As Always thanks to my beta-reader, Julia, and everyone reading this. Feel free to leave your thoughts!
A resounding slap echoed in the castle-like abyss. The palm of a hand crashed against someone's cheek. Everyone turned away from the two figures, not wanting to get involved with the bickering siblings.
''What was that for!?'' Kurenai cried, holding her pale hand against her red, swollen cheek.
''For leaving your own brother on the battlefield. You coward.''
Kurenai wanted to say something back, but the dangerous, intimidating glare Shinku was wearing sent a shiver down her spine. As soon as she made eye contact, all words that formed in her head vanished. All she could do was force her mouth shut and look away. She couldn't help but notice that talking without her two fangs made her sound odd.
''Did that girl really-?'' Shinku trailed off as he pretty much forced his hand into her mouth. She didn't resist at all as Shinku looked at the two empty gaps where once the powerful fangs had been. ''Impossible. They're really gone.''
''I'm sorry.''
''It's alright. Sorry,'' Shinku put a pale hand on Kurenai's shoulder. ''I'll admit that I panicked and lashed out at you.''
''Don't worry, bro. We'll just try again and beat her-!''
Finally, the kimono clad woman interrupted the conversation simply by entering the room. She didn't even need to open her mouth to silence the four figures present. The woman took a seat on a big chair at the head of the table. Immediately, a black cat jumped on her lap and purred as the woman gently stroke her hands over the cat's back.
''Shinku, Kurenai,'' She sighed as she held up a hand. ''You failed to destroy those Precure, and it only lead to the birth of a new generation.''
Shinku gulped quietly. Kurenai hid behind her brother, staring at the ground beneath her feet. Both siblings feared the wrath of their leader. A formidable woman she was. Oddly enough, the woman's lips curled upward into a smile. ''But..you did collect quite a serviceable amount of fear. Good job.''
''T-thank you, Mistress Onibara,'' Shinku bowed and grabbed his sister by the hair to force her to do the same. ''We'll immediately depart to colle-!''
''That won't be necessary, Shinku,'' Onibara interrupted calmly.
Shinku gasped ''Why?''
''It wouldn't be fair if the others didn't get a chance, wouldn't it?'' Onibara's ruby eyes shifted around the room. If it weren't for a few bright lights in the corners, the room would be completely dark. A long table stood in the center with a big television on the right.
Her sight stopped at the only person in the room who hadn't said anything. A slender, pale young man sat in the corner of the room by the television. He wasn't watching, the television wasn't even on. He was simply shuffling some cards in his hands while he stared at the ceiling with a bored expression.
''Boneys.''
The sound of his name made the pale man jump a little and turn around. ''Hm? Whaaa?'' He asked and his tone immediately revealed he hadn't been paying attention at all.
That was his response? Shinku's eyes flared with rage. ''How dare you! You joined Mistress Onibara in creating a utopia, a paradise for monsters!" Shinku turned to Boneys, who threw the cards in the air when the vampire approached him with the dangerous glare. "Without her, we would still be stuck in our world! A little respect is-!''
''I'll go.''
Suddenly, the cat on Onibara's lap leaped on the table. She did another leap in mid-air as a black light consumed her. She increased in size and as the light dissipated, she had transformed into a human girl with black cat ears and a matching tail. The cat girl's lips curled into a sneaky grin.
''I would simply love to meet this new Precure~!''
Op: 'Take a Step' by ChouCho
Episode 2: Magical Debut~ hehe
The sun shone down on Yuina, making her sweat even more from both heat and running laps around the school building. So far, she had only run a single lap since class was over. Yuina wiped the sweat of her forehead, forcing herself to continue running. Miss Morino was watching her from the window, after all. If she stopped, she knew she would be forced to run an extra lap.
Enviously, she eyed the students passing her and going home. Stupid Miss Morino. Making her run laps around the school. Just for being a little late. And just for saving their sorry butts. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
''Hey!''
A cheerful voice yelling into her ear out of nowhere made Yuina jump and trip over her own legs. She fell face first into the dirty ground next to the flowerbeds. "OWW!"
''You alright? Didn't mean to scare you. Hehe...'' As Yuina looked up, wiping the dirt off her face, she saw Miku extending a hand to her. Slowly, Yuina took it and the shorter girl helped her back on her feet again.
''Miku? Is there some-?''
''Don't play dumb!'' Miku opened her bag and practically shoved it into Yuina's face.
When she saw the red bat and the pumpkin smiling at her from the bag, a long, and painfully awkward silence fell.
''YUINA AKAGAWA! DON'T JUST STAND THERE TALKING TO YOUR FRIEND!'' The loud voice of their teacher screaming from the window broke the silence. Not wanting to suffer her wrath once more, Yuina immediately started running again at a slower pace this time. Her legs burned from too much running, and as of now, she was gasping for breath.
''She's not my frie-!'' She grumbled softly before noticing that Miku was running next to her, still holding the bag against her chest.
''They wanted to talk to you,'' Miku said simply as she turned around and started running backwards like it was no problem. Yuina, on the other hand, was already out of breath and each step was getting heavier and heavier. It was like someone tied some heavyweight to her feet. ''Hehe. You're not very athletic, aren't you?''
That little remark didn't sit well with Yuina, especially with that little laugh of hers. It made her feel like she was mocking her. But she steeled herself from insulting her. ''I have to admit, you're pretty good at this. How come you aren't part of any clubs?''
''Heh, sports aren't really my thing,'' Miku shrugged. ''I wanted to make a Paranormal Club but...since I was the only member, they wouldn't allow it...''
''Seems logical.''
''Logical? Logical? No way!'' Miku came to a complete halt and Yuina almost bumped into her. ''Why take away my interest just because I'm the only one who loves creepy stuff, or at least the only one willing to admit it? Just because I stand alone in my opinion they think they can dominate me and take that away from me!''
Yuina stopped, catching her breath. She wasn't even halfway finished with the second lap yet. ''Uh...well, if you…put it that way...''
''Excuse me?'' The bat asked softly. ''I'd hate to interrupt your friendly talk but I would like to talk to you, Cure Fang.''
Yuina took a quick look at the window. The teacher wasn't watching anymore. For now, it was probably safe for the bat and pumpkin to stay in Miku's bag.
''I'm Orlok,'' The bat said with a small bow and turned to the pumpkin. ''And this is Jacky.''
''Yuina," She stammered. "I'm Yuina.''
''After you're done with...uh...your...'' The bat fell quiet. He couldn't find the correct word for it. ''When you're done, we would like to talk to you. I'm sure you have some questions for us, as well.''
''I do!'' Yuina cried, only noticing how loud she had said that after the words had rolled over her tongue.
She picked up her running and Miku still followed her. The short girl still made no signs that she was getting tired. She had to admit, Miku Sumire sure had a lot of stamina for such a short, stocky little nymph. "So...how did you find them anyway?"
''I found them on my way to school,'' She grinned. ''Just like an anime~hehe!''
(flashback)
''Neechan! Don't forget your bento!'' An 11-year old girl called from the kitchen as she held up a lilac-colored lunch-box. ''And don't you throw away the carrots again!''
Miku entered the kitchen with a guilty smile. ''Ehehehe~...I'll try," Miku wasn't very fond of carrots. She didn't like how sticky they felt on her teeth.
The younger girl crossed her arms and looked at her elder sister with a stern frown. Despite being four years older than the 11-year old, Miku was still slightly shorter than her. How the younger sister could be taller than her older sister, no one knew.
Kaori Sumire was very mature for her age, especially in comparison to her immature, yet older, sister. Kaori often helped their mother with cleaning, cooking, and she even prepared a lunch box for Miku, as well herself, every morning before school. Since their father was always asleep in the morning from his job as a night guard and their mother being away for her work as the photographer for a fashion-magazine, she had to take on most of the parental responsibilities.
''Carrots are good for you!'' Kaori scolded as she wiggled her index finger. She was like a mother scolding her child. With a pout, Miku packed the box and put on her shoes.
''Bye~!'' They cried in unison as Miku started walking on the familiar road to school.
The concrete road was brimming with heat after being exposed to the blazing sun for so long. A small white butterfly flitted among some flowers, happily enjoying the warm day. Dappled sunlight spotted the concrete road, and fresh, clean air could invigorate anyone who wanted to breathe it. Truly, it was a fantastic morning to be alive.
To Miku, however, it was just another day, another day of boring lessons with the same people. Just like she had to endure every day. Unbeknownst to her, however, today was going to be different. Her ears caught the sound of voices yelling. But where did it come from? She looked to the left. Nothing. She looked to the right. Nothing. She looked down at her feet. Again, nothing.
Above? Two silhouettes, one red and one orange, screamed as they descended from the sky at light speed, falling right onto Miku's face. "UGH!" The tiny figures bounced off of Miku's face, but the impact was so strong that one of her feet slipped, and she found herself falling on her rear. It didn't help that the concrete was hot, and one of her thighs happened to rub against the hot gravel. "OUCH! That hurt!"
Once she calmed down, she peered closer for a better look at what just fell on her face. There was a tiny red bat and an orange pumpkin with green vines protruding out from its stem. To the normal person, they resembled plushies one would get in a UFO catching game, or something that would be sold during Halloween.
But plushies don't flap their wings and yawn. Plushies don't suddenly burst into tears. "It's hopeless! We're doooooomed!" The orange pumpkin wailed.
The purple haired girl was speechless. Since when could bats and pumpkins talk? And bats weren't supposed to be red! There were all kinds of scenarios going on in Miku's head, all of them unimaginable. Unless...
"Look! A human!" The red bat exclaimed, pointing at Miku with one of its clawed wings.
"Whoa! You guys can talk! Awesome!" Miku's blue eyes sparkled with delight. This was just like a magical girl anime! She had seen plenty of magical girl anime to know that the main characters always met magical creatures while arriving late to school.
"She might be able to help us!" The red bat hissed.
The pumpkin nodded in agreement. "Umm...excuse me..." The pumpkin whimpered tearfully in a high voice. ''Can you help us hide?''
Without asking a single question, Miku grabbed the two and shoved them safe into her backpack. She was confused, yes, but she just knew this was the beginning of a crazy and dangerous adventure!
(end flashback)
"It was totally like an anime, for sure!" Remembering that scene, Miku somewhat dramatically wiped a tear away from her eye. ''But the main characters are always the ones who are late for class. I should have known. I should have been late instead of you, then I would be a magical girl right now….''
''Ummm..." Jacky piped in shyly. "there's actually still four spots free...''
Miku's blue eyes widened as she picked she pumpkin up and pressed it against her chest like she was a teddy bear. ''Really?! There's still hope! Yay! Hehehe!''
''H-h-help,'' The pumpkin whimpered, almost unable to breathe. Miku's grip was so tight, she almost cut off Jacky's airway, even though she technically had no neck.
The short girl got the idea and immediately released Jacky from her tight grip. ''Ehehe, sorry.''
''Just tell your story, I'll listen,'' Yuina finally told the bat. If she weren't so irritated and tired right now, she would probably be more curious. Already, her mind started to think an logical explanation for the situation from this morning. How it couldn't possibly have been real. All of this just had to be a dream. A fantasy from someone's sick mind!
But she couldn't. She knew it was real. She had felt it was real. She had felt the pain when being thrown across the room. She had felt the strange feeling of becoming a different person. She had felt the power flowing in her body. That ring that had allowed her to transform in the first place was still on her finger. But, even now, Yuina wasn't sure what to think.
''Yes, tell it, Orly! I wanna know too!'' Miku chimed it. Needless to say, she was much more enthusiastic than Yuina. ''Tell us e-ve-ry-thing!''
Yuina raised an eyebrow. 'Orly? Seriously?'
Orlok took in a small breath of fresh air before starting. ''We come from a different world. Halloween Hills, to be exact. This island you live on...it's where the gate lies between our world and this one's," He explained calmly.
''Hold on...'' Yuina interrupted. Already, she was confused. Different worlds? Gates? ''What do you mean 'gate'?''
''A portal. An entrance. Some kind of doorway allowing you to go from one place to the next,'' Orlok clarified.
Yuina furrowed her eyebrows. Was that talking bat mocking her? As if she didn't know what a gate was. That wasn't what she had meant with her question. She kept quiet. Maybe she was just even more grumpy than usual because of everything that happened today. And because she was still dragging her legs forward for another lap around the school. Just one more and she'll be done.
''There's a gate to another world here!?'' Miku gasped. ''Where is it!? I wanna see!'' Her eyes sparkled with the kind of joy a little kid would have if they got to go to a candy store.
''It's closed,'' Orlok's voice lowered slightly. ''It's impossible to go through it by any normal means. Only the Precure's combined powers can open it. Except on Halloween, then it opens automatically, so we can celebrate Halloween here.''
''Does that mean..?'' Miku's eyes grew wide. ''There are monsters coming to our world on halloween!? Amazing ~hehe!''
''Look at what you're saying! Monsters? Here? That's...'' Yuina snapped. She couldn't believe Miku was so enthusiastic about this. She attempted to refute her claims, but fell silent once she remembered everything that happened this morning. Flashes of the red smoke, Kurenai approaching her and Miku's transformation into an Onryo, as Shinku had called it, flashed through her mind. She shook her head.
''Don't worry. That's where the Precure come in!'' Jacky spoke up with a small smile.
''Purikyua? Like those stupid photo booth things?''
Now Orlok and Jacky seemed confused. The exchanged some odd looks before Orlok started speaking again. ''No. Pretty Cure! Precure! The legendary warriors who fight to protect the world from evil!''
Now it was Yuina and Miku's turns to exchange confused looks.
''That sounds really corny...''
''That sounds really awesome! Hehe!''
Orlok forced a smile. Those were pretty different reactions, and neither of them were the ones he had expected. He revealed three more rings which he had, somehow, hidden in his bowtie. Miku took the rings in her hand and examined them closely. They were identical to the one Yuina had in her finger right now, except the crystals had different colors than her bright pink. The crystals were almost colorless and dull, unlike Yuina's.
''There were actually five, but we lost one...'' Orlok added softly, holding his head low.
''And this one?'' Miku held up the ring. The dull-green crystal had a big crack in it, making it look even more lifeless.
''Fincent's Hollow Changer...'' Jacky whispered, more to herself than the people around her. ''Fin...I hope he's alright.''
Neither of the human girls knew who Fincent was but, in a rare moment of agreement, both Yuina and Miku knew it was better to keep quiet and not push the subject.
''Enough ramblings. I'll continue,'' Orlok broke the tension with few words and a fake smile as he continued his story.
''Us and three others make up the Pretty Cure. We have been protecting your world for a long time,'' He continued while staring into the distance. ''Actually, we are monsters ourselves. But we have no intention of harming humans. I'm a vampire and Jacky is a witch...Or we were until we were ambushed.''
''Ambushed?''
''By a whole army of monsters!'' Jacky shivered. The memories from earlier were vivid in her mind. The absolute terror the group had felt when they were suddenly attacked. The feeling of uselessness when they were forced to leave King Hallow behind, and later Fincent. Jacky didn't even try to hold back the tears this time. Orlok pulled her into a hug to console her, not that it would help any.
''Monsters? Like those two from before?'' Yuina asked somewhat nervously. Then she remembered something that she had been meaning to ask for a while. ''Miku, what actually happened before I arrived?''
''Not much,'' Miku said. ''They just came right out of nowhere and BOOM! Everything was covered in red! It was really freaky!''
Yuina found herself cringing. Miku didn't seem like she was worried or scared. It was like she was having the time of her life, and she wasn't even a Precure. Being in danger's sight seemed to excite her rather than frighten her. Who in their right mind would be excited at the prospect of almost losing their life? Somehow, Yuina couldn't help but question of Miku had issues somewhere in her brain.
Before anyone could say anymore, Orlok and Jacky both gasped and dove back into Miku's bag. The girls found themselves confused, but they went back to running.
''That's enough, Akagawa.''
Both Yuina and Miku stopped in their tracks as their teacher suddenly stood behind them. Miss Morino had a wry smile on her face.
''Good job, today,'' She said as she put an arm on a heavily breathing Yuina. ''You're slowly getting better and better, I see. Your dad would be so proud.''
Yuina nodded slowly as she sank down on the ground. Her legs were burning from running and begging for some rest. Miss Morino really was like her dad. Both were big sports fanatics and treasured stamina, endurance, strength, and a healthy lifestyle, all which Yuina didn't really care about actually. Sure, it was important to eat your vegetables and to get enough exercise but those two took it way too far. At least, that's what she thought.
''Yui, you should work out more!'' Her dad would often say. ''All you do is watch TV and read those magazines!''
Miss Morino bid the two girls farewell as Yuina practically dragged herself away from the school grounds. Her legs still ached with pain. Yuina sighed heavily as she sat down on a nearby bench to catch her breath and rest a little. Miku silently sat down to her and an awkward silence followed.
''Uh..don't you have somewhere to go?''
''I want to help.''
Yuina glanced at Miku. The short girl opened the bag to allow the bat and pumpkin to come out. ''I'm sure at least one of the Hollow Changers will react to you,'' Orlok assured her while he poked his head out. ''You're really passionate. I admire your energy and determination.''
''You think I have a chance?'' Miku's smile grew even wider.
''Of course! I think your chances are very high,'' Jacky added, clasping her vine-like hands together with a gentle smile.
''She's right. Since you're already a very important character in this chapter-'' Yuina began as she rested her head on her hands and stared at the sky absentmindedly. Her wry tone made it hard to know what she was thinking. She was interrupted halfway by the other girl.
''Whoah! Stop!'' Miku cried and pressed her index finger against her lips. ''We're friends now! Give me a nickname! So call me... uh... Mii~ Hehe!''
Yuina blinked a few times. She was rather surprised how eccentric the girl with the purple locks was. She rarely, if ever, was like this during school-hours. Well, whenever Yuina saw Miku, she was always alone. Just like Yuina.
''I'm looking forward to fighting with you, Yui!'' Miku laughed and poked Yuina's side playfully. Yuina felt her face turn beet red, burning with heat. Aside from her parents and family, nobody had ever called her that. She wasn't quite sure how to feel about this, but right now, she couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.
''Uhm….''
''I hate to interrupt your friendly banter but I would like to ask you something,'' Orlok said after a while, while he turned to Yuina. The girl mentally thanked the little bat for breaking that unbearable, awkward tension.
''What is it?''
''I know that this will sound a little odd. I apologize if I come off as-''
''Just spit it out!'' Yuina hissed, her voice dripping with impatience. Immediately after spitting those words out, she regretted it. After seeing Orlok's worried look, she regretted it even more. Why couldn't she just keep her mouth shut sometimes? Yuina wasn't actually a talkative person but whenever she said something, she always ended up insulting or hurting someone in one way or another, not that she ever meant it.
''Is it alright if we come with you? We can explain everything in greater detail, and guide you whenever you have questions.''
Yuina pressed her back against the bench a little. To be honest, a talking bat and pumpkin in her house? She was sure that would end up being a whole lot of trouble. What would her parents say if she found out? What if she couldn't watch more episodes of Secrets and Tears in private? Privacy was one of the things that Yuina considered to be sacred.
''Can I think about it for a day? This is a lot to take in,'' She found herself gasping out.
''Of course! Of course! I completely understand that!'' Orlok immediately answered. He donned a solemn, if not guilty, look and softly added, ''I'm so sorry for dragging you into this. I promise I'll make it up to you, somehow. Forgive me.''
After hearing Orlok's sincere apology, Yuina finally realized it. While she was confused, irritated and actually quite scared from the whole situation this morning, Orlok and Jacky had more reasons to be angry and anxious than she did. She was talking to two beings who had just lost their home, their friends and their family. Everything important to them had been taken away in such short notice. When they had told Yuina and Miku about the attack on their home, their eyes had guilt, pain, and fear in them. The bat and pumpkin in front of her had lost everything, yet they were fighting against some unknown, yet dangerous threat.
Yuina's pain couldn't compare.
''Hey, Yui! Here's my number! It's easier for us to keep contact if something happens,'' Miku handed Yuina a piece of paper with numbers scribbled on it. ''Let's have a meeting tomorrow so we can discuss-!''
''You're getting a little carried away...'' Yuina began softly. ''You aren't even….''
''Soon, Yui! I'll be a Cure too!'' Miku waved her hands to shush Yuina. ''Oh! I've gotta think up a catchphrase and pose!''
''I'm need to go,'' With that, Yuina quickly walked away from the other girl and the two creatures. After hearing all that stuff about monsters and mythical beings, there was something she wanted to do right now. Just one more stop before she would go home and watch some Secrets and Tears.
''Enjoy your vacation.''
''Okay! Call me! Hehe!''
Yuina rolled her eyes. She didn't say anything and simply left into the distance, leaving the other girl and the two creatures behind. Miku waved her hands in the air.
''I have the feeling she isn't really going to help us..'' Jacky admitted with a timid voice once Yuina was completely out of eye and ear-sight. Both Orlok and Miku, still sitting on the bench, turned their gaze to her.
Orlok put his paw on the pumpkin with a worried look. Making such rash accusations was really unlike Jacky. Orlok figured this was because of how stressed out she was. Jacky had always been the 'little sister' of the group because of her emotional personality, and everything that happened had probably taken its toll on her by now.
''I'm sure she will, Jacky. Didn't you see her eyes while she was Cure Fang? She looked so determined-'' Orlok was surprised how confident he sounded. But it was true. Somehow, he completely trusted that Yuina would be able help.
''-And she kicked some monster-butt~hehe!'' Miku added with a grin.
But her grin appeared in a less than a second. Miku jumped on the bench once she had caught a glimpse of something undeniably evil, bad and sinister. She suddenly shouted without warning, ''WE HAVE TO GO!''
''Huh?'' Both Orlok and Jacky blinked in perfect unison.
''Black cats are bad luck!'' The girl pointed her finger at the small feline appearing from the bushes next to them. Its pitch black fur made its venom green eyes stand out even more. The cat looked at Miku for a moment, but then started licking its paws and washing its head harmlessly.
''BAD LUCK, I TELL YOU!'' Miku hissed as she pressed her bag against her chest tightly. Orlok and Jacky shrugged and jumped back into Miku's bag as the girl hurried home.
She hadn't even noticed the cat staring her down while walking away. The cat wiggled the tip of its tail back and forward as its eyes followed the girl.
(Eyecatch 1: Yuina is holding the Pumpkin Box, with Miku, Wakaba and the mascots circling around her. The box opens and a lot of candy falls out of it, raining down and completely burying the group under a pile of candy. One by one, Yuina, Miku and Wakaba's heads pop out from candy. Orlok, Jacky and Larry also jump out of it. Larry growls and starts scolding the girls as everyone sweat-drops. The Pretty Cure Monster Mania Logo appears at the bottom.)
(Eyecatch 2: Jacky rolls around on a table with a kettle next to it. She smiles as the camera zooms out to reveal Cure Witch standing beside the kettle. She grins and throws some ashes in the kettle, causing it to explode. In the black smoke, the Pretty Cure Monster Mania Logo appears at the bottom.)
Yuina wasn't an avid reader, but she still found herself in the library quite a lot. She just liked the quiet atmosphere and how spacious it was. The books were always arranged in perfect order, with no single book being out of place, whether on the floor or outside the shelves. She would often come here to do her homework and just to read some random magazines that were laying around. But this wasn't the time to be reading magazines. She had a different reason for coming here.
''Good day, and welcome to the Lucky Library.''
Yuina had been so lost in thought she hadn't even noticed that she was already inside. The owner and sole librarian of the Lucky Library, Eve Belmont, without even looking at her, greeted her from behind her desk. The woman sat behind the computer, typing something into a database.
Eve Belmont fit the description of Scary Librarian almost perfectly. She was definitely scary when people did as much as cough in the library and wasn't shy of outright throwing books at loud troublemakers. She always sat behind her desk, which just happened to be in the less illuminated corner. Even her looks gave her an intimidating appearance. She was dressed in a refined, black office suit. Thick, red-trimmed glasses were always on her nose, as was a seemingly eternal, stern glare. Her voice was cold and her foreign accent didn't help make her sound less intimidating, to Yuina at least. As did the nasty scar on her left cheek. People liked to make up theories as how she had gotten it. A fight gotten out of hand? A freaky accident? Yuina had always heard the craziest of theories floating around.
There were only a handful of people in the library. Most of them were sitting at one of the various tables reading a book or browsing through the seemingly endless collection.
Yuina walked past the many shelves. All the shelves were neatly sorted by genre, and then sorted alphabetically. She had never noticed how many shelves there were. It almost felt like a maze. Yuina never had ventured so deep into the simple library before.
''Ah, this must be it,'' In the right corner, to the wall were a few shelves with a small cut-out board reading Supernatural/Paranormal next to it.
'Of course, it's in the farthest corner. Where almost nobody comes. How fitting.' Yuina thought and couldn't help but chuckle. Then she remembered that her mother said she had a surprise for her after school. This motivated her to get this over with. She grabbed a few random books and carried them to the most nearby table.
Memorable examples included: 'The Beauty is a Beast', 'So Your Neighbor is a Werewolf? What Now?', 'The Monthly Monster Survival Guide' and 'Ghost-Hunting for Dummies.'
'What kind of titles are these? The stupid kind, definitely,' Yuina thought, staring dumbfoundedly at the detailed drawing of a wolf on one book's cover. Somehow, she managed to carry the books back to the counter.
''Uh...I'll take these,'' Yuina had uttered so soft that she had to repeat herself before the librarian finally looked up from her computer screen.
The woman raised her eyebrow as she scanned the books. She stopped for a few seconds to stare at Yuina, making the latter quite uneasy. As if it wasn't embarrassing enough to rent those stupid books.
'She must think I'm some sort of dumb geek who actually believes in that stuff,' Yuina thought but almost instantly took those words back. Again, the fight from this morning flashed through her head. Yuina shivered at the memory.
''I recommend this one. I'm sure you'll find some useful information in it,'' The librarian's words brought Yuina's attention back. The woman handed her another book. A very thick book. The corners of the dust coated cover were bent, the pages were an ugly shade of yellow, and some of them even had small rips in them. Yuina shivered again as she saw the thick layer of dust on the book. How disgusting. There was so much dust it would be enough to make her sneeze. How she didn't was a mystery. Did this woman ever clean it up?
''Thanks,'' In a quick motion, Yuina shoved all the books into her bag. She was barely able to close it all the way.
''Thank you. Come again!''
''I'm home~!''
Miku practically threw the door open and stepped inside her quaint, little house. She sat down and took off her shoes.
''Ah, Neechan! Welcome back!'' Came a voice from the kitchen. Before Miku entered she took one last glance at the bat and pumpkin in her bag. She pressed her fingers against her lips to tell them to be quiet. They nodded like two obedient kids.
When the girl entered the kitchen she was met with a scene that she didn't like at all. Miku dropped her bag in shock and her face lost its color completely.
''Hey, Neechan! Look! I saw this little cutie in the garden. I thought I'd give it some food,'' Kaori, Miku's sister, sat on her knees on the ground. In the kitchen was the door immediately connecting to the garden. The door to the garden was wide-open and Kaori turned her head around as she greeted her older sister. ''Just leftovers from this morning but it likes it!'' Kaori added with a smile as she petted the pitch black cat in front of her.
''Why are you feeding evil incarnate!?'' Miku cried and pointed at the cat, which innocently started licking it paws. This was the second black cat she saw today. She was convinced this had to be some kind of sign or ill omen.
''Not this again..'' Kaori rolled her eyes. Why was her sister so superstitious? It was really silly. Miku avoided black cats like the plague, refused to have anything to do with the number 13, and a lot more odd things, which even made the normally patient Kaori annoyed.
But then fear took over Kaori's body completely. It all happened in a second, and it began with a sharp pain in her chest.
What should have been a quiet, peaceful walk back home was interrupted by the buzzing of Yuina's phone.
She searched through her pocket with her hand until she got her phone. It was some number she didn't recognize. Who would even call her? Once she picked up, she immediately knew the identity of the caller.
''Yui! Yui! You've gotta help!'' Miku's voice was bordering on hysterical.
''Miku? What is it? Are you alright?''
''Kaori! She... she... please help her!'' When she heard Miku's trembling voice, Yuina felt a tight knot in her stomach. The girl who had been nothing but excited about being thrown into danger was sounding like she had a breakdown, and the change all had happened in a mere second.
''What happened? Where are you?''
The line went dead.
''My phone!''
Miku looked in horror as Kaori, or what used to be Kaori, smashed her phone away with so much force that it flew out of Miku's hands and against the wall. It even left a small hole where it had made contact.
''Kaori..?''
Kaori looked like a zombie. Miku couldn't find any other word to describe the thing that used to be her younger sister. Heavy chains were bound around her arms, legs and torso, and was more than happy to whip the chains in Miku's direction.
Was this what Yuina had felt when Miku had gone through the same? Was it this feeling of terror? This fear? The tight chest and almost being unable to breathe? To be honest, Miku wouldn't have minded getting hurt. She was pretty much asking for it with her risk seeking behavior. Miku knew that, and she was alright with that. After all, what's an adventure without some danger? But not Kaori. She had nothing to do with this.
But actually, neither did Miku.
''Not anymore. Let's do this!'' She said out-loud and grabbed the three rings from Orlok. Hoping the at least one would react, she held them in front of her.
No light. No reaction. Nothing.
"Why aren't these working?!"
''So, Shinku got beaten by you? What a joke. You can't even transform anymore! Haha!'' A feminine voice giggled with pure venom in its tone.
Unable to find the source of the voice, Orlok panicked. If Miku couldn't transform, they would definitely be in big, big trouble. Miku still stared intensely at the rings. She begged them to do something. Anything. This was her chance. She had to save Kaori.
''Give yourself over to your fears. The onryo will devour it!''
The owner of the voice finally revealed itself. As the Kaori-Onryo came to a halt and breathed heavily like a hungry wolf, behind her the small, black cat appeared.
''Three black cats on one day! Extreme bad luck!'' Miku hissed so fast that Orlok and Jacky barely understood what she said.
The cat purred and, in a flash, turned into a girl. Her short, reddish-brown hair was unkempt and, somehow, made her black cat ears stand out even more. She still had the same bushy, black tail and venom green eyes. ''You're not Cure Fang, are you?''
Miku didn't respond. She wasn't Cure Fang, but no way was she going to tell her about Yuina.
''Why are they with you then?'' The girl added and she pointed at the bat and pumpkin in Miku's hands.
Again, Miku kept her mouth shut.
''You've gone really quiet. And you were so lively this morning and afternoon.''
''You were following me!?'' That little remark gave Miku her voice back. It all came together. Those black cats that kept appearing were all this one. ''You stalked me!''
''And you realized that just now? You're really slow, you know!?'' The cat-girl laughed as a crescent shaped grin appeared on her face. She extended her hand as her grin only grew. ''Onryo, tear them to pieces!''
That was enough for Miku to turn around and rush towards the door. She had to get out of here. She could feel Orlok and Jacky holding onto her shirt tightly. She remembered. She wasn't just saving Kaori now. She also had to protect Orlok and Jacky. In their fragile forms they needed someone to protect them against fiends like these, athe only one able to do so at the moment was Miku.
''Going already?'' Just before reaching the door, Miku was stopped by a chain tying itself around her ankle and dragging her back. She fell face first on the floor but held the bat and pumpkin in the air to protect them from the same fate. The Kaori-Onryo grabbed Miku roughly by her shoulder and planted her on the ground in front of the cat girl.
''Please, stay a little longer! We've got some things to discuss!'' The cat girl crossed her arms as she examined her catch.
''...I've got nothing to tell you!'' Miku glared at the other girl as she protectively pressed Orlok and Jacky against her chest. They both could feel how much Miku was trembling.
''If you're not that girl, then who are you? And why do you have those rings?''
''I just said I've got nothing to tell you!'' Miku repeated with a hateful scowl.
''Well, when I ask you a question, it is your duty to answer!" It was obvious that the cat girl was losing her patience. Her tail had grown bushier than normal. She roughly grabbed Miku's head with her pale hands, hshort, sharp nails boring into Miku's cheeks as she stared directly into the girl's eyes.
''Answer. Me. Human," The only 'answer' she got was spit in her face. She backed off with a look of pure hatred in her eyes. Miku not once had averted her eyes from the cat girl.
''I promised I'd help Orlok and Jacky save their friends, and their world. My world too. I promised Yui that I'll be her partner, even though she didn't seem so happy about it. But that's alright. I'm sure we can work it out. Maybe we'll become friends. Maybe all the future owners of these rings will become my friends too. That'd be nice,'' Miku clenched the rings she still had in her hands. ''You know what? I'll make a promise to you right here and now,'' Miku added with pure determination and resolve in both her voice and eyes.'' I, and my future comrades, will stop you and your evil group. No matter what it takes. We will save everyone!''
This time, something did happen. The ring in the middle began to illuminate a purple light. Miku's eyes started to twinkle brightly and a big smile appeared on her face. All the fear from moments ago had vanished in a sea of happiness.
''It's my time..'' She whispered affectionately. She almost couldn't believe it. This was the moment. The moment she had been waiting for. The moment she, deep down, was sure would never happen. But here it was. Happening.
''That's my Hollow Changer!'' Jacky noted and turned to Miku with a somewhat proud look. ''Miku, show them what a witch is made of!''
''Alright! Time to become a super cool magical girl! Hehe!'' Miku shoved the glowing ring on her finger, and made it glow even brighter than before.
''Boo Boo Bogey! Monster Change!'' With that, she kissed the crystal in the ring and in a second she had disappeared from the world.
There was not a single trace left of fear in the short girl's body. Miku smiled with her heart's content as she was engulfed in a purple light and drifted in a colorful dimension. For a single moment, her smile disappeared as she felt an almost cracking pain in her fingers. The pain faded as soon as it had came. As Miku pressed her hands against her chest, she noticed her fingers had grown longer, more slender, and her nails had grown sharper than before. Her previously tiny nose had grown, looking almost like a bird's beak. Her hair was also washed in light, turning a lighter shade of purple, growing curly.
With a few pops she was graciously dressed in a lilac colored top with an orange collar, matching orange lining on her skirt and sleeves, a pitch-black corset and with a chain serving as belt. Miku clapped her hands together and placed them on her chest as a purple heart emblem appeared on her chest. Lastly, as Miku threw her hands in the air, a wizard's hat with ribbons bound around it landed on her head. A purple butterfly landed on the side of her hat and Miku grinned playfully as she jumped and twirled around, before landing on a big pumpkin. With a last pop two black boots appeared on her feet, completing the transformation. Miku spun around one last time before striking a pose. She grabbed the side of her hat with one hand and extended the other in the air like she was a bird as butterflies fluttered around her.
"Hocus Pocus, it's time for you to focus! The magical monster of spells and curses, Cure Witch! Hehe!''
ED: 'Delusion Disco!' - Emiri Kato (Miku)
