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Kyoko rubbed her knuckles against her forehead, trying to dispel the migraine that always seemed to come on whenever she stepped into Akemi Homura's room. It was a pure white void, the only reference point a small table at the centre. Curving around the table were a collection of elongated seats, whose bright colours and simple geometric shapes made it look like someone had upended a giant children's playset. What really made Kyoko's head hurt though were the score of floating screens just above eye level, gently bobbing up and down in mid-air with no apparent means of suspension. Kyoko didn't know what magic Akemi had used, but whatever angle you stood at they always appeared full-facing. Some images she recognised, a map of Mitakihara or a picture of a Witch, but some she had no idea about - they were covered in strange ruins or bizarre arcane circles. Either way she could feel her head already beginning to throb.
Akemi herself was stood motionless in front of the various screens. Kyoko didn't even try and pretend to understand the thought-process of that strange and gloomy girl, nor did she particularly feel like trying. The important thing was, for the moment, she'd agreed to help Kyoko with her plan.
"Sakura Kyoko," said Akemi, without turning around, "You have returned."
Kyoko flopped down into one of the sofas, this one a bright pastel blue, and put her feet up on the table. "Anyone ever tell you its rude not to look at people when you're speaking to 'em?"
Akemi did turn round at this. "You are lecturing me on manners."
It was a dull statement rather than a sarcastic question, but Kyoko was sure she could pick up the tiniest hint of irony. Enough to make the girl seem more human than robot for a moment.
Akemi took the seat opposite of Kyoko. "Did you make contact with Miki Sayaka?"
"Yes I 'made contact'," Kyoko imitated Akemi's monotone for a moment. "It worked great, Sayaka is pissed. Is the package secure?" she asked conspiratorially.
Akemi looked at her blankly for a moment then pointed upwards, "You can retrieve Kamijo Kyosuke from there."
Kyoko's eyes followed the direction of her finger. Far above them was a circle of whirring gears and pendulums. A cable trailed down from the centre, the end of which was a writhing worm like shape. It looked for all the word like bait dangling off the end of a fishing line, though it might as well be, thought Kyoko grinning. The shape of the worm came from the sleeping bag she'd stuffed the Kamijo boy into, before wrapping several lengths of ropes tightly around it to make sure he had no chance of getting out. She'd also blindfolded him. The final touch had been a few wads of duct-tape to gag him; after all Akemi had agreed to look after him, and she didn't want to be completely inconsiderate towards her ally. The boy looked scared, his delicate features even paler than usual, which suited Kyoko just fine.
"Can you prepare the package for delivery?" Kyoko tried again with her conspiratorial whisper.
"You want me to cut Kamijo Kyosuke down for you?" asked Akemi.
"Would it kill you to lighten up for ten seconds," grumbled Kyoko.
"You can trust me on this, Sakura Kyoko, I am not treating any of this pointless exercise seriously," said Akemi coldly.
Kyoko fought down a flash of anger, and made herself smile instead, though it looked more like she was just baring her teeth at the other girl. "Why did you agree to any of it then?"
"I need your help against Walpurgisnacht -"
Kyoko laughed humourlessly, cutting her off. "Bullshit. We already came to an agreement over that, remember? You had every right to tell me to go to hell when I started throwing in extra conditions on top of what we already decided on. But instead you sign up without so much as a complaint. So, what's your angle?"
Akemi was quite silent for some time. "You would not be the only one who mourned Sayaka Miki's loss," she said eventually.
Kyoko was about to ask her exactly what she meant by that, when they were interrupted by a new visitor.
"What are you two planning?" asked Kyuubey.
The satanic little creature was perched on a chair, its rabbit like head cocked quizzically.
"Sod off," said Kyoko evenly.
There was a fresh series of grunts and squeals overhead. Kamijo was struggling twice as hard as before as he heard another voice, perhaps hoping for rescue.
"You involved an outsider in our affairs. Such conduct is not befitting of a Magical Girl,Kyoko," Kyuubey remonstrated with her gently.
Kyoko turned around to Akemi, "Do you mind if I pulverise the little bastard?"
"I wouldn't bother. However many times you destroy that thing, another will come to replace it," Akemi spoke with a hatred that Kyoko hadn't expected from the normally emotionless girl.
"How boring," Kyoko grumbled. "Don't they get mad or nothing that you've been going around killing them like that?"
"I don't think they'll capable of it. The last time I destroyed one, the next one ate the remains," Akemi recounted with distaste.
"They're edible?" asked Kyoko cheerfully, and had the pleasure of seeing Akemi looking genuinely aghast. "Don't look at me like that. I haven't had a good meal in a week. Oi, Kyuubey, I've changed my mind, you can stay after all."
Kyuubey righted its head, and as Kyoko stood up, it scrambled off the seat and made a dash for the exit.
"Typical," muttered Kyoko. "At least its cleared off now."
She watched a flash of white tail round the exit and leave the room, then sat back down, facing Akemi. She didn't say kill, Kyoko mused, she said destroy. How much does she know about Kyuubey? The red-head shrugged to herself, however she'd gotten information on the little demon, it could come in useful.
"It knows we're up to something. Do you think its likely to interfere?" Kyoko asked casually.
"Why do you believe I would understand that thing's intentions any better than you do?" Akemi asked.
"Don't you?"
Akemi paused, her purples eyes staring at Kyoko quite intently.
"What?" asked Kyoko irritably. It felt like Akemi was trying to dissect her with her gaze.
"Nothing. I just always forgot you're a lot less stupid than you appear," replied Akemi.
"Fuck you too," shot back Kyoko. "And whaddya mean by that anyway? We've only known each other for a few days."
Akemi gave a small crooked smile, but didn't answer her question, instead going back to the previous matter. "Kyuubey will not interfere directly," she said, "But there is a chance it will attempt to further poison Miki Sayaka's mind, especially when she is in such an emotionally fragile state."
"No time to waste then. You remember what you gotta do?"
"Likely better than you do." Akemi stuck out a hand, her palm flat.
Kyoko stared at the outstretched hand in bafflement, "Do you want to dance or something?"
Akemi blinked. "Part of my role in this charade you're orchestrating is to deliver a grief seed to Miki Sayaka," she explained patiently, "To do so requires a vital ingredient I am currently lacking: a grief seed."
"What the hell are you talking about? I've seen you work. You must have a mountain of seeds piled up here," said Kyoko indigently.
"Allow me to clarify: a grief seed that isn't mine."
"Fine!" Kyoko patted herself down and realised she didn't have a single one on her. "Uh...I left mine at home. Are you sure you can't just..."
Kyoko trailed off as Akemi's eyes bored into her.
"Fine!" Kyoko repeated angrily. "I'll go back and fetch one of mine you damn cheapskate. I'll take the package with me while I'm at it."
"Kamijo Kyosuke-" Akemi began.
"Just fucking cut him down would you?"
A few seconds later the boy was in Akemi's arms, who'd gone temporary still, most likely shock from his rather rapid descent after Akemi had shot the cable suspending him clean through. She passed him over to Kyoko, who slung the bound Kamijo over her shoulder like a pack of potatoes while still muttering complaints under her breath.
"When are you likely to return?" asked Akemi as Kyoko stomped away.
"I ain't traipsing all the way back here again," said Kyoko flatly, "I'll pass you the Grief Seeds in the park."
"Very well. I'll accept the package there," she said with the ghost of a smile. "Until then, goodbye Sakura Kyoko." With that, she shut the door.
Kyoko shut her eyes and sighed. She was glad to be out of the pure white room, but she was starting to feel the headaches may be coming from dealing with Akemi Homura rather than her residence.
Kamijo Kyosuke was afraid. He'd been safely asleep in his bed, a comfort he had hadn't known for who knows how many months - his days after the accident full of nothing but sterile linen, and pale white-washed walls - when he'd been roughly grabbed, bundled into a sleeping bag, tied and gagged before he'd even had a chance to cry out. He didn't know who'd kidnapped him, but they must be enormously strong, as they'd easily hauled him around with what felt like little more than one arm at times. He'd presumed they were after money, it was no secret his family was wealthy, but to his surprise he'd heard Sayaka's name mentioned by his captors. He was also surprised they sounded somewhat high pitched, almost like girls, but he was sure that wasn't possible. There was no way a girl could possibly have that level of strength, or use the kind of language he'd heard. Maybe they put on false voices so he wouldn't be able to identify them to the police?
The blindfold came off, as did the gag. His eyes took a few seconds to adjust. He was in what looked to be an old abandoned church. Sun light streamed in through the high windows, filtered into a warm orange glow by the intricate stained glass. He could feel cold stone through the material of the sleeping bag and saw somebody had placed him in the altar. Also, although this was probably unknown to his captors, the ropes around the sleeping bag were also a lot looser than they had been. He wriggled around experimentally and could feel his arms had some small room to manoeuvre. Suddenly he heard footsteps and froze his body, but kept twisting his head around, trying to get a glimpse of his captor.
What he saw he couldn't quite believe his eyes. His kidnapper was a red-headed girl who looked only a couple of years older than he was at most. Suddenly it became clear: She must be part of a gang. She certainly looked it, with her threadbare hoodie and grimy face; the older members who carried out the kidnapping had left her behind to watch him while they delivered the ransom. He hoped his parents would be OK when they heard the news. He remembered seeing them after waking up in a hospital bed following the accident. It had been the first time his mother and father had looked old.
He tried to speak, but his throat was dry, and it came out more as a strangled cough. It was enough to attract the girls attention though. She disappeared into the pews and brought back a bottled water. Cradling his head like a child, she slowly tipped the water into his mouth. He swallowed greedily, his mouth and tongue parched. Having finished the bottle she carelessly chucked it into a corner, on top of a mountain of sweet wrappers and ready-meal packets that looked shockingly incongruous in the faded grandeur of the old church.
He swallowed again, finally feeling ready to speak. "You don't have to do this you know," he said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt.
The girl snorted, "You have no idea how wrong you are."
"Look, I know you've been forced into this, but if you let me go right now, my family can protect you." He had a flash of inspiration, "And we'll pay you a lot better than whatever they were going to give you."
"More than who?" The girl asked, perplexed.
"More than your boss. The one who kidnapped me."
The girl looked at him, then threw back her head and roared with laughter. The sound echoed disjointedly around the church until Kyosuke felt he was surrounded by it.
"Are you a complete moron? There's no boss or gang, there's just me. And it ain't about money either. You're just a sideshow for the real event, so don't go getting any big ideas that any of this is about you. Though I know it must be difficult for you to understand you're not the centre of the universe for once, Kamijo-kun."
"You know my name," Kyosuke said, shaken.
"You're right, where are my manners? Sakura Kyoko, a pleasure to meet you." She gave a mocking bow.
Kyosuke felt angry. He'd almost felt sorry for this girl, but now she was belittling him. What did she mean it wasn't about money? Was this some kind of obscene prank? "You gave me your name. Now who's the stupid one? My Father's an inspector in the Police, he'll -"
"Is daddy going to lock up the mean girlie who was bothering his precious princess," Kyoko said sarcastically. "You really are a moron. He could send every police officer in Japan after me and it wouldn't be enough," she boasted.
"Why am I here then?" demanded Kyosuke angrily. That was the second time she'd insulted his intelligence.
"Like I said, you're the sideshow. Well, technically speaking - you're the bait," Kyoko explained.
"Bait for who? Sayaka?" Kyosuke guessed from what he'd overheard earlier.
"Bing-bing," Kyoko made a noise like an arcade machine. "And the winner is Kamijo Kyosuke. Yes, you're here to lure Sayaka into my lair."
Kyosuke wasn't sure what to think. Part of him still wanted to believe this was all part of some kind of strange, convoluted trick. That this Kyoko girl was a friend of Sayaka (Though Hitomi had never mentioned the striking red-head) and was planning an overwrought prank. What else could explain her age or why she would so happily give him her name? (Presuming the name she'd given was real). The less optimistic and slightly more realistic part of Kyosuke's mind kept stomping over this theory with one persistent fact: she'd broken into his house and snatched him from his bed. However you cut if, for a prank between teenagers that was going way too far.
"What are you planning to do to Sayaka?" he asked.
"Beat the crap out of her," Kyoko said gleefully.
"W-What? Why?" he stuttered.
Kyoko raised an eyebrow, "Because I want to, duh. You really are a complete -"
"Don't call me a moron," said Kyosuke hotly.
Kyoko just stared at him in response and for the first time Kyosuke had a proper look at her eyes. They were the same fiery red as her hair, and right now they were blazing with anger. Kyosuke shut his mouth and shrunk back, feeling all the fear from before returning with force. Kyoko broke contact first with another of her mocking bows and when her eyes met his again the fury had passed.
"I forgot. I was in the esteemed presence of a musical genius. Don't go anywhere, I brought back the perfect souvenir for you." She strode down the aisle and disappeared into one of the alcove rooms.
As soon as she was gone he began to struggle furiously. Whatever this insane girl was planning it definitely wasn't a prank. He had to get out of here as quickly as possible. With agonising slowness he worked his hands up until they suddenly popped out of the top of the sleeping bag. From there it was a matter of working at the ropes, his fingers clawing at them until they were loose enough for him to pull his body out of the sleeping bag and flop down to the ground like a wet fish. His legs were numb, but using the altar he was able to push himself upright and gradually feeling began to shakily return to his limbs.
An ear-splitting note carried over the church hall. Feeling his stomach drop Kyosuke looked up to see Kyoko walking towards him down the aisle. He belatedly realised rather than attempting to stand he should have dragged himself under the pew seats and hidden there.
The horrible sound had come from the violin Kyoko had pressed to her neck. No, not any violin, it was his violin. Because of his talent a wealthy patron had been willing to lend him the centre piece of his collection: a genuine Stradivarius, that was over two centuries old. The girl was casually sawing away at the strings of the prized violin, desecrating the divine music the instrument had produced over hundreds of years with every movement.
"Stop it!" Kyosuke said angrily, tears pricking the corners of his eyes, "Stop it right now!"
"Oh, I an sorry, I didn't mean to cause no harm," Kyoko said, still walking towards him. "I ain't quite as good as you I know, but when I saw it I couldn't resist having a bit of a go."
She let the violin drop to her side, the bottom scraping the stone floor as she walked. Kyosuke had had enough. How dare she. He'd never been the most physical person and was weak from hospital and from his kidnapping ordeal, but he was still sure he could take on one girl. Yelling he ran towards her, fist raised.
His eyes weren't even able to follow her movements. One moment he was charging towards her, the next he was suspended in midair, clutching at the hand around his throat and desperately fighting to breathe. He could barely believe it, but she was holding him up with only one hand, the other still clutching the violin.
"Its funny, ya know," Kyoko said conversationally as he gasped for breath. "I mention I'm gonna hurt Sayaka and you barely bat one of your pretty eyelashes, but I start getting dirt on your precious fucking violin and that's when you decide to start getting angry. Do you know what the funniest thing is though? I can't even hurt you." Her grip tightened. Kyosuke continued to kick air as he fought to loosen her hold. "I wish I could, ya know. I wish I could bring you down to our level. I wish I could take those special fingers you're so proud of and break them one by one. Then maybe, just maybe, you'd understand the pain you've caused, you blind, selfish, bastard." Kyoko enunciated every word with cold hatred. "But I can't do that, I won't have that stupid girl break because of you."
She threw him across the church, he collided with the stone alter with a thump, and slid down to the ground. Kyosuke panted heavily, trying to catch his breathe, his hands massaging his crushed throat. His head was spinning, both from his near asphyxiation and the words she'd spoken to him. He didn't understand. She was talking about Sayaka, that he was sure about, but how had he hurt her? What was he supposed to have done?
"No, I can't hurt you," repeated Kyoko, "But I can do this." With that she raised the Stradivarius high above her head and in one sharp movement dashed it against the stone floor.
The instrument snapped in two. Kyosuke reached out a hand for the nearest broken half, the tears that had gathered at the corners of his eyes spilling down his cheeks. With a snort of disgust Kyoko brought a foot down, reducing what was his left of the once beautiful violin to splinters and string.
Kyoko bent down and grabbed him by the collar and Kyosuke felt himself being raised into the air once more. He looked at her, the red-haired demon blurry through his tears against the orange light, then he felt a sharp pain in his stomach as she drove her fist into him and everything went from red to black.
Heya, sorry about the incredibly lengthy delay, exams and real life rather got in the way. Hope you enjoy part two of the instalment and what I hope will be a more regular update schedule from this point onwards.