Hello fanfiction readers! Ashbel Longhart finally back to deliver another chapter of Ryuki Haru's story! So sorry I've been gone for so long a lot's been going on but things are getting better. I've already gotten out of school by the time this is published so hooray for me! But enough about me, let's get to the story. But first, the disclaimer!
(Disclaimer: I do not own Puella Magi Madoka Magica or Kamen Rider Ryuki. They both belong to their respective owners. Any songs or anything familiar also belong to their respective owners. I just own this story and my OC's. Please enjoy.)
Alright, before we begin, let's do a little recap. Kure Kirika, the black Magical Girl assassin had attacked Mami and Takeru while Haru had fought with Drake, Kamen Rider Scissors. In the end, Mami and Takeru worked together to beat Kirika but at the last second, the girl was saved by Oriko and another Rider! Not only that but Haru managed to defeat Drake but the bot's Contract was broken and right before everyone's eyes, he was devoured by his previous Contract Monster and Haru is left to bear the sin of having killed someone.
Now that we're all caught up now, let's get down to things. Let's Ride! If you do not fight, then you won't survive!
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
ADVENT
"Telepathy"
"Reflection"
Wish 12: The Encounter of Two Teams
(Last Time)
"I forgot about savior's boyfriend. How careless of me. But what a surprise, I didn't know there were other Riders."
"I'm sure you know, not everyone has the same kind of life. Not everyone can go to a school, learn, and then go to a college. People need money for that. And that's exactly what I'm fighting for."
"A White Magical Girl…"
"Tomoe Mami and Uranaishi Takeru, we'll meet again, I'm sure. And you two will soon come to realize your own foolishness then."
"The name's Kamen Rider Gai. Thought I should let you know. Seeing as we're both Riders, I'm sure we'll meet up again. Until then, try not to die."
"No! The Contract—!"
"Watch and learn, kid. I'm about to show you just exactly what you signed up for."
"Yo! Hope you don't mind if I take this Witch for myself."
"Who are…?"
(Now)
"Haruka! Haruka!"
"Matsuri, stop that. You're gonna look weird shouting that loud." Arisa said as she, Matsuri, and Takahiro.
"But how else are we gonna find her?" Matsuri said as all around them were people. Today was quite crowded so unless she called out her friend's name, it would be hard to locate their leader.
Instead of answering her friend, Arisa turned to Takahiro and asked, "Are you sure you saw her leave the school?"
"I was literally right there." Takahiro said. "I called out to her because she looked distressed about something but she completely ignored me and just left school grounds. Do you girls happen to know what's wrong with her?"
Said girls simply shared looks with one another as they can guess what was distressing their friend. Takahiro easily saw this and said, "Is it about the argument you had at the funeral?"
"P-Probably…" Arisa said a bit nervously but didn't deny it. "I said some pretty harsh things to her so I want to apologize to her as soon as possible."
"So you want to make up with her." Takahiro summarized as she smiled at the girl. "That's good. It be nice if you two can make up with one another."
"U-Urusai(Shut up)!" Arisa exclaimed with a blushed face.
Both Takahiro and Matsuri smiled at the pinkette as the latter commented, "You really can't be honest with your feelings."
"I said shut up! I want to apologize so I'm gonna apologize! That's all!" Arisa exclaimed once again before she walks ahead of the group a bit. She did this to make sure Takahiro couldn't see her face as the boy had commented that her thoughts could easily be reflected on her face.
'What happened with Chisato wasn't Haruka's fault. I shouldn't have lashed out like that.' Arisa thought as she clenched one of her hands into a fist, squeezing tightly. 'If I had noticed sooner, if I had been stronger, then Chisao would be…' She was the closest out everyone and yet she still failed.
Unknown to her, Matsuri had seen her friend clench her fist an she could guess what she was thinking about.
'Arisa…'
"So, how are you holding up?"
"Eh?" Matsuri jumped a little when Takahiro suddenly spoke to her.
"How're you holding up? With Chisato's…death." The teen struggled with that last word a little, showing his reluctance to bring up the subject.
"Oh!" Matsuri was surprised by the question but responded nonetheless. "Y-Yes! I'm doing alright, I guess."
"You guess?" Takahiro raised an eyebrow at the girl who hung her head down.
"It's just...hard to take in. That Chisato's really gone." Matsuri said, her tone filled with depression.
"Yeah, I know what you mean." Takahiro said as he too looked down in sadness. "Shou's taking it pretty hard too. Honestly, I'm afraid he might do something drastic and try to find the killer himself."
"He'll what?" Matsuri looked up at her friend in surprise. There's no way her friend, Shou, would do something like that. He can't. The killer was like her and the other girls, a Magical Girl.
"That's why I'm trying to keep an eye on him. To make sure he doesn't do anything crazy." Takahiro said. "He's a good guy but he let's his emotions get the better of him sometimes. And right now, it's one of those times."
"He's that angry?" Matsuri and Takahiro just nodded.
"Hey, isn't that our uniform?" Suddenly, Arisa spoke up, getting the other two to look ahead to see a girl wearing the same uniform as Arisa and Matsuri. In fact, said girl was none other than...
"Su-Suzune-chan..." Matsuri muttered. If the girl was out here then that must mean...
Before Matrusi could finish her thought, Arisa suddenly took off running, no doubt going after Arisa.
"Ah! Arisa, wait!" Matsuri called out but her call fell to deaf ears as the girl was already ahead of her.
"What's wrong with Arisa?" Takahiro said, reminding Matsuri that the boy was still here as the two ran after Arisa.
'Oh no! If Hiro-kun is still here then our secret will get revealed!' Matsuri thought as she acts quickly to stop the boy.
Meanwhile, in the alleyway that Suzune just walked into, the girl walked at a calm pace as her face was still stoic as ever. Footsteps could be heard behind her and Suzune heard them coming the second they entered the alleyway. Wind and dust blew as Suzune changed into her Magical Girl attire and her sword appeared in her hand just in time for her to spin around and block the scythe of a transformed Arisa.
"Remember me, you bitch!" Arisa exclaimed loudly, her voice filled with nothing but anger.
(Insert: Connect by ClariS)
(Kawashita yakusoku wasurenai yo me) The song starts with the camera rising up to show two figures, a boy and a girl as they were surrounded by glistening mirrors.
(Wo toji tashikameru) The boy and girl turned out to be none other than Haru Yamamoto and Madoka Kaname back to back.
(Oshiyoseta yami furiharatte susumu yo) Madoka's hair shadowed over her eyes as she looked like she was trying to hold back tears while Haru tightly but gently held one of her hands in comfort while the other hand was holding onto Ryuki's Deck Box. In the mirrors their reflections differ from themselves as Madoka's reflections showed her in her Magical Girl outfit while Haru's reflection was that of Kamen Rider Ryuki. Suddenly, the mirrors shatter into pieces as the title appeared.
(Itsu ni nattara nakushita mirai wo) Haru along with Renji, Alex, and Takeru all wake up to start the day, still a bit groggy, but got up nonetheless.
(Watashi koko de mata miru koto dekiru no?) The four boys brushed their teeth side by side before the scene fast forwards to them finishing putting on their school uniform before rushing out the door.
(Afuredashita fuan no kage wo) The boys are seen running as fast as they can as to not be late for school when Haru notices something up ahead. Up ahead, Madoka along with Sayaka and Hitomi were seen smiling at the approaching group.
(Nando demo saite kono sekai ayun de kou) The four slowed down to a stop and walked with the girls to school. Not too far from them, Mami is seen walking by herself to school, Kyoko was nearby eating as always, and Homura was walking from a distance, looking at the group, but more specifically, Madoka. While the rest of the group talked with one another, Haru and Madoka glanced at one another smiled.
(Tomedonaku kizamareta) The scene changes to show Madoka with Kyoko and Mami to her right and Sayaka and Homura to her left all transforming into their Magical Girl outfits before they go to fight a Witch.
(Toki ha ima hajimari tsuge) Haru and the boys try to run up to them, but are stopped by mirrors. They bang on the mirrors to get the girls, but they didn't hear or notice them as they were too busy fighting.
(Kawaranai omoi wo nose) The boys bang and bang on the mirrors stopping them before Haru had enough and punched the thing, surprised to see that he had formed a crack. He continues to punch and punch the mirror in front of him, forming cracks as the others followed his lead, getting the same results.
(Tozasareta tobira akeyou) They throw punch after punch before finally, they all throw one single punch that brakes the mirrors right in front of them before they dash through as when they passed, they all had transformed; Ryuki for Haru, Knight for Renji, Zolda for Alex, and Raia for Takeru.
(Mezameta kokoro ha hashiridashita mirai wo egaku tame) Just when Sayaka was about to get hit, Knight swoops in and saves her just in time, holding Sayaka in a bridal position as his Contract Monster, Darkwing providing him wings to fly. Mami jumps back to avoid an attack when a whip wraps around her waist and pulls her to safety as the culprit was none other than Raia who caught her in his arms while they rode on his Contract Monster, Evildiver. An arm was about to grab Kyoko when it was shot. Looking behind her, Kyoko saw that it was Zolda who had shot the arm as his Contract Monster, Magnugiga stood behind him.
(Muzukashii michi de tachidomatte mo sora ha) Multiple hands went to grab both Madoka and Homura when suddenly flames burned the hands away as appearing from the flame were both Ryuki and Ryuga as the red Rider stood in front of Madoka protectively while the black Rider did the same for Homura as both Riders had their Contract Monsters, Dragreder and Dragblacker float next to them, ready for battle.
(Kirei na aosa de itsumo mattete kureru) All the Riders prepare to execute their Final Vents while the girls prepare to use their strongest attacks on the Witch.
(Dakara kowakunai) Suddenly, in Haru's eyes, he sees the shadow images of the other Riders participating in the Rider War before he jumps up with Dragreder coiling around him.
(Mou nani ga atte mo kujikenai) In quick shots, all the Riders unleash their Final Vents with the girls unleash their great attacks before the scene changes to a puddle where all five Rider Decks laid on as the reflection showed the girls' Soul Gems. Ryuga's reflected Homura's, Raia's reflected Mami's, Zolda reflected Kyoko's, Knight reflected Sayaka's, and Ryuki's reflected Madoka's as the song comes to an end.
(Witch's Barrier)
*BANG-BANG-BANG!*
Gunshots were fired from Alex's Magna Visor as the energy bullets flew and struck the body of the Witch. Said Witch had a body shaped similar to that of a cartoonish looking caterpillar with eyes lining its body as it was still connected to the box Haruka had tried to destroy earlier. Alex's bullets seemed to have an effect as the Witch cried out in pain before charging towards the Rider with the intent to ram the boy. It never reached him for from above came down Kyoko, spear pointed down as her weapon plunged straight through the Witch as the force of her drop attack forced the Witch to slam down on the ground. It soon recovered and lifted its body up before spinning around to get Kyoko off of it though said girl jumped off on her own and landed right next to Alex.
"This Witch is surprisingly easy." Kyoko commented, resting her spear on her shoulder.
"Then we can end this quickly." Alex said as he drew a card from his Advent Deck but not before calling over to Yuma. "How is she?"
"She's fine! Nothing to worry about!" Yuma responded back as she stood by Haruka's side, healing whatever wounds the blond Magical Girl might have sustained though there really wasn't any serious injuries on the girl which made the small child happy. She rather use her healing magic on Kyoko and Alex than anyone else.
"That's good." Alex said as he placed the card he had onto the hidden slot of his Visor.
SHOOT VENT
"So tell me why we saved her?" Kyoko asked as the Giga Cannons appeared onto Alex's shoulders.
"I told you didn't I? If I see someone in trouble then I'm gonna help them." Alex as he raised his Magna Visor, still intent on using it along with the new cannons on his shoulders.
"I thought you weren't the hero type?"
"I'm not." Alex pulled the trigger and an energy bullet was fired from his gun. At the same time, the cannons on his shoulders fired and the struck the Witch destroying parts of its body and making it cry in pain again. Kyoko then took that as her cue to rush in in order to finish the job.
Getting in close to the Witch, Kyoko came to a stop before swinging her spear around and sliced off the Witch's caterpillar-like body from the strange box, making the whole body fall down to the ground as it ow had nothing to make it stand up.
"You're finished!" Kyoko declared as she raised her spear over the body to finish it off. But suddenly, just when she was about to plunge her spear into the body, the strange box suddenly let out a strange liquid that surprised and enveloped Kyoko. Kyoko only managed to get out a curse before she was swallowed by the strange liquid and dragged into the box.
"Kyoko!" Yuma screamed in extreme worry.
"Crap!" Alex cursed as he ran to save the red headed Magical Girl. But as he approached the box, suddenly, the body of the Witch moved on its own, becoming that strange liquid as well as it swallowed up Alex and before he could curse himself, he found himself surrounded by darkness.
'Shit. Didn't think that Witch could move its body even when separated from that strange box. It's probably a part of its body as well.' Alex thought as he tried to think of how to get out of this situation.
That was until the sound of mocking laughter was heard all around him. Alex only blinked but in that instant, he was surround by eyes and mouths. The mouths were all laughing as if to mock and laugh at him. The eyes were the same, the way they looked at him as if he was some kind of funny joke.
"What's so funny?" Alex said, feeling very annoyed as he raised his gun and went to shoot one of the mocking eyes...
It's decided then. Your brother shall be the one to inherit the family business and fortune.
Only he couldn't pull the trigger for suddenly, memories started playing in his mind like a broken movie tape. He knew these memories well.
I'm no longer the heir!? What do you mean!? I'm the oldest here! I should be the one getting everything!
Alex knew these memories well. After all...
You know exactly why you're no longer the heir.
These are his memories.
So what if I'm a little sick? Just pay to get me treated and I'll be good as new!
It's not that simple, Alex. This cancer of yours is developing too fast. A normal doctor wouldn't be able to keep up. That's why I thought it was best to make your little brother the heir instead.
...So that's it? You've already decided that I'm a dead man?
Alex, it's not like that.
Bullshit! Why else would you make Edward the heir! You and mother have already written me off as a lost cause!
I didn't say that-Alex! Get back here! Where are you going!?
Why should you care? Since I'm already dead to you, I'm gonna do whatever I want!
Alex! Alex! Come back!
"...Tch!" Alex clicked his tongue in annoyance as he could feel anger bubbling inside of him. Lifting his head up, the mouths around him were still laughing and the eyes were still mocking him.
"Have you laughed enough yet?" The second he spoke up did the laughing stop and the eyes looked at him in surprise, no doubt shocked that Alex was no effected by the memories that had been forcibly brought up to the surface of his mind.
"I hope you've had your fair share of laughter because now, you're dead!" Alex shouted as without even moving an inch, the Giga Cannons on his shoulders fired and struck the many eyes and mouths that surrounded him, causing cries of pain to echo all around him.
"What's the matter? Don't like that? Then have another-!"
Listen, Father.
"Huh?" Alex stopped his attacks when a familiar voice suddenly appeared in his head.
I defeated another Witch today. I saved someone who was about to commit suicide.
Then, as if someone had switched tapes, memories that were not his own played in his head. He found himself in some sort of office with all the lights turned off. The only source of light came from an open door and at that door was none other than Kyoko though Alex could see that the girl was a bit younger than the one he knew.
You wanted to destroy the root of all the misfortune and sadness in the world. We Magical Girls are steadily cutting away at the root. That can't be a bad thing, right?
Through the memory, Alex made out who he guessed was Kyoko's father. The man wore clergy clothes, confirming what Mami had said about Kyoko coming from a religious family. Mami had said Kyoko's family were good people yet the man that was Kyoko's father was surrounded by bottles of sake. That alone was enough to set alarms off in Alex's head.
You know, father, I still love everything you preached. That's why I was so glad when everyone began listening to what you had to say. After all, you had always been saddened by the misfortune of this world, and I finally got to see you happy. I...
That's all an illusion you created, isn't it?
For the first time, Kyoko's father spoke. Alex could tell the man was mad drunk from the way he sounded.
Everyone who came to this church was there not because of their faith, but because they had been led astray by the powers of a Witch. Those poor souls. Did you then plan to take the lives of those you bewitched? Were they the sacrifices for your contract with the devil? That you, daughter of a clergyman, would sell your soul to the devil...
Already Alex didn't like where this conversation was going. He wondered what had happened to have led to this but he continued to watch the memory play before him. Perhaps he'll get answers then.
Like I keep telling you, Witches and Magical Girls are different! We don't kill anyone! Please, believe what I'm saying! I'm not a Witch!
...from the very beginning you paid no heed to my teachings. You thought that my teachings were mad ramblings that would save no one...did you not? Ah, indeed. That's just right. I have not the power to bring salvation to the world. I gave a Witch a chance to take advantage of me. It's not your fault. All the blame rests with me.
Suddenly, the surroundings started to waver and static like a broken TV screen. Alex wondered what was going on but his attention was still on the conversation in front of him.
What do you...That's not...father...that-
What's not? With your power, you can cut away the root of misfortune and sadness? If I were to lend my ear to such an insinuation, you may as well vituperate me for being such a useless father.
Alex felt his eyes widen as the surroundings were getting even more staticy as the scene before him changed from what was in front of him to what can only be described as a tragedy.
What are you going to do now? Even without your father, you can bring salvation unto the world? You crush the faith of the people and lead them astray - Is that not the work of a laughing devil? You fail to even recognize what you have wrought, merrily telling tales of your exploits.
No...father...mother...Momo...
The static soon stopped as the surroundings have completely changed. Before him was a wide eyed Kyoko staring at a sight that would scar anyone for life. On the ground was a woman and a little girl in a pool of their own blood. Through Kyoko's memories, Alex identified them as Kyoko's mother and little sister. As for her father, he was hanging from a noose, having committed suicide as a bloody knife laid right under him, no doubt the tool used to kill Kyoko's mother and sister. That's when Alex realized what had happened. Kyoko's father had killed his own wife and child before committing suicide, leaving Kyoko to see the aftermath.
What should I call you if not a Witch?
And just like that, the memories came to an end and Alex was left with a feeling of horror and having intruded upon Kyoko's personal space. He did not doubt this memory was one Kyoko kept locked up tightly in her mind and he just watched it like it had been some rental movie. At the same time, he could not help but feel horrified at what Kyoko had experienced and wondered how she went through everyday with this on her shoulders. It certainly overshadowed anything he ever experienced.
But suddenly, the mouths and eyes that had surrounded him starting laughing again, as if what had just happened was some sort of joke to them. And that alone sent Alex over the edge.
"What..." All laughing stopped once against all eyes and mouths looked down at Alex who was shaking. At first they thought he was shaking in fear but it was, in fact, from rage as he spun around and shouted at the top of his lungs, "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU LAUGHING AT!?"
*BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM!*
*BANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANGBANG!*
With a roar, Alex fired his Giga Cannons at the many mouths and eyes surrounding him, causing explosions everywhere before he raised his Magna Visor up into the air and squeezed down the trigger as energy bullets machine gunned out of his gun. So much was happening that Alex didn't know that the explosions he was making were causing a big enough shockwave to blow away all the liquid that trapped him until he saw the color of the Witch's Barrier and the sound of Yuma's voice.
"Alex!" Said Rider stopped roaring and firing his gun when he heard the young Magical Girl call out his name. Turning he barely had time to catch and pouncing Yuma who instantly starting hugging him. "You're alright! You're alright!"
"Yes, I'm alright. Calm down, Yuma." Alex said as he set the girl down while Haruka made her way up to him.
"Are you alright?" The blond Magical Girl asked. "This little one here has been trying to rescue you from that liquid with her shockwaves to no avail when the stuff on you suddenly exploded."
"I'm fine." Alex said before looking down at Yuma. "Sorry for worrying you. And thanks for trying to save me."
"Your welcome, but now we need to save Kyoko!" Yuma said, pointing over to the strange box that Alex figured as the main body of the Witch. Just as he was about to shoot it with his gun, there was noticeable movement form inside before the top lid of the Witch bursts open and out came Kyoko, flipping in midair before landing on the ground on her knees. At the sight of her did Yuma run over to the red head.
"Kyoko!" Alex and Haruka quickly followed after the young girl and made it over to Kyoko's side.
"Hey, Red! You okay?" Alex asked as he offered a hand to the kneeling girl but she didn't accept it as she got up on her own.
"No," Kyoko then raised her head, allowing everyone to see the pure rage burning in her eyes. "I'm pissed off!"
"...What a coincidence." Alex said as he drew a card form his Advent Deck and placed it in the slot of his Visor. "So am I."
ADVENT
A mirror appeared before the group before Alex's Contract Monster, Magnugiga, appeared from it, surprising Haruka as this was the first time she's ever seen anything like the Contract Monster.
"Alex, are you gonna blow things up again?" Yuma asked, remembering the time where she first met Alex and Kyoko.
"I am." Alex said as he drew another card from his Deck and inserted it into his Visor.
FINAL VENT
At that announcement did Magnugiga raise both its arms and the cannons on its feet dropped down as its chest opened up to reveal the weapons of mass destruction inside. Haruka felt her eyes widening the the size of dinner plates as she saw the inside of the Contract Monster while the Witch, sending extreme danger heading her way, moved to run only for a spear to be thrown at it, hitting its shadow and from the shadow came red chains the wrapped and binded the Witch in place.
"There. I made it so it can't run." Kyoko, her hand extended out from when she had thrown her spear, said as she lowered her hand and said to the Rider, "Now blow the thing up to kingdom come. I don't even want to see a speck of dust left of it except for the Grief Seed.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Alex said as he inserted his Magna Visor into the slot behind Magnugiga before all the weapons on the Contract Monster charged and glowed up.
"You might want to take cover." Yuma told Haruka before she ran away herself. Not knowing what was even going on, Haruka looked between the running Yuma and the pair before her that refused to move away. She then chose to follow after Yuma and she was glad she did for by the time she joined Yuma's cover...
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*
The world exploded in her eyes.
(Meanwhile, in the Real World)
*CLANG!*
"Amano Suzune!" Arisa exclaimed loudly, her voice filled with pure anger as her scythe collided with Suzune's sword.
Suzune said nothing as she blocked the scythe and pushed it back along with its wielder. Arisa gritted her teeth as she twirled her scythe around before charge again to the Magical Girl assassin. Said assassin watched her opponent swing her scythe at her but she remained calm as always as she raised her sword and blocked the deadly gardening tool as the two girls entered a deadlock.
"I heard about you from Matsuri." Arisa gritted through her teeth as she tried to overpower Suzune. "I don't know why you're doing this mystery transfer student thing and frankly I don't really give a damn! You killed Chisato and that's enough reason for me to crush you!"
Suzune didn't say anything at first, simply raising her left foot and kicking Arisa away from her before the girl spoke up for the first time.
"You still can't win against me. And I don't have time to deal with you right now. I have some business with Kanade Haruka."
Arisa's eyes widen in surprise before they narrow in understanding.
"I see. So this time you're targeting Haruka. I won't let you!" Arisa grips her scythe tightly as she goes to charge at Suzune again, if it weren't for a familiar voice speaking up.
"What's going on here!?" Arisa stops her charge as her eyes widen at the familiar voice. Turning around, she sees none other than Takahiro along with a apologetic Matsuri.
"I'm sorry, I tried to stop him." Matsuri apologized.
"Arisa? Is that you?" Takahiro said, looking at Arisa in her magical Girl outfit.
'Shit! I was so focused on trying to get to Amano that I completely forgot that Hiro-kun was with us!' Arisa thought as she felt like hitting herself for how stupid she was.
'That's weird.' Suzune thought as she looked at Takahiro. 'I could have sworn I set up a barrier around this place. The only ones who should be able to pass through are other Magical Girls.'
Arisa looked between Suzune and Takahiro, the former still stoic faced while the latter's face demanded answers. Arisa scratched her head in frustration before coming to a decision.
"Grrragh! I'll explain later!" Arisa exclaims before focusing back on Suzune. "Matsuri! This bitch is after Haruka!"
"Nani(What)!?" Matsuri looks at her friend in disbelief before looking towards Suzune in surprise. Her face was, again, still stoic as the girl made no attempt to deny Arisa's claim.
"Back me up!" Arisa called out to her friend again.
Matsuri responded by taking her her Soul Gem as a look of determination developed on her face.
"Hiro-kun, we'll explain everything later. For now, stand back."
"What?" Was the only thing Takahiro could say before Matsuri transformed into her Magical Girl attire right before his eyes, surprising him greatly.
Suzune watches as Matsuri joins Arisa's side. All the girl does is simply raise her sword and said, "No matter how many times you come at me, the end results will be the same. It's foolish."
"We'll just have to see about that!" Arisa said as she and Matsuri both charge towards the Magical Girl Assassin who's only response was to hold her sword with both hands.
(Meanwhile, with Oriko)
"There. That's the best that I can do right now."
Oriko doesn't respond back to the doctor immediately, instead looking over at Kirika and her condition. That girl had bandages wrapped around her body to the point that it looked like a makeshift shirt while more bandages were wrapped around her right leg. Yet despite the wrappings, spots that indicated blood could be seen from the spot where Kirika received her kneecap shot from Mami and if one were to flip her around, they could see red spots decorating the bandages on her back. All in all, Kirika was in pretty bad condition.
"The bleeding hasn't stopped." Oriko stated before turning to the doctor. "Why?"
"These wounds can't be healed normally." The doctor said as said doctor was quite young. "The Magical Girl she fought earlier had struck her weak spot, her Soul Gem. And the damage that her Soul Gem sustained is being reflected onto Kirika's body."
"Heh, damn. Your opponent got you good, Kirika." A boy who was slightly older than both of the girls taunted the injured Magical Girl.
"Urusei(Shut up)!" Kirika exclaimed angrily at the boy before wincing as her wounds flared up a bit.
Said boy was, as said before, slightly older than the girls making his age being around 16 or 17. He has black spiky hair with green streaks to them and has jade green colored eyes. He was dressed quite casually, wearing a pair of ripped jeans and a white baseball shirt with black sleeves and had the picture of a charging rhino depicted on the front.
"I'd advise you not to antagonize her, Ken." The doctor said to the teenage boy.
The boy, now named Ken, held up his hand sin mock surrender. "Whatever you say, doc."
"I'm sorry, Oriko." Kirika suddenly said. "I messed up. That Tomoe Mami is something else."
"You know her name?" Ken asked.
"I heard of her from some guys at school. She's pretty popular." Kirika explained.
"So she goes to your school. That's quite the coincidence." Ken commented, remembering that Kirika herself attended Mitakihara Middle School but skipped classes so much it was rare for the black Magical Girl to go to class. Though said rare times were actually Oriko telling her to go to school so her grades didn't slip.
"So, is she strong? She beat you after all." Ken asked with a curious look that bordered on predatory.
"She's unlike any other girls I met so far. She's definitely been a Magical Girl for quite a long time." Kirika said. "That Tomoe Mami is an elite."
"Oh really?" A vicious smile formed on Ken as he then asked, "And what about that Rider with her?"
"Uranaishi Takeru is his name and he's pretty popular himself. All the girls talk about him." Kirika then scoffed. "It's pathetic and annoying how all those girls babble on and on about him. And it's all because he can supposedly see the future."
"What?" Oriko looked at Kirika in surprise. That last part had gotten her attention. "You're saying he can see into the future?"
"Supposedly, but I don't buy it." Kirika said.
"And yet you believe in Oriko's ability to see into the future?" Ken pointed out the contradiction.
"She got that ability when she became a Magical Girl. That makes it way more believable." Kirika retorted.
"How does that make it more believable? It's magic!"
"It just does! But I guess a muscle brain idiot like you wouldn't understand."
"Oh you are just asking to be more injured!"
While the two were arguing in the background, Oriko hummed to herself as she was in thought. After a while, she turns to the doctor.
"Toujou-san. How goes the process of the Pseudo-Rider system?"
The doctor that was now known as Toujou played with the silver locks of his hair as he thinks for a moment before speaking. "I'm only about twenty-five percent finished with the system. I need more data if I want to proceed further and there's only so much Ken here can offer."
Oriko hummed again as she thinks about what to do. But she only had to think for a few seconds before she finally decides on what she wants to do.
"Ken." The mentioned boy who was pinning Kirika down as said girl couldn't do much in her injured state looked up at Oriko who suddenly called out to him. "Come with me. There's somewhere I want to do and I'd like you do accompany me."
"What!?" Kirika exclaimed in disbelief while Ken simply smirked.
Ken then threw a mocking smirk at the injured girl and said, "Looks like I'll be the one protecting Oriko this time." And with that, he went over to the girls side as the two went to leave.
"Wait, Oriko! Don't take that idiot! Take me! I can still fight!" Kirika insisted as she goes to get up but Toujou pushed her back down.
"You will not be moving from this bed."
"But-!"
"No but's."
"Kirika," Hearing her name, the girl turns to Oriko who was already at the door. Oriko gives her a smile and says, "Do not worry. I'll be fine. You just focus on getting better, okay?"
"O-Okay..." With reluctance, Kirika laid back down on the bed. Oriko smiles at her before she and Ken take their leave. But not before Toujou speaks up.
"Ken," Hearing his name, the teen in question turns around and catches something thrown at him by the doctor. "You nearly forgot something.
"Oops! Hehe, thanks doc." Ken said, waving with the hand that he used to catch the item thrown at him before he followed after Oriko. As for what was thrown at him...
It was an Advent Deck with the insignia of a rhino in gold.
(Alleyway)
Back in the alleyway that Suzune and the other girls were in, said girl was still fighting both Arisa and Matsuri. From her left came Matsuri who threw her gauntlet covered hands at her but the Magical Girl Assassin was faster than the girl and stopped her punch with her sword and held the fist back with minimum effort. But then, from behind came Arisa aiming for Suzune's back. But the girl already knew what to do. Pumping strength into her arms, Suzune pushed Matsuri's fist back, spun around and swung her sword, blocking Arisa's scythe before a flaming explosion occur ed the second the two weapons struck each other, getting cries of surprise from both Arisa and Matsuri as they were both pushed back from the sudden explosion.
"Dammit!" Arisa cursed as she skidded back before coming to a stop. There was also another reason why she cursed. The fight had been going on for a good couple of minutes, about five minutes or so if she had to guess, but she and Matsuri has yet to land any real damage to Suzune. So, seeing as regular attackers were doing no good, Arisa came to a decision.
"I wasn't able to use this last time since I didn't have a chance, but now that's it come to this..." Arisa doesn't finish as she instead grips her scythe tightly and a red-pinkish aura appeared around her.
"Arisa! That's...!" Matsuri cries out in surprise.
"Don't try to stop me, Matsuri!" Arisa yells over to the girl. "If I don't do this then we're done for!"
"What is she doing?" Takahiro, still here and hiding behind a few trash cans, wondered out loud as he watched the fight.
"Let's do this...Boost!" Arisa shouted that last word, causing the aura around her to disperse but it didn't vanish as a thin hot pink line outlined her entire form. "Here I come!" And with that declaration, Arisa charges towards Suzune.
Not knowing what Arisa had done, Suzune chose to play defensive against the scythe wielding Magical Girl. The scythe was swung towards her, aiming for her shoulder so she raised her sword to block and successfully did it but Suzune's eyes widen a little when she felt herself buckle under the strength of the attack. The scythe was pulled back before second later it came back, this time aiming for her neck. Suzune held up her sword before leaning back as her sword blocked the incoming attack but when the scythe struck her sword, she could feel her arms vibrating.
'She enhanced her physical ability using magic. I see.' Suzune noted in her mind as she quickly identified the type of magic Arisa was using. 'Enhancement Magic. That's what it is.'
"Haaaaaa!" Arisa let out a cry as she swung her scythe downward and Suzune held up her sword again to block and did, but she was sent skidding backwards from Arisa's enhanced strength. She could also feel herself stunned from that last attack. Arisa sees this and calls out to her friend.
"Matsuri! Now!"
"Got it!" Matsuri responded back as she was behind the shaken Suzune, a fist reeled back and ready to be released.
' They got her.' Takahiro thought but he wasn't so sure of the girls' victory. The reason being, 'Why is that girl still so calm?'
Indeed, despite the situation she was in, Suzune was still as calm and stoic as ever. She knew she couldn't dodge both girls in time so she instead resorted to her magic.
"Too bad, but your time is up." Suzune said as she holds up her sword. "Kage-"
*ZWOOOO!*
Before Suzune could finish what she was going to say, space itself suddenly shifted, causing Arisa and Matsuri to stop before they could finish Suzune off as fierce wind blew, surprising everyone further.
"What's going on?" Takahiro thought/shouted out loud as he wondered what was going on. But the girls all knew what was happening.
"Shit! A Witch at a time like this!?" Arisa cursed as she readied herself. Suzune and Matsuri readied themselves too as the winds died down, but instead of a Witch appearing, what appeared right before everyone were none other than Kyoko, Alex still as Zolda, Yuma, and Haruka who was on her knees looking at Alex in disbelief. Did I also forget to mention that everyone was covered in a bit of soot?
"Mission Complete." Alex said as he lowered his Magna Visor gun.
"You can say that again." Kyoko said, smirking as she flicked a newly acquired Grief Seed into the air before catching it.
"Yatta(Hooray)! Alex and Kyoko are the best!" Yuma cheered as she left Haruka's side to run up to the pair.
"What the heck?" Arisa said, confused as to what was going on and where did these three come from. But that was until she and Matsuri saw Haruka with them.
"Haruka!"
"Hm?" Hearing the girls shout, the three finally took notice of the three Magical Girls in the alleyway they were in. Kyoko looked between them and Haruka before asking the latter, "Friends of yours?"
Haruka, who looked to be in shock, snapped out of it and saw her friends. "Arisa? Matsuri?"
The two mentioned girls quickly run over to their side and check to see if their friend/leader was alright.
"Haruka! Daijōbu(Are you alright)? Are you hurt? Should I heal you?" Matsuri asked, constantly throwing new questions out as she raised her hand, ready for healing.
"I-I'm fine, really." Haruka insisted, pushing Matsuri's hands down.
"But you're covered in soot!"
"I'm said I'm fine. I'm not injured."
"What the heck happened? You just popped up out of no where covered in soot with these three weirdos." Arisa asked as she pointed a thumb over to Kyoko, Alex, and Yuma. She knew the two girls were Magical Girls as it was pretty obvious but she didn't know what Alex was though she made sure to keep a wary eye on the Rider's gun.
"Hey!" Kyoko cried out as she dusted off some of the soot on her. "If anyone's a weirdo over here it's this guy." She then pointed her spear at Alex.
"And why am I the weirdo?" Alex asked a bit angirly as he too was dusting himself off
"I don't think you're weird, Alex." Yuma said as Alex got to dusting her off after he was done with himself.
"Thank you, Yuma." Alex thanked the girl while patting her head, getting a cute giggle out of the child.
"I was attacked by a Witch." Haruka explained, driving the attention away from the three so she could properly explain things to her friends. "These three appeared and saved me."
"Really?" Matsuri said before she and Arisa looked over to the three only to see Alex pointing his Magna Visor at Suzune, reminding them that they were still fighting with the Magical Girl assassin.
"And mind explaining what the heck you're doing here?" Alex asked as he made sure to have one finger on the trigger, ready to be pulled at a moment's notice should the girl in front of him do anything.
Suzune didn't speak at first, glancing over at Haruka for a split second, before speaking. "I was just on my way home."
"Oh really?" The sound of a hammer being pulled back was heard, making Suzune turn her head to see none other than Mami behind her in her Magical Girl attire with a musket aimed at her head. "Were you going to use your magic just get back home? That's quite a poor way to use one's magic."
"Who are-?"
"A Magical Girl dressed in grey and wielding a sword with an orange blade." Mami interrupted Suzune before she could finish. "Your appearance matches perfectly with what Yoru-san told me. So you're the other girl that's been going around and killing other Magical Girls."
Suzune made no attempt to deny Mami's claim as she looked left and right. She was boxed in. She went to jump up to the roof of a building but glint of the sun reflecting off something made her loop up to see Takeru now as Raia with his Evil Crossbow in hand and aimed at Suzune, one finger on the trigger in case Suzune made the attempt to move.
"Don't think you can run. You have a lot to answer for and I've got a couple of questions I'd like to ask you myself." Mami said, confident that she had Suzune trapped.
Suzune looked at her surroundings and accessed the situation. Behind her was Mami with a musket aimed at her head. In front of her was Alex with his Magna Visor aimed right at her while in the back both Arisa and Matsuri looked ready to charge at her again, the former more so than the latter. And up above was Takeru with his Evil Crossbow aimed at her. As said before she was boxed in. But that didn't mean she had a way to escape.
"I don't have anything to say to you." Suzune stoically said before raising her said and muttered, "Kagerō(Heat Shimmer)."
Seeing that Suzune was up to something, Mami, Takeru, and Alex all fired at the girl but to their surprise, their bullets never reached her for before everyone's eyes, the girl had vanished as Mami's and Alex's bullet passed by one another while Takeru's high pressurized water bullet struck the spot Suzune was standing at a second ago.
"What the-!?" Arisa cried out in surprise.
"She disappeared..." Matsuri said, also surprised.
"Shit." Alex cursed as he lowered his gun and Mami did too while Takeru threw his crossbow away and jumped down from the building he was on.
"Kyoko, who was that?" Meanwhile, Yuma asked Kyoko as she was confused on what had just happened.
"Someone you shouldn't concern yourself over, but should also stay away." Kyoko said while also warning the young girl. Yuma looked like she still wanted answers but took Kyoko's warning and didn't ask again.
"Alex, Evildiver sensed a Witch earlier so Mami and I rushed over here." Takeru said, explaining why he and Mami were here as said girl walked over to them. "I assume you already took care of it.
Instead of speaking, Alex simply pointed a thumb over to Kyoko who held up the Grief Seed and shot them a mocking smirk. Takeru and Mami professionally ignored it, much to Kyoko's anger.
"Alright, that's it!" Arisa suddenly cried out, getting everyone's attention before she pointed over to the group. "Who the heck are you people?"
"I would like to know that as well." Suddenly, Takahiro made his presence known, reminding Arisa and Matsuri that the boy was still here while everyone else turned to him in surprise.
"Takahiro-san!?" Haruka exclaims in surprise, getting up as she was surprised to see the teenage boy here.
"Shit! Forgot he was here." Arisa cursed quietly, face palming herself at her forgetfulness.
"And you are...?" Alex asked, prompt Takahiro to speak.
"My name is Hanamura Takahiro. And who're you people?"
The group all looked at one another, silently debating what they should do. It was eventually decided that Mami would be the one to speak for the group as said girl stepped forward.
"Relax, we don't mean you or your friends any harm." Mami said, raising her hands to show that she meant no harm before gesturing to the others. "These are my...friends." In truth, she considered Takeru here her friend and like to think Alex as one as well. As for Kyoko, well, was there any need to say anything?
"I'm not her friend, just an acquaintance." Kyoko added in while Yuma stuck out her tongue towards Mami as she still remembered how the girl was suspicious of Kyoko earlier.
"Yes, thank you for clearing that up Sakura-san." Mami said in mock thankfulness before she turned to the other girls. "I don't believe we've ever met."
"No, we haven't." Haruka said as she stepped forth to be the voice of her group. "It's clear that you and those other two girls with you are Magical Girls. Now I don't want to come off as rude but what are you doing here? This part of the city, Hohzuki Town, is under our watch." Magical Girls rarely work together, that was a common knowledge amongst all girls who became a Magical Girl due to the fact that Grief Seeds are not exactly shareable items. Thus it was common for Magical Girls to compete over who got a Grief Seed. But there was another common thing shared among girls.
Territory. If a Magical Girl is powerful enough, they can announce a place such as city or hometown as their territory, their own personal hunting grounds of Witches. Now there's nothing stopping other Magical Girls from entering another one's territory though they should always act with caution. Girls who claim territory usually have the power to back up said claim, one way or another. So when someone walks into their territory, they had good reason to be suspicious.
"My friend and I," Mami gestures to Takeru before continuing. "Had sensed a nearby Witch and came running over here. But it seems we were beaten to the punch."
Once again, Kyoko held up the Grief Seed with a mocking smirk. And once again, Mami chose to ignore her.
"I'm sorry, but did you just say Witch?" Takahiro spoke up and asked.
"Yes, I did. It's what we Magical Girls fight against." Mami said while also feeling like she was back to the day where she was explaining this to Madoka and the others.
"What, hold it." Takahiro held up his hand to stop Mami for a moment. "Magical Girls? As in-I mean, I didn't want to assume, but you're all Magical Girls?" He was looking at every female here when he asked that, more so at his friends.
"Yes, we are Magical Girls through we're quite different than from what TV shows depict us as." Mami said.
Takahiro took a moment to process all that while glancing towards Takeru and Alex. The two Riders saw this and expected the teen to ask about them but to their surprise, he didn't and instead asked, "Was that girl from earlier also a Magical Girl?"
"You mean the one known that escaped just now?" Takahiro nodded. "Yes, she too is a Magical Girl."
"If she's a Magical Girl then why was she fighting with my friends?" Takahiro asked, hoping for some answers.
"That's what I'd like to know as well." Mami said as she turned to the Hohzuki group. "That girl is dangerous. She's been going around causing trouble as of late."
Arisa scoffs. "Tell us something we don't know."
"You sound like you know a bit about her." Haruka pointed out.
"She's caused quite the stir in Mitakihara." Mami said.
"We've been keeping tabs on her ever since one of our friends ran into her." Takeru added in, joining the conversation. "From the way your friend acted, I assume you three have some history with her?"
At that did the Hohzuki group all develop a negative air around them.
"That girl..." Arisa spoke up, gripping the shaft of her weapon tightly. "She killed one of our friends." Arisa then glances over to Takahiro, having no doubt that her friend heard what she said and like she guessed, the boy was wide eyed. He knew what she was talking about.
"I see." Takeru said, not going any further as he could see the depressive air around them. Instead, he asked, "If it's not too much of an inconvenience, I'd like to propose a meeting."
"Huh?" Everyone turned to Takeru in confusion.
"You girls have history with her so you must know some things about her. My friends and I would like to know any information you might have of her. In return, we will tell you what we know about her so far, and maybe even more."
"Oi, oi! What're you doing?" Alex spoke up as he grabbed Takeru by his arm and pulled him down so he could lean in close to him to hear him whisper. "You don't even know these girls! Why the heck are you being so polite with them? Don't we already have our hands full dealing with a certain Magical Girl assassin in black?"
"The situation has changed a little." Takeru said as he pulled his arm back and turned to Kyoko who was minding her own business, uninterested in joining the conversation as she favored looking after Yuma. "You should come too, Sakura-san."
"Oh? Why should I?" Kyoko asked as she leaned a little on her spear. "This little Magical Girl killer in grey is none of my business. So why should I come along too?"
"Because Mami and I had a run in with that white Magical Girl you've been searching for." Takeru said, watching as the red headed girl's eyes widen in surprise before they narrow at him.
"Hoh? You actually had a run in with the girl I've been looking for?" Kyoko stopped leaning on her spear and stood up straight to face Takeru. "Alright then, I'll come to this little gathering you're trying to set up. Name the place and time and I'll be there." She then glances over to the Hohzuki group and gestures to them with her spear. "Assuming those three want to come as well."
Takeru turns to the group and asks, "Well?"
The Hohzuki group all look at one another, deciding whether or not they should accept this proposal. On one hand, they didn't even know these people so they had no reason to trust them. But on the other hand, it seems this group was also familiar with Suzune to an extent and out of the three, Arisa was the one who wanted to know more about her enemy. The more she knew, the better her chances of fighting the Magical Girl assassin next time. Plus, Haruka was saved by two of their members.
"...okay. We'll come to this little meeting." Haruka said, speaking for her group. "Where should we meet up?"
"At the Mitakihara Mall after school tomorrow." Takeru said.
"I'm coming too." Takahiro said.
"Hiro-kun?" Matsuri and the others looked at him in surprise.
"I have no idea what's going on here and I want answers. Specifically from my friends." Takahiro shot a look at said friends who all glanced away to avoid eye contact.
"Well, seeing as you're kinda involved in this already, why not?" Takeru shrugged before turning to Mami to see if she had any complaints. From the shake of her head, she had none.
"Good. Then I'll see you all tomorrow." Takahiro said as he turned to leave.
"Ah! Wait!" Matsuri called out to the boy as she and the other Hohzuki girls ran after the teen, changing back to their uniforms the second they ran out the alleyway. But before they left, Haruka had a few words to share.
"Thank you for saving me back there. I promise to repay you someday."
"Careful, we might hold you up on that." Kyoko said before the blond Magical Girl ran after her friends.
Once they were gone, Alex turned to Takeru and asked, "So what's this change in situation that made you set this up?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow at school." Takeru said as he and Alex removed their Decks from their V-Buckles and changed back to normal. In response, the girls all changed back to their regular attire.
"If we're done here then I'm gonna go now." Kyoko said, taking one of Yuma's hands and leading her out of the alleyway. But before they could leave, Yuma grabbed one of Alex's hand with her free hand, forcing the Rider to come with them much to Kyoko's annoyance. She was not going to sleep together with the boy even if Yuma requested it. That was a one time thing and she was not doing it again.
"I guess I'll see you back at the apartment." Alex said to Takeru before leaving with Kyoko and Yuma with the latter throwing a stink eye to Mami before leaving with the two.
"I don't think Chitose-san likes me very much." Mami said, having seen the look Yuma threw at her.
"Well you were mean to Sakura-san earlier." Takeru said as the two were the last to leave the alleyway. "I'm sure she'll get over it over time."
"I hope so." Mami said. "Chitose-san is very young yet she decided to become a Magical Girl. I was quite surprised to see her like that when I arrived."
"I feel the same way." Takeru said as he looked up at the orange sunsetting sky. "What is the Kyubey thinking, making a girl as young as her into a Magical Girl?"
"I wonder that as well." Mami said, a bit of distress clearly on her face. Really, what was Kyubey thinking?
(Later)
Hours have passed and soon, night descended upon the city. Walking down the sidewalk were the pair of Alex and Takeru, the two Riders walking in silence. Though the cause of said silence was Alex, having not said a word after he parted with Yuma and Kyoko and met up with Takeru to return home. Takeru took glances here and there at his friend who still hasn't said a word since they've met up. After a while, Takeru finally decided to break the silence.
"Is something the matter?"
"Huh?" Alex looks up and turns to Takeru.
"Is something the matter?" Takeru repeated. "You've been quite ever since we met up. Is everything alright?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Nothing's wrong." Alex said though the last part was a lie. Once they had parted with the Hohzuki group, he couldn't stop thinking about what he had seen while captured by the Witch. He just couldn't believe something like that happened to one girl. He couldn't help but feel sorry for her. He wouldn't be surprised if the red head had nightmares of the time from time to time. He wouldn't blame her.
"Are you sure everything's fine?" Takeru asked, still seeing the look of distress on Alex.
"Yes, i'm fine, everything is fine." Alex said though he was about to take back those words when he and Takeru finally reached the apartment complex but found Renji waiting for them by the stairs.
"Renji? What are you doing here? Were you waiting for us?" Takeru asked.
Instead of answer, Renji said, "We have a problem."
"A problem?" Alex raised an eyebrow in confusion until he guessed what Renji was talking about. "Is it Haru? Did something happen?" After everything that's happened today, he nearly forgot about that his friend had been fighting another Rider.
Takeru too realized this and asked the same thing. The sigh that came from Renji's mouth did not do anything to clam their nerves. It actually did the opposite.
"Come on. I'll explain inside." Renji said as he motioned for the guys to come up.
Alex and Takeru looked at one another, worried about what Renji wanted to talk to them about, but nonetheless followed their friend up into their room. And it was there that they came upon a sight that left them surprised.
Off in the darkest corner of the room was Haru, his knees to his chest as a blanket covered his form while his Advent Deck was situated as far away from him as possible.
And...done! Alright! This turned out quite nicely, I must say. I kinda lost a bit of steam near the end but the chapter as a whole is satisfactory, at least for me. I do hope the chapter was to your liking today, readers. This is the first chapter where I don't have or barely have Haru in it. Since I have so many characters to work with, I need to shift the spotlight away from my main OC from time to time so I can change things up a bit. Once again, I hope you all liked today's chapter and also, sorry for being away for so long. This has been Ashbel Longhart here, sighing out. Until the next ride!