Author's Notes: Schedule's starting to get rough in university, forgive me for the horrendous update times. I doubt that's gonna change anytime soon, but that's something out of my control. For now, here's MPBT 11 for you - I hope you enjoy it!
I'd also like to take this moment to thank my beta reader TheVariable and my friend Hisoka Dakimoto who have been vital in helping me polish this story up. Thank you very much for your help!
...
Prologue
Edificio Gumamela .
8, Escolta St. .
Binondo, Manila(1006) .
October 28, 1943 .
My dearest friend, Lorelei
Guten Tag! How goes your visit to San Francisco? The letters we exchange are few and far in between nowadays, as are your visits to Manila. I often find myself wondering how you are faring, especially when I do not get to see you face to face. You always tell me not to worry, but how can I not worry about you, mon cher ami?
In your last letter, you told me about the conference in Tokyo that you had planned to attend next. In all honesty, this Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere conference does not sit well with me. Nothing truly constructive comes out of these talk-shops. Zum Beispel, see how the League of Nations failed only a few years ago! But it's precisely because of how much is achieved here that I believe that it is of utmost importance that you attend it for us.
I must, with great regret however, decline your invitation to accompany you. Matters in the Philippines require my close attention and I simply cannot leave them unattended. You'd think after a girl finally takes down the Dreadnaught Witch on her own, we could finally live in peace. But we both know how such a fantasy could be farther from the truth! Rest assured, though, that I have things here under control.
In my stead, why don't you take Ms. Serafina Larivenko to accompany you to the conference? Her records show her to be a capable fighter and she defeated a great number of the killers of Puella Magi we have declared war against – most notably, the infamous girl in the blue kimono. Therefore, she has sufficient credentials to accompany you. I have every right to believe that she will not let any harm befall you on your trip.
I truly do hope to hear from you soon. You had promised to tell me about your meeting, 'mit die Herren Quezon und Washington!' I must say that I hadn't seen you so excited in weeks, and I expect to hear a delightful story in your next letter!
Votre fidèle ami
Elise de Lamarliere
Magia, Pacem, Bellum Terrarum
The Game of Kings and Queens
Act XXIX – Promises and Bonds
The morning sun started to rise in the East, casting its light onto the banks of the Pasig River. Michi Hideyoshi sat alone in the grassy riverbanks, underneath a mango tree laden with fruit. She sat there in pensive silence and let the sounds of the river fill her ears – the gushing of the water and the creaking of the boats moored nearby. It wouldn't be soon before long that idle times like these would become luxuries, and she knew. She wanted to enjoy every sunrise like it would be her last.
A gentle breeze blew through the riverbank and rustled the leaves of the mango tree. All of the sudden, a vague yet familiar sensation nibbled at the Japanese girl's heart. Michi suddenly frowned, looking at her reflection in the river with disdain.
Ever since she became a Puella Magi, a horrifying dream had tormented Michi in her sleep. She imagined herself drowning in water – cold, cold water. She struggled desperately and violently but could not reach the surface. She couldn't breathe.
Water filled her lungs and her body was overcome with excruciating pain. She wanted to die, but she could not die. All she could do was lament and wallow in helplessness and loneliness, hoping for someone to end her suffering... not that anyone cared about her, after all. Nobody would miss her when she was gone. She didn't have anything to live for. She would die alone.
Lately though, she started to wonder if that was still the case.
The shuffling sound of footsteps from behind her brought Michi back to the present and her heart started to beat to a lively tune. She turned around and saw them – Audrey, Ligaya and Serafina – walking towards her with a happy air about them. It wasn't often that Michi smiled, but seeing the three of them brought her much joy. Her thoughts of the cold water faded away to the back of her mind, replaced by blissful warmth.
That morning, Michi and Serafina would be travelling to Japan to accompany Lorelei Sankt to the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere conference. Audrey and Ligaya came along to bid them farewell.
These three girls, and the few allies who have sworn to fight by their side, were her friends. As the cheerful Ligaya told her, she would never be alone again. Michi believed her wholeheartedly and welcomed the three with a smile.
"We still have some time before we leave..." Michi spoke, turning her head to the East, "Would you all mind watching the sunrise with me for a while?"
The three girls gladly obliged and sat with Michi at the riverbank, watching the majestic sunrise that flooded the city with warm light. The girls basked in the majesty of the river, the city that slowly awakened around them and each other's company. Sitting together there, they remembered that aside from the costumes they wore and the weapons they wielded, they were just regular girls who wanted to live peaceful lives.
"Peaceful lives we will have to fight for." Serafina reminded. The bell tower of the Manila Cathedral struck seven times and a flock of birds startled by the noise took to the sky, chaotically at first, but slowly coalescing into formation. "We still have to take down Salvae, Terrae Magicae."
The Ukrainian girl stood up and patted the grass from her skirt.
"It's almost time for comrade Hideyoshi and I to set sail." She said, turning to her companions, "I believe now would be a good time to tell you about the source of Salvae's strength – the Ritual of Soul Gem Binding.
She transformed her ring into a bright maroon Soul Gem that shimmered in the morning light. Audrey, Ligaya and Michi listened intently.
"Whenever a Puella Magi of Salvae is chosen for a promotion, she will take part in the Ritual of Soul Gem Binding. There, she reaffirms her allegiance to her superior and her superior vows to protect her new sister-in-magic. It's why Zealots are fiercely loyal to their Carissimas and vice versa."
"The same is true for Carissimas and the Magni Domina, then." Audrey hummed. Serafina nodded, then scratched her head and laughed dryly.
"Though, I may be a little bit of an exception in this case."
The Ukrainian girl cleared her throat then continued to speak.
"Anyways… after the exchange of oaths, the junior then offers her Soul Gem to her superior, and their gems are bound together by magic."
"What sort of magic?" Michi suddenly asked.
"Frankly, I don't have the faintest clue." Serafina shrugged, "All I know is that the binding is a sign of loyalty, and that the bond created there strengthens the gems of both the girls."
Serafina waved her hand and her magic filled the banks of the Pasig River. She then took out a Torakev pistol and shot at the sky. The gunshot was loud and rang in the girls' ears. However, no one in the surrounding area seemed to notice – not the civilians starting to fill the streets, not the Japanese military policemen patrolling the area. The growing Manila crowd never seemed to notice the young Ukrainian girl holding up a smoking pistol to the sky.
"Fighting against Salvae would mean fighting against Puella Magi who have undergone this ritual – Puella Magi with enhanced magic." Serafina dispelled her magic with a snap of her hand. "Zealots are particularly tough cookies, aren't they, comrade Hideyoshi?"
The Japanese girl nodded slightly, the battle at Sangley Point, Cavite still fresh in her mind.
"The Zealots are bound to Carissimas… and the Carissimas are bound to the Magni Domina." Serafina then continued, "With each level of binding, the upper echelons' powers are compounded multitude of times."
"Tch…" Audrey groaned, "That's why Elise fights so well…"
"Any Carissima with a significant number of Zealots bound to her would be exceptionally strong." Serafina confirmed, "Imagine just how powerful Lorelei Sankt would be."
Audrey and Ligaya suddenly shrank. They had trouble imagining someone more powerful than Elise.
"That's why we need to even out the playing field, comrades." Serafina concluded, "It's a gamble, but we have to eliminate Lorelei Sankt. This conference is the best chance we've got, and the odds are in our favor this time – 2-to-1!"
"That may be true… but Bb. Sankt did seem like a nice person." Ligaya heaved a disappointed sigh. She then clenched her fist and wore a heartened face, "We have to do what needs to be done… but please be merciful!"
She then looked at Michi and Serafina in the eyes, "Don't become the monsters we are hoping to defeat."
"I will dispense very ounce of mercy as is reasonable, Ligaya." Michi assured, "However, as it stands, all I can assure her is a swift death."
"Alright then."Serafina spoke out, walking over to one of the boats covered up in tarpaulin. She pulled out the cover to reveal a PT boat re-painted in the colors of the Imperial Japanese Navy. "It's time for us to go, comrade Hideyohi. We still have a schedule to follow, after all."
Michi nodded dutifully and the two girls hopped onto the PT boat. Serafina cast her magic over the boat then started the engine which stuttered and coughed before roaring to life. The girls then prepared to head out to the open seas. Serafina bid farewell to Audrey and Ligaya who waved as the boat started to move down the river, slowly disappearing into Serafina's veil of magic. Michi then called out to the two girls at the banks with a bright and cheerful voice,
"We shall see each other again, my friends!"
Serafina, Michi and the boat then disappeared in the veil.
Act XXX – Visions of the Future and Ramen
Serafina Larivenko's PT boat skimmed through the waves of the Philippine Sea, rising up and descending to the whims of the waters as day started to give way to night. Michi and Serafina stood at the front of the boat and watched the Japanese mainland come into view. Serafina lit up a small gas lamp and squinted as she tried to plot their course on a map with her compass pen. Michi's eyes, however, were focused and sharp.
She never thought she would ever return to the home islands.
"Sign a contract with me, and become a Puella Magi!"
Those airy words resounded in her head. She clenched her fists and took a deep breath.
"We will be docking in Yokohama Port soon, comrade." Serafina said, folding her map and pocketing it. "Then, we'll travel to Tokyo by land."
"Why don't we just sail straight to Tokyo?" Michi asked, "That's where the conference will be held, right?"
"Well… I have a lot more accommodating contacts in Yokohama, for one." Serafina hummed, "Plus, Lady Lorelei is in Yokohama at the moment – she wanted to see that particular town before going to the conference."
"What exactly does she plan to do in Yokohama, perhaps?"
"Beats me."Serafina shrugged, "But Lady Lorelei has an eye for opportunity, especially in business. I'm sure something piqued her interest there."
"I see…" Michi folded her arms. "What about her security detail? How well guarded will she be?"
"She might have a few guards from the German delegation during the conference – but she won't have any Puella Magi with her… and hopefully no Incognitas either." Serafina spoke cheerfully, "When it comes to magic, we are her security detail!"
"That's a lot of trust she's putting on you, Serafina." Michi noted, "And for Elise to just let you go in her stead…"
"Lady Lorelei's like that – she openly gives her trust… It's her strongest charm, and her biggest weakness."
As they spoke, the boat finally reached the port. Serafina shut off the engine and she and Michi moored the craft to the wharf while there was still light.
"So then, do we kill her the moment we see her?"
"Hmm… no, not immediately."Serafina shook her head, "The ideal time would be right before we go back to the Philippines – on the last day of the conference, maybe. If we make such a high-profile murder before or during the conference, it'll cause a commotion. Word will spread quickly and Elise might suddenly do something rash – comrades Audrey and Ligaya may get caught up in it."
Michi's heart was rattled by the thought of it.
"We don't want that." Michi's voice was firm.
"So the best time for us to strike is right after the conference ends, comrade. That will buy us the most time."
As she spoke, Serafina walked over to the back of her boat where a large crate sat. She pried it open and rummaged through its contents. After a while, she pulled out an M1911A1 pistol and fitted it handily with a silencer. She smiled and handed it to Michi who took the gun with a raised brow.
"There's one more thing I should ask you to do, comrade." Serafina said, fishing out packs of handgun clips from the crate. "The Salvae underground still thinks that 'the girl in the blue kimono' is dead. If ever anything comes up, avoid transforming into your magical form unless absolutely necessary."
Michi grunted silently, showing her dissatisfaction. "I understand…"
"Now let's get going!" Serafina prodded, closing the box and finding the tarpaulin to cover her boat. "Lady Lorelei will be at the central marketplace nearby!"
The girls hopped onto the wharf and covered the boat in tarpaulin as they set forth for the central Yokohama marketplace. Electrical streetlights flickered on around them and dockworkers moved around like bees to finish the rest of the day's work. Many of these dockworkers recognized Serafina and greeted her warmly.
Serafina talked rough, rudimentary Japanese, albeit with many mistakes, but conversed smoothly with the dockworkers as they passed. Michi, on the other hand, was constantly on guard. Michi pulled off her ring and pocketed it, keeping a hand near her holstered pistol and watching out for any glaring eyes. Though this was the country she was born in, she did not feel at home.
The central marketplace soon appeared before them, marked with paper lanterns and signs in many different languages –though the ones in English had been painted over or haphazardly removed. Many shops and stalls were spread out over the sprawl of streets and alleys and throngs of people moved about it. It didn't seem like a place that the head of an organization of Puella Magi or an honorary dignitary of Germany would visit for the sake of visiting. It made Michi wonder where they were going to start.
As Serafina fished through her pockets for the notes from her last telegraph from Lorelei, a loud slurp reached her ears followed by heavy gulping.
"Seconds please!" A voice cried out in German. Serafina shook her head and pointed it out to Michi.
"We found her."
Michi turned to where Serafina pointed and saw a typical ramen stall close to the riverside. 'Mitakihara River Ramen House', read its sign in Kanji. Under its room sat a handful of Japanese customers, dockworkers and shoppers alike and one unusual patron – a girl with short blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She happily ate bowl after bowl of ramen and downed pints of Sapporo beer like it was water. There was no mistaking it – it was Lorelei Sankt.
The Magni Domina then felt the presence of the two girls behind her and she turned around. Michi took a step back, ready to draw out her gun but stopped halfway. Upon seeing the two girls, Lorelei flashed them a bright smile.
"Ah, Serafina! I'm so glad you made it!" She set her chopsticks and beer glass aside and stood up to greet them. "I was supposed to meet you at the docks, but this noodle soup they serve here is something out of the ordinary – I couldn't help but eat!"
"It's called ramen." Michi then said, loosening the tension on her shooting hand but staying vigilant. "Most of the prefectures in Japan boast about its own variation of the dish. What you were having just now is Yokohama-style, pork broth, nori seaweed and hard-boiled egg."
"Is that so…?" Lorelei said, licking her lips to savor the flavor again, "Yes, it's a surprisingly delicious dish!"
Lorelei then blinked for a moment, then smiled.
"I don't think we have met before, dear." Lorelei said, smiling at Michi and extending her hand forward, "My name is Lorelei Sankt, but I go by Lorelei mostly."
"Michi Hideyoshi." Michi shook Lorelei's hand but watched the Magni Domina's movements carefully, readying herself to counter-attack at any given moment. There was no attack that she had to counter, though. It was just a simple handshake from a girl that was pleased to meet her.
"Your English is superb." Lorelei praised, "You must be the interpreter Serafina has told me about."
Michi gave a small nod of acknowledgement.
"Well then," Lorelei exhaled in relief and tapped at the seats beside her, "Come on and have a seat! You two must be hungry from your long travel – get whatever you want. It'll be my treat!"
Michi quickly turned to Serafina, as if asking for her opinion on the offer. The Ukrainian just shrugged and grinned.
"A little food wouldn't hurt!"
Serafina patted Michi's shoulder and brought her along to Lorelei's side. The ramen chef behind the stall faced the newcomers and took their orders. Serafina ordered a jug of sake and Yokohama-style ramen similar to Lorelei's but with generous helpings of spices. Michi, on the other hand, was content with just ramen and ordered a bowl of Sapporo-style noodles. Lorelei, intrigued by Michi's choice, paid the ramen chef a crumpled wad of German Reich-marks and turned to Michi with an air of curiosity about her.
"Sapporo-style, huh?" Lorelei hummed, very much intrigued.
"It's very similar to Yokohama-style ramen." Michi explained "The main difference is the soup base – we use miso instead of pork broth. It's well suited for the colder climate in Hokkaido."
"You seem to know a lot about Sapporo-style, Frau Hideyoshi." Lorelei said with intrigue.
"It's a long story." Michi quickly replied, a hint of finality hanging about her voice. Serafina knew that that was all Michi was willing to say right there and then.
"So then," The Ukrainian said, changing the subject, "What brings the Magni Domina here to Yokohama market?"
Lorelei smiled and seemed eager to answer.
"I'm looking forward to the future, Serafina my dear!" She spoke with an ambitious voice, "If I can talk to the right people during the conference this week, then I may finally be able to secure a permit for me to do business in Japan… and when I do, I'll set up shop right here in Yokohama!"
The Magni Domina placed her hands together and explained spiritedly.
"You see, I can see this town growing into a sprawling metropolis someday; Towers that put the Empire State Building in New York to shame will reach up to the sky, ports teeming with international trade in all four seasons of the year, large, ornate bridges that carry automobiles and pedestrians alike! There will be pristine schools and competent hospitals with free education and healthcare for all – and parks; parks… with fountains that are as amazing at night as they are in the day!"
Michi scratched the back of her head. She didn't know this Lorelei had such a vivid imagination – and optimism. Lorelei, enraptured by her own vision, continues to speak.
"While the land is still inexpensive, it would be a good idea to invest here. The seeds of our organization we sow today will grow along with this city and the Puella Magi who choose to live here will protect the town –and all of Japan! It will be wonderful – much like this ramen!"
Lorelei paused for a moment then folded her arms with a satisfied grin.
"'Mitakihara' doesn't sound like a bad name for a building, no? Or a city even!"
Lost as Michi was, she couldn't help but agree. 'Mitakihara' had a certain ring to it that she couldn't put into words. It was almost as if she remembered that name – but she forgot how she ever came across it.
"In any case…" Lorelei said, taking a deep breath to calm herself down, "I'm truly glad the two of you will be here with me this coming week – it truly means a lot to me."
The Magni Domina then pursed her lips a little. She had meant the words she said, but she still wished that Elise could have come along with her. Her hand then found its way into her coat pockets where a black king chess piece sat amongst loose change and identification documents. She felt the piece caress her hand, allowing herself to smile again.
"Alright then, dears!" Lorelei's cheerfulness was back in full swing, "After dinner, we take the train straight to Tokyo! The conference starts very soon, and we don't want to be late!"
Act XXXI – A Restless Feeling
The wait for the train at the central Yokohama rail station was surprisingly short, thought Michi as she, Serafina and Lorelei boarded the train with their small pieces of luggage in tow. Despite the spontaneity of their meeting and the free-spiritedness of Lorelei Sankt, she seemed to have planned for them to arrive at the station roughly on time.
This Lorelei girl seemed to have a sharper mind than Michi might have thought – or at the very least, mindful and organized of her schedules. The three girls shared a private room in the first-class car and sat in the comfortable seats facing one another. Only a few minutes had passed since the train started to move when Serafina started nodding off. She stood up and excused herself to wash her face, leaving Michi and Lorelei alone.
"Don't do anything hasty." Serafina then whispered to Michi mentally, "But stay on your toes."
Michi acknowledged by sitting upright and facing Lorelei Sankt who still wore a satisfied look on her face. She really liked the ramen and beer, Lorelei would tell her. Michi had heard Lorelei saying this all the way to the train station – maybe she was drunk. It made Michi wonder how Lorelei managed to stick to her schedule while inebriated like that.
"Hey."
Lorelei's gingerly voice catches Michi's attention. Michi's eyes turn to Lorelei's to say she was listening.
"Would you happen to be a Puella Magi?"
The modus operandi she and Serafina had made resurfaced in her mind and she started to calculate her words.
"No, I am not."
She tried her best to sound innocent – as if she didn't even know what Puella Magi are. She was relieved when Lorelei bought it easily.
"Oh…" Lorelei looked embarrassed all of the sudden, "Then you wouldn't know what that entire 'Salvae' thing is about, huh?"
She tries to laugh, but it's a dry laugh. Michi gestures to her to say it was fine. The Magni Domina's face then suddenly grew serious.
"Don't ever become a Puella Magi." She said, shaking her head, "It's… an honorable profession… wait! No, not a profession…"
She seemed to have trouble piecing together what she wanted to say.
"Let's just say it's more trouble than it's worth." Lorelei finally said, cutting short what would have been a long monologue. Lorelei cheerfully changed the subject, "This conference is of greater importance right now. I'll be relying on your translation, Frau Hideyoshi!"
"I will do my best." Michi spoke with a reassuring nod. Serafina returned to the car not long afterwards and sank into her seat, falling asleep without another word. She seemed awfully tired. Michi's eyes quickly darted to Lorelei, somewhat suspicious of her, but give up on questioning her. The Magni Domina too had fallen asleep, almost as tired as Serafina.
Was she the only one who didn't feel tired that evening?
The train rattled on through the Japanese countryside and Michi stood watch over her sleeping companions pondering, but to no avail. An hour or two later, her fatigue from travel finally caught up with her and the silence of their room lulled her to sleep.
When she awoke, the train had just started to lose speed as it approached the central Tokyo station. The contrasts between the countryside and the Japanese capital were sharp, punctuated by the Tokyo Imperial Castle. The sight gave Michi a feeling of bitter familiarity, but she knew she had to get over it. She looked around the room and saw her companions finally awake.
Lorelei Sankt gave off an air of excitement and looked out to the city of Tokyo with great fascination. Serafina, though chipper as always, seemed a little bit groggy and tired. Still, as the train came to a stop, the girls gathered their belongings and made their way out of the train and into the thick crowds of Tokyo. They then set off to find their way to the inn, a few minute's walk away from the station.
The inn was of traditional build – paper screen doors and windows, paneled walls, ornate lanterns, tatami flooring and a small garden with fragrant tea trees. Inside, the rooms and halls were decorated with paintings and calligraphy and a number of displays of samurai armor and weapons. The picture of a young girl covering part of her face with a fan caught Michi's eye – she seemed familiar almost, but not quite. She just carried on to the inn's lobby and stood with Lorelei at the innkeeper's desk, translating for Lorelei as she confirmed their reservation.
It was many steps up from any given hideout Michi maintained in the Philippines but the Japanese girl wasn't particularly impressed by the place. Lorelei Sankt, on the other hand, was absolutely in love with it. Perhaps it was because this was all exotic to her, Michi thought. They confirmed their reservation and quickly prepared for the two-day Greater East Asia Conference.
Act XXXII – Stare Decisis
Dignitaries from the nations of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere huddled together for a group photo at the courtyard of the Imperial Castle. Michi and Serafina opted to stand at the very back while Lorelei chose to stand in the front with the more prominent members of the German delegation.
After the photographs were taken, Lorelei started off her personal campaign immediately and went off to speak with the Japanese officials. Michi stood by Lorelei's side and translated the fluently while Serafina stayed in the sidelines and watched out for any unwelcome magical guests. Luckily, there were none on the first day which ended without incident.
The day ended with a grand and hearty outdoor dinner in the courtyard and the girls returned home after having their fill. It was an enjoyable day all in all and Lorelei was cheerful enough to keep Michi from dozing off during the driest of discussions. Strangely, though, Serafina seemed out of it for the most part. Upon reaching the inn, the Ukrainian headed straight for her room.
"Are you alright, Serafina my dear?" Lorelei asked. Serafina just raised her hand to the girls, waving their worries aside. Within minutes, she was out like a light.
"Maybe she wants to get a head-start for tomorrow…" Lorelei thought out loud. She then turned to Michi and smiled, "You go ahead and rest now too, Frau Hideyoshi . I'm sure you must be tired too."
Michi nodded and retreated to her room as well. The Japanese girl crawled into her bed but had trouble sleeping. The Magni Domina of Salvae was there only a few meters away – the girl who had ordered the killings of so many others was right there within her grasp. Thus, the past few days confused her. The time she had spent with Lorelei in Japan made her wonder why this girl or her subordinates haven't come for them yet. Were they going to be led into a trap? Is this kind act just a front for something sinister?
A gust of wind suddenly rustled the trees and shrubs of the garden, causing Michi to bolt upright. Her hand was on her gun, ready to draw if needed and her free hand caressed the ring she kept in her pocket.
Now wasn't the time to doubt their plan. Even the smallest sleight of hand may cost her and her friends their lives – or what's left of it, at least. It was a matter that was made clear to her the next morning when Serafina awoke looking worse for wear.
"Sorry, guys." Serafina apologized weakly. "I don't feel too well today."
"You don't look well either!" Lorelei quickly added, "Should we call a doctor… or buy you some medicine?"
"I'm fine! I'm fine!" Serafina was stubborn, but her energy was obviously drained. "I… just need a little more rest, that's all. I'll try to catch up later, okay?"
Lorelei looked disappointed but couldn't argue with her any more. She sighed as she and Michi stepped out of the inn.
"Comrade Hideyoshi." Serafina telepathically called to Michi, "Today is the day – remember what we have to do."
"I know." Michi replied, pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts. "You take care of yourself until we come back."
Michi's words fell on deaf ears – Serafina had already fallen asleep.
The Japanese girl turned her eyes to the fidgeting Lorelei beside her. She was starting to think they were dealing someone more dangerous than they had anticipated.
First Interlude
By the time Serafina awoke again, the sun had long since yielded to the moon. She realized this and tried to hop out of bed. A fit of dizziness kept her from doing so and she fell back into her bed, rubbing her temples. She took a breath to compose herself and checked the timepiece she kept with her. If she left for the Imperial Castle now, she might still be able to catch up with dinner.
Suddenly, the hallways of the inn were filled with the shuffle of slow, light footsteps that seemed to be headed for her room. Serafina quickly raised her guard and pressed her back against the walls, suppressing her breathing as best as she could. She raised her Soul Gem to her heart and looked out the window at the other end of the room.
Outside in the garden, she could make out small groups of girls, barely visible in the wan moonlight, encircling the perimeter of the inn. The wind blew through the garden and the unmistakable black shawls they wore fluttered in the wind.
Somehow, she wasn't surprised by this ambush-in-progress. She and Michi were planning to do something similar to Lorelei, after all. The Incognitas must have wanted their deaths to be discreet too. What surprised Serafina, though, was the small maroon gem that she had held in her hands. It was dark – unreasonably dark. She didn't even remember using any significant amount of magic since they docked in Yokohama. The shocked Serafina could only gasp.
"…What the hell?"
She instinctively reached for her pockets and drew out a Grief Seed. Once the seed was spent, she tossed it to the side and looked at the Soul Gem a second time. It was much brighter than it was before, but slivers of darkness still dotted the edges. One Grief Seed had always been enough to fully cleanse her gem before, but she didn't have time to ponder on that. Instead, she summoned a pair of rapiers and kept her back against the wall.
"So she finally makes a move, huh?" Serafina's words were bitter in her mind, "Damn you…"
Act XXXIII - Falter
The sound of multi-lingual chatter mixed with the orderly clatter of china and silverware as the dignitaries shared their last conference dinner together at the Imperial Palace. Despite the lively conversations and the nostalgic traditional music played for them, Michi ate her food rather tensely. She spent the whole day worrying. She spent all day wondering how Serafina was and what other cards Lorelei Sankt may have under her sleeve… and when she would decide to use them.
Questions started to pop up in her mind the more she looked into it. Why would she make Serafina sick rather than killing her outright? Why would she do that only now when she has had so many chances in the past? Michi turned to Lorelei, hoping that looking at her face would somehow answer her questions – or even give her a clue.
It does nothing of the sort. As a matter of fact, it does something else entirely.
The Magni Domina sat in her seat with her head drooped down and her shoulders slumped. Though Lorelei wasn't exactly the most refined lady, that posture she wore was very much troubling. As Michi looked closer, she saw that Lorelei was sweating profusely and her breathing was heavy – almost forced. Michi's eyes bulged in shock.
"Lorelei!"Michi shook the Magni Domina who looked back at her with glazed, unfocused eyes.
"… Elise?"
This wasn't good, and Michi knew it. Making sure that no one was watching them,Michi lifted Lorelei up by the shoulder and guided them both to the nearest women's bathroom. She locked the door behind her and laid the panting Lorelei down on the floor.
Michi drew out her silenced gun and pointed it at the Magni Domina's face, slowly searching for where her vital Soul Gem may lay. This was her chance, she thought. She expected to see a look of fear in Lorelei and she got just that. There was fear by the bucket as the Magni Domina's fair skin seemed to grow pale, but it wasn't from Michi's gun. The cloudiness that seemed to form in her eyes told Michi that she couldn't even see the gun at all.
Lorelei hastily reached into her pocket and scooped up its contents in a less than graceful manner. Three Grief Seeds appeared in her hand, along with a chess piece – a black king, but the items fell out of her shaky hand. The uncoordinated and desperate girl dropped onto all fours and crawled through the tiled bathroom floor, patting to search for the Grief Seeds and the chess piece. It was a sorry sight – a very sorry sight.
In the years of her struggles as a Puella Magi, Michi had grown cold – cold enough to not give a damn about Lorelei, her enemy. The sight should not have bothered her at all. But then again, all of that recently changed after meeting Serafina and the others. Pursing her lips, she cursed herself for being soft and holstered her gun.
"Hold still." Michi said, helping Lorelei sit with her back comfortably against the wall. She wiped the girl's sweat with a paper towel and picked up the Grief Seeds first. "Give me your Soul Gem."
Without even the slightest protest, Lorelei handed Michi her Soul Gem which started to be filled with a black and white checkerboard pattern. Michi used all three of Lorelei's Grief Seeds to cleanse the gem, torrents of darkness pouring out of it like an abysmal waterfall. Once the third gem was spent, Lorelei's gem returned to a pure, pearly white, distinctly brighter than any Soul Gem that Michi had seen before.
Lorelei's body seemed to have calmed down afterwards, gathering its bearings as her sky blue irises cleared. She found Michi kneeling down beside her with a look of mingled worry and surprise. She wanted to ask Michi what had happened, but she somehow already had a feeling about it – not a particularly pleasant one at that.
"So, Frau Hideyoshi… you were lying after all, huh?" Lorelei suddenly said, her voice still weak.
Michi didn't reply. How could she explain her way out of this?
"Why did you say you weren't a Puella Magi in the train?" Lorelei asked
Michi opened her mouth to answer her but soon realized she had nothing to say, or could say. Lorelei saw this and just gave her a small smile.
"I understand, Frau Hideyoshi, I know what it feels like too – I'm just glad we're on the same side."
Michi nods. Then, she notices the black king on the tiled bathroom floor still laying on its side. She picked it up and handed it to Lorelei.
"Oh…" Lorelei gasped, taking the piece from her. "Thank goodness – I was wondering where it went. I don't want to lose anything important after all."
She then pocketed the king and sighed in relief.
"Gosh, you must be wondering how someone like me became the Magni Domina of Salvae." Lorelei said as she started to hand-comb her disheveled hair fruitlessly.
"To be honest, Lady Lorelei…" Michi tried her best to sound respectful as she spoke. "I was wondering about that."
"It's okay, Frau Hideyoshi." Lorelei gave her a weak smile and spoke. "Sometimes, I wonder why as well."
Lorelei sat up straight and took a deep breath to clear her mind.
"What I do know is this – I became the Magni Domina after Elise saved me in the Somme."
"Elise de Lamarliere?" The name slipped out from Michi's lips.
"Why, yes." Lorelei was surprised, "She's the Carissima of the Manila Branch of Salvae – sorta like its caretaker, as well as an old, old friend of mine. Did you happen to know her too?"
"I've heard the name before." Michi said almost evasively. This familiarity, however, was just enough to prod Lorelei to continue her story.
"It was 1915… or was it 1916, I think… at the Battle of the Somme." Lorelei spoke softly, memories with a red metallic tang filling her mind. "I can still see it clearly after all these years, you know. Young boys hardly older than me marching and marching and marching onwards, only to fall like trees when the bullets whizzed past. There was chaos everywhere… and so much hate!"
Lorelei gave a shudder as the torrent of sounds and smells and things, things that would not give her peace, flowed into her mind's eye.
"All of this sadness and all of this hate… it was caused by a really powerful Witch – the other girls used to call her the Dreadnaught Witch… a Witch unlike any other."
"… Dreadnaught."Michi repeated the word.
"Y-yes, the Dreadnaught Witch." Lorelei's confirmed hesitantly, still haunted by her memories. "This Witch didn't hide in a barrier. She attacked in plain sight to Puella Magi like us… I guess you could say that she turned the battlefield into her barrier, perhaps."
Lorelei paused, taking a shaky breath.
"Still, the young soldiers didn't see her. They became mere puppets to the Dreadnaught's sick game! Many girls came forward to fight this Witch, some at the same time. No matter what, no one could take her down. As time passed… Puella Magi, they… they were all just piled up. The whole place smelled of death."
Lorelei took another pause.
"Then, it was my turn…
I stepped forward to face my fate and fought the Dreadnaught Witch – a battle which felt like an eternity. Hours passed, it seemed – maybe even days. With every passing second, I felt myself sinking deeper and deeper into despair… I started to wonder why I was there or if I had the strength to follow through. However, I overcame her. I mustered every ounce of magic I had left and dealt the final blow. The Dreadnaught Witch started to fall from the sky… All too soon, I realized that I was falling too.
This was the end, I thought. My Soul Gem was at its limit and I plummeted down into certain doom. Death had come for me, and I couldn't fight him any longer. Then, I felt a teardrop strike my face, rousing me from my sleep. I awoke in the arms of my old friend Elise. The Soul Gem in my hand had been cleansed of its darkness and seemed to glow much brighter than before. Elise saved me."
The Magni Domina gave off a satisfied sigh and her usual cheerfulness started to resurface.
"Elise and I had a really long talk after that. The both of us understood the suffering Dreadnaught Witches brought to the world. Neither of us wanted something like that to happen again, so we decided to work together and gather the Puella Magi of the world under one banner. We figured that if we can mobilize an army of Puella Magi, we'd be able to deal with a Dreadnaught Witch easily! So, when the war ended in 1918, Lorelei and I found the Puella Magi in the neighboring towns and counties to recruit as our first new members. Thus, Salvae was born."
"There have been no Dreadnaught Witch attacks since then?" Michi asked
"None – and I sure do hope it stays that way." Lorelei said proudly, "That's why our focus kinda shifted over the years. On top of banding together to fight the Dreadnaught Witches, we started to focus on welfare. Now, we also want to make sure that no Puella Magi would be hungry or thirsty, naked or without a home – at least that's my dream… that's why I wonder why there are Puella Magi who so shamelessly prey on their own sisters-in-magic…"
At the mention of the killers, something dawned on Michi – Serafina never made it to dinner. Michi's heart violently thumped and a bead of sweat ran down her face. Lorelei turned her eyes to her interpreter, wondering why she had gone silent. Then, without a word to Lorelei, Michi turned around and burst out of the bathroom, rushing out of the Imperial Palace in a hurry.
"… Wait!" Lorelei cried out, standing up and trying to run after Michi. "Where are you going?"
As she repeated those words in her mind, she started to make sense of them too and she gasped.
"Oh dear… Serafina!"
The two girls ran out into the streets of Tokyo in a maddened rush. Michi easily outran the tired Lorelei and reached the inn first. The wrecked front doors were telltale, confirmed by the muffled sounds of struggle from within the inn. Steel clashed against steel paired with cries of pain and fury.
"Serafina!"Michi mentally hailed, "Serafina, are you okay?"
"Michi!" Serafina replied. Her weariness and pain was distinctly imprinted in her voice. "It's them – the killers are here!"
"Where are you?" Michi called out, trying to plan her next move "I'll come over and…"
"No – don't!" Serafina pleaded, "It's a trap! Leave me here and kill Lorelei Sankt!"
Michi turned around and saw that a formation of black-shawled girls standing before her with their weapons drawn. It was too late. She couldn't turn back now. Michi took out her ring and transformed into her Puella Magi attire. She summoned her naginata and pointed it at the girls cornering her.
"The blue kimono girl still lives – I figured as much." One of the Puella Magi then said, "We've had our doubts about that – especially after the massacre in Cavite."
She then stepped forward confidently and spoke in a pompous voice.
"Now this turn of events is quite interesting – yes. That means Ms. Burnham and Ms. De la Cruz are also involved in this little plan of yours."
Michi's face grew pale.
"That face of yours says it all." The Puella Magi grinned, "I will enjoy watching you suffer. Don't worry! We'll make sure those two are properly 'dealt with'. Hehe."
"I'm not going to let you lay a hand on them!" Michi cried, her sharp eyes staring knives at the Puella Magi "You've already taken so many lives!"
"The same can be said about you." The Puella Magi teased, etching fury on Michi's face. "My, my, you sound so confident though, blue kimono. Ms. Larivenko won't last much longer in this battle and your 'cavalry' is far away in the Philippines!"
Thunder rumbled in the night sky. The Puella Magi then laughed mockingly.
"You sound like lightning can strike the same place-!"
As she spoke, a flash of light blinded Michi for a second and a loud scream rang in her ears before being abruptly cut off. Her sight returned to her and the Puella Magi who had taunted her lay face first on the floor, scorched.
A lone figure cautiously approached the inn, wearing a dazzling white dress befitting of a queen and a grand crown. She held onto a scepter that radiated bright light and held on to it tightly at she scanned the courtyard of the inn. The figure raised her scepter and a bolt of lightning swiftly descended from the heavens and tore through another of the Incognitas. As she drew closer, the short golden hair that adorned her head and her focused blue eyes were unmistakable. It was Lorelei Sankt.
The Incognitas turned to Lorelei and were absolutely terrified to see her there. Michi saw this as her opportunity to strike and dashed forward with her naginata. Michi closed in on her foes and cut them down with clean and graceful swipes. Lorelei then dashed forward as well and swung at her foes with her scepter like a mace and bashed them with surprising strength. Not more than a minute had passed when the Incognitas outside were annihilated, crimson blood whisked about on the grass and the pavement.
"Where's Serafina?" Lorelei asked. Michi pointed towards the inn and Lorelei nodded. A lot of questions bubbled up in Michi's mind but she knew it wasn't the time to ask. The two girls dashed inside and raced to Serafina's room.
As they entered the room, a blood-stained Serafina launched herself onto an Incognita and lunged at her with her sword. The sword cut through the Incognita's chest and the Incognita grew limp. A faint flash of light followed and the girl's Puella Magi attire disappeared. The Ukrainian girl then fell to her knees, panting heavily. She turned to the doorway, relieved to know that Michi was still alive. When she saw Lorelei Sankt though, her eyes widened.
While Serafina had been distracted, one of the Incognitas she had fought somehow managed to get back on her knees. She raised up a thorny war-hammer and charged at the downed Serafina.
"Serafina – look out!" Michi cried.
Serafina turned her head and saw the Incognita coming from her. She was in no position to parry the blow or roll out of the way. Her body tensed and she forcefully shut her eyes up as if preparing to greet death. Instead, a deafening noise filled the room. The Ukrainian opened up her eyes and saw lightning tear through the Incognita's chest as she fell back. Blood flowed out of her wound, sizzling in the heat.
Lorelei's costume of bright white disappeared and she quickly ran to Serafina's side.
"Serafina! Are you alright?"
Serafina stared back at her for a while in disbelief. She turned to Michi for a second opinion on the matter, but her troubled face belied her confusion as well. Michi's naginata was still firmly in her hand, but she made no move to strike at Lorelei. The complexity of their situation became clear to her.
"I'm fine, Lorelei." Serafina said, doing her best to imitate her usual tone. "I'm glad you and comrade Hideyoshi are too."
"If we hadn't gotten here sooner…" Lorelei's voice was apologetic, "We might have lost yet another girl to the killers…"
Tears started to form in her eyes,
"Why are they doing this? Why are these girls so intent on killing their own kind? After all we've done to help ease everyone's suffering!"
Lorelei's questions were scathingly honest, her innocence towards the issue made clear.
"Some Magni Domina I am, huh…"Lorelei spoke self-depreciatively, "Standing still and stagnant while my flock gets eaten by the wolves… Maybe I should have just died in the Somme…"
She catches her own words and stops herself.
"No… I shouldn't think like that." She shook her head violently, trying to get her mind back in order. "Sorry for talking to myself like this. I think it would be best if we left Tokyo, the sooner the better."
Epilogue
It was midnight in Manila, Philippines. At the fourth floor of the Gumamela Building, the telephone in Audrey and Ligaya's room rang and roused the young American girl from her slumber. She picked it up and was delighted to hear the voice on the other end of the phone.
"Michi!"
A smile grew on the American's face as she listened to Michi talk to her. All too soon, that smile became a bitter frown.
"I got it." Audrey said, hanging up the phone. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to compose herself after hearing what she had just heard. She then sprung up to her feet and shook the sleeping Ligaya.
"Ungh… Audrey…?" Ligaya dazedly opened her eyes, "What's going on?"
"Get up, Ligaya, and gather up the rest of the girls." Audrey gave an authoritative whisper. "We're leaving the Gumamela Building, tonight."
To Be Continued
Episode 12 Preview
The lines are drawn,
And the pieces are set in place.
The clock ticks,
And I find the future of this wretched world in my hands.
I made a promise to save you,
To lift your burdens and to finally give you peace.
I will see this promise through.
I will do whatever it takes.
-Elise de Lamarliere-