Episode 3: Dream Date
The day Sayaka and Kyouko met…
Sayaka had gone out Witch hunting and was accompanied by Madoka when they spotted a Familiar instead. Considering that Familiars were still dangerous no matter how ridiculous they may appear, Sayaka was determined to destroy it. However, Kyouko had gotten in the way and allowed the Familiar to go free.
Familiars which had gained independence would gain the ability to create their own Barriers and after a certain amount of time would turn into the copy of the Witch they had spawned from. Sayaka wanted to destroy it before that happened but Kyouko let it go because it wouldn't produce a Grief Seed. With conflicting ideals, the two Puella Magi fought.
The fight was brutal with Madoka helpless and only able to watch as her best friend fought violently against the red-haired spear-wielder. However, Kyouko was by far the more experienced one between them. Of course Sayaka's wish had granted her accelerated healing power so no matter how much damage her body took she would still heal and continue fighting.
Then the two decided to deal deathblows at each other and Madoka was about to wish to stop the fighting when Rayonix appeared in a flash and grabbed their weapons in his bare hands. He gripped Sayaka's blade and Kyouko's spearhead in his hands and stood between them, stopping them from killing each other.
"The hell…?" was Kyouko's reaction. "Are you the other irregular?" Kyuubey had mentioned Madoka and Rei but he never mentioned this. What exactly was Rayonix and what was up with that armor?
"Fighting like this is pointless," said Rayonix.
"But she let a Familiar go free!" Sayaka accused.
"You mean the one that looked like a child's crayon drawing?" Rayonix asked. "Don't worry. I killed it on my way here."
Kyouko frowned and took her spear out of Rayonix's grip and said, "Hey, don't try to be some kind of hero!"
"I'm not," said Rayonix as he looked Kyouko in the eye. "What I'm trying to do is help as many people as I can." Kyouko snorted in response.
Homura had come as well to make sure Madoka didn't make a wish and was relieved to see Rayonix had made it in time.
"Damn, what a drag," scoffed Kyouko as she shouldered her spear. "Whatever, I'm out of here."
Present Day…
Kyouko had a habit of turning up at Rei's place early in the morning for breakfast. It became so frequent that he just stopped caring anymore and always made breakfast for two people knowing that she would appear, waiting for him to cook. That girl could eat anything and Rei knew how to cook a really delicious breakfast. Today it was a Western-styled breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, bacon and sausages.
"Did I ever tell you that you're an awesome cook?" Kyouko asked.
"Every single time you turn up for free breakfast," Rei deadpanned. "I thought you didn't believe in charity."
"I don't, but I'm not above mooching," said Kyouko shamelessly. She took a bite out of the sausage. "Oishi~"
"I'm so glad I'm a food source for you," deadpanned Rei sarcastically.
"So, today's the day," stated Kyouko. "You and Mami are gonna go on a date."
That's right. He and Mami were planning to spend the day together, hopefully uninterrupted. Still, he was worried about the presence of Faust and the pseudo-Witch from the previous night. That dark stone had just disintegrated in his hand so there was no evidence to show the others except for the images that Raymon managed to record via the Ray Buckler.
"Yeah, I just hope I don't make an ass of myself," Rei replied.
"Hey, you did well yesterday," reminded Kyouko.
"Yeah, you were a great example for a date," stated Rei sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. All she did was have him pay for everything. "You do remember what I said, right? Be careful on Witch hunts. That Faust guy could jump you in a Witch's Barrier and I doubt you guys can handle it."
"I know, I know," Kyouko said in a relaxed fashion. "But we survived Walpurgis Night. I think we can survive this."
"Pride comes before the fall, Kyouko," Rei advised. That kind of thinking led to Puella Magi dying.
Now, just because Rei had a motorbike did it mean he rode it to school. There were just rules about that Rei didn't want to break so he just walked to school each day. Still, that also meant he could catch Mami along the way and they could walk to school together.
Today, Rei would be picking Mami up on his bike. He rode to her apartment building and took the elevator up to her floor. He made sure to dress nice, wearing a clean jacket with an ironed shirt and blue slacks with black shoes. He also bought a bouquet of flowers.
The young Rider took a deep breath and pressed his finger on the doorbell. He waited and Mami opened the door to see him with a smile. "Rei-san, you're here," she greeted.
"Yeah, I'm here to pick you up, Mami-san," he said before presenting the flowers to her, "Here, these are for you." Mami beamed with a light blush and took the flowers which she sniffed.
"Come inside while I put these in a vase," said Mami. He took the invitation and went into her apartment. He slipped off his shoes at the foyer and put on her house slippers before following her inside.
He sat in her living room, waiting for the blonde. The place was nice but Mami lived all alone. Kyouko could keep her company since the redhead was homeless but she had too much pride and wouldn't accept any charity. That, however, didn't stop her from always coming to his place for a free meal. Still, it was better this way for her. If she had magic she had a place to stay for the night wherever she liked and at least she got food. The only other alternative would be to prostitute herself so she could survive.
"OK, I'm ready," said Mami. He got a good look at what she wore. It was an orange sweater with a denim skirt that reached her knees. She wore a brown leather belt around her waist and black stockings. On her head she wore a beret which made her look so cute. Slung over her shoulder was her purse.
"Wow…" he uttered in awe. "Mami-san, you look great," he complimented. That was a part he read from the book but it went without saying. He was sincere.
Mami blushed, fingering the hem of her sweater, "Thank you, Rei-san. Shall we go?"
"Come on, your ride awaits," said Rei.
"Are you sure this is safe?" Mami asked as she stared at the motorbike nervously. Since her parents had died in a traffic accident, Mami had developed a fear of road vehicles. The motorbike was no exception.
"Don't you trust me?" Rei asked as he handed her a spare helmet. Mami didn't need to think about her answer and accepted the helmet. Of course she trusted him.
"I trust you," she said. After all, Rei had been by their side, protecting them, comforting them and even restoring their hope during times of despair. He was the light that chased away the darkness. However, he had his own problems to deal with as well.
Rei straddled his bike as Mami rode side-saddle. She wrapped her arms around his waist as he started up the bike. The sudden growl made her gasp and jump but she relaxed as she looped her arms tighter around the Rider's waist.
The bike took off, picking up speed, and Mami screwed her eyes shut and shrieked from the sudden burst of speed. Once they were on the open road she allowed herself to open her eyes and look up at Rei. He seemed so confident on his bike.
He was like a knight on his steed.
The pair stopped in front of the local karaoke box. "Well, here's our first stop," said Rei. He hoped he got this right.
"Do you sing?" Mami asked. She'd never heard Rei sing before and wondered what his singing voice sounded like. She wasn't aware that Rei was thinking the same thing. He wondered how her singing voice sounded as well.
"In the bath," he responded jokingly. Mami giggled as she pictured Rei in the bath singing but then blushed as her imagination took a different route as she imagined his wet…naked…body…She shook her head to stop her current train of thought and focus on Rei right now, the clothed one and not the one in her imagination.
Did it just get warm all of a sudden?
Mami entered with Rei and they rented a room. They only had one hour to use it so they went in, ordered refreshments, and started choosing songs. They looked at the list inside a binder, sitting closely together on the couch. They looked to each other and then looked away bashfully.
"Why don't you sing first, Rei-san?" suggested Mami.
"OK…" said Rei as he selected the song he wanted to sing. He set the code for the song on the machine and the music played. Picking up the microphone, he stared at the screen where the lyrics would scroll by and waited as he listened to the beat before he begant to sing.
The song he picked was 'Mirai' by KIYOSHI
Kyouko just couldn't mind her own business. Right after Rei left for his date with Mami, the redhead had tailed him. Following in her Puella Magi form was easy. Once she reached their destination she undid her transformation and grinned. "So, karaoke, huh? Nice touch, Rei."
After Rei finished his song, Mami applauded, "That was wonderful, Rei-san!" One of the karaoke box's staff had come in with their refreshments in the middle of Rei's song so now they had assorted snacks and drinks on the table.
Rei took a seat and sipped his iced tea before saying, "Well, fair is fair. It's your turn, Mami-san."
Mami-san had already picked a song and picked up the microphone. The beat started up and the lyrics scrolled across the screen as she began to sing 'Connect' by ClariS.
As Kyouko snuck into the karaoke box, she did not realize that she was being watched. Suzuko, aka Faust had witnessed her entering the karaoke box. He'd also seen Rei and Mami entering earlier. She opened her hand and inside the palm was a dark stone much like the one that had changed the girl from last night into the Spider Witch. "Time for some fun," she said before she followed Kyouko inside.
Rei applauded Mami, complimenting her on her singing, "You have an beautiful singing voice."
"Thank you," replied Mami as she accepted the praise. She picked up the glass and took a sip. "I used to be in the choir before I became a Puella Magi."
"Used to?" Rei questioned.
"Well, it's hard for me to balance a normal life with the life of a Puella Magi, unfortunately," Mami explained.
"That makes sense," Rei agreed. The frequent need to hunt for Witches really cut into a Puella Magi's free time. It became their priority in life and literally meant their survival.
"Alright, it's your turn to sing again," Mami said, handing the microphone to him.
Rei picked up another microphone and said, "Actually, let's make it a duet."
The next song was "Take Me Higher" by V6.
"A duet, huh? Smooth," Kyouko commented with her ear pressed against the door.
After their time at the karaoke box was up, Rei decided to take Mami to the nearby department store. It may sound sexist but girls loved to shop. Maybe they would end up buying anything or maybe they wouldn't. It was hard to say.
Once inside, Rei sat down on a bench and waited for Mami to pick her selection before she went into a changing room. He wondered how Mami would look in the clothes he had picked out for her. Yes, Rei had been the one to pick out clothing. Not many knew this about him, but he had really good taste in clothes.
The curtain was pulled open and Mami was wearing the first outfit Rei had chosen for her. "Wow!" Rei's eyes widened. "That looks great on you!"
"Thank you," Mami smiled, blushing with delight. It was a yellow sundress. She then closed the curtain and after changing opened it again. She did this many times, trying out and showing off the outfits that Rei chose for her and she enjoyed the compliments he gave her. He even picked out a tasteful one-piece swimsuit that made Rei's face go red with a blush. He didn't remember picking it out for her, though.
Kyouko again was watching them and eating taiyaki.
Their next stop after the shopping trip was lunch at a café. After ordering their food the blonde Puella Magi and the Rider started talking about anything and everything they could think of that did not involve their 'extracurricular activities'. They basically talked about life in general and their interests.
"I didn't know you drew," said Mami.
"It's just a stupid hobby," shrugged Rei.
"I'd love to see your sketches, Rei-san."
"I'd be happy to show them to you. By the way, I think you should join the choir again. You shouldn't waste that singing talent you have, Mami-san."
"Oh, I'm still a little rusty," Mami denied, "Plus I need to concentrate on high school entrance exams."
"Oh, right," Rei agreed. They would be going to high school soon. They were in their final year of middle school already so they needed to make plans for the next stage. "Hey, you could join the high school choir then."
"You don't give up, do you?" Mami asked.
"Well, of course not," said Rei. Their order came and so they dined while still talking. Kyouko, wearing a disguise, sat at a table with a clear view of Rei and Mami. She was pretending to read a newspaper which she'd bought as cover and even wore a fake moustache.
"So, what's next?" Mami asked in interest.
"How about a movie?" Rei asked.
"It's been awhile since I saw one," said Mami.
"I know, because of your responsibility. But Mami-san, we have four other Puella Magi in the city to deal with the Witches here so you don't have to worry. You're not alone anymore." He put a hand on hers in comfort.
"Yes, I'm not alone anymore," she agreed as she locked her fingers with Rei. Kyouko couldn't help but envy what she saw.
Mami and Rei decided to walk hand-in-hand to the movie theatre next instead of riding the bike. She felt comfortable holding his hand and he smiled as she felt her hand in his. Kyouko was still tailing them but neither of them noticed. They picked a movie, a romantic comedy, and bought their snacks and drinks before going inside. Kyouko bought tickets to the same movie and went in after the two of them, keeping out of sight.
"I've always wanted to see this movie," said Mami as she sat next to Rei. She rested her hand on his and he looked at her with a smile. "Thank you for asking me out."
"Hey, this is something we both needed. A normal day for just the two of us," said Rei.
"You know, I heard an interesting piece of gossip from Sayaka-san," said Mami. Rei grimaced. "She told me that last night you went out with Kyouko-san."
Rei blanched, blushing, before admitting, "OK, I did go out with Kyouko on a date last night, but it was more of a pseudo-date, like a crash course to dating. I didn't want to make an ass of myself for lacking any experience so I needed help. Conveniently, Kyouko was there to lend a hand. All she did was burn a hole in my wallet, but I more or less had a good time."
"She's such a good friend, isn't she?" Mami asked.
"She can be a little hard to handle, and maybe annoying, but you're right. She really is a good friend," agreed Rei.
Kyouko, who'd been listening in, could only sit stunned from the words she'd heard. She knew she could be annoying but she never thought Rei really considered him a good friend. She always thought he considered her a barely tolerable ally at the very least. It put a warm feeling in her heart to hear him consider her a friend.
Two hours later the movie had ended and it was starting to get dark as Mami and Rei left the movie theatre. They couldn't stop talking about the movie. "And after all that they still ended up together. Took them long enough," Rei commented.
"It was because of pride that they couldn't admit their feelings at first," Mami pointed out.
"Sounds stupid to me. I mean why stick to something if it makes you unhappy?" Rei asked.
"That's just the way people are. They get used to being a certain way it's hard for them to change," Mami shrugged.
"Old habits die hard," he summarized.
"Exactly. So, where are we headed next?"
"Dinner," said Rei. "There's this nice little café that serves the best food for dinner."
Suddenly, the world around them began to warp and change.
"A Barrier," both Mami and Rei concluded.
'Damn, why now? Why here?' thought Rei. 'Faust, are you trying to piss me off?'
Rei and Mami were transported to a swamp-like area with many dead trees surrounding them. A Witch's Barrier was alternatively known as a Witch's Labyrinth or Maze because one could get lost trying to navigate their way around. A Witch's Barrier was also lethal to those who wandered around it because they would never be able to return to the real world.
They saw crow-bat hybrids, the Witch's Familiars, flying about making mixed screech and cawing noises. He clenched Mami's hand tightly as she materialized her Soul Gem.
"It looks like we have a job to do," said Mami.
"You got that right," Rei agreed.
Mami activated her magic, allowing yellow ribbons of light to bind her body before changing into her Puella Magi outfit. She took off her hat and flicked her wrist, causing a rifle to drop out from her hat. She took hold of it and shouldered it. Rei gripped his Ray Buckler tightly, ready to purify Mami's Soul Gem.
"Ikuyo," said Mami as she led the way. The Familiar tried to get in their way but they were blocked by the energy shield Rei generated with the Ray Buckler or were shot dead by Mami. A holographic map was projected, leading them towards the Witch. Rei was navigating their way around.
"That is really useful," said Mami as she watched him follow the map.
"Well, like you girls I need the equipment," answered Rei.
"So, how did you receive your powers?" Mami asked. "You never really told us."
"The same way you did," answered Rei. He didn't elaborate any further than that. "We're getting close."
They walked out of the bushes and saw their target sitting on a lilypad in the middle of a large murky pond. It was a large toad that was wearing a queen's crown. The toad itself was camouflage-colored and covered in warts.
"Ugh," Rei uttered in disgust, wanting to gag. He didn't like toads or frogs for that matter. He had fainted once during biology when he had been told to dissect one. "Let's just get this over with."
"Indeed," agreed Mami as she produced a pair of rifles and took aim. She fired and the bullets hit their mark. The Toad Witch leapt into the water after hearing the noise and launched herself out at them. Rei grabbed Mami and pulled her out of the way before she got flattened by the Toad Witch's body slam that caused the ground to shake.
"Raymon, monitor Mami-san's vitals," ordered Rei. Vitals also included the state of Mami's Soul Gem which began to dull bit by bit with each use of magic. He would make sure it didn't reach the critical area. He would not allow her to go through Witchification. Suddenly, the toad shot its tongue out at Rei and stuck to him. He screamed, "ARGH! TOAD TONGUE! EW! EW! EW!"
"Rei-san!" Mami cried out. Suddenly, there was a crimson blur and the Toad Witch's tongue was severed and Rei was caught in the arms of her savior.
"You scream like a girl," teased Kyouko.
"Shut up, I do not," Rei protested. "Now put me down."
"Fine, 'princess'," Kyouko dropped Rei on his rear.
"Thanks…" Rei muttered as he rubbed his rear.
Mami was relieved and then her eyes narrowed intensely. She activated her magic, binding the Toad Witch in ribbons. They were tightly bound around its mouth, preventing it from using its tongue. "Now, time to finish this," said Mami as she prepared to execute her finisher when the warts on the Toad Witch's back suddenly exploded and miniature winged toads flew out and towards Mami. Mami was stunned by disgust and lost her focus, which allowed the Toad Witch to free herself.
Kyouko reacted quickly and her spearhead shot out at the winged mini-toads, impaling them before they could reach Mami. The Toad Witch opened its mouth and shot its tongue at Mami.
"No!" Rei shouted, "Rayonix Reload!" In a burst of light he transformed and flew, grabbing Mami and getting her out of harm's way. However, the tongue stuck to him and he was dragged through the air before being pulled into the Toad Witch's mouth.
"REI-SAN!" Mami cried out in horror as her date was eaten.
"DAMMIT, REI!" Kyouko shouted.
The Toad Witch licked her lips and then stared at the two Puella Magi hungrily. But then it let out a groan and held its stomach as it rolled onto its back and rolled back and forth in pain. The inside of its mouth exploded as the throat expanded and Rayonix forced its jaws opened. The sight of him relieved Mami as he remarked, "You DO NOT want to go in there!" He then jumped out and spun around before landing on his feet.
"Let me finish this," he said to the two Puella Magi as he went into a pose. Particles of light collected into his feet before he went airborne in a single bound. He then went dropping down with both feet aimed at the still belly-up Toad Witch. The attack connected and was followed by an explosion.
The Witch's Barrier seemed to disappear as the smoke cleared. The Toad Witch had reverted back to human form, revealing a familiar young woman. She was one of the staff members at the karaoke box! A dark stone was in her palm but then it disintegrated.
"Damn, no Grief Seed," Kyouko frowned in disappointment.
"Well, guess that ruins our evening," commented Rei as he and Mami walked back to his bike.
"What makes you say that? I had a wonderful time," said Mami.
"But what about the attack?" Rei questioned incredulously.
"Well, that probably wasn't in your plan but it was still exciting." She suddenly hugged him.
"Mami-san?" he questioned.
"When you were swallowed, I was so scared. I thought I lost you," she told him. Rei recalled when he'd witnessed Mami being eaten by Charlotte in his old world but then shook the nasty memory away. This was a new world with new opportunities opened up for them.
"I won't go down that easily, Mami-san. I'm a Rayblood, sorta," said Rei confidently. "Now, let's and have some dinner."
"Can I join ya?" Kyouko asked.
"No, you can't," Rei objected. "I still haven't forgiven you for spying on us."
"I wasn't spying," Kyouko denied.
"The moustache wasn't fooling anybody." He added, "Look, if you want dinner so much then just wait at my place. I'll make you something."
"Awesome!" Kyouko grinned. "Well, see ya later!" She then walked off.
Rei muttered sarcastically, "Not accept charity? Yeah right. She's just a moocher."
"You get along pretty well with Kyouko-san," Mami observed.
"It's not like I have much of choice," remarked Rei. "She always shows up and eats my food that it's become a routine for me to make breakfast for two every morning."
"That's kind of you," Mami commented.
"Well, she's a friend. An annoying friend, but still a friend," Rei shrugged. "Now, come on. It's time we had some dinner."
KAMEN RIDER CHROME: OK, choosing to end this chapter right here. It's short but that's the point. I mean a chap doesn't have to be unnecessarily long if the details are pretty clear. Of course some writers might object to that but it's just how I feel. Sides, if I try to do longer and get stuck it's pretty much a burden to me too. Anywho, Rei and Mami go out on a date. Let's see the aftermath…next time. BTW, the songs I chose. Mirai is the song to one of Ultraman Mebius' movies. Take Me Higher is the theme song of Ultraman Tiga, and Connect is the theme song for Puella Magi Madoka Magica.