Arc2 Ch4 Ep5

Currently self-reviewed only. Slight edits by Sforzando and Gilde
=================
The Relationship Tied by Separation

Nayuta
To think that Papa doesn't want to be found, I won't accept it!

=====1=====

Kagome's Diary
Through the death of a single mahou shoujo... Through the death of Ryou-san, the mahou shoujo lost their final chance at joining hands together...
This battle had been planned by Kyuubey, and any mahou shoujo involved in this battle should have suspected that he was influencing them.
And yet, the feelings built up in each of them prevented them from ceasing this battle...
That is why we, the outsiders that knows the truth, need to move forward to stop the fighting.
However, to do so I would need the skills of the folklorist "Satomi Tasuke"-san - it was imperative to make the narrative convincing.
Thus, while I mulled over the significance of my encounter with Satomi's daughter Nayuta, she herself was seeking his whereabouts, gathering information bit by bit...

-Nayuta's Home-

Rabi
So how did your return back to your parents' home go?

Nayuta
The security camera had clearly shown Papa...

Rabi
Then the message came from home, just as Touka-sama had informed us...

Nayuta
Yes, it appears it was sent there...

Rabi
...Suppose he is intentionally hiding from Nayuta-sama,
wouldn't it be better to just leave him alone...?

Nayuta
That is certainly not the case, and I must ask what you mean by that.

Rabi
Haa...so it's like this... You sound like a wife that is angry about an affair.

Nayuta
But I'm the daughter...

Rabi
I know.

Mikage's Voice
NAAAAYUUUUTAAAAN!
RAAAABIIIITAAAAN!

Rabi
She's here.

Nayuta
Rabi-san, you cannot help me search for Papa, can you?

Rabi
Yes, I'm terribly sorry, but I have to return to the agency.

Nayuta
I understand.
I will report the results to you tonight.

-Outside-

Mikage
Ehhhh, Rabi-tan can't come.
But I made matching pin badges for us.

Nayuta
Pin badges?

Mikage
For Nayutan's Papa Search Party.
But, they're just simple ones made from 100-yen items, alright?
Here, one for Nayutan.

Nayuta
Oh my, thank you for the cute ribbon.

Mikage
Kusu, Mii made it because she likes it.
So what are you doing today?

Nayuta
The security camera at my home had Papa on it,
so I'm going to give the footage to a specialist for analysis.

Mikage
Hmm.
I thought about talking to the nice foreigner in the painting again.

Nayuta
The nice foreigner in the painting?

-Flashback (Outside Hospital)-

Alina
If you get lost, just go back to the entrance.
Because Alina is doing that right now.

-End Flashback-

Nayuta
Ahh, that person...?
It was just a coincidence that she was useful...

Mikage
Is that sooo...

Nayuta
Besides, I have mixed feelings about going back to Oji-sama's place...

Tsukasa's Voice
Haa...huu...

Tsukuyo's Voice
Mifuyu-san, do you really intend to carry all of this by foot...!?

Tsukasa's Voice
Nee...

Mikage
Mm?
Ah, Nayutan, those people were at the hospital.

Nayuta
Who were they?

Mifuyu
Alina and Karin-san can't go outside,
so we have no choice but to do the shopping.

Tsukasa
What about online shopping!?

Mifuyu
She wants it right now...

Tsukuyo
So that's why there's so many painting supplies...

Tsukasa
And even a canvas...

Tsukuyo
Even after leaving Wings of Magius, we are still treated like slaves...

Tsukasa
Nee...

Mifuyu
If that were true, I would have refused her...
But she's our only lead on how to defeat the Mirrors Witch...

Mikage
I remember her! She's the onee-san I was modeling with!
Let's help them, Nayutan.

Nayuta
But, I have other matters to-

Mikage
Jiii...

Nayuta
Uu, what is with you...

Mikage
They're in trouble, so I feel bad for them?

Nayuta
I-I understand...

---

-Hospital-

Nayuta
Haa... Somehow we managed to get it all in.

Mikage
Mii is so tired...

Mifuyu
Thank you two so very much.
Even though we used the bus, there was quite a lot you helped us with.

Mikage
All three of us had our hands full, kusu.

Nayuta
Though, we did bother some of the other customers...

Alina
Thank you.

Nayuta
Ah, the other day...

Alina
You didn't forget to buy anything, yes?

Tsukasa
Yes, I think so, but...that isn't it!
We're supposed to be watching over you, not be your maids, ne?

Tsukuyo
Nee!

Alina
So then give rijekushon and you don't have to go shopping.

Tsukuyo
Muuu...

Alina
By the way, there's a face here that Alina doesn't know?
Mm, have we met before...?

Mikage
Mii modeled for your painting the other day!

Alina
Ahh okay.
And you're the one that was lost in the rabirinsu, yes.

Nayuta
I supposed...that is true...

Alina
Alina told you last time, but there's nothing more to say.

Nayuta
――っ!?

Alina
Alina doesn't have time to be making useless maps.
Ah, can you carry the materials with Mifuyu and the rest?

Nayuta
Eh...

Mifuyu
I'm sorry. Again, you've been dragged into this...

Nayuta
No...

-Outside (Evening)-

Mifuyu
We really had to go along with another of Alina's whims...
I am terribly sorry for this...
You were in the middle of searching for your father, weren't you?

Nayuta
That is correct.
The director of the hospital is my father's older brother, so I came to talk to him.
I have a lot of ties to this place.

Tsukasa
Then, Tsukuyo-chan.

Tsukuyo
That is right.
That is who Yachiyo-san and her group were speaking of.

Nayuta
Ah, everyone has been listening, then.

Tsukasa
Yeah.
You're Touka-san's older cousin, Satomi Nayuta-chan and-

Tsukuyo
Mitama-san's younger sister, you are Yakumo Mikage-chan.

Mikage
Yeah, Mii is Mikage!

Nayuta
(Touka-san...?)

Tsukuyo
We were also told that your father is a folklorist.

Tsukasa
Mifuyu-san was also interviewed by him, right?

Mifuyu
Yes, with Yacchan.

Nayuta
Eh, then, you are Azusa Mifuyu!?

Mikage
You know Nayutan's papa!?

Mifuyu
Umm, please calm down...
Like Yacchan, I only met him the one time we were interviewed by him,
so I really don't know much about your father...

Nayuta
I see...

Mikage
Is the security camera footage the only thing we can depend on, then?

Nayuta
Our only option right now is to analyze the footage for anything in it...

Tsukasa
It doesn't sound like it's going well, ne...

Nayuta
That is correct...
Besides, as I've been investigating, I have noticed there is something unusual about my father's movements,
so it is possible that he doesn't want to be found...

Tsukasa
Doesn't want to be found...huh...

Nayuta
That is correct.

Tsukuyo
It is possible that he left on his own,
but you do not know of any such reasoning for that?

Nayuta
You are right...

Mikage
Mii might know something.

Nayuta
What is it?

Mikage
Maybe it's the same as when Nee-cha wouldn't tell Mii about mahou shoujo?

Nayuta
The same...
He doesn't want me to know... No, he doesn't want me to get involved...?

Mikage
Yeah.

Mifuyu
Then he may be avoiding you... Out of love...

=====2=====

Mifuyu
Then he may be avoiding you... Out of love...

Nayuta
Love...if that's what this is, he hasn't made it clear...
He has always been my partner for researching mahou shoujo,
and the two of us are the only part of my family left now...

Mifuyu
You have no other family...?

Nayuta
My parents divorced some years ago, so he is all I have left.

Mifuyu
Your father disappeared, so does that mean you live alone now?
To be alone at your age is...

Nayuta
Now Rabi-san is... My servant is with me..

Mikage
So that's what happened... You must be lonely, Nayutan...

Nayuta
I-I am not lonely at all.

Tsukuyo
The two of us also have single parents...

Tsukasa
We were separated from the beginning and lived with other families, ne.

Tsukuyo
So, with your father disappearing, I believe it must be very painful for you...

Nayuta
You two are twins...?

Tsukasa
Because of some circumstances, we were raised in different places in the west and east.

Tsukuyo
We have only recently learned that we are twins.

Tsukasa
Nee.

Mifuyu
I'm sorry to step into such a complicated matter,
but is there any way your mother could find out the whereabouts of your father?
Of course, that would depend on what happened in the past...

Nayuta
My mother had given custody to my father rather quickly.
Since then, I've had no contact with her...
(...But according to the information from the detective agency that Rabi-san sent me,)
(Mama has learned of my situation and is trying to gain custody back.)
.....

Mikage
Nayutan...?

Nayuta
Then that means Mama must be searching for Papa, too...
I believe I've just discovered a new possibility.

Mikage
Mii doesn't get it, but that's awesome, Nayutan!

Tsukuyo
Um, does that mean if you contact your mother you will be able to find him!?

Nayuta
There may be some clues.

Mikage
You got her contact info!?

Nayuta
――っ!?
No one but my uncle...knows the director here...!!

Mikage
EHHH!?

Nayuta
Touka's mother and my mother are relatives.

Mifuyu
(This is just like the Sengoku period... And I could say it's the same as the Azusa family...)

Nayuta
I'm sorry to keep being a bother, but I must contact the receptionist.

Tsukasa
The Satomi family, what an unimaginable family tree...

---

-Phone Call-

Touka's Father
I should have told the receptionist that I was going to be busy with plans today...

Nayuta
I'm sorry.
However, there is a single matter I thought I would ask you about...
So if there is a time that is convenient for you, Oji-sama,
I would like to have that time...

Touka's Father
You know there's nothing I can tell you? Especially about Tasuke.

Nayuta
This time it's about my mother.

Touka's Father
...What did you want to know about your mother?

Nayuta
The information I got from the detective agency I requested said that they saw my mother...
That she's trying to get custody of me and find my father...

Touka's Father
...And now that you know that, Nayuta, what else do you plan on doing?

Nayuta
I want to use the information my mother has to find where my father is.

Touka's Father
...You've said some terrible things too, you know.

Nayuta
Terrible?

Touka's Father
Be that as it may, I have no intentions of cutting you off, Nayuta.

Nayuta
Then...

Touka's Father
But, not right now.

Nayuta
Why not!?

Touka's Father
I will keep the same schedule three days from today,
so this is your homework.

Nayuta
W-what is...?

Touka's Father
Bring your own answer about what it's like to lose a loved one.

Nayuta
Eh...!?

Touka's Father
Also, I will be inviting Touka over that day.

Nayuta
Um, Oji-sama!?

Touka's Father
Think about it, okay?

-End Phone Call-

Mikage
Oji-san said no?

Nayuta
I made an appointment.

Mikage
That's amazing!

Nayuta
However, I was assigned homework that I don't understand.

Mikage
Mii hates homework...
It is math...? Or maybe studying to be a doctor?

Nayuta
No, "about losing a loved one."

=====3=====

-Nayuta's Home-

Nayuta
That was a wonderful meal.

Rabi
Apologies if it was poor.

Nayuta
Your cooking today was as excellent as ever.
This was my first time ever eating white asparagus.

Rabi
Green asparagus is what is more mainstream these days,
while white was more mainstream back when they were grown in dark rooms for exporting.

Nayuta
So that's how it is.

Rabi
Some people may find it gross at first glance,
but doesn't it taste good once you try it?

Nayuta
Yes, it has a faint sweetness to it, and it goes well with the sauce.
Rabi-san's cooking always puts so many ingredients to good use.

Rabi
I'm grateful.

Nayuta
Now I need to use this energy to think about my homework.

Rabi
The "think about losing a loved one," you mean?

Nayuta
That's it.
Rabi-san, what do you think of it?

Rabi
May I think about it while I wash the dishes?

Nayuta
Let me help you.

-Kitchen-

Rabi
By the way, Nayuta-sama, what is your answer?

Nayuta
I think losing a loved one is quite painful and stressful.

Rabi
This is only my opinion, but why don't you just tell him that?

Nayuta
You're right that I should, but it's Oji-sama I'm dealing with...

Rabi
Meaning you feel that he is going to want something deeper than that.

Nayuta
That is correct.

Rabi
.....
Then, I doubt that pain and suffering are the feelings he wants to hear about.

Nayuta
Doubt...?

Rabi
Going by the assumption that the word "death" describes the loss of a loved one,
doesn't your perception of that death change with the future?

Nayuta
What do you mean?

Rabi
If death means they cease to exist, of course it would cause pain and suffering,
but when you introduce the concept of souls, you can say they went to heaven.
So by saying you will one day go to the same place, it is suddenly converted into encouragement.
And if the concept of reincarnation spreads, the fear of death and the sadness of becoming separated is reduced
and replaced by hope for their next life.
But setting aside whether what I'm talking about is correct or not,
the point is that your perspective changes depending on your knowledge and philosophy.

Nayuta
Uu... Now I'm even more lost...
But, what is Rabi-san's answer?
I won't steal it; I'm just curious.

Rabi
You want to hear?

Nayuta
Yes.

Rabi
It's nothing.

Nayuta
You mean you don't have an answer?

Rabi
No, it's emptiness... And the acceptance that I can't do anything about it...
Because the only truth we know is what we lose right in front of us.

-Bedroom-

Nayuta
Haa...
(Rabi-san, you have a rather lonely view of life and death...)
I would prefer to be a little more positive...
For example, the endlessly spinning cycle of reincarnation is
a little like us mahou shoujo.

---

-Outside (Next Day)-

Nayuta
With this, the request for the camera footage analysis is complete.

Mikage
That was quick.

Nayuta
All that is left is to get to the receptionist.

Mikage
How much does something like this cost?

Nayuta
Hmm, it's enough money to make Mikage-san fall over in shock.

Mikage
Yoshaa noodles...for a whole year!

Nayuta
Those only cost 10 yen, so... No, it was much more expensive...

Mikage
Ehhh, that's scary!

Rabi
The only place we can do research around here would be at Chuo Library,
so why don't we take a break for some sweets?
Mikage-san, aren't you getting a little hungry?

Mikage
Rabitan's an esper! Let's do it!

Nayuta
Hum...
It looks like Rabi-san has taken Mikage-san,
but the Tenbikiya fruit parlor is nearby, so I will go there.

Rabi
I would love a parfait from there.

Mikage
Could Mii, too?

Rabi
Of course.

Mikage
Wonder if there's something priced for Mii's allowance. Mii's feeling like being a bad girl today.

Nayuta
The price is about one year's worth of Yoshaa noodles.

Mikage
Hiee!?
I-if Mii eats that, Nee-cha will get mad!

-Fruit Parlor-

Mikage
[*Bite, chew, munch...*]

Nayuta
For someone so scared, you look like you're enjoying your food quite well.

Mikage
Mii's fine keepin' it a secret. Besides, it's so yummy.

Rabi
So, Nayuta-sama, have you come up with an answer since then?

Nayuta
Oji-sama's homework?

Rabi
Yes.

Nayuta
I have an idea for the time being, though I'm not confident in it...

Rabi
Then that's good. I was only a little curious.

Nayuta
It embarasses me to say, but I view it as hope...
If everything in the universe is made up of one energy,
then the people I love, the people I hate, and I myself- we're all going to die, decompose, and become scattered, and after a long period of time we will become mixed into one.
It's the same as souls of mahou shoujo-
no matter if our soul gems shatter or become grief seeds,
if the energy we all started as is one and the same, then we will all become one again.

Rabi
That's not a field we have any knowledge in, but that may be the case.

Nayuta
Yes...
Therefore, death is a chance for all of us different people to melt together.
No matter how hostile we are to each other, we will eventually mix together into one,
and when we are reborn, there will be no differences between us.
When I think about it like that, the moment we lose someone important to us is when we can have hope that they will live in harmony with another.

Rabi
That is an interesting answer.

Nayuta
Eh, was it strange?

Rabi
No, I'm not criticizing you for being different from me,
I just thought it was very much like Nayuta-sama to hold onto hope like that.

Mikage
Hmm.

Nayuta
I'm sorry, Mikage-san, I have been the only one talking.

Mikage
It's fine, because Mii doesn't really understand.

Nayuta
Then has Mikage-san been thinking about it since then?

Mikage
Yeah, a little.
But, it would be sad if Nee-cha disappeared,
and lonely if Nayutan and Rabitan were gone,
because Mii might be the only one left.

[*Hug*]

Mikage
Rabitan?

Rabi
You're a good girl, I think that's enough for now.

Nayuta
You're being quite sweet to Mikage-san.

Rabi
I'm just an ally of cute girls.

Nayuta
...What about me?

=====4=====

-Bedroom-

Nayuta
Haa...

-Flashback (Phonecall)-

Touka's Father
I will keep the same schedule three days from today,
so this is your homework.

Nayuta
W-what is...?

Touka's Father
Bring your own answer about what it's like to lose a loved one.

-End Flashback-

Nayuta
(Oji-sama wants my own answer, but there is no right answer...)
(So my current answer should be okay...)
...But, what is this feeling?
[The TV that had been left on]
[had a drama playing was about two young adults and their budding love lives, but they were currently undergoing hardships.]
[To separate...to not separate...]
[I see. You don't have to die to lose someone, no matter how long you've lived.]

-Flashback (Fruit Parlor)-

Mikage
But, it would be sad if Nee-cha disappeared,
and lonely if Nayutan and Rabitan were gone.

-End Flashback-

Nayuta
Then...I knew all along...
If my answer will let me go see Mama... The person that disappeared from my life...
Then... that answer won't be good enough...

-Flashback (Mansion)-

Nayuta's Father
Even if you ask me to change, just what am I supposed to do...?
I've never changed in the past, and I won't change now.
I'm still the same man addicted to folklore, the man you've said you hated.
If anyone's changed, it's you. You've become much calmer...

Nayuta's Mother
I know that, but I still can't help but wonder.
I won't hit you like I did before, and I won't dismiss you without listening to you.
I've changed so much from my old self that cared about the world that I seem miserable in comparison.
But, even when we would argue, we were still working together.
I hated that part of you, but I love you...!

Father
Even so, things can't go back to the way they were, even if things have changed...

Mother
How can you be so calm when I've changed so much for you...!

Father
Because I know the reason why.

Mother
What...? What's the reason!?

Father
It's a mahou shoujo's wish.

Mother
DON'T BE SO STUPID!

[*Slap*]

Nayuta
I know what separation is. I know what loss is like...
Because it's all my fault that Papa and I lost Mama...
[I hated Mama for being full of anger, unlike Papa... I hated that Mama would deny Papa for everything he would do and compare him to Oji-sama...]
[When I became a mahou shoujo, my family was everything I ever wanted. But as I watched Papa and Mama become more distant, little by little, I started to realize I changed a gear that should not have been changed...]

-End Flashback-

Nayuta
I'm sorry, Papa... I'm sorry, Mama...
.....
(When I lost Mama, whom I hated so much, I had no attachment left...)
(But even though I hated her and finally lost her, I could only feel sadness...)
(Even now I still hate her, but she is the only Mama I have...so I feel sad...)

---

-Hospital (Outside)-

Touka's Father
So you both came.

Nayuta
No, I would rather thank you for taking the time.

Touka
But, Papa-sama, why are we talking in the courtyard?

Touka's Father
From now on, I will be speaking to you as Touka's father and Nayuta's uncle.
I like to change my environment when I'm talking about things that aren't work.

Touka
Hmm?

Touka's Father
So, I gave Nayuta homework, and I also gave it to Touka,
but have you two prepared answers for it?

Touka
Of course.

Touka's Father
And what is your answer?

Touka
Losing a loved one is something I can't do anything about.
It's only natural that all living creatures die, turn to dust, and change with the earth.
Even if a great number of people die due to a change in our environment,
it's still a process that allows humankind to evolve and become stronger creatures.

Touka's Father
In the process of adapting to the environment and evolving, deaths leave behind a lot of information to sort through.
That's why it's as important as it is inevitable.

Touka
Right?
Besides, our souls are out of our reach
since they're being rolled around in the palm of Kami-sama's hand, so there's nothing we can do at the moment.
So until we can see a glimmer of hope, I can only say that it's something I can't do anything about.

Touka's Father
No matter what we do, we can't grab hold of the reins on human life...
I suppose it means that becoming separated is inevitable since we can't change it.

Touka
Yep.

Touka's Father
Alright...
Nayuta, what are your thoughts?

Nayuta
Ah, I...
At first I...thought it was hope...
But, now I just simply think it is sad and painful.
Even after being deep in thought about it, my feelings don't lie.

Touka's Father
It really is simple, huh.

Nayuta
Forgive me...

Touka's Father
No, I'm the one that made you think of something to say that doesn't seem to have a right answer.
Though, I am glad I got you to think.
I'll contact your mother.

Nayuta
Are you sure?

Touka's Father
You understand how you felt back then, but you need to understand how your mother feels now.

Nayuta
Ah...

Father
Your mother is a selfish person that broke up with Tasuke without thinking of the consequences,
but even then she was still thinking of you, yet she still left.
Now she seems like she's worried about you and is searching for your father.
If she met you, Nayuta, and all you talked about was your father,
she would be so shocked and wouldn't know what to do.

Nayuta
.....

Touka's Father
You may feel like blaming yourself after thinking about it so much,
but it's her problem, so don't beat yourself up over it, Nayuta.

Nayuta
...Thank you so much.

Touka
Huh, Papa, why was I given the homework?

Touka's Father
Because it seems Touka has been up to some bad things lately.

Touka
That's not truuue.

Touka's Father
But, I can feel it in the air that you're at the center of something.

Touka
I-is that so nyaa...?

Touka's Father
Just listen to me for a second.

Touka
What...?

Touka's Father
Touka's eyes are aimed too high.
It's better to sit high, even just in the middle,
where everyone and the city are out of sight, and you can only see a few houses.
You can't think on the scale of all of humanity, but you can think of your own surroundings and the individuals that fill it.
Don't forget that...

Touka
Okay...

-Hospital (Inside)-

Nayuta
(For the time being, I think I can speak with Mama...)

Touka
.....

Tsukuyo
Huh, Touka-san and Nayuta-san!?

Tsukasa
Double Satomi-san!

Touka
Meoowhaat? It's the double Amanes?

Tsukasa
Huh, you're not feeling well?

Touka
Shut it nyaa, I'm trying to thiiink!
You flute sisters should to be silent!

Tsukuyo
She has left.

Nayuta
We were just having a small conversation with Touka's father.

Tsukuyo
So that is why she told me to be quiet, ne.

Tsukasa
Nayuta-san, are you continuing your search for your father from the other day?

Nayuta
Yes, in three days I will be able to connect with my mother.

Tsukasa
That's one step forward, ne.

Nayuta
Thank you. What were you two doing here?

Tsukasa
Ah, crap!

Tsukuyo
We have been helping Mifuyu-san prepare Alina-san for her discharge from the hospital,
but she has suddenly disappeared!

Tsukasa
We need to hurry up and find her, Tsukuyo-chan!

Tsukuyo
Then, if you would please excuse us!

Nayuta
I'm not the only one having a hard time.

=====5=====

-Nayuta's Home-

Rabi
It's about time.

Nayuta
Yes, I found out that we're meeting at a cafe in Takarazaki,
so I should be off now.

Rabi
I am available today if you'd like me to accompany you?

Nayuta
I am not a child, so you don't need to worry about me.
Besides, my top priority is to find Papa,
so even though I feel guilty about Mama, I cannot let that drag me down...

Rabi
That kind of demeanor is just like your father's.

Nayuta
You...think so?

Rabi
You're usually so docile, but you put on a strong, brave face when neccessary.

Nayuta
Then you must feel relieved?

Rabi
Yes, so have a safe trip.

[*Ring♪*]

Nayuta
Oh...?

Mikage
[Today's the day you meet your mama! (*^_^*) Hope to hear some good news from you. Mii will be rooting for youuu! Hooray＼(~0~)／Hooray

Rabi
Is it Mikage-san?

Nayuta
Yes, I'm grateful for her.

-Street-

Tsukasa
I'm sorry, Tsukuyo-chan,
Otou-chan had suddenly asked me to run an errand...

Tsukuyo
I rarely get an opportunity to go to Takarazaki, so it is still a fine outing
even if there are customers in the neighboring city, ne.

Tsukasa
Yeah, the people in this area have traditional fire festivals,
so they always love using the musical instruments from our workshop.

Tsukuyo
They must be long-standing customers, ne?

Tsukasa
Yeah, that's why I don't mind making an occasional visit to help out.
Though, I'm also worried because today is the day that Tamaki-san and her team are starting their negotiations.

Tsukuyo
Nee.
There is no denying that.

Nayuta
As far as I can tell on this map, the cafe should have been around here...

Livia
Mm, you are...

Nayuta
Eh?

Livia
I believe you're a relative of Satomi Touka, who came here ta Kamihama...

Nayuta
What is it...? Who are you, anyway...?

Livia
I'm the travelling adjuster that's in Kamihama, Livia Medeiros.

Nayuta
I am Satomi...Nayuta...

Livia
Good ta meet ya.

Nayuta
So, was there something you needed?
This is Takarazaki, so a travelling adjuster should not have business with me.

Livia
Ain't it a bit odd ta be going ta the next city over for shoppin'...?
More imporantly, there's a witch nearby, so could ya help me kill it?
I'm just an adjuster, so I'm a bit worried about it.

Nayuta
I'm a little busy at the moment...

Tsukuyo
Tsukasa-chan, were you also contacted just now...!?

Tsukasa
Y-yeah. The negotiations broke down...!

Tsukuyo
I was afraid this would happen...

Tsukasa
What do we do...we might not make it back to Kamihama in time...
And if we go back to Kamihama, I won't finish my errand in time...

Tsukuyo
There is no good option, ne...

Nayuta's Voice
Excuse me, but you will have to find someone else.

Tsukuyo
Oh, that is...

Livia
Look, I know I'm bein' rude, and I'll fight it alone if I have ta,
but we can't just let it off alone.

Nayuta
.....っ

Tsukuyo
Excuse me, is there something wrong?

Nayuta
Ah...

Livia
If it isn't the two with the flutes! Just what I needed!
Could ya come with me ta exterminate a witch?

Nayuta
She asked me to, but right now it's an inconvenience to me...!

Tsukasa
Ah, I see. That's what you were talking about, ne.

Nayuta
That's correct!

Tsukasa
It's going to be difficult returning to Kamihama from now on, and I suppose human lives are our top priority...

Tsukuyo
If we do so, there will still be time to complete your errand.

Tsukasa
Well then, it's settled!
We'll go exterminate the witch, so you go meet your mother.

Nayuta
Once again, you have my gratitude!

Tsukuyo
Then, Livia-san of Puella Care,
let us go to the witch right away.

-Flashback-
Rabi
Also, there's one more minor thing I must ask of you...
-End Flashback-

Livia
That's right, I can't go that far just ta keep a promise...

Tsukuyo
...?

---

-Cafe-

[*Clang Clang*]

Nayuta's Mother
Ah...

Nayuta
.....Um, it's been...a long time...

Mother
It really has been a long time. Are you doing well?

Nayuta
Yes, I'm doing well in school, and I don't have any particular health problems...

Mother
And Papa?

Nayuta
.....
You want me to say it even though you already know? How much do you know?

Mother
...You're right, I heard everything from my brother-in-law before.
You wanted to meet me because you're looking for Papa,
so you wanted the information I've gathered about where Papa is, right...?

Nayuta
That's right... Really, I'm sorry...

Mother
Why are you apologizing?

Nayuta
Because, Mama has been thinking about me while searching for Papa.
The reason I wanted the information is...

Mother
I can see Papa in your eyes. They haven't changed since way back then.
It's my fault that I couldn't be the mother that you wanted me to be.

Nayuta
Don't say such a thing...!

Mother
Adults shouldn't demand love from their children.

Nayuta
But, doesn't your daughter make you angry? Now that I'm here shamelessly face-to-face with you...

Mother
I'm not saying it's zero, but I am also sad.
However, that doesn't change the fact that you are my daughter, Nayuta.
I suppose I'm doing this because I still love you...?
Do you still hate Mama, Nayuta? Why don't you open up and just tell me?

Nayuta
Before...I was really scared, and disliked... I hated you...
But after thinking about what Oji-sama has told me, there is something that I learned...
Even though I hate you, Mama, I think I might love you as well...

Mother
Why...?

Nayuta
There's no way to describe it.
However, the feeling that Mama had disappeared
has always blown through me like a draft...
As my room would get bigger, there was always a space in my heart.
Knowing that Mama didn't even fight to keep me after breaking up
made me want to scratch that space until it was completely erased.

Mother
I'm sorry I made you feel that way...
In the end, I said things that tested your love...

Nayuta
No, I'm the one that's truly sorry...
If we could be have been a little more thoughtful and considerate of each other,
do you think the three of us could have been a family...?

Mother
It may have been possible, but talking about what has already passed us won't bring it back.
Though it does make for a brighter future.
I still don't know why I ever changed, though...

Nayuta
That is...

Mother
Do you know?

Nayuta
I don't think you would believe me.

Mother
It's because of a mahou shoujo's wish, right?

Nayuta
――っ!?

Mother
Well, that's fine, just take this with you.

Nayuta
This is-

Mother
It's what you wanted. I hope it gives you a lead.

Nayuta
Thank you, Mama.

Mother
It's nothing.

Nayuta
I hope that one day the three of us could live together again.

Mother
I don't think so.
Though I do think I can take you away from Papa.

=====6=====

-Nayuta's Home (Night)-

Rabi
You worked hard today.

Nayuta
This has been quite the heart-wrenching past few days...

Mikage
You look really dejected... Nayutan, are you all right...?

Nayuta
I'm sorry, I'm really not okay right now...

Mikage
Should Mii go home?

Nayuta
It is late already.

Rabi
She was worried about you, Nayuta-sama, so she was waiting with me.

Nayuta
So that's what you were doing... I'm sorry I worried you.

Mikage
No, Mii is fine, but still worried about Nayutan...

Nayuta
...I've been so selfish.
When I started thinking about Mama again, I kept thinking I want to live with her again...
When I told her that, she rejected me immediately...

Mikage
How lonely...
But, we still haven't learned everything, so we have to keep working hard to find Papa!

Nayuta
Eh?

Mikage
Mii's been looking for Nayutan's papa with Nee-cha.
Mii is gonna find your papa for you, Nayutan.
Otherwise Nayutan will never be able to live with the three of you together again.

Nayuta
Mikage-san...
Thank you so much. You're such a good girl...

Mikage
Mii's a good girl!?

Rabi
For now, we should be happy that you've taken a step forward.
As for your mother, while she may be a big problem,
the fact that you've gained a problem means you're one step closer to solving this.

Nayuta
Rabi-san, you're such a good person.

Rabi
...Nayuta-sama, you're vulnerable when it comes to being comforted...
Please don't let any strange people deceive you, okay?

Nayuta
Now you're suddenly terrible!

Rabi
It's going to be difficult sorting through this data right now,
so why don't we have dinner for now and meet again tomorrow?

Nayuta
That sounds fine to me.
Mikage-san, would you like to have dinner before going home?

Mikage
You sure?

Nayuta
I must thank you for your encouragement.

Mikage
Then Mii is gonna give you lots of encouragement from now on!

Nayuta
That won't bring about any more thank yous...

[*Ring♪*]

Nayuta
Mm, ah, it's Touka...
.....
...Eh, it can't be.

Rabi
Did something happen?

Nayuta
She said she needs my papa's help...

---

-Bedroom (Next Day)-

Nayuta
Haa...

[*Flip...*]

Nayuta
(It seems that Mitama-san is doing well after all, but...)

[*Flip...*]

Nayuta
(Apparently someone from Daito has passed...)

[*Flip...*]

Nayuta
(I don't want the conflict in Kamihama to turn more violent.)

[*Flip...*]

Nayuta
Mm...?
[About Satomi Tasuke's behavior in Yukuni City.]
Mama began looking for Papa right after he disappeared...
He should have been in Yukuni when he started the last volume of his book...
but the time written here is when Papa disappeared...
(As far as I know, there's no information about him being here at this time of the year...!)

-Kitchen-

[*Ring♪*]

Rabi
.....
(Everyone has become aware...)
(Now, the only ones unconsciously resisting are Union's mahou shoujo...)
(The rest are starting to fall into place...)
...Empty.
It seems that we really are just a part of the universe...

Nayuta
What are you talking about?

Rabi
――っ!?
Nayuta-sama... Did you have to startle me...?

Nayuta
I didn't mean to scare you.
I've just gotten thirsty after going through all of this.

Rabi
Shall I make some tea?

Nayuta
No, I would like to drink some cold water.

Rabi
That's unusually sportsy of you.

Nayuta
I've become fired up after taking a new step towards finding Papa!

Rabi
That's wonderful. Please let me know later.

Nayuta
I could tell you now.

Rabi
I need to check the mailbox.

-Outside-

Rabi
(Connections are being made little by little... As a result of Nayuta-sama's efforts...)

[*Rustle...*]

Rabi
To Nayuta-sama...?
Ah...

-Kitchen-

Rabi
Nayuta-sama!

Nayuta
W-what is it!?

Rabi
Please open this quickly!

Nayuta
An envelope? Addressed to me?

Rabi
You are the only one to send mail to here, Nayuta-sama.
But more importantly, it's from your father!

Nayuta
――っ!?
This is certainly Papa's handwriting...the postmark...!?

Rabi
Nowhere... It was mailed directly...

Nayuta
っ...
I'll start reading it now.

Rabi
...Yes.

Nayuta
.....This stationery,
it's just a letter...
.....
.....
.....No...this isn't...

Rabi
Nayuta-sama...?

Nayuta
...THIS...IS NOT PAPA!

Rabi
Nayuta-sama! ...You left the letter...
.....Please excuse me.
.....
.....This is...dreadful...

[Nayuta, Papa has decided to give up. There is no way to save mahou shoujo.]

-Rabi's Aquarium-

Rabi
All of the Kimochi stones have been gathered, and even a fatality has occurred.
Every action made by the mahou shoujo gathered in Kamihama
will advance the hands of this clock...
Is this as it should be...?
At the least, if left to its own devices, Kamihama will go beyond saving...

Rabi
We can still only observe them. We can only observe their actions.
But, if this world rejects what us mahou shoujo do,
then in order to watch over them - in order to keep them alive -
we're bound to have to take lives eventually...