A/N: The Theorist, Witches can be beaten by both Puerum and Puella Magi, since Homura proves that even conventional weapons can kill any Witch that isn't Walrus Night. It's more of a matter of skill and luck when it comes to Witches, as Mami proves it. The boys were just unlucky to stumble across a Witch that was clever enough fight with ambush tactics.
Plot Hole, one way of putting it is that Sanbey is an artificial Incubator specifically designed for that one purpose. One of many attempts at creating an Incubator that could recruit boys instead of girls.
Uh-oh, nope. Sanbey doesn't know everything. Not even some of the things the boys can do later in the story. As for the lich part, the boys aren't exactly that, as their Soul Gems are permanently fused to their body and act as more of a power source, so fatal wounds can still kill them. To increase the stakes in fights and not reuse a plot twist the anime uses of course. As for the boys turning into Warlocks, well, I can at least say it won't be going exactly like that. We already have Sayaka for the whole turning-into-a-monster thing and doing that would be reusing a plot twist, too.
Gang up on them, yeah, I ALWAYS end up leaving one mistake no matter how many bloody times I check my chapters. It's as if there's something magically editing my documents and removing one word every single time. I asked for a beta reader on the request forum, but there have been no replies so far.
Tateyama took in a long, deep breath as he slept. He tossed and turned, arms wrapped tightly around the soft pillow his head lied on. The blanket covering him felt warm and comfortable, keeping him relaxed in the chilly, air-conditioned room. Slowly opening his eyes, Tateyama looked up and faced an unfamiliar ceiling that was above his head, blinking, "Huh?" he sat up, his mind spinning in circles as he grabbed the side of his aching head and groaned, "Where... Where am I...?"
Sweeping his blurry gaze across his surroundings, the room was simple and basic to a point it was unrecognizable. Just a plain room with a bed, some shelves with pictures he could not make out, a closed window at his side and several drawers and wardrobes around the room. Completely indistinct. At the foot of the bed, Tateyama noticed an unorganized futon with a pillow and blanket; it looked like it had been used recently.
Mind still a haze, Tateyama opened the window beside him and let the late afternoon breeze blow into the room and onto his face. The light stinging his eyes momentarily, the sun was almost setting and it looked like it was already getting late. He looked at a clock on the bedside drawer and saw that it was around 5:54 PM. How did he get here? He wondered. Where was he? Where were the others?
Tateyama brought a hand to his neck and a sudden jolt of realization kicked in when he softly grasped his throat.
Memories flooded his mind as he remembered that they were in a Witch's Barrier not too long ago. He remembered the Witch fatally wounding him, and then, he fell. Down into the never-ending chasm in the Witch's Barrier. He had heard his name being called out to him and a glimpse of yellow before he lost consciousness. He felt his skin shiver and raised both hands to caress his neck, feeling no wound or scar present at all, as if it never happened.
"Was it... a dream...?" was all he could theorize. Hands folded on his lap, Tateyama pulled his shirt open slightly and saw that his silver Soul Gem was still there, glimmering brightly. It couldn't have been a dream if his Soul Gem was there, then. He must have-
Tateyama then heard the door to the room open. Slowly, Tateyama turned his head and he gasped at the relieving sight of none other than Tomoe Mami, smiling and wearing the same clothes he had seen her wear earlier this afternoon. Her welcoming smile was both a relieving and confusing sight that made the boy clutch the side of his head in bewilderment, "Tomoe? Why are you here...? Where am I?" he said, sounding more like he was questioning himself than her. Hearing the door close and a few footsteps, he felt a hand cradle his cheek and a calm, reassuring voice ease him.
"It's alright, Ikezawa. You're safe," Tomoe sat down on the bed, "I saved you and your friends from that Witch. Thank goodness you're alright," Tomoe sounded both relieved and worried at the same time, her hand feeling warm to his cheek.
"Tomoe?" Tateyama looked at her and his mouth went agape at the sight of a Puella Magi's Soul Gem forming in her free hand. Its golden radiance shimmered in her palm and Tateyama was almost speechless. He couldn't find anything to say that would show his gratitude. So instead, he hesitantly lifted his hands from his sides, and pulled the older girl into a hug, burying his face into her shoulder. He understood now why she never had time for herself and was always alone. It all made sense to him now that he knew.
Taken aback for a moment, Tomoe could feel him shaking and raised a hand to run through his white hair as she smiled and accepted the embrace.
Tateyama could still feel the cold blade cutting into his throat, the sensation of his own blood drowning him as his body went limp and his conscious slipped away. His breathing hoarse from fear, the sensation of a near-death experience was unlike anything he had ever felt. But this girl had saved him. This girl who he had just met days ago, a girl he met by chance and a Puella Magi who had saved both him and his friends from certain death. He really couldn't say anything but a hush, "Thank you."
He carefully pulled away and with her finger, Tomoe wiped away a small tear that he did not notice trailing down his cheek.
"Come, you friends are waiting for you."
Nodding, Tateyama got off the bed with Tomoe helping him up. The carpeted floor warm to his feet, he stood upright and followed Tomoe out of the bedroom, still feeling a bit stiff. He went into a small living room, where the rest of the Protector Servorum waited at a low, triangular table made out of glass. The living room was just as simple as the room before, Tateyama's nose picking up the scent of tea and cake as soon as he got out of the room. The boys and Sanbey noticing them, Tateyama gave a curt nod and smile, preparing himself for whatever they were going to do.
As he expected, Takuya and Hideki immediately sprung up and Tateyama yelped as the brunette suddenly gave him a combination of a pounce and a hug. Tomoe chuckled with a hand on her cheek as Takuya squeezed him tight, "Geez, we were so worried about you!"
Tateyama's cheeks flushing as Takuya tightened his grip, Hideki simply clapped him on the shoulder. The blue-haired boy sighed in relief and smiled, looking like he was going to do the same thing as Takuya, but choosing to play it cool instead, "It's good to see you standing. I knew you would pull through. Heh. Gave me a scare, for Christ's sake."
Putting down his drink on the table, Mamoru couldn't help but laugh along with Tomoe. He gave a smile, which Tateyama recognized as one he always used to mask his worries, "How are you feeling, Tateyama?"
"Have your wounds healed?" added Sanbey, who sat on the boy's shoulder.
"I-I'm fine. Really. Just a bit dizzy," Tateyama replied as Takuya finally released him from his bear-hug. As they all gathered around the table in a moment and sat down on the carpeted floor, Tomoe refilled the empty teacups on the table, bringing out an extra one for Tateyama and passing it to him with a small plate of cake that made the boy's eyes light up. He recognized it from the cake shop they visited yesterday after school, and Tateyama eagerly picked up a fork to gobble it down with gusto, to Tomoe's amusement. All that time hunting down the Witch had worked up an appetite.
Tomoe gave him a few more minutes to eat and drink, sipping her hot tea as the rest of the Protector Servorum settled with idle chatter between them. Once Tateyama was done, he gave Tomoe an appreciative nod as he picked up his tea. Both tasted rich with flavor and felt like a good pick-me-up after getting out of bed. Now that he was finished, it was finally time to formally introduce each other. They had spent quite some time already waiting for Tateyama.
"Now then," Tomoe began, "I suppose proper introductions are in order," her expectant gaze turned to the Puerum Magi leader, who straightened up his posture and brought his elbows onto the table.
As discussion began, it got quite enough to hear the fan above them creak as it span. Each pair took one side of the table: Hideki and Sanbey on one side, Takuya and Mamoru on another, and Tomoe and Tateyama around the last. Although a small place, the apartment itself was comfortable and easy to relax in. The carpeted floor they knelt on was soft and the place was lit by the yellow sunlight streaming through the windows. Tateyama wondered where were Tomoe's parents, but the start of their talks threw off his train of thought.
Mamoru put on a serious tone and expression as he started from the top, "We are the Protector Servorum, a group of Puerum Magi we have formed to protect this city. We were trained by Sanbey over here, who we had made a contract with in exchange for a wish, watched over us, helped us learn the ways of magic and taught us how to fight. He has been a great mentor and friend to us," he gestured to the striped Familiar, who meekly bowed his head in respect of the veteran Magi, "Sanbey and a - friend - gave us this power."
The boys' expression and the mood suddenly sank for a while, and Tomoe could easily understand why almost in an instant. Putting down her cup, she tried to divert the subject into something else to change the mood, "How long have you been Puerum Magi? I was surprised when I discovered you all, especially little Sanbey over there, so I wondered how long you all have been watching over Mitakihara."
It seemed to have worked, as Mamoru refocused on the subject and answered, "We have just recently formed this group. Before that, we were training to sharpen our skills and have at least a good understanding of our abilities. My apologies for my hesitation," Tomoe happily excused him with a smile, "As I said before, I am Tezuka Mamoru, leader of the Puerum Magi," he gestured to his friends, "This is Fujimaki Takuya, Hakamichi Hideki and Ikezawa Tateyama. Although, I am assuming you two are already acquainted?" his inquisitive stare made Tateyama look away with the corners of his mouth tugging.
"We are," Tomoe said, looking more comfortable talking about it, "We met a while ago, and I do know who you all are: The Freelancer club of our school, correct? I have heard certainly interesting things about you all from my classmates," she picked up her tea and took a graceful sip, the boys wondering just what they have heard about them, "It's now my turn, I suppose?" she put her tea down again and thought of where to begin, "Well, then to start, I am Tomoe Mami, a third-year student from your school. I've been a Puella Magi in this city for a significant amount of time now, so I have much experience in the field. I would like to introduce to you and your little Sanbey to my friend, Kyubey, but-" Tomoe looked around, a finger at her lips, "-he appears to be oddly absent."
She did not notice Sanbey flinch at the mention of Kyubey, but Hideki did. His stripes flashed golden for a split second like a reflex, "You alright there, Sanbey?" Hideki nudged the little Familiar.
"Yes. I'm quite fine. I... was just thinking of something," Sanbey's lie sounded convincing enough for the boy to drop the topic.
"Ah, I suppose he must have taken a walk somewhere," Tomoe shrugged and returned to the conversation, "Now, may I ask you a question, Tezuka?"
"You may," Mamoru said, refilling his teacup and Takuya's after they had finished their 2nd fill.
"If you Puerum Magi exist, then I am guessing so does something akin to a Witch? We Puella Magi hunt Witches, so it'd only make sense for a Puerum Magi to hunt something similar, correct?"
Slightly impressed by her deduction skills, Mamoru nodded as a small frown crossed his face, "You are correct," he handed Takuya a refilled cup of tea and then tented his hands the table, "'Warlocks': A new enemy that has awakened recently in this city. They are very, very different from Witches; a full conscious, ability to speak, a fear of sunlight, a lack of a barrier to hide in and more. They are completely merciless and their leader seems to have a plan to kill us and further plans for a Witch by the name of Walpurgisnacht. Correct, Sanbey?" the striped Familiar nodded in agreement.
Tomoe looked like she knew this name very well, but chose to ask instead, "Have you encountered one of these Warlocks personally?"
"We have. And not only that, we have already taken down one of their assassins," he proudly smiled at Takuya, who had a cake stuffed in his mouth and Hideki, who had his cup at his lips. Takuya wore a sheepish smile whilst Hideki flashed a cocky grin, "We signed up as Puerum Magi to stop them. While we know little about where they are coming from, we know that only we have the ability to defeat them, as we can create an energy that can fatally harm them in battle."
Steadily taking in all this new information, Tomoe placed her cup back on its saucer and took a moment to think, summarize all she had just heard and form a reply. She was taking it quite well, and although Tomoe looked like she had more to ask, she instead refrained from inquiring more for the moment and left those for a later day. Smiling to herself, Tomoe looked back up at the boys, "Tezuka, I would like to present you with an offer."
"Is it one we can't refuse?" Hideki's dry joke earned him a deadpan stare from Mamoru. Hideki then shrunk in his seat and kept quite as Takuya laughed and Tateyama shook his head in exasperation; the pop-culture joke simply went over Sanbey's head, so he kept quiet.
"Your offer being?" Mamoru looked back at the blonde Puella Magi.
Tomoe leaned forward, hands on the table as she smiled ear to ear, "I would like to partner up with you boys. Seeing as how we could work together, I could teach you all a thing or two about fighting. Not only that, but we could watch over the city from both Witches and Warlocks alike," then, Tomoe frowned when she suddenly lowered her tone, "Lately, there have been reports of people disappearing here and in Kazamino. Many of those being Puella Magi. This may relate to your Warlocks, and if so, you all would be a great help if you were to assist me."
Bringing her cup to her lips to quench the thirst her words had given her, her offer garnered a set of mixed reactions from the Protector Servorum, to her confusion. While Tateyama and Hideki looked enthusiastic about taking down Witches and Warlocks alike with Tomoe, Mamoru, Sanbey and Takuya were contemplating about this sudden offer. Mamoru placed down his drink and requested, "May we discuss this outside first? I... would like some time to consider this," receiving a small 'yes', Mamoru then got up and lead his friends outside the apartment with Sanbey hopping onto his shoulders.
As they exited the apartment, Sanbey leapt onto the metal railing as the late afternoon breeze blew, his three tails flickering in the wind with the ringed tassels on his head. Takuya sat beside him, watching the setting sun in the distance and kicking the air as Hideki leaned on the wall with Tateyama at his side, arms crossed on his chest. Mamoru closed the door behind him and turned around to his friends with his hands folded behind his back. Hideki was the first to speak.
"Why the sudden meeting?" he asked, hands in his pockets to keep them warm in the chilly air.
Mamoru tapped his foot on the ground in thought, eyes looking at anywhere but his friends as he tried to form an answer, "We need to discuss first, before we do anything rash," his description and choice of words mildly confused Hideki and Tateyama, who shared a bewildered look of confusion, " I mean - I just have some doubts about joining forces with Tomoe to hunt down Witches, that's all."
"What's there to doubt?" Hideki quickly asked with a tilt of his head, "She said it herself that she's seen plenty of action for a while now, and you told me yourself on how she soloed that Witch back when she saved us. Heck, if anything, if she we join up with her, she could even help us find and take down Phantom!" he looked expectantly at Tateyama, Sanbey and Takuya, "Right?"
Takuya raised his hand to add, "But, only a Puerum Magi can kill a Warlock, right? Tomoe won't be able to do anything to them if she fights one," he said with a worried tone, Sanbey next to him agreeing.
"Correct. You boys have the ability to kill Witches, as even conventional weaponry can do the same. But, as only you Puerum Magi can emit Recicio energy, only the 4 of you have the ability to slay a Warlock permanently," Sanbey then stared at Hideki with his beady, red eyes, his voice carrying a tone of finality, "A fight with a Warlock could prove to be too dangerous for a Puella Magi, or perhaps, even fatal," his words made Hideki flinch at who the striped Familiar was referring to, making him recoil a bit.
"But, what if Phantom targets Tomoe first instead of us?" Tateyama suddenly interjected, his eyes narrowed as he stepped into the discussion, "Phantom could try and target her to get to us. If he does, who would be there to assist her?" it had been a long time since Mamoru had seen Tateyama this emotional over someone. The look he was giving him made him shiver.
"He's got a point," Hideki concurred, "Who knows what that bastard might try and do just to get to us. Even if she can't fight them, Tomoe has hell of a lot more experience in the field than any of us do. She could teach us some tips on combat, like she said, and we can hunt down both Warlocks and Witches together," he walked up to Mamoru and stared right at him, "Don't tell me you were planning on just refusing her offer and leaving her, were you?"
Hesitating underneath his intense gaze, Mamoru grimaced and looked away, rubbing his shoulder with one hand. Neither him, Sanbey nor Takuya were trying to imply any of that, "That's not what I'm trying to say. I... I just do not think it would be wise to stretch our forces like this," Mamoru suddenly shuddered, remembering what had nearly happened at the Witch Barrier earlier before Tomoe had come to rescue them, "Focusing on the Witches can distract us from the Warlocks, and also... I don't want a repeat of what happened earlier; I don't want to risk losing any of you to a Witch just because I made a mistake," he avoided looking at his friends as he said this, keeping silent, until he felt Hideki's firm hands on his shoulders.
His eyes met with Hideki's, and there, he could see the burning determination that was almost always carried by him in his eyes. He could see that his friend wasn't just going to drop the subject, knowing that it was Hideki, "Mamoru, when I became a Puerum Magi, I didn't just swear to hunt down the Warlocks, but to protect everyone in this city. We swore to protect this city from anything that would harm it," he tightened his grip on Mamoru's shoulders, but softened his harsh tone, "Just because I nearly died, doesn't mean I'm going to stop doing that."
Mamoru's eyes were wide with shock. He turned his gaze to his friends behind Hideki and they were all waiting for his answer.
Lips pursed, Mamoru closed his eyes and quietly asked, "... Is this what you really want?"
"Yeah," Hideki softly answered with a small nod, "And that isn't going to change anytime soon."
Tateyama stepped forward, saying, "I owe Tomoe my life. I... We would've died if it wasn't for her," he rubbed the back of his neck with one hand and added, "For that, I want to help her. And like Hideki said, I want to protect this city."
"If it helps, I'm with you, Mamoru, wherever you go," Takuya smiled sincerely at his friend, "Warlocks or Witches, they both could end up harming Tomura and the others. And I'm not going to let any of that happen. So, if you just wanna kill some Warlocks, I'll tag along. Just believe in Hideki and Tateyama, alright?"
Grateful for his friend's support, Mamoru's shoulders slumped and he gave a defeated sigh, "Fine. Sanbey, what about you?"
"I will assist you all in any way I can. Both Hideki and Tateyama have chosen their path, and I highly doubt that will change at all," Sanbey chuckled slightly, "Your friends' persistence really is something."
Hideki's hands lifted themselves off Mamoru's shoulders and the Puerum Magi leader fixed his collar. Unable to protest anymore, he just gave in, "Alright. You two may join her. Takuya and I will focus on the Warlocks. Is that fine with both of you?"
Tateyama nodded with a hint of a smile hidden by the hair covering one side of his face.
"Don't worry about us," Hideki reassured him with a clap on the shoulder, "We can take care of ourselves. Anything that comes in our way is just gonna end up like Zed: a heaping pile of ash on the sidewalk!" he flashed a hot-blooded grin and raised a fist, earning an amused laugh from Mamoru and Takuya, along with an exasperated head-shake from Tateyama, "Come on, I'm serious!"
Taking a deep breath, Mamoru gripped the doorknob, "Come. Tomoe would want to hear our answer. Sanbey, stay outside her for a bit, would you? We'll be leaving after this," opening the door, the boys walked back into the apartment and closed the door behind them. There, they saw Tomoe patiently waiting for them at her table, "Tomoe," Mamoru addressed her, the Puella Magi turning to them, "We've come to a conclusion."
Back outside, Sanbey waited for the boys as he sat and waited on the apartment rooftop, staring up at the orange sky as his three tails swayed back and forth from the gales of wind. Blinking, the striped Familiar lied down on all fours and watched the cars on the road below drive by. Opposed to his seemingly-unchanging face, though, a variety of emotions were swirling in his mind like a whirlpool, making him indifferent to the wind that was getting colder and colder.
In the back of his head, Sanbey pondered if he should personally thank Tomoe for saving their lives from danger; danger that nearly got his own charges killed because he couldn't do anything to save them. Like always, he really was useless when it came to combat, and Sanbey thought that maybe, just maybe, Tomoe taking over his role as mentor and adviser would be a better idea. She seemed reliable, and was already on good terms with the boys. She should be able to help the boys in ways he never could because of what he was.
All he really was useful for was telling them about the Warlocks and giving the boys their training. But even then, he didn't know everything, not even about himself. Just some of the things he was programmed to know from the lab he had escaped from years ago. All those years of running away from the Warlocks, doing nothing but bringing harm to everywhere and every person he went to. Was this all he could really do...?
Sanbey's body then tensed when he felt a presence he had not sensed since years ago. His three tails glowed with energy, his stripes flashed golden and Sanbey's fur stood up.
"I see you have accomplished quite a lot in the past few days," an indifferent, child-like voice that sounded almost like him, rang in Sanbey's ears. An irritating voice that made the striped Familiar jump back and turn around with his tails raised in the air.
Beady, red eyes met the same beady, red eyes as Sanbey snarled at the rooftop's other resident, "Kyubey..."
Sitting down calmly with a titled head, Kyubey's lone tail waved in the air, indifferent to the hostility posed by its artificial brethren. It made no noise when it approached Sanbey, as if it had appeared right behind him out of thin air, "I've been watching you for a while now. You and your 'Puerum Magi'. Quite the interesting batch you have there. I could even say the same for those 'Warlocks'.
"Don't you dare think of touching them!" Sanbey suddenly bellowed, starting to pace around the calm and collected, white Familiar, "I don't know what your goals are, but I know enough that the Puella Magi are just expendable to you!"
"I do not wish to harm you or your friends at all, Sanbey. You just simply caught my eye with all the events you and your students have been causing lately," Kyubey licked its paw and Sanbey let out a low growl, "Why so serious? Surely you're not also curious about just what the Warlocks truly are? The Witches? All these years and you're still as clueless as when we first found you," it said with a disappointed shake of its head.
"What are you even talking about?" Sanbey had the urge to cut it down where it sat, but he held himself back just to get some answers. His three tails were already glowing with energy and he could pounce on Kyubey any moment now, "Answer me!" his demand was met with a blank stare and he swore it was mocking him.
"Angry already? Always the emotional one, I see," Kyubey said with mock pity, "If you only accepted our offer. You would have been a great asset to us. Emotions were always such an unnecessary-" there was a flash of energy and before it could blink, Kyubey's severed head slid from the base of its neck and fell to the floor with a soggy thud. Its body followed, Kyubey's neck a red stump that bled nothing as Sanbey panted with his tails glowing intensely.
His three tails returned to their normal forms and Sanbey let out a frustrated, but contented sigh.
"Can you not do that? It's such a waste of resources."
Sanbey gasped and looked behind him to see a 2nd Kyubey staring right back at him. He faltered under the emotionless gaze that Kyubey was giving him, "How...?"
It did not answer, but merely stared back at him as Kyubey then turned to walk away, seemingly satisfied with such a reunion, "I'll be watching you, and your boys, Sanbey. You all are quite good at showing us things we've never seen before."
And just like that, Kyubey was gone in the blink of an eye. Sanbey turned around and saw that the corpse of the first one had vanished, too. Unnerved, Sanbey was frozen on the spot, shaking, until a call from Mamoru below brought him back to his senses. He leapt back down and landed on the railing to see the boys taking their leave. Sanbey was gratefull that his face could not express the emotions he could feel.
"Come, we're heading for dinner before we head back home," Mamoru said, putting on his shoes.
"I... I will head back ahead of you all," Sanbey shook his head, putting on a more convincing tone, "I'm not hungry."
"Oh? We'll get some take-out for you just in case, then. Are you sure you want to head back now by yourself?"
"Mamoru knows a great barbeque joint," Hideki tried to coax the striped Familiar, but to no success.
"Yes. I'm quite tired after today. Do get back safely," with that, Sanbey leapt off the railing and out of sight. With his mind on Kyubey, Sanbey hurried back to the Tezuka household in hopes of clearing his mind. 'All these years and you're still as clueless as when we first found you', Sanbey could not get that out of his head. It was just an insult, but he felt it ate away at him like a parasite. Seeing as the sun was now getting low, Sanbey increased his pace, wondering how long will it take for him to reach the house.
After a big dinner and being brought back to the Tezuka household by Mamoru's driver, Takuya, Tateyama and Hideki were now preparing to head back to their houses. Sanbey had yet to return as Mamoru waited in the living room for the striped Familiar and his friends. From here, Mamoru could hear his friends packing up their stuff in his room while they bickered among each other on where they left each other's stuff. Maybe he should have asked his servants to clean his room this morning, despite how messed up it was from their sleepover.
Each of his movements creating an echo in the large living room, Mamoru lied back on the couch, tapping a foot on the marble floors and staring absent-mindedly at the golden chandelier hanging from the ceiling. His hand reached for his cell phone in his pocket and Mamoru flicked it open to see the picture of his parents and himself as its wallpaper. A nostalgic sight for sore eyes.
He remembered Uncle Joseph's offer yesterday, about the chance for Mamoru to go visit his father and take care of him in Kazamino every day after school. Beginning to ponder about this, Mamoru lied down on the couch and stared at the dial screen of his phone. Mamoru hesitated at first, because of the risk that could stem from splitting up their forces. But after what Hideki said to him, he felt no more of that. At least if they split up, he would be able to focus on matters only he knew about. Such as Oriko.
He knew he had to pretend to be oblivious to her this morning. But, did she see through his façade?
Dialing the number for Joseph and pressing the phone to his hear, Mamoru heard the bartender answer a few seconds later; he could hear the sounds of the bar music over the phone, until it was toned down for Joseph's convenience, "What is it, Sunshine?" the old man said over the phone.
"Joseph, I wanted to talk about that offer you gave me yesterday. About my father," there was a sudden loud crash from his room, and one of Mamoru's servants was about to investigate the noise when Mamoru called him off. He reassured the servant that it was alright before returning to his phone call, "I accept your offer. I have things to do there, anyway, so I might as well."
"Great! When will you be coming over?"
Mamoru thought for a bit before answering, "Tuesday. I'll be making some arrangements first before that."
"Sounds good. I'll tell your father about this. He'll be happy to see you."
"Thanks. Good night," there was a small snap when he closed his flip-phone shut and Mamoru placed it back in his pocket. Lying down on one side, Mamoru let out a tired sigh, resting his head on the cushions for a small nap until he heard his friends leaving his room. Mamoru picked himself back up and walked up to the base of the wide, carpeted staircase to see his friends will all their stuff in hand, "I'm assuming nothing went wrong up there?" he said dryly, looking at his nails like they were important.
Hideki coughed into his fist with a cracked smile, "Well... while we were packing, we kinda'... broke your TV," he jerked a thumb at Tateyama, who averted their gaze, "He saw a cockroach hiding under your bed trying to get his cakes and... yeah... kinda' freaked out. Tried killing it with his lance," he coughed into his fist again, "TV ended up being collateral damage."
"Stupid cockroach," Tateyama mumbled almost inaudibly, rubbing one arm.
Mamoru shivered at the thought of a cockroach in his room more than his TV being broken. Must be a rich-person thing, Hideki thought.
"But don't worry! I fixed the TV right after that!" Takuya was quick to cut in and lighten things up, "I also fixed up the cockroach Tateyama killed, but it looks like my powers can't bring things back to life. Otherwise, Tateyama would've freaked out even more!" he reached into his pocket, an action that made both Tateyama and Mamoru tense up instinctively, "I have it in my pocket for collection, wanna see it?"
Tateyama quickly hid behind Hideki, who was barely fazed by the corpse of an insect, "Get that thing away from me..."
Mamoru then cleared his throat loudly to get their attention, "Anyway, everyone. I have something to announce. It's important," there was a shift in his tone, one that was usually reserved for significant matters as the boys learned over time. The three then climbed down the stairs, placed their stuff at their feet and gathered around the living room couch as Mamoru waited for them to get comfortable first. Once they were, he began, "For the next few days, I will be making regular visits to Kazamino after school to be with my father. I was asked about this yesterday, but I had yet to come to a decision until now. So, if any of you have any objections, say them now."
The three shared a look that was too short for Mamoru to read, as Hideki then spoke up, "You were worried about splitting up, weren't you?" he had an understanding tone, "Like back at Tomoe's place."
Mamoru meekly nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed for some reason, "Correct. It was only after what you had said, did I decide on what to do. I did not want to leave you all and possibly endanger ourselves by-"
"You don't have to make such a big deal about visiting your dad, Mamoru," Takuya simply said, looking relieved as the brunette expected something more important than this, "If you're just going to take care of him and visit him, it's fine by us, right?" he got agreeing nods from Tateyama and Hideki, who also thought this was going to be about something more important, "See?"
Mamoru thought about telling them about Oriko and Kirika, but he felt that it would just get them worried. No. It was something he needed to do by himself, "T-Thank you, Takuya. I guess I really was too worried about this, after all," he hated lying through his teeth to Takuya out of all people, but it was necessary. None of them didn't need to know just who Oriko was right now.
"Stay safe," Tateyama advised, "The Warlocks could try anything. Keep your guard up."
"I think that goes unsaid when it comes to Mamoru," Hideki said with a chuckle and a grin, getting an amused chuckle from Mamoru as well, "But, do get back safely. Kazamino ain't a pretty place; Warlocks or no Warlocks. 'Place is a big hive of scum and villainy."
Smiling to himself, Mamoru rolled his stiff shoulders and sighed in relief, "Alright. I suppose that was all I had to say. If anything happens here when I'm gone, just contact me through the communicators. Tateyama should have some spares in the case that they break," he gestured to the boy in question, who just gave a shrug, "Right. Now, you all should head back; it's getting late. The practice for the national tournament starts tomorrow, doesn't it?"
"Hell yeah, it does!" Hideki exclaimed with a raised fist, Tateyama simply raising a brow at his energy, "Been waiting for this day. Both of us. Come on, 'Teyama, let's bring out that old punching bag I gave you and test it out," he picked up his bag and leveled himself off the couch, "And when we're not busy practicing for that, we'll be busting Witches and Warlocks with Tomoe," the simple mention of her name made Tateyama visibly light up, which made Mamoru roll his eyes.
As the boys picked up their stuff, a servant came out of the dining room to open the front door for them. Hideki and Tateyama were the first to leave, waving Mamoru and Takuya goodbye on the way back to their houses. Takuya now stood at the doorstep, stretching his arms with his bag and groceries at his feet, "A lot happened today, huh?" the brunette said, looking back at Mamoru with a little smile.
"Yes. I suppose so," Mamoru looked down at his feet, eyes closed as he breathed in the fresh, night air, "Heh. I never expected something like this to happen so soon. I..." he trailed off when he felt Takuya's arms wrap around him, his face heating up and his heart starting to race. His words turned to inelegant blubbering for a few moments until Takuya finally released him. He really could never get used to being hugged like that by him, for some reason.
"It's alright. We'll be fine, okay?" Takuya said in a voice that took some weight off Mamoru's shoulders, "If any Warlock comes and gets me, I'll just beat it with everything Sanbey taught us. You do the same, okay?" he gave a cheeky wink and made Mamoru smile with a hint of pride that tugged at his mouth.
"Of course! I can't be the leader if I don't do as well as all of you, can I? The Warlocks don't know who they're dealing with," he boasted with his chin in the air and arms crossed, receiving a hearty laugh in response.
"Okie dokie! I guess I have to head home now. Tomura might be missing me already and Miss Narita is gonna need these for breakfast," he picked up his bag and the pile of groceries he had bought yesterday. Putting on his shoes, he skipped off the front door and turned on his heel to say one last goodbye, "Good night, 'Moru."
"Good night, Taku'," waving him goodbye, Mamoru watched him went off before he then closed the door and locked it. Hands in his pockets, he paced up the steps of the carpeted stairs as the lights of the living room were switched off by his servants. Entering his room, Mamoru looked at his bed and smiled when he saw Sanbey all curled up underneath the blanket, fast asleep. Switching off the room's lights, Mamoru sat at his wood-carving desk and put away all his tools and project plans.
He placed the files Homura had given up about the future and flipped open the desk lamp.
Mamoru took out a file concerning the two Puella Magi, Kirika and Oriko, and opened it. He needed to eliminate them, but first, he needed to find them in Kazamino. Whatever they were planning, Mamoru knew they were up to no good, and some assistance from someone local to Kazamino would help greatly. Then, from the corner of his eye, Mamoru spotted a small sub-folder, smaller than the others and took it out to read the title, "Sakura... Kyouko..."
The chime of a clock striking midnight echoed through the dark and cobweb-infested hallways of Phantom's opera-house, as the doors to the theater room remained guarded by Phantom's top enforcer. Ares, the suit of metal possessed by the beating soul of the Warlock bound to it, stood guard as always, like a statue that moved only when needed to. The Warlock Barrier projected by Phantom glimmered, an invisible force-field that shone every few intervals as it shielded the Warlock's presence from the outside world.
His rapier at his side, Ares heard the sounds of footsteps down the hallway and reached for his weapon. Grasping its golden handle, Ares did not sense an Obscurum energy signal, but the presence of a Puella Magi instead, "Who trespasses on Lord Phantom's abode? Show yourselves. I care not for trickery nor deceit," his deep, authoritative tone echoed through his smoking visor.
His hand still on his handle, Ares saw two silhouettes appearing in the darkness and Ares' blade was suddenly pointed at them as if it was never sheathed. The two silhouettes were recognized as two teenaged girls, one taller than the other, "I am not here to fight, guardian," said the taller one in a graceful tone, her silver hair fitting with the white, intricate dress and tall headpiece she wore, "I am Mikuni Oriko, and this is my friend, Kure Kirika," she bowed in respect while her friend merely glared at Ares, "Your master called me here."
Beside her, Oriko's friend stood like a guard dog that was ready to pounce any second now. One side of her face covered by an eyepatch, Kirika wore a high-collar trench-coat over a man's dress shirt, a red tie and a white skirt. She hissed as Ares' blade remained pointed at them, but calmed down when Oriko put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Calm down, Ares, they are telling the truth," Phantom's voice echoed through the hallway, cobwebs fluttering from the waves of sound reverbing off the walls. Even Oriko and Kirika could feel it vibrating through their bodies, "Let them in. I have business to deal with them."
"As you wish, Lord Phantom," Ares spun his rapier in his hand and slowly sheathed his blade. He turned to the Warlock Barrier behind him and waved a hand, the barrier disappearing for a while and the double doors behind them opening. Ares stepped aside, the sounds of orchestral music easy to hear from the theater room through the now-opened doors, "Mind your behavior, Puella Magi."
"Will do," Oriko said with another small bow before stepping through the doors. Kirika following her close from behind, the pair entered the theater room and over their heads, instruments flew through the air, playing a long, enchanting melody as they flew like a flock of birds in the sky. On the stage was a large, black coffin held up by ebony chains, the headlights shining on it as only the stage was lit up. As they looked at the rows of empty, broken seats and the flight of stairs in front of them that lead to the orchestral pit below, the two girls held hands tightly.
In the orchestral pit, there was a table with three chairs, a hot pot of tea with cups accompanying it and even a small tray of fresh biscuits. Besides that, there were no signs of anyone else. But once they had heard the double doors behind them close, only then did the opera-house's residents appear as Oriko felt someone, or something, watching her. She was right.
"What do we have here? Puella Magi? Why, we haven't seen a Puella Magi in ages, have we, Simplicio?"
Looking up at the balconies above them, Kirika stood protectively in front of Oriko at the sight of a figure sitting in one of the chairs above. Wearing a black-and-white hooded trench-coat, both colors occupied one entire half of his body, a vertical line running down his torso to separate them. He wore a similarly-designed mask that bore only one eye hole, and on his back, a pair of large shotels hung, giant curved blades that looked extremely heavy. Bandages wrapped around his forearms and head, tattered and torn, his voice sounding like a combination of two people speaking.
"Krieg, get out here! We found some fresh meat!" he announced in a sing-song voice.
Before they could move, the two then noticed a laser dot aimed at Oriko's forehead. They saw that on another balcony, a second figure was looking at them through the scope of the large rifle he held, aiming its long barrel directly at them. They could not see what it was due to the darkness and distance, but they could hear his breathing as they could at least see the mechanical gas mask he wore, releasing steam at regular intervals while his breathing echoed constantly.
"Lucio Simplicio. Krieg. Leave them alone," Phantom's voice echoed again and the Magi pair turned back to see the Warlock leader and his second-in-command now already at the table. The smoking, black figure of the Warlock leader sat with tented hands as his servant, Clyde, stood at his side, "So, you've come. Oriko Mikuni. Kirika Kure. Please, sit," he generously gestured to the chairs opposite of him, "We've been waiting for quite a while now."
Oriko was merely smiling, despite the laser sight still pointed at her head for a few more seconds before disappearing. Stepping down the flight of stairs, Kirika followed her from behind and watched the two Warlocks on the balconies suddenly disappear. Taking their seats, Clyde poured out the hot tea into two cups and gave them to the duo before returning to Phantom's side.
Kirika stared suspiciously at her cup, but Oriko calmly took a sip of hers and raised it slightly in approval after tasting it, which made Kirika less hesitant in trying it out.
"Quite the taste, isn't it? Clyde here does well in more than just killing, spying and sending messages. He's useful like that," Phantom said with a rather polite tone that did nothing to ease the tension Kirika had from just looking at him.
Placing the cup back on the table for Clyde to refill it, Oriko folded her hands on her lap and continued wearing that unfaltering smile, whilst Kirika was shooting daggers at the pair, "You called us her in the middle of the night for a cup of tea?" Oriko sounded almost disappointed as she then picked up a biscuit from the tray and chewed on a piece "Or is there more to this meeting than just tea and biscuits?"
Phantom chuckled eerily, his cheerful tone sounding unnerving to Kirika's ears, "Oh, I wouldn't mind doing something like that. Tea is always such a nice thing to have when having peaceful discussions," then, his voice shifted to a more diplomatic one, "But, I'm not here to simply do that, sadly; I want to make a deal with you, Oriko. I have seen the files regarding your past, and this deal would benefit the both of us in the long run. What do you say to that?"
Oriko's smile did not change as she brought her tea to her lips again and dusted her hands, "Do tell me more."
As they spoke, Kirika looked at Clyde and glared at him. The permanent smile on his white mask looked uncanny to even stare at, and the two spent minutes quietly staring at each other with their urge to kill rising slowly. She could see that his hands were itching for a fight, the politeness he needed to show annoying him.
"The Puerum Magi. I assume you've met them? Delusional children, really, believing that they can make a difference in this forsaken world," he laughed with a wave of his hand, "But, they're beginning to become a thorn at my side, and in exchange for helping me cut off this thorn, I shall do any favor you wish of me. Money, power, a life. My Warlock are quite adept at more than just fighting."
"And yet, I saw one of them fall yesterday," Oriko answered, "He put on quite a show, but in the end, he failed to kill even one Puerum Magi."
Phantom looked around and made sure Lucio Simplicio nor Krieg were listening whilst they discussed. Once he was assured, Phantom replied, "It doesn't matter if they fail. I send them one-by-one, and if they kill a Magi, there's one less problem. If they die, Clyde simply retrieves their remains, which I then take for myself to speed up my recovery. The Puerum Magi will fall, in due time. Either to my warriors, or to my hand."
Oriko chuckled, "And you sound like you enjoy this."
"I do. It's entertaining to watch my warriors fight and see how strong human perseverance really is. Whether they die in the end or not, they do nothing but serve me, as I am the Shepherd to them, the tortured souls of this cruel, cruel world," standing up, Phantom sounded almost poetic as he spoke, waving his hands and pacing around the table, "No matter what, I have their trust, as I have guided them and helped them accept what they really are."
"And just what exactly is that?" Oriko looked over her shoulder, looking at Phantom with inquisitive eyes, "You call yourselves 'Warlocks', but I can tell that there is more to you all. You were not created into this world naturally like the Witches, but through artificial means, like the Puerum Magi. I ask you, what is your purpose?"
"'Purpose'?" Phantom scoffed, as if he had not heard that word in ages, "It's quite a long story, but it is one every single surviving Warlock knows," he stared into his palm, watching his form billow black smoke as he then clutched it into a fist. Looking at the ceiling, Phantom tried to recall his past, "We were to be the next step in evolution. But despite that, we were seen as abominations. Treated as filth. Even when it was I that-" suddenly, the table fell over as the tray, teapot and cups crashed onto the ground and shattered.
Kirika now stood up with her chair on the floor, giant hooked claws materializing in her hands as Clyde laughed at her, "What's wrong? You scared, kid?" Clyde kicked the table and chairs away and they smashed into pieces against the walls as Clyde formed a rifle in his hand, "I've been itching to kill something for a while now. Let's play for a bit."
"Don't c-call me k-kid!" Kirika bellowed as Clyde pushed her berserk button. Just the sheer mention of that word instantly enraging her.
Before Phantom could say something, Oriko held up a hand to stop him, "Let them. I'm sure that stopping them now would only make things worse."
Interested to see how things would play out, Phantom held back his words and watched, "Very well."
Switching off the safety of his rifle, Clyde cackled as he and Kirika jumped on the stage started to circle each other like animals. The two Warlocks in the balconies had returned and were now observing the fight with interest. A cup of tea still in her hand, Oriko watched as the two now stood still with a reasonable distance between them. Clyde raised his rifle with one hand, aiming down its iron sights.
Kirika wielded her enormous hook claws, her knees bent and legs widened apart.
An audible 'tink' from Oriko placing her cup in its saucer, and Kirika suddenly leapt at Clyde with her arms at her side. Clyde squeezed the trigger, bullets flying through the air as the muzzle flash lit up the theater room. Gunfire blaring in his ears, Kirika effectively zipped past the barrage like a black bolt of lightning, faster than anything he had ever seen before, "Not bad! But try this one for size!" firing his rifle with one hand, Clyde summoned a second rifle to his other hand and started firing wildly at the black Magi.
Kirika then jumped into the air, bullets whizzing past her and striking the headlights which broke apart. Glass shards fell everywhere but on Phantom and Oriko. Descending upon the Warlock with glass shards raining on both of them, one moment Kirika was in the air, the next moment followed by the sounds of flesh being torn apart, she was now kneeling behind him, her claws coated with black ooze. Kirika smirked as Clyde's arms fell to the floor, along with his head, and then his body which split down the waist. His body parts bleed black ooze as Kirika kicked away his severed head with a sadistic grin, "I win."
Phantom clapped as Oriko smiled proudly at her friend, "Good work, Kirika."
Before the black Magi could celebrate though, Phantom clicked his tongue and Kirika and Oriko gasped when Clyde's severed head started to cackle, "Not bad. I like you, little girl. You got spunk," tendrils extended from the bleeding, black stumps of his body, they latched onto his severed body parts, pulling himself back together as Kirika backed away to Oriko's side. Back on his feet, the smile on Clyde's mask widened as he stretched his arms and legs, "Bravo. Only a few can actually manage to dodge all my shots. You're pretty lucky for that."
"I don't want your praise, asshole," Kirika snarled, ready to pick another fight until Oriko placed a hand on her shoulder, "Sorry," and with just that, Kirika withdrew and calmed down, to the Warlock's disappointment.
"Well now, that was dramatic," Phantom remarked, picking up the remains of their teapot from the floor and then nonchalantly tossing it away where it shattered on impact, "Let's end things here. I'm sure you two want to go home. But first, Oriko," Phantom turned to her, his red eyes narrowing, "Have you heard of the legendary Witch, Walpurgisnacht?"
"Of course. I have heard many things about it," Oriko's expression suddenly darkened, her smile turning into a frown, "But, there are more threats to this world than simply that. I have seen things nobody else knows about."
Phantom quizzically tilted his head, "Interesting. But, Walpurgisnacht is the only one I have my eyes for," with a flick of his wrist, the Warlock leader projected the image of the overpowering behemoth above them, the remains of Mitakihara lying below it as brick and rubble, "I have plans for it, you see. I admire it, like how an artist admires a painting; a beautiful, moving force of nature and destruction. A beauty only few can appreciate. Now, with that said, what is your desire, Oriko? What does your heart crave?"
Oriko's smile returned, wider than before with a shadow crossing her face, "I want a girl named 'Kaname Madoka'... dead."
A/N: Finally, an update after so long. I've been too busy with college and the fact that I've been lacking the energy to do stuff just makes it worse. Well, looks like this is the end of the Protector Servorum arc, and now, we begin with the 4th arc: Oracle Ordeals. Training time is officially over, now it's time for Monster-Of-The-Day battles in-between character moments, with new (human) characters that are about to be introduced to the story. Although the next update might take longer because of Fallout 4.