Chapter 17: Trampled Innocence Ripples

I do not own PMMM or Magia Record. PMMM is own by AniplexNA. Magia Record is owned by f4Samurai


Karin felt the rain pelt her face, the drops of rain stinging her dirtied face.

She squinted and shivered as the wind penetrated her soaked outfit.

She had no idea where she was going. Only that she needed to escape Kamihama. Away from Mikazuchi, away from…Yachiyo, away from…her family.

Karin grimaced. She really messed up didn't she? Her ideals of justice, of heroism, her model in Kirin, all of them…they didn't help anyone. All it did was destroy everything she loved and cared about. Was being a thief of justice worth it?

Her thoughts were interrupted as a powerful gust of wind slammed onto her, knocking her off course. Karin struggled to regain control but the powerful wind sent her spiraling downwards.

Karin hit the ground hard, tumbling a good few meters before crashing against a trash bin.

Karin groaned as she tried to retain consciousness, reaching into her pocket for the spare grief seed. Karin hated it. The small back spindle felt so heavy in her palm. She slammed the seed into her soul gem and watched the corruption erode away. Letting out a breathe of relief, Karin felt her eyes droop as she felt her exhaustion finally catch up to her.

"Hey! You ok?"

Karin grimaced as the last thing she saw was a redhead looking over her.


To say that Nanaka Tokiwa was tense was to say that her flower arrangements were anything but perfect.

"Master Tokiwa, you are a wise man, but why won't you acknowledge my achievements?" A younger man pleaded with her father.

"My pupil, you are my prize and joy, but you are not ready to take on leadership of this dojo." Her father admonished, "You have skill, you have talent, but you have not shown that you embody the virtues and values of ikebana. To truly be a master of ikebana, you must embody those traits."

The young man paused and Nanaka believed she saw him swear under his breath, but he bowed. "Forgive me master. I shall attain to embody the virtues of Ikebana."

As Nanaka let out a sigh of relief, the younger pupil turned to leave. "I will become a true Ikebana master, one that you can be proud of."

The older man bowed in respect. "I have much faith in you my pupil."

After the man left, Nanaka turned to her father. "He is lying. Surely you must know that Father."

The older man nodded, "Of course I do. He has much lies and corruption in his soul. But that is not to say that one can change their ways."

Nanaka frowned, "You suggest that one is capable of redeeming themselves?"

"Of course they can." Her father chided her, "Even I was once a wandering soul lacking guidance. Ikebana builds heart, it builds soul, and it develops the mind. If ikebana can grow me, it can grow my pupil. And it can grow you too, my little cherry blossom."

Nanaka felt her cheeks redden at the compliment. "Father, I do not deserve such praise."

Her father chuckled. "But of course you do. You are developing into a blossoming flower and will be the pride and honor of the Tokiwa clan."

Nanaka nodded slowly, "I will restore our honor. After the Yui scandal."

"Y-yes." Her father begrudgingly agreed, "Our reputation has most certainly been tarnished by the incident, so it is within our greatest interests to finally restore our honor."

Nanaka nodded, "I see. And by restoring our relationship with the Yuis, then we can take the first step in restoring our honor."

"You are truly a crafty one indeed my cherry blossom." Her father smiled, "Though I hope your intentions are genuine and of honor."

"Thank you father." Nanaka bowed respectfully. "I believe I will take my rest for the evening. I have homework to be doing."

"Good night Nanaka, my cherry blossom."

"Good night father."

Nanaka turned towards the opposite corridor and walked towards her quarters.

She had only walked 10 steps when she was thrown off her feet. Her ears drums popped as the roar of an explosion rocked the building. Nanaka pulled herself off the floor and turned around.

"Wh-what's going on?"

Immediately, two kimono dressed attendants were by her side. "Lady Nanaka, are you unhurt?"

The cherry haired girl nodded, "I am unhurt, but what happened."

The first attendant shook her head, "I do not know. But the main chamber has blown up."

Nanaka's eyes widened. "Father!"

"Wait!"

"Lady Nanaka!"

But the cherry haired girl was light on her feet and dashed towards the scene of the carnage. She rushed down the corridor but stopped when she saw the scene.

The once ornate and beautifully decorated main room was torn asunder. Fire danced across the walls and the bamboo floor, beautiful arrangements were destroyed, and priceless artifacts and vases shattered. Nanaka's eyes caught sight of a familiar figure and rushed towards him.

"Father!"

Covering her mouth with her sleeve, Nanaka came to a halt next to his damaged body. "Y-you!"

"I-I'm sorry my blossom." The father, bruised, battered, and bleeding for multiple wounds, sighed. "I-I don't think even I saw this coming."

Nanaka glanced around before something caught her eye. A large hole in the upper wall. "Th-this wasn't just an accident. This was…this was an attack on us."

"S-so it seems." Her father croaked, his eyes still on his daughter. "Listen, Nanaka you must-"

"I will avenge you father. I will avenge all the Tokiwas. Our enemies will not even see us coming. Our vengeance shall be-"

"No." Her father interjected, "Not vengeance…never vengeance. Justice. Nanaka…"

"J-justice?" Nanaka asked incredulously.

"Y-yes." Her father clutched her hand, "Promise me Nanaka. Not vengeance. Justice. Whoever did it, see to it that they get what they deserve, not what will make you feel better. That, that is justice."

Nanaka nodded earnestly, "y-yes father. Justice then. I shall pursue justice. I shall pursue justice as to your wishes."

Her father smiled softly, "Good…so please…be good to your mother…and make us…proud."

Nanaka waited a long moment before laying her father down and closed his eyes.

"Do you wish to pursue his wishes?"

Nanaka spun around to find a white cat creature.

"If you wish to pursue justice upon those who did this, I can help you."

Nanaka narrowed her eyes, "Just who are you?"

"I am Kyubey. I appear to girls who have the potential to become magical girls." The cat flicked its tail. "The attack on this mansion involved what is called a witch. A rocket and a witch struck this building at the same time."

Nanaka's frowned. "I see. And how do you know this?"

"I recruit girls to fight witches." Kyubey explained. "You have the potential to become a magical girl."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"You can give me the power to bring justice."

"Yes," the cat responded, "So then, Nanaka Tokiwa. Will you make a contract with me and become a magical girl?"

Nanaka steeled her eyes and hardened her heart. "Then give me the power to find those who do wrong that I may bring them to justice."

"Very well, then, your wish has been granted."


When Konomi Haruka came to, all she saw was a world of fire. Pain wracked her body and she hurt all over. Grimacing, she tried to remember what had just happened. She was…at the blossom shop. She had just finished up for the evening and had just left the shop when she saw the weird light. And then…the shop had exploded.

Auntie! Auntie should had still been inside! Wincing in pain, Konomi forced herself onto her feet and dashed towards the blazing shop.

The storefront had been completely blown away, but Konomi persevered. She felt the flames and heat sear her body, but Konomi didn't care. She wasn't a cry baby anymore. She was a grown up now. And so she persevered.

"Auntie!?" She croaked, coughing immediately after as her lungs filled with smoke. She glanced around, trying covering her face from the flames.

That's when she noticed a slumped body on a half destroyed desk.

"Au-auntie!"

Konomi rushed forward, stumbling over debris and wincing as she felt flames lick her legs. But that didn't matter. Auntie needed her.

"Auntie!" She finally crawled over to the ruined desk.

Auntie was in bad shape. Her normal wavy hair was fringed and burnt. Blood was splattered across her normally earthly brown apron.

"Auntie, are you ok?" Konomi grasped the older woman's shoulders.

The woman's eyes slowly fluttered open, "Oh, my dear, y-you came back."

"Don't worry, I-I'm here. So you're going to be ok."

The auntie's mouth curled into a small smile. "Ahh…I think it's…too late for me."

Konomi glanced down and gasped. The woman's legs…or rather, what was left of her legs, were crushed under the broken desk. Konomi shook her head in denial. "No, you-you can't die. I-I can't let you go. I'll call an ambulance, and you're going to get better. And…"

"Konomi…"

The redhead froze.

Her auntie placed her hand on Konomi's cheek. "It's ok. So please, live on."

Konomi's heart could bear it no longer. Tears welled up in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Konomi cried.

Minutes later, Auntie was gone. Konomi laid her auntie to rest and stood up.

That's when she heard a weird slithering noise. She turned and saw a monstrous lizard roaming about in the shop. How she has never noticed it before she didn't know. Konomi frowned as she tried to grasp the creature she had just seen. Perhaps it had something to do with the explosion?

"That's called a witch."

Konomi glanced down to see a weird white cat strolling up to her. "Wh-a witch?"

The talking cat flicked its tail. "Yes. It is called a witch."

Konomi frowned. "Wh-what do they do?"

"They prey on people's despair. This witch was involved in the destruction of this building. But you can stop them Konomi Haruna ."

"Wh-what?"

The white cat gazed up at her. "Konomi Haruna, you have the potential to become a magical girl. Make a contract with me and become a magical girl."

Konomi froze. "Th-then I can…I can destroy that thing?"

The white cat nodded, "Yes. And all the others that cause disaster."

It was in that moment when something snapped in the redhead. "Then…if I destroy it, I'll avenge Auntie?"

"This is but a familiar though. The true witch behind the attack is not here."

"So then, I'll need to find it. Kyubey, how do I become a magical girl.

"You can make any wish you'd like and in return you will be a magical girl and hunt witches."

"Any wish I'd like huh?" For a moment, Konomi considered saving her auntie. She could save the store. And everyone could go back to pretending this never happened. But…that wouldn't stop the next witch from destroying their lives would it? No, it was better this way. It was better that she destroy every witch, to avenge her auntie, to avenge Blossom, to avenge every terrible deed these witches did. "Kyubey! I wish to have the power to prune this world of witches, the bringers of disaster."

A minute later, the twitching familiar was a heap on the floor, having been bisected in two.

Magical girl Konomi Haruna inspected her new pair of enlarged gardening shears. "So…I can cut things with this."

Kyubey perched itself on her shoulder. "Yes, and it looks like you have thorn and poison based attacks."

Konomi paused. In the past, the concept of poison and violence scared her, it made her want to break down and cry. But now, all she felt was a sense of…peace. "Good. Now every witch will writhe and suffer at my fingers."

She looked up at the evening storm clouds. "Now, to find that witch."


Newly minted magical girl Akira Shinobu believed she had fought her fair share of witches and familiars. Only a week into the job and she had saved many civilians while hunting familiars around Sankyou Ward.

"Just another part of being the troubleshooter." She muttered, running through the rain towards the fire.

She had been running home after helping the cooking club be their taste tester, the basketball club with their practice, and the literature club be their book carrier. All that helping had made her leave the academy late, but Akira felt it was worth it. After all, inaction was a sign of cowardice, her father would say. And so if she remained in action, she would never be a coward.

That was when she saw the glowing rocket fall from the sky. The rocket had impacted only a few blocks away and already Akira could see the smoke rising in the distance. Akira had no idea why a rocket had flown out of nowhere. Heck, she didn't even know how the rocket had just materialized. But she was Akira Shinobu. She was the troubleshooter of Sankyou and now a magical girl. There was nothing she couldn't handle.

She finally rounded the corner when she saw the carnage. The familiar used bookstore was completely ablaze. Akira glanced around at the crowd that had begun to form around the shop.

"Hey! Get out of the way!" She called, "this is dangerous!"

Akira saw the burning flames, but knew that there were people inside. Transforming, Akira took an enhanced leap and landed on the roof. "Sasara mentioned that I need to make holes for smoke to come out of." She muttered, analyzing the roof. A quick scan of the roof with her magic indicated several weak points. Akira smirked as she ran towards those places and punched her fist through the weakened tiles. With relative ease, the tiles shattered, allowing smoke to escape the building.

"Now there should be better ventilation in the house." The tomboy muttered, sliding down to an upstairs window and kicking the window in.

The magical girl popped through the window and into the burning room. "Hello? Anyone there?" She called.

To her joy, a voice called out to her.

"H-help! O-over here!"

"Hang on, I'm on my way."

Akira smiled as she ran towards the voice, her enhanced hearing allowing her to pinpoint the direction of the voice. The tomboy found herself in a fiery study. She searched around until she saw a small green form buried under a fallen desk.

The small girl with green hair looked up at her. "Y-you're not a fireman."

Akira fought the urge to chuckle. "Nah, I'm just a troubleshooter. Now hang on."

The magical girl took a stance before sending a powerful kick towards the desk. Her magically enhanced kick sent the desk flying off the girl.

"Wow" the green haired girl gazed up at her savior.

Akira smirked before picking up the green haired girl, bridal style. "Is there anyone else here?"

The girl shook her head. "Papa and mama are at a community meeting."

Akira smiled, "Right then, let's get out of here."

With that, she took a running start before leaping out of the destroyed window. Landing on two feet, the magical girl looked down at the girl she had just saved. "You're ok now."

The green haired girl gazed up at her softly. "Y-you're…a diviner."

Akira raised her brow in surprise, "a diviner? What's that?"

"Well-"

The duo was interrupted as a salamander-like creature approached them.

"So you're the one behind the rocket attack. I guess I should have known." Akira frowned and lowered the girl against a wall, "You stay here, I'll take care of this."

The green haired girl watched in awe as the short haired girl raised her fists and charged. "So that's…a Diviner."

"I'm surprised you've heard of that term, Kako Natsume."

Kako turned her head to see a white furred cat drop from the ceiling next to her. "Oh, you're the one they call Lord Kyube."

"So you've heard of me as well. Though in these parts I go by Kyubey." The cat flicked its tail. "Where have you heard of such things?"

Kako thought back to her past. "The legend of the Diviners, who are summoned by Lord Kyube, is a tale that's been passed down in my family for generations.

"Though," she admitted, "We barely know anything more than that they exist and they fight devils."

Kyubey swished its tail in understanding. "I see. Here in Kamihama, Diviners are called Magical girls and devils are called Witches. Magical girls make a wish and in exchange can receive the ability to hunt witches."

"I see. So she's a magical girl."

"Yes. Akira Shinobu is a newer magical girl but is already proving self as a capable warrior."

"And…that devil…err witch…attacked my home."

"So it seems. But you can restore it, Kako Natsume. You have the potential to become a magical girl."

"I-I do?"

"The fact that you can see me should be proof you have potential."

"I-I see."

"So then Natsume Kako. Will you make a contract with me and become a magical girl?"


Akira grunted as she blocked the familiar's tail with her arms. This may be one of the toughest familiars she has fought before. Which wasn't saying much since she had only been fighting for a week, but regardless, it was tough.

"Just…die already!" Akira shouted, trying to get closer to the familiar. But every time she advanced, the damned lizard would swipe its tail at her, forcing her on the defense.

"I need another plan." Akira muttered, "How do I get close?"

"Take this!"

A brilliant beam of green energy smashed into the familiar, knocking it off balance. Akira glanced back to see the green haired girl, now wearing a green and black outfit and holding a long spear in her hands. "Go! You're clear!"

"Got it!" Akira smirked, rushing towards the witch. Her feet slogged through the muddy puddles, but still kept pushing forward. With a mighty leap, Akira rose up and landed a mighty kick on the familiar's head.

With a groan, the familiar collapsed, defeated.

Akira panted, her adrenaline fading, her body finally noticing she has soaked to the skin. She shivered but gave the green haired girl a thumbs up.

"Thanks for the save! Did you just contract?"

"N-no problem. I'm…really sorry about that. I…I just made my wish and well…"

The two looked back to see the restored bookstore, looking almost brand new. "I think…my wish was worth it." The green haired girl smiled innocently.

Akira nodded, "I'm Akira Shinobu."

"Kako Natsume."

"And I am Kyubey."

The duo looked down at the white creature and smiled.

"So…" Akira pondered, "This witch shot a rocket at your bookstore. Did it strike anything else?"

The duo looked at each other before nodding. "There might be other places that need our help!"

And with that, the new duo took off.


As the fires burned, the Kamihama emergency response teams across the city were rushing into action. Many times though, all the brave men and women of the Kamihama services would arrive only the find the carnage had already been dealt. And only tears were to be shed.

Seated inside one of the many ambulances dashing through Sankyou Ward, a lone girl lay crying over one such casualty.

Shizuku Hozomi had barely known the young college student who frequented her family's coffee shop for long. All she knew was that he was a photographer and wanted to travel the world in search of the perfect place. And that, that sounded wonderful. The perfect place, a place where you would feel at easy, comfortable. A place where you would belong.

Sure, some might call it a teenage crush, but Shizuku wouldn't call it that. More, it was two souls bonding over the same ideal. Two soul who connected over a similar wish. It's why she never felt awkward around the man 4 years her senior. They just were place buddies.

So when she had gotten the message on her phone that her friend had been hit by a truck, Shizuku needed to be at his side.

And her stupid, idiot father wouldn't let her! He said it was too late. He said she shouldn't go out chasing men! He called her a child for saying that she was chasing a stupid crush!

Why didn't he get that they weren't like that? For damns sake, she was into girls! Not that she would ever admit that to him, but, dammit.

And that's when that white cat appeared before her, offering that wish.

Without hesitation, Shizuku accepted the offer and in an instant was by his side.

Just in time to see him pass.

And thus, in the pouring rain, Shizuku Hozomi said farewell to one of her only friends. As she asked around, she found out a tanker truck had appeared out of nowhere, rampaged through the streets before vanishing once more.

Shizuku Hozomi cried her soul out for her lost friend, as she silently swore to find the trucker behind this, and they would be on the receiving side of her new, razor sharp chakrams.


"Hey, she's waking up. Go get the others."

Karin slowly opened her eyes slowly as she groggily weaved through the cobwebs of her mind. When she came to, she found herself in a posh living room. She was laying on a red couch, covered in blankets.

As her eyes focused, she recognized a familiar face.

"Karin, how are you feeling?" Mami Tomoe asked concerned.

"Huh, Mami? Wh-where am I?" Karin managed. Last thing she remembered, she was flying out of Kamihama. Where was she now?

"You're at my place. Kyouko found you." Mami gestured to the redhead.

Karin realized that two other girls were in the room. She recognized Mel, but she didn't the new redhead.

"Umm… thanks." Karin thanked the new girl.

Kyouko nodded, "It's no biggie. If it wasn't for Mami here recognizing that poofy hat of yours, I wouldn't have known you were their friend."

Karin chuckled. Mel looked over at Karin in concern. "So like, why were you in Kazamino City in the first place? And in the pouring rain?"

"Well…" Karin muttered, realizing just what had happened. She had flown into Kazamino city, which led to Kyouko finding her and bringing her to Mami.

"I've sorta been kicked out of Kamihama."


Note:

And now we're caught up! Thanks for hanging with us! Homuzuchi fics will update semiregularly. Homuzuchi will always be one chapter behind as I make edits and fixes before uploading to . If you want the newest but unedited version, check out my AO3 page!