CHAPTER 11: THAT MONSTER
In an abandoned warehouse, a girl with green hair is looking up, face stricken with fear. One can tell she is a Magical Girl based on her clothes. Standing above her is a mysterious figure, its face hidden by the hood of the black coat it's wearing. In the figure's hand is a small, green crystal. "Don't worry," The figure spoke in a calm, deep voice. "Your pain ends now." The figure shatters the crystal with a simple clench of his fist. At that moment, the girl's eyes are drained of the spark of life as she limply lies to the ground. Her clothes transform to a blue school uniform. The figure walks to the now deceased girl. The figure bends down to his knee. After a second, he takes out a Grief Seed from the girl's pocket before looking back at the girl's face. After taking in the dead girl's pale expression, he closes her eyes.
"Never thought of you as the caring type!" a man's voice mocks him. A plume of darkness sprouts from the ground a few yards behind the dark figure. The darkness disappears as fast as it appeared, leaving behind another figure in a black coat. The figure walks up to the first mysterious being as he stands up. Nothing is said for a few seconds.
"Is it done?"
"No problem," the newcomer responds ecstatically with a slow swing of his arms. "In fact, I thought it was going to be a troublesome task. But thanks to her; it made things a WHOLE lot easier," emphasizing his sentence with a slight shrug of his arms.
"Good. Now all that is left…" the first figure speaks as he turns his head to the dead girl, "is to wait. We will make our move when the time is right."
The night sky over Mitakahira City is plagued with clouds, raining down on the city. Kairi sits between Sayaka to her right and Madoka to her left. Nothing has been said since they left the others and are now sitting in a small glass dome for a bus pick-up stop. "Sayaka, what's the matter?"
"It's none of your business," Sayaka simply states.
"Your right about that," Kairi says, "but I want to know what's making you act like this?" Sayaka stays quiet in response. Kairi suddenly gotten an inkling of what's happening; recalling how both Mami and Kyoko regret their wishes. "Did something happen to Kyousuke?"
Sayaka responds with a slight movement of her head before looking back to the ground. "Don't worry, he's fine."
"Sayaka… are you regretting your wish?"
"Of course not… it's just..." Sayaka trails off
The whole time, Madoka is looking at the ground. "Someone…" she whispers, catching Kairi's attention. "A friend of ours…"
"Don't say it Madoka…" Sayaka mutters audibly.
Kairi slowly looks at the trembling bluenette. "Sayaka…we're friends, right?" Sayaka stiffens in response. "Please. I understand if you want to keep it to yourself. But pushing us away isn't a solution. Sometimes it's a friend that helps you find that solution."
"There's nothing you can do… there's nothing anyone can do…" Sayaka says as she stifles.
"Maybe not…" Kairi says solemnly, "but it's best to talk to someone to release those feelings." Sayaka tries her best from breaking down.
"I'm sorry, Sayaka," Madoka says in advance before looking at Kairi. "A friend of ours, Hitomi, told Sayaka that she's in love with Kyousuke."
Kairi's eyes widen, getting an idea of what's happening, "Does he know you love him?" her question directed at the Magical Girl.
"Of course not…"
"Then you should tell him how you truly feel?"
"What's the point? I'm nothing more than a lame old jewel," referencing to her Soul Gem.
"Don't you remember what I said? It's the heart that matters. That's what allows us to connect to one another."
"I haven't forgotten. But he would probably reject me."
"You don't know that for sure," Kairi states as she clenches her fist in front of her. "You just have to take that chance."
"And let him find out that I traded my soul just so he could play again." Tears start to drop from her eyes. "I was fine if he never found out about it or my feelings. But…" Sayaka grabs her arms, "Now…I'm going to lose him."
"Then don't lose him. Sayaka you have the right to be happy. If he does find out, just tell him that you've been tricked. That's the truth"
"I know you're trying to cheer me up. But forget it; I'm inclined to see this life to the end."
"Sayaka…" Madoka says before trailing off, "Why are you doing this to yourself?"
"I don't care… there's nothing left for me."
Kairi's eyes narrow. "That's not true," Kairi scolds, "You still have Madoka. You also have me as well. And to us, we treasure you as a friend."
"So…"
"You shouldn't put yourself in a situation like that," referencing how Sayaka allowed her body to be harmed in the recent battle. "What would happen if that Witch killed you?"
"Kill me…" she mutters before giggling before going into mad chuckle, "I'm practically dead already! It's not like you lost your souls!" She glares at them, "I envy you, both of you are still alive."
"So are you!" Kairi says as she stands up before leaning towards Sayaka, "You're here, alive and breathing. Even if your soul is inside some fancy jewelry, you shouldn't push aside others or punish yourself."
"Tell me, then… Would you exchange your souls to put mine back?" Kairi falters as does Madoka. "I see…" the bluenette stands up before walking into the rain. Madoka follows her along with Kairi.
"Sayaka…wait," The pinkette calls out.
"No!" Sayaka immediately responds. "Just leave me alone." Sayaka starts to walk.
"Just wait!" Kairi says as she grabs Sayaka's arm. At that moment time feels slow around Kairi. After that drawn out moment, Kairi's eyes widen in shock.
"I said leave me alone!" Sayaka declares as she jerks her arm from Kairi's weak grip before running away.
Madoka runs after her but stops after passing Kairi. "Sayaka…" she says with a torn expression, bring a closed hand to her chest.
"That was…" Kairi mutters, catching the pinkette's attention, "darkness…"
"Kairi…" Madoka asks worriedly.
Kairi snaps out of her trance before looking at the pinkette. Kairi's expression is not much different. She puts her left hand on Madoka's head. "How about I'll walk you home? I'll have a talk with Sayaka in the morning." Madoka nods before the two walk the opposite direction.
The next day, Kairi told Mami of what happened last night. Mami said she'll have a talk with Sayaka if she sees her at school. Kairi also decides to check out Sayaka's apartment in case she didn't go to class. On her way, Kairi notices the air around the city has changed again; the darkness Kairi sensed yesterday is stronger. Kairi enters the apartment complex's lobby; heading towards the front desk. "Pardon me," she said getting the attendant's attention, "You wouldn't happen to know if Sayaka left already?"
"Actually, I haven't seen her since she left last night," the attendant said.
Kairi's flashed in alarm before regaining her composure. "I see, thanks anyway," she said before walking out the door. Kairi checks her phone and notices that classes won't start for five minutes. At that moment, Kairi makes a call.
After a couple of rings on the other end, Madoka's voice calls out, "Hello?"
"Madoka, is Sayaka in class?" Kairi said worriedly.
"No…" Madoka responds with the same type of tone.
"Listen, I'll go look for Sayaka. I'll give you a call after your classes are over."
"Okay," Madoka says meekly before Kairi closes her phone and runs afterwards.
Mysterious Tower
*MAGICAL MYSTERY*
The King has finished talking with Yen Sid. Donald and Goofy are also in attendance. The Captain of the Royal Knights brings a finger to his chin, "Now what d'you suppose that Xehanort fella is trying to do in that world? I mean, why attack a world that is no longer habited?"
"Well," the king starts, "From what I saw from what's left, the place could have been once populated at one point. But the whole place looked like it was under some kind of attack, a very recent one."
Yen Sid hums at this, "It appears… that the Organization is aware of our recent actions. Though we have heard nothing from Riku or Kairi, we must assume they have at least encountered them."
"Wak!" Donald yelled out, "Then what are we standing around for, we gotta help them!" Donald proclaimed before running to the door.
"Wait." Yen Sid said, causing the duck to stop in his tracks before turning around. "Based on the evidence Mickey uncovered, it is highly unlikely the Organization would target those two." Yen Sid closes his eyes. "In fact… perhaps there is a danger that might even threaten the Organization."
"What do you mean?" Goofy asked.
Yen Sid opens his eyes, "For now, we must put our faith in both Riku and Kairi."
"Are you sure?" the king asked.
Yen Sid nods "There is no doubt. That those two will play a key role in the fate of their new friends and their world."
It is now noon in Mitakahira City. Kairi has spent most of the morning looking for leads that will help her find Sayaka. Kairi finally made a breakthrough, a witness saw her shambling into an alley. Kairi just arrived in the vicinity where Sayaka was last seen. Kairi carefully navigates her way through the narrow paths. After ten minutes, she finally sees Sayaka leaning her back against the wall.
"Sayaka…" Kairi calls out from a short distance. She doesn't want Sayaka to run away again so she is keeping a distance between them. "Everyone's worried about you…" Kairi says.
Sayaka does not bother looking up at the Keyblade Wielder. "Why can't you leave me alone…"
"It's because you're my friend," Kairi responds solemnly. "Look, I'm sorry that I can't trade my soul, so you can get yours back. But that doesn't mean you should push me and everyone else away. We all want to help you." Sayaka only sighs in response. "How about we go see Kyousuke together? Just tell him the truth and tell him your true feelings. If you keep denying yourself, you're going to-"
"Be quiet," Sayaka interrupts. She looks up with a smile filled with sorrow, "You know what? I really don't care anymore." She turns to Kairi. "Go ahead, tell Kyousuke that I became a monster for his sake."
"You're not a monster, Sayaka."
"I'm no longer a regular girl now. If anything, being a monster is fitting for me. Even it's mine, I already ruined a life."
"Even if you call yourself a monster, you're still you. As long as Kyousuke understands that, there shouldn't be anything to be afraid of," Kairi says with tone close to begging.
"Like I said, I don't care." Sayaka gets off the wall before turning away from Kairi. "There's nothing worth protecting in this world anymore. Honestly, this world can rot for all I care…" Sayaka shambles away from Kairi.
"Sayaka!" Kairi said before running forward. After taking about six steps, halfway to Sayaka, Kairi stops, noticing the shadows on the ground moving.
*NIGHT OF FATE*
Shadow Heartless stand between the Princess of Heart and the shambling girl drifting deeper into the alley. Kairi wants to chase her friend, but she can't leave the Heartless unchecked. Kairi draws her Keyblade, "Stand aside!" The shadows leap at Kairi. Hoping to end this fast she casts Stopga, halting all the Heartless. Kairi bashes each of the Heartless four times. After striking the last one, the spell wore off and the Heartless jerk around before disappearing. Before Kairi can continue six more Shadow Heartless bar her way. Without hesitation, she uses Photon Blade, striking through the Heartless. After her attack finished, only two remain and Kairi immediately finishes them off by summoning several lightning bolts. Kairi turns to the direction Sayaka went but no sign of her. Kairi runs down the path.
It didn't take long for Kairi to spot Sayaka again, still shambling away from the Keyblade Wielder. Kairi runs up to her but is stopped as several Dark Balls, floating Pureblood Heartless consisting of only large, round heads and large jaws. Kairi makes a sound of annoyance before all of them charging in, chomping the air. Kairi raises a barrier, stopping their charge and blasts them back with a counterblast. Kairi raises her Keyblade, creating a large fiery sphere. The sphere rains down a multitude of fireballs on the Heartless (Firaga Burst), eliminating two of them. Kairi cries out as she charges at the remaining Dark Ball. The target turns into black cloud before Kairi can hit it. The Keyblade goes through the cloud. Kairi manages to keep an eye on it, waiting the Heartless to pop out of it and hit her at any moment. Seconds later the Heartless did as predicted and Kairi was ready with a well-timed block. Dazed from its failed maneuver, the Heartless disappears after Kairi strikes it down. Kairi doesn't hesitate and continues the chase.
Kairi keeps on going for a few minutes before running into two more Dark Balls. "I don't have time for you!" Kairi yells out. Before the Heartless charge in, one of them is suddenly bashed into a wall before the other one gets destroyed by a multitude of fast attacks. Kairi's mouth is slightly opened.
The person who stopped the Heartless was none other than Kyoko. "Sheesh! You're making a lot of noise out here," she said before turning to the Heartless next to the wall. The Magical Girl thrusts her spear at the dark creature, eliminating it.
"Kyoko!" Kairi says as she runs up to her.
"Were those things Heartless?" Kyoko asks after turning to Kairi, who nods in response.
"Listen, Sayaka is up ahead and for some reason the Heartless are keeping me away from her."
"So what, we just get rid of them as soon as they get in our way. Come on, it's an eye sore for me to look at Sayaka as she is."
Kairi nods with a smile, knowing that Kyoko does care for the bluenette. The two proceed farther into the alley. Five minutes later, they manage to find Sayaka again. Kyoko calls out to her as the duo approaches shambling girl. The bluenette didn't seem to hear her since she continues to walk away. Neoshadows, advanced forms of Shadow Heartless, and Invisibles, humanoid Heartless with black skin with a heart-shaped hole and each one wielding a large blue sword, stand between them. Kairi and Kyoko prepare themselves as the Heartless surround them. Kairi tells Kyoko about the two types of Heartless; their fighting style, tricks, and flaws. Kyoko nods in response. After a few seconds the girls charge into the Heartless.
After about two minutes there's one Invisible and two Neoshadows remaining. The Neoshadows sink into the ground as the Invisible flings its sword into the air before stabbing it into the ground. Kairi notices a ring of purple flames surrounding her. She tells Kyoko to handle the Neoshadows when they pop out. The flames converge on Kairi, who jumps out of harm's way. At that note, the Neoshadows come out, spinning towards Kairi. Kyoko stabs one from below eliminating it before separating her spear and eliminates the second by having the chains in the spear to constrict it. Kairi dives at the sword, where the Invisible returns to physical form. Kairi cries out before cutting through the Heartless, eliminating it. The girls continue their chase after Sayaka, who is no longer in sight once again.
After one minute of running, the girls turn a corner before stopping at the sight in front of them, "You have got to be kidding me," Kyoko states.
*DESTINY'S FORCE*
Kneeling on the ground is a giant Heartless known as a Darkside. The Heartless stands up, towering over the girls. "This is ridiculous," Kairi states.
"At this rate we'll never catch up to Sayaka," Kyoko says as she prepares her spear.
Kairi stares at the Heartless before an idea popped in her head. She takes out her last Grief Seed and her cell phone from her pocket. "Kyoko," Kairi says, getting the Magical Girl's attention. Kairi tosses the items to her.
Kyoko had to dismiss her spear in order to catch them, "What are you doing?!"
"At this rate we'll lose Sayaka. You go on ahead. If you see Sayaka, don't let her out of your sight. Consider that Grief Seed as payment. I'll call you later on that phone. Besides the Heartless is my fight, not yours. So you have no reason to waste your magic on it."
"Hey, there's no way I'm going to ditch you," Kyoko protests.
"There's no time for us to argue. Sayaka is more important, so at least one of us needs to check up on her and see if we can bring her back to her senses." Kyoko looks at the Heartless, which hasn't moved yet. "Don't worry, this thing will focus on me. You make a break for it." Kyoko hesitates before nodding. She runs forward, passing by the Heartless. The Heartless tries to turn around, but a few fireballs to the face make it stop, "I'm over here!" Kairi yells out. The Darkside turns back to Kairi, who swings the Keyblade, ready for battle.
The Heartless gathers dark energy into its right hand as it brings it back. It punches into the ground, creating a dark portal to summon Shadow Heartless. Kairi immediately goes after the Heartless appearing from the void. Kairi eliminates the Shadows in ten seconds, before jumping on the Darkside's arm. She immediately bounces to the Heartless' face before swinging a four-hit combo. The Heartless takes its arm out of the gate, which disappears afterwards before standing back up as Kairi lands back on the ground. Kairi casts Firaga Burst; the fiery hail bombards the Heartless.
The Heartless made no reaction to the attack. It bends down on its knees, energy gathering into the hole in its chest. Kairi jumps back to put some distance and get in position for the Heartless' next move. The Heartless fires three bright spheres from its chest, homing in on Kairi. Kairi raises her Keyblade, deflecting the spheres back at the Heartless. The Heartless fires again, only for the result to be the same. The Heartless fires five spheres, but again Kairi holds her ground and deflects them back at the Heartless.
Kairi charges at the Heartless as it gets back on its feet. Kairi jumps into the air, aiming for the face as the Heartless stands tall once again. Kairi performs another jump in the air, leaving a fading ring of light, and attacks the Heartless with several strikes to the face before using Triple Firaga. The Heartless immediately responds with a swift punch. Kairi spins in the air, avoiding the attack and landing on its extended arm. Before the Heartless can pull it back, Kairi yells out as light gathers into her Keyblade. She leaps at the Heartless' face. She swings the Keyblade, creating an explosion of light on impact. The Heartless falters back as Kairi lands before somersaulting backwards. The Darkside falls to its knees before the rest of its body hit the pavement. After a few seconds, the Heartless fades away.
Kairi runs forwards, eventually stopping at a fork. "Sayaka! Kyoko!" Kairi call out but no response came. Kairi sighs as she looks down dismissing the Keyblade. "Hopefully…she found Sayaka." Kairi, wearing a serious expression, brings a hand to her chin. "Still…why would the Heartless… protect Sayaka? It's as if they were drawn to her. That look on her face…it's as if she's been broken." Kairi close her eyes, "And the words she spoke…has she truly given up? What she said, it's as if she was cursing herself as well as this world." Kairi opens her eyes, still looking towards the ground.
*HESITATION*
Her eyes slowly widen, fear creeping into her expression, mouth open, as her raised arm goes limp. "No…" Kairi says with a hesitant voice. Everything is starting to come together. Kyubey and the Witches are related, her mind speaks. Witnessing a Witch's birth can change your view of this world. Then there's that letter, 'In this world, light always falls into darkness.' To top all of that there's what Riku said, Kairi flashes back to Riku's words, stating that he hopes his theory is wrong. Kairi quivery gasps, realizing the dark truth of Magical Girls. "How could he…," Kairi said before her eyes narrow dangerously. She clenches her hands into fists and her teeth. "That monster!"she yells out. Kairi continues to stand, barely able to control her anger. It's not enough that he takes away a girl's soul in exchange for a wish; a girl turns into a Witch eventually. Kairi jerks her head up with a determined face. "Madoka. She's the only one that can get through to Sayaka." Kairi runs in a full sprint to the path on the right.
The sun starts to descend into the horizon, the sky still blue. Madoka is in her room on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Kairi hasn't called her after class. Mami planned to look for Sayaka as well and told Madoka to stay at home just in case Sayaka comes by. "Sayaka…" she says in a soft voice, "What am I supposed to do?" At that moment, her father calls out to her, telling her a friend is at the front door. At that moment Madoka springs out of her bed before heading to the front door.
Meanwhile, Kairi is outside, heavily breathing with her hands on her knees, leaning forward. She spent the past few hours running to Madoka's house. The sound of the door opening catches her attention, she looks up to find Madoka running up to her. "What's wrong?" Madoka asks.
"It's Sayaka…She's in danger," Kairi responds.
"What?" Madoka steps back, eyes full of worry.
"We don't have much time," Kairi says as she regains her breathing and stands up fully. "I need you to come with me. You're the only one that can help her right now."
"But, what am I…" she starts to say before Kairi cuts her off.
"Just tell her anything that comes to you." Kairi looks at Madoka, "I need to use your phone. I gave mine to Kyoko." Madoka looks at Kairi for a second before handing her phone to the Keyblade Wielder. Kairi scrolls through the address list and finds the number of her phone and presses the call button. She brings it up to her ear, "Kyoko, it's me. Have you found Sayaka...Wait, Homura did what...Which area are you in... Is Sayaka still there… Okay, got it." Kairi hangs up the phone. She asks Madoka if she knows of the area Sayaka is at. Madoka nods and says that the fastest way to get there is the train. "Okay, let's go!" Kairi said before running off with Madoka behind her.
The girls reach the train station in the twilight hours. They purchase their tickets before rushing to the platform. As they are about to reach their train, they see Mami waiting in front of the train they're about to get. Kairi calls out to her, causing the blonde to look back. "What are you doing here?"
"We're on our way to find Sayaka," Kairi answers.
"You know where she is?"
"Not exactly, but we know where to start."
"Then let's go together," Mami said with determination. Kairi feels a slight tug in her heart, something telling her that Mami shouldn't come. Kairi ignores the feeling however and responds with a nod.
Stars start to liter into the night sky as the train reached their destination. "Any ideas on where to find her or how?" Madoka asks after the three got off.
Kairi is thinking of that as well. She has to hurry but shouldn't go dashing in some random direction blindly. She hopes that she can find Sayaka before it's too late. An idea suddenly came to her. "Give me a second," she says before closing her eyes, bringing her left to her chest. The other girls look at her in confusion. Kairi can sense the darkness belonging to Walpurgisnacht is getting slightly stronger. Though that doesn't stop her from finding a particular darkness a few seconds later. The darkness she felt before; when she grabbed Sayaka last night. "Found her," Kairi says with a snap of her eyes. She turns to the others, "Follow me." Kairi runs forward with the other two behind her.
The girls ran for fifteen minutes, running through an empty street. Kairi can definitely feel Sayaka's darkness slowly growing as they get closer. But it could also mean that their time is almost up. The girls continue to run. "What's the rush, girls?" a man's voice said in a mocking tone. The girls stop and look around looking for the source. Kairi immediately senses something in front of her. A dark portal appears a moment after Kairi looks in that direction. The other girls' eyes go wide, staring into the darkness.
*THIRTEENTH DISCRETION*
Out of that darkness, a tall figure in a black coat walks out of the corridor of darkness, which closes afterwards. "Now what are you ladies doing up at this hour? Shouldn't you be in bed already?" he asks with a mocking swing of his hand.
Kairi makes a sound of annoyance, Why now of all times? "You're looking for a fight?" Kairi says in a threatening tone, taking the other girls by surprise. Kairi isn't one to start a fight, but then again she doesn't have time. Though Kairi knows it's dangerous to face someone from the Organization, she has no choice if she is to save Sayaka.
"Easy there, princess," said the cloaked man with a defensive gesture with his hands. Kairi only glares back at the meaning of the nickname. Madoka and Mami stare at the man apprehensively. "I'm just curious to what you're up to." The man waves his arms around, "Wait. Don't tell me, you're here for the big show that's about to start. Man, the way that you girls go out, I'd rather have my heart stolen by the Heartless any day rather than going through that torture."
"Look, I don't know why you're here. If you don't have business with us then get out of our way," she declares with a swing of her arm.
"Hello. Bad guy here. It's my job to get in your way." The man brings a hand near his face, Like this," The man snaps his fingers and the girls are surrounded by Nobodies; namely Dusks and Snipers.
*EXTREME ENCOUNTERS*
"Have fun girls," he said before disappearing into the darkness. Kairi makes a sound of annoyance before drawing her Keyblade. Mami quickly transforms as Madoka takes out her staff. The Snipers circle around them, walking on the air sideways as the Dusks move in. The Dusks makes the first move. Mami keeps them at bay with her muskets; shooting one from a distance before using it as a blunt weapon to knock back an incoming Dusk. Madoka casts several Blizzara spells at the incoming Dusks. Kairi attacks the closest Dusk to her. After a combo of four hits she casts Thundaga to not only hit her target but the other enemies attacking the others.
The Snipers disappear in a blur before reappearing a second later at a distance, their weapons glowing with a charged shot. Madoka realizes this and casts a Reflect spell; protecting herself and the others. The Nobodies' shots are absorbed into the barrier. The barrier disappears before flashes of light destroy the Dusks surrounding them. The remaining Nobodies are the three Snipers. Mami targets one of them and destroys it with five shots from five muskets, tossing the used ones in the air and moves as if she was in a ballet. She turns to another Nobody and points another musket at it; ready to use a new technique from a Command Card Kairi gave to her earlier. Fiery energy gathers just outside the muzzle, turning into a sphere, "Big Shot!" she cries out. The sphere reaches the Nobody instantly, destroying it. Kairi is already cleaving through the last Sniper. She finishes it off with a fire spell.
Four more Snipers surround the girls. Kairi decides enough is enough. Though it's not something she shouldn't do, what she has planned would take a large amount of her magic. Kairi lowers her Keyblade, pointing it to the ground. Energy builds around Kairi, as a magical seal appears from the ground, originating from Kairi's position, with everyone above it. During this, Kairi's cry starts soft before slowly going loud. Kairi spins before pointing the Keyblade to the sky, "Lightning!" she calls out. Large, massive bolts hammer onto the seal; only damaging the Nobodies as other girls look around in shock. Bolt after bolt, the Nobodies get knocked around. Electrical fury builds in Kairi's Keyblade before emitting a bright flash, with a crushing sound of thunder, destroys them (Surge).
With no more enemies appearing Kairi dismisses her weapon before she kneels down on one knee; the spell nearly exhausting her. She takes out an Ether before downing it. Instantly she can feel some of her power returning to her. The other girls look at Kairi at amazement, for being able to perform such powerful magic. Mami soon collects herself before walking to the Keyblade Wielder. "Kairi, what were those things?" she knows the enemies couldn't have been Heartless, "And who was that man?"
Kairi stands up, "There's no time to explain," explains before turning to the others. "We need to get to Sayaka now, before it's too late." Kairi turns around and start sprinting. Madoka and Mami follow her, both wondering what Kairi knows about the hooded man and his minions. But for now, they have to reach Sayaka; that much is clear to them.
The girls arrive at an old abandoned train station. They run up the stairs to the loading platform. After reaching the top they see Kyoko sitting on a bench next to Sayaka, who is looking down, "Sayaka!" Kairi calls out to her before she and the two with stop around three yards away from them. Kairi is able to make out the item in Sayaka's hand; her Soul Gem.
However it is cracked and a dark force swirls inside it. "I'm sorry everyone…" she lets out. She turns to her left to look at all of them. Tears in her eyes, one of them drops towards her Soul Gem. "I was stupid… so stupid."
*SHADED TRUTHS*
The moment the fallen tear touches the fragile gem, time stood still for Kairi. Eyes wide open in fear. To her it feels as if a dam holding the darkness bursts. The instant surge could easily wash her away. No… The Soul Gem bursts, blowing away Kyoko as Sayaka's body floats into the air. The force makes it way to the others, "Madoka!" Kairi yells out, wrapping her arms around Madoka before turning around; shielding her. Kairi turns her head around, eyes narrowing as she focuses on what's transpiring.
Meanwhile, Mami has her arms in front of her, bracing against the sudden gust of power. She manages to look at Sayaka, her eyes widening at the sight. "It can't be…" she mutters out. Sayaka's Soul Gem shatters; revealing a Grief Seed. Kyoko, who was tossed into the air, manages to hang on to a bar, calling out Sayaka's name. A dark mist explodes from the Grief Seed, covering everything in the area in darkness.
It doesn't take long for the girls standing inside a Witch's barrier. The floor has a checkerboard pattern, twisting and turning into the sky. Several trains float in the area. Rail tracks twisting and turning with the ground. In the center is a giant mermaid on a podium. Its head is a knight's helmet. The Witch wears a dark-blue cloak with a pink ribbon on its neck, wielding a long sword in its right hand. In front of the Witch is Sayaka slowly falling to the floor. "Sayaka!' Kyoko calls out before transforming. Carriage wheels manifest from nowhere moving along the twisted tracks and more airborne ones aimed at the Magical Girl. Kyoko dodges several of them before catching Sayaka. A second later, she realizes how limp and heavy her body's become. Kyoko's eyes widen before she touches the ground.
The Witch gives a cry, sending more wheels at Kyoko. Before they can reach her, Kairi instantly appears in a blur. She screams as she bats away the wheels, grunting with each blocked wheel. Though it looked easy, she had to put in a lot of her strength. "Fall back!" Kairi commands. Kyoko jumps back several times; reaching several of the girls.
"Sayaka!" Madoka runs to her friend as Kyoko puts her down. Mami eventually walks up to them as Kairi jumps in front of the girls, staring at the Witch. Madoka can't believe what she's seeing. No movement is seen on the bluenette, not even the usual movement of one's breathing. Mami stares at the Witch with wide eyes.
"What did you do?" Kyoko mutters softly before glaring at the Witch. "What have you done, you monster!?" she demands as she prepares her spear.
"Don't call her that!" Kairi snaps.
"Kairi..." Madoka says with a trembling voice. "What's happening?" Her expression full of despair.
"Sayaka…" Mami says a few seconds later, still staring at what lies in front of them. "She…became a…"
"Don't say it!" Kyoko exclaims. She doesn't want to believe what occurred.
"But it's true," Kairi said in a stern tone. "That Witch is Sayaka."
"No…" said Madoka, eyes quivering as they stared at the monstrosity.
"Madoka…" Kairi says in a low tone; catching the pinkette's attention. "Sayaka just turned into a Witch. So there still should be some part of her left in there. You need to call out to her. Like I said, you're the only one that can help her." Kairi turns to Mami, "Mami." The blonde snaps her head to Kairi, "Protect Sayaka's body. Think you can do that?" Mami hesitates before nodding after a few seconds. Kairi turns to Kyoko, "Kyoko, I need you to protect Madoka."
Kyoko looks at Kairi with a dumbfounded face as the Keyblade Wielder takes a few steps forward. "And what about you?!"
Kairi slowly swings her Keyblade, taking her battle stance. "I'm going to knock some sense into her." Kairi starts to run. Sayaka…Whatever you do… Don't let the darkness take you…
Riku's Log 10
I have finally arrived at my destination. As I feared, my theory is correct. This is based on new evidence I recently found. Evidence relating to the girl I 'rescued' from a Witch. Perhaps it's best to describe my findings from the beginning.
The girl that is the primary source of this lead, originated in a small town north of Mitakahira City. From interviewing the girl's friends and close relatives, I'm beginning to see the big picture. The girl had dreams of becoming an international singer, one that would go down in history. This is indeed an admirable goal. Though this was her dream, the girl herself didn't really have much of a singing voice. She was usually quiet and not much of a talker, but still had a friend or two looking after her.
One day, her attitude completely changed. She was full of energy, very active, and highly social. Not only that, those I interviewed said that her voice would put even angels to shame. However that was not the only change. She would often go out late at night for one reason or another. Sometime later, she performed for auditions for a singing contest and passed with flying colors. Many people expected her to win. But as I mentioned in an earlier log, she only came in second. The girl is last seen running off the stage, and some claimed that her eyes were full of tears.
Based on this information I can fill in the gaps. Originally she did not have much confidence in herself or her dream. This is when Kyubey appeared before her. Based on how good the girl's voice became, I can conclude her wish is to become the best singer. No doubt she probably did become the best. Her nightly outings must be her Witch hunts to either protect the innocent or merely for her own survival. Either way, she entered that singing idol contest to make her famous. But only to be deemed second in the contest; I guess she felt betrayed by her wish. If her wish didn't allow her to achieve her dream, then what purpose did it have? Did she became aware of what became of her soul or was she oblivious to it? Regardless of the reason, it didn't matter on that night when I was in the same vicinity as her.
Soul Gems, as I have referenced several times in these logs, cloud with darkness through a Magical Girl's use of magic. I'm starting to suspect that their magic isn't natural compared to the magic that me, my friends, as well as our enemies, normally use. I once questioned what happens to a Magical Girl's Soul Gem when it goes completely black. I think I have found that answer. Whether if the Magical Girl uses too much of her 'magic' or becomes consumed by negative feelings, they will turn into the very beings they are meant to fight against: Witches.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Chapter 11 is now operational.
Thanks for reading the story this far.
I know its starting to look like the anime all over again with Kairi as a special guest.
Trust me when I say that the next chapter is when things will get interesting.
Don't know when I'll get it up though, I need to start studying for finals.
Until then, enjoy the preview and see you next time.
Preview
You are the true anomaly.
I don't believe it…
That's your reason!
KAIRI
What could you possibly do?
Please, come back to us!
KYUBEY
For once, we are in agreement.
Next Chapter
LET US GO BACK