Arc2 Ch6 Ep1

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==============================

Silent Distortion

Livia
I wasn't expectin' this. What a surprise.

=====1=====

Kyubey
I see, so Neo Magius has already been dissolved.

Livia
Only 'cause it seems Neo Magius' princess was done in quick.
I thought for sure she'd mix things up more. I just don't get it.
S'pose this news ain't a convenience for you either now, is it?

Kyubey
But the rumors you started are spreading, are they not?
As far as I'm concerned, if that gets mahou shoujo to fight then it doesn't matter.

Livia
Well, s'pose so.

-Flashback-

Livia
...That's sure strange.

Juri
Ah?

Livia
I'd heard that the mahou shoujo of eastern Kamihama and Promised Blood
had joined forces.

Juri
The hell? Juri-sama's never heard that one before.

-End Flashback-

Livia
The story about the east and west was given to Shigure-chan, which then spread to the apartment girls,
and after that the story just kept on growin' wild. It's really gotten everyone fannin' the flames.

Kyubey
By growing wild,
do you mean the rumor has expanded beyond your expectations?

Livia
Could say that.
Union's Ryou-chan died 'cause the west was too slow to save 'er,
makin' it seem like they had a secret agreement to offer her life up from the start.
Mikage-chan told Mitama all about that,
so that's at least been spread over to the east side of Union.

Kyubey
The strength of their network will be harmful to them at a time like this.

Livia
That boomerang's gonna fly back and hit ya...
You have to be careful 'bout this, otherwise those girls are gonna be gettin' suspicious of the Kimochi,
wonderin' if they even can take the automatic purification system.

Kyubey
I was only referring to the "probabilities," nothing more.

Livia
Harsh as ever.

Kyubey
More importantly, Livia, are you fine with all of this?
Even if you declare neutrality, one day you may be targeted as well.

Livia
I can keep my cool a whiles longer.
Just as you are, I'm as complicit as "anyone else" around here.

=========Chapter 6=========
========Main Quest========
Raison D'etre on Thin Ice

Kagome's Diary
The Kimochi have chosen the members who will fight.
After 12 people in each group were selected, the first to extinguish was Neo Magius.
This brought about a sign that the structure of this conflict was about to transition.
Promised Blood, with Kamihama Magia Union and the Tokime clan directing their weapons towards them, grew impatient
as Union were gaining momentum, a single breath away from finding Promised Blood's shortcut.
However, the thoughts of each individual were in no way connected to that momentum...
Kasane-san suffers from having ended another's life.
Shizuka-san is perplexed after being exposed to the malice of mankind.
And as Ikumi-san continues to carry the weight of Ryou-san's death, Felicia-san remembers a fragment of her wish.
As the group fights as one for salvation, everyone's problems have sprouted, eating away their minds, as one by one they were about to sink into darkness.
Tracing back to the root of all of this suffering, there are the Kimochi, who have held the mahou shoujo prisoner, and Kyubey, who had instigated this war, both of which faintly shine with glimmers of salvation.
The way they harm themselves in pursuit of salvation, it seems to reflect the history of mahou shoujo. No matter the era, girls give up their own hope and salvation for a "greater purpose"...

-Mikazuki House-

Felica
Morning...

Iroha
Good morning, Felicia-chan.

Yachiyo
I made beef bowls for breakfast, so try to cheer up, okay?

Felicia
Sure...

Sana
Felicia-san... Um, are you doing okay...?

Felicia
Ah?
Yeah, I'm fine, I'm up and at 'em! Meat in the morning's great!

Yachiyo
.....

-Flashback-

Felicia
Uu...っ...
It wasn't me...
Why would I kill Mommy and Daddy...

-End Flashback-

Yachiyo
Yes, today is a great day!

Sana
Let's cheer ourselves up, Felicia-san...!

Felicia
Yeah!

Iroha
.....
(Our battle is one of contradicting policies...)
(Kagome-chan said that, but I think she's right...)
(The more our thoughts clash, the further from salvation we all get...)
(And I'm still lost as to where to go...)

-Ikumi's Cafe-

Woman
Your smile's too stiff, and you're stumbling over your words.
You might be able to fool the customers one at a time, but there's no way you can do that on stage.

Ikumi
Yes, I think the masters would notice...

Woman
I understand, let's give it a few more days. You're still doing great on the management side.

Ikumi
Thank you very much.
[.....]
[I'm sure the reason why the store feels so vast is because there's an overwhelming emptiness inside me that can't be filled.]
[Ryou-chan... Just what am I supposed to do...]

---

[It has been two days since the assault that occurred during the speech in support of the mayoral election in Kamihama, and new allegations have been uncovered from the questioning of the suspect.]
[An investigation is currently underway into gang members believed to be related to the suspect, and there are concerns that this could have an impact on the election campaign.]

Kanagi
(I had a painful feeling that there would be an investigation...)
(But I'm more worried about Yakumo...)

-Outside-

Mikage's Voice
Ah - it's Nagitan!

Mikage
Good morning!

Mitama
Morning, Kanagi.

Kanagi
Mm, morning. A rare sight to see the sisters going to school together.

Mitama
It's because I haven't attended enough days.

Kanagi
I see, so it's out of your control.

Mitama
Heey, did you see the election news? The situation is looking grim...

Kanagi
Mm...I was shocked myself, but I don't think it's enough to worry about.

Mitama
...Really?

Kanagi
It was explained that he was trying to help us.
The gang member on the news was from an old biker gang
whose ties had been severed.

Mitama
But even though it was his fault for having a dark past, with everyone watching this...

Kanagi
Even now, we still overcome adversity because of our past.
I'm positive we will be fine this time as well.

Mitama
...Okay, I believe you.

Mikage
At a time like this, we have to be positive, Nee-cha.
There's lots of weird rumors going around, so we can't get ourselves fooled.

Kanagi
Mm, rumors?

Mikage
Nagitan, you haven't heard...?
People have been saying it was the west's fault that someone in Union died...

Kanagi
That story? I heard it from Mao-kun.
That Nanami and her group being late was them offering Midori-kun's life...

Mikage
Right, that story. Nagitan heard it too then, huh...?

Kanagi
There is no point in discussing it.
Without a single shred of factual information to look into, it is nothing but a baseless rumor.
Instead of running aimlessly in every direction, it would be better to prepare to fight.

Mitama
Based on the information we got from Kamihama Prison, we should be able to take action.

Kanagi
Mm... Next is the "subway"...

=====2=====

-Ryushinkan-

Iroha
Um, what is the east's reaction to the rumors that are spreading about Union...?

Kanagi
A lot more were voicing their concern that I initially thought.
I plan on gathering them together to explain that their fears are unnecessary,
but what of the west?

Iroha
Only a handful of people have heard anything here.
Compared to how the eastern mahou shoujo must be feeling, there isn't much worry.
In fact, many people are still getting through what happened to Midori-san.

Yachiyo
Some of them have nowhere to vent their anger.

Tsuruno
We can't even get our heads sorted,
so it's no wonder others can't either...

Hinano
Plus we don't exactly have a long time to let our hearts heal.
If we don't attack them now, we're just giving them more time.

Tsuruno
Yeah, we can't give them time to make preparations.

Momoko
In that case, let me switch the topic a little here.

Tsuruno
What's up?

Momoko
The next objective is to find Promised Blood's shortcut
and then "destroy" it, right?
Then since we're talkin' about the offshoot mirrors witch,
can't the girls that weren't chosen by the Kimochi go and fight?

Kaede
Umm, is that because we're not fighting over the stones?

Momoko
You got it.
It doesn't matter if we weren't chosen by the Kimochi, right?

Kaede
We still get to fight witches like we normally do.

Yachiyo
And we already have Mifuyu and the Amanes investigating the Mirrors.

Tsuruno
Promised Blood might not even notice us.
It's a fine play!
If we get a team together for fighting witches that includes members from the west,
then while we're also fighting their chosen members,
we can have our unchosen members taking the witches out!
This'll improve our war effort and restore trust.
It's a kill two birds with one stone strategy!

Momoko
Giving me this much praise is makin' me embarrassed...

Kanagi
Then let's bring members of the east for this battle.
If we can work together, that should quell any doubts spawned from the rumors.

Yachiyo
If we ask them to, it's only going to invite anxiety.

Kanagi
I suppose you're right.

Iroha
But there's already some anxiety...
It would be nice if they were in a mental state where they could cooperate, though...

Kanagi
There's no need to worry.
They shouldn't be so wary as to ignore a plea to cooperate.
I would prefer we reunite our bond now than later.

Iroha
I understand.
Now, for Kureha-san and her chosen members
and the witch's barrier that acts as a shortcut to Futatsugi,
we will divide into two teams that should expect to fight,
then we'll check the location of the shortcut on this drawing.

Rena
The heck, this looks totally handmade.

Tsuruno
That's because I made it by hand! Hm hm!

Kaede
There wasn't a floor plan like the one for Kamihama Prison?

Tsuruno
There wasn't, so I threw one together.

Kaede
So you did.

Rena
You did your best.

Tsuruno
Eh, I don't get it, why's it feel like there's distrust in the air?

Iroha
I think it's better to have something than nothing.

Tsuruno
Iroha-chan, love ya!

Iroha
Eh!? Ah - sure!

Hinano
The shortcut's barrier is connected to the old trainyard, then...?

Kanagi
Mm, this was originally a Wings of Magius base.
However...

-Flashback-

Tsukasa
There wasn't anything on the second floor, either.

Tsukuyo
There was still a magical response, however...

Kanagi
They must have also thought to search the place.

Tsukuyo
It is hard to say, is it not?

Kanagi
Mm...

-End Flashback-

Kanagi
It didn't appear to be a Promised Blood base,
but the fact there is only one way in makes me unsure.

Rena
Then why not go through the prison?

Kaede
Yeah, we thought it was going to collapse, but it's still safe, right?

Momoko
There wasn't anywhere down there that connects to the subway.

Kanagi
My apologies, we have been searching for it again on our own...

Yachiyo
...If there is any possibility, then we have no choice but to check
the crossroads near the shortcut for another way to the subway.

[*Ring♪*]

Rena
Ah, sorry, that was Rena.
.....
――っ!?

Momoko
Who is it, Rena?

Rena
...It's Ranka.

---

Ranka
[I'm really sorry.]
[I know it's real convenient of me to just block your calls, but uh, could you listen to me for a minute...?]

Rena
[What...?]
[Rena has nothing to say to you right now...]
[What, now that you're cornered you wanna surrender? LAME!]

[.....]

Rena
[Come on, say something.]

Ranka
[No, you hit the bull's-eye, so there's nothing I can really say.]

Rena
[Aren't you the one that told Rena to be prepared to kill...?]

Ranka
[I'll keep it short, okay...]
[First of all, I'm planning on running away from Promised Blood. So I'll tell you everything about the base, no exceptions.]
[Hey, answer me.]

Rena
[An obvious trap, don't act like I'm an idiot.]

Ranka
[Then I'll meet you alone, Rena. You can even pick the place, so accept that as a sign of my commitment.]
[I don't care how many people are there, I'll just share the information I have.]

Rena
[Then meet me at the usual game center today.]

Ranka
[Got it, on my way...]

Rena
.....

-Flashback-

Ranka
If possible, it would be safer to work together with other mahou shoujo...

Momoko
In that case, if you ever find yourself in trouble, give us a call.
We'll help ya.

Ranka
You're a lifesaver.

Rena
Ah, why don't you come join "Kamihama Magia Union," Ranka?

-End Flashback-

Momoko
Rena, what did she say?

Rena
Eh - ah, well...
She's leaving Promised Blood and wants to pass off some info...
And she's heading to the game center we used to play at...

Kaede
Eh - Ranka-chan is coming to Union!?

Rena
Already decided it's a trap.

Momoko
Yeah...the timing for her to leave her group makes sense,
but I don't think a girl sneaking into Kamiahama to survey the place is going to get off that easily.

Kaede
That's right...

Yachiyo
Although, she would need a considerable amount of preparation just to come here to negotiate.

Iroha
Yes, and our relationship is so cold now there's no telling what could happen.

Kaede
Will we still not be able to go back to being friends, then...?

Rena
Rena has no intentions.
Rena's going to meet Ranka and punch the hell out of her.

Momoko
Alright then, let's head to our usual game center.

Kaede
Okay...

Kanagi
Since Minami-kun says it's a trap, we had better accompany you.

Hinano
We've got enough pressure to put on them, and it's fine by me,
but is it convenient for you guys?

Iroha
...Um, excuse me, it's not a good time for me...

Yachiyo
That reminds me, you have Futaba-san and the others waiting on you.

Iroha
Yes, I'm in charge of dinner today, so I need to go home soon...
And Felicia-chan said she was going out to play,
but I have a feeling she's going to be home sooner than later.

Yachiyo
Yeah... I'll leave the house to you.

Momoko
I'm worried about Felicia, too, so I think that's for the best.

Iroha
Yes...

Tsuruno
I'm here too, so don't worry and leave the boom to me!

Iroha
Sorry, and thank you!

=====3=====

Ayame
Then Felicia fell asleep in class!
And she started drooling down her mouth! It was so funny, Kako!

Kako
But that means Felicia-chan didn't get enough sleep either.

Felicia
I ain't losin' any sleep.
My teacher totally used some kinda hypnotism or somethin' on me.

Kako
Why would they pinpoint you like that, Felicia-chan?

Felicia
I mean, Ayame said she slept in class, too!

Ayame
That was my English cheacher's hypnotism!

Kako
A second victim!?
It's hard enough without every teacher doing that...

Felicia
Kako's strong against hypnotism.

Ayame
Yeah, she's got level 100 hypnotic resischance. No fair.

Felicia
Hella unfair.

Kako
Huh, why am I being blamed for this...

[*Ring♪*]

Felicia
Oh...
.....
See ya, I gotta get home, too.

Kako
Did something happen?

Felicia
Iroha's headin' home to make dinner, so I figure I should help her.

Ayame
You're weird, you never bother doing anything like that.

Felicia
There's days I feel like helpin' out, too.
Alright, see ya later, Ayame, Kako!

Kako
Ah - yeah!

Ayame
Lateeer!

Kako
.....

Ayame
.....

Kako
She is weird, isn't she...?

Ayame
She went home to go help!

Kako
(That's the thing...)

Ayame
...But I feel like she's overdoing it.

Kako
Right...?
Ever since Felicia-chan talked about that dream she had...

Ayame
You mean the one where she killed her parents?

Kako
Yeah...

Ayame
You worry too much, Kako.
It's just a dream, Felicia's not worrying about it either.

Kako
(No...she is...as far as I can tell...)

-Game Center-

Ranka
.....

Rena
.....

Ranka
You're awful cautious about me.
If I beat all of you here the tables'd totally turn.

Yachiyo
Want to try it?

Ranka
I'm joking.
I'd be happy to die playing in a game center,
but not by a mahou shoujo. So sorry.

Tsuruno
Besides all the Union girls, there doesn't seem to be any mahou shoujo around here.
You really don't want to fight, then.

Ranka
No one inside or outside. I'm really the only one.

Kaede
But, is this really okay? It would be pretty bad if you were found out...

Ranka
Why are you worrying about me at a time like this? You've got a dim head.
Well, quit worrying. I didn't say anything to the second sister.
I'll be going back there like nothing happened.

Rena
Then you mind hurrying this up? Tell us what you know, Ranka.

Ranka
About Promised Blood's base and the barrier, right?

Rena
You're using that barrier as a shortcut to go back and forth to Futatsugi, yeah?

Ranka
...The barrier's in a subway.
It's close to that dungeon in Kamihama Prison that you found.
And as for the base, that's at Electric Town, in Kosho Ward.
There's a tunnel that forks where the barrier is,
but if you head down the one that's not the old trainyard, you'll end up at a road where they stopped excavating,
and following that to the end will lead you up to Electric Town.
From there it's the closest residence building, the base being on the first floor.

Rena
You're not lying to us, are you?

Ranka
Nothing I've done is worthy of your trust,
so I leave the final judgment to you.

Kanagi
~ The shortcut barrier is where we thought it would be. ~

Hinano
~ It's a low chance of being a trap, then...? ~

Yachiyo
~ If it was different from our investigations, I would have been afraid of a trap, ~
~ but now it's on us to find new information about the base... ~

Momoko
~ Alright, it's Tsuruno's turn. ~
Tsuruno, let's compare it to your drawing.

Tsuruno
Right, where would you say it is on this map?

Ranka
Wait, I'll message Rena a map with it pinned.
.....

[*Ring♪*]

Rena
...Tsuruno, how does this look?

Tsuruno
Yep, nothing weird about that place. Looks pretty likely to me.

Yachiyo
~ Shouldn't we ask some Kosho girls to confirm the location first? ~

Kanagi
~ I'll contact Tsukasa and the others and get them on it. ~

Yachiyo
~ Thanks. ~

Ranka
The eldest sister thought Union would be attacking from the entrance to the train depot,
so she's loading people up over there.
If you sneak around through Electric Town, you'll end things quick.

Rena
Is there an entrance in Kamihama Prison?

Ranka
That thing, they kinda blocked it off since you guys found it.
――っ!?

Hinano
Someone from Promised Blood's nearby...!

Juri
Thought you were actin' strange...
Ranka, you playin' a friendly game with these Union guys?

Ranka
Second sister...
You're wrong, these guys all surrounded me...!

Juri
I ain't in the mood for this!

Ranka
Ka-...! Uu-...!

Yachiyo
Wait, don't you realize there's people around!?

Tsuruno
You're going to cause a scene!

Juri
Don't even think about interfering with my problem!

Ranka
Gu!
aAH!

Kanagi
Are you insane...?

Juri
Juri-sama'll deal with her, so hands off.
Else this whole place's gonna be well-done.

Momoko
~ What do we do Yachiyo-san...!? ~

Yachiyo
~ っ… ~
~ She destroyed Mikazuki Villa... She will do it... ~

Juri
Nihi.
Glad to see we've reached an understandin'. See ya.

Rena
Ranka...

Momoko
It's probably just an act to take her back home.

Kaede
Y-yeah, she wouldn't do something that horrible...

Rena
There's no proof of that anywhere...
They've already killed one in front of us, haven't they...?

Kaede
Uyuu...

-Street-

Juri
Nice one, Ranka.

[*Slap*]

Juri
Ow, the hell's that for?

Ranka
You went too far... That seriously hurt...

=====4=====

-Ikumi Cafe-

Ikumi
I see, so that's why you stopped by Kumi's store while you're investigating~
Thanks, everyone. Kyarun~

Kanagi
I'm part of the same industry as you, so I thought to investigate other stores as well.

Momoko
It's hard to be jokin' at such a tense time like this, Kanagi-san.

Kanagi
Mm, but I'm serious?

Momoko
Eh, really...?

Hinano
Regardless, I'm just relieved to see you able to stand up and do a little work around the store.

Ikumi
Thanks, Hinano-san.
I still can't fool myself enough to get on stage, though...

Hinano
I've been feeling down at a moment's notice, too. It's not easy to just sort yourself out...

Ikumi
Yeah...
So, is the information you got from this Ranka person right?

Kanagi
It looked to be mostly correct.

Ikumi
Looked?

Yachiyo
There wasn't anything wrong on the map Tsuruno made,
and we felt reactions coming from mahou shoujo in the resident building she mentioned.

Tsuruno
Plus we found our invasion route into the underground.

Rena
But she's either lying or it's a trap. There's no trusting her anymore...

Kaede
I want to believe what Ranka-chan said, too, but I'm a little torn...

Momoko
I agree with that. It's dangerous to just openly trust her.

Ikumi
So she told you about it, but you don't want to use the Electric Town route?

Momoko
It seems like they want us to use it.

Kanagi
I agree with Togame's opinion.
If our opponents are to hold a position, it would be in the vicinity of the shortcut's barrier.
Even if we don't have everyone invade through Electric Town,
we can split into two so that if only one side gets cut off, we'll be in a position to defend them.

Tsuruno
If they wanted to set a trap, I'd think they would pick the old trainyard.
So if they can't do that, they'd probably want to lure us into Electric Town.

Momoko
If they had a trap set from the beginning, they wouldn't tell us about another route.

Hinano
Or they're afraid that we'd find another route in
and instead want us to gather at the old trainyard...

Ikumi
Come on, if you guys start second-guessing every little thing, you know you'll never come up with an answer~?

Hinano
Gu, that's true, but...

Ikumi
Everyone, let Kumi's magical charm help you smile～★

Hinano
It's hard having a meeting when you're in character...

Yachiyo
...Our objective this time is to exterminate a witch.
Our mission is to send our unchosen members into the barrier.
We're short on time, so let's form into two groups and make sure half gets in there.

Kaede
S-so one will spring the trap...?

Yachiyo
Yeah, the remaining group doesn't have to win.
They just need to get the other members into the barrier, buy some time, then they can withdraw.

Kaede
Since it's all the unchosen members there's a lot of us, but...
Uyuu...I'm scaaared...

Momoko
Since we're giving the enemy some time, we gotta start takin' risks, huh?

Rena
Besides, there's only so many traps they could set on short notice.

Yachiyo
I don't want to be too optimistic, though.

Hinano
But we are fortunate that both the old trainyard and Electric Town are so close.

Yachiyo
Yeah, even if it turns into a worst case scenario, we're not too far from help.

Hinano
But if we're splitting into two groups, how are we dividing up the members?
I think whoever's heading to Electric Town is more likely to run into a trap.

Yachiyo
How about my team and any west girls that are willing go there,
and the old trainyard will be Kanagi's and Miyako's teams, plus any east girls?

Kanagi
Mm, I'll go with that.

Yachiyo
Are you okay with the old trainyard?

Kanagi
If their base is over there,
then it is my fault it wasn't found before.

-Mikazuki House-

Iroha
Sana-chan, could you pass me the salt over there?

Sana
Ah - yes...!

Ui
Onee-chan, is this the right size for the carrots?

Iroha
Yeah, you're getting pretty good with the kitchen knife.

Sana
She has been practicing a lot...

Ui
Yeah!

[*Ring♪*]

Iroha
.....
Felicia-chan is about to be home soon, too.
Ah, we're almost out of milk, maybe she could buy some.

Sana
...Is Felicia-san really going to be okay...?

Iroha
I think she's been pushing herself...

Sana
What Felicia-san was talking about, it really was...just a dream, right...
What if...it really was true...

Iroha
I don't want to think about that, but I'm sure it would be unbearable...
After spending so much time looking to avenge her mother and father...

Sana
I don't feel I would be able to save Felicia-san's heart...

Iroha
...That's...

Sana
I came to Mikazuki Manor to escape from my family, but...
Felicia-san is different...
She loves her mother and father...

Iroha
Yes, she does...
I'm sure Felicia-chan's parents are the only ones who could save her heart...
But now we're her family, so we need to do everything we can.

Sana
Yes...

-Puella Care-

Livia
Well now, this is the end of your adjustment.

Yozuru
Excellent work, Sensei, would you like some coffee?

Livia
Thanks, Yozuru. Would ya care for some yourself?

Yuna
Hu, if you're offering, I'll share a drink with you.

Yozuru
In a case such as this, it is recommended to be kind to the customer.
Right away.

Livia
And if I may say, Yuna-chan... You've certainly got some guts in ya.
Bein' in this predicament, dividin' Union into east and west,
you believe that rumor?

Yuna
Even if it is a lie, they still have a history with their past, do they not...?
Then it's only natural for their enemy to aptly divide them.

Livia
It's a fine plan an' all, but,
well, I s'pose it all depends on how Felicia-chan reponds now.

Yuna
Yeah.

-Flashback-

Felicia
ooOOOOOOOHH!!

Yuna
Wha-!?
(No, this is it...)
HaaAAAHH!!

Felicia
Nu!? u...

-End Flashback-

Yuna
[If a mahou shoujo's unique magic is a representation of their wish, then Mitsuki Felicia, who has the power of oblivion, has forgotten something through her wish.]
[I don't know if part of her memory has been erased, or if she has hidden something she does not want to remember, but I do know that when she remembers, she should become unstable and stir up Union from the inside.]
[That is why, at that time, I used the full strength of my power to redirect against her power hiding the truth within her.]
[Besides, as Livia says, Promised Blood is currently in a situation of being trapped between Union and Tokime.]
[To get out of this crisis and keep the balance of power, it's crucial that we maintain the shortcut to Futatsugi and divide the east and the west, is it not?]

Yuna
Thanks for the drink.

Yozuru
Was the taste to your liking?

Yuna
I don't drink much coffee, but it tasted good.

Yozuru
I'm glad.
I was recently given some tips.

Yuna
Well, I must be going. Union's about to start moving soon as well.

Livia
You oughta keep an eye on Ao-chan, too.

Yuna
Huhu, it's a wonder why the merchants of death worry about others.

Livia
.....

Yozuru
...Sensei, she appears to be getting more and more suspicious of the Kimochi as well.

Livia
She may be, but Kyubey ain't one to be tellin' lies.
Even comin' from someone she hates, she seems convinced enough ta want ta steal 'em.

-Mikazuki House-

Felicia
Hua...

Iroha
Did you sleep well? Felicia-chan.

Felicia
Yeah, I just feel a bit sleepy when I get home.

Yachiyo
Look at you, you look like you're back to full strength already.

Felicia
I'm ready to slam!

Sana
So today was Kosho's Electric Town, right...?

Tsuruno
Yeah, we can't miss this opportunity to smash their shortcut!

=====5=====

-Flashback-

Mifuyu
I heard from Yacchan that we are to attack the barrier.
Do not worry about the Endless Mirrors.
I am also part of the team that will be assailing the offshoot Mirrors
since I have been called to Electric Town.
And because Alina's map is still stuck on the 16th level.
So there is no way to actually investigate the main Mirrors...

-End Flashback-

Tsukuyo
My apologies, I have kept you waiting.

Tsukasa
I was talking to Mifuyu-san so I just barely made it, too.

Hinano
You're on time, so it's not like you have to apologize.

Ikumi
Yeah, it's okay.

Kanagi
It looks like everyone's here now.
Some of those who were not chosen by the Kimochi came,
but are you prepared for this?

Himika
I'm a little tense, but I'm still feeling better than the first time I ate wildflowers!

Seika
I am well enough... No, I'm incredibly nervous...
I've heard about the conflict between the groups, but this is my first time participating...

Mito
It's a little scary, huh?

Reira
But our opponent in this fight is a witch, so I'm sure we'll be alright.

Seika
Y-you're right, it's just like any other time...!

Kanagi
The mirror witch is a powerful opponent, though.

Mito
Uwaan, I was trying not to think about it...!

Kanagi
But we are favored to win.

Himika
It makes me feel a little sick to my stomach,
but Kanagi-san and all of you have been in nonstop dangerous fights,
so I won't falter here...!

Tsukasa
As long as you all understand that, It makes sense that we should fight together.

Tsukuyo
Yes, Kanagi-san has another goal as well, ne?

Kanagi
I do.
It's about the recent rumors spreading that threaten the east and west.

Reira
Ah-...

Kanagi
To put it simply, this is a valuable operation for us to act together in.
I am hoping that this will be an opportunity to clear any and all anxiety or suspicions about the west.
Of course, there is no smoke without fire.
In truth, there are still century-old fires still smoldering throughout the city.
However, now that our city is on the brink of change, it is time for us too to change.
We will set Promised Blood back and defend our future as well.

---

Iroha
I can feel a magic reaction from the building she had said was their base.

Yachiyo
Then they should also be sensing us, so we'll have a fight right from the beginning...

Iroha
Yes...

Rena's Voice
We're ready for them.

Rena
It's been said already, but Rena thinks it's better to expect a trap.

Kaede
Lots of Promised Blood people could be hiding.
Or maybe they have some trick, like a pitfall...?

Momoko
I can't imagine what they're doing, but we've got one thing we gotta do.

Kaede
Get Mifuyu-san's team ahead first.

Momoko
You got it.

Tsuruno
Before Mifuyu's team gets attacked and sent into the Kimochi's barrier
we need to get to the shortcut's barrier.

Mifuyu
From here on we also need to proceed with caution.

Meiyui
There is one thing I am concerned about.

Mifuyu
What is that?

Meiyui
Mitsuki Felicia. Is she really well?
I spoke with Kako. She sounded as if she had fallen ill.

Felicia
She musta told ya that a while ago. I'm all good now, so don't worry about it!

Meiyui
Well, that is fine with me.
However, do not do anything that would harm your friends, yes?

Felicia
What're you talkin' about!

Sana
F-Felicia-san, calm down...!

Felicia
She started it!

Yachiyo
Tit for tat.
Fighting here will cause the whole operation to fail.

Meiyui
It was my wrongdoing...

Yachiyo
Then we have five minutes until we begin, people! Prepare yourselves!

Everyone
Yes!

-Rooftop-

PB Girl
This is Electric Town. Their members look mostly like west ones.
They're on the move.

-Field-

PB Girl
This is the trainyard. They got all east members down here.
They're also starting to move.

-Battle-

PB Girl
The west group's here! Stop 'em in their tracks!

Iroha
~ We ran right into the enemy! ~

Sana
~ Yes...! ~
~ Mifuyu-san, please send your team ahead of us...! ~

Mifuyu
~ Thank you very much. ~
~ Let's do the best we can, everyone! ~

Meiyui
~ Let us be careful to not be noticed, yes. ~

Kanoko
~ Quick and quiet steps, got it. ~

-End Battle-

PB Girl
Later.

Iroha
――っ!?
Yachiyo-san, these girls were not chosen by the Kimochi!

Sana
The ones over here also disappeared when we attacked...!

Tsuruno
I thought there were a lot of them, but...

Yachiyo
Yeah, these must have been pawns to make us think this was a base...

Felicia
But ain't we lucky.
This was a walk in the park, so now all we gotta do is get to the barrier.
Mifuyu's team got ahead with tons of time to spare!

Kaede
B-but that just means this really was a trap.

Rena
We better get going before she starts panicking!

Momoko
If their main force is in front of the barrier, then we've got them pinned between us and Kanagi-san's team.

Yachiyo
As Momoko says, we need to hurry right now!

Mifuyu
~ Yacchan, it's bad! We cannot go any further! ~

Yachiyo
~ Eh...!? ~
This is...

Iroha
What is this wall...

Sana
I don't think Tsuruno-san mentioned anything like this...

Tsuruno
I didn't...
Because this tunnel should be connected properly...

Felicia
Then these guys just went and built a wall here!?

Mifuyu
No, this is no wall...

Yachiyo
Right, this is a shield machine used for tunnel excavation.
Strong enough to cut through soil and crush rocks...
And if it's been strengthened to the absolute max by magic...

Felicia
DOOOORYAAA!!
Nothin'!

Iroha
It's a little disheartening, but...

Yachiyo
The amount of magic power we would need to break this would wreck the whole city...

Kanagi
(I didn't expect their main force to come out to the front line...)
(If they were near the barrier we could let them through...)
(But like this...)
Members who can't fight, fall back! Do not get attacked!

Reira
G-got it!
Seika, Mito, it's dangerous, so let's back up!

Yuna
Gathering so many members who can't fight, I wonder what you've been planning.

Kanagi
Ku-... There's no need to tell the likes of you!

Yuna
っ、 You can read my movements... Mind reading... How annoying.

Kanagi
Allow me to read you even more deeply.

Yuna
You think I would let you do that...

Kanagi
Muu-...!

Hikaru
We got our whole army here. You guys only got 3 that can even putuppa fight.
There's no way you're handlin' all'f us.

Ao
She's got that right! You didn't make a good calculation on your end~

Hinano
Dammit...

Juri
Drag their asses together and I'll make 'em all well-done!

Hinano
Guaah!

Ikumi
Hinano-san!
Ah-...

Sakuya
It's time for payback.

Ranka
We're making you game over.

Hinano
Huu...you guys say that, but you're just gonna get stabbed in the back.

Kanagi
~ We're at a loss, Miyako... ~

Hinano
~ Did something happen...? ~

Kanagi
~ The team is at the Electric Town route, but there seems to be an indestructible wall... ~
~ I was expecting Nanami's team to surround them, ~
~ but with our enemy on the front line like this, we'll have to endure...! ~

Hinano
...A wall, what does that mean?

Ranka
What a pretty look you got on your face there.

=====6=====

Mifuyu
It is a relief that Electric Town and the trainyard are located so closely together, but...

Iroha
Yes, Promised Blood just had to be waiting at the trainyard...

Yachiyo
Our objective this time is to destroy the offshoot Mirrors.
Kanagi-san's team and the team of unchosen girls went through first,
but I was hoping they would have withdrawn...

Tsuruno
We are still pretty far from the barrier after all, and they're at a numbers disadvantage...

Yachiyo
You're right, for now let's worry about helping them.

Rena
.....

Kaede
Rena-chan.

Rena
Ranka knew all of this would happen...

---

[*Crash!*]
[*Clatter...!*]

Kanagi
っ、 Haa...haa...
――っ!?

Yuna
Come on out, Izumi Kanagi...
Huhu...
A pity the west side lost the draw both at the prison and now here, isn't it.

Kanagi
You speak as if the west deceived us.

Yuna
Because you are the one about to be beaten...

Kanagi
What nonsense.
~ Tsukuyo, Tsukasa, I've drawn some of their attention. ~
~ Can you make a dash for the tunnel now...? ~

Tsukuyo
~ We will give it a try. ~

Tsukasa
~ Yeah. ~

Himika
~ Tsukuyo-chan, Tsukasa-chan, We'll go with you! ~

Seika
~ But will we really be safe... ~

Reira
~ If the west is stuck with Promised Blood, then probably not. ~

Seika
~ Cut it out, Reira... You're making it sound like we're dying here...! ~

Mito
~ You guys are thinking too much! ~
~ Like Himika-chan said, we're going together through the tunnel here! ~

Reira
~ I can't prepare myself enough to risk my life like this...! ~

Tsukuyo
~ This is no time for everyone to be fighting amongst yourselves! ~

Juri
Whatcha doin'?
While you dumbasses are starin' into space, I'm sendin' every last one of ya into the barrier!

Tsukuyo
Ah-...!
It was of no use...

Tsukasa
And we brought all of these girls from the east to clear any doubts...

---

Yuna
I was wondering why some girls weren't chosen by the Kimochi,
but I'm starting to guess why.

Hikaru
Your plan's been ripped apart.

Kanagi
…っ

---

Sakuya
Seya!

Ikumi
Kya...! Geez, the face is an idol's life!
Kyaa!

Hinano
Ikumi!!

Ranka
Sounded like you wanted to go save the leader of the east,
but doesn't it look like you're the ones about to die?

Hinano
Haa...huu...
Not yet, we can still do it!
Ikumi, stay back. I've got a special gas up my sleeve.
Wha - my arm...

Urara
I secretly tied you up with my yoyo, *grin*.

Hinano
Shit...!

Kanagi
~ Retreat, Miyako. The rest are protected by the Kimochi. ~

Hinano
~ You, you want me to just leave!? ~
~ Are you telling me to abandon my friends again!? ~

Kanagi
~ Don't die over me. I'm confident I can get out of this. ~

Hinano
っ…Ikumi, retreat.

---

Kanagi
Huu...

Yuna
Fighting alone is just as vain.

Ao
And now with you gone, the east will collapse for sure~
There are no continues, got it?

Kanagi
May I choose who kills me?

Hikaru
What're you sayin' all of a sudden?

Kanagi
Kasane Ao... My soul gem is right here...
COME, AIM RIGHT HERE...!

Ao
――っ!?
F-fine.

Kanagi
You're so desperate to wear such a thin mask.
Take out your Kimochi stone. Let's exchange our lives a little more.

Ao
S-STOP IIT!

Yuna
AO!

-Battle-

Ao
Uu...huuu... Even I...am desperate...

Kanagi
I'm well aware.
So bring out your true feelings and relax, there is no one else here.

Ao
.....
I really don't want to kill anyone... I don't want to hurt anyone...
But to make my wish come true I have to go higher...

Kanagi
Then it should be clear who you need to erase to make your vision come true.
I can see it myself.

Ao
Haa...aaAH...no...

Kanagi
Is this the same as last time...

Ao
No, don't take m-...
∵aaAAAH!!


=====7=====

Ao
Uu...

Hikaru
Ao-san!

Kanagi
Gu...uu... Somehow she was able to retaliate...
The little sister was hopelessly consumed by the Kimochi again...

Yuna
If you fall down and stop moving, how are you going to stall us, huh?
I'll be taking back the Kimochi stone soon enough...

Juri
Oi oi, let Juri-sama have a go, too.
I've always wanted to have a shot at her.
Though in this state I ain't gonna have any fun fightin' her.

PB Girl
We'd be better off getting rid of her instead of playing with her.

Yuna
Yeah, you're right. We don't have time to be talking.

Kanagi
It's going to be a little difficult to leave...

Yuna
Just die...!

[*Whaam!*]

Yuna
――っ!?

Kanagi
Futaba-kun!?

Sana
Huu...haa...
I hid all signs of my existence and got in. I'm glad I made it in time...

Kanagi
Then this reaction must be Nanami's team...

Yachiyo
I'm sorry we left you waiting.

Kanagi
I heard there was quite a sturdy wall.

Yachiyo
No one could have predicted a souvenir like that being left for us.

Ranka
Can't believe you're here now. LAME.

Rena
Rena's not gonna be satisfied with just one punch...

-Battle-

Kaede
Rena-chan, calm down, this isn't the time to be mad!
Right now we need to help Kanagi-san and run away...!

Rena
Rena knows... Rena knows, but...!
This is too much. It's so frustrating!

Momoko
I feel the same way, but we have to be patient, Rena...

Rena
っ…！

-End Battle-

Rena
There's not much defense by the shutters...! You can get out now!

Kaede
Thanks, Rena-chan! Momoko-chan, hurry!

Momoko
Yeah, I'm out, too! Yachiyo-san, how's Kanagi-san!?

Kanagi
u, not a problem...!

Yachiyo
Don't push yourself, Kanagi. Here, take my shoulder!

Iroha
EVERYONE GET TO RENA-CHAN! NO ONE'S NEAR HER SO WE CAN GET OUT!
Huu...
This magic power... Tsukuyo-san and Tsukasa-san...!

Tsukuyo
Something terrible has happened since we got caught by the Kimochi.

Tsukasa
Looks like Hinano-san's team retreated first, ne.

Tsukuyo
I do hope they are safe, though...

Tsuruno
Everyone, come follow us, we're retreating for today!

Himika
I hope Kanagi-san's injuries aren't too bad...

Seika
~ I don't know if it was just a coincidence, but maybe... ~
~ Maybe the west did want us trapped there with Promised Blood or something... ~
~ That couldn't be true...could it? ~

Reira
~ I don't know, but Kanagi-san is alive. ~
~ But even so, it makes me wonder for a moment if it was intentional... ~

Mito
~ You two think too much. ~

Yuna
~ Claiming to secure the trust of their people while trying to crush their enemy at the expense of their allies. ~
~ The people of Kamihama resort to doing horrid things too, don't they... ~

Mito
~ ――っ!? ~

Felicia
We've got your back!

Sana
Yes...! I will be your shield...!

Yuna
Huhu...

-Mitama's Adjuster Shop-

Mitama
.....

Kanagi
っ…

Ikumi
I figured everyone would come here, so I'm glad we went to the adjuster's...

Hinano
Definitely...
So how's Kanagi doing...?

Iroha
Between my healing and Mitama-san's adjustment, she's been healing pretty quickly.

Mitama
Even so, she's probably going to need to be under care for a whole day.

Kanagi
っ、 Please...
Right now we can't afford to be giving Promised Blood any more time...
Is everyone from the east well...?

Yachiyo
Yeah, the other girls were escorted home by Mifuyu-san and the Amane sisters...

Kanagi
I see... I'm glad they're safe...
And Togame...

Momoko
What's up, Kanagi-san...

Kanagi
In the underground part of the prison, the third sister had been overwhelmed by the Kimochi.
It took her this time as well...

Momoko
――っ!?

Kanagi
Tamaki-kun, all of you, be careful of those who have the stones. You can't believe the Kimochi so easily...

Iroha
That wasn't how it was with me...
...But I understand.
(Does it depend on the Kimochi...? They don't just lend their power...?)
Kanagi-san...!

Mitama
It's all right, she's just exhausted. It looks like she's asleep...

Tsuruno
Looks like a whole bunch of things backfired on us this time...

Momoko
Yeah it does...
The whole point of takin' all the east girls was to get rid of all their worries.

Sana
I see...so we just did the same thing again...
Just like with Midori-san...

Momoko
Well, that's how it goes...

Rena
This is all because Rena listened to her...

Kaede
Rena-chan, it's not your fault! The one to blame is Ranka-chan...!

Rena
Yeah...

Yachiyo
I hope the seeds of distrust don't begin sprouting...

Iroha
...Yes.

---

Hikaru
Yuna-saan.

Yuna
Hikaru.

Hikaru
Have you finished reflecting on today's battle?

Yuna
Yeah, just about.
I can see why Union brought members with them that can't fight.

Hikaru
Huh, why's that?

Yuna
They were trying to move outside of the Kimochi's rules.
Solely to defeat the witch...

Hikaru
Mm...?
Ah, you mean they didn't matter 'cause they just wanted to killa witch!?

Yuna
That's right.
Anyways, how is Ao's condition...?

Hikaru
Ahh...she's still p'etty upset... Since the stone got taken from 'er...

Yuna
Her kindness is a virtue, but at times like this it turns around and bites her...
Poor girl...

Hikaru
'Es...

---

Ao
Hu-...uU...KU...
It's weird...what...is this feeling...
Why is my heart... Making so much noise...

---

-Interview Recording-
     Tamaki Ui
"I heard from Touka-chan and Nemu-chan. You've been asking all of the mahou shoujo what kind of a future they want, right?"
"Huhu, well you see, I actually want to be a music teacher in the future."
"I've loved music ever since I listened to choirs singing in the hospital, and after watching Onee-chan and Yachiyo-san leading everyone I got interested in teachers."
"Though recently when I've seen Onee-chan leading people, I realized just how much she thinks about others, and that makes her so amazing to me."
"The two closest to me are Touka-chan and Nemu-chan, but when they start fighting and thinking their opinions are the right ones, I never know how to answer them."
"That's why my dream is to create a future where mahou shoujo can hold hands together, just like how Onee-chan believes right now."
"If that can come true, then I believe that by thinking about each other, we can bring ourselves together. In the same way I will prove that everyone can be happier by bringing them closer together in a classroom."
"That's why if I could save all mahou shoujo, I think I could sacrifice myself now."