Explaining things to everyone wasn't as hard as Madoka thought it would be. She was almost used to it at this point, considering the last few weeks of her life.
"So, let me get this straight," Sayaka said as she stared at Madoka in awe. "You're connected to a Goddess?"
Of course, just because she had an easier time explaining, didn't mean that it wasn't tough for her friends to understand.
"That is correct," Archer replied for her. He was actually quite helpful, curtly answering questions that she wasn't quite prepared to answer.
Which were a lot. Way too many.
"I'd call bullshit," Kyoko admitted. "But if Archer says that's true…"
"Is he sure though?" Homura asked. "Couldn't he also be lying?"
Mami shook her head. "Archer doesn't lie. He'll keep secrets, but he doesn't lie."
"How did this even happen?" Kyoko asked. "Why does Ribbons just gets to play around with a God's-"
"Goddess," Madoka corrected.
"Goddess," Kyoko amended. "Play around with a Goddess's power?"
"You've seen what that power can do to her body," Archer replied as they all glanced at Madoka's arm.
"Kyoko never had that happen when she was-" Mami glanced at Kyoko who began glaring at her. "As a Magus I mean. It was never that bad for her."
"That's because there was always a limit to it. Even if she didn't use it all at once. Madoka is drawing her power from a being that is much more powerful than we are."
"What?" Kyoko blurted before looking at Madoka in surprise. "So, Ribbons here is stronger than me?"
"More raw power, but there's more to combat than raw strength," Archer replied. "It isn't necessarily a good thing either. You've seen what it does to her when she takes in too much."
"Still, that does mean she has potential that we haven't seen yet. Jesus that's…" Kyoko looked at Madoka, "That's actual real damn scary Ribbons. You could take out a whole city with that sorta power"
"How are you so sure about that?" Homura asked.
Kyoko nodded. "Because Archer could if he wanted to."
"Not that any Magical Girl would stand aside and let him," Mami commented.
"It can't be… I can't be that dangerous… Right?" Madoka asked.
Archer shook his head. "You practically have a limitless supply of energy to draw upon. You're a threat not only to yourself but others. I can also guarantee that there will be people out there that will seek to control you, should they ever learn about what you're capable of."
"B-but why? How?"
He shrugged. "Multiple reasons and several methods come to mind. Find a way to convert your power then you hook you up something big that they'd like to power. Take a loved one hostage so that you'd be forced to act in accordance with their will. You'd be treated less like a human being and more like a useful tool or a valuable collectable."
"I won't let that happen!" Homura shouted. She immediately looked away from everyone's gazes after her outburst. "Madoka needs to be safe."
"I agree with you there Homes," Sayaka said. "No way I'm letting that happen to my friend."
"It seems we're all in agreement then," Mami said.
"You guys…" Madoka almost cried tears of joy right there. To think that everyone cared about her that much.
"It seems your friends are eager to help," Archer commented. "Whether they can keep a secret and not up blow your cover when people start asking questions is another thing altogether."
Sayaka turned to Archer, annoyed. "We can do this."
"That has yet to be seen."
"You got something against us?"
"Miki," Mami put her hand on Sayaka's shoulder. "That's his way of giving advice."
"That's advice?" Sayaka asked.
"Yes," Mami replied. "He's saying that we should be prepared to maintain a proper cover, not just to Madoka but also as a group."
"Best to have matching information," Archer clarified. "Miscommunication can get you killed on or off the battlefield."
"Should you of all people be saying that?" Mami asked.
"I give clear and concise information," Archer replied.
"You could stand to be a bit more polite about it. Consider your choice of words before you insult someone."
"Pleasantries are a waste of time."
"Pleasantries foster good working relations."
"Uh guys," Sayaka interrupted. She glanced nervously between the two of them having somehow been caught in the middle of their growing argument. "What about Madoka?"
"Ah yes," Mami cleared her throat and quickly composed herself. "Is there a significant risk that her body will break on itself again?" she asked Archer.
Archer looked at Madoka. "Not right now. But if at any point she pushes herself past her limits, then it won't just end with a crack in her arm. She could potentially tear her body apart."
Madoka shuddered at the thought. The pain in the arm had been unbearable. What would it be like if the same happened to her entire body?
"That's… horrifying," Homura said.
"A gruesome sight to witness also," Archer admitted. "Along with being a slow and agonizing death. If her body doesn't completely collapse upon itself in an instant and end up destroying everything around her in the ensuing explosion."
"Jesus," Sayaka shouted as Homura flinched. "Do you got to be so graphic about it?"
"I'm just warning you of what could happen," Archer replied. "What you do with that information is up to you."
"What should Kaname do then to prevent this?" Mami asked.
"Her connection to the Goddess is always present but not necessarily active. As long as she doesn't draw power from it, then it won't strain her body."
"So Kaname simply has to avoid fighting," Mami said.
"I want to fight," Madoka demanded.
"But Madoka. You saw what happened to your arm. If you fight, you'll get hurt," Homura replied.
"I know I can get hurt, but so can you and Mami. I can't just sit back and do nothing when I can help."
"You're not going to get anything back for helping people," Kyoko commented. "Except for another crack in your arm."
"I know!" Madoka turned to Kyoko much to the red head's surprise. "I know I probably won't get anything back for helping people, but I still want to do it anyway. I was fighting to before and nothing happened," Madoka looked at the scar on her arm. "As long as I'm careful it shouldn't be a problem… right?"
Madoka glanced at Archer who shrugged.
"As long as she properly paces herself it won't be an issue," he replied.
"What should we do then, if Madoka wants to continue fighting alongside us?" Mami asked.
"Don't get into life threatening situations," Archer replied plainly. "Madoka is clearly someone who will go out of her way to help someone in trouble, even if it ends up getting her in trouble."
Madoka looked away, guiltily. She wasn't completely unaware of herself. That did sound like something she would do.
"So, your best bet," Archer continued, "is to not be in danger in the first place. A bit difficult to do if you choose to fight every Witch that heads your way."
"It's my duty and people will get hurt if I leave any Witches alone," Mami replied.
"People die all the time," Archer replied. "But if you're insistent on doing this then assume Madoka is going to tag along. She won't stop unless tie her down with your ribbons."
"Not fighting isn't something Madoka's going to do I guess," Sayaka agreed. "What about ways so that she can fight better? Make it so that she can take in more… Goddess power or whatever without hurting herself?"
"Training, practice and experience," Archer replied. "Learning to control the flow in her body so that it doesn't overwhelm her should take priority. It'll likely take a few years before she can a proper handle on it. Until then she needs to avoid pushing herself."
"What if Madoka were to become a Magical Girl?" Mami asked. "Would that help?"
"Tch." Kyoko looked away in disappointment.
Archer shook his head. "I'm not certain. Magical Girls naturally have tougher bodies to utilize. But they also have their own power they draw on. If she has too much Potential and that ends up combining with her Divine power."
"They could be incompatible, and you lose use of one or your body would destroy itself from the ensuing backlash," Kyoko told Madoka. "Or they are compatible, and you end up popping like a balloon."
"That isn't a certainty," Archer quickly amended. "A possibility but her Contract could also go well and end up making her very powerful."
"So… anything could happen?" Madoka concluded.
"Yes. And it's a risk I'd avoid if I were you," Archer replied.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Wouldn't Kyubey know if they're compatible?" Mami asked. "He's the one that forms the Contract after all."
"I…" Madoka glanced at Homura and then Archer. "I don't want to tell him… just yet."
"Smart," Kyoko commented.
"… That is your choice Kaname," Mami replied. "It is your secret to keep, but we might need more help then what we have here."
"Don't count on us," Kyoko muttered.
"Cause you aren't going to be here soon?" Sayaka asked. "I saw a bunch of packed bags in the house. Where are you guys going?
"You're leaving?" Mami asked.
"Taking a trip," Archer replied.
"Kamihama?" Mami guessed
"How do you know?" Kyoko asked.
"Many Magical Girls have been migrating there do a shortage of Witches," Mami explained. "Mitikihara hasn't been affected as bad as other places strangely enough."
Kyoko grunted. "Lucky."
"It's dangerous though," Mami argued. "Archer can handle himself but what you and Yuma?"
"We can handle it," Kyoko waved her off dismissively. "Worry about your lackeys first."
"Are you really that desperate for more Grief seeds to sell?"
"We have other reasons to go there," Archer replied. "Reasons that we do not need to disclose."
"Someone might try to take your territory while you're gone," Mami commented.
"Why?" Kyoko replied. "No Witches here either. And we can always just take it back when we do get back."
"And your home?"
"Most people don't live to see it."
Madoka flinched. Even she knew what that implied.
"Did you kill them?" Sayaka asked.
"Only those that didn't turn back after the first warning shot," Archer replied.
"And the rest?" Sayaka asked.
"Those that choose to fight should be prepared to die themselves," Archer replied firmly. "Many that choose to come here, come for the sole purpose of taking our Grief Seeds and territory."
"That doesn't mean you should kill them!" Sayaka shouted. "Just beat them up and let them go!"
Archer looked at Sayaka. "Naïve."
"I know right?" Kyoko commented.
"What do you mean by that!?" Sayaka shouted.
"An enemy you spare will likely come back for you," Archer explained. "This time stronger and smarter. Additionally, any information that they can acquire about our territory and capabilities will quickly spread. By sparing them we'd be risking our home, our livelihood, everything we've built here. Would you be willing to do the same?"
"I…" Sayaka hesitated.
"Even if you would, we would not," Archer continued. "Whether or not you choose to remain in this side of the World, you need to reevaluate your reason for doing so. Uncertainty will get you killed, but you must also be willing to die for your beliefs. To walk the path of a Magus is to walk with death and Magical Girls put something similar at stake. If you can't do that, then you're better off going back to your normal life and forgetting all of this."
Archer's expression relaxed. "It's not too late for you. You can still choose to walk away from this. You still have that option. Whatever you decide… try to make sure it so you don't have any regrets."
Sayaka stared at him for some time before she finally spoke. "That's… the one thing I can't do. Just walk away when there are people that need my help. What sort of Hero of Justice would I be if I just ran away?"
Kyoko went stiff.
Archer's expression hardened. "I'd advise you to choose otherwise. It is a foolish and impossible dream."
"How could you know that if you haven't even tried?" Sayaka asked.
His fist clenched.
Madoka gulped. She didn't know why, but she was dearly afraid for her childhood friend's safety.
Thankfully, Archer didn't do anything. He simply took a deep breath and turned away.
"Do as you wish," he replied calmly.
"Archer. Are you-" Kyoko began to ask.
"I'm fine Kyoko," Archer replied. "It's her dream. I see no reason to interfere." He turned to Madoka. "You can put away your bow by the way."
Madoka blinked blankly before looking down. She finally noticed the bow she had accidently summoned, again. The same bow that now everyone was looking at before looking at her in concern.
With a flick of her hand, Madoka dismissed her weapon and tried not to blush from embarrassment.
Kyoko maintained her curious gaze. "You use a bow too?"
"Yea," Madoka replied before turning to Archer. "You also use one. Right?"
"What gave it away?" the man named Archer replied sarcastically.
"It's just that... Could you teach me a few things?" Madoka asked.
"Keep your stance firm. Your body needs to support the arrow." Archer told her.
Madoka nodded as she hardened her stance like he had suggested. She created an arrow, held it against her bowstring, and got ready to pull.
Suddenly, the world went dark.
Madoka could only yelp as dismissed her bow and tore the white towel off her face. She turned to Archer who held his hand out, having thrown the offending object.
"But also, be ready to move and evade at a moment's notice," Archer lectured. "You need to be aware of your surroundings, not just the target in front of you."
"I-I understand," Madoka replied as she smoothed out her Hakama and summoned her bow again. For some reason Archer had insisted that she change into a Kyudo uniform, even though they both used a Western method of Archery.
How she knew that immediately… well it probably had something to do with a certain Goddess.
She drew an arrow, glanced at Archer to make sure that he wasn't throwing something else at her, and then fired her arrow. The arrow hit the center of the target.
Madoka smiled, glad about the results.
Then the target exploded. Again.
"Oops."
It wasn't a regular target she was shooting at. If she put in too little strength then her arrow would bounce off, but too much and well these were the results. She needed to release a precise amount of energy for her arrow to stay without obliterating the target.
It was certainly a lot harder than shooting familiars and Witches. She didn't really care about how much energy she was using as long as they were destroyed.
"You have decent aim, but your control is lacking," Archer replied as he walked up to the remains of the target. He held his hands out, dismissed the wooden shards, and replaced them with a brand-new target he set down in front of her.
It was such a cool ability. Being able to create brand new objects on a whim. Her uniform had been made that way. Clean, well made, and comfortable to wear. Though how Archer happened to know all her sizes… well she didn't really want to know how much he had saw while healing her.
Sayaka whistled. "I need to learn how to do that."
Kyoko scoffed. "It's Magecraft unique to him."
"Don't know until I try."
"It is literally impossible!"
Madoka ignored their bickering as she continued to listen to Archer.
"If you put too much energy into each shot then you'll hit your limits that much sooner," Archer told her. "It's imperative that you learn to pace yourself, especially when dealing with a Witch's labyrinth and their Familiars."
That made sense. Maybe if she were to change the basic design a little. Gather more of the power into a single point so that she could more easily adjust it.
She created an arrow with those adjustments in mind. Once it was finished, she nocked it on her bow and aimed.
She released the string and let her creation loose.
This time it didn't completely obliterate the target. It did however leave a nice clean hole as it drilled straight through the wood and continued past it until struck the wall. The wall too had a nice clean hole drilled into it before Madoka had the cognizance to dispel the arrow before it could fly any further.
Also, she could apparently get rid of her arrows mid-flight. That was nice to know.
"Not quite what we're looking for," Archer mused as he poked his hand through the hole. "Decent technique though. You should keep it in mind in case you ever fight something with thick skin or armor."
Well apparently, she got a new attack out of all this. That was something at least.
It made her glad that she had yet to deal with any of the more aggressive Magical Girls that Archer and Kyoko had alluded to. If she had used one of these arrows against one of them…
No, she honestly didn't even want to think about shooting them in the first place. Not without taking a chance to talk and trying to resolve things peacefully at least.
"It's just so hard to hold back once I let it out," Madoka sighed.
"Like closing the floodgates of a dam?" Archer asked.
"Something like that."
"Well, it'll take some time before you can have precise control over your power by yourself," Archer replied as he created something in his hands.
"What is that?" Mami asked.
"Just a regular arrow," Archer replied. "Completely mundane but suitable for an experiment." He handed the arrow to Madoka. "Try pumping your power into it before you shoot it."
"What?" Madoka asked.
"Rather than you having to create a magic arrow from scratch, try imbuing an object with your energy."
Madoka grabbed the arrow and examined it carefully. It really did look like a normal arrow. Felt like one too. Or at least she assumed so. This was the first time she held an actual arrow that wasn't created entirely from her pink magic energy as Sayaka had called it.
"Are you sure Ribbons can do that?" Kyoko asked. "It took a week before my Reinforcement stopped blowing up everything I was trying to strengthen."
Madoka began to gently prod the arrow with some of her Divine power. It seeped into it naturally and with surprising ease. Like a sponge soaking up water. It also came out just as easily with a bit of prodding. If she could just make a few adjustments…
"It's not Reinforcement," Archer explained. "And I'm banking on her having a natural affinity towards-"
Madoka nocked her bow, raised it, and fired. The arrow hit the target. It didn't explode and the arrow stayed imbedded in the center.
"I did it," Madoka said amazed.
It wasn't perfect. There were several cracks that spread out from where the arrow struck a bit too hard, but it was marked improvement from violently exploding into tiny pieces.
"Bows and arrows," Archer finished with an amused expression. "Well, that proves that theory."
"It's easier to control," Madoka confirmed.
"For most people it's easier to alter and enhance an existing object rather than create an entirely new one," Archer explained as he created her a new target. "Especially when given an object they have intimate knowledge of or have a natural affinity for. It's a more efficient use of energy, giving you a higher output at a lower cost."
"Meaning Kaname get more done at less risk to herself if she carries around arrows to enhance," Mami concluded.
"Yes," Archer affirmed.
"Where would I get more arrows?" Madoka asked.
"Archery clubs or shops. Usually a few of those in a city," Archer replied as he held out his hand. Suddenly, a quiver full of arrows appeared in his hand which he then gave to Madoka. "Try this on, see if the strap fits you."
"O-okay." Madoka grabbed the quiver and held it in her hands. It was made of some tough, dark brown leather. A bit rough to touch but also very sturdy. She then took out one of the arrows. The shaft was made of some black wood while the gray metal tip was flat.
"They're blunt," Mami observed.
"They don't need to be sharp if she's imbuing them with her power," Archer explained. "Practice arrows are more readily available for purchase. And makes it easier to explain herself as an enthusiast if she's caught carrying them around."
"There are several Archery stores in Matikihara," Mami replied thoughtfully. "And we could always say she's coming back from one of them or a club if she does get questioned."
"They'd also be a good place for her to get some practice. Though there's only so much you learn on a range."
"I agree," Mami said. "I'll make sure to supervise Kaname's training in the future."
"If she starts somersaulting in the air and shouting out every single one of her attacks. Then I will shoot you with my bow," Archer warned.
Mami rolled her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with adding a little flair to your attacks."
"To intimidate, yes. Not to show off."
"Don't think I haven't heard you call out your attacks," Mami argued. "Caladbolg, Triple-Linked Crane Wings."
"It makes it easier to manifest the spells needed if they're said aloud," Archer rebutted. "Your magic has no such requirement."
Madoka simply watched as the two continued to bicker.
Boy, those two really liked arguing with each other, didn't they?
"Stop flirting with Mami and get this over with," Kyoko sighedm exasperated.
Archer simply looked at Kyoko in annoyance while Mami looked outright affronted.
"If you ever suggest that again Emiya," Mami glared at Kyoko, "Then I will not hesitate to restrain you."
"With your ribbons?" Kyoko asked.
"Of course."
"Kinky."
"Kyoko," Archer warned with his own glare.
Kyoko raised her hand in surrender. "Alright sorry."
Madoka grabbed an arrow from her quiver and continued shooting at the target. Each arrow being fired with differing outputs in order for her to test her strength and control. Soon enough she emptied the quiver and walked to the target so that she could pull them out and reuse them.
"Diligent," Archer comment.
"Mama says I should put my all into whatever I decide to do," Madoka replied as she began pulling out arrows.
"A good lesson, thoughh there are times when giving up is fine."
Mami looked at Archer suspiciously. Honestly, she had been looking at him like the entire time. "Why are you so willing to help Kaname?"
"She's a nice person," he replied. It was enough to get Madoka to blush.
"Is that it?" Mami asked.
"Do I need another reason?" Archer asked.
"… No. Kaname is a kind person."
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Madoka muttered.
"Because you are!" Sayaka hollered.
Archer smirked. "I really wouldn't argue with your friends over this."
"Thank you for teaching me Mr. Emiya," Madoka decided to change the subject.
"Just make sure to practice consistently," Archer replied. "And don't ever let your power get to your head. It doesn't matter how strong you are, anyone is capable of killing you. A single mistake is often all it takes."
"I'll remember that," Madoka replied as she took the last arrow out of the target and placed it into her quiver. "Will I… see you again?"
"Perhaps," Archer replied. "Though that might be for fate to decide."
Normally that wouldn't be much of answer in the first place, but from a man like Archer…
Well, she certainly had a of work ahead of her if she was going to impress him the next time they met.
Archer watched from the front porch as their… guests finally left the property. He had given what advice and help he could, whatever happened to them now was on them. Hopefully, they would make the right choices in the future.
"Did you really need to go out of your way to help Ribbons?" Kyoko asked him. "I know she has God powers and all but…"
"She's a good person," Archer replied as he glanced at her. "Do you disagree?"
"… Nah you're right. Sucks that she had to end up with Mami though. Could've made use of some Divine power."
"Maybe," Archer admitted. "But Mami might make a decent mentor for her."
"Well, whatever you say," Kyoko replied doubtfully.
"Do you regret splitting up with her?" Archer asked.
"No. It didn't work between us. And it still won't," Kyoko replied quickly. "… but I guess after everything we've been through."
"It's hard to let go isn't it?"
"Yea…" Kyoko stretched her and yawned. "Well, I'm going to make sure Yuma is tucked in. Night Archer."
"Good night Kyoko."
"Oh, and one more thing," Archer said as Kyoko made it through the doorway.
Kyoko turned her head. "Yea?"
"I understand why you put a blue wig on that dummy now."