Arc2 Ch6 Ep2

Thanks BST for reviewing, Gilde and Sforzando for the baseball terminology
==============================

The Master of Light and Dark

Kanagi
I have to move, otherwise everyone will be swallowed up by darkness...

=====1=====

Mikage
Yay, the end of the toothpick is red! It's a winner, Sutan!

Sudachi
Hu mumu!

[Progress has been made in the investigation of alleged gang members intervening in the Kamihama mayoral election.]
[According to police, one gang member who volunteered to answer questions has alluded that a crime involving the transfer of money may be involved.]
[We are now live at the police station in Mizuna Ward where the incident took place.]
[*Pew...*]

Mikage
Ah-

Old Lady
What, you tellin' me you're interested in this kind of news?

Mikage
N-noo, Mii was just looking!
(Nee-cha...will you be okay...)

Kagome's Diary
Small uncertainties about the Kimochi.
Whether Union or Promised Blood, uncertainty had spread regardless of who, but this alone was not enough reason to end the fighting.
So long as Kyubey does not lie, no one will shake off the possibility of acquiring the automatic purification system.
And as long as Promised Blood lashes out at the mahou shoujo of Kamihama because of their grudge, Union's mahou shoujo also cannot avoid fighting...
Under the current situation, the suspicions regarding the Kamihama mayoral election have begun to cast a dark shadow over Mitama-san and Kanagi-san, who have been helping out.
Thinking back on it, I believe this was a major event that showed just how deeply involved we, the non-mahou shoujo, are with those girls.

-Mikazuki House (Laboratory)-

Uwasa of the Wind Evangelist
――――

Sakurako
| Yes, there are scary Uwasa, but I am not bothered by them. |

Uwasa of the Wind Evangelist
――――

Sakurako
| Then I will introduce you to everyone next time. |

Nemu
What are you two talking about?

Sakurako
| Uwasa of the Wind Evangelist is worried if she can get along with everyone or not. |

Ui
By everyone, you mean the stories in the book?

Sakurako
| Yes. |

Nemu
...It seems the inside of my book has a world far beyond my imagination.

Ui
But it would be great if everyone got along well.

Nemu
Muhu, it would be.

Kagome
Ah, that reminds me, Touka-chan.

Touka
Meoowhaat?

Kagome
Here, I took this picture the other day, but you can use it if you can.
Compared to Ryou-san, I'm not a good photographer at all, though...

Touka
Thank you.
But I've only just started sending out information via SNS,
so the results will still be a while, okay?
Plus I still have to analyze the image I got from Onee-sama and her team.

Kagome
Ah, that black image that was on Ryou-san's smartphone, you mean?

Touka
Right, right, there does seem to be sooomething in the picture, nyaa.

Nemu
I would like to talk about that photo,
but are Yachiyo-onee-san and the others still talking upstairs?

Ui
Yeah, I think they're talking about yesterday.

Touka
They should know that having all these reflection meetings is a waste of tiiime.

Nemu
If we of Magius were to say something that makes light of reflection
we would without a doubt incur their wrath...

Touka
Onee-sama isn't home today either, is she?

Ui
Yeah, Onee-chan is still over treating Kanagi-san.

Touka
I want to talk to her soonyaa...

-Upstairs-

Hinano
You really think Kanagi-san's going to be able to move tomorrow...?

Yachiyo
That's why Iroha is continuing to treat her.

Hinano
We can still fight witches without being chosen by the Kimochi.
If they notice that gimmick, then we REALLY won't have any time left...

Yachiyo
Yeah, they would probably attack the witch to make her run away.
...If I hadn't made the decision to divide us into two teams...

Hinano
None of us could have predicted Promised Blood would pile up at the trainyard.
Quit worrying about it.

Tsuruno
Regardless, we need to make the first strike before that witch escapes!

Sana
Huh...?
Wouldn't that mean that Promised Blood would lose sight of the witch, too...?

Tsuruno
That's true, but they'd have an easy time finding her again.
The offshoot Mirrors in Futatsugi still wouldn't move, right?
So I think all they'd have to do is take a train back to Futatsugi, take the shortcut back to Kamihama,
and then they would figure out where the exit is in Kamihama...

Sana
Ah, I see... They would just go in from the other side...

Yachiyo
But we're not without flaws, either.
I want to wait for Kanagi-san to recover,
as well as keep an eye on Rena and Felicia for another day.

Sana
Rena-san must still be...

Yachiyo
I got a call from Momoko.
She still looks angry as usual, but inside she's probably a mess.

Sana
To have your friend be an enemy...

Yachiyo
Yeah...

[*Thud thud thud thud!*]

Felicia
I'm heading out!

Yachiyo
Ah - make sure to be back by dinner, okay!?

Felicia
I got you!

Hinano
Felicia doesn't look even a little tense. She looks happy as can be to me.

Tsuruno
Ahh, if she doesn't go out to play with her friends, she won't have a way to distract herself.

Yachiyo
In reality, I think she's barely hanging on...
In the meantime, if we're going to be working tomorrow, today is the only day to get information.
We still have to take care of the subway, so let's investigate it one more time.

-Kanagi's Home-

Iroha
How is it?

Kanagi
Mm, much better. I can move my body easier now.
っ…！

Iroha
I'll keep going a little more. If you move too much you're going to be in pain.

Kanagi
I'm causing you trouble.

Iroha
No, we're the ones that have been forcing you too much.
.....

Kanagi
.....
Tamaki-kun, something seems to be bothering you as well.
I didn't read your mind, it's just something I feel.

Iroha
...No, you hit the mark.
I've started leading the group just like you, Yachiyo-san, and the others.
I'm still planning to spread the automatic purification system to the world,
but I feel like I've lost sight of my roots...
Kanagi-san, how do you think as a leader...?

Kanagi
Mm, that's a tough one... Something like my mindset...?

Iroha
Yes.

Kanagi
I see...hmm...
If there is happiness, we're happy together. If there is sadness, we are sad together...
Mahou shoujo are all equals in our fate, so we must support one another...
That is who I am within Union.

Iroha
...Then what is your goal in this conflict...?

Kanagi
The same as yours: to expand the automatic purification system.

Iroha
But why, isn't that a contradiction?
Everyone should be equal...and want to be saved...
To have to trample over someone's feelings and torment them...

Kanagi
You can't sacrifice your companions by keeping that mindset.
The only thing we can do is stick to the greatest common factor.
"Look at reality, not just ideals" is what I'm saying.

Iroha
You're right...

Kanagi
Does that not sit well with you?

Iroha
No, I understand... But...yes...it doesn't feel right to me...

Kanagi
Still as stubborn as ever, Tamaki-kun.
You want to break your own mindset, yet you're troubled with doing so.
It's foolish.

Iroha
I'm sorry...

Kanagi
However, I don't hate it.

Iroha
Eh?

Kanagi
One day, Tamaki-kun, you had told me that foolishness is a virtue...

Iroha
Yes...

Kanagi
I really do believe that.
I don't understand it logically, and would rather rebuke it,
but that pure, foolish reasoning I find to be charming.
I think the true answer lies beyond normal understanding.

Iroha
The true answer...?

Kanagi
I don't know what it is, but if I had to say,
that someone is recklessly working to save everyone equally
I find myself a little more relieved.
I think so rationally that I feel discriminative.

Iroha
...It's difficult, isn't it.

Kanagi
Apologies, I must be confusing you.
For now you should hold onto that purity.

[The problem of disparity between the east and west has been a topic of discussion for quite a long time, but the effects of this election are going to have a major impact on the citizens living here.]

Kanagi
.....

=====2=====

-Park

Kako
Felicia-chan just said she would be here soon.

Ayame
If she's gonna be late, she should at least call us.
Anyways, is it alright for Felicia to be playin' with us?
You and I aren't in Union,
but Felicia's from Mikazuki Manor, so she's right at the heart of it.

Kako
What do you think about it?
I think Yachiyo-san is the one who decided on their policy
and Felicia-chan has the fighting power, but she must not be as deeply involved...

Ayame
She's got her share, then!

Kako
Eh!? Ah...well...
Yeah, she's the right girl at the right place...! I think, anyway...!?

Ayame
What's that supposed to mean...?

Kako
Um...that Felicia-chan is better suited for fighting, I suppose?
...I don't think she's in the right place for it now, though...

Ayame
That thing about her mommy and daddy Felicia was chalkin' about again?
I tellin' you it's just a dream.

Kako
But...she may be acting like she's fine, but you can see that she's very tired...

Ayame
That's...you're right about that, but y'know...

Kako
Felicia-chan...

Ayame
Heey, Kako, do you know something?

Kako
Eh!?

-Flashback-

Kyubey
...Mitsuki Felicia lost her parents.

Kako
.....

Kyubey
...Through her own error.

-End Flashback-

Kako
I-I don't know, I don't know!

Ayame
It's just a dream, but you're so worried about it. It's reaaal weird!

Kako
Then you're not worried at all, Ayame-chan...!?

Ayame
O-of course I'm worried about her too...!
I grew up as an abandoned kid at the Azalea House
so I don't know my mommy or daddy, but...
When I think about Director-sensei, I get really sad...
But it ain't like I can do anything sittin' and worrying over here!

Kako
――っ!?
Yeah...I'm sure the only ones who could comfort her... Are Felicia-chan's parents...
No one else could ever replace them...

Ayame
Parents...
I got it, let's go listen to that story!

Kako
Eh!? What do you mean!? Who are we listening to!?

Felicia's Voice
Oooi! Ayameee!, Kakooo!

Ayame
FELICIA!

Felicia
Ah? What's with you, you got a big voice all a sudden.
You tryin'a duel again!?

Ayame
Nope! Today we're gonna find some ghosts!

Felicia
We still got all day 'til it's night. Are you an idiot?

Ayame
Whaaat!? I'm here worrying about you!

Felicia
I dunno what the hell you mean!

Ayame
Come on, let's go over to Suichoku Temple! Ghosts have been showin' up lately!

Kako
I know I heard a child talking about it in the shopping district, but...
(I don't think that had anything to do with a ghost at Suitoku Temple...)

-Suitoku Temple-

Ayame
This way! Let's go to the graves!

Kako
I feel like we'll get cursed... I wonder if this is okay...

Felicia
Dunno where, but I coulda sworn I'd heard of Suitoku Temple before...

Ryouko
Oi oi, thought I'd seen someone over here.
Aren't you one of Mikazuki Manor's mahou shoujo?

Felicia
Crap, this was that Tokime place!

Ryouko
What're you sneaking around for, trying to watch your enemy?

Felicia
Hell no! We came here lookin' for spirits!

Ryouko
While the sun's still above you!?
Ah-haha, there ain't spirits, but we got some nitwits. ¹

Ayame
We're not dumb! 'Cause we heard all about it!
That a ghost was seen here at noon.

Kako
Besides, Ayame-chan and I are not in Union,
so we're especially not here to watch any enemies...

Ryouko
It'd be all the same if there was one, havin' a ghost at this hour...
Well, either way, it'd be better if you came back another day.
Didn't y'all hear about Tokime?

Felicia
...That you guys beat Neo Magius, but a ton of your friends got hurt?

Ryouko
So you know.
Which means you should also know we don't have time to be dealin' with visitors.

Chiharu's Voice
I'VE CAUGHT YOU RED-HANDED!!

Felicia
Charu!

Chiharu
Huhu, I've been waiting to say that line my whole life!

Felicia
The heck's that about...

Chiharu
Ryouko-chan, it's okay to let these three through.

Ryouko
Mm? So you're sayin' those two are doin' alright, then?

Chiharu
Yep, they're in stable condition, so we're all good.

Ryouko
Well, guess we got no problems here, do we?
They can come in now if word's already moved that quickly.

Chiharu
That's what I meant!

Kako
...Quickly?

-Interior-

Shizuka
So Sunao and Chika, they are already doing well, then?

Asahi
From what I could tell by asking the dead residing in the temple, they have distanced themselves from death.

Shizuka
Thank the gods... They're not going to the underworld after all...

Asahi
As diviners, we have no need to worry about physical damage.
Though it does consume magic, their recovery is certain.

Shizuka
I know that, but I still cannot help but worry for them.

Asahi
I agree with that, howev-

[*Clatter!*]

Asahi
Mm?

Kako
Kyaaa!!

Felicia
Uwa! There really ARE ghosts up in here!!

Ayame
See, see! What did I tell you!?

Chiharu
Quiet down a little...!
You'll wake up Sunao-chan and Chika-chan...!

Kako
I-I'm sorry...!
But I really didn't believe there were ghosts...

Ryouko
I knew we'd get this reaction.

Asahi
What is the matter?

Shizuka
Honestly, I thought we had visitors, but instead we get surprise screaming.

Ryouko
They said they'd come to the temple lookin' for spirits.

Ayame
I heard all about it! There's ghosts appearing in Suichoku Temple!

Shizuka
So that's how you got through. The story has traveled quickly.
This is Asahi's unique magic.

Ayame
...Eh, then you mean that chick's the one that's makin' them appear!?

Asahi
That chick...well it is true.

Felicia
What're you doin' making ghosts come out?

Asahi
It can be used in several ways,
but in this instance it is validation concerning the time of one's death.

Felicia
Gone learning...of math...? ²

Asahi
It is not about calculations; I am talking about the time of death.
With Sunao-dono and Chika-dono's injuries, it is a question of whether they are closer to life or death,
and that is my way of confirming.

Felicia
eeEEH!? Are they gonna be okay!?

Chiharu
They're okay, that's why we let you three pass.

Shizuka
I heard they are already doing well, so they must have had a swift recovery.

Felicia
That's a huge relief then.

Kako
~ Hey, Ayame-chan... ~
~ You know there are ghosts, but what were you going to do...? ~

Ayame
~ Eh - well... ~
~ Ask 'em to talk to the ghosts of Felicia's parents...I guess? ~

Kako
~ Um, even if they could... To do it right in front of Felicia-chan... ~

Ayame
~ That bad...? ~
~ But she's already heard, so why not just ask her? ~

Kako
~ Y-you can't...! ~
~ You might hurt Felicia-chan, ~
~ so you absolutely cannot...! ~

======3=====

Tsukuyo
Kanagi-san is planning on moving again tomorrow...

Mifuyu
Promised Blood may try to move the offshoot Mirrors...
I have heard about the situation. This is reason enough to hurry.

Tsukuyo
But the previous battle has caused distrust in the east.

Tsukasa
We need to get some results before everyone starts losing faith in each other, ne...

Mifuyu
Especially the feather girls from the Wings of Magius,
most of the ones from Kamihama belong to the east...

Tsukasa
They're craving for their salvation.

Mifuyu
Yes...we all are...

Tsukuyo
Is the only thing that we can do in such a chaotic situation
is search through the Mirrors?

Mifuyu
The only thing left for us is to defeat the witch, much like our strategy the other day.
Now that they have discovered what our goal was,
it may be better to just go back to searching...
...However...

Alina
Suu...suu...

Mifuyu
As long as Alina is unable to produce a map of the 16th floor and beyond,
searching will be just as difficult...

Tsukasa
Jeez, I think we should just go right in without waiting on a map anymore.

Mifuyu
Right, we cannot just rely on her dreams.

Alina
Suu...n-...nmu...

Tsukuyo
She sleeps so frequently...

Karin
.....

[*Scribble scribble scribble...*]

Tsukuyo
Karin-chan, what is it that you are drawing?

Karin
My manga!
This'll be super important for Alina-senpai!

Tsukuyo
...Is that so?

[～～♪～～♪]

Mifuyu
Ha-...this isn't good, it's Touka...!
Y-yes!

Touka's Voice
You have quite some nerve to be late for studyinyaaa!

Mifuyu
Please excuse me! I have had so many meetings to attend!

Alina
.....

-Dream-

Alina
Finally found the entrance to the next furoa.					(*Floor)
Now, just where has the real Alina gone?

-End Dream-

---

Touka's Voice
Okaay, keep studying until we meet next time, byebyyye.

Mifuyu
Yes, thank you very much.

Tsukuyo
That ended earlier than expected.

Tsukasa
Nee.

Mifuyu
That is only because we went over the answers to my assignment from last time.

Karin
And I just finished up too!

Mifuyu
Oh, is it that important manga for Alina?

Karin
That's right! You have to check it out!

Mifuyu
...This is-!

Tsukasa
"The Alina Gray Reform Project"...

Tsukuyo
What meticulous effort!

Mifuyu
What is the story behind this...?

Karin
This story is a representation of some very important words
from Magical Kirin that I told Alina-senpai!

-Flashback-

Karin
Don't ever forget about the Magical Kirin you read in the hospital!
Especially the one about the phantom thief girl
stopping a researcher from destroying the earth by giving her words of affection;
that one is for Alina-senpai!
Right now Alina-senpai's heart should be full of sweetness!

-End Flashback-

Karin
[But Alina-senpai is selfish and showed absolutely no signs of change. At the prison, everyone was in the middle of fighting, but she ignored it all and ran away.]
[I won't let that happen again...]
[I have to let Alina-senpai know that if she becomes kind, the whole world will be more beautiful!!]
[That's why in the manga I drew, Alina-senpai regrets escaping from Kamihama Prison and, to atone, she goes into the Endless Mirrors just like she is now.]
[And then she slays the mirror witch that no one before her could ever defeat, and everyone in Kamihama thanks her, and that is when Alina-senpai finally realizes:]
[If you become kind, everything around you changes. The whole world will look beautiful. That is the beauty that Alina-senpai has been searching for.]
[Hence! "The Alina Gray Reform Project" is here!!]

Tsukuyo
I would certainly be delighted if that were to happen, however...

Tsukasa
It's pretty grand, but I just don't see that future coming true.

Tsukuyo
Nee...

Karin
That's not true at all! Next time you'll understand!

Mifuyu
.....
This is it...!

Tsukuyo
Eh!? What is it!?

Alina
Suu...nmu...

-Dream-

???
――――

Alina
Okaay.
Then you basically know the sebuntiin furoa.					(*Seventeenth Floor)
You better show me to the next furoa, ya.						(*Floor)
If you are Alina, then you have no reason to hesitate.

???
――――

Alina
The next mirror.
It feels like it's even deeper. AHA, it's like Alina's getting closer to herself, ya.
――っ!?
(The magic is definitely getting closer, but...)
Sutorenji... Something has gone wrong...here...					(*Strange)
Thought it was Alina, but this reaction is...
Not Alina at all, though...

-End Dream-

Alina
HA-...っ...
(Then, who is it Alina has been chasing this whole time...?)

Mifuyu's Voice
Alina!

Alina
――っ!?
The very moment of waking it's noijii in here, but...			(*Noisy)
What is it?

Mifuyu
With your hands, Alina, let's destroy all of Mirrors!

Alina
.....Paadon?													(*Pardon?)

Mifuyu
Ah, I had better notify the Tokime clan as well while I am at it!

=====4=====

Tsukuyo
Alina-san did not show up after all, ne.

Mifuyu
Though they are involved with the Mirrors,
it is better to send word to the Tokime clan.

Tsukasa
About before, Mifuyu-san. You said you wanted to destroy the Mirrors,
but you meant that terminal we found the other day, ne?

Mifuyu
Yes, I am hoping that we will be able to eliminate
every group's shortcut at the same time.
But there is also the risk that we could harm Tokime as well,
so I would like to explain it to them.

Tsukuyo
We may have broken our alliance, but we are still on friendly terms.

Tsukasa
Yeah, it's better to let them know so they don't turn against us, ne.

[*Ring♪*]

Mifuyu
.....
Yacchan and the others came to an agreement.

---

Shizuka
I understand the situation.

Ryouko
I'm from the neighborhood so I don't really mind the barrier goin' away,
but ain't that gonna bother the head family and some of the others?

Shizuka
We do not return often, so while it is an inconvenience, it isn't a problem.

Chiharu
I'm sure Okaa-san would understand if I told her.
I'd be happier if they left ours alone, though...

Shizuka
So you can confirm that ours is included as well?

Mifuyu
Yes, it is.

Tokime Girl 1
We of the branch families have no objections.

Tokime Girl 3
We are already prepared to leave our homes behind until the battle is through.
We have come from all over Japan, and even now we do not use the barriers.

Chiharu
All that's left is to hear from Sunao-chan and Chika-chan, I guess.

Sunao
~ I heard the story. I'm fine with it, Charu, Shizuka. ~

Chika
~ Don't worry about me, either. You may go ahead as you are. ~

Chiharu
They're both alright with it, too.

Mifuyu
Eh, it was that easy? Um, are you positive this is okay...?

Chiharu
Our situation is different from the other groups.
All of our families and the people of our villages know about mahou shoujo.
Getting to school will be harder, but our parents are understanding so we'll be just fine.

Shizuka
As Charu says, those involved in our lives are quite understanding.
The only barriers of ours are connected to the head family,
so when weighing the two options, it is clear which is the right decision.

Mifuyu
That is true, thank you very much.

Chiharu
Then are we done here?

Shizuka
Mitsuki-san had come here today, too. We've been having plenty of Union guests over.

Mifuyu
Felicia-san, too? She must have come to play, then?

Shizuka
Yeah, to look for phantoms at the gravesite.

Mifuyu
For what reason would she... Regardless, I apologize for the trouble...

Shizuka
It's fine, no trouble at all.

Mifuyu
Also, excuse me.
Iroha-san asked me about another matter.
If you don't mind, I would prefer to speak to a limited number of people...

Shizuka
I have no qualms. If everyone could leave their seats for a little.

---

Shizuka
So did Tamaki-san have some kind of message for us?

Mifuyu
A question, yes.
Have you heard of the Kimochi trying to steal their owner's body before?

Shizuka
Yes...

Mifuyu
Has anything in particular changed amongst the people of the Tokime clan?
We are starting to get a little suspicious of the Kimochi...

Ryouko
Is that your way to get us shakin' in our boots or somethin'?

Mifuyu
No, that was not my intention. I only wanted to hear the state of your clan.

Chiharu
Nothing's happened here, right?

Shizuka
Right, nothing in particular regarding the Kimochi.
Besides, Kyuubee-sama is not one to tell lies.

Mifuyu
I understand. That is all I needed to hear.
Then that is all I had to talk about, if you would excuse me.

---

Tsukasa
Why'd Tamaki-san want to ask Tokime something like that?

Mifuyu
She is too kind, perhaps? She must just be worried.
Because if they lost trust in Kyubey, they will be the ones to suffer the most.

Tsukuyo
It is rare for one person to garner so much respect, ne.

Shizuka
Hey, wait!

Tsukuyo
――っ!?

Mifuyu
W-what is it!?

Shizuka
I have a question for you:
Do you believe that any evil person is capable of becoming a good person?

Mifuyu
Eh, eh, is this one of those Zen questions...?

Shizuka
Whatever your normal thoughts are. That is all I ask.

Mifuyu
My thoughts...hmm... If I have to go by my gut reaction, then...
I believe it would be very difficult for an evil person to become good.

Shizuka
...Why?

Mifuyu
Because in my experience, people unconsciously fall to evil...

Shizuka
They...do it unconsciously...? What does that look like...?

Mifuyu
My family...for example...
My parents know nothing about me, yet they have bound me to my home.

Tsukuyo
With that said, I too have been forced to practice until I have collapsed.

Tsukasa
And I'm still practically a maid in my workshop, ne.

Shizuka
None of them have ever realized the pain they cause you...?
You cannot change them...?

Tsukasa
They're not evil, so it's not like I can change them.

Mifuyu
Besides, even if it could be done, it's their children who are afraid.
Even if I could change my parents,
if they gave an apology right now, my hatred would only boil over and cause evil to sprout.
.....I...
There are times when I desperately try to suppress it all...

Shizuka
――っ!?

Mifuyu
It may be surprising to you.
To me, there are those who will always be evil...

Shizuka
...You're right.
[...Mikoshiba.]

-Mikazuki House (Laboratory)-

Iroha
I'm hooome.

Tsuruno
Welcome home! Is Kanagi bouncing back?

Iroha
Yes, I think she's recovered enough to be able to fight.
We did a little test run stopping by the Kamihama Prison,
and she seems like she's back to moving normally.

Yachiyo
Stopping by... Did she need to do something there?

Iroha
Yes, she wanted to check the door connecting to the subway.

Yachiyo
Check, you mean-

Tsuruno
You found it!?

Touka
Pin pooon! Gold star for a perfect answer!
How'd it go, Onee-sama?

Iroha
Yeah, we found it.
They completely camouflaged it. If you go through the door, you can see railroad tracks on the other side.
But you seem to already know that.

Touka
All thanks to that photo you asked me to analyze.

Iroha
You mean that black photo?

Sana
Then you know what was in that picture...

Touka
I sure do, it's amaaazing!

Nemu
Now that we've found this new route, there should be no question as to what decision to make.

Yachiyo
Considering the reason why the development of the subway failed,
it makes sense that it's connected to Kamihama Prison.

Nemu
They're related?

Yachiyo
It was said that they found the underground area of the prison due to the pre-development survey being done poorly.
I looked into it again today, and started learning the reasons behind it.

Nemu
What terrible circumstances...

Ui
When you make something like that, you really have to do research then, don't you.

Iroha
I've also seen on the news
that when they tried constructing a new building, they found the remains of an old townscape.

Ui
Heeh, interesting.

Yachiyo
Anyways, the route from the prison being blocked ended up a lie,
so let's make good use of it.

Tsuruno
Sorry to burst your excitement, but I also got some results!

Iroha
Tsuruno-chan too!?

Tsuruno
Believe it or not, there's a ventilation shaft at the junction in the subway,
and it was supposed to be an evacuation route back up to the surface during development!
This is a major breakthrough! Yep Yep!

Yachiyo
If we can come up with a plan using the route we found, we should be able to wall in our opponents.

Tsuruno
Right!? Right!? Now praise me to your heart's content!

[*Ring♪*]

Yachiyo
.....
It seems Mifuyu was also able to come to an agreement with the Tokime clan.

Touka
You're going to destroy the terminal that you found in Mirrors?

Iroha
Yeah, then we can remove the shortcut from the Mirrors side.

Yachiyo
Mm?

Iroha
Huh, are we doing something different?

Yachiyo
No, it's just Mifuyu's mail also mentioned Felicia.
It says she stopped by Suitoku Temple, so she will be coming home late.

Sana
Now that you mention it, Felicia-san hasn't come home yet...

Iroha
Yeah, this is about the time she would be getting back,
but it's almost time to meet at Ryushinkan. Will she make it in time?

[*Ring♪*]

Iroha
Now Onee-chan's getting a message?

Iroha
Yep, from Kaede-chan.
.....
Eh - they've met Ranka-chan at the game center...

Tsuruno
No, that's gotta be a trick!

Iroha
Yeah...

=====5=====

Rena
You've got some nerve coming here after lying to us.
Don't start complaining if we beat you to a pulp here.

Ranka
You and I both know you can't start freaking out in here.

Juri
Nihi.
I was wonderin' how you'd look, but looks like we did some big damage to ya.

Kaede
Rena-chan doesn't have very many friends,
so she was overjoyed to be friends with Ranka-chan...

Juri
Well aren't you just terrible, then...?

Ranka
I'm a Promised Blood spy that infiltrated Kamihama.
From the beginning, being friends with you was impossible.
But, to be honest here a sec, if we weren't enemies I would be your friend.
Really, it's messed with me, too. I had fun playin' with you.

Rena
.....

Momoko
Stop it.
Even if you weren't pretendin', this is just hell for her.
Go on back to your base or Futatsugi.

Ranka
This is a game center for everyone.
Feel free to run home yourself.

Juri
Juri-sama hates doin' all that cheap witty crap.
Don't act like we're tryin' to run ya through your feelings or anythin'.
Why don't you kids just enjoy all the entertainment together and get it all out, huh.
See ya.

Ranka
~ From the very beginning I came to you guys as an enemy, ~
~ but I was never prepared for this. It shocked me, too. ~

Rena
~ What, NOW you're trying to apologize...? ~

Ranka
~ Nope, don't feel like it. ~
~ So take this chance to really start hating me. ~
See ya.

Rena
YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SAY THAT, RENA HATES EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU!!

Ranka
Good, I'm glad.

---

Rena
.....

Kaede
Wait, Rena-chan!

Momoko
Kaede, you don't have to yell to her.

Kaede
But...

Momoko
This is Rena's way of sorting things out.

Rena
Don't know, don't know...! Rena doesn't know who you are anymore...!
Next time we meet, Rena's gonna shut that horrible mouth of yours...!!
(Rena has to throw all this anger and sadness somewhere...)
(Who gives a shit if Rena breaks the punching machine...)
She was my friend, and Rena's gonna hit her with every ounce of strength and erase her.

Felicia's Voice
RyaaaAAAAAH!!

Rena
What the hell are you doing!?
Wait, the punching machine's already broken!

Felicia
Shut up!
Wha - Rena...

Momoko
Uwa - I thought I'd heard some loud noise.
The whole thing's been torn apart. This is dangerous...

Kaede
Hold on, Rena-chan!
I know how you feel, but this is going too far!

Rena
Idiot! Rena didn't do this!

Felicia
Uuuu, hu, uuu....

Rena
Rena's supposed to be the one crying, but now you're starting to!

Kaede
Well, if it makes you feel better, Rena-chan, then -

[*Smack*]

Kaede
Fuyuu! Why did you hit mee!?

Rena
Kaede, you idiot!

Kaede
Uuu...

Felicia
Uuu, aaAAaaAA!

Rena
Why is it always Rena... Ku, huu...

Momoko
Hold on a minute, what's this chain reaction here!?
Oh, this is bad, we need to get out of here...!

Kaede
I'm sorry, Rena-chan, I said something inconsiderate to you...

Rena
No, Rena's sorry for getting so emotional...

Momoko
Okay, you two made up, now how about Felicia?

Felicia
I'm okay...

Momoko
Did something happen...?

Felicia
Wasn't anythin' really.

Momoko
Someone with nothin' going on doesn't just smash a punching machine.

Felicia
...Right, there was something.
I lost a game to Ayame, and it frustrated the hell out of me!

Momoko
...That all? Okay, I get it.

Felicia
Say, Momoko.

Momoko
Mm?

Felicia
About today, keep it a secret from Yachiyo 'n everyone!

Momoko
I'm sure that's gotta be embarrassing, so I'll do that.
Rena, Kaede, you two alright now?

Rena
Yeah, sorry for being such a pain for you...

Kaede
Me too... I'm sorry Momoko-chan...

Momoko
I'm just glad you guys calmed down.
We can't be goin' to Ryushinkan with everyone in that state.

=====6=====

-Ryushinkan-

Iroha
Felicia-chan and Momoko-chan's group are all back.
That's everyone now, right?

Yachiyo
I never thought you would all be playing at a game center together.
If you're going to be late, could you at least let me know?

Felicia
I got a bit careless!

Momoko
Sorry, Yachiyo-san, even though you left the subway to me I-

Yachiyo
It's okay, we got plenty of information.

Kanagi
Tamaki-kun informed me of the photo, but has there been more developments?

Yachiyo
Yeah.
Between my and Tsuruno's research we've found some things.
Mifuyu also gave some suggestions regarding the Mirrors.

Kanagi
Hm, then our next move must be just about set.

Yachiyo
Yeah, we've got a plan.

Iroha
All that's left is to tell everyone the plan and see if there's any problems with it.

Hinano
Then why not start talking?

Ikumi
Go for it, Iroha-chan.

Iroha
Okay, I'll explain, but I haven't put all my thoughts into it yet, so...
[First of all, we've found that we can enter the subway through a ventilation shaft that's near the barrier as well as through the underground area of Kamihama Prison.]
[This time we will break in through three points, including these two just mentioned, as well as the original trainyard path.]
[For now, we can assume Promised Blood is in the barrier, ready to move the offshoot Mirrors,]
[and considering they had their fighting team in front of the trainyard last time, they should be in front of the barrier this time.]

Ikumi
So if they're in front of the trainyard like last time,
won't we all be in a pinch just like Kanagi-san was...?

Tsuruno
If that happens then you just retreat, 'cause that's a good thing.

Ikumi
It is?

Tsuruno
If we can bust in through that ventilation shaft and the prison, we'll be at the barrier in no time.

Iroha
By the way, my side can confirm that the road was not actually blocked.

Kanagi
Indeed, I went with her and saw no issues.

Hinano
With a seal of approval that big I certainly feel more secure.

Ikumi
Yeah, I sure do.

Ui
But we still need to be careful, right?

Iroha
That's right. There doesn't seem to be any signal underground...

Sana
Since Kamihama Prison is underground...
Going through the trainyard would be the same thing...?

Iroha
Yes, I don't think anyone will be able to contact each other once we're underground...

Kanagi
I believe we should decide on a starting time in advance.

Momoko
I'd prefer we prepare carefully without hurryin',
so I'd like a little more time, myself.

Hinano
They're trying to get the offshoot Mirrors moving, though...

Momoko
~ Sorry, Hinano-san. It's for our own reasons... ~
~ They've been shaking Rena all over the place, ~
~ so I just want a little time for her to calm down.  ~

Iroha
~ Then I should mention Felicia-chan is the same. ~

Yachiyo
~ Yeah, she would only say a few words then stay silent. She doesn't seem very well. ~

Hinano
~ If we don't hurry and get into gear someone's going to be backed into a corner. ~
~ Though we're racing against time, I guess maybe we should be cautious... ~

Momoko
~ Also, Felicia told me not to tell this to anyone, ~
~ but it looked like she was cryin' her eyes out at the game center. ~

Iroha
~ Was she really...? ~

Momoko
~ She ended up smashing the punching machine apart. ~

Yachiyo
~ Ehh-!? ~

Tsuruno
~ I hate to say it, but maybe we should leave her off the member list this time. ~

Yachiyo
~ I can already see her sulking... ~

Hinano
~ I have to agree with it. ~

Kanagi
~ Hm... ~
If we don't prepare ourselves for tomorrow, we'll end up like we did last time.
She will only cause more discord, so she won't be of use to us.
So to catch them off-guard in our attack, I say we set the time at 5:30 dawn.
We'll make it all happen then.
Every participating member is responsible for herself.

Yachiyo
Right, anyone who has a problem, take care of it before then.
We'll see how every member is doing and make a final judgment call then.
Since Union's relations are in such a sensitive state now, aren't they...

Hinano
I have no objections to that.
If you can't make it, give me a call 30 minutes before the start.

Kanagi
Tamaki-kun, are you okay with this?

Iroha
Of course.
[Then at 5:30 at dawn, we will begin our plan with all the members listed here.]
[And at the same time, Mifuyu-san's investigation team will be heading to destroy the terminal they found the other day.]
[We don't know what will happen, but we're hoping it will lead to Promised Blood's offshoot Mirrors that they've been using,]
[so we will be taking unchosen mahou shoujo with us as well.]
With that, I hope to see everyone at dawn.

Tsuruno
I can stay with you guys tonight, right Master?

Yachiyo
Yes, of course.

-Subway-

Yuna
Huu...

Juri
How's the mirror witch goin'?

Yuna
It's no wonder the Kamihama girls have so much trouble with it. It's such a complex and strange barrier.

Hikaru
The ones unchosen by the Kimochi are lookin' for it,
but it feels like it's gonna take a little 'onger...

Yuna
I have no doubt that we've nearly reached the deepest part of it, though.

Hikaru
But Unions gonna get here soon, ain't they...?

Yuna
I did score an "insurance run" on Mitsuki Felicia,
so I'm sure she'll buy us the time we need...

Juri
Speaking of, we went and gave Minami Rena a shakedown,
but I can't really say it went either way...

Yuna
That's a rare reaction.

Juri
Mmm...Iunno... She just doesn't seem the type to lose her fightin' spirit.
She snapped 'n blew up after her emotions went all haywire,
more the type to fall into self-loathing.

Ranka
Hu, you got that right.
Rena's an absolute pain in the ass. I'm the same way.

Juri
Anyways, how's the little sister doin?

Hikaru
We've been calling her, but she's hardly respon'in'...

Yuna
...I wonder if she's nearly reached her limit.

Ao's Voice
Don't say that, Onee-sama.

Yuna
――っ!?

Ao
I'm doing just fine.

Yuna
You may be strong physically, but if you get attacked mentally again-
Wha-

Hikaru
Wawa-...!?
Why're you attackin' Hikaru, Ao-san!?

Ao
I wasn't being serious~
But look, I've conquered my fear, haven't I?
Tehe.

-Puella Care-

Livia
(All that talk of the east and west spread faster than I thought...)
(I'm more worried for Felicia-chan, though...)
(It's a damn shame she had to go 'n get dragged into this...)
Huu...

Sudachi
Humuu~...
Humumu-!

Urara
Uu-...huu...
Am I glad I got to be adjusted right before a big fight.

Sudachi
Humumumu, hunmunmuhumumu humunmu!

Urara
I don't know what you're saying.

Yozuru
Sorry for using you as a practice partner, so she says.

Urara
The results are all the same, so I'm fine with it.
Being a part of Promised Blood sure is physically demanding...

Sudachi
Humumu, humummunmumu.

Urara
Mm?

Yozuru
...Let's keep that between us.

Sudachi
Hummuhumumummu?

Yozuru
Given her circumstances, she should not have said that just now.
Answering in reverse to her position in this service is also an act of kindness.

Livia
But if there were any useful information for Urara-chan here,
it'd be askin' what Satori Kagome is up to.
That oughta be interestin', ya?

Urara
That's supposed to be useful information?

Livia
I don't think it's the kinda info that Promised Blood's interested in, though.

Urara
Ehh, I don't get what this is about, but now I'm itching to go ask her...

-Mikazuki House-

Felicia
[Hu-...uu-...Uu...]

[*Clunk...*]

Felicia
Iroha...
.....
っ...
I don't deserve to be with ya guys...

---

-Interview Recording-
    Misono Karin
"I'm busy with this draft right now, so we can do this later!"
"In my next manga, Alina-senpai suddenly wakes up with a BANG, and her memory is restored. I'm aiming to make this my best manga yet!"
"...Ah, it's a manga, but it's not like an ordinary manga, it's more like a plan I thought up."
"If this plan succeeds, Alina-senpai could become an ally of righteousness and end up back at an even zero. So I'm totally making her read it and getting her to act it out the way I think it will!"
"It's true that everyone sees Alina-senpai as a bad person that tried to destroy Kamihama, but from my viewpoint, Alina-senpai hasn't been able to limit her pursuit of beauty, so much to the point that she just can't stop herself!"
"So if I can properly remind her of the difference between good and evil, I'm sure she'll go back to being a wonderful artist!"
"....."
"So, if there is something I'd desire... She's blunt, her thoughts are a total mystery, sometimes she's a bit scary, and I don't always get what she's saying, but..."
"That cool girl that makes me gasp in surprise with her inspirational words... I want Alina-senpai to come back..."


==============================
¹ Original is Obake and Obaka ("ghost" and a play on "idiot")
Note for whoever does localization: this is already localized, leave my jokes alone

² Original lines:
旭: 今回の場合は死期についての確認であります
フェリシア: しき…算数の…？
Felicia confuses 死期についての as しきに算数の, as in she's sounding out shiki and confuses tsuiteno with sansuuno