Another Story Arc2 Ch1

Thanks BST for reviewing
===============

Kamihama Magia Union
Dangerous visitors have taken notice of those I love.

===============
===Episode 1===
The Peace That Ended Because of the Attack

Kako
Getting together to play with Felicia-chan and Ayame-chan...
I wish I could always enjoy days like this...

=====1=====

Kako
[The battle against the Wings of Magius is over, and although not everything is back to normal, Kamihama is returning back to its everyday life.]
[Also, the Kamihama Magia Union, which was created to provide mutual aid for mahou shoujo across Kamihama City, seems to be settling into place...]
[Although, even though Kamihama is returning to peace... Mahou shoujo from outside have been spotted in the city.]
[Nothing has happened yet, but all of us feel it...]
[This peace is fading away...and something big is about to begin...]

-Playground-

Kako
...Umm... Which one you say...

Ayame
Mine! It's mine!

Felicia
Noo way! It's mine!

Kako
...Can't we just call the shoe-skipping contest a draw...?

Ayame
Not a chance!
My choes flew way further than hers!

Felicia
Ah?
Just look at my shoes! The heels are totally out front!

Ayame
Haa!?
The toes of mine are ahead though!

Kako
G-geez...! That's enough!

Ayame & Felicia
MUMUMU!

Kako
Ah, that's right! Felicia-chan!
Didn't you say you had something to do? It's about time now...isn't it?

Felicia
Mm? ...Ahh, it's already that time huh.

Ayame
Something to do? Like what?

Felicia
It's a meetin'. For Kamihama Magia Union.
Even if there's nothin' goin' on, we gotta meet up there.

Ayame
.....

Kako
.....

Felicia
The heck, why'd you get all quiet?

Kako
We're...not in...Kamihama Magia Union.

Felicia
Oh, I knew that...
Why aren't ya?

Ayame
Konoha said I can't...

Kako
Me too, it's my team's policy to not join...

Felicia
...Hmm.

Kako
I'm sorry...it's like this...

Felicia
Nah...Iroha also told me I shouldn't bother askin' you guys...

Kako
Yeah...

Felicia
'Sides, it's not like we're enemies or anythin'?
I heard we can still work together if ya ever need it.

Ayame
Oh right, Hazuki also said it's important to keep sharing information.

Felicia
Then, we ain't got a problem!
Oh- I gotta get goin'!
See ya later!

Kako
Yeah...see you.

Ayame
Laters!

Ayame & Kako
.....

Ayame
...I understand what Konoha was telling me, but you know...

Kako
...Yeah... But, it's like this...isn't it...

======2=====

Witch
…………!?!?

Nanaka
It's over.

Kako
Yes...

Meiyui
How trifling.

Akira
.....
...Hey, Nanaka.

Nanaka
Is something on your mind?

Akira
..... .....
It's about Kamihama Magia Union...

Kako
..... .....

Akira
I really think we should join them after all.

Nanaka
...As I said earlier in our discussion,
it is our team's policy to not participate.

Akira
...Because you can't trust those two former Magius?

Nanaka
Correct.

Akira
It's true, we can't forgive the Magius for what they did, but...
...Saving mahou shoujo from the fate of becoming witches,
I don't think Kamihama Magia Union's ideals are wrong...

Nanaka
I agree on that point, however...

Akira
Even with that, your distrust is stronger?

Nanaka
...Yes, that's right.

Meiyui
I am still in agreement with Nanaka. My mind won't be changed.
It's fine to talk of ideals, but... We cannot see what goes on from the inside.
Besides, have you forgotten what became of the feathers that followed Magius' ideals?

Akira
...I haven't forgotten.
But still...
I'm working hard for the futures of so many mahou shoujo.
I just want to help everyone...

Kako
.....

Akira
...What do you think, Kako-chan?

Kako
Eh? M-me...?

Meiyui
At this point, it would be better to declare each of our intents.

Kako
.....

-Flashback-

Felicia
'Sides, it's not like we're enemies or anythin'?
I heard we can still work together if ya ever need it.

Ayame
Oh right, Hazuki also said it's important to keep sharing information.

Felicia
Then, we ain't got a problem!

-End Flashback-

Kako
(...Felicia-chan... And Kaede-chan too.)
(I keep having thoughts about if I should join or not, but...)
.....
I... will follow the team's policy...

Akira
...I see...

Kako
...Sorry.

Akira
...No, I'm sorry too.
I don't want to disturb the whole team.
But...I do want you to know my thoughts...

Kako
.....

Nanaka
I also don't want to deny Akira-san's feelings on the matter, either...
However, I believe it's too early to join right now.

Akira
...I know. I won't keep bringing it up.

Meiyui
Then, will this be all for today?

Nanaka
Indeed.

Promised Blood Girl
You're Kamihama mahou shoujo, aren't ya?

Nanaka
.....

=====3=====

Hazuki
...You're unfamiliar faces.

Ayame
What's this all of a sudden!?

Konoha
Ayame, get back...

Promised Blood Girl
Are you Kamihama mahou shoujo?

Hazuki
That's...
Are you asking if we're mahou shoujo that live in Kamihama?
Or...do you mean if we're members of Kamihama Magia Union?
The former is true, but the latter...

PB Girl
They really are Kamihama mahou shoujo!
YOU WILL KNOW... OUR PAIN...!!

Hazuki
Waa, woah...! No Q&A!?

Konoha
Hazuki!

Hazuki
I'm okay!
...But, I don't think they want to talk...

Ayame
The heck! These guys are pickin' a fight!
You better get ready!

Konoha
Ayame, don't go too far ahread. Hazuki, you're on support!

Hazuki
Understood!

---

Ayame
YOU'RE GOIN' DOWN!!

Hazuki
Like this in one swing...!

Konoha
Yes!

Konoha & Hazuki
YAA!

PB Girl 2
Shit...

PB Girl 1
Even though they live so comfortably...

Ayame
Hm! Even though you guys started this, you're not so big!

PB Girl
We're withdrawing...
We'll never forgive the Kamihama mahou shoujo...remember that...

Hazuki
.....

Konoha
...Their presence is completely gone.

Hazuki
Haa...that was dangerous...

Ayame
I-I'm all good, but...

Konoha
You did well, Ayame.
Hazuki too.

Hazuki
You use it too, Konoha. We still have plenty in stock.

Konoha
...Sure.

Ayame
Man, what the heck was that all about? What was with those guys!

Hazuki
...Should we share information with Kamihama Magia Union about these outsiders...?

Konoha
That there are unknown mahou shoujo wandering the city?

Hazuki
Right...
I haven't heard anything about attacks, but...
.....

Konoha
...This gives me a bad feeling.

Ayame
.....Yeah.
Those guys, they were aiming for our soul gems, weren't they?
Were they really chying to kill us?

Konoha
I'm...not sure...

Hazuki
...Konoha, I'm going to do a little info gathering.
I'd like to check if Kamihama Magia Union and other teams
unaffiliated with them are being attacked or not.

Konoha
...I know we need information, but...be careful.

Hazuki
I know.

Ayame
.....


===============
===Episode 2===

Even If I'm Unsure, It's Still My Choice...

Nanaka
It appears things are about to get worse.
...You have some idea about this, don't you?

=====1=====

-Cafe-

Hazuki
I see... So you were attacked as well.

Nanaka
They didn't seem to be in full force, so we were able to win without incident, however...
...Has any information come from Kamihama Magia Union?

Hazuki
Yeah, to keep it brief...
[First of all...]
[Promised Blood, Tokime clan, Neo Magius, and the adjusters from out of the city...]
[This is all about mahou shoujo that Kamihama Magia Union encountered.]
[Secondly, these outsider mahou shoujo groups are all trying to acquire the automatic purification system for their own purposes.]
[And, the third and final thing... Each of them are searching for something called "Kimochi" that contain energy within Kamihama. They need this powerful energy in order to take the automatic purification system...]
Is that everything?

Nanaka
...There doesn't appear to be any discrepancy with what they shared.

Hazuki
Unlike a certain someone, I'm not good at talking through my attitude.

Nanaka
Oh, who might you be referring to?

Hazuki
Ahaha, I wonder who?

Nanaka
.....
...How do you view the current situation?

Hazuki
It doesn't look good, that's for sure.
Especially Promised Blood. They...are not good.

Nanaka
...Yes. I agree with that.
I am curious what the other teams are up to, but...
As long as we remain idle here, they shouldn't attack us.
However, this Promised Blood group as they call themselves appear to be different.

Hazuki
...They may have only attacked us, but they've already killed one in Kamihama City.
Their goal seems to be taking revenge on the "Wings of Magius"
who stole witches and any Kamihama mahou shoujo, but...
They've associated all of us as one group...

Nanaka
...Revenge... Works like that...

Hazuki
...Mm?

Nanaka
It's a burden.
People always believe they have a just cause...
(That we will be forgiven for making sacrifices in the name of justice...)
...No, it's nothing.
So, you're still choosing to not join as well?

Hazuki
With Kamihama Magia Union?
...Well, I've decided to keep connected with them from the outside,
but I suppose there's plenty of ways to cooperate with such a large group...
Besides, Konoha believes Kamihama Magia Union is being targeted,
so she's absolutely opposed to it.
And, well, I suppose I also agree with her line of thinking.
I heard that Promised Blood's main force went straight for Tamaki-san's group.
...So, how about you?
The way you phrased it, it sounds like you're thinking of joining?

Nanaka
Aren't you reading a little too far into it?

Hazuki
I am?

Nanaka
...Though I think it is time to come up with a response.

Yazuki
Hehh...?

Nanaka
.....

=====2=====

Akira
I see, so Ayame-chan's team is also
sharing info with Kamihama Magia Union.

Ayame
...Yeah, there was a big fight,
and I heard Felicia was also hurt...

Kako
Kaede-chan's team, too... Some of them were carried to the hospital...
It feels like...things are getting worse and worse...
...Could we...continue with what we were talking about...?

Akira
...You mean about Kamihama Magia Union?

Kako
...Yes.

Ayame
...I'm also...not sure if it's a good idea, but...
But, Konoha is...
So sure that Kamihama Magia Union is being targeted,
that she said she doesn't want us to get involved with them...

Kako
Us too. My team won't as our policy...

Akira
We're gonna meet up tomorrow, but...
I doubt we'll be able to change Nanaka's mind...

Kako
.....

Ayame
Felicia...she's weaker than me...
So if she got attacked again...

Kako
If you say it like that, we're going to get into a fight again...
...But, I'm worried. She's my friend...

Ayame
Well I'm not worried about her 'cause we're not friends!
Felicia's just so unreliable...!

Akira
...I'm worried too.
Everyone in the counseling office, and all the girls I hang out with
are all a part of Kamihama Magia Union...
.....
That's why I've been thinking about this ever since we got that information.
There's a good chance that my friends are all being targeted
and I'm sitting here on the outside doing nothing, wondering if this is okay...

Kako
.....

Akira
...I'm going to go talk to Nanaka again tomorrow.
[I want to ask if I can join Kamihama Magia Union, not as a team, but as an individual.]

Kako
Eh-...

Akira
That's what I'm thinking...!
By joining Kamihama Magia Union,
I think I can benefit everyone
by being the bridge between them and our team.

---

Akira
That's what I'm thinking...!
By joining Kamihama Magia Union,
I think I can benefit everyone
by being the bridge between them and our team.

Kako & Ayame
.....

Akira
Ah...sorry, that was sudden...

Kako
Akira-san...you've been thinking a lot about this...
About your friends...and about your team...

Akira
It's not that big of a deal.
It's just...this is the best answer that I have right now...

Ayame
...I also... Don't wanna just sit back...watching...
But...
.....

Akira
It's tough when you have to think about Konoha-san, isn't it.

Ayame
...Yeah.
I know Konoha is just worried about us...

Akira
Then why don't you try telling Konoha-san how you feel?

Ayame
Eh...?

Akira
You care about Konoha-san and Hazuki-san,
and you're worried about your friends, so you want to talk about it.
Have you actually tried talking to her yet?

Ayame
...No...

Akira
Besides, Nanaka and I are teammates and friends,
but Ayame-chan, Konoha-san, and Hazuki-san are teammates and family, right?
Since your relationship is different, I'm sure the answer you get will be different.

Ayame
...Ah.

Akira
I thought I'd be helping both sides by acting as a bridge,
but even if you don't join Kamihama Magia Union,
there's still other ways you can help your friends, aren't there?
I think that might be your best option, Ayame-chan.

Ayame
.....
...Yeah! You're right!
I'm sure they won't let me join,
but I can...
"Help Felicia if I want to."
I'm gonna tell them what I think.
I want those two to know... Just how I'm feeling.
Thanks, Akira!

Akira
Sure...!

Kako
.....

=====3=====

Kako
.....
(What should I do...)
(Those two have put so much thought into this...And I'm... the only one that hasn't come up with anything...)

Ayame
...Kako? What's wrong?

Kako
...I...
.....
...No, it's... It's nothing...

Akira
...If it's not something you don't want to talk about, why not talk to us about it?
Sometimes when I can't think straight,
I find it easier to put my thoughts into words.

Ayame
That's right. You don't have to keep it bottled up...!

Kako
.....
I'm...so worried...about Felicia-chan and Kaede-chan...

Akira
Your precious friends, right...

Kako
...Yes.....
...But I don't have any great ideas like you, Akira-san...
And I can't decide what I want to do like you, Ayame-chan...
.....
I wonder if...
Maybe I should join Kamihama Magia Union, but...

Ayame
Not sure whether to join or not...?

Kako
Yeah... It's not like I "want to join..."
So...
As it is... To have no purpose or ideas...
Or if just going with the flow and joining... Is the correct thing to do...
I can't help but wonder... If that is really the way to help my friends...
I just don't know.....

Akira
You've got mixed thoughts on this...

Kako
Yes...I don't know what to do... Or what I want to do...
Besides...
If Nanaka-san stops me... I'll probably just give up...
Nanaka-san's ideas are...
All solid... She's so persuasive...

Akira
...That's...sure, Nanaka looks at the bigger picture.

Ayame
...She probably knows best...

Kako
.....
...That's why I don't think I should be making decisions based on how I feel.
I can't...let someone else...make my decisions for me...
Because they would...I'm sure...
Come back to me...when I need them most.

Ayame & Akira
.....

Kako
My thoughts... Have just been spinning round and round......

Akira
...And I think that's fine.

Ayame
Yeah, Kako, you've been thinking hard about it all this time.

Kako
...Eh?
But, I couldn't even give an answer...

Akira
Things may be getting worse, but we're not at the point to be making split decisions.
So, until you figure things out and face your feelings,
I don't think you should have an answer yet.

Ayame
And it's not like I've decided on anything specific yet, either.

Kako
.....
...Yes. I'll think it over carefully...
What would be best... And what would be right...

=====4=====

-Kitchen-

Konoha
.....
[An outsider group of mahou shoujo called Promised Blood have a grudge against mahou shoujo in Kamihama.]
[If they are after all Kamihama mahou shoujo... Then we should just leave.]
[I don't think they would follow three girls unaffiliated with Kamihama Magia Union out of the city...]
[But if that happens, we won't have the benefits of the automatic purification system... But...for my family...]
[It would be safer for Hazuki and Ayame...]
(...Though, that would be...)

Manaka
Konoha-san!

Konoha
――っ!?
M-Manaka-sensei! W-what is it?

Manaka
"What is it?" ...That's not your line!
You were telling me "I want you to teach me how to cook again."
Yet you've been staring off into space this whole time...!
When you're handling cutlery and heat, you have to concentrate or you'll be sorry!

Konoha
Forgive me...

Manaka
...Let's end our session for today. You don't seem to be able to focus...

Konoha
.....

Manaka
What's up? Staring won't get you anywhere.

Konoha
(A connection outside of my family, huh...)
(Ayame is also worried about her friends, too...)
(And she's having a hard time telling me, but...)
...Manaka-sensei is in good standing with the Walnuts chef, right...

Manaka
...Haa?
Well, it's true Manaka and Otou-san are close.

Konoha
If, by chance, a mahou shoujo you were close with were to be in danger...
Would you go help her even if you're worried your father would stop you?

Manaka
Eh... What is this all of a sudden...
Teaching you how to cook is one thing, but life advice is outside of Manaka's specialty...

Konoha
..... ...Forgive me.

Manaka
.....
Manaka doesn't really get it, but would probably go.
If someone Manaka cared about was in danger, even if it worried Otou-san...

Konoha
...Of course you would...
(After all, anyone with empathy would act that way...)

Manaka
.....
...But, If he was trying to stop Manaka,
he would probably be crying trying to get me to not go...

Konoha
Eh...

Manaka
Because we're family, it's only natural that he'd be worried.
Isn't it normal to not want people you care about to be in danger?

Konoha
.....

Manaka
Besides, Otou-san
still has a lot to teach me!
Can't have anything happen to him.

Konoha
..... .....

Manaka
...U-umm anyway, this was just Manaka's thoughts...
But more importantly, Konoha-san,
could you wait in the front for just a little?

Konoha
...Eh?

-Dining Area-

Manaka
Sorry for the wait! Here you are!

Konoha
...What is in this box?

Manaka
The house special omurice!

Konoha
Why this so suddenly...?

Manaka
Since Manaka's a chef, cooking is easier than words.
And to be honest, Manaka doesn't understand what's bothering Konoha-san.
But, there is one thing Manaka does know.

Konoha
...What do you know...?

Manaka
That eating a yummy meal can lighten your heart!
Even more so if you share it with your close family!

Konoha
..... Thank you so much.
We'll have this wonderful omurice together...
And then... I think we'll try to confront the problem.

---

-Water Fountain-

Meiyui
Sorry to make you waste your time coming out this far.

Hinano
I don't mind. It's not like anything was demanding my time.
So, what's the topic?

Meiyui
Kamihama Magia Union.
...I would like to hear the thoughts of Miyako, the leader of the south.

Hinano
Why's that...?

Meiyui
I did not choose to not join because of Nanaka stopping me.
...The idea of expanding the automatic purification system is by no means bad.
But, there is simply too many people.
An organization that grows that rapidly risks destroying itself.
So instead I am waiting for it to settle down.

Hinano
Seeing how it goes...

Meiyui
From what I see on the outside, things look stable now, yes.
How does it actually look from the inside?

Hinano
...As far as being a mutual aid organization goes, I'd say it's going well enough.
Sharing witches and grief seeds, mediating any territory disputes...
We haven't had any problems with anything, really.
Besides, like this we can still share info and hang out
with mahou shoujo that don't want to join.

Meiyui
...Then there are no problems during times of peace.

Hinano
What you're more worried about is what happens from here on, right?

Meiyui
Yes, how will you be dealing with these foreign enemies of ours?
How will you be dealing with groups that do not join?

Hinano
Just because someone's not joining doesn't mean we'd drop them.
We'll still be sharing information and helping out even during a crisis.
...Though, you may have to expect that those that join would get priority.

Meiyui
That is only natural, yes. There is no reason to prioritize those that don't join.

Hinano
...Was there anything else you wanted to ask?

Meiyui
...If one were to leave after joining, what happens then?

Hinano
What...? Like a punishment?

Meiyui
Yes.

Hinano
No one's left yet, so I can't exactly answer that...
But it doesn't have that kind of environment to it.

Meiyui
Hmm...
(An organization built upon mutual good will...)
(That was the impression I had when it was first established, yes...)
(It's ideal, but remaining on the side is sweeter...)
(With foreign enemies and unexpected situations... There is risk of it collapsing...)
(If, by chance, Kamihama Magia Union were to collapse, even if we did not join...)
(There is still a high possiblity that we would be caught in the chaos, yes...)
(So if that were to happen, it would be better to be on the inside and get that information as soon as possible...)
.....

Hinano
Could you possibly be considering joining?

Meiyui
Surprised?

Hinano
...I thought your team was against joining.

Meiyui
...Some things can only be seen from the inside.

Hinano
I see. Then, would you like me to contact Iroha and the others?

Meiyui
I did not say I will join just yet. I am only musing that there are things I cannot see.

Hinano
Ahh, that's what you meant...
Well, if you want to just give me the word. I won't ever turn you down.

Meiyui
I will think on it, yes.
(Though, I will make a suggestion to Nanaka.)
("At least one of us in the team should join them...")
(But it is also necessary to maintain a certain distance as well.)

=====5=====

-Sidewalk (Evening)-

Nanaka
Then, if you'll excuse me.
Thank you so much for your valuable time.

Hazuki
...Mmm. In the end, you still won't tell me?
How you "intend to change your response," that is.

Nanaka
...You are still curious about that?

Hazuki
Because you've been quiet since then, haven't you?
Don't you get bothered by incomplete information?

Nanaka
...I believe in the existence of Kamihama Magia Union.
Since Kamihama is such a big city, it does need an autonomous organization.

Hazuki
...Well, with this many mahou shoujo, there's bound to be problems.

Nanaka
However...people get soft around their fellow members.
When some things get too close, they seem to disappear right in front of you...
Therefore, I would like to remain on the outside and watch Kamihama Magia Union
with an objective and bird's eye view.

Hazuki
Is that why you won't let the other girls in your team join -
so they wouldn't get too close?

Nanaka
Yes. I'd prefer to not gather all in one place...
That is, as a mahou shoujo living in Kamihama,
I've always thought about what is best for the mahou shoujo in this city.
It would be ideal for everyone to be after the same thing...
But sometimes that brings about complacency.
If something were to go wrong from the inside, we would need help from the outside.

Hazuki
Huhu...

Nanaka
...What is it?

Hazuki
Nothing, I was just thinking... You're surpisingly more compassionate than I thought.

Nanaka
I am a warm-blooded human you know?
I don't want anyone close to me to be unhappy.

Hazuki
"People get soft around their fellow members"...was it?

Nanaka
.....

Hazuki
I understand... Everyone, they're all good girls.

Nanaka
...If anything, I'd say they're too good-hearted.
That is why I've kept my distance.
However, when mahou shoujo start showing up from the outside full of hostility
the entire story changes.
Girls in my team have also voiced that they want to join...

Hazuki
.....

Nanaka
Join Kamihama Magia Union as a team...


===============
===Episode 3===

For Those I Love

Ayame
When Hazuki comes back...
I want to tell them how I really feel...

=====1=====

-Azalea Home-

Hazuki
I'm hooome.

Ayame
Welcome baaack!

Konoha
Welcome home. You're back late.

Hazuki
We were so deep in conversation that there's even dinner prepared.
Could that be Walnuts omurice?

Konoha
Yes, Manaka-sensei provided it...

Ayame
Let's hurry and eat already! I'm hungry!

Hazuki
Same here!

---

Everyone
["Thank you for the meal!"]

Ayame
Ahh, so good!
I love Walnuts' omurice too!

Hazuki
Hmm, well pros do use different seasonings, I suppose~

Ayame
I love Hazuki's cooking too!

Hazuki
Thanks.

Konoha
Huhu.

Ayame
.....
...Hey uh, there's something I wanted to ask both of you.

Hazuki
Mm?

Konoha
...What?

Ayame
About Kamihama Magia Union... You said not to join.

Hazuki
.....

Konoha
...I did say that.

Ayame
And I don't disagree with that.
I understand what you told me, Konoha...
But...but I want you to know...!
I won't join them,
and she's not...my friend, but...
If Felicia or anyone else is in chouble, I want to be able to help them.

Konoha
.....

Ayame
...I...still can't?

Konoha
Ayame...
...Just as you have taken my feelings into consideration...
I won't deny your feelings either.

Ayame
Eh... Then...it's okay?

Konoha
...It may worry and upset me, but...
But, I won't deny your feelings, Ayame. That's a promise.

Ayame
Konoha...!

Konoha
So, Ayame, promise me one thing...
That you will consult with me before jumping into danger, no matter what.
...Can you promise me that?

Ayame
Yeah! Promise!
I'll come talk to you! Konoha, and Hazuki too!

Konoha
...Okay.

Hazuki
.....
(Being influenced by the outside world...)
(We're slowly but surely changing.)
(So...)
(...I don't want to lose them.)

Konoha
And Hazuki, too!

Hazuki
Eh?

Konoha
I'm fine with your information gathering, but don't overwork yourself.
Don't keep it all inside. If anything is bothering you, come talk to me right away.

Hazuki
...I know. Aren't you worrying a little too much?

Konoha
I can't help it. You're my loving family.

Hazuki
.....
Huhu...

Ayame
Yeah!

=====2=====

-Abandoned Building-

Nanaka
Well, shall we begin?
The reason we have gathered here today...
Is to make sure we are all in agreement of how we go forward from here on.

Akira
Nanaka, that...
Includes Kamihama Magia Union, right?

Nanaka
...Yes.

Akira
In that case, I would like you to hear my thoughts first.

Nanaka
We'll listen then.

Akira
I want to join Kamihama Magia Union,
not as a team, but as an individual.
I want to join Kamihama Magia Union so that I can help everyone.
And...
I would like to be the bridge that connects our team to Kamihama Magia Union.

Nanaka
.....

Akira
Is that wrong?

Meiyui
I do not mean to hitch a ride, but I too would like to join.
We will gather information much quicker from the inside...
As it is just as important to see from the inside out, yes.
Besides, it would be bad for us if Kamihama Magia Union were to collapse.

Nanaka
...I understand what both of you are thinking.
Was there anything you wanted to say, Kako-san?

Kako
...I...well...
Unlike them, I'm not settled on my thoughts...
I'm still...thinking...

Nanaka
...Is that so.
Now, I will tell you what our policy will be in response to the ever changing situation.
Regarding joining Kamihama Magia Union as a team...
I have no intention of us joining them.

Meiyui & Akira
――っ!?

Meiyui
Wait a moment.

Akira
Did you even listen to what we had to say?

Nanaka
Yes. From the first word to the very last.
So, please listen to me until I am finished.

Meiyui & Nanaka
.....

Nanaka
I still hold that we will not be joining as a team.
However...
If you wish to join them individually, I will not stop you from here on.

Akira
Nanaka...!

Meiyui
...I hope this won't burden you.

Nanaka
Of course, there are conditions.
You must maintain your own thoughts, and not be influenced by others.
Also, only act with the best intentions for the team...and for your loved ones.

Akira
Sure...! I understand.

Meiyui
Just as she said. No problems here.

Nanaka
Okay.
I will not be joining, and I will not stop either of you.

Kako
.....
Um, what should... I do...

Akira
Kako-chan, you said it yourself yesterday, didn't you?

Kako
Eh...

-Flashback-

Kako
I can't...let someone else...make my decisions for me...
Because they would...I'm sure...
Come back to me...when I need them most.

-End Flashback-

Kako
.....

Nanaka
Kako-san, I think your thoughts are correct as well.
The feathers that joined the Wings of Magius
let the Magius make their decisions for them, and in turn became disposable pieces.

Kako
...Yes.

Nanaka
Sometimes you have to hastily come up with an answer.
But, that isn't the case right now, is it?

Kako
Ah...

Akira
Yeah. You're fine.
You're still thinking about "what's best" and "what's right."

Meiyui
...And we will listen to you. That is what teammates do, yes.

Kako
You guys...
Thank you so much...!
I will...figure out...just what...I can do...!

=====3=====

-Mikazuki Manor-

Yachiyo
Welcome.

Iroha
I'm sorry, you had to come all the way here...

Akira
No, I had some errands out this way anyway.

Meiyui
Besides, it is only natural to show respect to the leader.

Iroha
Eh... Leader...
You mean, you want to join Kamihama Magia Union...?

AKira
Yep. We're here to join.

Meiyui
I asked Miyako to arrange this meeting today so that we could join.

Hinano
...That's how it went.
Sorry I didn't fill you in on the details before;
they were still pretty unsure about it until a few days ago.
I didn't want to say anything that'd get your hopes up.

Yachiyo
So you're saying that... You managed to persuade them, Miyako-san?

Hinano
When I talked to them, they wouldn't listen to a word I said.

Yachiyo
Well, that's a certainty...
I never thought their team would join us...

Iroha
Umm... What about Nanaka-san and Kako-chan?

Meiyui
Nanaka and Kako will not be joining.
We came here on our own terms, not as a team.

Akira
Ah, but don't get the wrong idea, they don't want to join,
but Nanaka and Kako-chan
aren't opposed to Kamihama Magia Union or anything.
It's nothing like that.
Nanaka wanted me to relay a message,
saying "let us continue to help each other just as before."

Yachiyo
...I see. That helps.
Could you tell her we said
"We also look forward to our continued cooperation?"

Akira
Yeah!

Iroha
Then, to make this formal...
Akira-san, Meiyui-san,
welcome to Kamihama Magia Union!
We look forward to working alongside you!

Akira
Same here, let's work hard together!

Meiyui
We are in your hands.

---

Kako
[Having thought hard on it, Akira-san and Meiyui-san joined Kamihama Magia Union.]
[Nanaka-san continues to conduct the team and our goals.]
[Ayame-chan decided to talk to her family and let them know how she truly feels.]
["For those I love," I'm sure we all think the same way.]
[I haven't been able to give an answer yet, but when the day comes that I have to... I hope that my answer will help everyone I care for...]
[Now that our days of peace are ending, I want to get them back, so I will do what I think is right for those I love.]
[Because I want to be there standing right alongside all of them...]