Shoko Komi's Ultimate Challenge

by Ulquiorra9000

Communication 28: magical girls

"I've got an idea, Komi. Hear me out."

Shoko Komi squeaked in alarm and looked up at her eyepatch-wearing friend, Nakanaka Omoharu, who towered over her in homeroom, arms folded, her eye gleaming. Shoko cowered in her seat while Hitohito watched with disbelief.

Nakanaka took a deep breath and exhaled. "Sorry about that, Komi. Did I intimidate you with my dragon force? I'l put it away." She made some funny arm motions, and Shoko felt a little better. The dragon force is not to be trifled with.

"Anyway..." Nakanaka made an eager smile. "Remember that time you did a photo shoot with me at my house? That was awesome, Komi, and I think it's time for round two! What do you say?"

I could give it a try, Shoko said on her paper, though she wouldn't count this as a new challenge. Doing the same thing twice felt like cheating. But she could always accept Nakanaka's offer for fun instead!

"Brilliant! I can always count on you, shadow dragon princess," Nakanaka said, clapping her hands together. "But it's not just us. I need four more people to join us. Girls, in particular. Help me out and see who's available to help."

Will it be a group photo session? Shoko asked with her paper. How many dragon princesses could fit in one picture, anyway?

"More like a group performance!" Nakanaka declared grandly. "In addition to the photo shoot, I mean. Are you up for it? We'll dazzle the dull people of this city with our colorful splendor! I can pick out the costumes after getting everyone's measurements. You can take care of the rest."

Taking measurements? How fancy! Like getting measured for a kimono or a bridesmaid dress at a Western-style wedding ceremony. Shoko was already squirming with excitement, and the Olympian in her declared this a brand-new challenge.

I'll spread the word, Shoko promised on her paper.

"Most excellent! Catch you later! Bwahahahahaha!" With her dragon force back in full swing, Nakanaka whirled around and stalked back to her seat, unaware of Ren Yamai and her pals pointing at laughing at her from across the classroom.

Hitohito cracked his neck. "This should be a good one, Komi. I wonder what kind of performance she has in mind? Are you up for it?"

I can do it! Shoko promised her friend, though she was also a tad apprehensive. What was she in for? Well, at least she could tackle the challenge with her group!

*o*o*o*o*

"Huh? Sorrrrrry, I don't have time," Kaede Otori said in her soft, sing-song voice when Shoko asked her about Nakanaka's project. "I have to go take care of my aunt's vegetable garden. Those peppers will be yummyyyyy!" She skipped off.

Shoko moved on and found Ase, who yelped with surprise when Shoko tapped her on the shoulder.

"I... I can't," Ase admitted, wiping her brow. "I get so sweaty. Ugh! I'd ruin any costume I put on, and I get so nervous. But good luck with your photo shoot!"

So Shoko moved on, and she had better luck with Netsuno Chika by the shoe lockers.

"Heck yes! 200 degrees, girl!" Netsuno cheered. "I'd love to try cosplay! I'll set the world on fire! Haha!" She pumped her fists, then calmly added, "and it helps that I don't have any track meets this week, so I'm free."

Shoko made a happy "hmph!" and continued her headhunting the next day.

"My rival approaches!" Makeru Yadano declared, swiping her fists excitedly in the open air as Shoko approached. "So, what contest shall we have today? Marathon sprint? Push-ups? Burpees? Connect Four?"

Shoko held up her paper: Would you like to join Nakanaka's cosplay group with me? We can do group photos and stuff.

Makeru froze in place. "C... cosplay?" she repeated weakly. Then she whooped. "Cosplay! That's it! I'll beat you at cosplay, Shoko Komi! I look great in costumes... heh heh..." She stroked her pink ponytails.

Who next?

Nokoko Inaka modestly declined to join, and Ren Yamai and her friends didn't join, either. Though Ren was very eager to get Shoko a "special costume" and take a thousand photos of her in it! No thanks!

Then -

"That sounds great, Komi. I can't wait," Nene Onemine said warmly. She offered a high-five that Shoko timidly accepted. "I bet my little brothers and sisters will love to see the photos! What kind of costumes are we gonna wear?"

I actually don't know, Shoko admitted on her paper. I forgot to ask.

Nene motioned with a hand. "It's all good. See you then!" She walked off.

Hmmmm... perhaps Rumiko next? Shoko was about to walk off as well when someone gently tapped her shoulder. She whirled around to behold Himiko Agari standing there, her hands clasped under her chin.

"I... um! I heard about Nakanaka's cosplay party, mistress Komi," Himiko piped up. "And I'm so proud of you for taking on all these challenges! So... I'll try a challenge, too. Please let me join your cosplay group!"

Shoko beamed and patted Himiko on the head. Of course you can join. And that makes six, Shoko told her with a paper note. I think that should be the right number. I'll invite my other friends to do cosplay some other time.

Himiko gasped with joy, her eyes lighting up. "Whoopee! I can't wait, mistress Komi! I'm getting a dog costume, right? You can hold my leash!"

Shoko squeaked in alarm and motioned with her hands. No dogs, no leashes! And for that matter, Shoko really needed to check in with Nakanaka and see what this group's theme actually was. She soon found it it was -

*o*o*o*o*

"Magical girls? But why?!" Makeru was already throwing a tantrum, and Nakanaka was having none of it.

"It's what the dragon force demands! It must be!" Nakanaka declared, poking her finger into Makeru's tummy. The six girls had just assembled in Nakanaka's bedroom to begin the cosplay fun.

"Magical girls are for kids!" Makeru objected. "Who's gonna take me seriously lookin' like that?!"

"Well, it's true my little sisters like magical girl shows," Nene mentioned.

"I... I'll wear anything my mistress asks me to!" Himiko added shyly. "Even something with a leash!"

"A leash? Better cool your jets, girl," Netsuno told her, and Himiko flinched in alarm.

"Well, it's too late to change our minds, my friends," Nakanaka declared with her menacing aura swirling around her. "Because now that I've got everyone's measurements, the costumes are in! Behold!"

She threw open her closet door, revealing six colorful costumes with shirtless tops, roughly knee-length skirts, stylish boots, and plenty of accessories.

"Wow! We gave you our measurements just yesterday, Nakanaka. You work fast!" Nene commented brightly.

"Never underestimate my dress-up magic," Nakanaka said with glee, striking a pose.

"I... well, I think they look cute," Himiko offered, raising a shaking hand. "I'll take whichever color mistress Komi tells me to!"

"I'd better be red! Like, the leader!" Makeru demanded, raising a fist. "Red is always the leader. Even I know that."

Nakanaka swiped the red costume and held it to her chest. "No way, Yadano. I'm red! I mean, I launched this whole project!"

"Fine!" Makeru stomped over to the closet. "Which is for second-in-command?"

No one knew, so Makeru grabbed the blue costume at random. Next, Nene chose the yellow outfit, and then Netsuno claimed the orange costume for herself. Shoko, her hands trembling in excitement and slight apprehension, picked out the violet costume and passed the green one to Himiko.

"Green! I was hoping for this one, mistress! Thank you!" Himiko's imaginary dog tail wagged as she happily hugged the costume to her chest.

"Now we're ready," Nakanaka declared. "Ready, set... get changed!"

She clearly expected everyone to just morph into their suits like Sailing Moon characters, but the reality was a bit... awkward.

"I ain't changin' in front of everyone," Makeru declared. "Everyone get outta here!"

"It's my room," Nakanaka reminded her.

"Eh, it's okay. I don't mind changing in front of y'all," Nene said kindly.

"Me neither," Netsuno added. "I'm at 600 degrees here!"

"Um... can I get changed in a bathroom?" Himiko timidly asked, going pink in the face.

Shoko didn't know what to say except that she felt just as shy as Himiko, so it was a relief when Nakanaka decided to have everyone take turns using this bedroom to change. Naturally, Nakanaka went first, and then Makeru insisted on going second while everyone else waited outside. Soon enough, the magical girl squad was ready! For... whatever magical girls do.

Nakanaka knew what came first: introductions! With special group poses!

"I'm the leader, so I introduce myself first," Nakanaka explained when the girls assembled in her room (Shoko was quaking with nerves). "Here I go!"

She pranced across the room and crouched a bit, her arms extended outwards. "From the eternal realm of sugar and joy comes me, Midday Sparkle!"

Shoko clapped.

"Okay, um... who next?" Nakanaka asked awkwardly.

"Me, duh!" Makeru stomped over and raised both fists. "The strongest magical girl of them all! Uh... Power Queen!"

"But I'm the strongest," Nakanaka objected. "As team leader."

"You wish!"

"Ha. This looks fun. Me next!" Netsuno jogged over and struck her own pose, her feet planted far apart, extending a peace sign with her right hand, her left hand covering her face with the fingers splayed out. "Inferno Lady!"

Nene pranced over and put her hands on her hips, her feet shoulder-width apart. "Behold, Super Sister!"

"Um... I...!" Himiko timidly shuffled over and put a hand to her heart. "P-please be nice to me. I'm... Bookish Gal!"

Now it came down to Shoko Komi! What to do? She also timidly shuffled over and took up position in the group, still trembling, her lips quivering. What to do? Her eternally 17-year-old mom would be way better at this! But the challenge...

Shoko raised her left arm as though waving to the audience and held up a note with her right hand: It's me, Violet Maiden!

Makeru burst out laughing. "Is that all you've got, rival? Shout it from the rooftops!"

"She's trying her best," Himiko shyly put in.

But why not give it a try? Her heart racing, her palms sweaty, Shoko took a deep breath. "It... it's me, Violet Maiden!"

Netsuno clapped. "Now that's how you do it! 350 degrees!"

"Well done, Komi!" Nene said warmly.

"Welcome to the team, Violet Maiden. Great name, by the way," Nakanaka said. "Okay, that was a decent trial run. But now let's do it again with our magic items!"

"Oh, the props," Nene realized. "How cute! I can't wait."

Nakanaka scowled. "Magical girls aren't supposed to be cute, darn it!"

"Every magical girl anime out there begs to differ," Netsuno chimed in.

Shoko had no opinion.

So the girls did another run, each of them holding their own magical item, weapon, whatever. Nakanaka had a toy sword (of course), Makeru demanded to wield the magical staff, Netsuno had a toy bow and arrow, Nene had a baseball bat, Himiko had a plastic skull (what the heck?), and Shoko was given a broom. Kind of like a witch. With their props in hand, the girls practiced their intro a few more times, and they eventually found ways to not hit each on the head by accident (a baseball bat to the noggin hurts, even if you're a magical girl). After ten practice runs, Nakanaka declared that they were ready for public appearances.

"I feel empowered, y'know," Nene said brightly as the six of them filed out of the room to perform on street corners and at the local park. "I look great in this."

Shoko felt the same way. She felt oddly comfortable in this silly but charming outfit, and she had to admit, the fit was perfect, and the fabric felt luxurious. And the shiny white boots were so comfy to walk in!

"From the eternal realm of sugar and joy comes me, Midday Sparkle!" Nakanaka cried loudly, striking her pose at a street corner with enough room. She attracted a few curious looks.

Then Makeru joined her and raised both fists. "The strongest magical girl of them all! Power Queen!"

Nakanaka shot her a look.

"Second-strongest!"

"It's me! Inferno Lady!" Netsuno was on proverbial fire as she struck her pose.

"Super Sister, on the scene!" Nene struck her pose.

"I'm Bookish Gal! Please don't hurt me!" Himiko struck her pose too, scrunching her face as though expecting someone to slap her.

"I... I...!" Shoko struck her pose and worked up all her courage. She can do this! "I am... Violet Maiden!"

The handful of onlookers stopped and clapped politely.

"Do something cool!" a little girl cried out.

"What's the plan, red leader?" Nene asked eagerly.

"Um..." Nakanaka hesitated. "Well... you see..."

"Wait, do we even have a plan?" Netsuno wondered.

"If we don't, then I should take over as red leader!" Makeru offered.

"I'm the leader!" Nakanaka insisted.

Then the crowd left. Oops!

"Oh, and who's gonna take the picture?" Nene added.

"We can ask some rando to do it. Just follow my lead!" Nakanaka snapped.

"What's a rando?" Himiko wondered.

"It's slang for a random person whom you've never met," Netsuno explained. Funny, Shoko hadn't known that either. This was so educational!

Time for the park.

"From the eternal realm of sugar and joy comes me, Midday Sparkle!"

"The second-strongest magical girl of them all! Power Queen!"

"It's me! Inferno Lady!"

"Super Sister, on the scene!"

"I'm Bookish Gal! Please don't hurt me!"

"I... um... I...! I'm Violet Maiden!"

A new handful of people clapped at the park when the show was put on, but once again... nothing! The randos soon left (was it rude to call them that?).

"I realized our problem, red leader," Netsuno declared, tossing her flame-shaped hair. "We don't have any villains to fight or people to rescue! The introduction alone wasn't enough."

Nakanaka hung her head in shame. "I know. Perhaps I got ahead of myself. The dragon force can be a serious burden sometimes."

"Perhaps we could try improv?" Nene said. "I took an improv theater class as a kid. It was awesome!"

"Whoo! 410 degrees!" Netsuno declared, and she and Nene did a high five.

Then the unexpected happened: betrayal!

"Fine! If we don't have a villain to fight, it'll be me! Beware!" Makeru bared her teeth and struck a villainous pose. "You're going down, red leader! I stand alone!"

"Just try it, princess!" Nakanaka challenged her, until a light bop on the head with Makeru's magical staff brought Nakanaka to her knees.

"Now I'm the #1 magical girl! Hahahahahaha!" Makeru declared as she twirled her staff.

Shoko bravely stepped between them, arms spread wide. "You... you'll have to... um... get through me first!"

"So be it, rival! Come on!" Makeru raised her staff high for a heavy blow, only for Shoko to tap her on the head with her broomstick. At once, Makeru collapsed flat onto her back, her staff forgotten, her pink hair spread all around her.

"I... I have been beaten," Makeru wheezed. "Well... done."

"That was amazing, Komi!" Netsuno cheered. "550 degrees!"

"Heh heh heh... I'll only lose to my rival. Losing to anyone else... is an insult," Makeru explained, still laying there on the grass. "I'll get you next time, rival!"

And to Shoko's amazement, another crowd had gathered to watch by now (she just noticed), and with Nakanaka's approval, they started taking pictures. And then...

"I totally got a pic of you hitting the blue one," a young lady told Shoko excitedly, showing the photo on her smartphone screen. "See? Kapow!" Sure enoigh, it was a somewhat blurry shot of Shoko demolishing Makeru with her broom, and Makeru was already falling down in the photo.

"Delete that! De! Lete! It!" Makeru snarled when she saw it, too. "I look terrible in that!"

The girl deleted the photo, winked at Shoko, and wandered off.

Anyway, Nakanaka had the other randos text her their best photos, and Nakanaka shared them with her five compatriots. "Check 'em out! We look great," Nakanaka said happily, all irritation forgotten. "Best day ever!"

Shoko had to agree, and she marked today's challenge as complete. But if she let her mom see those photos, well...!

Better keep this magical adventure to herself for now.