and that this is scary, but my mouth refuses to move.
Homura just nods, and begins walking, looking weirdly calm, and kinda business-like. She must be the type who goes cold when scared.
With no other choice, I follow her, looking around as we go--the entire shop is furnished in the same ornate style, and a variety of creepy knickknacks line the walls. A couple of things look interesting, but something tells me I shouldn't touch anything in here.
Standing behind a counter at the front of the shop is a woman--she's gorgeous, in a way no one I've ever seen before is gorgeous. Like, I'm pretty sure no one looks that perfect, but she does. She's also wearing a kimono that…honestly, who wears that kind of ornate kimono just to run a shop?
Her eyes are locked unnervingly on Homura as she speaks, and something about it sends a shiver up my spine. Not…not fear, exactly. Anticipation, maybe? It's like…something inside me, or something around me, is dying, and I can't bring myself to mourn it.
It's weird. I should definitely be scared. Something here doesn't make sense, and I know that, once it does, my life will never be the same. I can't wait, though. I want it to happen faster, to see everything change.
"Welcome. It seems you have finally found this place, child of clocks. In this place, one can find what one needs, and your needs are great, as are those of your companion…" She trails off, and her eyes meet mine for a moment. Something seems to crack inside me.
"So…what is it you require? Anything at all can be granted, but a balanced price must be payed…"
The children laugh, even as that maddening feeling seems to grow, "Balance! Grief and Hope!"
'Anything? Even…I can help Kyousuke? Madoka? I can…I can save them? I can be amazing, like they are?'
".…A-anything?" I speak without even trying, words forming faster than thought, "Anything at all?"
Homura says something, asks something of the woman, but I miss it. I need my answer.
The woman spends time responding to Homura, ignoring my question. I NEED that answer!
"Well!? You said anything?"
She turns her attention back to me, nodding serenely, "Yes. Anything for a price."
Nodding, I step forward, and tell her what I want, "…I want to save him." I pause for an instant, realizing my mistake, and correct my words, "I want a way to save those who are suffering."
She smiles. It's a bit unnerving, but she seems genuinely pleased, "But are you ready for the price? It's," Her eyes gleam, "Your humanity. If I grant you this wish, you will no longer be able to live as a human."
That's...that's not what I wanted to hear. 'What does that even mean? It's…I…what could that possibly mean?' I think it over for a moment, hesitating, wondering how stupid it would be to say yes.
Then I look at Homura, who looks terrified, eyes wide with fear. I remember Madoka, slowly breaking. Kyousuke…Kyousuke, without any hope for the future, barely holding himself together.
".…I'll be able to save him? And everyone else?"
She shakes her head, and my heart sinks, "No one can save everyone, at least, no one short of a goddess, but you will be able to save some. "Him" included," She pauses, eyes twinkling as they meet mine, "And maybe this girl beside you as well."
I'm still scared. I want to say no. To run away.
I'll never be able to help anyone by running away, though. I'll be worthless forever, if I can't be brave.
"Okay. I'll do it." I say the words before I can change my mind, committing before I can think better of it, and brace myself, waiting for the consequences.
She simply turns, walks over to a shelf, and pulls down a sword. It's big--too big for me to use, I know, and Mom hasn't taught me much about western swords.
She presses into my hands, and I immediately feel something--a connection, a calling, a hunger. It's…this sword isn't mine, not yet, but it also very much is. I know that what she's just handed me is my future, and I'm not afraid at all.
'If this is my future, then what is she going to take? This--! What's she going to do? Why is she just standing there?' "Wait…what? What about the price?"
She smiles, looking ready to laugh, like someone hearing a joke only they understand, "Don't concern yourself." I am very concerned, but she goes on, "Wielding that sword is the price… a heavy one, but so was your wish."
Without another word, she turns away, looking to Homura, and I am left to regard the weapon in my hands. My sword. The only sword I need.
"I am the bone of my sword."
The girl in question, nervous as she is, is sitting next to me in my Mom's car, laptop open in her lap and turned to face me. We're going shopping, so that she can have some stuff for her temporary room.
'…Huh. Actually, we really haven't worked out how temporary it is. I pretty much just invited her to stay forever. Uh…now that I think about it, that's kinda a crazy thing to do.'
"U-um, you should take a look at this, Sayaka. I think you might like them."
I focus on the screen; it's a website for a symphonic metal band I've never heard of: "Clockwork Serenade."
"T-they're really good! They have some really cools stuff they do with clock-controlled instruments, and clockwork components as instruments, but they ALSO use violin and other strings really well, so some of their songs will be good for a classical fan like you! P-probably, I mean."
I nod, pulling out my headphones, "Wanna listen together?" She nods hesitantly, and I plug them in, handing one earbud to her, and start up the song she's brought up.
It's good. Like, not the same as classical. Not at all, but…it's interesting, and the music is a proper composition, not the simplicity I tend to expect from rock music. I hum along a little bit, and Homura smiles a bit at that--I smile back, feeling a faint warmth at her expression, "It's good, Homura. The violinist knows what he's doing, and…I don't quite get the mechanical parts, but they seem to be well done, I think."
She nods quickly, almost squeaking out her excited answer, "T-they are! You, um…clocks really are special because of the regularity and order, you know, and they manage to keep that while still using them musically. A lot of bands, even if they use mechanical sounds, use them like any other instrument. Serenade uses distinct clockwork devices, each timed consistently, to provide accompaniment without--" She pauses, "U-um, without making them irregular? It would be really bad if they did, but they don't; every note's timed perfectly, which is what makes them so special. They show proper respect for their clockwork, instead of just using it as a gimmick."
I'm unable to stifle a laugh at her sudden enthusiasm--I'm not sure if she really likes the band, really likes the genre, or just really likes clocks, "H-honestly, Homura, I didn't know clocks were used in music that widely. You're saying there are multiple bands that do this kind of thing?"
She nods firmly, "Yes. I-I know of only a couple that use it regularly, but lots of bands use clocks in one song or another."
"Huh. I'll let you know if I find any more, then, huh?"
"T-that'd be great!" She seems genuinely excited at the prospect, and I catch myself just short of patting her on the head.
The car pulls to a stop, and we pile out, Mom turning to Homura as we do so, "So, Homura-chan, what's our first stop? Anything you're looking for in particular?
Homura looks around, nervously considering her options, and I start thinking it over, trying to figure out what we should get for Homura first--she probably won't be up for taking the initiative, after--
"M-maybe that shop over there? The one with the crescent moons?
'Uh…what? Crescent moons?'
"Crescent--? Wait. There's no shop like that." Mom says, sounding incredulous, but Homura simply points.
I turn to see what Homura's pointing at, and find myself staring at a wholly unfamiliar shop--it's a weird one, seeming to be some fusion of local and European styles. It also wasn't here a few days ago, and there's not a single sign of construction work.
Glancing at Mom, I see her staring at it, clearly befuddled, "Wait, that's not supposed to…I guess that I forgot about it."
'You didn't just forget about it, Mom.'
Your mother seems determined to ignore the impossibility, though, looking back at Homura, "Are you sure you want to go there?"
I almost object--it's kinda creepy--but…
"Yes."
I can't say no to that determined expression on Homura's face. As nervous as she normally is, she seems really firm in her decision. She looks a bit like Madoka, actually--when Madoka's decided to dig her heels on something, at least.
Stepping close to my new friend, I take her hand in mine, chuckling slightly, "Heh, first time I've seen you so sure about something. Alright then, let's go!"
With that, I start pulling her towards the creepy shop, ignoring Mom's laughter--even if Homura knows what she wants, that doesn't mean she won't be nervous. Anyone can be nervous. If I run ahead with a smile, though, then maybe she won't be.
Thinking like that, it's easy for me to smile for real.
Leading the way, I step inside the shop, and find a pair of creepy kids waiting for me. Suddenly, I'm not so sure this was the time to teach Homura how to be brave…
...because I think this might be the right time to run for my life.
Too bad I can't bring myself to walk away. Not sure if I'm just frozen in fear, or surprise, or what, but I just can't seem to turn around.
"Welcome! Master's been waiting for you!" They declare proudly, speaking as one. I'm assuming they mean the shopkeep, but who the hell calls their boss "Master" in this day and age? Maybe's it's just a gimmick, like being creepy and appearing out of nowhere. Marketing.
A girl can dream.
"Um…master, you said? You mean the shop keeper?" I really hope they just mean the shop keeper.
They nod, to my partial relief, and begin walking, "Right this way!"
Exchanging glances with Homura, who has caught up, I notice Mom strolling off into the shop alone, "Well, what are you two girls waiting for? You came here to shop, right?"
I try to tell her I want to leave, and that this is scary, but my mouth refuses to move.
Homura just nods, and begins walking, looking weirdly calm, and kinda business-like. She must be the type who goes cold when scared.
With no other choice, I follow her, looking around as we go--the entire shop is furnished in the same ornate style, and a variety of creepy knickknacks line the walls. A couple of things look interesting, but something tells me I shouldn't touch anything in here.
Standing behind a counter at the front of the shop is a woman--she's gorgeous, in a way no one I've ever seen before is gorgeous. Like, I'm pretty sure no one looks that perfect, but she does. She's also wearing a kimono that…honestly, who wears that kind of ornate kimono just to run a shop?
Her eyes are locked unnervingly on Homura as she speaks, and something about it sends a shiver up my spine. Not…not fear, exactly. Anticipation, maybe? It's like…something inside me, or something around me, is dying, and I can't bring myself to mourn it.
It's weird. I should definitely be scared. Something here doesn't make sense, and I know that, once it does, my life will never be the same. I can't wait, though. I want it to happen faster, to see everything change.
"Welcome. It seems you have finally found this place, child of clocks. In this place, one can find what one needs, and your needs are great, as are those of your companion…" She trails off, and her eyes meet mine for a moment. Something seems to crack inside me.
"So…what is it you require? Anything at all can be granted, but a balanced price must be payed…"
The children laugh, even as that maddening feeling seems to grow, "Balance! Grief and Hope!"
'Anything? Even…I can help Kyousuke? Madoka? I can…I can save them? I can be amazing, like they are?'
".…A-anything?" I speak without even trying, words forming faster than thought, "Anything at all?"
Homura says something, asks something of the woman, but I miss it. I need my answer.
The woman spends time responding to Homura, ignoring my question. I NEED that answer!
"Well!? You said anything?"
She turns her attention back to me, nodding serenely, "Yes. Anything for a price."
Nodding, I step forward, and tell her what I want, "…I want to save him." I pause for an instant, realizing my mistake, and correct my words, "I want a way to save those who are suffering."
She smiles. It's a bit unnerving, but she seems genuinely pleased, "But are you ready for the price? It's," Her eyes gleam, "Your humanity. If I grant you this wish, you will no longer be able to live as a human."
That's...that's not what I wanted to hear. 'What does that even mean? It's…I…what could that possibly mean?' I think it over for a moment, hesitating, wondering how stupid it would be to say yes.
Then I look at Homura, who looks terrified, eyes wide with fear. I remember Madoka, slowly breaking. Kyousuke…Kyousuke, without any hope for the future, barely holding himself together.
".…I'll be able to save him? And everyone else?"
She shakes her head, and my heart sinks, "No one can save everyone, at least, no one short of a goddess, but you will be able to save some. "Him" included," She pauses, eyes twinkling as they meet mine, "And maybe this girl beside you as well."
I'm still scared. I want to say no. To run away.
I'll never be able to help anyone by running away, though. I'll be worthless forever, if I can't be brave.
"Okay. I'll do it." I say the words before I can change my mind, committing before I can think better of it, and brace myself, waiting for the consequences.
She simply turns, walks over to a shelf, and pulls down a sword. It's big--too big for me to use, I know, and Mom hasn't taught me much about western swords.
She presses into my hands, and I immediately feel something--a connection, a calling, a hunger. It's…this sword isn't mine, not yet, but it also very much is. I know that what she's just handed me is my future, and I'm not afraid at all.
'If this is my future, then what is she going to take? This--! What's she going to do? Why is she just standing there?' "Wait…what? What about the price?"
She smiles, looking ready to laugh, like someone hearing a joke only they understand, "Don't concern yourself." I am very concerned, but she goes on, "Wielding that sword is the price… a heavy one, but so was your wish."
Without another word, she turns away, looking to Homura, and I am left to regard the weapon in my hands. My sword. The only sword I need.
"I am the bone of my sword."
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