Renascence: A Homura Quest
- Thread starter Higure
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy Mystery
[X] See if you can summon the Spear from that... Not-Dream that you had.
-[X] If you can, maybe see if you can summon a Gun? You're much better with those after all.
-[X] Check in with Ruki and Nanoha with at least a phone call. Try to keep it somewhat short, Sayaka hurt herself with her own magic pretty badly and you need to dig into how that happened.
-[X] Sit down with Sayaka and really talk about The Sword. What it does, what it shows her, what it knows, how it teaches her/she learns, etc. and offer insights where we can hopefully.
--[X] Maybe a light spar if you summoned that Spear and it won't make too much noise somewhere nearby?
-[X] Read a few pages of the untitled book you got from the weapon stash you raided to at least figure out what it is.
-[X] Read: A Guide to Basic Research and Information Analysis. 1st Ed. Honya. [Amateur | Research] [0/7]
-[X] If you can, maybe see if you can summon a Gun? You're much better with those after all.
-[X] Check in with Ruki and Nanoha with at least a phone call. Try to keep it somewhat short, Sayaka hurt herself with her own magic pretty badly and you need to dig into how that happened.
-[X] Sit down with Sayaka and really talk about The Sword. What it does, what it shows her, what it knows, how it teaches her/she learns, etc. and offer insights where we can hopefully.
--[X] Maybe a light spar if you summoned that Spear and it won't make too much noise somewhere nearby?
-[X] Read a few pages of the untitled book you got from the weapon stash you raided to at least figure out what it is.
-[X] Read: A Guide to Basic Research and Information Analysis. 1st Ed. Honya. [Amateur | Research] [0/7]
Macros
omnisciently vague councilman
- Location
- Dirac Sea
Oh right, that. Sure wish I played some Persona right now... Not sure what to ask, to be honest. Maybe something like "when will we meet again"? If it happens every time we sleep, that's no problem (though I'd worry sleep would become less effective for regaining sanity then), but if there are special conditions...
Sometimes we'll Dream ourself there, but he said it himself, and this is kind of how the usual Persona protags do it, we just need to find a Door to go back there. Literally find a door, that's all it is.
Even knowing Persona I don't have any particular questions for him, I'm always bad at that. I mean he gave us enough to chase down what we need ourself, which is his job in a nutshell basically.
I suppose one question might be whether the cards are for the people of this timeline or the one's watching over us, but I imagine the answer is probably "Yes." The implication, to the point of being nearly explicit, was forging a Bond with this timeline's version of them and holding onto the faith in that Bond would let the versions staying with us be able to come back. Or something like that.
And Sayaka is almost ready. Just needs some help cause Chariots don't know how to stop on their own. Or that they even need to stop in the first place.
I... am now wondering if we're somehow the shed off humanity of Homucifier. Or she shattered off of Homura maybe. The Devil consumed her and then Homura... just didn't stop anyway. Even through a twisted version of herself, she just kept going to try and save Madoka and everyone, shedding off the parts that were stopping her.
Edit: Right, we had that Ruki interlude thing, so she's one of the one's Homura doesn't know about IC. Headpats for Best Kouhai!
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??? - Comfort
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
"Homulilly?"
Making my way to Madoka's, to let her know about Sayaka's actions, I recognize Nagisa's voice instantly, and turn back to regard the younger girl--barely a teenager, now. She is wearing her magical girl outfit, so I assume it's business and use her Magical Girl name, "Charlotte. What brings you here?"
"I hunger. You usually carry snacks upon you."
I chuckle, amused as always by her strange formality. I'm not sure why she speaks that way--perhaps an old habit from playing as a child, or perhaps something from a grandparent. Maybe just too many stories. It's endearing, though, so I don't object.
I take a bag of cookies, set aside for her, from one of my pockets and hand it to her, "Here you go, Char. How are things?"
She takes the bag, opening it and grabbing a cookie, casting her eyes down as she eats, "Mother has finally passed. The doctors could only keep her alive for so long, it seems. I should mourn, but I do not."
I sigh, ruffling her hair, "Your Mom was a bitch, Nagisa. I don't know why you kept watching over her all this time."
She frowns, "She is my own mother. Was. Is. It is only natural that I would want to take care of her."
I shake my head, incredulous, "I can't really say I understand, but...is that actually true, or is that just how you think it should be?"
Taking a bit of another cookie, she walks over to the edge of the roof and sits down, legs dangling off. I join her, and she leans on my shoulder. She must be more upset than she's showing, if she's looking for comfort like that.
"I thought if I was a good daughter, then we could have a happy ending together. I would tell her I love her, and she would say the same, right at the end, and it would be okay. Instead...she died in her sleep, and I didn't feel anything when I said it. I...I don't understand, why the world's like this. Everything was so pointless. I thought we were building towards something, but...it just keeps going, like she was never even here."
I hug the girl around the shoulders, trying to offer some support, "Don't worry. It'll be okay. You don't have to feel anything for her. You have us, instead."
She leans into the hug, and I turn slightly, allowing her to bury her face in my shoulder. She begins to cry, loudly, and, while I try my best no to join her, I can't help but find a few tears falling anyway.
"I-I just wanted to love her, at the end. So it wouldn't be a waste. So we could have a happy ending, but--but--why? WHY!? I-I-I-HOMURAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" She screams, sobbing into my shoulder, and I hold her, wondering how a world can be so twisted, that this sweet girl has run to me for comfort, instead of literally anyone else. An aunt, uncle, or cousin, or teacher, or Kyubey, or Mami, or Madoka, or...or anyone but me. What kind of person am I, to do this? I don't know how to do this. How could I?
But I hold her anyway, and let her cry, and cry with her, and try to make it hurt a bit less for a while. Because she's my precious friend, and I love my friends more than anything else.
No matter how many times my heart breaks for them.
"It'll be okay, Char. We're a team. You aren't alone. You'll never be alone. It's okay. It's okay. We can make things better, together. It's okay..."
Making my way to Madoka's, to let her know about Sayaka's actions, I recognize Nagisa's voice instantly, and turn back to regard the younger girl--barely a teenager, now. She is wearing her magical girl outfit, so I assume it's business and use her Magical Girl name, "Charlotte. What brings you here?"
"I hunger. You usually carry snacks upon you."
I chuckle, amused as always by her strange formality. I'm not sure why she speaks that way--perhaps an old habit from playing as a child, or perhaps something from a grandparent. Maybe just too many stories. It's endearing, though, so I don't object.
I take a bag of cookies, set aside for her, from one of my pockets and hand it to her, "Here you go, Char. How are things?"
She takes the bag, opening it and grabbing a cookie, casting her eyes down as she eats, "Mother has finally passed. The doctors could only keep her alive for so long, it seems. I should mourn, but I do not."
I sigh, ruffling her hair, "Your Mom was a bitch, Nagisa. I don't know why you kept watching over her all this time."
She frowns, "She is my own mother. Was. Is. It is only natural that I would want to take care of her."
I shake my head, incredulous, "I can't really say I understand, but...is that actually true, or is that just how you think it should be?"
Taking a bit of another cookie, she walks over to the edge of the roof and sits down, legs dangling off. I join her, and she leans on my shoulder. She must be more upset than she's showing, if she's looking for comfort like that.
"I thought if I was a good daughter, then we could have a happy ending together. I would tell her I love her, and she would say the same, right at the end, and it would be okay. Instead...she died in her sleep, and I didn't feel anything when I said it. I...I don't understand, why the world's like this. Everything was so pointless. I thought we were building towards something, but...it just keeps going, like she was never even here."
I hug the girl around the shoulders, trying to offer some support, "Don't worry. It'll be okay. You don't have to feel anything for her. You have us, instead."
She leans into the hug, and I turn slightly, allowing her to bury her face in my shoulder. She begins to cry, loudly, and, while I try my best no to join her, I can't help but find a few tears falling anyway.
"I-I just wanted to love her, at the end. So it wouldn't be a waste. So we could have a happy ending, but--but--why? WHY!? I-I-I-HOMURAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" She screams, sobbing into my shoulder, and I hold her, wondering how a world can be so twisted, that this sweet girl has run to me for comfort, instead of literally anyone else. An aunt, uncle, or cousin, or teacher, or Kyubey, or Mami, or Madoka, or...or anyone but me. What kind of person am I, to do this? I don't know how to do this. How could I?
But I hold her anyway, and let her cry, and cry with her, and try to make it hurt a bit less for a while. Because she's my precious friend, and I love my friends more than anything else.
No matter how many times my heart breaks for them.
"It'll be okay, Char. We're a team. You aren't alone. You'll never be alone. It's okay. It's okay. We can make things better, together. It's okay..."
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AnonymousRabbit
Rabbit Faced
Provide her Cheese.
Thebigpieman
I've got this, I think.
- Location
- United States
Canon is all sorts of skewed around here.
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
We find out in Magia Record that Nagisa's Mom was shit too, if not nearly as bad as Yuma's. That said, this isn't exactly the standard, Canon continuity anyway.
I mean, yes--there was a lot of lore that I didn't know/that didn't exist back when I planned this quest out--but there's reasons for quite a bit of the strangeness, that should eventually become clear.
Madoka's mom continues to be the best in a world a swim in disappointing parental figures.
FTFY
Which is still a bit sad cause she's not even there most of the time. Its just when she is she does damn good work.
Madoka's dad is also a good parent.
Spectral Waltz
Scatterbrained Writer
- Location
- Walking the Endless Corridors
[X] See if you can summon the Spear from that... Not-Dream that you had.
-[X] If you can, maybe see if you can summon a Gun? You're much better with those after all.
-[X] Check in with Ruki and Nanoha with at least a phone call. Try to keep it somewhat short, Sayaka hurt herself with her own magic pretty badly and you need to dig into how that happened.
-[X] Sit down with Sayaka and really talk about The Sword. What it does, what it shows her, what it knows, how it teaches her/she learns, etc. and offer insights where we can hopefully.
--[X] Maybe a light spar if you summoned that Spear and it won't make too much noise somewhere nearby?
-[X] Read a few pages of the untitled book you got from the weapon stash you raided to at least figure out what it is.
-[X] Read: A Guide to Basic Research and Information Analysis. 1st Ed. Honya. [Amateur | Research] [0/7]
-[X] If you can, maybe see if you can summon a Gun? You're much better with those after all.
-[X] Check in with Ruki and Nanoha with at least a phone call. Try to keep it somewhat short, Sayaka hurt herself with her own magic pretty badly and you need to dig into how that happened.
-[X] Sit down with Sayaka and really talk about The Sword. What it does, what it shows her, what it knows, how it teaches her/she learns, etc. and offer insights where we can hopefully.
--[X] Maybe a light spar if you summoned that Spear and it won't make too much noise somewhere nearby?
-[X] Read a few pages of the untitled book you got from the weapon stash you raided to at least figure out what it is.
-[X] Read: A Guide to Basic Research and Information Analysis. 1st Ed. Honya. [Amateur | Research] [0/7]
Just stick it in a vote then, it sounds like most/all proposed questions will be asked so long as they make sense.
Script Mak3r
(Verified Sun God) (Verified Feathers)
- Location
- Hell of Blazing Fires
- Pronouns
- She/Her
*Shrug* Its not like we have anything we're asking him right now anyway.
Dawn of March 20th
Higure
Witch of Faith
- Location
- The Golden Land
[X] See if you can summon the Spear from that... Not-Dream that you had.
-[X] If you can, maybe see if you can summon a Gun? You're much better with those after all.
-[X] Check in with Ruki and Nanoha with at least a phone call. Try to keep it somewhat short, Sayaka hurt herself with her own magic pretty badly and you need to dig into how that happened.
-[X] Sit down with Sayaka and really talk about The Sword. What it does, what it shows her, what it knows, how it teaches her/she learns, etc. and offer insights where we can hopefully.
--[X] Maybe a light spar if you summoned that Spear and it won't make too much noise somewhere nearby?
-[X] Read a few pages of the untitled book you got from the weapon stash you raided to at least figure out what it is.
-[X] Read: A Guide to Basic Research and Information Analysis. 1st Ed. Honya. [Amateur | Research] [0/7]
"What are you?" You ask the strange being, all too aware that this is no human being. Even ignoring his appearance, there is something about him that screams of something other.
In return, you receive an extended, high-pitched chuckle. "Oh, I do sincerely wish I knew the answer to that, Miss Akemi. Sadly, I do not. All I can say for certain, is that I am the proprietor of the Velvet Room, and a guide for those who are lost without direction. Now, it's time to go. Your Chariot awaits!"
You feel someone holding your shoulders, shaking you, "C'mon, wake up! Wake up, Homura!"
Your eyes snap open instantly, the surreal world fading away like fog. For a few moments, you can see the image of the Velvet Room lingering around you, even as you look up at Sayaka's bright blue, shining eyes.
You stare up at your friend for only a short moment, before you cast your gaze across the room, looking for any sign of a threat and finding none. Why is she waking you then, you wonder? You do not oversleep, after all, so there must be--
It is 9:25:11 AM. You have overslept.
You do not oversleep. Akemis do not oversleep. Were you drugged? No, that would not work. The only possible explanation is that Igor fiend, interfering with you.
"Sorry, Sayaka. I...I appear to have overslept." You confess with no small amount of shame, but she simply pokes you in the cheek.
"Nothing to be sorry for, but hurry up and come down for breakfast!"
You nod, and she releases you, allowing you to pull yourself from your bed.
"I'll see you downstairs, Homura!" Sayaka calls from the doorway with a wave, apparently in a rush to eat.
You let her go, and quickly transform, driven to satiate your immediate curiosity, after that dream. You reach out with your mind, searching amongst your feelings and memories for something more substantial--and find it. A spear, bound up with your memories of Kyouko.
You call it to your hand immediately, twirling it through the air in a brief flourish as you enjoy the novelty of it. You have an actual weapon. Not something stolen or stored, and not just a weird knife, but an actual, proper Magical Girl's weapon.
It feels nice.
You almost feel like a real Magical Girl, for a moment, instead of just a Puella Magus.
Sadly, you also know you're not Kyouko (right now), and are not an expert with spears. Even if this feels strangely natural in your hand, you'd be better off with a weapon you know. Like a gun. Maybe you have a gun hidden somewhere in there?
You search for any other weapons you might not have noticed--particularly a gun--and find absolutely nothing. It seems you have a spear and a weird knife, and that's it for now. Maybe that will change, as you grow those "Bonds" Igor was talking about, but you figure you should learn how to use a spear in the mean time. Besides you somehow doubt this is a simple spear.
Satisfied for the moment, you head downstairs, and find the Miki matriarch serving eggs and bacon--thinking about it now, it occurs to you that it's been ages since you actually had a traditional, Japanese breakfast, but Mitakihara has never been exactly tradi--is that laverbread?!
"Are those laverbread cakes!?" You ask, astounded.
The elder Miki smiles deviously, "Noticed that did you?"
You nod, idly noticed that you have crossed the room and seated yourself over the last second, "I haven't seen laverbread since..." You try to remember the last time. Your...grandfather? No, no, your father had stopped by and shared breakfast with you a week before the loops st--oh.
"My sneak of a father put you up to this, didn't he?" You ask, giving her a dry look, but her smile only widens.
"Oh, well, you know. He sent me an email that a driver would be stopping by, and happened to include some old family recipes. I was surprised, though, I didn't know the Akemis were...?"
"Welsh?" You ask, bemused, "No, we're not. Probably. We've had family members from most of the clock-crafting world, so the British were a given. Although, I'll confess, I'm not actually sure how far back it goes. It's all left a mark on our traditions, but most people just assume we're insane. Our reputation is actually very useful, as it turns out."
Sayaka takes a bite from one of the cakes, and goes a bit green, doing her best to smile. You smile back, "Delicious, isn't it? Surely you would like seconds? Or fifths?"
She pales, "O-oh, I-I mean, I couldn't possibly take--"
"You don't need to force yourself, Sayaka. It's an acquired taste, I can assure you." You take a bite from one yourself, smiling at the nostalgic flavor, "Mmm. It's been too long. Thank you, Mrs. Miki. This is wonderful." Your mood sours, however, and you must assume your expression does the same, by the sudden looks of concern you're receiving. You wave their worry off, "It's nothing. I simply realized I might have to thank my father. He might get a big head, but he did well sending you those recipes. Thank you, again."
They exchange looks, and Sayaka rolls her eyes at your expense, smiling brightly, "So...what's he like, anyway? You seem to have a hard time making up your mind about him. He doesn't seem that bad, except for the whole "making you live on your own" thing."
You consider her question for few seconds, trying to recall your history with your failed predecessor, and honestly finding that most of those memories are deeply faded. You can recall a little here and there, but...it has been a very long time.
Eventually, you grimace and shake your head, "He's a horrible clockmaker."
You leave it at that, not commenting as Sayaka sighs in apparent exasperation, and resume eating.
It's delicious, but it does not last forever, and soon the dishes are done, and your time is your own again, and you excuse yourself to make a call or two.
'Ruki.'
'Huh? Senpai? Is that you?'
'It is. Are you okay? You seemed fine before, but..."
You get back a yelp of pain, 'Ouch. Sorry, Senpai, currently in the middle of repair work. I'm okay. Confused, but okay. Talk later?'
'Of course.'
With that, you let her go and try to figure out how to reach Nanoha.
'Hopefully she's still with Mami,' You think, before taking out your phone and calling Mami's number.
"Hello? Who is this?"
"This is Homura. Is--" You remind yourself to pay attention to Mami, "--everything going well there?"
She hums, and you hear the faint sound of something clicking into place, "There. Ah, yes, it's going well. Finding ways to keep myself busy. I'll need to hunt soon, and I can't avoid classes forever, but I think I'll be ready for things again, soon. Staying at home so much has been strange, but time and company have helped with...well, you know. What about you?"
You don't know quite how to answer that. You're pretty sure the planet could invert at any moment, at this point, "Everything's been very eventful, but I'm well enough--"
"You're lying, Akemi-san." Her tone is steely, but oddly warm. Concerned, maybe.
"The world is going crazy and I'm barely staying afloat, alright!?" You snap, blushing immediately after.
Before you can apologize, you hear a sigh on the other side, "At least it isn't just me. I can hardly blame you for that. You're calling for Nanoha?"
"I am. Is she there?"
"I'm afraid not. She left this morning. She seemed to be doing better, though."
"I see. I will have to speak with her later, then. Good luck, Mami."
"Thank you, Homura."
You hang up, and move on with your day, satisfied you've done what you could for them, for the moment. You have a bigger problem, and it's named Sayaka.
You return to the kitchen, where you find Sayaka alone, cleaning the dishes. She looks up as you approach, "Hey! Want to jump in SAO until your driver gets here? Mom's probably already logged in."
You approach, each step steady and decisive as you cross the room, reach up, and place a hand on her shoulder, locking eyes, "No. Because someone gave herself brain damage last night."
"Ehhh!? Who?"
You step directly into her personal space, inches from her face, "YOU. Now, let's talk."
She pales a bit, backing up, "A-Alright. Come on, Homura, I wasn't--"
"About to die in my arms? Because you very likely were. Now, sit down, and let's talk."
She nods, slowly making her way over to a chair, placing a hand on it hesitantly, "Can we talk in one of our rooms, at least? I don't want Mom wandering in."
You nod firmly, and the two of you make your way to her bedroom. You take a seat at her desk, leaving her to sit on the bed.
"Tell me about this sword, Sayaka."
She sighs, pulling it from beneath her bed before crossing her legs, laying the weapon across her lap, "So...I don't know everything. There's a memory, inside this sword. At least, that's what he says."
Your eyebrows rise, "He? The memory is self-aware?"
She nods, looking down at the sword for a moment, as if mesmerized by her reflection, before returning her gaze to you, "Yes. In the world he came from, he was a great Magus. Not...not the same kind as you, and he insists he wasn't, but he seems amazing to me. He learned and mastered powerful forms of Magecraft--what they call Magic there, or," She pauses, tilting her head slightly, as if thinking, "A type of Magic, at least. He says it wasn't Magic, but it's definitely Magic. He hasn't taught me that much, yet. Anyway, he used Magecraft to become a Hero, but ended up fighting for something he didn't believe in anymore."
"What, exactly?"
She shrugs, "He's evasive, and really doesn't like talking about himself too much. When I first got the sword, he didn't talk to me much. As I've carried it more, though, and fought with it more, I've started hearing him. Seeing him."
Worry creeps through you. Either your insanity is contagious, or she's actually dealing with a mysterious spirit from a parallel universe. You're not sure which would be a bigger danger.
"He didn't want to teach me anything, at first, but when he realized I really wanted to be a Hero like him--that I would do my best, no matter what was in my way, or what he said--he agreed to teach me some. The basics, he said. Enough to stay alive." She smirks, "I bet I can get more out of him anyway, though. He's actually really nice, beneath the surface. He's also a great teacher, so that works out."
"And what does he want in return?"
She shakes her head, "He hasn't asked for anything. I...I don't think he really wants anything, anymore. He just seems to be doing this, because it's something to do. I'm not sure how long he's been a sword."
You're more than a bit irritated that Sayaka will just jump to trust the ghost in the magic sword she bought at a shady shop, but it took her crush's word to get her to trust you for once. It's pointless being bitter, though, so you cast it aside in favor of prying more deeply, "So, what has he taught you?"
She frowns, "Hmm...how can I explain it? Hey, how about we spar? I'll show you what I can do that way!"
You had been planning to suggest it yourself, so you don't object, "Very well."
---
To be continued...
-[X] If you can, maybe see if you can summon a Gun? You're much better with those after all.
-[X] Check in with Ruki and Nanoha with at least a phone call. Try to keep it somewhat short, Sayaka hurt herself with her own magic pretty badly and you need to dig into how that happened.
-[X] Sit down with Sayaka and really talk about The Sword. What it does, what it shows her, what it knows, how it teaches her/she learns, etc. and offer insights where we can hopefully.
--[X] Maybe a light spar if you summoned that Spear and it won't make too much noise somewhere nearby?
-[X] Read a few pages of the untitled book you got from the weapon stash you raided to at least figure out what it is.
-[X] Read: A Guide to Basic Research and Information Analysis. 1st Ed. Honya. [Amateur | Research] [0/7]
"What are you?" You ask the strange being, all too aware that this is no human being. Even ignoring his appearance, there is something about him that screams of something other.
In return, you receive an extended, high-pitched chuckle. "Oh, I do sincerely wish I knew the answer to that, Miss Akemi. Sadly, I do not. All I can say for certain, is that I am the proprietor of the Velvet Room, and a guide for those who are lost without direction. Now, it's time to go. Your Chariot awaits!"
You feel someone holding your shoulders, shaking you, "C'mon, wake up! Wake up, Homura!"
Your eyes snap open instantly, the surreal world fading away like fog. For a few moments, you can see the image of the Velvet Room lingering around you, even as you look up at Sayaka's bright blue, shining eyes.
You stare up at your friend for only a short moment, before you cast your gaze across the room, looking for any sign of a threat and finding none. Why is she waking you then, you wonder? You do not oversleep, after all, so there must be--
It is 9:25:11 AM. You have overslept.
You do not oversleep. Akemis do not oversleep. Were you drugged? No, that would not work. The only possible explanation is that Igor fiend, interfering with you.
"Sorry, Sayaka. I...I appear to have overslept." You confess with no small amount of shame, but she simply pokes you in the cheek.
"Nothing to be sorry for, but hurry up and come down for breakfast!"
You nod, and she releases you, allowing you to pull yourself from your bed.
"I'll see you downstairs, Homura!" Sayaka calls from the doorway with a wave, apparently in a rush to eat.
You let her go, and quickly transform, driven to satiate your immediate curiosity, after that dream. You reach out with your mind, searching amongst your feelings and memories for something more substantial--and find it. A spear, bound up with your memories of Kyouko.
You call it to your hand immediately, twirling it through the air in a brief flourish as you enjoy the novelty of it. You have an actual weapon. Not something stolen or stored, and not just a weird knife, but an actual, proper Magical Girl's weapon.
It feels nice.
You almost feel like a real Magical Girl, for a moment, instead of just a Puella Magus.
Sadly, you also know you're not Kyouko (right now), and are not an expert with spears. Even if this feels strangely natural in your hand, you'd be better off with a weapon you know. Like a gun. Maybe you have a gun hidden somewhere in there?
You search for any other weapons you might not have noticed--particularly a gun--and find absolutely nothing. It seems you have a spear and a weird knife, and that's it for now. Maybe that will change, as you grow those "Bonds" Igor was talking about, but you figure you should learn how to use a spear in the mean time. Besides you somehow doubt this is a simple spear.
Satisfied for the moment, you head downstairs, and find the Miki matriarch serving eggs and bacon--thinking about it now, it occurs to you that it's been ages since you actually had a traditional, Japanese breakfast, but Mitakihara has never been exactly tradi--is that laverbread?!
"Are those laverbread cakes!?" You ask, astounded.
The elder Miki smiles deviously, "Noticed that did you?"
You nod, idly noticed that you have crossed the room and seated yourself over the last second, "I haven't seen laverbread since..." You try to remember the last time. Your...grandfather? No, no, your father had stopped by and shared breakfast with you a week before the loops st--oh.
"My sneak of a father put you up to this, didn't he?" You ask, giving her a dry look, but her smile only widens.
"Oh, well, you know. He sent me an email that a driver would be stopping by, and happened to include some old family recipes. I was surprised, though, I didn't know the Akemis were...?"
"Welsh?" You ask, bemused, "No, we're not. Probably. We've had family members from most of the clock-crafting world, so the British were a given. Although, I'll confess, I'm not actually sure how far back it goes. It's all left a mark on our traditions, but most people just assume we're insane. Our reputation is actually very useful, as it turns out."
Sayaka takes a bite from one of the cakes, and goes a bit green, doing her best to smile. You smile back, "Delicious, isn't it? Surely you would like seconds? Or fifths?"
She pales, "O-oh, I-I mean, I couldn't possibly take--"
"You don't need to force yourself, Sayaka. It's an acquired taste, I can assure you." You take a bite from one yourself, smiling at the nostalgic flavor, "Mmm. It's been too long. Thank you, Mrs. Miki. This is wonderful." Your mood sours, however, and you must assume your expression does the same, by the sudden looks of concern you're receiving. You wave their worry off, "It's nothing. I simply realized I might have to thank my father. He might get a big head, but he did well sending you those recipes. Thank you, again."
They exchange looks, and Sayaka rolls her eyes at your expense, smiling brightly, "So...what's he like, anyway? You seem to have a hard time making up your mind about him. He doesn't seem that bad, except for the whole "making you live on your own" thing."
You consider her question for few seconds, trying to recall your history with your failed predecessor, and honestly finding that most of those memories are deeply faded. You can recall a little here and there, but...it has been a very long time.
Eventually, you grimace and shake your head, "He's a horrible clockmaker."
You leave it at that, not commenting as Sayaka sighs in apparent exasperation, and resume eating.
It's delicious, but it does not last forever, and soon the dishes are done, and your time is your own again, and you excuse yourself to make a call or two.
'Ruki.'
'Huh? Senpai? Is that you?'
'It is. Are you okay? You seemed fine before, but..."
You get back a yelp of pain, 'Ouch. Sorry, Senpai, currently in the middle of repair work. I'm okay. Confused, but okay. Talk later?'
'Of course.'
With that, you let her go and try to figure out how to reach Nanoha.
'Hopefully she's still with Mami,' You think, before taking out your phone and calling Mami's number.
"Hello? Who is this?"
"This is Homura. Is--" You remind yourself to pay attention to Mami, "--everything going well there?"
She hums, and you hear the faint sound of something clicking into place, "There. Ah, yes, it's going well. Finding ways to keep myself busy. I'll need to hunt soon, and I can't avoid classes forever, but I think I'll be ready for things again, soon. Staying at home so much has been strange, but time and company have helped with...well, you know. What about you?"
You don't know quite how to answer that. You're pretty sure the planet could invert at any moment, at this point, "Everything's been very eventful, but I'm well enough--"
"You're lying, Akemi-san." Her tone is steely, but oddly warm. Concerned, maybe.
"The world is going crazy and I'm barely staying afloat, alright!?" You snap, blushing immediately after.
Before you can apologize, you hear a sigh on the other side, "At least it isn't just me. I can hardly blame you for that. You're calling for Nanoha?"
"I am. Is she there?"
"I'm afraid not. She left this morning. She seemed to be doing better, though."
"I see. I will have to speak with her later, then. Good luck, Mami."
"Thank you, Homura."
You hang up, and move on with your day, satisfied you've done what you could for them, for the moment. You have a bigger problem, and it's named Sayaka.
You return to the kitchen, where you find Sayaka alone, cleaning the dishes. She looks up as you approach, "Hey! Want to jump in SAO until your driver gets here? Mom's probably already logged in."
You approach, each step steady and decisive as you cross the room, reach up, and place a hand on her shoulder, locking eyes, "No. Because someone gave herself brain damage last night."
"Ehhh!? Who?"
You step directly into her personal space, inches from her face, "YOU. Now, let's talk."
She pales a bit, backing up, "A-Alright. Come on, Homura, I wasn't--"
"About to die in my arms? Because you very likely were. Now, sit down, and let's talk."
She nods, slowly making her way over to a chair, placing a hand on it hesitantly, "Can we talk in one of our rooms, at least? I don't want Mom wandering in."
You nod firmly, and the two of you make your way to her bedroom. You take a seat at her desk, leaving her to sit on the bed.
"Tell me about this sword, Sayaka."
She sighs, pulling it from beneath her bed before crossing her legs, laying the weapon across her lap, "So...I don't know everything. There's a memory, inside this sword. At least, that's what he says."
Your eyebrows rise, "He? The memory is self-aware?"
She nods, looking down at the sword for a moment, as if mesmerized by her reflection, before returning her gaze to you, "Yes. In the world he came from, he was a great Magus. Not...not the same kind as you, and he insists he wasn't, but he seems amazing to me. He learned and mastered powerful forms of Magecraft--what they call Magic there, or," She pauses, tilting her head slightly, as if thinking, "A type of Magic, at least. He says it wasn't Magic, but it's definitely Magic. He hasn't taught me that much, yet. Anyway, he used Magecraft to become a Hero, but ended up fighting for something he didn't believe in anymore."
"What, exactly?"
She shrugs, "He's evasive, and really doesn't like talking about himself too much. When I first got the sword, he didn't talk to me much. As I've carried it more, though, and fought with it more, I've started hearing him. Seeing him."
Worry creeps through you. Either your insanity is contagious, or she's actually dealing with a mysterious spirit from a parallel universe. You're not sure which would be a bigger danger.
"He didn't want to teach me anything, at first, but when he realized I really wanted to be a Hero like him--that I would do my best, no matter what was in my way, or what he said--he agreed to teach me some. The basics, he said. Enough to stay alive." She smirks, "I bet I can get more out of him anyway, though. He's actually really nice, beneath the surface. He's also a great teacher, so that works out."
"And what does he want in return?"
She shakes her head, "He hasn't asked for anything. I...I don't think he really wants anything, anymore. He just seems to be doing this, because it's something to do. I'm not sure how long he's been a sword."
You're more than a bit irritated that Sayaka will just jump to trust the ghost in the magic sword she bought at a shady shop, but it took her crush's word to get her to trust you for once. It's pointless being bitter, though, so you cast it aside in favor of prying more deeply, "So, what has he taught you?"
She frowns, "Hmm...how can I explain it? Hey, how about we spar? I'll show you what I can do that way!"
You had been planning to suggest it yourself, so you don't object, "Very well."
---
To be continued...
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all too aware
Homura can now remark about Sayaka's "Brain damage acting up again" and have it be entirely in character.
We've reached peak Renascense.